In This Issue
- Message from the Superintendent
- Building and Site Sinking Fund Information
- The Raven Report
- MiStar Changes
- JEDI Council
- Around The District
- Dr. Kim's Corner
- Holiday Fundraiser
- Calling All 5th Graders
- Celebrating Literacy
- Vice President Visit: One Student's Experience
- School Calendar
- Did You See It On Social?
- Open Positions In The District
REMINDERS THIS MONTH
Election Day is coming soon! On November 8 or via your absentee ballot, please remember to consider the Building and Site Sinking Fund for our district. This important funding source makes it possible for us to perform the necessary updates and repairs while preserving our general fund for programs and classroom needs. You can find more information below in this edition of the Dispatch. Read more about how the district has used the current BSSF which expires in 2022, and potential projects already in mind for the new funds including educational technology which is now an eligible expense.
Long Range Planning: Our first two kick-off meetings for Long Range Planning were held on October 11 and 27, 2022. In the first meeting, our team presented information on the state of the district programs, staffing, enrollment with projections, and school finance. The second meeting focused on the state of transportation in Royal Oak Schools and our safety plans and responses. Our major facility partners presented an overview of work to date and potential projects including building envelope (brick and mortar upkeep), roofing, pavement, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and architecture (flooring, doors, windows, ceilings, and kitchens).
The next full committee meeting is November 30, 2022, when we will begin visioning and exploring options for students. I will also be meeting with high school students to get their perspectives on the future of the district, what has served them well, and what we should look forward to changing or updating for the next generation of students.
- Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, Superintendent Royal Oak Schools
BSSF ON THE NOVEMBER BALLOT
When you head to the polls on November 8, 2022, and prepare to vote, on the back side of the ballot you will notice a Building and Sinking Site Fund (BSSF) proposal from Royal Oak Schools. This Sinking Fund will generate money for technology advances in our classrooms and instructional aids for our teaching staff, and safety improvements. Voters will be asked to consider renewing and restoring a 1mil BSSF for 10 years. If passed, this will generate $3,434,697 during the first year.
Other areas of focus will be roof replacements, paving, fencing, sidewalks, flooring and doors, and some architectural remodeling.
Click here for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
PRODUCING THE RAVEN REPORT
"It was great being back in the studio doing the Raven Report," said ROHS senior Toby Buckheim. "Everyone seemed to have a good time and I am looking forward to the rest of the school year bringing the Raven Report to the school."
The Raven Report is a news show created by students for students at Royal Oak High School. The Raven Report kicked off their productions in October this school year. The advanced broadcasting class and WOAK produce the live shows twice a week.
All the students in the class rotate positions giving each student an opportunity to try every aspect of television production. Some are anchors on the program while others are behind the scenes in the studio. They cover important dates for high school students and families including upcoming events, activities, and athletics.
"The Raven Report is the most energetic and exciting part of my school day," said ROHS Teacher Mike Conrad. "Watching this group of students work as broadcasters every day is inspiring."
The show has a tagline of "It's a great day to be a Raven." And the show starts off with, "And here's what's happening in YOUR #RavenNation." You can tune into the Raven Report on Tuesdays and Fridays at 2:54 pm.
Watch the Raven report on the Raven Report YouTube page.
CHANGES TO LOGGING INTO MISTAR
New security measures have been applied to the MiStar Parent Portal.
Please take note of the following when attempting to login:
- You will be prompted to change your password if you haven't logged in since October 4, 2022.
- Using the login help links on the login page will prompt an email with a temporary password that you will use with your PIN or email address associated with your MiStar account.
- After using the temporary password, you will be asked to update your password.
- If you do not receive the email or are in need of further assistance, please contact the Oakland Schools Help Desk at 248-209-2060 or servicedesk@oakland.k12.mi.us. Be sure to indicate your child goes to Royal Oak Schools.
