

Keeping up with Keller
By: Marcie Dryden, Principal
January 24, 2025
Mission Statement
The mission of Helen Keller Elementary School is to establish and maintain an educational community that empowers all students to become principled, independent inquirers who are socially responsible global citizens.
PRINCIPAL DRYDEN ON FACEBOOK
Do you want to see what's going on at Keller? Check out my Facebook page where I frequently post pictures and share events that are happening within the Keller Community. Click on the button below to go right to my page!
IMPORTANT DATES
JANUARY
*January 31: Family Bingo Night 7-8 p.m. (cafeteria)
FEBRUARY
*February 4: PTA Founder's Dinner @ 6:30
*February 5: Report Cards Go Live at 2:00 p.m.
*February 5: Lockdown Drill
*February 5 & 26: Late Start for Students/PD for Staff
*February 6: 5th Grade Concert @ 7:00 p.m. in the Gym
*February 10: PTA Meeting @ 7:00 p.m. - Virtual
*February 14-18: No School - Winter Break
*February 19: Husky Packs
*February 27: 1st Grade Concert @ 7:00 p.m.
End of 2nd Marking Period
Our 2nd Marking Period is ending on Thursday, January 23. Report Cards will be available to view online starting Monday, February 3, at 2:00 p.m.
KELLER KIDS IN ACTION!
Celebrating Our Student Reflections Contest Winners
Congratulations to our incredible Student Reflections Contest winners! At the assembly today we honored 55 students whose insightful and creative reflections on "Accepting Imperfections" stood out. Their work showcased originality, deep thinking, and a powerful student voice, reminding us all of the importance of self-acceptance and growth.
A big shout out to all participants for sharing their perspectives and to everyone who supported this meaningful event. Your reflections continue to inspire our school community!
Mrs. Raymer's Level 3 Classroom
Students from Mrs. Raymer's classroom welcomed the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Snake with a special celebration. They listened to a read-aloud about the traditions and symbolism of the holiday, then worked together to brainstorm meaningful words from the story. Using these words, they created colorful line strips to showcase their learning and appreciation of this festive occasion.
Wishing everyone a year filled with wisdom, transformation, and good fortune—just like the Snake symbolizes
WKBS STUDENT NEWS
Curious about what’s happening in our student news? Click on the button below to watch this week’s broadcast and catch up on future updates! Don’t miss out on the latest stories, events, and highlights shared by our talented students.
REPORT CARD UPDATE
Due to our most recent school closures, Report Cards will now be available to view online starting Wednesday, February 5, at 2:00 p.m. through your MISTAR Parent Portal on the Royal Oak Schools website. There is a Report Card tab on the left side of the screen that you need to click to access your child's Report Card. If you have any questions or need help accessing your child's report card, please see the Parent Portal link above or contact the Oakland Schools Help Desk at 248-209-2060.
2025 AFRICAN AMERICAN READ-IN
Royal Oak is proud to be a watch site for the 2025 African American Read-In. Oakland Schools will host author Jacqueline Woodson as our guest for this year's read-in (virtually). She's the award-winning author/illustrator of numerous critically acclaimed books for children. The first 500 Oakland County households who register will receive a copy of one of Jacqueline Woodson's books.
See flyer below for more information and use the link or QR code within to register.
WINTER BLAST FREE FAMILY FUN
Embrace winter with the fun for the family from the enhanced Medieval Village featuring animate dragons and Knights on horseback, spectacular Ice Sculptures, a 300-foot zipline, 17 food trucks, live music, heated tents, and more. It’s also the one weekend you can skate for free at The Rink At Royal Oak, plus live music in heated tents, marshmallow roasting, and so much family fun. ADMISSION TO THE FESTIVAL IS FREE, and Parking is $5 or less.
For all the details and schedule of events, go to winterblast.com
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE - MARCH 16
Calling all Keller Elementary families! Please join our Student Senate and represent our school with pride at the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 16th, at 12:00 p.m. It's a fun way to show your school spirit and celebrate with the community.
Stay tuned for more details coming soon. We can't wait to see you there! ☘️
PARKING LOT EXPECTATIONS
It is requested that all adults who are arriving and departing from the school be particularly cautious and mindful of the children and adult pedestrians in the school vicinity at all times. The safety of our entire school community depends upon the care and concern of all of us.
Please follow these safety precautions in the parking lot:
- DO NOT PARK or STAND in the drop off lane at the end of the school day.
- Obey all traffic signs and follow traffic flow -- map below.
- Please refrain from cell phone calls and texting while driving.
- Drop-off area – there is one lane of drop-off.
- Pull all the way forward to the end of the lane before dropping or picking up children. Do not back up in the pick-up lane.
- Students should enter and be ready to exit on the passenger side of the vehicle only.
- Do not exit your vehicle, thus parking in the drop-off only lane, even if it is to run to the door or drop off a project. If you must exit your vehicle you need to park in a parking spot.
- Adults and students should remain on sidewalks and cross at crosswalks only. It is difficult to see children in the parking lot between vehicles.
