APRIL 2025
In This Issue
- From The Superintendent
- Superintendent Search
- Curriculum Insights
- The Deeper Dive
- Around The District
- Winter Sports Wrap Up
- Summer Activities
- Summer EBT
- Electronic Device Use During Testing
- Memorial Information
- Social Media
- April Calendar
- Save The Date for the ROSF Golf Outing
- Job Postings In The District
CELEBRATING A YEAR OF ACHIEVEMENT AND GRATITUDE
Dear Royal Oak Schools Families,
The 2024-25 school year has been filled with remarkable accomplishments for Royal Oak Schools. Our students have excelled in academics, music, athletics, and the arts, earning recognition in co-curricular activities such as robotics, video production, journalism, forensics, and Model UN, many of which you'll read about in this issue of the Dispatch. Beyond their achievements in the classroom, they dedicate thousands of volunteer hours and raise funds for numerous charitable organizations. This year, the Class of 2025 raised over $600 during their Charity Week event, demonstrating their commitment to giving back. I am incredibly proud of their hard work, dedication, and the impact they make in our community.
As my time in Royal Oak Schools comes to a close, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to our community members, local businesses, the City of Royal Oak, and our partners who consistently support our students and staff. This community’s dedication to education and student success is truly exceptional, and our 5,000 students benefit greatly from this unwavering support.
It has been an honor to serve as your superintendent for the past eight years. Our successes have been built on collaboration, shared decision-making, and a commitment to continuous improvement. I am grateful for the opportunity to lead a district that prioritizes students and values progress. As the next superintendent steps into this role, I am confident they will receive the same level of support and dedication that makes Royal Oak Schools such a special place.
Thank you for an incredible journey!
- Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, Superintendent Royal Oak Schools
SUPERINTENDENT SEARCH BEGINS
With Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick set to retire on July 31, 2025, the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education has officially begun the search for the district’s next leader. The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), a service organization that supports school boards across the state, is assisting in the process. As the Board develops a Candidate Profile to identify the ideal superintendent, community and staff input is vital to the process. Residents, staff, and administrators can share their perspectives through an online survey using this link.
Survey responses will be sent directly to MASB in Lansing for tabulation. The Board will publicly consider this feedback as they recruit and select candidates for public interviews, with the goal of appointing the new superintendent by July 1, 2025.
In addition to the survey, parents, guardians, staff, and community members are invited to participate in focus groups to discuss the qualifications and qualities desired in the next superintendent. Dr. Rod Green from the MASB will lead these sessions, which will provide another opportunity for stakeholders to share their thoughts.
Virtual Input Sessions – Tuesday, April 15, 2025
- Parents/Guardians & Community – 6:30 p.m. (Sign up to receive meeting link here.)
- Royal Oak Schools Staff – 7:30 p.m. (Sign up to receive meeting link here.)
An in-person input session for parents and guardians and other members of the community will be held on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Royal Oak Schools Administration Building, Main Conference Room at 800 DeVillen Road in Royal Oak.
Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of Royal Oak Schools. Please take a moment to complete the survey and participate in a focus group. Thank you for being part of this important process!
INVESTING IN EDUCATOR SUCCESS
Royal Oak Schools is excited to share that we are a recipient of the Section 27h Mentoring and Induction District Support Grant from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE). This grant brings powerful opportunities to enhance the way we support new educators in our district.
At its core, the 27h grant helps strengthen our mentoring program, ensuring that new teachers, school counselors, and administrators feel welcomed, valued, and set up for long-term success. Research shows that strong mentoring leads to educators who are more confident, stay in their roles longer, and build deeper connections with students and school communities.
What This Means for Our Schools and Families:
- Stronger Educator Retention: Effective mentoring increases the likelihood that new staff will stay in their roles. This means greater stability and consistency for students and families.
- Better Instruction and Student Support: Mentors help new educators build their teaching and classroom management skills. The result? High-quality instruction and a more supportive learning environment for students.
