Welcome To Our District!  

A broad continuum of programs and services are available for the students of the Royal Oak School District. Nearly 750 students benefit from these special services. Our program options are designed to meet the individual needs of eligible students from birth through  26.
Emphasis is placed on educating all students in their neighborhood schools to the maximum extent appropriate. However, all decisions about programs and services for students must be based on each student’s individual needs and must be made by an Individualized Educational Planning Team. Parental involvement in the development as well as the implementation of the individualized program is critical.  
​                                                                                                                                                                                                                       September 11, 2020  SE Update
Dear Royal Oak Families,
I hope you are well and found time to enjoy the beautiful Michigan summer! We all deserve some relaxation as these past months have been most trying. That being said, our students with IEP’s have been challenged since March with the remote learning platforms. As parents, you know firsthand that our students require individualized, face to face instruction, from highly trained teachers and staff to be successful. I can only imagine the stress your family has endured during this pandemic. As we move forward, it has been my goal to provide smaller face to face sessions for starting the new school year.
In preparation, our special education staff has reached out to you individually to gain feedback on your comfort level with opportunities for face to face individual/small group sessions, as well as Google Meet both group and/or individually, and to inform you of your child’s schedule for during the week. One size does not suit all, so our special education department is prepared to honor your requests. In the following paragraphs, you will find the important information for the start of the new school year.
 Location:
  • Instruction will take place in your child’s home school within the Royal Oak District.
School Arrival:
  • Please enter the buildings from the main entrance unless your caseload manager has provided other details.
  • Your teacher/therapist will meet you at the door.
 Arrival Procedures:
  • Your teacher/therapist will meet you at the assigned times by the designated doors.
  • Parents are required to complete a brief Symptom Check form regarding their family’s current health situation.
  • Afterward, the teacher/therapist will take your child’s temperature to ensure they are fever free.
  • When the above procedures are completed, your therapist/teacher will walk your child to the classroom for instruction and ancillary services.
  • Your teacher/therapist will return your child to the assigned doors when their session is completed.
 Transportation Procedures:
  • If your child is transported by the district, the Symptom Check form and temperature check will be completed prior to boarding the bus by the paraprofessional assigned.
  • Parents are expected to walk their child out to the bus in order to complete the safety protocol. We are also requesting that parents wear a mask in order to maintain the health and safety of our paraprofessionals.
  • If your child has a fever they will not be permitted to board the bus or come to school.
  • When your child arrives at school, their teacher and paraprofessional will greet them at the bus.
 Safety Precautions:
  • Staff are required to take their temperature and complete the Google form in order to enter the building.
  • Every staff member will be wearing a mask. Face shields and gloves have also been provided. We have purchased face masks that are clear so all students will be able to see their teacher/therapists’ face.
  • Additionally, there will be Plexiglas table dividers in every classroom in order to provide another protective layer.
  • The classroom filtration system has been adjusted to provide an increased level of outdoor air circulated in the building.
  • All materials and equipment will be sanitized prior to and after meeting with your child.
  • Students are required to wear a face mask while in the school building unless there are medical concerns or other circumstances.
Finally, as a school community it is important that we continue to work together for the safety, well-being and education of our students. This will require all of us to adhere to guidelines, communicate frequently and practice patience. I remain hopeful that Michigan will continue to make progress toward reducing the number of COVID-19 incidents and we will once again join our friends, families and neighbors for a typical school day.  Please contact me at jane.flarity-gram@royaloakschools.org if you have any questions or I can be of further assistance. We are looking forward to working with our students!
                                     Relationships + Communication + Flexibility = Positive Outcomes
 With you in mind,
 
Jane Flarity-Gram, Ed.S
Director of Special Education

Jason Zewartsky, Ed.S.
Autism Program Supervisor
 
​The Royal Oak High School LINKS Program has a dynamic group of students working together this school year.  Their work and learning is is directed by three Royal Oak Staff members:  Kelli Bracken-Special Education Teacher, Elizabeth Steinkampf-Social Worker and Kerry Sodonis-Speech Pathologist. Captured below is a snapshot of the Halloween fun enjoyed by all!