Dear Northwood Family,

Happy Friday! Next Wednesday, 5/14, is our last Late Start of the school year with the first bell at 9:20am. During this time, staff will be participating in professional learning.

As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to share some important thoughts about this time of transition for our students.

It is not uncommon to see heightened emotions as we move into this last month of school. While the end of the school year often brings excitement and anticipation for summer, it can also be a time of uncertainty, anxiety, and sadness for children. Some students are already feeling the emotions of having to say goodbye to their teachers and classmates, and others may be thinking about the transitions ahead of moving up to a new grade or transitioning to middle school. Summer looks different for every child. The absence of the consistency of the school schedule and community that school provides can feel unsettling for some.

We still have a lot of teaching and learning over the next several weeks. We as a staff are intentionally working to maintain a sense of community and emotional stability for all students during this important time. As parents and caregivers, I encourage you to keep the lines of communication open with your child during this time of transition. Please see our “Support Resources” section below at any time for more resources if needed.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support. Together, we can help students finish the school year feeling confident, supported, and connected.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Warmly,

Molly Bascom-Keller, Ed.S.

Northwood Elementary Principal

May 12: PTA Meeting 7pm

May 14: Late Start First Bell 9:20 am

May 21: Northwood Nests / ROPAC 6:30pm @RO Admin Bldg

May 23-26: No School - Memorial Day Break

May 28-29: PTA Scholastic BOGO Book Fair 3:30-5:30 in Gym

June 4: Northwood Nests / Field Day 1-3pm

June 5: PTA Fun Fair 6-8pm

June 9: PTA Meeting 7pm

June 12: Last Day of School / 5th Grade Ceremony 9:30am / Half Day - 12:15pm Dismissal

Late Start Wednesdays

• 2024-25 Late Starts: September 11, 18, 25; October 9, 16, 23, 30; November 13, 20; December 11, 18; January 29; February 5, 26; March 5, 12, 19, 26; April 23, 30; May 7, 14
• On Late Start Wednesdays, professional learning is taking place for staff.

• First bell for students is at 9:20 AM, second bell 9:25 AM.

• Homework Club: 8:20-9:20 AM, only for students who are signed up. Students enter through the main office. Homework Club Form

• Breakfast Club: Student can be dropped off anytime from 8:55-9:10 AM - free and no sign up necessary. Students enter through the main office.

Non-Late Start Wednesdays: Northwood Nests

• On many non-late start Wednesdays, we have our Northwood Nests meetings!
• Students are in multi-aged groups led by a staff member to work on our OAKS positive behavior expectations and character traits.
• See our PBIS section below for more information.

Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM) is launching its new Mobile STEAM Lab and 4 classrooms at Northwood got to participate in an early access pilot opportunity. On Thursday and Friday, the GSSEM Mobile STEAM Lab visited Northwood and one class each from grades 1-4 were offered the opportunity to participate in the pilot program. Ms. McCutchen, Mrs. Palmateer, Mrs. Christian, and Mrs. Cavell's classes were able to explore the lab on wheels, designed with state-of-the-art equipment and tools. The Mobile STEAM lab is equipped with tools to provide students with a high-quality learning experience in subjects such as coding and robotics to spark long-term interest in STEM. Northwood's participation and feedback with the pilot will help shape programming.

Congratulations to Mr. Durand and students in 1st, 2nd, and 3rd grades on a wonderful vocal concert this week!

Mr. Durand, Music Teacher, was the Meemic Foundation March 2025 Grant Winner and received a RBI25-Player Basic Percussion Instruments Kit, which will be used and enjoyed by students in music classes!

Students are getting some real life experience with nature as a turkey hen is nesting in one of our garden boxes behind the school. "Tina" the turkey, named by students, has laid 4 eggs in her nest. The area has been taped off and students are enjoying viewing her and her eggs through hallway windows.

Royal Oak Schools will be offering opportunities for students to walk and ride bikes to school together with adult supervision through Safe Routes to School. Supervision will be provided by Royal Oak Schools staff and parent volunteers.

