Raven Family Resource

Dear Raven Families,

We hope that you had a great winter break, and had time to relax!

Looking forward, our semester exams are coming up soon. Please check MiStar to make sure that you are caught up with everything, and check with your teachers to make sure you are prepared for exams!

Warm regards,

ROHS Admin Team

• January 13 - Future Freshman Night/8th Grade Parent Night
• January 16 - 7pm IB Diploma Programme Informational Meeting
• January 20 - No School, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day - See information below
• January 21 - 1/2 Day of School - Semester Exams Hours 1 & 2
• January 22 - 1/2 Day of School - Semester Exams Hours 3 & 4
• January 23 - 1/2 Day of School - Semester Exams Hours 5 & 6
• January 24 - No School - Teacher Records Day

Athletics dates & events > goroathletics.org
Building Calendar link for more details.

Royal Oak Families,

In January, we will provide information regarding high school course opportunities to all 8th-grade students. If you would like to learn more about the available courses for your child next year, we invite you to attend an informational meeting hosted by our team at Royal Oak High School on Monday, January 13th, at 6:00 PM.

We look forward to meeting with you and your child to start this exciting transition to high school.

There will be an informational meeting to learn about IB Diploma Programme opportunities. All 9th and 10th grade families are invited to join us to consider scheduling options for ROHS upperclassmen. The meeting will be Thursday, January 16th at 7:00 PM in the ROHS Auditorium.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our coordinator, Leah Barnett at: leah.barnett@royaloakschools.org

Mark your calendars, semester assessments/Exams are right around the corner!

The week of January 20th marks the end of the first semester, following semester assessments/exams. On Tuesday (1/21), Wednesday (1/22), and Thursday (1/23), students will take their semester assessments/exams for their 1st/2nd, 3rd/4th, and 5th/6th period classes, respectively. Friday, January 24th, there is no school for students. The schedule for the ‘Semester Assessment Week’ is here.

Please encourage your child to communicate with their teachers on late/missing assignments. If students need to discuss their graduation plans or credit recovery options, they should schedule an appointment with their counselor through their YouCanBookMe links.

To maintain an appropriate testing environment, students must arrive no later than 8:15am to be admitted to their class to take the assessment/exam.

Also, please note that the Learning Commons is closed after school during semester assessment week. Please arrange transportation accordingly.

Semester assessment/exam week is quickly approaching! ROHS will have an adjusted schedule the week of January 20th. Please refer to the semester assessment week schedule.

Students should plan on attending ROHS on your scheduled assessment/exam period(s). You are excused from your OSTC classes. There will be no bussing to OSTC the week of semester assessments. However, you are welcome to attend if it does not interfere with your ROHS assessments, but again transportation will not be provided.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your counselor. Good luck with assessments!

Join the communities of Berkley, Clawson, and Royal Oak for the MLK Jr. Day of Service 2025 on Monday, January 20th, at Berkley High School.

Location: 2325 Catalpa, Berkley, MI 48072
Time: 9:00 – 11:30 AM

This meaningful event offers volunteer opportunities, a Freedom Walk, and donation drop-offs to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

Learn More: romi.gov/mlk

As part of the MLK Jr. Day of Service on January 20, we invite our families to join us in giving back! We are collecting donations at the school to support this important day.

🗓️ Donation Deadline: Friday, January 17
📍 Drop-Off Location: Welcome Center or Main Office

Your contributions will help make a difference for those in need and honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of service.

Donation List:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r3ILc9IrwQFEY8dCEScSUpMCnDyZyt9i/view?usp=sharing

Please check out the January edition of the English Language Development (ELD) newsletter. The ELD department serves the multilingual student population in Royal Oak. Inside you will find updates from ELD staff, information about upcoming events, and a recap of ELD students' accomplishments and activities in the month of December. Find the newsletter at the following link:

https://secure.smore.com/n/gq4nw-this-month-in-eld

Royal Oak High School Families,

We want to inform you about a new automated call system that will notify parents/guardians about student tardiness. This update is designed to keep families informed about their child’s attendance and ensure accountability for missed class time. Robocalls will be generated anytime a student misses any part of a class period. If you excused your child and know your child has scanned in after the class period has started please ignore the robocall. In every other instance please talk to your child about the tardy.

