Dear Northwood Family,

Happy Friday and Happy March! While we still have some weeks to go, it's starting to feel like spring outside. Just a reminder that students need to wear a coat if it is below 50 degrees.

Thank you so much to our PTA and all volunteers for the fantastic Disability Awareness Workshop for fourth graders this week. We are also excited about the Science Olympiad tonight!

March is Reading Month and we will have lots of special activities this month to celebrate. See more information below.

Next Wednesday, 3/12, is a Late Start Wednesday when staff is participating in professional learning (first bell 9:20 am).

Have a fantastic weekend!

Warmly,

Molly Bascom-Keller, Ed.S.

Northwood Elementary Principal

March 7: Tornado Drill / PTA Science Olympiad 6:30 pm

March 10: PTA 7:00 pm

March 12: Late Start First Bell 9:20 am

March 15: RO St. Patrick's Day Parade - Student Senate

March 17-21: Spirit Week Fundraiser

March 19: Late Start First Bell 9:20 am

March 19-21: Scholastic Book Fair

March 21: World Down Syndrome Day - Rock Your Socks Schoolwide

March 26: Late Start First Bell 9:20 am

March 31-April 4 No School - Spring Break

Late Start Wednesdays

• 2024-25 Late Starts: September 11, 18, 25; October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 13, 20; December 11, 18; January 29; February 5, 26; March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 23, 30; May 7, 14
• On Late Start Wednesdays, professional learning is taking place for staff.

• First bell for students is at 9:20 AM, second bell 9:25 AM.

• Homework Club: 8:20-9:20 AM, only for students who are signed up. Students enter through the main office. Homework Club Form

• Breakfast Club: Student can be dropped off anytime from 8:55-9:10 AM - free and no sign up necessary. Students enter through the main office.

Non-Late Start Wednesdays: Northwood Nests

• On many non-late start Wednesdays, we have our Northwood Nests meetings!
• Students are in multi-aged groups led by a staff member to work on our OAKS positive behavior expectations and character traits.
• See our PBIS section below for more information.

This week, Northwood 4th graders participated in the Disability Awareness Workshop (DAW). In 1998, the Disability Awareness Workshop (DAW) program was developed out of a desire to teach the community, especially young children, how people who have a disability are affected on a daily basis by their challenges and differences. Since then, thousands of volunteers have supported the effort, making it possible for more than 220,000 participants to experience this fun and engaging hands-on learning opportunity.

Students learned from hands-on activity stations, including:

• Adaptive Equipment
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing
• Fine Motor Impairment
• Gross Motor Impairment
• Learning About Braille
• Learning Differences
• Speech Impairment
• Vision Impairment

Our PTA has kicked off a group order for these fun and colorful t-shirts for Autism Acceptance Month in April and anytime!

T-shirts will be personalized for us on the sleeve with:

Northwood Elementary

Autism Acceptance

#CelebrateDifferences

If you would like to order a t-shirt for Fridays in April (or anytime), you can order via the link. T-shirts come in child and adult sizes and are $9.50/each when you use the promo code HELLO10. Orders must be placed by Thursday, 3/13! Any questions, please reach out to Jessica Mazzola jessicamazzola1@gmail.com.

USPBL Reading Program

Northwood will be participating in the USPBL Reading Program again this year for March Reading Month! The USPBL Reading Program is an incentive based program that is designed to encourage students to read more. Teachers have created reading goals for the reading month of March. When the students crush their goals, they will be rewarded with a free ticket to a USPBL baseball game at Jimmy John's Baseball Stadium! Students will be bringing home more information from their teachers.

Drop Everything and Read School-wide

Monday, March 10

Thursday, March 20

We have lots of guest readers this month, from parents to district staff to special visitors to students!

This month, all of our 5th grade classrooms are participating in the Justice 101 Program, which gives them the opportunity to learn about our local justice system and visit our local court and police station.

What is the Justice 101 Program?

