Loading

THE DISTRICT DISPATCH Royal Oak Schools news, straight to your inbox

In This Issue

  • Message From The Superintendent
  • Back To School
  • New Principal At ROHS
  • Support Staff Career Fair
  • Opportunities For Parents
  • Planning For School Meals
  • STEMi Visit At ROMS
  • BOCCE Championships
  • GED and ESL Registration
  • School Calendar
  • Did You See It On Social?
  • Open Positions In The District
Looking Forward To Seeing You

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT

We can feel the excitement building for a new school year, and we look forward to the official student start on September 6. We know many activities and athletics start weeks before Labor Day, so be sure to check out all of our special events. The PTA, Boosters, and many other organizations who support us are also gearing up for another exceptional year. In this edition of the Dispatch, we are providing direct links to many resources for parents to help get the school year off to a great start.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite all of you to a State of the School Address which will take place in person on Wednesday, August 17 at 7:00 PM in the main conference room of the Administrative Offices, 800 DeVillen. In this presentation, I will provide an overview of the district’s programs and services, as well as other important information including how you can be involved in the Royal Oak Schools long-range planning process that will take place in the 2022-23 school year. The evening’s presentation will be recorded and posted to our website shortly after for those who are unable to attend.

We look forward to seeing all of you in the coming weeks! Enjoy the rest of your summer.

Mary Beth Fitzpatrick

Back To School

READY FOR SCHOOL?

HERE'S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The first day of school is Tuesday, September 6, 2022. Families should receive specific information on their students from their school principal. We can't wait to see you!

Annual Registration for all students opens on August 15. This is a yearly process for all Royal Oak Families to register their children for the 2022-23 school year.

To access Annual Registration, follow the steps below:

  • Login to the MIStar Parent Portal
  • Select your child’s school from the drop-down menu
  • Select Annual Registration

If you are new to the district and not yet enrolled, please call the Central Enrollment Office at (248) 435-8400, ext. 1260. Or if you have questions about enrollment or moved recently, start here for those answers.

Class lists will be live on August 26 for elementary students, and August 30 for secondary students.

Student Handbooks and other additional forms and information can be found here.

The 2022-23 school calendar can be found by using this link.

Find information on child care, preschool, or Latchkey here.

For information on Free and Reduced Lunch or other food service programs, click here.

Sports schedules, including volleyball, soccer, and football can be found here.

New Leader at ROHS

NEW PRINCIPAL AT ROHS

Royal Oak Schools is proud to welcome Sharida Lewis as the new Royal Oak High School principal. Lewis was approved by the school board on July 26, 2022.

"We are thrilled to have Sharida Lewis join our administrative leadership team in Royal Oak Schools as the new high school principal. Her experience will be valuable as she steps in to lead and serve the students, families, and staff at Royal Oak High School,” said Royal Oak Schools Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick. “Her commitment to building strong relationships and continuing strong communication with everyone are two of the many positive things about Ms. Lewis."

Sharida Lewis says that being a part of a community that has a long-standing reputation for togetherness, shared responsibility, and pride was what appealed to her about the job. “The most intriguing aspect of school is the ability to grow as a lifelong learner and the community connection,” she said.

Lewis plans to bring Servant Leadership, community engagement, and an excitement for teaching and learning to her new role.

“I am thrilled to be taking on the reigns as the next principal of Royal Oak High School, said Lewis. “I look forward to meeting the entire educational team at Royal Oak High School, and most importantly I am looking forward to connecting with our outstanding students.”

Lewis was most recently a Principal at Canton High School. She has also taught Math and IB Math for 19 years at Renaissance High in Detroit and Harrison High School in Farmington, and was an Associate Principal at Bloomfield Hills High School.

Lewis is from Pontiac and went to Pontiac Northern High School where her favorite teacher was Ms. JoAnne Battle who taught English. “I want to pass the same inspiration she gave me on to each and every student I meet,” Lewis said.

Lewis has a Bachelor's of Science Degree from Central Michigan University, as well as her Masters in Education Leadership from Wayne State University. She lives in Southfield with her three daughters, whom she describes as the “absolute loves of her life.