We hope this new system provides better transparency and supports your child in maintaining strong attendance habits. If you have any questions or need further clarification, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the attendance office at ext 1048 or email Crystal Jabara at crystal.jabara@royaloakschools.org.

We have been having some difficulties in our circle drive drive area at Lexington and Crooks. This is not a designated area for drop off or pick up. It is an area that our staff parks in, and because of parents parking in this area, some of our staff have not been able to park.

Please do not drop off or pick up your child in the circle drive. Please do not park and wait to drop off your child in this area. This is an area for buses only. We will be working with RO Police Officers to help reinforce this No Parking/Drop off Zone. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Your child can get dropped off at the student drop off loop off of Crooks and your child can walk directly into the school starting at 7:00 a.m., so that they don't have to wait in the cold.

We know that drop-off and pick-up can be difficult with everyone's busy schedules. With a few hundred students who are coming to and leaving school during a very short turnaround time of 10 - 15 minutes, we need to ensure safety. In order to do this in a safe and efficient manner, it is imperative that all families respect and follow the designated drop-off and pick-up location. Please see the map below.

• Attention Royal Oak Schools students! Get ready to lace up those skates and join us for FREE skating at The Rink at Royal Oak on School Skate Days!

  Here's how to claim your free skate wristband:

  Show your school ID at the skate house. For elementary students, mention what school you go to - your parent or guardian must be present to confirm.

  Here’s a listing Royal Oak Schools Free Skate Days: January 8th. January 22nd, February 5th

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

We’re thrilled to announce that Oakland ACE is getting ready for the 2025-2026 enrollment period, which opens on December 1!

To help you and your students get a head start, CLICK HERE

This year, there’s one important update: Students are strongly encouraged to enroll with ACE and be accepted to OCC by March 1, 2025, to take advantage of OCC’s priority scheduling. Priority scheduling allows students to register for courses one week earlier than other OCC students, giving busy students the best chance to lock in their ideal class times and dates. As we have in years past, we will continue to enroll students until the end of the school current school year.

Member of the National Honors Society are available for tutoring in the Learning Commons before and after school. If you need tutoring, they are there to help! See the schedule below:

• Before school - 7:00 - 7:50 a.m. - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
• After school - 3:05 - 4:00 p.m. - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

Please use the following link to register for tutoring. Please complete link at least 48 hours in advance of tutoring sessions.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScubL6q2bPM7G_blBlx9jchxFMloPc7yluxsn8ph3crQE7SyA/viewform?usp=sf_link

In our efforts to continue to keep our school community safe, Royal Oak High School is requesting that all visitors show identification before entering the building. Visitors who would like to meet with a staff member will need to have a scheduled appointment.

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, administered by the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester, 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. 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, please fill out this form. Be sure to indicate 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.

Yearbook Information:

Interested in purchasing a yearbook? The price is $80 until December 31st. Please follow the link for purchasing options:

• Yearbook Purchasing Link (links to an external site)

Parents/Guardians of Seniors:

• Senior Portraits & Senior Tributes

• Students are encouraged to schedule their Senior Portraits through Prestige Studios, located in Ferndale, MI.

• Grad Photography in Ferndale, MI | Prestige Studio by Lifetouch (links to an external site)

• If you choose to have your Senior Tributes taken somewhere else, please note that you are responsible for following our specifications and submitting the photo yourself. Information on both can be found on the PDF linked below.

• Senior Tributes are available for purchase until March 11th, 2025, but please note that we are limited in the amount of senior tributes we can include, so it is possible they will sell out sooner than the deadline!

