Keeping up with Keller
By: Marcie Dryden, Principal
March 17, 2023
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
*March 20-24: Book Fair
*March 21: World Down Syndrome Day -- Wear your mismatched socks!
*March 22: 5th Grade Open House
*March 24: Husky Packs
*March 24: Half Day for Students (Dismissal 12:05 p.m.)
*March 27-31: No School Spring Break
MARCH IS READING MONTH SCHEDULE & ACTIVITIES
Mystery Reader Superintendent Fitzpatrick
CPR & AED Training at Keller
Judge Meinecke Working with Keller 5th graders
Judge Meinecke from the 44th District court has been doing the Justice 101 program with Royal Oak students for the past 5 years. Our 5th graders were able to take part in the program over the last couple weeks.
From Mrs. Strong, "Several of my students commented on how nice Judge Meinecke is. He really cares about people and wants to help them learn from their mistakes and do better."
4th Grade Concert
Our 4th graders shared an inspiring messages on making a difference in the world by caring for the planet and being kind to others. They rocked their music concert!
Thank you Mrs. Johnson for putting on a great show! You can take a bow!
3rd Grade Concert
Our 3rd graders surely put on a show this week at their music concert. They were able show us what they have been learning in their music class. I think we all learned something new. Thank you 3rd graders.
Thank you Mrs. Johnson for putting on yet another great show! You deserve a standing ovation.
Just another day at the office
A principal wears many hats... This week I was a project manager approving blueprints for our kindergarteners as part of their Where We Are In Place And Time IB Unit.
These little ones were able to tell me what they needed to build their home and why climate and location were such an important factor. I was blown away by their knowledge.
MARCH LUNCH MENU
PTA CORNER
Hi PTA friends!
Here's the scoop on some important upcoming news.
- Upcoming late starts: 4/19, 4/26
- 03/20 Restaurant Night, ALL DAY, at Ray's Ice Cream. 11am to 9pm
- 03/20- 03/24, Spring Scholastic Book Fair week in the Learning Commons
- 03/24 Half day of school, dismissal at 12:05pm
- 03/27-03/31 SPRING BREAK!
The Nominating Committee presented the slate of 2023-2024 Executive Board nominees at Monday's virtual PTA meeting. Voting will take place at our April meeting. Please join us so you can vote! The nominees are:
- President - Carie Hooker
- VP of Communications - Jennifer Streamer
- VP of Membership - Melissa Berry
- Secretary - Jennifer Brown
- Treasurer - Sarah Lutz
- Member-At-Large - Charity Gingell
Be sure to come shop our Scholastic Book Fair next week! We will be open in the Learning Commons 3:30-5pm Monday through Thursday, and 12-2pm Friday to accommodate the half day of school. Can't make it in person? Shop our fair online. We need help to run the fair, so consider signing up here.
We will be handing out free International Snack Bags to all who attend our fair, so be a risk-taker and try some snacks from around the world!
Silent Auction was last week and we surpassed our $6,000 goal due to the impressive variety of auction items and to the generous friends and families who took part in the fundraiser. We really appreciate all of the work our co-chairs James Gingell, Laura Shultz, and Melissa Golpe did to make this a success. And a HUGE thank you to everyone who donated items to our auction. You can find the complete list of donors on our website.
Our International Food and Fun Festival (IFFF) has been rescheduled for Friday, May 19. While this may seem far away, this was the date that worked best for all planners and entertainers involved. We are really looking forward to the event. There may be some new elements we introduce!
- The IFFF will provide entertainment in the gym from groups such as Native American Dancers, West African Congolese Dancers, Chinese Lion Dancers, and more!
- There will be international craft stations in the halls.
- Sound conscious Tai Chi groups in Mrs. McLeod's room for those who need a calming atmosphere.
- Enjoy the Scavenger Hunt provided by the PTA so you can hunt country information boards and learn new things about the world.
- New food options being considered... stay tuned!
The committee put in a ton of effort into planning this and we are looking forward to this beloved event! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS! We will send out the Sign-up Genius in early May.
Shop our Spirit Wear store for yourself, your student, a family member, or a Keller staff member. They offer clothing, hats, bags, and more!
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
- 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
PICK UP AT THE END OF THE DAY
When parked in the drop-off lane, it blocks the view, exits, and flow of 400+ students leaving the building. Thank you for keeping our lot safe for pedestrians!
Please refer to my previous Principal Dryden's newsletters and to the Keller handbook on the district website: https://keller.royaloakschools.org/
YELLOW LINED ZONES IN PARKING LOT
HELEN KELLER FAMILY CULTURE SURVEY
AFTER-SCHOOL PLAYGROUND USE
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.
NO DOGS ALLOWED ON SCHOOL GROUNDS
Although we love our furry friends at Keller, we are not permitted to have dogs on the premises before, during or after school. Besides it being a District policy more importantly it is to support our students who are anxious or have a fear of dogs (big or small.) We want our students to feel comfortable arriving and being dismissed from school without feeling unsafe.
CHROMEBOOK REQUEST
Please use the link below if you haven't requested a Chromebook for your child in GRADES 1-5.
SCHOOL LUNCHES
Just a reminder that school lunches cost $2.60. We do have applications for Free and Reduced Lunches:
Free and Reduced-Price Meals Application
Complete this application and return it to the school. This must be done every year in order to qualify. We also have additional applications in the office if you are unable to print one.
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
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.
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