Keeping up with Keller
By: Marcie Dryden, Principal
September 16, 2022
Mission Statement
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.
PRINCIPAL DRYDEN ON FACEBOOK
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!
IMPORTANT DATE
*September 21, 28: Late start for students/professional development for staff
*September 27: Picture Day
*October 5, 12, 19, 26: Late start for students/professional development for staff
*October 10: PTA Meeting @ 7:00 p.m.
*October 14: Huskies Fun Run
*October 28: 4th Grade Lansing Trip
*October 28: Halloween Dance
*October 31: 1/2 Day for Students (Dismissal is at 12:05 p.m.
SEESAW MESSAGE
SAVE THE DATE FOR PICTURE DAY
VISION SCREENING
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
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
DESIGNATED HANDICAP PARKING SPOTS
DROP OFF
PARKING
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.
*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 and pick-up 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
PAC Meeting
Royal Oak PAC Meeting - Wednesday, September 21st @ 6:30 PM at the School Board Office
Connect with other families in the Royal Oak School District that have students with IEPs, 504s or questions about Special Education in the School District. Our September meeting will be an opportunity to meet, connect and kick off a new School year!
The RO PAC is made up of parents of children with a wide range of disabilities. PACs have a positive impact on special education programs and policies. Our Royal Oak PAC is a group of parents that are passionate about the education and the well being of our children. The ROPAC sincerely welcomes any parent with a student(s) in Royal Oak Schools to join us in our mission to make our schools a destination for students receiving special education services to thrive. We are committed to promote inclusivity for all. We believe students of all abilities deserve respect, support and resources. For more information, please contact PAC President Elizabeth DeLorean at elizabeth.delorean@gmail.com
Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/RoyalOakSchoolsPAC
BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK
If you would like to have your child participate in this program, fill out the form below and mail it to the board office at 800 Devillen, Royal Oak, MI 48073, or just hit submit on this form. 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.
PTA Survey
The Royal Oak Schools PTAs are requesting all families complete this survey. It is the goal of our PTAs to welcome and include all students and families. This survey will help us understand how we can better achieve that goal. The survey results will be shared with each school’s PTA and discussed at a fall PTA meeting.
PTA Corner
Hi PTA friends!
We are still looking for a few committee chairs this year. Be a risk taker and contact Carie Hooker to learn more about these committees and how you can help the PTA and Keller community. Openings include:
- A co-chair for Performing Arts/ Talent Show: help coordinate and put on a Talent Show in the spring.
- A chair for Cultural Arts/ Assemblies: plan 2-3 assemblies this school year for students; this can be done from the comfort of your home!
Our annual fall fundraiser, Huskies Run, will be Friday, October 14th but fundraising efforts begin soon. This is our biggest fundraiser of the year and sets us up for a successful year ahead! Information will come home soon with your student and will be shared on our website.
Don't forget to buy your annual $7 membership to Keller PTA. Membership does NOT require you to volunteer or attend meetings, although we would love to have you do both! Aside from the September meeting, meetings are all under an hour and give the opportunity to talk to the principal and our Royal Oak District School Board liaison. It's a good way to be in the know. Some are in-person and some are virtual.
How you PTA is up to you! Get involved to your comfort level.
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
- What to expect when you attend a PTA meeting
- Our annual budget
- Monthly meeting minutes
- PTA FAQs
- Spirit Wear store
- MemberHub link to buy membership and join our online directory
- National PTA podcast link for Notes From the Backpack
- And much more!
All My Best,
Carie Hooker, President
Essential Agreements
*We are respectful
*We are safe and in control
*We are responsible learners
Keller Creed
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.
Learner Profile Highlights
Don’t forget that the highlighted monthly learner profile and weekly behavior focus is on the Google calendar (every Sunday).
Marcie Dryden
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