- More Confident, Effective Educators: Having a go-to mentor makes a big difference. New educators gain confidence and feel more prepared, which translates into stronger performance in the classroom.
- Well-Prepared Mentors: The grant provides funding for training and resources, so mentors are equipped to offer meaningful, ongoing support to their colleagues.
- Support Across the School Community: This isn’t just for teachers—school counselors and administrators benefit too. A stronger team across the board helps us create the inclusive, student-first environment at the heart of our mission.
- Recognition for Mentors: The grant also allows us to provide stipends to mentors, recognizing the extra time and commitment they invest to support new staff.
Thanks to this grant, we are building a more sustainable and supportive system that helps every educator thrive so they can, in turn, help every student succeed.
CELEBRATING READING, MATH, AND COMMUNITY
“I can’t wait to meet our Mystery Reader," whispered a sweet voice, while skipping to the classroom to join the rest of the Kindergarteners at Keller. To this student’s surprise, the "mystery reader" was walking just a few steps behind her, with a book, bookmarks, and a surprise instrument in tow! I was just as excited as all of our eager learners for this visit, and had an amazing time correlating National Reading Month and many March recognition months during our 2025 Reading Rocks Tour.
I want to extend my gratitude to each student, Royal Oak Schools staff member, and volunteer who participated in this year’s tour. We were able to read to over 550 students, while also utilizing donations and resources from one of our great community partners, the Royal Oak Public Library (ROPL). Please click here to check out resources from ROPL, apply for a library card, and/or plan your next visit to an ROPL event.
We were also able to celebrate the “Magic of Mathematics” mid-March at the Tri-County Culturally Responsive Mathematics Institute, "Leading to Liberate"Leadership Conference. This conference was a collaboration between Oakland, Wayne, Washtenaw counties, and the MiSTEM Network. Attendees were able to engage with impactful leaders such as Dr. Eric Toshalis, Dr. David Kirkland, Dr. Bettina Love, and many more to discuss math problems and solutions. These discussions went well beyond talking about equations, numerical expressions, and following mathematical procedures to find ending solutions. Educators and administrators were led through courageous conversations, scenarios, and data points to discuss: inequities in education, implementation of mirrors and windows in our math classrooms, culturally responsive instruction, and strategies to create and maintain inclusive learning environments. During lunch, we heard from the amazing speaker series panel moderated by Oakland Schools Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant, Cornelius Godfrey.
As educators and caregivers, we are extremely influential in helping shape students’ academic mindsets, especially in Math class. It is imperative that we do all that we can to ensure that our children develop and maintain positive relationships with Math as much as possible.
Here are some great resources to utilize for additional Math practice and strategies for educators and caregivers:
- Family Math
- Storytelling Math
- Young Mathematicians
- DREME - Family Math
- Prodigy
- Essential Instructional Practices in Early Mathematics: PreK-3rd
Looking ahead, we are excited to celebrate family, food, fun, fine arts, and fellowship around the world at the 2025 International Food and Fun Festival. This event will be held at Keller Elementary on Friday, May 2nd, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. This event is open to all who would like to attend and will be one to remember! Please use this link to find out more information about past occurrences of the event and to check out the IFFF Online Recipe Book.
Well wishes to everyone as we celebrate inclusion, togetherness, and belonging in April.
~Ashley Phillips, DEI Coordinator
AROUND THE DISTRICT
Soup, Smiles, and Stories: Soup with the Super Recap
Royal Oak Schools recently hosted a special Soup with the Super luncheon at the Royal Oak Senior Center, bringing together senior members of our community and district leadership for an afternoon of connection, reflection, and encouragement. Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, along with members of the administrative team, served soup and salad to attendees and spent time moving around the room to engage in one-on-one conversations. It was a meaningful opportunity to listen, share stories, and strengthen the bond between our schools and the wider Royal Oak community.