Safe Routes to School (SRTS) is an international movement and a federal program to make it safe, convenient, and fun for children, including those with disabilities, to bicycle and walk to school. When routes are safe, walking or biking to and from school is an easy way to get the regular physical activity children need for good health. Safe Routes to School initiatives also help ease traffic jams and air pollution, unite neighborhoods, and contribute to students’ readiness to learn in school.

Please use this link https://forms.gle/aUx2qZn18bPTfu516 to sign your student up to join Northwood’s Safe Route to School mornings. Please note that you will need to sign this form for your child to participate and designate which days they will be participating.

We need Volunteers! Please sign up here if you would like to volunteer.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C4DA4AB23A7FBC34-56555363-safe

Details for Northwood students:

Dates: 5/15 WALK to school, 5/22 WALK to school, 6/5 BIKE to school

Time: 7:35 AM arrival at Meeting Location. Start time is 7:50 AM. Late arrival leaves

no later than 8:00 AM.

Meeting Location: First Congressional Church Parking Lot

1314 Northwood Blvd., Royal Oak

SRTS Route - See image

Questions? Email Mr. Doody: Keith.Doody@royaloakschools.org

Field Day is one of our favorite days of the school year! Our 2025 Field Day is on Wednesday, June 4th from 1:15-3:15 PM, and can't happen without the help of volunteers. Please sign up to help at one of the Field Day Stations. This sign-up usually fills up quickly, so be sure to get your name on the list today! You MUST be an approved volunteer and have completed Heads Up! Concussion training to volunteer at this event.

Sign up here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E44ABA62EA3FC1-56665319-northwood#/

• You must be an approved ROSD volunteer for the 24-25 School year. If you have not yet submitted for the school year, complete your form here and turn it into the office ASAP (Deadline 5/20 for processing): ROSD Volunteer Form
• You must complete Heads Up! Concussion training to volunteer at this event, and send your certificate to Jamie Rudnycky (jamie.rudnycky@gmail.com). This must be done once. Heads Up! Concussion Training

If you have any questions about Field Day, contact Tori McIntosh (torijmcintosh@gmail.com). Details for volunteers will go out a few days before the event!

The PTA is excited to provide students with commemorative Field Day t-shirts again this year, to help unify teams and take the event to the next level. We'll also be providing classroom teachers and Northwood staff with tie-dyed shirts representing all team colors. The PTA is looking for $300 business sponsorships to help cover t-shirt costs AND promote local businesses to the Northwood community. Added bonus this year - we will also be posting a field day map at the entrance to the building on Field Day (6/4) and will include your business logo on the map. You can make your Sponsorship payment here, or send in a check made out to the Northwood PTA with your student. Please direct any questions to torijmcintosh@gmail.com. Donations will be accepted through Friday, 4/25.

Title: All Are Welcome

Author: Alexandra Penfold

Illustrator: Suzanne Kaufman

Readers will follow a group of children through a day in their school, where everyone is welcomed with open arms. A school where all young children have a place, have a space, and are loved and appreciated. A school where students from all backgrounds learn from and celebrate each other's traditions. A school that shows the world as we will make it to be.

During the month of May, we encourage all of our students, staff and families to show support for mental health by wearing the color green on every Monday throughout the month. Green is the official color for mental health awareness as green represents renewal, hope, and vitality. To be seen in green, whether a complete outfit or just a touch of green, sends a message of advocacy and support for the importance of mental health.

Students in Grades 3-5 will be taking the M-STEP this year. 5th Grade will be starting the week of April 14. 3rd Grade will be starting the week of April 21. 4th Grade will be starting the week of April 28. Please see the schedule below for dates. Please note that the M-STEP is required by the state of Michigan.

We ask that your child is at school on time on each of the scheduled testing days and comes to school well-rested.

Also, electronic devices (smartphones, smart watches, cell phones, book readers, electronic tablets, cameras, non-approved calculators, music players, voice recorders, etc.) are not allowed to be with students during the testing sessions.