Sharida Lewis (center) with her three daughters: Kody, Kaitlyn and Kristin.
Looking For Support Staff

SUPPORT STAFF JOB FAIR

Royal Oak Schools is looking to hire support staff this month at our Support Staff Career Fair.

The fair is August 10 from 2 - 6 PM at the Administrative Offices on 800 DeVillen in Royal Oak.

"The Royal Oak Schools job fair will streamline the application process and make it as simple as possible for those interested in working with us. Job descriptions will be available for all open positions and attendees will be able to initiate the employment application process on-site. Contingent offers of employment may be made at the event," said Executive Director for Staff and Students Services, Patrick Wolynski.

Royal Oak Schools is hoping to hire Latchkey workers, paraprofessionals, substitute teachers, and more.

Time To Sign Up

OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS

Join a PTA

Back to school is the perfect time to join a PTA/PTSA. A PTA Council is a coordinating body that promotes communication and cooperation among specific units and increases the capacity for service because of their unified strength. We are grateful to have parents and students (PTSA) who step up to lead these organizations at each of our schools. Just click here for more on what the PTAs have done for the families and students at Royal Oak Schools. It's an amazing list!

For information on joining one of our school PTAs, click here.

Residents invited to apply for Board of Education Committees

The School Board actively seeks the advice of community members through a wide range of advisory committees and councils. These advisory committees and councils are appointed by the School Board, advise the School Board and, when appropriate, make recommendations on issues or policies related to the successful operation of the school district.

Applications are now being accepted for the Royal Oak Schools 2022-2023 committees, such as: Arts & Preservation, Communications, and Wellness.

Applications are available on the district website, www.royaloakschools.org, Board of Education page under the “District” tab. Application forms should be returned to the Superintendent's Office, Royal Oak Schools, 800 DeVillen, Royal Oak, MI 48073, or e-mailed to Paula Sutterfield at Paula.Sutterfield@royaloakschools.org. For more information, contact Paula Sutterfield, Administrative Assistant to the Board and Superintendent, at 248-435-8400, ext. 1228. The deadline for submitting applications is Friday, September 16, 2022.

Fill Out Your Application For Meals

FREE SCHOOL MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS HAS ENDED

When the 2021-2022 school year ended, so did free meals for every student. While the federal government funded a program that allowed all students access to free meals during the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress has declined to continue funding this program.

We understand this change may cause you to worry. However, there are important steps you can take NOW to be sure your student receives the meals they need for the 2022-2023 school year.

If your student qualifies for free or reduced meals, they can still receive them this fall, but you must take action to make it happen. Please complete the 2022-2023 online application, which is available on the district’s website. Paper applications will be available at the district office this month.

If you qualified for free or reduced last school year you will remain free/reduced through October 17th, but please do fill out another application for this school year as soon as you can.

If you do not qualify for free or reduced meals, you may begin depositing money into student accounts at any time to prepare for the cost of school lunches next year. Information on meal prices for the 2022-2023 school year are listed below:

  • Elementary: Breakfast Meal Price $1.25 (Oakland and Upton remain free due to Better w/Breakfast), Lunch $2.60
  • Middle School:$1.25, $3.00
  • High School:$1.25, $3.00

If you qualify for reduced price meals: breakfast = $.30 and lunch = $.40

If your student has a negative lunch account balance, we encourage you to pay it off as soon as possible and then begin depositing money into the account to prepare for the 2022-2023 school year.

For assistance, please contact our Food Service Department at (248) 435-8500 ext. 1123.

STEM Learning Fun

STEMI BRINGS HIGH-TECH EXPERIENCE TO ROMS

Students from ROMS had a hands-on visit from Oakland Schools' STEMi Mobile Innovation Station before school got out. For one week students saw autonomous vehicles, collaborative robots, extended reality, and smart manufacturing. This lab on wheels featured 1,000 square feet of interactive high-tech industry equipment aimed at providing students access to STEM equipment and developing opportunities for connections to STEM and career readiness through learning experiences, according to Oakland Schools. Tech experts from Oakland Schools were also along for the ride to work with students at the many stations on board and to answer the hard questions.

