The Monthly Update

Elementary Schools:

Brittany Luo Teacher at Oakland and Oak Ridge Elementary Schools

Ph: (248) 542- 4406 Ext 2007

brittany.luo@royaloakschools.org

Miranda Gjoni teacher at Keller and Upton Elementary Schools

Keller Room 116 | Extension: 3065 & Upton Media Center (Room C)

miranda.gjoni@royaloakschools@royaloakschools.org

Kristin Ramold teacher at Northwood and Addams Elementary Schools

Ph: 248-268-7384 ext 3565

kristin.ramold@royaloakschools.org

Royal Oak Middle School:

Hannah Sells ELD Coordinator and teacher

Ph: (248) 549-4968 Ext 4611

hannah.sells@royaloakschools.org

Royal Oak High School:

Julia Giacoma ELD and Math teacher

Ph: (248)435-8500 Ext. 1026

julia.giacoma@royaloakschools.org

Community Outreach & ELD Paraprofessional at Elementary, Middle and High Schools:

Janka Demiri (K-12 Grades)

janka.demiri@royaloakschools.org

Vjollca (Violet) Andoni (K-12 Grades)

vjollca.andoni@royaloakschools.org

This bulletin board was thoughtfully created by the students of Addams Elementary School, with guidance and leadership from one of our students’ parents, Martha A. Olea. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” message, the display highlights the values of unity, respect, equality, and character. Through colorful handprints and bilingual text in English and Spanish, our students express the shared hope for a world where people are judged by the content of their character. This project reflects our school community’s commitment to inclusion, cultural awareness, and student voice.

We would like to inform families in the Royal Oak community that our district has officially begun the WIDA ACCESS for ELLs® testing window. This annual assessment is designed to measure English language development for our multilingual learners in the areas of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. WIDA results help educators better understand each student’s language progress and allow schools to provide targeted instruction and support that promotes academic success.

Families play an important role in supporting students during this testing period. You can help your child prepare by encouraging daily reading, engaging in meaningful conversations in English (or your home language), maintaining regular routines, and ensuring your child gets enough rest and arrives at school ready to do their best. Most importantly, we encourage students to feel confident and relaxed, knowing this assessment is simply one way to show what they already know and can do.

If you have any questions about WIDA testing or would like more information about your child’s participation, please do not hesitate to reach out to our ELD (English Language Development) team, who are happy to support you and your family.

Royal Oak is full of engaging events and activities this February! From educational exhibits and family-friendly programs to live entertainment and year-round attractions, there’s something for everyone in our community.

February 6–8
• Black Heroes of the American Revolution — An educational exhibit in the Royal Oak Public Library lobby honoring the contributions of Black Americans.

Friday, February 6
• Minecraft for Kids — Survival mode gaming at the Royal Oak Public Library (registration required).

Saturday, February 7
• The Fourth Great Puzzle Exchange — A quick, fun puzzle swap for adults at the Royal Oak Public Library.

Weekly & Ongoing
• Royal Oak Farmers Market — Saturdays, 7:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (indoors/heated).
• Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle — Live comedy shows and Wednesday open mic nights.
• Detroit Zoo — Open year-round.
• Downtown Social District — Enjoy local restaurants, entertainment venues, and Habatat Galleries.

We hope you enjoy all that our community has to offer this month!