Keeping up with Keller
By: Marcie Dryden, Principal
April 12, 2024
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 DATES
APRIL:
*April 12: IFFF Event (International Food & Fun Festival)
*April 16: PAC Meeting @ 6:30 p.m.
*April 17, 24: Late start for students/PD for staff
*April 19: 3rd Grade Field Trip to DIA
*April 23: 2nd Grade Music Concert @ 7:00 p.m. (in Gym)
*April 24: Reflections Assembly
*April 24: ROYA Youth Recognition Dinner & Awards
STUDENTS IN ACTION
Yesterday, our Kindergarteners hosted a Mini Exhibition showcasing their homes for their Where We Are In Place and Time IB Unit. During the event, students shared with me their understanding of the factors influencing home construction, including climate, location, and available resources. I was blown away by their knowledge.
REFLECTIONS CONTEST WINNERS
Congratulations to Clara Gunsch for winning in the Photography category with Outstanding Interpretation and to Maya Omowale for receiving an Honorable Mention in the Visual Arts category in the Reflections Contest! All participants who submitted their artwork for the contest will be recognized during a school-wide assembly scheduled for later this month.
APRIL HUSKY PACK LESSON
Here is the Husky Pack Lesson from Wednesday (3/10/24). The topic was on inclusion.
REPORT CARDS AVAILABLE APRIL 12
Report cards will be available to view starting on Friday, April 12, using the Parent Portal. Please make sure to look over your child's report card to see the progress that is being made. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher.
MODIFIED LUNCH MENU
Due to upcoming renovations in our kitchen, we will be temporarily offering a single lunch option on our menu. Printed copies of the updated menu will be distributed as soon as they are received from Food Services. Thank you for your understanding during this time.
YOUNG OAKS LATCHKEY 2024-25 LOTTERY
Families must apply annually to be eligible for Young Oaks Latchkey. Our lottery for the 2024-25 school year can be found here. The links will be live at 9:00am on Monday May 6th. Families will be notified of their status (waitlist or acceptance) Wednesday May 22nd. If you have any questions please contact Addams Early Childhood Center 248-288-3220 ext. 0.
School Learning Sessions
- Session 1: June 24-July 12 (No school July 4-5)
- Session 2: July 15-August 1
- DK-5: 2 sessions, 3 weeks each (M-TH)- 8:30-11:30 AM
Our summer school program will offer math and ELA enrichment programs, as well as a LEGO STEM opportunity for students in grades DK-8. These opportunities will definitely keep your students fully engaged with these enrichment experiences!
The cost to participate is $160, and financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Reach out to Jennifer Knipper for assistance, Jennifer.knipper@royaloakschools.org.
- For more information click on this link
APRIL PAC MEETING
April PAC Meeting - Tuesday, April 16th, 6:30 - 8:00 PM on Zoom
The Parent Advocacy Committee's April meeting will be held Tuesday, April 16th @ 6:30 PM on Zoom (PAC Meeting Zoom Link). We will be welcoming Christie Kay from The Arc of Oakland County, to learn about their organization and all they do for families of students with special needs. The Arc is a non-profit organization that "advocates for the rights and full participation of children and adults with intellectual and other related developmental disabilities." To join our mailing list for meeting reminders and other updates, complete this quick form: ROPAC Email List
NEWS YOU CAN USE
SMARTPHONE & WATCH USE DURING THE SCHOOL DAY
Students should not be communicating with parents/families using their phones or Smartwatches during the school day. If a student is wearing a Smartwatch they are to use it as a watch only. All phones are to stay in the student's backpack in their lockers. Please refrain from texting your child during the school day as it is a distraction from instruction. All communication during the school day should be done through Seesaw with the teacher or through the front office at (248)542-6500. Thank you for your cooperation.
REPORTING AN ABSENCE
All absences should be called in to the Safety Check number. Absences that are not reported are considered unexcused. Please make sure to indicate if you are ordering lunch the next day if the call is before 10:00 a.m. Calls after 10:00 a.m. we cannot guarantee your A or B lunch choice.