• Senior Portrait and Tribute Information 2024.2025.pdf

Questions? Please contact Mr. Swastek! matthew.swastek@royaloakschools.org

In order for a student to join a club, there must be parent/guardian permission. Here is the Permission Slip. Please return this to your club sponsor. Questions can be sent to Daniel Russell (Daniel.Russell@royaloakschools.org).

Stay up to date on schedules at https://goroathletics.org/

The Royal Oak Athletic Boosters needs your help to support our Student-Athletes! Their is concession stand volunteer opportunities and a donation page. Please help us make the Athletic Boosters a success! Boosters Website

Check out the Fall Sports Recap! https://www.royaloakschools.org/whats_new/fall_2024_sports_wrap

Questions? Contact our Director of Athletics and Activities, Mr. Russell (daniel.russell@royaloakschools.org)

ROHS CANVAS COMMUNITY PAGE

Royal Oak High School has created an ROHS Canvas Community page/course. This page houses different resources which includes, but is not limited to support contacts, wellness resources, career and testing information, scholarships and counseling information. Canvas works in conjunction with MiStar. On your student’s schedule you’ll notice it’s 10th period. Students do not need to do anything for this page/course. It is another way to give students the resources that they need.

MICHIGAN MEALS PROGRAM

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.

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 funding uses free and reduced-price eligibility.

MISTAR GRADEBOOK

As a reminder, MiStar is the official gradebook and Parent(s)/Guardian(s) can go to the MiStar Parent Portal to see up-to-date grades for their child. If you have any questions about your child's progress or would like to meet with your child's teacher, please connect with them directly to schedule a conference time. (ROHS Staff Directory)

ECF DISTRICT PROVIDED CHROMEBOOKS

Parent(s)/Guardian(s) can complete the ECF Chromebook Request Form in order to get a Chromebook for their child. This form is for students that are new to the district or students who did not previously opt to request a district chromebook.

Please make sure to read the request/commitment form carefully. Chromebooks will be delivered to ROHS toward the end of each week. Visit the District Technology Website for additional information and support. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Hermon (Amy.Hermon@royaloakschools.org)

Consistent attendance at school is directly connected with your child's academic success. We understand that there are times when students need to be absent. We ask that parents/guardians notify the school on each day a student is absent.

The parent/guardian must call the Attendance Office at 248-435-8500 (press 1) by 1:30 p.m. each day of their child’s absence and provide any necessary documentation (e.g., medical documentation). Voicemail is available for messages if no one is available to take your call.

Please keep in mind that excessive absences will lead to a referral to Royal Oak Youth Assistance or our School Truancy Officer. Notices will be automatically generated and sent digitally.

For your child to have medication in school, a Request for Dispensing Medication Form along with your child's medication, clearly labeled must be provided to the Main Office for ANY medication your child may use while in attendance at ROHS. The Dispensing Medication Form must be fully completed. A signature from your child's physician is required. This form must also be filled out for over the counter medication(s). Students are not permitted to carry medication on them without a form on file with the Main Office.

If the medication label does not clearly provide instructions for dispensing, a physician's order must accompany the form. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to the ROHS Main Office at (248) 435-8500.

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 the following link for more download information. https://www.royaloakschools.org/quick_links/royal_oak_schools_app

ROMS has some new parking and traffic flow procedures. Please see the following link for details:

https://secure.smore.com/n/ed34w-bulldog-bulletin

If your child missed Freshman Orientation they should stop by the Learning Commons before or after school to pick up their new device. Please have them bring their old device to exchange for the new one. Mrs. Hermon will be taking their old chromebook and checking out a new one to your child. Please have them bring their old chromebook and charger with them. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Hermon (Amy.Hermon@royaloakschools.org)

Abbie Stys - Counselor (A-E)

Abbie.Stys@royaloakschools.org

Erin Boedeker - Counselor (F-K)

Erin.Boedeker@royaloakschools.org

Chloe Beerer - Counselor (L-Ri)

Chloe.Beerer@royaloakschools.org

Noah Szymanski - Counselor (Rj-Z)

Noah.Szymanski@royaloakschools.org

Emily Wade - Special Education Social Worker

Emily.Wade@royaloakschools.org

Clarisa Ceaser - Special Education Social Worker

Clarisa.Ceaser@royaloakschools.org

Alonda Fletcher - General Education Social Worker

Alonda.Fletcher@royaloakschools.org

SENIORS: It's FAFSA Time!