Additional Testing Guidelines:

Electronic Assessment Administrative Guidelines for Royal Oak Schools

M-STEP Scheduling:

5th Grade

Monday, 4/14: Science

Thursday, 4/17: Social Studies

Tuesday, 4/22: English Language Arts

Wednesday, 4/23: English Language Arts

Thursday, 4/24: English Language Arts

Monday, 4/28: Math

Tuesday, 4/29: Math

Wednesday, 4/30: Math

4th Grade

Tuesday, 4/29: English Language Arts

Wednesday, 4/30: English Language Arts

Thursday, 5/1: English Language Arts

Monday, 5/5: Math

Tuesday, 5/6: Math

Wednesday, 5/7: Math

3rd Grade

Monday, 4/21: English Language Arts

Thursday, 4/24: English Language Arts

Friday, 4/25: English Language Arts

Monday, 4/28: Math

Thursday, 5/1: Math

Thursday, 5/2: Math

Week of May 12: Make Ups and Additional Time if needed

Testing is designed to be manageable for students by breaking it up into small sessions over several days. The testing schedule is designed to be safe, fulfill state testing requirements, and provide meaningful data while being minimally disruptive to learning as possible.

As we plan for the administration of these assessments, we will continue to monitor communication from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) and the United States Department of Education (USDE). If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me.

Scholastic Buy One Get One Book Fair

May 28th – 29th

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

in the Northwood Gym

For every book they purchase, kids can choose another book for FREE!

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS to help set up, run the registers and take down!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44A4A723AAFF2-56519404-bogo

Northwood parents, we've all been there! Back-to-school sneaks up on us, and suddenly we're running from store to store trying to find supplies. But what if you could check it off your list today? Order Here: https://1stdayschoolsupplies.com/gs/53653

1st Day School Supplies makes it easy. In just a few clicks, you can order the exact supplies your teacher requested, packaged in a beautiful new box and delivered on time, stress-free!

Royal Oak Schools is pleased to welcome children and their families to kindergarten. Kindergarten enrollment for the 2025-2026 school year began on Monday, February 3, 2025. District-wide enrollment for all kindergarten programs, including Developmental Kindergarten, is processed through our Central Enrollment Office.

Enrollment Video

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.

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

• 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.

Our staff works so hard everyday focusing on our students and school community. If you would like to say thank you to any staff member, please fill out and submit the form linked below. I will be sure they get your messages, which I know will make their day!

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. Elementary school second lunches will be charged $2.60.

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 finding uses free and reduced-price eligibility.

Please complete the 2024-2025 online application on our website under Free and Reduced Meals Information. Paper applications will be sent out this month and available at the district office and in all schools in August.

Royal Oak Schools Food Service Information and Menus

If your child is coming for Breakfast Club any time this year, they should arrive between 7:55-8:10 AM (8:55-9:10 AM on late start Wednesdays) and enter through the Main doors only. If a family member needs to enter the school to walk their child down to breakfast, the adult will need to sign into the office to enter the building and sign back out when leaving. Thanks so much!

“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. 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. A bag of food will be put in your child's locker for take home on Fridays. 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, fill out the form below.. Please be sure to indicate on the form 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.

Check out our student news broadcasts: NBS Broadcast!

Our Northwood Student Senate supports classrooms, participates in events, and has fundraisers to benefit a specially chosen non-profit yearly. This year's fundraisers will benefit Camp Casey. Camp Casey is a non-profit organization that provides cost-free horseback riding programs to children with cancer, sickle cell disease, and other life-threatening illnesses. For more information, see the Camp Casey website.

The Northwood PTA sends out a weekly newsletter to keep families informed about important school announcements, volunteer opportunities, upcoming events, and ways to connect with our community on social media. We also share how you can support Northwood when shopping locally. Our goal is to reach as many Northwood families as possible, so please help us spread the word!

There are two ways to receive the newsletter:

1. Join the PTA and automatically receive the newsletter: northwood.givebacks.com/store

2. Sign up without joining the PTA: northwood.givebacks.com/join/cecb14

Questions? Contact Kristen Borchardt-Mazur (kristen.borchardt@gmail.com)

Join the Northwood Elementary Official PTA Facebook group to stay up-to-date on PTA events and see what's happening at Northwood.