Children in elementary schools in Royal Oak and Berkley are given the opportunity to learn about the court system and to visit the court for a tour and observe open court. On Tuesdays throughout the school year, Judge Meinecke visits elementary school classes to speak with the children about the different levels and functions of the judiciary, to explain legal terminology, to alert them to the dangers of giving in to peer pressure, and to prepare them for their visit to the courthouse the next day. On Wednesday mornings the children are given a tour of the courthouse including the judge's chambers. They observe open court with some of the children getting to sit in the jury box. At the conclusion of the court session the judge discusses with them what they observed and why it is important to them. The children they walk over to the Royal Oak police department for a tour and discussion.

Dear 5th Grade Families,

As we prepare to welcome your child to Royal Oak Middle School next year, we want to ensure their transition to 6th grade is a positive and engaging experience. One of the key opportunities for our incoming students is a "camp" experience designed to foster connections, teamwork, and confidence as they enter middle school.

We would love your input on what you feel this experience should include! Please take a few minutes to complete the survey linked below to share your thoughts and preferences. Your feedback will help us design a meaningful and memorable experience for our future Bulldogs.

Future Bulldogs "Camp Experience" Survey

The survey will remain open until April 1st, and we truly appreciate your time and insights. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out at kristin.meldrum@ royaloakschools.org.

Thank you for your partnership—we can't wait to welcome your student to ROMS!

Thank you,
Kristin Meldrum
Principal, Royal Oak Middle School

Northwood Girls on the Run

Wednesdays & Fridays 3:45-5:00pm

Northwood Elementary

Click the button below to register. See the flier below for details about the program. Families can also contact the South Oakland YMCA and register over the phone. Their number is (248) 547-0030. The YMCA does offer payment plans and financial assistance to any families that may need it. Please feel free to reach out with any questions.

Every year on March 21, people all around the world come together to celebrate World Down Syndrome Day by wearing brightly colored, fun, or mismatched socks. March 21 is symbolic because people with Down syndrome have 3 copies of their 21st chromosome. Socks were chosen because the karyotype of Ds chromosomes actually looks like mismatched socks!

Northwood will be joining other schools, businesses, and organizations around the world in celebrating World Down Syndrome Day. Together we will create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion, and well-being of people with Down syndrome in our schools, community, and around the world. 3/21, World Down Syndrome Day, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which is Down syndrome.

Our Spirit Week Fundraiser will benefit GiGi's Playhouse Detroit: Click here to learn about their mission, programs, and an opportunity to donate.

Title: Mae Among the Stars

Author: Roda Ahmed

Illustrator: Stasia Burrington

A great read-aloud, Mae Among the Stars is the perfect book for young readers who have big dreams and even bigger hearts. Mae Among the Stars is inspired by the story of Mae Jemison, the first African American woman to travel into space.

When Little Mae was a child, she dreamed of dancing in space. She imagined herself surrounded by billions of stars, floating, gliding, and discovering. She wanted to be an astronaut. Her mom told her, "If you believe it, and work hard for it, anything is possible.”

Little Mae’s curiosity, intelligence, and determination, matched with her parents' encouraging words, paved the way for her incredible success at NASA as the first African American woman to travel in space. This book will inspire other young girls to reach for the stars, to aspire for the impossible, and to persist with childlike imagination.

Starting in March, we will once again be participating in the Kids Heart Challenge. Over the past ten years we've participated, Northwood has raised over $100,000 for the American Heart Association. This program empowers students to improve their own lives while positively impacting others. The goal is to cultivate the next generation of lifesavers by teaching the Hands-Only CPR and the warning signs of a stroke. Additionally, the challenge promotes heart-healthy living.

Let the games begin, Heart Heroes! Kids Heart Challenge is here and it’s better than ever! Sign up TODAY to get started on Finn’s Mission - refresh your Hands-Only CPR skills and learn the warning signs of a stroke. Every student who completes Finn’s Mission will earn their very own Heart Hero Cape!

Help Save Lives with These Simple Steps:

• Download the FREE AHA Schools App for Apple or Android and click on “Register Now” then scroll down to join your school's team.

