Raven Family Resource

Dear Raven Families,

We are about at the halfway point of the first marking period. Please check in with grades through MiStar parent connection and reach out to teachers if you have questions. Links to MiStar are below in the "Announcements & Reminders" section which you can access quickly using the navigation bar on the left.

PSAT/NMSQT testing is Wednesday for our 11th grade students. Please bring a fully charged chromebook that day.

Our Fall Band & Orchestra concert is this week Thursday at 6:00 p.m. Come out and enjoy the hard work of our student musicians.

Fall sports are underway - please come and support our student athletes. Our athletic calendar is linked below in our "Upcoming Dates" section.

Fridays are our designated school spirit days, so please wear your Raven gear every Friday to show your school pride!

Warm regards,

ROHS Admin Team

• October 2 - PSAT/NMSQT Testing for 11th Grade - please bring charged chromebooks!
• October 3 - Band & Orchestra Concert, 6:00 p.m.
• October 11 - Homecoming Parade, 5:00 p.m.
• October 11 - Homecoming Football Game, 7:00 p.m.
• October 12 - Senior Reception, 6:00 p.m.
• October 12 - Homecoming Dance, 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.
• October 17 - Parent-Teacher Conferences (Half Day for students), 1-3:00 p.m., 4-7:00 p.m.
• October 31 - Half Day for staff and students

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

The football game, tailgate, and ROHS Homecoming Parade will all take place at Royal Oak High School on Friday, October 11th. The Homecoming Parade begins its route along Lexington Boulevard at 5:00 p.m. Along with other clubs, sports teams, and other high school groups, the ROHS Marching Band, cheer squad, dance team, and homecoming court are all featured in the parade. It concludes with a community-wide tailgate in front of the stadium, complete with free food, live music, games, and other entertaining activities. Please join us to support the ROHS Ravens Varsity Football Team as they play Pontiac after the tailgate. The game begins at 7:00 p.m.

Save the date for Fall Parent-Teacher Conferences! P-T Conferences will be held on October 17, 2024 from 1pm - 3pm and 4pm - 7pm. We will be using My Conference Time which is the same online scheduling software and format as we’ve used in previous years.

Please click here for information on how to schedule your conferences using the My Conference Time software. It is recommended to review this information before the conference schedule opens. The sign-up will open up Friday, October 4, 2024 at 3pm.

Note: This is a time for a quick check-in with your child's teacher. If you need additional time or you feel you need a longer conference with any of your child's teachers, you can request a meeting with a teacher at any point in the year. Email the teacher to set up a phone, video or in-person meeting.

Parents and Guardians,

If you are the parent or guardian of a senior and missed Curriculum Night, please see the slideshow and view the video presentation (PLEASE CLICK HERE).

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.

Thursday, September 5th was Picture Day. Each student was photographed and given their Student ID.

Proofs of the photos will be handed out in a future Advisory, including information on purchasing photos.

If your student was absent or would like to take another photo, Picture Retake Day will be on Friday, October 18th. More information will be sent out closer to that date.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Matt Swastek (matthew.swastek@royaloakschools.org)

Yearbook Information:

Interested in purchasing a yearbook? The price is $80 until December 31st. Please follow the link for purchasing options:

• Yearbook Purchasing Link (links to an external site)

Parents/Guardians of Seniors:

• Senior Portraits & Senior Tributes

• Students are encouraged to schedule their Senior Portraits through Prestige Studios, located in Ferndale, MI.

• Grad Photography in Ferndale, MI | Prestige Studio by Lifetouch (links to an external site)

• If you choose to have your Senior Tributes taken somewhere else, please note that you are responsible for following our specifications and submitting the photo yourself. Information on both can be found on the PDF linked below.

