Raven Family Resource

Dear Raven Families,

Thanks to everyone for a productive week of State Testing. We commend our students for their dedication and effort during the assessments. We had the opportunity to visit several classrooms and observed students thoughtfully considering their answers, taking the necessary time, and striving to complete each assessment. Next week, students in grades 9 and 10 will participate in the NWEA assessments, while 11th grade students will take the M-STEP assessment. Please see below for additional details.

Warmly,

ROHS Admin Team

• April 11 - ROJAM - Churchill Community High School, 7:00 p.m.
• April 11 - School Year 25-26 Schedule Requests Review - MIStar Parent Portal Opens at 8 am
• April 15 & 16 - 9th and 10th grade - NWEA / 11th grade - M-Step
• April 18 - No school for staff and students
• April 25-27 - Drama Performance -"Our Town" - see information below
• April 28 - May 2 - UMatter week - see information below

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

Dear ROHS Families,

Starting today and continuing until April 21 at 3 p.m., you are invited to review the course selections that your child has submitted for the 2025–2026 academic year. If you and your child are satisfied with these selections, no further action is required. However, should you have any concerns, questions, or need to request changes, please reach out to your child’s counselor at the high school. It is important to note that there will not be an additional opportunity to review schedules or make changes after this period. For instructions on how to access your child's course requests, please CLICK HERE.

Sincerely,

ROHS Counseling Department

In alignment with the MI Safe Start Plan, all schools are required to implement a universal screener for every student to evaluate their mental health and overall well-being. This initiative will enable us to identify students in need of appropriate interventions and referrals to external services. It is important to note that universal screeners are intended for informational purposes only and do not provide a diagnosis. All ROHS students will have the opportunity to participate in the Spring wellness screener during the school day on Monday, April 21. If you wish to opt your child out of the screener, please click the following link https://forms.gle/rnfNjtXzShtjqysV7 by Thursday, April 17.

If you have additional questions please contact Alonda Fletcher via email at alonda.fletcher@royaloakschools.org

From Monday, April 14 to Friday, April 30, Royal Oak High School’s HOSA club will be holding a glasses drive. We are accepting all types of glasses (prescription, reading, sunglasses, blue light, etc.). These donations will be sent to the Lions Club organization, which works to help the millions of people in low income countries who lack access to basic eye care services. The second hour class with the greatest number of donations wins cookies or cupcakes from The Mom That Bakes, the class can choose! Donations can be sent with your student, dropped off in the attendance office, or the student service center.

Email Mrs. Harris with any questions

georgette.harris@royaloakschools.org

Thank you,

ROHS HOSA club

13 Mile is under construction from Woodward to Crooks. This road construction may affect transporting your child to and from school. As this construction progresses, there will be no left turns allowed at Coolidge, Benjamin, Durham or Crooks. Please see more details at:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TFgfG2q4EqQyE3c9Kzf_NfnpUBk4xWSD/view?usp=sharing

Please also see the picture below.

We had a great first week of testing. Thank you to all the families and students for taking the time to review the new schedule and complete your virtual assignments.

Next week, we will be administering the MSTEP and NWEA assessments. Please be aware that we will follow our regular school day schedule throughout the week. See below for more details.

MSTEP - 11th grade students:

Tuesday, April 15th: Last Names A - L will be testing during 1st-3rd hours. Following testing, students will go to 4th hour or A lunch.

Wednesday, April 16th: Last Names M - Z will be testing during 1st-3rd hours. Following testing, students will go to 4th hour or A lunch.

*Students will be notified of testing room locations via email from Mrs. Karaszewski

NWEA - 9th and 10th grade students:

April 15th and April 16th: Students will be taking the NWEA in their Math and English classrooms

NOTE:

• REVIEW: 2025 Testing Schedule

• REVIEW: What to Bring/What Not to Bring

• REVIEW: Royal Oak District Electronics Policy

DEVICES:

9th, 10th and 11th grade students MUST bring their CHARGED district issued Chromebook, if they have one, to the following:

• April 15 & 16: 9th and 10th grade - NWEA / 11th grade - M-Step

If you have testing questions, contact cristina.karaszewski@royaloakschools.org

Royal Oak High School presents Our Town

Show dates are Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 25-27.

The student preview is on Thursday, April 24.

Thursday-Saturday curtain at 6:30pm

Sunday curtain at 2pm

Tickets are available at rohsdrama.com.

Adult- $12

Student/child- $8

Dear ROHS Families,

We’re excited to share that Royal Oak High School will be hosting UMatter Week from Monday, April 28 through Friday, May 2, 2025. This special event is dedicated to promoting student mental wellness through a week full of activities, conversations, and lessons — many of which were selected and led by our students. The week is designed to respond to student needs and includes a mix of whole-classroom activities and individual sign-ups.

Here’s a preview of what students can expect:

• Teacher-led sessions on topics such as physical wellness, organization, stress reduction, journaling, yoga, crochet, and vision boards.

• Staff and student-led Ted Talks on real experiences with mental wellness.

• Student panels and presentations on Managing Anxiety, Making Social Connections, and Self-Care.

