On September 25, Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick delivered the annual State of the Schools address, focusing on the district's progress, challenges, and vision for the future.
Highlighting the district's commitment to its strategic plan, "Continuing Excellence," the presentation emphasized the focus on creating a supportive and inclusive educational environment where students are empowered to develop the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
Key highlights in the area of Curriculum & Instruction include the launch of a new English Language Arts (ELA) pilot for DK-5th grades, which is currently in the resource phase. The district is also conducting a review of the K-12 science curriculum to ensure it meets current standards. In high school, economics courses now feature integrated financial literacy units. Additionally, there is a strong focus on prioritizing health and wellness for both students and staff, with efforts to secure grant opportunities that support these initiatives.
Fitzpatrick recapped successful community engagement events such as the “Family Welcome Back Night” in August, which featured over 40 community partners available to families before the Ravens' first home football game. New sustainability initiatives, such as composting and recycling efforts, are being developed in collaboration with the City of Royal Oak. Additionally, community projects like the Wellness Rock Garden at Waltonwood and Oak Ridge Elementary and events like “Soup with the Super” highlight the district’s focus on building partnerships and strengthening community collaboration.
In Facilities & Finance, the district has completed spending from the 2017 bond, including recent summer gym renovations at ROMS and kitchen updates at Addams and Keller. The district's 2024 audit, conducted by Yeo & Yeo, received an unmodified opinion, demonstrating strong financial stewardship. A new district-wide phone system has been successfully updated.
In Human Resources, the district hosted an exciting professional development program in August 2024. The program included 80 individual sessions taught by staff for staff, safety training, and a keynote presentation by Dr. Shaun Woodly. Hiring practices have been streamlined, and many new employees were hired over the summer months.
Community members are encouraged to visit the district’s website, download the Royal Oak Schools app, and subscribe to newsletters for more information and to stay connected with Royal Oak Schools.
Following the State of the Schools address, Nolan Finley and Stephen Henderson, two celebrated journalists who, despite their differing viewpoints, have built strong professional and personal relationships, spoke to the crowd about their program, 'The Civility Project.'
The Civility Project aims to unite people with opposing views for healthy disagreements, individual interactions, and constructive conversations.
The guests shared their personal and professional experiences and how they have embraced friendship and civility despite their differences in opinion and politics. They pointed us toward the four pillars of civility they suggest be adopted when talking with others who may disagree with you, your views, or your way of life, including:
Pillar 1: Drop Assumptions.
Pillar 2: Set Honest Goals for the Conversation.
Pillar 3: Listen Actively - a skill that must be learned!
Pillar 4: Keep Returning to the Conversation. Civility is not built overnight.
These pillars guide principles that everyone should try to embrace.
You can watch the State of the Schools address with this link.