- Park in a handicap parking spot only if you have a valid and visible permit
PARKING LOT VOLUNTEERS
Help us keep our parking lot safe and organized. We’re looking for volunteers to assist at the two crosswalks during drop-off and pick-up times. Your support makes a big difference in ensuring a smooth process for everyone.
If you’re available to lend a hand, please contact the main office. Thank you for helping our school community!
EXCITING NEWS FOR MARCH IS READING MONTH
We are delighted to announce that acclaimed Michigan author Supriya Kelkar will be visiting our school on March 3rd as part of our March Is Reading Month celebrations! Supriya Kelkar is an award-winning author, illustrator, and screenwriter, renowned for her captivating stories that celebrate cultural diversity, history, and self-discovery.
Students will meet Supriya Kelkar during grade-level mini-assemblies, where they’ll hear about her creative process and actively participate in writing and illustrating activities.
To make this experience even more special, families can purchase Supriya Kelkar’s books in advance and have them personally signed on the day of her visit. Attached is a flyer with a link and QR code leading to Sidetrack Books’ website, where you can explore the 11 available book options and place your order online.
Let’s make this March Is Reading Month an unforgettable celebration of literature and creativity! Don’t forget to check out the flyer for details and place your order by February 11th!
PTA NEWS
Hi PTA friends!
- Friday, January 31st Keller Bingo Night - 6:30-8:30 in the Keller Cafeteria
It’s not too late to purchase your annual $10 membership to Keller PTA. Family Memberships are only $18, (any two adults per one student and they do NOT have to live in the same home).
A membership does NOT require you to volunteer or attend meetings, although we would love to have you do both! Aside from the September meeting, meetings are all under an hour and give the opportunity to talk to the principal and our Royal Oak District School Board liaison. It's a good way to be in the know. Some are in-person and some meetings are virtual this year.
How you PTA is up to you!
Get involved to your comfort level.
But also know this: we can't function as a PTA unless volunteers get involved. Events, committee work, meetings, executive board, and community work won't be successful and wanes when we don't have active volunteers.
Please visit our website regularly to keep informed of all things PTA and Keller Elementary. On there you will find:
PTA annual calendar of events
A list of all committees and contact info
Teacher and staff favorite things (still updating)
PTA FAQs
Givebacks link to buy membership and join our online directory
National PTA podcast link for Notes From the Backpack
And much more!
Thanks for all you do!
Jen MacKenzie
PTA President
SPECIALS & DISTRICT NEWSLETTERS
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Students Arriving Late for School
Reporting Absences
All absences should be called in to the Safety Check number. Absences that are not reported are considered unexcused.
Safety Check number 248-542-6500 option #1
After School Playground Use
STUDENT SAFETY
No Parking or Standing in the Drop Off Lane
The safety of our students remains our utmost priority! We kindly ask that you refrain from parking or standing in the drop-off lane (red marked areas pictured below). It is essential to keep these lanes and the sidewalk clear during dismissal as vehicles in these areas contribute to congestion in the parking lot and on Campbell Avenue, and they also create a visual barrier between the sidewalk and the parking lot.
Yellow Diagonal Lines in the Parking Lot
Help keep our students and pedestrians safe!
Did you know that the yellow diagonal lines in the parking lot at the end of the row and at crosswalks are designed to enhance pedestrian safety?
Please refrain from parking or waiting in the yellow diagonal lined zones in the parking lot.
This areas at the end of each row are designated for pedestrians to wait while preparing to cross the parking lot.
- It is difficult to see oncoming traffic when you impede our pedestrian's vision when trying to cross the parking lot to the sidewalk.
Supervising Your Child Afterschool
For the safety of our students, please do not allow your child to climb on the outside of the tunnel slides after school. This is a school rule that the students follow during the school day. We need your help ensuring our students are safe on the playground.
Biking on School Property
To ensure everyone's safety, we kindly ask you to adhere to the following guidelines:
1. Walk your bike on school property: If you choose to ride your bike to school, please dismount and walk your bike when entering school premises. This will help minimize the risk of collisions and falls.
2. Utilize designated areas: If your school has specially designated bike racks or parking areas, we encourage you to utilize these facilities to safely secure your bicycles.
3. Follow traffic rules: When approaching or leaving school property, please adhere to all traffic laws and signals. Signal your intentions, yield to pedestrians, and maintain a safe speed.
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
At Keller we take pride in making sure we have a kind, caring, environment. Our parents play a large role in helping us to achieve this goal. Before posting to social media or any other venue, please consider the feelings of all our community members . Before you post, remember to T.H.I.N.K.
Essential Agreements
*We are respectful
*We are safe and in control
*We are responsible learners
Keller Creed
I will act in such a way that I will be proud of myself and others will be proud of me too.
I came to school to learn and I will learn.
I will have a good day.
Learner Profile Highlights
Don’t forget that the highlighted monthly learner profile and weekly behavior focus is on the Google calendar (every Sunday).
Marcie Dryden
Email: marcie.dryden@royaloakschools.org
Website: https://www.royaloakschools.org/our-schools/elementary/keller/
Location: 1505 North Campbell Road, Royal Oak, MI, USA
Phone: (248)542-6500