As part of the event, our senior guests wrote heartfelt notes of encouragement to current second graders in Royal Oak Schools. These messages will be shared in classrooms to inspire and uplift our young learners. Another highlight of the afternoon was a unique storytelling experience. ROHS senior Grace Ronan sat down with interested attendees to interview them about what school was like when they were growing up in Royal Oak. Their responses were thoughtful, fun, and full of memories. This video will be shared in all second-grade classrooms as a special way to help students connect with Royal Oak’s past while thinking about their own educational journey. Thank you to everyone who participated in making this luncheon such a heartwarming success!
Sprouting Curiosity at the ECC
In Amber Wilt’s classroom at the Early Childhood Center, curiosity is blooming! Students have been actively engaged in hands-on learning experiences that bring science to life. The class is observing ladybug larvae and frog eggs, watching closely as both go through their fascinating life cycles.
In addition to their science exploration, the students planted carrot seeds and are enjoying the daily responsibility of watering and tracking their growth. These activities spark wonder, encourage observation, and support early learning in a fun and meaningful way.
Family Literacy Night Scores Big at Oakland Elementary
On March 25, Oakland Elementary hosted a high-energy Family Literacy Night filled with fun, learning, and community spirit. Families enjoyed read-alouds, games, LIVE Wordle, and a make-and-take book bag activity. Special Oakland County Football Club guests added to the excitement by signing autographs and leading a juggling competition. The event celebrated literacy and connection with a concession stand, prizes, and hands-on activities. Thank you to the Oakland PTA, volunteers, and all who made the night a memorable success!
Northwood Students Drop Everything and Read!
Students and staff at Northwood Elementary recently hit the pause button on their day to take part in a school-wide Drop Everything and Read (D.E.A.R.) event. Classrooms, hallways, and even common spaces were filled with quiet excitement as everyone stopped what they were doing, grabbed a book, and dove into the world of reading. Whether it was a favorite chapter book, a new picture book, or a graphic novel, students were fully engaged, showing that reading can be both fun and meaningful.
D.E.A.R. is part of Northwood’s continued efforts to build a strong culture of literacy and foster a lifelong love of reading. D.E.A.R. stands for “Drop Everything and Read,” a national celebration of reading designed to remind families to make reading a priority activity in their lives.
ROMS Journeys of Excellence
On Wednesday, March 26, Royal Oak Middle School 7th grader Abigail Woodruff proudly represented ROMS at the Optimist Speech Competition at the Metro Detroit Youth Club. Competing against a group of talented high school students, Abigail stood out as the only middle school participant and made her mark in a big way.
Abigail earned 1st place overall for her outstanding speech. Thanks to her first-place finish, Abigail will now advance to the next level of competition, and we can’t wait to cheer her on as she continues her journey.
Students in the Religious Diversity Journeys (RDJ) club at ROMS recently spoke at the Board of Education meeting. They shared how much they enjoyed taking part in RDJ this school year and look forward to even more learning opportunities.
One visit this year was to a Sikh gurdwara, where they learned about Sikh beliefs such as equality and service to others. They experienced a prayer service, discovered the significance of the turban, and some even tried one on! Religious Diversity Journeys includes visits to five houses of worship and one cultural experience, offering students a deeper understanding of Christian, Hindu, Islamic, Jewish, and Sikh faith traditions. Learn more at this link.
The Royal Oak Middle School Forensics Team is on a journey to be state champs. They have demonstrated the power of student voice and performance over the last month, competing against nearly 450 high school and middle school students from across Michigan. On March 15, the team continued its winning streak at a competition at Walled Lake Western. Once again, ROMS students impressed the judges:
- Abigail Woodruff earned the distinction of top middle school speaker in Oratory
- Emma McManaway took 1st place in Declamation
- Owen Ho, Carlos Collada, and Lucy Koster also gave outstanding performances, representing the team with confidence and excellence.
