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!

JUNE:

*June 10: Jr. Olympics @ 6:00 p.m. - ROHS

*June 11: Jr. Olympics - Rain Date

*June 12: 5th Grade Promotion Ceremony

*June 12: Last Day of School - 1/2 day - Dismissal @ 12:15 p.m.

*June 16: Report Cards go live @ 2:00 p.m.

Please come to the school prior to the start of Summer Break and check our Lost and Found for your child's belongings. We have MANY items that belong to our students waiting to be claimed. All unclaimed items will be donated to charity after June 13.

On Wednesday of this week, students from all grade levels collaborated with their Husky Pack teachers to foster connections and enhance our school community. These monthly meetings serve as an excellent platform for students to engage with one another, support their peers, and cultivate a sense of belonging while participating in meaningful discussions on relevant topics. These gatherings take place on Wednesdays when late starts are not scheduled.

Click on the link below for the Husky Pack lesson developed by our Student Senate.

We ended the year on a high note with our culminating 5th Grade Exhibition and Music Concert. Our incredible fifth graders showcased their learning, passions, and growth through powerful presentations that reflected curiosity, collaboration, and confidence. The evening wrapped up with a heartwarming musical performance that had families beaming with pride. It was a true celebration of all they’ve accomplished and who they are becoming. We are so proud of our students and grateful to the staff and families who supported them every step of the way!

Thank you to Mrs. Daunt, Dziengowksi, Mrs. Strong, Mr. Tucker for guiding students through their Exhibition journey, and to all the mentors and classroom hosts who supported them along the way. It wouldn't have been possible with all of their help. And a shoutout to Mary Johnson for leading such a “Jazzy” and joyful concert. It was a beautiful way to honor and send off our fifth graders.

For more photos click on this link: https://www.facebook.com/principal.dryden.3/

The weather held off and our students spent the day outside laughing, playing, and cheering each other on through a variety of fun-filled activities. From relay races to water games, it was the perfect way to celebrate the end of the school year and the joy of being together.

Shout out to Mrs. Carnahan, Mr. Miller and the many volunteers. What an unforgettable Field Day. It was hands down one of the best we've ever had, and that includes the ones I helped run when I was the PE teacher! The joy, laughter, and energy across the playground was everything we wanted our kids to experience. Not to mention the staff winning tug of war AGAIN!!!

For more photos click on this link: https://www.facebook.com/principal.dryden.3/

The Keller Community donated 500 boxes to the 2025 Children’s Hospital Drive, an annual event hosted in partnership with Gleaners Food Bank. This incredible effort supports children and families in need throughout our community. We are so proud of our students, families, and staff for their generosity and commitment to giving back. Thank you for making a difference.

If you would like to watch the cereal box domino click on this link: https://www.facebook.com/principal.dryden.3/

Last week we said a heartfelt goodbye to Coco the therapy dog on her final visit to Keller. Coco has brought comfort, joy, and calm to our students throughout the year with her gentle presence and wagging tail. She’s been a beloved part of our school family, and we are so grateful for the time we’ve had with her. Thank you, Coco, for all the snuggles, smiles, and love. You’ll always have a special place in our hearts. See you next year!

Hi Students and Families!

As you wrap up your end-of-the-year activities at your elementaries, I wanted to send home some reminders for the summer from ROMS.

• Please remember everything from Open House can be found in this newsletter called Bulldog Beginnings.
• New! Our Royal Oak Athletic Boosters (ROAS) are coming to ROMS! This amazing organization is a great way to get involved while also helping out our athletic program. See more information about the ROAB here.
• Want to keep reading over the summer? Check out the 2025 Summer Reading Announcement that just came out from your ROMS Lang. & Lit. department.
  
• Don't forget! PTSA always needs more help. Sign-up here.
• Finally, MARK YOUR CALENDARS! 2025 Bulldog Bound event for all new students to ROMS and incoming 6th grade students will be Thursday, August 14. More details to come! Can't make it, don't stress. We will have everything your student needs ready for them on the first day of school.

Have a great summer and we can't wait to see you on the first day of school!

Kristin Meldrum

Principal, ROMS

Camp Waltonwood is hosting a free intergenerational carnival event for children ages 4–12 and their grandparents (or parent/guardian) on:

• Saturday, July 12
• 12:00–2:00 p.m.
• 3450 West Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48073

The afternoon will include carnival games, crafts, prizes, food, face painting, jugglers, a strong man, an aerialist, and more. It’s a great way for families to enjoy time together in the community.

A parent or guardian must remain on-site with all campers.
Space is limited, and RSVPs are required by July 7 at 248-549-6400.

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.

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

This includes clubs as they are an extension of the school day. Thank you for your attention and cooperation.

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

I wanted to take a moment to share an important reminder that was recently brought to our attention by one of our neighbors.

As the weather warms up and more students ride their bikes to school, it’s a great time to talk with your child about bike safety and showing kindness in the community. A neighbor shared a recent experience where a student passed her quickly on the sidewalk without any warning, which startled her and made her feel unsafe.

Please help us by reminding your child to:

• Ride safely and at a reasonable speed, especially on sidewalks.

• Always watch for pedestrians and give them the right of way.

• Use polite signals like saying, “On your left,” when passing someone.

• Walk bikes across crosswalks and at busy intersections.

• Once you are on school property, walk your bike to the bike rack.

We want all of our students to enjoy the independence of biking to school while also being respectful members of our neighborhood. Thank you for your help in reinforcing these important habits at home.

Together, we can keep our school community safe and strong!

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.

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.

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

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.

As winter continues, we want to remind everyone about an important safety rule regarding snow banks around our parking lot. For the safety of all students, we ask that children refrain from climbing or playing on the snow banks before and after school. These areas can be slippery, unstable, and close to moving vehicles, posing a significant safety risk.

This rule is consistent with our in-school policy of not playing on snow piles during recess. As a school, we have a responsibility to minimize unnecessary risks, especially when they involve potential liability and student safety. We appreciate your support in reinforcing this expectation with your child to help keep everyone safe.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to student safety!

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