• Next, click on “send a text today” to easily reach friends & family!
• OR click HERE. and choose “Sign Up” to get started.

BONUS incentives for students this year:

• Any student who raises $250, will be given an extra 1-hour gym class.
• The student who raises the most money will have the gym named after them on a banner

Thank you for being an essential part of the Kids Heart Challenge, supporting our school and the American Heart Association. Every step you take helps save lives. Let’s make a powerful positive impact together!

Arrival and dismissal are very busy times for everyone. It’s critical that we all follow the rules to keep everyone safe and to keep traffic flowing. If you would like to volunteer from 8:15-8:30 AM and/or 3:15-3:30 PM to help with arrival/dismissal, please let the office know. Please share the following important information with anyone who will be driving your child to or from school. Thank you for working together with us as a school family to keep all of our students safe!

DROP OFF / PICK UP LANE

Do not park along the curb and leave your vehicle

Kiss & Go Lane (along the front of the building - See photo): For quick drop-off of students who can walk independently to their doors, please pull into the Kiss & Go lane along the curb in front of the building. This is a moving lane for drop-off and pick-up (no parking). If there is a line, we appreciate your patience. Thank you for your cooperation!

• Pull all the way forward, allow your child to exit on the passenger side of the vehicle, and move forward to exit. Your child will walk to their class door.
• For pickup, your child will exit their class door and come to the lane to look for your vehicle. Please do not pull in front of your child's class door to wait, as this impedes the line and causes a backup.
• If you need to exit your vehicle, please find a parking spot. This will keep things moving, which is safest and most efficient for everyone.
• Please do not let your child exit your vehicle in the driveway or thru lane and try to walk between moving cars. The children’s safety is the priority.
  

PARKING

Parking: If you need to leave your car for any reason, please find a parking spot.

• We have 2 visitor lots you can use: front lot and north lot.
• You may park and walk your students to and from their class door.
• If you would like to park on the street, please consider parking on a side street other than McDonald, due to traffic.
• Please do not pick up or drop off in the Staff/Bus Lot. This lot is for staff parking and a bus lane only. Thank you for your understanding.
• Blue disability parking spaces are for those with permits only by state law.

OPTIONS TO AVOID TRAFFIC

• Carpool
• Walk/bike (students must wear helmets and walk bikes on school property)
• Breakfast: Drop your child off early at the main office doors for free breakfast anytime between 7:55-8:10 AM (8:55-9:10 on Late Starts).
• Drop off or pick up your child where there are adult crossing guards at either the Crooks or 12 Mile Rd Crosswalks.
  
• Drop off or pick up your 3rd-5th grader off at W. Houstonia/McDonald or W. Houstonia/Vinsetta. Safety patrol students are at the W. Houstonia/McDonald crosswalk.

WALKING & BIKING

• These are great options and decrease traffic.
• Adults and students should remain on sidewalks and cross at crosswalks only.
• Students must wear a helmet.
• All bikes must be walked on school property.
• Please do not stand or park bikes in the Kiss & Go lane.
• New Crosswalk! We have a new crosswalk from the front of the building to McDonald on the north side of the driveway. By pedestrians using that crosswalk, vehicles will now be able to turn left and exit the lot more efficiently, which should alleviate the line.
• Dogs are not allowed.

WHEN STUDENTS ARRIVE

As students arrive, they are expected to join their class line and wait patiently for the first bell to ring at 8:20 AM (9:20 on late start Wednesdays) when classes enter the building. Students are not supervised by staff outside before school begins, so shouldn't be dropped off early without supervision. On school grounds, students should always be following school rules and expectations, including safety, respect, and kindness.

ARRIVING LATE AFTER 8:25 AM

If your child is arriving after the second bell at 8:25 AM (9:25 on Late Starts), please park in a parking spot (not along the curb) and walk your child in. You will sign your child in on the clipboard in the vestibule. Your child will enter the office to get a late pass from the office and head to class.