Grade-level groups: This is your place to connect with other families or ask grade-specific questions.

• Northwood Kindergarten 2024-2025
• Northwood First Grade 2024-2025
• Northwood Second Grade 2024-2025
• Northwood Third Grade 2024-2025
• Northwood Fourth Grade 2024-2025
• Northwood Fifth Grade 2024-2025

To join our groups, all membership questions must be answered. You will be added to the group once your information is approved with the district.

Help the Northwood PTA fundraise by linking your Kroger Shopper's Card to our organization! It's easy to do & it's free. Just follow the directions below & the PTA will earn extra funding. Thanks so much!

1. Create or sign in to your digital account

2. Link your Card to an organization: Select: Northwood PTA and click "Save"

Collecting Box Tops is a great way for Northwood to earn money. Northwood earns 10¢ for every box top collected. Download the app and start scanning your receipts to earn money for Northwood!

National PTA is the oldest and largest child advocacy association in America. For 125 years, PTA has worked with school communities and decision makers to solve the toughest problems in our nation’s history. PTA is a nonprofit association that prides itself on being a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for families and communities, and a strong advocate for public education.

National PTA Position Statements outline the opinion, will or intent of National PTA to address national problems, situations or concerns that affect children and youth. National PTA Resolutions serve to formalize and focus the positions of the organization and are an important part of the association's advocacy work. National PTA considers resolutions each year at our annual convention.

National PTA Advocacy

National PTA Positions and Resolutions

Please click the link for special education news and information. Check it often as it is being updated regularly. Special Education Program

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, 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 a destination for students receiving special education services. Learn more about the ROPAC here: ROPAC Info Flyer. To join our mailing list for meeting reminders and other updates, complete this quick form: ROPAC Email List

ROPAC Meeting

NOTICE: Our last ROPAC meeting of the 24-25 school year is around the corner! Please come join us for community with your current concerns & celebrations, but also for sharing your topics of interest that you'd love to see resources/presentations on for the upcoming 25-26 school year. Meeting is Wednesday May 21st from 6:30-8:00 PM at the Administrative Building (800 Devillen Ave, Royal Oak 48073). See you there!

If you have students currently enrolled in the program you will be contacted directly by the Young Oaks Coordinator. Any families interested in the program can use the link below for information about the program.

Young Oaks Latchkey

Young Oaks Lottery Begins: May 5, 2025 at 9 A.M.

Our Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) program at Northwood uses the acronym of O.A.K.S to promote positive behavior throughout our building. Our O.A.K.S. program serves as a reminder to our students that they are to be:

Outstanding Learners

Always Respectful

Kindness Counts

Safety First

Following is our Northwood Behavior Expectations & Character Traits Matrix, which focuses on expectations for all of the areas of our school. Teachers and staff emphasize this daily and we also have monthly "Nest" meetings to work on OAKS expectations and being role models and leaders at school. One of the tools we may use if a student has a behavior challenge is a "Think Time Sheet", which allows the student to think about their behavior, consider how it relates to OAKS expectations, and most importantly reflect on how they can grow from the experience and make better choices in the future. These forms go home to communicate with families and foster positive conversations about our OAKS expectations for positive behavior. Thank you so much for your support at home to reinforce these important expectations and traits!

• Positive Parenting Tips for children of all ages
• Child Development Basics & Effective Parenting Practices

Parents, family members, and caregivers can encourage mental wellness and promote social, emotional, and academic success. Good mental health is not simply the absence of illness, but also includes skills necessary to cope with life’s challenges.

