Raven Family Resource

Dear Raven Families,

We would like to recognize the Varsity Girls Basketball team for their exemplary dedication, hard work, and accomplishments this season. They have achieved the title of MHSAA District Champions. Their commitment and teamwork have been inspiring, and we are immensely proud of their achievements. We extend our gratitude to the players, coaches, and supporters who have contributed to making this season remarkable.

Get ready—Charity Week is happening NEXT week! (Monday, 3/17-Friday, 3/21)! All the details you need for the week can be found below.

We are looking forward to another fantastic week at ROHS!

Warmly,

ROHS Admin Team

• March 17 - Charity Week Kickoff - Volleyball Tournament - 3:30 p.m.
• March 18 - ROHS Open House & Personal Project Exhibition - 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
• March 19 - Late Start
• March 20 - Charity Week Event - Trivia Night - 6:00 p. m. - 8:00 p.m.
• March 22 - Charity Ball Dance - 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
• March 26 - Late Start
• March 26 - 28 - Haven Consent Training Rescheduled - 12th Grade

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

The week of March 17-21, Student Council will be offering activities and hosting events to raise money for Camp Kesem. Camp Kesem provides free summer camps, day programs, and virtual meet-ups for youth and adolescents facing a parent’s cancer to connect with peers, process their experiences, and have fun.

Spirit Days:

• Monday (03/17): Class Colors

• Seniors: Pink (breast cancer awareness)

• Juniors: Green (liver cancer awareness)

• Sophomores: Light Blue (prostate & colorectal cancer awareness)

• Freshmen: Red (blood cancer awareness)

• Tuesday (03/18): Rhyme without a Reason

• Wednesday (03/19): Fairytale Day

• Thursday (03/20): Decades Day

• Friday (03/21): Wacky Day

Activities/ Events

Friday (3/14): Charity Week Kickoff

• Volleyball Tournament: Student teams will compete in the main gym right after school. Admission for students: $3; adults: $5 (CASH ONLY).

Wednesday (3/19– Late Start):

• Bagel/Hot Chocolate Sale - Starting at 8:30 am, bagels (New York Bagel), cream cheese, and hot chocolate will be available for purchase in the upper glass hallway until 8:50 am (CASH ONLY).

• $2 /bagel

• $1/ cream cheese

• $2/ hot chocolate

Thursday (3/20):

• Trivia Night in the Learning Commons (6:00 PM- 8:00 PM)

• Teams of 4-5 must include 1 teacher

• Cost - $5 per person (CASH ONLY)

• Sign-up forms MUST be turned in by Monday (3/17) to Mr. Morgan (room 201).

• Food will be provided for participants!

• Restaurant Night @ Dave’s Hot Chicken: From 4:00-8:00 PM (624 W Big Beaver Rd, Troy, MI 48084), scan the QR Code at the register or order online using the fundraiser code: GIVE, and Dave’s Hot Chicken will donate 20% of your order to our total donation for Camp Kesem!

Friday (3/21):

• Open Mic Lunch in the Roost - Students will be able to reserve a spot to eat lunch in The Roost by purchasing a $5 ticket/pass for their lunch period (CASH ONLY). Tickets will be sold outside of the cafeteria during lunches on Monday, 3/17-Thursday, 3/20. Seating in the Roost is limited - reservations/sign-ups are first come, first served. Lunch will be provided!

Charity Ball

The Charity Ball will be held on Saturday, March 22nd from 7-10 PM in the ROHS cafeteria. Tickets for the dance will be sold for $15 at all lunches from March 17th to March 20th (Monday-Thursday), or for $20 sold at the door (cafeteria entrance) from 7:00-8:00 PM (CASH ONLY). The Charity Ball is limited to ROHS Students ONLY (no guests from other schools or alumni). Students will need to bring their student ID in addition to their ticket to present at the door. Students attending the dance must arrive by 8:00 PM-- there will be no entry after 8:00 PM and no re-entry permitted. Shoes MUST be worn at all times, students should plan accordingly.

**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.

Save the date for our ROHS OPEN HOUSE & PERSONAL PROJECT EXHIBITION! This event will be held at Royal Oak High School on March 18th from 6:30 - 8 pm. During this time, you will have the opportunity to visit with department facilitators in each academic department, learn about our clubs and athletic teams, and meet some of the students involved in these programs. Open house is a great opportunity to get an idea of what ROHS has to offer in terms of academics and extracurricular activities. We will also feature performances by our band and choir groups. The event will take place throughout the building. All incoming 8th graders, current students, and their parents and guardians are welcome to attend.

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, and 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 district a destination for students receiving special education services. Learn more about the ROPAC here: ROPAC Info Flyer

The PAC's March meeting will be held Tuesday, 3/18 @ 6:30 PM on Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83507795904?pwd=NJz0Ud4O1pEN3tiyaTjqpbFsPvUWig.1).We will be joined by Lynne Porter from Total Education Solutions. Get some new ideas to take back to your family and your team. To join our mailing list for meeting reminders and other updates, complete this quick form: ROPAC Email List

The Haven training sessions for seniors have been rescheduled for March 26, 27, and 28. Students will receive an email with their assigned times and locations. Spreadsheets detailing the sessions each student will attend will be provided to them as the dates approach.

HAVEN’s Training program will occur during the school day and is designed to support young adults in the development of safe relationships by providing information to increase understanding of ethical/affirmative consent, effective bystander techniques, and how to respond and support a friend who has experienced sexual violence. The curriculum will be presented by skilled Prevention Education Specialists.