INTRODUCING THE JEDI COUNCIL
Introducing the Royal Oak Schools Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Council! In 2019, the Cultural Competence Engagement Committee was developed around DEI work in the district focusing around four key areas:
- Curriculum and Instruction
- Recruitment Hiring and Retention Practices
- Staff and Community Professional Development
- and responding to needs and behavior.
After two years of hard work and accomplishments, one of the recommendations to the district was that the district develop a district-level DEI team. The official structure of the CCEC ended, but the work continues! The JEDI council was formed and met for the first time in June of 2022, and just recently had our first meeting of the new school year. The core council membership includes school building representatives, PTSA DEI teams, the Board of Education, ROMPA (Royal Oak Multi-cultural Parent Association) members, and administrators. We are working on adding students and additional community members. Residents of Royal Oak will be able to get involved via our core initiatives and study being formed now which include School-wide Systems and Structures; Family, Caregiver and Community Partnerships; Teaching and Learning; and District and State Policies.
Stay tuned for more about what we are doing!
AROUND THE DISTRICT
THIS MONTH IN THE CORNER
November is National American Indian Heritage Month. For those wanting to participate, we have suggestions on a few ways to honor Native Americans this month, and every month in Dr. Kim's Corner on our website. Use this link to read more.
Another celebration this time of year is Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) which is November 1st. This holiday is typically celebrated by persons of Latinx heritage, involves family and friends gathering to pay respects and to remember friends and family members who have died. These celebrations can take a humorous tone, as celebrants remember funny events and anecdotes about the departed. For more info on Dia de los Muertos, use this link.
Lastly, "Decolonize" your Thanksgiving dinner. The Thanksgiving story of Pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a friendly meal will be reenacted and celebrated across the country on November 24. But many Native Americans actually consider it a "Day of Mourning," pointing out how the story overlooks how the introduction of European settlers spelled tragedy for indigenous communities. For this reason, some Native American groups and their allies are calling on Americans to "decolonize" their Thanksgiving celebrations. Some ways of doing this include putting away Native American decorations and tropes, introducing native dishes to the dinner table, and engaging in conversations about Native American history with dinner guests.
Have a great November!
Dr. Kim
HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER
The Royal Oak High School Band and Orchestra Boosters are once again offering holiday annuals to raise money for their program. Poinsettias, wreathes, and porch pot arrangements from Ray Wiegand's Nursery are available for their annual Holiday Fundraiser. The fundraiser benefits the Royal Oak High School band & orchestra program. Click here to order.
5TH GRADERS NEEDED FOR ALL CITY CONCERT
Royal Oak Vocal Music is inviting each and every 5th grader to participate in this year’s All City Vocal Festival on Monday, November 21st!
The All City Vocal Festival is an opportunity for the most advanced choirs from each Royal Oak school to perform together and enjoy each other’s performances. This is an especially exciting experience for the younger vocalists as they observe and anticipate participation in the more advanced ensembles while in middle school and high school.
The Royal Oak High School Choirs will perform under the direction of Mrs. Williams. The Royal Oak Middle School Choirs will perform under the direction of Mr. Pavlovich. The 5th grade students will perform as a combined ensemble under the direction of Ms. Dabrowski (Oak Ridge), Mr. Durand (Northwood & Oakland), Mrs. Johnson (Keller), and Mr. Watson (Addams & Upton). The combined High School, Middle School and Elementary School choirs will also perform one song together!
CELEBRATING LITERACY
The Royal Oak English Language Development program staff partnered with the EL staff from Berkley Schools to host a Fall Open House for multilingual families on October 20th. Families enjoyed cider and donuts, played games together, made a craft, met local librarians and learned about activities and classes from Royal Oak, Berkley, and Huntington Woods libraries as well as the Oakland Literacy Council. Each child was able to take home two books to build a home library as well! About 100 people attended and 20 families signed up for library cards.
We'd like to say thank you to our local literacy partners for attending and to Berkley Schools for hosting us for this event!
ROHS STUDENT PART OF PRESS CORP FOR V.P. HARRIS
The following is an article, written by ROHS Senior Dakota Hendren in first-person, about her experience as part of the Press Corp for Vice President Harris' visit to Detroit.