Stand Up to Stress Coloring Book for Children

Oakland County Health Network Resources:

• OCHN’s non-emergency behavioral health access department is available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. at 248-464-6363.
• OCHN’s Mental Health School Navigators (MHSN) connect youth and families to behavioral health and substance use supports, as well as financial assistance. For more information about the School Mental Health Navigator Program please call 248-462-6294 or email SchoolNavigator@oaklandchn.org
• Call 988 for Crisis and Emergency Support
• Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at oaklandchn.org

• Parent Guidance for Healthy Screen Habits
• Communication Tips & Milestones from Birth to Age 5

Effective April 2025, new updates to Michigan’s child passenger safety laws will keep all children safer. Michigan's child passenger safety laws

Arrival and dismissal are very busy times for everyone. It’s critical that we all follow the rules to keep everyone safe and to keep traffic flowing. If you would like to volunteer from 8:15-8:30 AM and/or 3:15-3:30 PM to help with arrival/dismissal, please let the office know. Please share the following important information with anyone who will be driving your child to or from school. Thank you for working together with us as a school family to keep all of our students safe!

DROP OFF / PICK UP LANE

Do not park along the curb and leave your vehicle

Kiss & Go Lane (along the front of the building - See photo): For quick drop-off of students who can walk independently to their doors, please pull into the Kiss & Go lane along the curb in front of the building. This is a moving lane for drop-off and pick-up (no parking). If there is a line, we appreciate your patience. Thank you for your cooperation!

• Pull all the way forward, allow your child to exit on the passenger side of the vehicle, and move forward to exit. Your child will walk to their class door.
• For pickup, your child will exit their class door and come to the lane to look for your vehicle. Please do not pull in front of your child's class door to wait, as this impedes the line and causes a backup.
• If you need to exit your vehicle, please find a parking spot. This will keep things moving, which is safest and most efficient for everyone.
• Please do not let your child exit your vehicle in the driveway or thru lane and try to walk between moving cars. The children’s safety is the priority.
  

PARKING

Parking: If you need to leave your car for any reason, please find a parking spot.

• We have 2 visitor lots you can use: front lot and north lot.
• You may park and walk your students to and from their class door.
• If you would like to park on the street, please consider parking on a side street other than McDonald, due to traffic.
• Please do not pick up or drop off in the Staff/Bus Lot. This lot is for staff parking and a bus lane only. Thank you for your understanding.
• Blue disability parking spaces are for those with permits only by state law.

OPTIONS TO AVOID TRAFFIC

• Carpool
• Walk/bike (students must wear helmets and walk bikes on school property)
• Breakfast: Drop your child off early at the main office doors for free breakfast anytime between 7:55-8:10 AM (8:55-9:10 on Late Starts).
• Drop off or pick up your child where there are adult crossing guards at either the Crooks or 12 Mile Rd Crosswalks.
  
• Drop off or pick up your 3rd-5th grader off at W. Houstonia/McDonald or W. Houstonia/Vinsetta. Safety patrol students are at the W. Houstonia/McDonald crosswalk.

WALKING & BIKING

• These are great options and decrease traffic.
• Adults and students should remain on sidewalks and cross at crosswalks only.
• Students must wear a helmet.
• All bikes must be walked on school property.
• Please do not stand or park bikes in the Kiss & Go lane.
• New Crosswalk! We have a new crosswalk from the front of the building to McDonald on the north side of the driveway. By pedestrians using that crosswalk, vehicles will now be able to turn left and exit the lot more efficiently, which should alleviate the line.
• Dogs are not allowed.

WHEN STUDENTS ARRIVE

As students arrive, they are expected to join their class line and wait patiently for the first bell to ring at 8:20 AM (9:20 on late start Wednesdays) when classes enter the building. Students are not supervised by staff outside before school begins, so shouldn't be dropped off early without supervision. On school grounds, students should always be following school rules and expectations, including safety, respect, and kindness.

ARRIVING LATE AFTER 8:25 AM

If your child is arriving after the second bell at 8:25 AM (9:25 on Late Starts), please park in a parking spot (not along the curb) and walk your child in. You will sign your child in on the clipboard in the vestibule. Your child will enter the office to get a late pass from the office and head to class.

All absences should be called in to the Safety Check number. Absences that are not reported are considered unexcused.