Royal Oak Schools is pleased to welcome children and their families to kindergarten. Kindergarten enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year begins on Monday, February 3, 2025. District-wide enrollment for all kindergarten programs, including Developmental Kindergarten, is processed through our Central Enrollment Office. All enrollments into Royal Oak Schools are done online. Documents uploaded should be in PDF format and legibly. 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.

• 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.

Schools of Choice applications for the 25/26 school year will be accepted March 10th-April 8th, 2025.

The application link will be available on the district webpage starting on March 10th at 9am.

Click this link for a flowchart to see if Schools of Choice applies to your family

The children go outside for fresh air and robust active play every day for lunchtime recess. At times there will be extreme weather or extremely cold conditions that prohibit children from being outdoors for recess. As a general rule, when the "feels like" temperature approaches 12 degrees we consider keeping students in, however this guideline is subject to the administrators discretion. Some other factors considered include, but are not limited to, the presence of sunshine and the strength of the wind.

It is very helpful when kids come to school prepared to dress for all possible weather, and it's important that students come to school daily with appropriate outdoor gear. In the winter, that includes coats, hats & gloves, snow pants, and boots. When there is snow on the ground, we ask that students wear snow pants and boots to play on the field, in order to avoid wet, cold pants and shoes.

Winter Guidelines

• Outdoor gear brought daily - Winter: coats, hats & gloves, snow pants, boots
• Outdoor recess daily, unless windchill 12 degrees or below
• Snow pants and boots required to play on the field when it is snowy
• No throwing snow or snowballs at school - including before and after school
• If it is below 50 degrees, coats are required

If your family needs help providing outdoor gear, please reach out to the school. Thank you for your support keeping our students warm and protected during outdoor play!

Last year, Mrs. Guthrie headed up an initiative to collect over 200 lbs of colored plastic and worked with Belle Isle to have it turned into a bench. She is hoping to do it again!

Families can help by collecting colored plastic caps & lids and sending them in. Please make sure they are clean and drop them in the container located in the front office vestibule. Some examples are caps and lids from Tide, peanut butter, Gatorade, pop, milk, etc. Please see the list for all acceptable plastics. Thank you in advance for your help with this amazing project!

Our staff works so hard everyday focusing on our students and school community. If you would like to say thank you to any staff member, please fill out and submit the form linked below. I will be sure they get your messages, which I know will make their day!

Thanks to the Michigan School Meals Program, a state-funded program that allows all students to receive meals at no cost for the 2024-2025 school year, breakfast and lunch will be free to all students. Second meals are not free and will be considered ala carte. Elementary school second lunches will be charged $2.60.

Although all students can receive meals at no cost, it is still vital that eligible families fill out a free/reduced meal application: A school’s eligibility for federal Child Nutrition Programs such as Summer Food Service Program and others is based on free and reduced-price eligibility. Students and families may qualify for other program fee reductions based on their eligibility for free or reduced-price meals. Federal and state education finding uses free and reduced-price eligibility.

Please complete the 2024-2025 online application on our website under Free and Reduced Meals Information. Paper applications will be sent out this month and available at the district office and in all schools in August.

If your child is coming for Breakfast Club any time this year, they should arrive between 7:55-8:10 AM (8:55-9:10 AM on late start Wednesdays) and enter through the Main doors only. If a family member needs to enter the school to walk their child down to breakfast, the adult will need to sign into the office to enter the building and sign back out when leaving. Thanks so much!

Food Service Information and Menus

“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. 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.. 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.

Check out our student news broadcasts: NBS Broadcast!

Our Northwood Student Senate supports classrooms, participates in events, and has fundraisers to benefit a specially chosen non-profit yearly. This year's fundraisers will benefit Camp Casey. Camp Casey is a non-profit organization that provides cost-free horseback riding programs to children with cancer, sickle cell disease, and other life-threatening illnesses. For more information, see the Camp Casey website.