Next up, the team will compete in the Middle-Level State Finals at Detroit Country Day on April 26. We wish the team the best of luck as they head into their final competition of the season!
ROHS Displays of Excellence
Royal Oak High School students Raelyn Unger, Liam Watkins, Julia Malone, and Alexandria Hankinson recently participated in the Optimist Club Oratory Contest, showcasing their public speaking skills. We are proud to share that Julia Malone earned 2nd place, and Raelyn Unger took home 3rd place for their outstanding presentations. They demonstrated poise, confidence, and strong communication. We applaud all the students who participated and thank the Optimist Club for providing a platform encouraging youth to grow as speakers and leaders in our community.
Royal Oak High School senior Sarah Milligan has been named a National Honor Society (NHS) Scholarship National Semifinalist. This prestigious recognition is awarded to students who exemplify the core NHS pillars of scholarship, service, leadership, and character. A standout in STEM, Sarah was named a 2024 FIRST Robotics Competition Dean’s List International Winner, placing in the top 10 out of 87,000 students worldwide. She also secured second place in a global teen entrepreneurship competition, earning funding to further her project. At Royal Oak High School, she is an active contributor to Jazz Band, Robotics, and Model UN, and has led a robotics camp for younger students, demonstrating her commitment to mentoring and inspiring others.
ROHS teacher Tracey Crawley shared, “Sarah's dedication to engineering, programming, and community service makes her an exemplary candidate for this scholarship. I have no doubt she will continue to excel and make a meaningful impact.”
Sarah expressed gratitude for her mentors, saying, “I'm honored to have received this scholarship and incredibly grateful for everyone who made it possible.”
Adding to this exciting recognition, Sarah and her robotics team, Team 1188 – The Ravens, recently earned the Impact Award at the Saline District Event in March 2025. This is the most prestigious award in the FIRST Robotics Competition, honoring teams that best embody the values of discovery, innovation, inclusion, and impact. The Ravens’ award reflects their work in starting and mentoring more than 100 K–12 teams, hosting community events, and building a legacy of leadership and service in Southeast Michigan and beyond. We congratulate Sarah on her remarkable achievements
Royal Oak High School recently opened its doors for a special evening that combined its annual Open House with the 10th Grade MYP Personal Project Exhibition. The event welcomed 8th-grade families to explore the high school, meet staff, and learn more about the academic and extracurricular opportunities that await their students at ROHS. It was an important first look into the welcoming and student-first environment that defines our high school experience.
At the same time, 10th grade students proudly presented their MYP Personal Projects, the culminating experience of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme. These independent projects reflect months of research, creativity, and critical thinking, allowing students to explore topics they are passionate about while demonstrating key skills such as inquiry, organization, and reflection.
The evening was a celebration of student growth and academic excellence, and a meaningful opportunity to connect incoming families with the culture and expectations of Royal Oak High School.
CCHS Attendance Contest Encourages Student Engagement
Attendance matters at Churchill Community High School, and students are rising to the challenge! With school starting daily at 9:00 AM, CCHS emphasizes in-class learning and minimal homework to support student success. To encourage consistent attendance, the school launched a Quarterly Attendance Challenge.
Students with four or fewer undocumented absences by the end of each quarter are entered into a raffle for a free lunch from a restaurant of their choice, courtesy of CCHS. Congratulations to Keira Stone, our Q2 winner, who earned the prize with perfect attendance. The fewer absences a student has, the better their chances to win—so let’s keep showing up and learning together! If families have individual attendance concerns, they’re encouraged to reach out directly to the school.
Brewing Skills for Life
TRAILS students are gaining valuable life and job skills through a hands-on learning opportunity: a student-run coffee shop that now includes cookie baking and delivery services. Each morning, two students run the shop with support from a paraprofessional, rotating monthly to build confidence and experience. Students take orders, manage deliveries, prep food, and sometimes even bake cookies fresh in-house.