• 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

Public Review and Comment of New Sexual Health Curriculum for Middle School 7th Grade and High School Level III Special Education

Please take notice that the Sexual Education Advisory Board of the Royal Oak Schools, will hold a public hearing on September 24 and October 2 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. to allow community members to review and comment on the proposed changes to the 7th grade sexual health curriculum and the high school special education level III sexual health curriculum. The meetings will take place at the Royal Oak Schools District Administration Offices, 800 DeVillen, Royal Oak, MI.

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.

One of the greatest and growing areas of concern is the practice of families dropping students off in the circle drive (Lexington/Crooks). 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.

If you are traveling southbound on Crooks, please use both lanes up until the merge point. That will help traffic flow into and out of our school areas more smoothly.

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).

Here is a list of clubs that are currently running:

Art, Book, Chess, Descartes Cafe - Philosophy, Drama, Dungeons & Dragons, Game, HOSA, Interact, Math NHS - Mu Alpha Theta, Model Un (ROMUN), National ART Honor Society, National Honor Society, Pickleball, Poetry, RATS (Raven Auditorium Technical Staff), Robotics, Science, Science NHS, Ski & Snowboard, Students for Environmental Awareness, UMatter, Unified Champions, World Language

The Royal Oak Athletic Boosters need 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 Donation Page.

Questions? Contact our Athletic Director, 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)

• Future Fair - October 23, 2024. 4:30 - 6:30 pm. ROHS Cafeteria. All are welcome! Families, students, siblings, etc... Come to the fair to meet representatives from Colleges, Universities, Trades, Businesses and more! We will be using StriveScan (sign up in advisory).

AP Exams can now be ordered on SchoolPay. Deadline for AP Exam ordering is November 8, 2024. Click here to learn more. Please contact Crissy Karaszewski with any questions.

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

TBD - General Education Social Worker

Saturday, October 12, 2024 – Senior Reception - 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Seniors, their dates, and parents are invited to a special pre-Homecoming Dance reception on October 12th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM in the ROHS Courtyard. This gathering offers a chance to enjoy time with fellow seniors and capture memorable photos, including group pictures from elementary school days. Please remember to bring your ticket and student ID, as entry will not be allowed without them, and tickets will not be available at the door. Even if you’re not planning to attend the dance, you’re still welcome to join the reception.

• Addams Elementary - 6:20 PM

• Northwood Elementary - 6:25 PM

• Oakridge Elementary - 6:30 PM

• Keller Elementary - 6:35 PM

• Oakland Elementary - 6:40 PM

• Upton Elementary - 6:45 PM

• Non-RO Elementary - 6:50 PM

• ROHS CLASS OF 2025 - 6:55 PM

• Homecoming Court - 7:05 PM

ATTENTION CLASS OF 2025

If you are the parent or guardian of a senior and missed the Curriculum Night presentation, please see the slideshow and view the video presentation (PLEASE CLICK HERE).

OCTOBER IS MICHIGAN COLLEGE MONTH

Michigan College Month begins Oct. 1! This annual statewide initiative aims to provide every graduating high school senior the opportunity to apply to college. During Michigan College Month, many postsecondary institutions are waiving college application fees to help reduce barriers and incentivize students to apply. Learn more about all of Michigan’s public and private, 2-year and 4-year colleges that are waiving their fees in October!

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.

TRANSCRIPTS

All students in the class of 2025 should have received an invitation to Parchment which is an electronic transcript service. The invitation includes a registration code that will automatically link students with ROHS. Additional information about transcripts can be found in the Postsecondary Planning Resource.

UPCOMING COLLEGE VISITS

A number of schools will be visiting ROHS students to share information about their programming and admissions process. Please click here for the schedule and to sign up.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE GUARANTEE

Beginning Fall 2024, students from the Class of 2023 and beyond may be eligible for the Community College Guarantee, which includes:

• In-district tuition, contact hours, and mandatory fees.
• An additional $1,000 Michigan Achievement Bonus award for Pell-eligible students, which can be used toward additional college costs.
• More information can be found HERE.

Coming soon!

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! Check out the website for more information.

• 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.