Safety Check number 248-542-6500 option #1
DISPENSING MEDICATION AT SCHOOL POLICY UPDATE
Please be aware that Board Policy 5330 (below) requires a doctor's prescription as well as parental authorization before we can dispense non prescribed (over the counter) medicine as well as prescribed medications.
For purposes of this policy, "medication" shall include all medicines including those prescribed by a physician and any nonprescribed (over-the-counter) drugs, preparations, and/or remedies. "Treatment" refers both to the manner in which a medication is administered and to health-care procedures which require special training, such as catheterization.
Before any medication or treatment may be administered to any student during school hours, the Board shall require the written prescription from the child's physician accompanied by the written authorization of the parent. This document shall be kept on file in the administrative offices. No student is allowed to provide or sell any type of over-the-counter medication to another student. Violations of this rule will be considered violations of Policy 5530 - Drug Prevention and of the Student Discipline Code/Code of Conduct.
THANK YOU
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!
PTA Corner
Hi PTA friends!
We are gearing up for one of our biggest celebrations, the International Food & Fun Festival, (IFFF,) which will be held Friday, April 12 at Keller. This is a great opportunity to learn about other customs, cultures, and backgrounds. There will be food trucks onsite, a complimentary snack, entertainment, games, student art displayed, a sensory room, and informational stations about world countries set up throughout the event. Questions can be sent to ifff@helenkellerpta.net.
Coupled with the IFFF is our Silent Auction. Our committee is still looking for donations to auction off from people and businesses. If you have something of value, whether it’s a good or service, please reach out to the Chairs at silentauction@helenkellerpta.net. The auction will open online for the week leading up to the IFFF. We hope you check out this amazing fundraiser!
Continue to check our website any time you need to find PTA information.
All My Best,
Carie Hooker, President
GROWING CONFIDENT FEMALES
Studies have consistently shown that many girls and young women struggle with feelings of low self-confidence. This unfortunate trend seems to persist across various aspects of life, including academics, body image, and career aspirations.
In the realm of academics, girls often exhibit lower levels of confidence compared to their male counterparts. They may doubt their abilities and hesitate to take on challenging subjects or leadership roles. This lack of confidence can impact their performance and limit their academic achievements.
Body image is another area where girls often feel inadequate. Unrealistic media portrayals of beauty standards, combined with societal pressures, can lead to body dissatisfaction and a decrease in self-confidence. This can have long-lasting effects on mental and emotional well-being.
Furthermore, many girls struggle with confidence when it comes to career aspirations. They may underestimate their skills and downplay their ambitions, leading to a smaller presence in traditionally male-dominated fields. This self-doubt can hinder their pursuit of fulfilling careers and limit their potential for success.
It is crucial to address these issues and foster an environment that empowers girls to believe in themselves. By promoting self-acceptance, resilience, and a growth mindset, we can help girls develop the confidence they need to thrive and reach their full potential.
Click on the link below for the first-ever, large-scale national 2023 survey designed to develop a deeper understanding of the thoughts, experiences, behaviors and attitudes of teen girls throughout the U.S:
The 2023 Girls’ Index Executive Overview
KELLER IS A NO PLACE FOR HATE SCHOOL
Keller continues to be recognized as a No Place For Hate School 2023-24 by the ADL (Anti-Defamation League). One criteria to meet this is to have student-led activities that empower our students to use their voice and create a culture of inclusion.
One of the many student-led initiatives has been our Student Council's SGS Club (Students Guiding Students) during lunch recess. This is an opportunity for our older students to help our younger students to problem solve on the playground, a place to report bullying or help someone who needs a friend to play with.
Up next for us is our Student Council will be developing and teaching one of our future Husky Packs which will include the No Place For Hate Pledge below.
PARKING LOT EXPECTATIONS
PARKING LOT REMINDER
The lane closest to the sidewalk is a drop-off lane. This is for drop-off ONLY. There is no parking, stopping, standing, or idling at any time.
Please find a parking spot when picking up your student.
When parked in the drop-off lane, it blocks the view, exits, and flow of 450+ students leaving the building. Thank you for keeping our lot safe for pedestrians!
Please refer to Keeping up with Keller newsletters and to the Keller handbook on the district website: https://keller.royaloakschools.org/
DO NOT PARK OR STAND
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 -- 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
SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
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...
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