The Northwood Student Senate will be participating in the Royal Oak St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 15. All student senators must have an adult chaperone at the event that will walk with them in the parade - this is not a drop off event. Mr. Doody sent information home with senators. Other family members and pets are welcome, along with bikes and wagons! Meet at ROMS at 11:30 am. The parade starts at noon and will travel south on Washington Ave, then westbound on 7th street. Student Senate will be provided green sunglasses and a necklace. Feel free to deck out in green!

The Northwood PTA sends out a weekly newsletter to keep families informed about important school announcements, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to connect with our community on social media. We also share how you can support Northwood when shopping locally. Our goal is to reach as many Northwood families as possible, so please help us spread the word!

There are two ways to receive the newsletter:

1. Join the PTA and automatically receive the newsletter: northwood.givebacks.com/store

2. Sign up without joining the PTA: northwood.givebacks.com/join/cecb14

Questions? Contact Kristen Borchardt-Mazur (kristen.borchardt@gmail.com)

Join the Northwood Elementary Official PTA Facebook group to stay up-to-date on PTA events and see what's happening at Northwood.

Grade-level groups: This is your place to connect with other families or ask grade-specific questions.

• Northwood Kindergarten 2024-2025
• Northwood First Grade 2024-2025
• Northwood Second Grade 2024-2025
• Northwood Third Grade 2024-2025
• Northwood Fourth Grade 2024-2025
• Northwood Fifth Grade 2024-2025

To join our groups, all membership questions must be answered. You will be added to the group once your information is approved with the district.

Help the Northwood PTA fundraise by linking your Kroger Shopper's Card to our organization! It's easy to do & it's free. Just follow the directions below & the PTA will earn extra funding. Thanks so much!

1. Create or sign in to your digital account

2. Link your Card to an organization: Select: Northwood PTA and click "Save"

Collecting Box Tops is a great way for Northwood to earn money. Northwood earns 10¢ for every box top collected. Download the app and start scanning your receipts to earn money for Northwood!

National PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. For 125 years, PTA has worked with school communities and decision makers to solve the toughest problems in our nation’s history. PTA is a nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

National PTA Position Statements outline the opinion, will or intent of National PTA to address national problems, situations or concerns that affect children and youth. National PTA Resolutions serve to formalize and focus the positions of the organization and are an important part of the association's advocacy work. National PTA considers resolutions each year at our annual convention.

National PTA Advocacy

National PTA Positions and Resolutions

Please click the link for special education news and information. Check it often as it is being updated regularly. Special Education Program

The Royal Oak Parent Advocacy Committee (ROPAC) is our school district's Parent Advisory Committee - a group made up of parents/caregivers of students with IEPs or 504 Plans, those that want to learn more, those that think their student may benefit from special education services. ROPAC sincerely welcomes any parent or caregiver with a student(s) in Royal Oak schools to join us in our mission to make this a destination for students receiving special education services. Learn more about the ROPAC here: ROPAC Info Flyer. To join our mailing list for meeting reminders and other updates, complete this quick form: ROPAC Email List

If you have students currently enrolled in the program you will be contacted directly by the Young Oaks Coordinator. Any families interested in the program can use the link below for information about the program.

Young Oaks Latchkey

Our Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) program at Northwood uses the acronym of O.A.K.S to promote positive behavior throughout our building. Our O.A.K.S. program serves as a reminder to our students that they are to be:

Outstanding Learners

Always Respectful

Kindness Counts

Safety First

Following is our Northwood Behavior Expectations & Character Traits Matrix, which focuses on expectations for all of the areas of our school. Teachers and staff emphasize this daily and we also have monthly "Nest" meetings to work on OAKS expectations and being role models and leaders at school. One of the tools we may use if a student has a behavior challenge is a "Think Time Sheet", which allows the student to think about their behavior, consider how it relates to OAKS expectations, and most importantly reflect on how they can grow from the experience and make better choices in the future. These forms go home to communicate with families and foster positive conversations about our OAKS expectations for positive behavior. Thank you so much for your support at home to reinforce these important expectations and traits!

• Positive Parenting Tips for children of all ages
• Child Development Basics & Effective Parenting Practices

Parents, family members, and caregivers can encourage mental wellness and promote social,

emotional, and academic success. Good mental health is not simply the absence of illness, but also

includes skills necessary to cope with life’s challenges.