The program teaches customer service, communication, time management, and financial literacy. Students are especially excited to practice skills not always available at their off-site job placements like using a cash register and prepping food. All money earned goes right back into the shop to cover supplies and sustain the experience.
WINTER WARRIORS
As we close the book on the winter sports season, we celebrate our Royal Oak winter sports teams' incredible dedication, hard work, and sportsmanship. From thrilling buzzer-beaters to record-breaking performances, our athletes gave their all, showcasing the spirit of playing for Royal Oak. Let’s take a look back at the highlights of the season.
Basketball
Boys Basketball wrapped up an impressive season with a 14-10 record, tying the school record for most wins in a season. Standout performances led to OAA Blue All-League First Team honors for CJ Hairston, Sam Zeller, and Nick Hofmann. Hairston made history by breaking the all-time record for three-pointers in a season with 73, while Hofmann cemented his legacy as the school’s all-time assist leader and the winningest player in program history with 49 career victories. Their dedication and teamwork helped make this season one for the record books!
The Girls Basketball team had a standout season, finishing with a 13-12 record and claiming the District Championship while securing second place in the OAA White division. Several players earned league honors, with Lucy Freytag and Maddie Lawrence named to the OAA White All-League Team and Jordan Hills receiving All-League Honorable Mention. Their success extended beyond the court, as the team earned Academic All-State honors with an impressive 3.81 GPA, and 10 of 12 players were recognized as Scholar Athletes for maintaining a GPA over 3.5. Additionally, four seniors—Lucy Freytag, Jordan Hills, Hannah Saunders, and Chelsea Thelen—received the BCAM Outstanding Senior Award for their commitment to the program and academic excellence. Freytag also made history, tying the school record for most three-pointers in a game (6), setting a new record for most baskets (15), and becoming the all-time leader in career three-pointers with 143. It was a season to remember for this talented and hardworking squad!
The Royal Oak High School Unified Basketball team had an incredible season, finishing with an impressive 9-3 record. The team closed out the season on a high note, securing two big wins against Berkley and Seaholm at the OAA Jamboree and another victory over Clawson at Little Caesars Arena—an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike. Their teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship made this season a huge success, and they continue to exemplify the true spirit of inclusivity and competition!
Bowling
The Boys Bowling team battled through a competitive season, finishing with a 5-9 overall record and securing third place in the OAA Blue. The team showcased strong individual performances, with Grant Reeve earning a top-five finish at the OAA Singles Tournament. At regionals, the team placed 8th overall, with Grayson Merrick finishing 29th individually. Their dedication and effort throughout the season were evident, and they look forward to building on this foundation next year!
The Girls Bowling team had an outstanding season, finishing with a 12-3 overall record and dominating the OAA White division with a perfect 10-0 record, securing back-to-back division championships. Layla Prokurat had a standout performance, finishing as the runner-up at the OAA Singles Tournament, while the team placed 5th overall at regionals. Individually, Alice Mahar (10th), Madison Millard (13th), Layla Prokurat (19th), and Sofia London (20th) all delivered strong performances at regionals. Mahar also earned Second Team All-OAA honors, while Prokurat was named to the Third Team All-OAA. It was another dominant year for this talented squad, continuing their legacy of success!
Competitive Cheer
The Royal Oak High School Competitive Cheer team had a strong season, finishing with a 2-1 record in the OAA White and earning CCCAM Academic All-State Honorable Mention for their commitment to excellence both on the mat and in the classroom. Individually, Hannah Alnakash and Claudia Camps Marcos were recognized as CCCAM Academic All-State Cheerleaders, highlighting their dedication to both academics and athletics. Additionally, Chiya Mekhaskhen received an All-District Honorable Mention for her outstanding performance. The team's hard work, determination, and school spirit made this season one to celebrate!
