Upton Update
Week of January 3, 2022
Week of December 15, 2025
Upton Spirit Week
Professional Learning Morning
Our professional learning morning for staff will take place again this Wednesday, December 17. This means that it is a late start for students. The first bell will ring at 9:20 a.m. with classes starting at 9:25 a.m.
Winter Weather Wear
Please make sure your child comes to school dressed and ready for outdoor recess. Unless temperatures or conditions are unsafe, our students will continue to enjoy fresh air and playtime outside.
Please send your child with:
Warm gloves or mittens
Winter coat
Hat
Boots
Snow pants
If your student or a child you know could use a few more warm layers, we can help. Send us a message with what you need.
Holiday Break
Our last day of school before the Holiday Break is December 19. There will be no school from December 22-January 2. School will resume on January 5, 2026.
Kindergarten Enrollment for Royal Oak Residents
Kindergarten Enrollment
Kindergarten information night will take place in January of 2026. Kindergarten and DK enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year will being in February 2026.
Residents of Royal Oak Schools:
- Gather all required documents
- Complete online pre-enrollment:
https://mistar.oakland.k12.mi.us/royaloak/preenrollment/
Non residents:
- Complete a Schools of Choice application (open in March 2026)
- Gather all required documents
- Once you've received an approval letter, complete online pre-enrollment:
https://mistar.oakland.k12.mi.us/royaloak/preenrollment/
Kindergarten Age Requirements
A resident child must be five (5) years of age on or before September 1st in order to be eligible to attend kindergarten.
If a child is not five (5) years of age by September 1st, but will be five (5) years of age no later than December 1st, the parent/guardian may still enroll the child in kindergarten. The parent must notify the school district, in writing, at the time of enrollment by completing a Kindergarten Age Waiver.
Developmental kindergarten follows all the same laws and enrollment requirements as kindergarten. Please visit this link to learn more about developmental kindergarten.
Documents Specific to Kindergarten Enrollment:
- Vision, Hearing and Dental Screening for Kindergarten Entry. These can be complete through the health department, at your current preschool or at your family doctor and dentist.
- Screenings should take place the same calendar year and are required by the first day of school.
More information regarding Kindergarten Eligibility can be found on the following sites:
Developmental Kindergarten Information
- What is Developmental Kindergarten?
The program allows students additional time to physically and emotionally develop in a safe and secure environment before attending kindergarten. Students experience similar opportunities as other kindergarten students, but are taught at a pace and intensity dependent on individual readiness. Developmental Kindergarten students will be taught by a certified teacher endorsed in early childhood, and they will participate in many activities around language & literacy, math, science, social studies, technology & computers, social experiences, and dramatic play. Students also attend traditional specials classes, including physical education, media library, art, and music. - How do I know if it is right for my child?
There is no single definition or assessment to determine placement. Most students will attend traditional kindergarten. Parents who are already considering another option before kindergarten are most likely to consider Developmental Kindergarten. Any parent who indicates that they are interested in Developmental Kindergarten at the time of enrollment will be contacted by the principal of the school in their attendance area. - What is the typical class size in Developmental Kindergarten?
The exact size and number of classes will be determined after enrollment, taking into consideration school space availability. - Where and when is this program?
Developmental Kindergarten is being offered at all the elementary schools. Students will attend a full day, beginning at 8:25 a.m. and ending at 3:30 p.m. - In what grade will my child be enrolled after he/she completes Developmental Kindergarten?
Students who complete Developmental Kindergarten are expected to attend kindergarten the following year.
Preschool Enrollment
We offer a variety of preschool programs at our Early Childhood Center, which will be moving to 707 Girard for the 26/27 school year.
If you are interested in full day, 4 year old preschool, enrollment will begin January 5th. Please visit https://www.greatstartoakland.org/ to learn more.
Early On is Michigan's system for helping families of infants and toddlers, birth to age 3 who have developmental delays or disabilities. Start a referral by visiting this link or call 1-800-EarlyOn
Please direct any questions by email to Amber Ceresnie, Secretary at the Early Childhood Center or call: 248-288-3220 X 0.
Softball/Baseball Clinic & Training Sessions
Care Solace
Royal Oak Schools has partnered with Care Solace, a care-coordination organization focused on removing barriers to accessing mental health care. The collaboration provides school district families and staff with access to over 560,000 licensed mental health and substance use treatment providers, and connections to food assistance, shelter support, and low-fee/free health services.
You can reach Care Solace in any of the following ways:
Call 888-515-0595 anytime. Multilingual support is available around the clock. A Care Companion will walk you through finding providers, booking appointments, and following up to ensure the match is right.
Visit www.caresolace.com/royaloakschools and either search on your own OR click “Need Help?” at the top of the page for assistance by video chat, email, or phone.
Ask your school's mental health professional or staff, or building administrator, to submit a referral for you.
December Food Menus
Upton Calendar
Wednesday
Late Start for Students- School begins at 9:25 a.m.
Thursday
ROHS Choir Holiday Tour 1:15-1:45 p.m.
Friday
Last Day before Winter Break
Our last day of school before the Holiday Break is December 19. There will be no school from December 22-January 2. School will resume on January 5, 2026.
Mr. John Grzywack
john.grzywack@royaloakschools.org
4400 Mandalay Avenue, Royal Oak, MI, United States
(248) 549-4968
https://upton.royaloakschools.org/
The vision of Upton Elementary School is to inspire students to become lifelong learners.