• Yoga and Zumba classes taught by the YMCA.

• Therapist-led lessons from Bloomfield Child and Family Counseling covering Depression, General Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Performance Anxiety, and Time Management.

• Therapy dog visits provided by the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

• Creative and calming sessions, such as stress ball/playdough making, dance, art, journaling, bracelet making, and more.

There will be QR codes posted throughout the school and a sign-up table available during lunches next week. Please encourage your child to explore the offerings and participate in activities that support their well-being.

We’re proud to bring this meaningful programming to our students and look forward to a week centered on self-care, connection, and support.

This event is sponsored by Royal Oak School Foundation, The YMCA, Alliance of Therapy Dogs, and Bloomfield Child and Family Counseling.

Royal Oak High School is pleased to announce the Annual Honors Convocation scheduled for Monday, May 12, 2025, from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. at Royal Oak Middle School (Dondero Auditorium). This event is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of our students.

If your child is among those being honored, you will receive an invitation. We kindly ask that you save the date and remind your child to arrive at the designated gathering area at Royal Oak Middle School no later than 6:30 p.m. on May 12. Please ensure they wear their graduation gown (caps will not be permitted). Regalia will be distributed before the ceremony. If you have any questions please email Mr. Ray McMann ray.mcmann@royaloakschools.org

**UPDATE**

ROPD will have a patrol car with lights on in this lot to remind our parents to drop off students either on Lexington or the loop off of Crooks.

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 and dropping off 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.

Students, please make sure you are parking in the appropriate lot and have a parking tag to park in that lot. Lindell Ice Arena is not a student parking lot, and has signage indicating that it is not to be used for student parking. ROPD has been and will continue to issue tickets to those students who are parking without a parking permit or are parking in the incorrect lot.

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 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.

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 $85 until March 31st. Please follow the link for purchasing options:

• Yearbook Purchasing Link (links to an external site)

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

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 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).

Did you know you can watch our games at home? Here is the LIVESTREAM link!

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

Check out the Winter Sports Recap!

The Royal Oak Athletic Boosters needs your help to support our Student-Athletes! Go to their website for more information. Boosters Website

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

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

CLASS OF 2025: First-time FAFSA Filers Can Enter for a Chance to Win Prizes

Michigan College Access Network (MCAN), in partnership with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential (MiLEAP), launched the Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes today at Lansing’s Eastern High School. Ticket to Tuition is a statewide initiative to encourage Michiganders enrolling in college for the first time, especially high school seniors, to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

To enter the Ticket to Tuition sweepstakes, complete the FAFSA and text CASH to 855-50K-TICKET (855-505-8425) by 11:59 p.m. Friday, May 16, 2025. To be eligible, participants must be Michigan residents who completed the FAFSA for the first-time to use during the 2025-26 academic year. Prizes will be awarded in Michigan Education Savings Program accounts, which can be used for a variety of qualified educational expenses such as tuition and fees, living expenses, and computers and textbooks. Forty winners will receive $10,000 and ten winners will receive $50,000.

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.

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.

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.

The Class of 2025 Senior All Night Party will be at Emagine Theatre in Royal Oak on Thursday, May 29 with check in to begin at 11pm, party ending at 5:00 am.

Senior All-Night Party Ticket LINK $65 Early Bird pricing and an EXTRA raffle prize ticket until February 1st, when cost increases to $75. (If the ticket price is an issue for your family, please reach out to the school administration to get on the list for subsidized/free tickets. More info on this to come.)

Wish Wall Fundraiser LINK Send a senior a wish to be displayed at graduation that they can take home from the party, each wish is $5. Please share!

More Senior 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

TRAILS: Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Caregivers and Communities

We all play a role in suicide prevention! Please plan to attend a free presentation: Suicide Awareness and Prevention for Caregivers and Communities, Wednesday, April 16 from 6:30-8pm ET / 4:30-6pm MT. Discussion will take place via Zoom: https://bit.ly/TRAILS_4-16_training

Please review the testing schedule and associated resources. The testing schedule document is essential as it specifies the days each grade level will have an adjusted schedule due to testing.

NOTE: students will be notified of testing room locations via email closer to the test date.

• REVIEW: 2025 Testing Schedule

• REVIEW: Royal Oak District Electronics Policy

• DEVICES: 9-11th grade students MUST bring their CHARGED district issued Chromebook on testing days

Please contact Crissy Karaszewski with any questions.

Visit the testing websites directly:

✍🏻ACT Registration & Information

✍🏻SAT Registration & Information

Helpful resources for ACT & SAT Test Prep Opportunities

High school girls and non-binary students can apply now to Girls Who Code’s free, virtual Summer Programs!

Apply here by the early deadline, February 26, 2025, for priority consideration and the chance to win your choice of a $350 Amazon gift card or Apple iPad! The application closes on April 11, 2025.

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!

Website: Our new website has launched, but is still a work in progress. You can access it here: https://rohsptsa.givebacks.com/ or click on the hand to the right - ->

Please join us for this fun event! Proceeds benefit the Senior All Night Party! See the link below for details:

https://rohsptsa.givebacks.com/store/items/1173644

• 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.