On Saturday, October 15, 2022, I was honored to participate in the Press Pool during Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Metro Detroit with Mr. Conrad (ROHS Teacher). We started the day greeting her as Air Force 2 landed at Detroit Metro Airport. I joined the motorcade as the Vice President made her way to her first stop at Focus: HOPE in Detroit. This was a cool experience, watching the long line of motorcycles and police from all over the state, escorting the group.
Next, I observed a fundraiser for the Michigan Democratic Party. In addition to the Vice President, I listened to speeches by Governor Whitmer, Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II, Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans, Congresswoman Brenda Lawrence, and Attorney General Dana Nessel. After the fundraiser, the Governor and the Vice President toured the Focus: HOPE facility to learn more about the domestic production of semiconductor chips.
I was prepared to anticipate that the Vice President would be calling on me to ask a question before her remarks, but nothing really prepares you for being called on by the Vice President of the United States! She said, “I do believe we have a student reporter here, Dakota. Is that you?” And then looked at me. I replied “yes” nervously, and then she laughed and asked, “Whatcha got?” I used this opportunity to ask her about her thoughts on why young people need to vote.
The last event of the day was a MI First Vote rally for parents and students that was held at Southfield High School for the Arts and Technology. One of the staff coordinators recognized me as the student reporter and invited me to sit in front of the stage to get close-up video of the Vice President walking up the stage.
After the events of the day concluded we followed the Vice President back to the airport and sent her off to Los Angeles for her next event.
I am so grateful to Mr. Conrad, the school administration, PBS Student Reporting Labs, and the Office of the Vice President for coordinating this opportunity for me. It was an incredible experience and allowed me to see what a day in the life of a journalist might encompass. As I plan on pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism, I appreciated the chance to interact with professionals in the field.
NOVEMBER DATES
National American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month
November 1 - Dia de los Muertos
November 2, 16, 30 - Late Start for Students
November 6 - Daylight Saving Time Ends
November 8 -No School for Students/Election Day
November 8 -National STEM/STEAM Day
November 10 - Board of Education Regular Meeting 6:30 PM
November 11 - Veterans Day
November 14 - 18 National Young Readers Week & American Education Week
November 16 - National Education Support Professionals Day
November 17 - Half-Day for Elementary only
November 18 - Substitute Educator Day
November 18-20 ROHS Drama Club presents "Chicago - Teen Edition"
November 20 - Future Teachers of America Day
November 23 - Half Day
November 24 - 25 - No School
Happy Thanksgiving!
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR 2022-23 SCHOOL YEAR
December 22 - January 3 Holiday Break
January 16 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day - Day On Not Off Event
February 20-21 - Mid-Winter Break
March 27 - March 31 Spring Break
June 15 Last Day Of School
DID YOU SEE IT ON SOCIAL?
Follow us on:
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
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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 Caterina Trimarchi - "Cozy autumn still life with pumpkins, knitted woolen sweater and books on windowsill. Autumn home decor. Cozy fall mood. Autumn reading. Thanksgiving. Halloween." • driftwood - "collection of election campaign vote pins on white" • Studio Barcelona - "Colorful varieties of pumpkins and squashe" • seanlockephotography - "Workspace: Team Of Diverse Workers Put Hands Together" • chathuporn - "photographer take pictures Snapshot with camera. man hand holding with camera looking through lens.Concept for photographing articles Professionally." • New Africa - "Beautiful poinsettia on blurred background. Traditional Christmas flower" • golubovy - "Singer at microphone. Woman singing and holding mic. Female vocal talent. Music show recital." • zolnierek - "Autumn composition on a rustic wooden background. Decorative pumpkins, various leaves, pine cones, nuts. Orange, yellow, red and brown aesthetics. " • RomanWhale studio - "Hello november. frame of autumn decor Poster card with sunlight filter and toned grunge image " • STOATPHOTO - "Social Media Concept. The meeting at the white office table." • geralt - "job job offer workplace" • geralt - "board show hand"