Dance
The Royal Oak High School Dance Team showcased their talent and dedication throughout the season, earning top finishes at multiple competitions. At Michigan's Dance Team Championship, they secured 3rd place in Pom and 4th place in Hip Hop, with Oliver Klink placing 3rd in the solo performance category. Their success continued at the Dance Team Union Regional Competition, where they placed 7th in Pom, 4th in Hip Hop, and 5th in Jazz. The team also made a strong showing at the Pistons Classic Dance Team Competition at Little Caesars Arena, earning 3rd place in both Pom and Jazz. Their hard work, passion, and precision made for an unforgettable season!
Hockey
The M-1 Griffins Varsity Hockey team had a strong season, finishing with a 5-3 league record, securing 2nd place in the OAA Red, and an overall 17-10-0 record. Their season ended in a hard-fought battle against Salem in the Regional Semi-Finals. Several players earned league honors, with Charlie Price (Berkley), Zach Steiner (Royal Oak), Jacob Gaynier (Royal Oak), and Nick Therrien (Clawson) named to the OAA Red All-League Team. Price also received Second Team All-State honors, recognizing his exceptional contributions on the ice. The team’s skill, determination, and competitive spirit made for an exciting season!
Swim/Dive
The Boys Swim & Dive team had an exceptional season, highlighted by strong individual and team performances in the pool and the classroom. A talented group of swimmers, including Max Podmokly, Johnny McKellar, Nolan Till, Will Bofferding, Nolan Kaiser, London Murray, Dylan Dowdell, Gavin Cavell, and Aeriq Abu Azrine, qualified for the Oakland County Championships, while Nolan Kaiser earned a MISCA qualification. At the state level, Nolan Kaiser (50 & 100 Free), Nolan Till (100 Breast), and three relay teams competed, showcasing the team's depth and speed.
It was also a record-breaking season, with Nolan Till setting a new school record in the 100 Breaststroke and securing a spot on the All-Time Dual Meet Lineup. Several athletes joined the Top 10 Club List with standout performances in various events. Dylan Dowdell earned All-OAA honors in Diving, and Doug Clark was named OAA White Division Diving Coach of the Year.
Beyond their athletic achievements, the team excelled academically, earning Academic All-State and Academic All-American honors for multiple athletes, including Nolan Till, Max Podmokly, and Nolan Kaiser. They were also recognized as a 2025 NISCA Silver Scholar Team and a 2025 Team Academic All-State honoree. Additionally, their commitment to service shone through their participation in the Toys for Tots initiative. This season was a testament to their dedication, perseverance, and excellence both in and out of the pool!
Wrestling
The Wrestling team showed resilience and determination throughout the season, battling through a challenging schedule to finish 4-17 overall and 1-6 in the OAA. Despite the tough competition, several athletes stood out, with Andy Allen, Nick Gomez, and Connor George earning All-League honors. Connor George also advanced as a regional qualifier, demonstrating his dedication and skill on the mat. The team’s hard work and perseverance set a strong foundation for future growth and success.
EXPLORE, LEARN, PLAY
As the school year winds down, summer fun is just around the corner! Whether you're looking for exciting camps, enrichment programs, or ways to stay active, Royal Oak Schools has something for everyone. From hands-on learning experiences to sports and creative activities, students can make the most of their summer while staying engaged and connected. Check out the opportunities available and get ready for a season of exploration, growth, and fun!
Summer Camps
Royal Oak Schools Summer Sports Camp is back, and registration is now open! This popular program offers students a fantastic opportunity to stay active, develop athletic skills, and have fun throughout the summer. Led by experienced coaches, the camp welcomes athletes of all levels to explore a variety of sports in a supportive and engaging environment. Students will build confidence, improve techniques, and strengthen teamwork while making new friends and enjoying the spirit of healthy competition. Ready to register? Visit schoolpay.com, sign in, and choose the camp that’s right for your child. We look forward to an exciting summer of sports, learning, and growth!