Should you have any questions, please contact Alonda Fletcher at alonda.fletcher@royaloakschools.org

April 11th marks the end of quarter 3. Please check in on your child's quarter 3 progress in MiStar Parent Portal. If you have questions about your child's grade/progress in a specific course, reach out to that teacher directly [Staff Directory]

1. Go to RO MiStar Parent Portal
2. Click on 'Assignments'
3. Click on 'Show All' so you can see all assignments
4. If you have questions or need clarification, reach out to the teacher

Q Parent Connection App: Apple | Google Play

Login Issues: Follow the directions on the home screen if you can't log in

ROHS will have Virtual Days for some of our students when we are engaged in state-mandated testing. Please see the following link for details:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UP_38EBi4ipAY2PW567ZOqoY3_J_qS4a/view?usp=sharing

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)

Parents/Guardians of Seniors:

• Senior Portraits & Senior Tributes

• If your student has taken Senior Portraits with someone other than Prestige, please be sure to submit your student's selected photo to "Yearbook Snap" by January 31st. The code to submit is "ravens" (all lowercase).

• 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

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).

Spring Sports start on March 10th! Make sure your child is signed up on FINAL FORMS. An adult must make the profile for the student. You must have a physical on file to begin tryouts/practice. Here is the tentative TRYOUT SCHEDULE.

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

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

Upcoming MHSAA Playoffs:

Boys Swim/Dive - March 14th

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

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

TESTING UPDATES FOR OSTC & ACE STUDENTS

OSTC Students: Testing week is the week after spring break! The first day of testing is Wednesday, April 9th. Please review the important information below and let me know if you have any questions.

April 9: SAT

• Juniors: Arrive to ROHS no later than 7:55 am to test

• Seniors: A required virtual assignment will be communicated at a later date

• All OSTC students will be excused from their OSTC classes

• No AM or PM Buses will run for OSTC

April 10: WorkKeys

• Juniors: Arrive to ROHS no later than 7:55 am to test

• Seniors: A required virtual assignment will be communicated at a later date

• All OSTC students will be excused from their OSTC classes

• No AM or PM Buses will run for OSTC

April 11: Half Day for Students / Teacher Records Day

• AM OSTC Students: There will be bussing for you to and from ROHS at the regular time (pickup 7:40am, be here by 7:35am). You will attend your AM OSTC classes and you are excused from hours 4, 5, 6.

• PM OSTC Students: You should plan on attending hours 1-3 at ROHS and can go home after 3rd hour or stay in the LC until the end of the half day. There will be no bussing to OSTC in the afternoon. You are excused from your PM OSTC classes. If you have transportation and choose to go to OSTC, you may do so.

April 15: M-Step

• Junior OSTC students: AM OSTC students with the last name A-L will be excused from OSTC

• Seniors & PM OSTC students: follow regular school schedule

April 16: M-Step

• Junior OSTC students: AM OSTC Students with the last name M-Z will be excused from AM OSTC

• Seniors & PM OSTC Students: follow regular school schedule

For any questions, please reference the 2025 Testing Schedule sent out by Mrs. Karaszewski, Career and Testing Coordinator (cristina.karaszewski@royaloakschools.org).

ACE Students: Testing week is the week after spring break! The first day of testing is Wednesday, April 9th. Please make sure to review the 2025 Testing Schedule sent out by Mrs. Karaszewski, our Career and Testing Coordinator (cristina.karaszewski@royaloakschools.org). You should plan to attend ROHS during your scheduled testing time. Please make sure to communicate with your OCC professors as needed.

25-26 SCHEDULING

Thank you for your patience in scheduling for the 25-26 school year. We are aware that many students were unable to submit in Xello due to technology issues. All students in grades 9-11 will be meeting with their assigned counselor one on one before the end of March. This is scheduled with English teachers and everyone has an assigned day and time. Counselors will submit coursework for any student who was unable to submit in Xello this week.

IMPORTANT SCHEDULING DATES

3/10-3/14: One-on-one scheduling meetings with current juniors to review course selections

3/17-3/21: One-on-one scheduling meetings with current sophomores to review course selections

3/24-3/28: One-on-one scheduling meetings with current freshmen to review course selections

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

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

• PRACTICE: You can find practice tests and questions here.

STUDENT TEST GUIDES:

Student guides are available to help students prepare for the tests (tips, sample questions, etc.).

• SAT

• PSAT 10

• PSAT 8/9

Please contact Crissy Karaszewski with any questions.

The Tutoring Center in Birmingham.

Call the center or click here to reserve your seat.

Space is limited!

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.

Neighboring schools have invited Royal Oak students to their Spring College/Career Fairs.

Where: Waterford Mott High School

When: March 18, 2025

Time: 6-7:30pm

Where: Seaholm High School

When: March 20, 2025

Time: 6-7:30pm

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 - ->

HoopsMania Fundraiser: Your ROHS PTSA is excited to bring some of the fun of March Madness into your home while supporting the PTSA. In this fundraiser, you can purchase a digital audio file for $20 and get randomly assigned teams in the upcoming NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament.

The teams on your electronic ticket earn points based on their performance in the tournament. You can win up to $1,000 in this sweepstake. We have selected the guaranteed winner option, so the top point earner from our school is guaranteed to win at least their ticket price, but there's an opportunity for much more!

You can access the fundraiser at this link: https://www.charitymania.com/give/YF066

If you have any questions, please contact Josh Sipes at joshuasipes@gmail.com

• 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.