Keeping up with Keller

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.

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!

JANUARY

*January 13: PTA Meeting @ 7:00 p.m. -- virtual

*January 16: 5th Grade Concert @ 7:00 p.m.

*January 20: No School - Holiday

*January 24: No School - End of 2nd CM/Teacher's Records Day

*January 29: Late Start for Students/Professional Development for Staff

*January 30: DK/KDG Information Night for 2025-26 Enrollment

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.

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.

🌟 MLK Jr. Day: A Day On, Not a Day Off! 🌟

Join us as we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through service! This year, we’re coming together to assemble care packages for those in need in our community. ❤️

📅 Date Due: January 16
👉 Drop off donations in the Keller lobby.

We’re collecting items like:
🧴 Toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothpaste)
🧦 Warm socks and gloves
🍫 Non-perishable snacks
✍️ Handwritten notes of encouragement

**SEE PICTURE BELOW FOR ITEMS BY GRADE LEVEL**

Let’s turn compassion into action and make a difference together. 💪✨ Whether you donate items, lend a helping hand, or spread the word, your support matters!

Let’s show that together, we can create change. 💙

#MLKDay #DayOfService #CarePackages

Join Berkley, Clawson, and Royal Oak Schools 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

Let’s come together as a #ROSCommunityofExcellence to serve and make a difference!

Royal Oak Schools District Event February 27

This event centers on African American books and authors and was established in 1990 by the Black Caucus of the National Council of Teachers of English. Please click here to learn more about this initiative and last year’s success. This year’s event will take place on Thursday, February 27th from 6-7pm. Stay tuned for more information from the district on location and details to reserve your families’ spot for the event.

Principled

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile encourages students to develop attributes that contribute to their academic and personal growth. In January, we will spotlight the IB PYP Learner Profile attribute of being “Principled.”

Official IB definition of principled: We act with integrity and honesty, a strong sense of fairness and justice, and respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.

Here are five ways parents can help encourage the principled trait at home:

1. Model Integrity: Show honesty and fairness in your actions, and explain the importance of doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
2. Encourage Accountability: Teach children to take responsibility for their actions, including admitting mistakes and making amends when necessary.
3. Discuss Values: Have open conversations about family values, fairness, and how to make ethical decisions.
4. Recognize Effort: Praise children when they show honesty, and fairness, or stand up for what is right, reinforcing these behaviors.
5. Set Clear Expectations: Create rules and routines that emphasize respect, fairness, and responsibility, and explain the reasons behind them.

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

Our second semester of Homework Club starts soon and the 2nd semester form and payment are due today, January 10, for anyone interested. Click on the button below.

Please click on the button below to check out the January edition of the English Language Development (ELD) newsletter. The ELD department serves the multilingual student population at Keller. 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.

With the recent snowfall, it’s a great time for a quick overview of our snow removal procedures to ensure safety in parking lots and sidewalks across Royal Oak Schools.

• Before the Snow Falls: When snow is imminent, our dedicated grounds crew spreads salt ahead of the weather whenever possible.

• Plowing the Parking Lots: Snow plowing begins when snowfall amounts exceed 2 inches. Plowing is generally not effective for snow amounts under 2 inches.

• Early Start for Safety: Grounds personnel are typically called in early—around 4-5 a.m.—to begin salting and clearing sidewalks to ensure safe access for students, staff, and families.

• Custodial Support: Custodians arrive at least one hour early to address building entrances and any additional areas that need attention.

• Heavy Snow Response: When snow accumulates to over 2 inches, our full plow team—consisting of grounds and maintenance personnel—works overnight to clear parking lots and sidewalks efficiently.

We appreciate the hard work of our snow removal team to keep our campuses safe and accessible for everyone!

Hi PTA friends!

Wishing Everyone a Peaceful Season and a Happy New Year!

• Our next meeting will be Virtual at 7pm on Monday, January 13th.
• Tuesday, January 14th 4-7 & Wednesday, January 15th 4-7 Talent Show Auditions - Keller Cafeteria
• Friday, January 31st Reflections Art Contest Assembly
• 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

• Spirit Wear store

• 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

JenMackenziepta@gmail.com

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. We may require in person documentation if the proofs uploaded online are not clear.

Please make sure to mark your calendar for Kindergarten Information Night on January 30, 2025, which will be in person at each elementary building, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

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.

As we approach the winter season in Michigan, it is essential for families to ensure that their children are adequately equipped for the colder weather. Whenever possible, we strive to take our students outdoors for recess, as research indicates significant long-term cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits. Additionally, outdoor activity has proven to enhance students' readiness to learn throughout the day. We generally use a threshold of 12-15 degrees (feels like temperature) as our guideline for determining whether to conduct recess indoors. However, please note that our preference is to provide opportunities for the children to be outside and active whenever possible.

*Winter gear consists of winter coats, hats, gloves/mittens, boots, & snow pants.

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

When bringing your child late to school we ask that you please bring them into the lobby and sign them in on the purple sheet. It is important to include time you are signing and if your child will be getting A or B lunch for the next day.

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

Please be aware that our after-school latchkey program uses the playgrounds each day, starting around 4 p.m. If you decide to stay on school grounds after dismissal please avoid those areas being used by the latchkey program. This will allow our staff to monitor our after-school care kids and ensure safety.

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.

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.

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.

School premises can be crowded during these busy times, with children and adults walking to and from their cars, buses, and school buildings. Riding bicycles in such confined spaces poses a risk of accidents, especially when mixed with a large volume of pedestrians.

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.

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.

*We are respectful

*We are safe and in control

*We are responsible learners

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.

Don’t forget that the highlighted monthly learner profile and weekly behavior focus is on the Google calendar (every Sunday).

Principal

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