Summer Learning
As the school year winds down, Royal Oak Schools is excited to offer Summer Learning Sessions to keep students engaged and growing throughout the summer months! Designed for students in DK-8, these sessions provide an opportunity to reinforce learning in a supportive and engaging environment. Students will engage in math and ELA enrichment. An email confirmation will be sent once registration closes on April 30, 2025. For registration and more details, visit www.royaloakschools.org. Don't miss out on this opportunity to keep the learning going all summer long!
Program Details:
- Location: Addams Elementary School
- Session I: June 23 – July 10 (No classes July 3-4)
- Session II: July 14 – July 31
- Time: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
- Cost: $160 per student
Summer Care
As summer approaches, Royal Oak Schools is excited to offer its Summer Care Program, providing students who have completed Developmental Kindergarten (DK) through 5th grade with a safe, engaging, and enriching environment. This program offers structured activities that encourage learning, creativity, and social interaction throughout the summer.
Session Dates & Fees:
- Session 1: June 16 – June 27 ($500)
- Session 2: June 30 – July 11 ($400) Closed July 3 & 4
- Session 3: July 14 – July 25 ($500)
- Session 4: July 28 – August 8 ($500)
Sessions take place at Addams Elementary, 2222 W. Webster Road, and run from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM.
Students in the Summer Care Program will participate in various activities, including arts and crafts, outdoor play, STEM projects, and group games. The program fosters social connections and encourages creativity while keeping students active and engaged.
Register Early: Registration opens on April 7, and space is limited. Families are encouraged to sign up early to secure a spot.
SUN BUCKS HELP MI KIDS STAY NOURISHED THIS SUMMER
About 30 million children participate in the USDA’s school breakfast and lunch programs on an average school day. When school is out for the summer, kids lose access to these healthy meals, but they still need nutritious food to grow healthy and strong. Michigan offers SUN Bucks, a summer grocery benefit that provides eligible school-aged children $120, so you can stretch your grocery budget and buy more of the foods your children love! SUN Bucks is designed to work together with other benefits your family may already receive, like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and WIC (Women, Infants, and Children).
Find out about all the summer nutrition options available to your kids online by clicking here.
ELECTRONIC DEVICES AND TESTING
To protect the integrity of state assessments and ensure a secure, distraction-free environment for all students, Royal Oak Schools has established clear guidelines regarding the use of electronic devices during testing.
Students are not permitted to use, wear, or access any personal, non-testing electronic devices during testing or during a break while in an active testing session. These electronic devices include but are not limited to smartphones, cell phones, smart watches, smart headphones, headphones that allow access to voice assistant technology, and computers and/or tablets not being actively used for testing purposes. Administration staff must practice due diligence in actively monitoring students in the testing room and on breaks to ensure that electronic devices are not accessed.
Test Administrators and Monitors must focus on active monitoring throughout the test administration. During testing, staff may only use an appropriately configured device (for example, an iPad or Chromebook) to monitor the WIDA, MI-Access, SAT, P-SAT, or M-STEP assessments. Therefore, devices should be used only for this purpose.
A LASTING TRIBUTE
Many families have received kind offers of support for the Cooper family and ideas for remembering Thomas Cooper at Addams Early Childhood Center. Thomas brought so much joy to our school, and we are grateful for the opportunity to honor his memory in a way that reflects his love of outdoor play, science, and nature exploration. With the help of Catherine Duma, a former Green Frog parent, we are organizing the purchase of a few special additions to the playground in Thomas’s honor. Planned features include two magnifying stations and a root garden/worm farm, each accompanied by plaques celebrating Thomas’s curiosity and spirit. These additions will give students the chance to explore, discover, and connect with nature, just as Thomas loved to do.
Please see the photo below for more details if you would like to contribute.
