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Royal Oak Schools highlights You Matter Week award, trauma-informed training and DEI events
Summary
The board recognized Royal Oak Middle School's You Matter Week with an Education Excellence award, heard updates on trauma-informed staff training, Women Empower career fair and upcoming community events including an International Food & Fun Festival and Juneteenth plans.
At the March 13 meeting the board recognized Royal Oak Middle School's "You Matter Week" counseling program with an Education Excellence award from the Michigan Association of School Boards/Foundation and heard updates on district diversity, equity and inclusion and student-wellness activities.
Principal Meldrum introduced school counselors Sam Ellis and Carrie Lawrence, who described You Matter Week as an effort to reduce mental-health stigma, build self-respect and strengthen student supports. The counselors said the program includes activities such as therapy-dog visits and positive chalk talk. Representatives from the Michigan Association of School Boards presented an award check; an exact grant amount was not specified during the presentation.
The board also received updates from the district's DEI lead (Miss Phillips) on recent and upcoming programs: a statewide Black History Month calendar collaboration with the Michigan Department of Education, trauma-informed professional development cohort number 7 (which will yield 2'45 trained staff members after completion on March 21), Royal Oak High School's Women Empower Career Fair with 27 presenters, an International Food & Fun Festival at Keller Elementary scheduled for May 2, 2025, and a Juneteenth celebration planned for June 19, 2025 in partnership with the Hamer family descendants, the public library and the city.
Trustees and staff emphasized the importance of ongoing mental-health supports, student-led activities and community partnerships. Board members praised the award-winning work and asked staff to continue expanding supports and sharing program details with families.