Safety Check number: 248-541-0229 option #1

If your child forgets items at home, we ask that only essential items be brought up to school. Please do not drop off nonessential items. We do not want to interrupt teaching and student learning, unless it is essential. If you need to drop off an essential forgotten item for your child, please enter the main doors, put it on the table, and leave a note with your child’s name and teacher. The office staff will check the table periodically and let the class teacher know there is something for the child in the office. If you are dropping off something for the office, like medication, a form, or other important information, please proceed to the office door and our office staff is happy to help.

Essential item examples - OK to drop off

• Backpack

• Lunch

• Medication - Take into office secretary

Note: Students can get a hot lunch if a lunch is forgotten, and water fountains are available throughout the school if a water bottle is forgotten.

Nonessential item examples - Please do NOT drop off

• Homework - Turn in next school day

• Library Books - Turn in next school day

• Recess Items

• Theme items for special days (pajamas, tiaras & hats, stuffed animals, other): While it is disappointing when items are forgotten on special theme days, it happens. Fortunately, there are many special days and more opportunities to remember to bring or wear special items. We do not want to interrupt instruction during the school day, unless it is necessary. Thank you so much for understanding!

In our efforts to continue to keep our school community safe, anyone visiting the school will need to check in with office staff from the vestibule. Any parent, caregiver, or adult entering into the school for any reason, including PTA and classroom volunteering, will need to sign in at the office and get a visitor’s badge. Visitors who would like to meet with a staff member will need to have a scheduled appointment. Thank you!

Our Lost & Found is located in the office vestibule, just inside the main entrance. Please label your child's items so we can help get them back to students. Please check our lost & found regularly, as it builds up quickly. Thank you!

In consideration of your own child and others, please do not send a child who is ill to school. As a guideline, a child should not be sent to school if the child:

• has a temperature (a child MUST be fever-free for 24 hours without use of fever-reducing medication)
• is vomiting (24 hours since last episode) or has diarrhea
• has green or yellow discharge from the nose
• has any contagious disease

The children go outside for fresh air and robust active play every day for lunchtime recess. At times there will be extreme weather or extremely cold conditions that prohibit children from being outdoors for recess. As a general rule, when the "feels like" temperature approaches 12 degrees we consider keeping students in, however this guideline is subject to the administrators discretion. Some other factors considered include, but are not limited to, the presence of sunshine and the strength of the wind.

It is very helpful when kids come to school prepared to dress for all possible weather, and it's important that students come to school daily with appropriate outdoor gear. In the winter, that includes coats, hats & gloves, snow pants, and boots. When there is snow on the ground, we ask that students wear snow pants and boots to play on the field, in order to avoid wet, cold pants and shoes.

Cold Weather Guidelines

• Outdoor gear brought daily - Winter: coats, hats & gloves, snow pants, boots
• Outdoor recess daily, unless windchill 12 degrees or below
• Snow pants and boots required to play on the field when it is snowy
• No throwing snow or snowballs at school - including before and after school
• If it is below 50 degrees, coats are required

If your family needs help providing outdoor gear, please reach out to the school. Thank you for your support keeping our students warm and protected during outdoor play!

Students are allowed to possess electronic communication devices on school property; however, such devices shall not be used during the school day or in a manner that disrupts school activities or events. If brought to school, these items should be left in the student’s locker. This includes but is not limited to the following: smart phones, smart watches, bluetooth earbuds, tablets, etc. Any device found to be used for any illegal purpose or used in a manner that violates the Student Code of Conduct may be confiscated pending a parent conference. Where appropriate, police authorities may be contacted. The school is not responsible for lost or stolen electronic devices.

Northwood Student Handbook, page 9

If your student needs to bring an electronic communication device to school please make certain they understand that it must be kept in their locker and they may not text, call, watch videos, etc. on their device during the school day.Thank you so much for your support with this important issue!

Students should not bring toys, trading cards, and other similar items to school. These items are very distracting and disruptive. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or broken personal items. Please see Northwood Student Handbook, page 14:

Personal Items

Students’ personal items that should not be brought to school include anything of great value. Other items that should not be brought to school include electronics that are potentially disruptive to the classroom, toys or other distracting items, trading cards or other items with numerous loose pieces, and any other items that are not directly used in the classroom for instructional purposes.

