Upton Update

There will be a PTA Meeting on Monday, February 10, at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center. All are welcome to attend.

We will be having our ROCK Bands on Wednesday, February 12, from 8:45-9:15 a.m. The students will be in multi-aged groups working on Character Education traits. A staff member will be supporting the students as they work on projects together to support teamwork and our ROCK Star characteristics (Responsibility, Open Mindedness, Cooperation, Kindness, and Self-Control. Please make sure your child arrives to school on time so they don't miss this special time!

There is no school scheduled from Friday, February 14-Tuesday, February 18. Have a wonderful Mid-Winter Break!

Report Cards are available to view online through 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 contact the Oakland Schools Help Desk at 248-209-2060.

The new semester for our Homework Club on Late Start Wednesdays has started. If you would like your child to attend, the cost is $15 for the semester.

Homework Club Form

Please click the link for an update on our Media Center! Mrs. Savona will be updating this each week with new information.

Media Center News

Royal Oak Schools invites students to showcase their creativity in the "Why Compost?" contest! Participants can submit either:

• A 500-word essay or
• A 12x18 poster on the benefits of composting.

Deadline: March 7, 2025
How to Submit:

• Email essays and digital posters to communications@royaloakschools.org
• Drop off physical posters at the District Office (800 DeVillen, Royal Oak)

Grand Prize: A composting bucket and a tree planted in the winner’s honor on Earth Day, April 22, 2025. Winners will also be featured in the district newsletter, at school, and on social media.

Winners will be announced on March 24. Let’s celebrate sustainability together!

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.

Royal Oak Schools is pleased to welcome children and their families to kindergarten. Kindergarten enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year began on Monday, February 3, 2025. District-wide enrollment for all kindergarten programs, including Developmental Kindergarten, is processed through our Central Enrollment Office.

Enrollment Video

All enrollments into Royal Oak Schools are done online. Documents uploaded should be in PDF format and legibly. We may require in person documentation if the proofs uploaded online are not clear.

Kindergarten Age Requirements
A resident child must be five (5) years of age on or before September 1st in order to be eligible to attend kindergarten.

If a child is not five (5) years of age by the September 1st enrollment eligibility date, but will be five (5) years of age no later than December 1st, the parent/guardian may still enroll the child in kindergarten. The parent must notify the school district, in writing, prior to the beginning of the school year. Notification, by way of a completed Kindergarten Age Waiver, must be received in order for a child born between September 1 and December 1 to be enrolled in kindergarten.

If you need assistance navigating the online process or do not have a home computer, please call Theresa Baughman at 248-435-8400 x 1260. Appointments are highly recommended if you'd like to enroll in person.

Documents Specific to Kinder Enrollment:

• Kindergarten Age Waiver
• Immunization Waiver Information

Vision, Hearing and Dental Screening for Kindergarten Entry

• Vision & Hearing Screening Flyer
• OCHD Vision Screening Website
• OCHD Hearing Screening Website
• OCHD Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment Flyer
• Kindergarten Oral Health Assessment

More information regarding Kindergarten Eligibility can be found on the following sites:

• MDE Recommends
• Michigan Legislature, The Revised School Code Section 380.1147

• What is Developmental Kindergarten?
  The program allows students additional time to physically and emotionally develop in a safe and secure environment before attending kindergarten. Students experience similar opportunities as other kindergarten students, but are taught at a pace and intensity dependent on individual readiness. Developmental Kindergarten students will be taught by a certified teacher endorsed in early childhood, and they will participate in many activities around language & literacy, math, science, social studies, technology & computers, social experiences, and dramatic play. Students also attend traditional specials classes, including physical education, Spanish, art, and music.
  
  
• How do I know if it is right for my child?
  There is no single definition or assessment to determine placement. Most students will attend traditional kindergarten. Parents who are already considering another option before kindergarten are most likely to consider Developmental Kindergarten. Any parent who indicates that they are interested in Developmental Kindergarten at the time of enrollment will be contacted by the principal of the school in their attendance area.
  
  
• What is the typical class size in Developmental Kindergarten?
  The exact size and number of classes will be determined after enrollment, taking into consideration school space availability.
  
  
• Where and when is this program?
  Developmental Kindergarten is being offered at all the elementary schools. Students will attend a full day, beginning at 8:25 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m.
  
  
• In what grade will my child be enrolled after he/she completes Developmental Kindergarten?
  Students who complete Developmental Kindergarten are expected to attend kindergarten the following year.

We’re excited to announce the return of Royal Oak Schools Free Skate Days at the Centennial Commons, located in downtown Royal Oak, proudly sponsored by M3 Investment Services! These fun-filled evenings are a fantastic opportunity for our students to enjoy a night out on the ice while connecting with friends and family.

Free Skate Date:

• Tuesday, February 11

Here’s how it works:

• Royal Oak Middle and High School students skate for free by showing their school ID.
• Elementary students skate for free by having a parent or guardian confirm their school affiliation.

For more information on The Rink at Royal Oak, please visit therinkatroyaloak.com

Join us for an afternoon of history, creativity, and community at the Royal Oak Historical Museum on Sunday, February 23, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.

Experience the powerful story of the Hamer Family’s journey on the Underground Railroad, explore the Tangled Web exhibit, and meet Shaelyn Simms, author of Journey to Freedom: The Hamer Family Story. Shaelyn will share the creative process behind her graphic novel at 3:00 p.m.

Activities include:

• Storytelling by the ROHS Diversity Club
• Art projects hosted by the ROHS National Art Honor Society
• Light refreshments

Copies of Journey to Freedom will be available for purchase ($5 – cash or Venmo). Please bring a new pair of socks to donate to Outreach on Seventh.

Royal Oak Historical Museum
1411 W Webster Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48073

Learn more: www.facebook.com/hamergraphicnovel

Join us for the Community Resource Fair on Thursday, February 27 from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Royal Oak Farmers Market.

Hosted by the Community Engagement Advisory Board in collaboration with Royal Oak Farmers Market, and the Royal Oak Inter-Club Council, this event offers families the chance to:

• Explore Interests: Learn about community resources, opportunities, and volunteer initiatives.
• Find Answers: Connect with local organizations and experts to address questions and concerns.
• Foster Connections: Build relationships with fellow community members in a welcoming environment.

"Blessings in a Backpack” is a program designed to provide students on the free and reduced lunch program with enough food for three meals a day during the weekends. This program is active in Royal Oak Schools. If you agree to take part in this program during the school year, your child will receive a bag filled with food for the weekend. A bag of food will be put in your child's locker for take home on Fridays. The simple meals may include food like macaroni and cheese, beef ravioli, canned fruit, granola bars, soups, juice and other items. Students will receive a bag every week.

If you would like to have your child participate in this program, fill out the form below and mail it to the board office at 800 Devillen, Royal Oak, MI 48073, or just hit submit on this form. Please be sure to indicate on the form if you child has any food allergies. If your child has a food allergy, you as the parent are responsible for checking all food labels when the food arrives home. Royal Oak Schools, as well as Blessings in a Backpack, will not be held responsible for any accidental food allergen exposure.

Blessings in a Backpack Form

Monday

PTA Meeting 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday- Happy Valentine's Day

ROCK Bands 8:45-9:15 a.m.

Friday, February 14-Tuesday, February 18

No School

Mr. John Grzywack

john.grzywack@royaloakschools.org

4400 Mandalay Avenue, Royal Oak, MI, United States

(248) 549-4968

https://upton.royaloakschools.org/

The vision of Upton Elementary School is to inspire students to become lifelong learners.