DATES FOR APRIL
April 2 - World Autism Awareness Day
April 2 - National Paraprofessionals Appreciation Day
April 7-11 National Assistant Principal's Week
April 10 - Board of Education Meeting
April 11 - Half Day for Students
April 18 - No School
April 23 & 30 - Late Start for Students
Now - April 25 - 2nd Annual Royal Oak Schools Student Art Show
April 25 - 27 - ROHS Presents "Our Town"
📅 Use this link to review the calendar on our website under District/Calendars.
🎶 For more event details, click here to go to our District-Wide Performing Arts Calendar!
SAVE THE DATE
Tee Off for a Great Cause
Get ready to swing into summer with the 31st Annual Royal Oak Schools Foundation Golf Outing on Monday, June 23, 2025, at the stunning Metamora Golf and Country Club! Whether you're a returning participant or a first-time golfer, this beloved tradition offers a full day of fun, community connection, and support for Royal Oak students.
The event features 18 holes of golf on a scenic and exciting course, complete with a continental breakfast, beverage carts, and a hot dog at the turn to keep you fueled throughout the day. But the experience doesn’t stop at the 18th hole—after the last putt drops, golfers and guests will gather under a spacious tent overlooking the rolling hills of the course to enjoy a full on-site barbecue feast.
Funds from this event support the Royal Oak Schools Foundation, enhancing educational opportunities and student success across our district. It’s a great way to give back while enjoying a memorable day in a beautiful setting. Register and learn more here: www.royaloakschoolsfoundation.org/2025-rosf-golf-outing.html.
JOB OPENINGS
We would love to have you join our team. To apply for most jobs with Royal Oak Schools, visit https://bit.ly/3rO26d1workforros.
Check out our Human Resources webpage using this link to learn more about working with us.
Substitute teachers: EDUStaff is our partner for substitute teachers. Please apply through their website at: edustaff.org.
Paraprofessionals - we need you! A paraprofessional works with a team of teachers to help qualified students be successful at school. These patient and caring individuals may implement academic, physical, behavioral, and self-care supports that empower students to engage with their education as independently as possible. All applicants should apply through the Oakland Schools Human Resources Consortium website at: bit.ly/3rO26d1workforros.
Individuals interested in working with and caring for school-age children before and after school for our Young Oaks (Latchkey) Program should contact the Addams Early Childhood Center at (248) 288-3220.
Bus Drivers: Durham School Services is hiring for its transportation department. A minimum of 20 hours is guaranteed, with options for more. To apply, contact Cheri Henrion at Durham at Chenrion@durhamschoolsservices.com.
Instructional and administrative positions: Check the Oakland Schools Consortium portal at bit.ly/3rO26d1workforros. Employment opportunities with Royal Oak Schools are on our website under Employment/HR. If you have any more questions, please contact Beth Caverly at the District Offices: elizabeth.caverly@royaloakschools.org or (248) 435-8400 x1210.
COMMENTS? STORY IDEAS?
Send them to: communications@royaloakschools.org
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2024 NSPRA Award of Excellence
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Copyright 2025
(Sports Photos Credit: Ken Vance @kaytayimages on Instagram)
Credits:
Created with images by Li Ding - "Daffodil flowers in the field" • Konstiantyn - "abstract nature spring Background; spring flower and butterfly" • magele-picture - "Curriculum" • Wolfilser - "single big oak tree in field with perfect treetop" • Gustav - "Vibrant blue cheerleader pom-poms rest on a dark path amid nature's beauty" • Atstock Productions - "Wood table top on blur sparkling sea water and summer sky background" • igishevamaria - "Female hands puts fruits and vegetables in cotton produce bag at food market. Reusable eco bag for shopping. Zero waste concept." • damrong - "Used modern Electronic gadgets for daily use on wooden floor, Reuse and Recycle concept, Top view." • LimeSky - "Blurry image of playground at park for background use" • vegefox.com - "media" • erikakirky - "Flower Name April" • Christian - "Bold red 'You Are Hired' stamp on clean white background, symbolizing successful job placement or employment offer." • Atlas - "Decorative Easter eggs as background. Space for text"