The FAFSA became live on December 1st. If you have not done so already, create a FSA ID to prepare for FAFSA completion. HERE is information on how to create an FSA ID.

FINANCIAL AID & SCHOLARSHIPS

Class of 2025 Students and Families: Please review our Financial Aid Newsletter for important resources. Please let your counselor know if you have any questions.

Oakland Schools Technical Campus (OSTC) Program Opportunities

OSTC Program Exploration (multiple dates)

OSTC Open House (1/16/25)

OSTC-NE (Pontiac) Information Night (1/23/25)

Accelerated College Experience (ACE) Open House Events (for current 10th graders & families)

We’re thrilled to announce that Oakland ACE 2025-2026 enrollment period is now open! Here's a flyer about upcoming information events. There will also be an informational meeting for students and parents/guardians in the Learning Commons at 6pm on Wednesday, January 22nd.

OSTC STUDENTS and FAMILIES

Semester assessment/exam week is quickly approaching! ROHS will have an adjusted schedule the week of January 20th. Please refer to the semester assessment week schedule.

Students should plan on attending ROHS on your scheduled assessment/exam period(s). You are excused from your OSTC classes. There will be no bussing to OSTC the week of semester assessments. However, you are welcome to attend if it does not interfere with your ROHS assessments, but again transportation will not be provided. If you have any questions, please reach out to your counselor. Good luck with assessments!

SUMMER PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

Summer program opportunities for high school students are rolling into our inboxes. A summer program list has been created for students and families to explore the options available for summer 2025. This list will be updated as new opportunities are shared so please look back frequently!

SENIOR NEWSLETTER

Class of 2025 students and parents/guardians: please review our Senior Newsletter for important information regarding postsecondary planning. Much of this information will be needed to successfully complete college applications.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT RESOURCES

Please take a look at our Academic Support Resources if your child could benefit from either group, one on one, or online support options.

More information available on Canvas ROHS 2025 Page

Mental Health & Wellness Resources

• Royal Oak Youth Assistance

• Oakland Family Services

• Common Ground

• Teen Yellow Book

• Oakland Schools Health/Wellness/Crisis Resources

• Oakland Community Health Network

DECEMBER AWARENESS DAYS

December 10: HUMAN RIGHTS DAY!

December is the month to recognize the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly on December 10, 1948.

The month is a time to:

• Appreciate the basic rights that should be granted to all people

• Stand up for the rights and dignity of all individuals

• Talk about hard subjects like racism and economic inequality

• Spread the word about the importance of treating everyone with respect, dignity, and kindness

How can you celebrate Human Rights Day? For more information, please take a look at the United Nations website.

https://www.un.org/en/observances/human-rights-day

https://www.un.org/en/about-us/universal-declaration-of-human-rights

Test Preparation Opportunities

ROHS PTSA

We recognize that family and community support are integral to our success. This is why we encourage you to join the Royal Oak High School Parent-Teacher-Student Association!

• Canvas Access Instructions
• Raven Haven School Store
• ROS Music Department Updates
• ROHS Guardian Tech Resources
• Special Education Department Website

OK2SAY REPORTING
>>Call 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729)
>>Text to 652729 (OK2SAY)
>>Email OK2SAY (OK2SAY@mi.gov)
>>Visit the website (https://www.michigan.gov/ok2say)

STUDENT RO ACCOUNTS
>>Click here for email access instructions
>>Students are encouraged to change their passwords. They can use this link to do so.
>>Links for ParentPortal and StudentPortal

Please see the following directions on how to reset the MiStar Student Connect or MiStar Parent/Guardian Connect password.