Oakland County Health Network Resources:

• OCHN’s non-emergency behavioral health access department is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. at 248-464-6363.
• OCHN’s Mental Health School Navigators (MHSN) connect youth and families to behavioral health and substance use supports, as well as financial assistance. For more information about the School Mental Health Navigator Program please call 248-462-6294 or email SchoolNavigator@oaklandchn.org
• Call 988 for Crisis and Emergency Support
• Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at oaklandchn.org

• Parent Guidance for Healthy Screen Habits
• Communication Tips & Milestones from Birth to Age 5

All absences should be called in to the Safety Check number. Absences that are not reported are considered unexcused.

Safety Check number: 248-541-0229 option #1

If your child forgets items at home, we ask that only essential items be brought up to school. Please do not drop off nonessential items. We do not want to interrupt teaching and student learning, unless it is essential. If you need to drop off an essential forgotten item for your child, please enter the main doors, put it on the table, and leave a note with your child’s name and teacher. The office staff will check the table periodically and let the class teacher know there is something for the child in the office. If you are dropping off something for the office, like medication, a form, or other important information, please proceed to the office door and our office staff is happy to help.

Essential item examples - OK to drop off

• Backpack

• Lunch

• Medication - Take into office secretary

Note: Students can get a hot lunch if a lunch is forgotten, and water fountains are available throughout the school if a water bottle is forgotten.

Nonessential item examples - Please do NOT drop off

• Homework - Turn in next school day

• Library Books - Turn in next school day

• Recess Items

• Theme items for special days (pajamas, tiaras & hats, stuffed animals, other): While it is disappointing when items are forgotten on special theme days, it happens. Fortunately, there are many special days and more opportunities to remember to bring or wear special items. We do not want to interrupt instruction during the school day, unless it is necessary. Thank you so much for understanding!

In our efforts to continue to keep our school community safe, anyone visiting the school will need to check in with office staff from the vestibule. Any parent, caregiver, or adult entering into the school for any reason, including PTA and classroom volunteering, will need to sign in at the office and get a visitor’s badge. Visitors who would like to meet with a staff member will need to have a scheduled appointment. Thank you!

Our Lost & Found is located in the office vestibule, just inside the main entrance. Please label your child's items so we can help get them back to students. Please check our lost & found regularly, as it builds up quickly. Thank you!

In consideration of your own child and others, please do not send a child who is ill to school. As a guideline, a child should not be sent to school if the child:

• has a temperature (a child MUST be fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication)
• is vomiting (24 hours since last episode) or has diarrhea
• has green or yellow discharge from the nose
• has any contagious disease

Students are allowed to possess electronic communication devices on school property; however, such devices shall not be used during the school day or in a manner that disrupts school activities or events. If brought to school, these items should be left in the student’s locker. This includes but is not limited to the following: smart phones, smart watches, bluetooth earbuds, tablets, etc. Any device found to be used for any illegal purpose or used in a manner that violates the Student Code of Conduct may be confiscated pending a parent conference. Where appropriate, police authorities may be contacted. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices.

Northwood Student Handbook, page 9

If your student needs to bring an electronic communication device to school please make certain they understand that it must be kept in their locker and they may not text, call, watch videos, etc. on their device during the school day.Thank you so much for your support with this important issue!

Students should not bring toys, trading cards, and other similar items to school. These items are very distracting and disruptive. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken personal items. Please see Northwood Student Handbook, page 14:

Personal Items

Students’ personal items that should not be brought to school include anything of great value. Other items that should not be brought to school include electronics that are potentially disruptive to the classroom, toys or other distracting items, trading cards or other items with numerous loose pieces, and any other items that are not directly used in the classroom for instructional purposes.

Classrooms: Do not send snacks containing peanuts or tree nuts.

Lunch Room: There is a separate table for any students with nut allergies.

Class Parties: If party donations are requested, do not send items that have peanuts or tree nuts.