Classrooms: Do not send snacks containing peanuts or tree nuts.

Lunch Room: There is a separate table for any students with nut allergies.

Class Parties: If party donations are requested, do not send items that have peanuts or tree nuts.

• Halloween - If you send in goodies to be sent home, do not include any food items.
• Valentine's Day - If you send in goodies to be sent home, do not include any food items.

Birthdays: Do not send food or beverages as birthday treats.

Student Report Cards are available through your MISTAR Parent Portal on the Royal Oak Schools website. There is a Report Card tab on the left side of the screen that you need to click to access your child's Report Card. If you have any questions or need help accessing your child's report card, please see the Parent Portal link above or contact the Oakland Schools Help Desk at 248-209-2060.

Students K-5 take i-Ready reading and math diagnostic assessments three times per year to enhance our understanding of them as learners and to help inform our instructional decisions. Your student's results report from each testing period will be uploaded into the MiStar Parent Portal under "Student Documents", along with report cards. To access the parent portal, go to royaloakschools.org, click on "Parents/Guardians" on the menu bar, and then click on "MISTAR Parent Portal." Please use the login assistance links if you need help logging in. Understanding Your Student's i-Ready Diagnostic Report includes helpful information for you as you review your child's reports.

At Northwood we take pride in making sure we have a kind, caring, environment. Our parents & families 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.

If you need information or technology support for your student's district-issued Chromebook, click the link below.

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 this link for more download information.

All members of the Royal Oak Schools community are invited to celebrate the many cultures present throughout the district. Please complete this form to RSVP as a guest or to register to host a table with cultural foods, activities, or art. own for your displays. Reach out to any staff member (Contact information is below!) with questions you may have. ALL are welcome to participate as presenters or simply attend!

As the school year winds down, Royal Oak Schools is excited to offer Summer Learning Sessions to keep students engaged and growing throughout the summer months! This is for elementary students exiting DK-4 in June 2025 and middle school students exiting grades 5-8 in June 2025. High School classes will be announced later.

Program Details:

All classes will be held from 8:30 am - 11:30 am, Monday - Thursday, for both sessions.

📍 Location: Addams Elementary School
📆 Session I: June 23 – July 10 (No classes July 3-4)
📆 Session II: July 14 – July 31
🕣 Time: Monday – Thursday, 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Designed for students in DK-8, these sessions provide an opportunity to reinforce learning in a supportive and engaging environment. Students will engage in math and ELA enrichment. An email confirmation will be sent once registration closes on April 30, 2025. Classes are subject to cancellation or consolidation due to low enrollment. You can sign up for one or both sessions.

Please fill out a separate form for each of your children.

Cost: $160 per student/session

Registration:

• Elementary: https://bit.ly/4iN9P0c
• Middle School: https://bit.ly/425BjY3

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.

Are your children safe while online? Michigan families, especially minors, are becoming inundated with advertisements from alcohol, tobacco, pornography, illegal drugs and gambling marketers through different internet and cell phone inboxes. Thankfully, the State of Michigan offers a free program to stop adult advertisements from reaching e-mails, text messages, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Discord, TikTok, Twitch and Twitter. The Michigan Child Protection Registry, is a free do-not-contact service for Michigan’s families and can be located at www.ProtectMIChild.com.

Protecting your children online is extremely important. You can sign your entire family up for the Registry and inform your friends and colleagues about how they can protect children and families from unwanted adult advertising. To sign up, it only takes a few seconds. Just go to www.ProtectMIChild.com and keep your family safe.

Northwood Elementary School will provide higher-level learning opportunities for all students to maximize their potential in a safe, nurturing, respectful, and diverse environment.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that Northwood is a Michigan Green School at the Evergreen level? We not only recycle, but our students compost their food scraps, trays, and napkins in our cafeteria every day!

Molly Bascom-Keller, Ed.S.

Northwood Elementary Principal

Email Principal Bascom-Keller

Northwood Elementary School Website

Northwood's Facebook Page