"Learning about current and emerging technologies of the world must include hands-on experience," said Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, Royal Oak Schools Superintendent. "This opportunity made available through Oakland Schools is one way to bring that technology into the hands of our students. "

The STEMi program launched in the spring of 2021 and will be making the rounds to all districts in Oakland County free of cost for at least five years. Oakland Schools says that their goal with the van is for learners to be inspired to pursue STEM careers, educators to engage in the experience with students, and lead them to develop connections between future employment opportunities and the classroom.

Unified Sports Win Big

BOCCE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS

The ROMS Unified Bocce team traveled to CMU before school got out to compete at the Unified Special Olympics State Games.

Unified Sports is a program that brings students with and without disabilities together through inclusive sports. Students had a blast and represented Royal Oak proudly!

Registration Is Open

WAYS CHURCHILL CAN HELP YOU

At the Churchill Community Education Center, many classes are available to students who may want to improve their knowledge of the English language or complete high school. Registration is now open for those looking for assistance in these areas.

Earn Your High School Credential (GED)

  • HS Graduates make an average of $7,800 more per year than a non-graduate.
  • We help people finish HSC or earn their HS Equivalency Certificate (HSE).

Learn English (ESL)

  • We offer 3 levels of English Language classes for people of all ages.
  • Morning and evening classes are available.

Online registration begins August 1, 2022. The last day to register is March 10, 2023.

Use these links to register:

Call for more information: 248.588.5050 x. 1520 (HS) or 1506 (ESL)

Important Dates for August

AUGUST DATES

August 1 Online Registration Opens For GED and ESL

August 10 Support Staff Career Fair 2-6 PM

August 11 Board of Education Regular Meeting 6:30 PM

August 15 Annual Registration for K-12 Opens

August 25 First Football Game - at Holly 7:00 PM

August 26 Elementary Class Information Available

August 30 Secondary Class Information Available

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR

September 1 First Home Football Game 7:00 PM

September 6 First Day Of School

December 22 - January 3 Holiday Break

February 20-21 - Mid-Winter Break

March 27 - March 31 Spring Break

June 15 Last Day Of School

JOB OPENINGS AT ROYAL OAK SCHOOLS

JOB OPENINGS

Substitute teachers: EDUStaff is our partner for substitute teachers. Please apply through their website at: edustaff.org.

Paraprofessionals: 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: https://bit.ly/2PrEckt.

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.

Foodservice workers and cashiers: Chartwells Food Service is hiring food prep workers, service station set up, serving meals to students, and running the register. This position is Monday through Friday from approximately 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Uniforms will be provided, along with a free lunch.

Bus Drivers: Durham School Services is hiring for our transportation department. A minimum of 20 hours is guaranteed with options for more. Contact James Holls at Durham to apply: jholls@durhamschoolservices.com.

Instructional and administrative positions: Check the Oakland Schools Consortium portal at https://bit.ly/2PrEcktROSJOBS. Employment opportunities with Royal Oak Schools can be found on our website under Employment/HR. If you have further questions, feel free to 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

Viewing this magazine from an online link?

Click here to have The District Dispatch delivered straight to your inbox each month.

The District Dispatch Mission: To inform all with an interest in the Royal Oak Schools community and deliver information straight to them through stories of our people, our successes and our future.

Credits:

Created with images by Rena Marijn - "Sonnenblumen hell" • Monkey Business - "Portrait Of Male Pupil Studying At Desk In Classroom" • zhu difeng - "writing job fair on blackboard" • mizina - "Healthy food background" • Monkey Business - "Mature Students Sitting At Desks In Adult Education Class" • Gabriele Maltinti - "august on a tropical beach" • Merakist - "Social Media in Colorful Alphabets" • PhotoMIX-Company - "twitter screen social" • Austin Distel - "Facebook page of an entrepreneur's social media on desktop and mobile. This photo is free for public use. Please credit this photo in caption with link to "www.distel.com"." • Webster2703 - "instagram mobile phone smartphone" • geralt - "job job offer workplace" • geralt - "board show hand"