• Halloween - If you send in goodies to be sent home, do not include any food items.
• Valentine's Day - If you send in goodies to be sent home, do not include any food items.

Birthdays: Do not send food or beverages as birthday treats.

Student Report Cards are available 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.

Students K-5 take i-Ready reading and math diagnostic assessments three times per year to enhance our understanding of them as learners and to help inform our instructional decisions. Your student's results report from each testing period will be uploaded into the MiStar Parent Portal under "Student Documents", along with report cards. To access the parent portal, go to royaloakschools.org, click on "Parents/Guardians" on the menu bar, and then click on "MISTAR Parent Portal." Please use the login assistance links if you need help logging in. Understanding Your Student's i-Ready Diagnostic Report includes helpful information for you as you review your child's reports.

At Northwood we take pride in making sure we have a kind, caring, environment. Our parents & families 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.

If you need information or technology support for your student's district-issued Chromebook, click the link below.

Stay in touch with Royal Oak Schools by downloading our new mobile app! Download on your mobile device today and select 'yes' to receive push notifications with the latest news and updates from the District. Use this link for more download information.

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!

Are your children safe while online? Michigan families, especially minors, are becoming inundated with advertisements from alcohol, tobacco, pornography, illegal drugs and gambling marketers through different internet and cell phone inboxes. Thankfully, the State of Michigan offers a free program to stop adult advertisements from reaching e-mails, text messages, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Discord, TikTok, Twitch and Twitter. The Michigan Child Protection Registry, is a free do-not-contact service for Michigan’s families and can be located at www.ProtectMIChild.com.

Protecting your children online is extremely important. You can sign your entire family up for the Registry and inform your friends and colleagues about how they can protect children and families from unwanted adult advertising. To sign up, it only takes a few seconds. Just go to www.ProtectMIChild.com and keep your family safe.

According to BeSMARTforKids.org:

• Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teens.

• Every year, nearly 360 children in the US under the age of 18 gain access to a firearm and unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else.

• More than 700 children living in America die by gun suicide every year, and secure storage can play a crucial role in preventing those deaths.

• 3/4 of school shooters acquired their firearm from the home of a parent or close relative.

Michigan State Police has provided Royal Oak Schools free gun locks to distribute to families or staff members. If you have unsecured weapons in your home, please help to keep our children safe by stopping by the main office at your child's school or the District Administrative Offices at 800 DeVillen, Royal Oak, to pick up a free gun lock.

Royal Oak Schools is inviting community members to join Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick and Royal Oak High School seniors for a special lunch event, Soup & Salad with the Super, on Friday, March 7, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Leo Mahany/Harold Meininger Senior Center (3500 Marais, Royal Oak).

This free event is an opportunity for senior community members to enjoy a warm meal while engaging in meaningful conversations with the district’s leadership and students. Guests will be served a delicious lunch featuring two kinds of soup, salad, bread, and cookies.

Royal Oak Schools values building connections between students, educators, and the broader community. This gathering is designed to foster engagement, encourage discussion, and strengthen relationships across generations.

Interested attendees can sign up in person at the senior center, call 248-246-3900, or register online using the following link: https://forms.gle/JueR8VzvQ6a9rKRD7.

Please take notice that the Sexual Education Advisory Board of the Royal Oak Schools, will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, from 5:00-6:oo PM and Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 6:00-7:00 PM to allow community members to review and comment on the proposed changes to the 4th and 5th grade sexual health curriculum. The meetings will take place at the Royal Oak Schools District Administration Offices, 800 DeVillen, Royal Oak, MI.

Northwood Elementary School will provide higher-level learning opportunities for all students to maximize their potential in a safe, nurturing, respectful, and diverse environment.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that Northwood is a Michigan Green School at the Evergreen level? We not only recycle, but our students compost their food scraps, trays, napkins, and milk cartons in our cafeteria every day!

Molly Bascom-Keller, Ed.S.

Northwood Elementary Principal

Email Principal Bascom-Keller

Northwood Elementary School Website

Northwood's Facebook Page