Royal Oak Schools

School safety plans, or Emergency Operations Plans include any emergency, such as health/medical needs, local issues, stormy weather, and more. Royal Oak Schools collaborates with the Royal Oak Police Department for school safety planning. 

FREE GUN LOCKS AVAILABLE

Royal Oak Schools is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and community. As part of this effort, we are partnering with Michigan State Police to distribute free gun locks to families and staff members.

According to BeSMARTforKids.org:

• Firearms are the leading cause of death for American children and teens.
• Nearly 360 children under 18 unintentionally shoot themselves or someone else each year.
• More than 700 children in the U.S. die by gun suicide annually, with secure storage playing a crucial role in prevention.
• Three out of four school shooters obtained their firearm from a parent or relative’s home.

By securely storing firearms, we can help prevent tragedies and create a safer environment for our children.

Families and staff members can pick up a free Project ChildSafe gun lock at the main office of your child's school or the district office. We encourage all families to take advantage of this opportunity to enhance safety at home.

SAFETY AUDIT

In early spring of 2022 the district conducted an independent safety audit with Secure Education Consultants (SEC). The auditor walked through all spaces and evaluated safety plans at the time. Secure Education Consultants found that the district ranked in the top 20% of districts assessed across the country. They did include some recommendations for the district to work on. To read more about this study, click here.

"Summer has provided us time to complete some of those changes and recommendations," said Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick at the fall State of the Schools address. "(We've) enhanced our safety plans, including the installation of Nightlock doors safety mechanisms." In addition, repairs were made or hardware replaced as recommended, and Go Bags, which include safety equipment and the district's Emergency Operations Plan, were created. Each building, each classroom, and every coach has a Go Bag in case of emergency. An overview of the protocols was presented to all staff by the ROPD, including SRO Yerke. All new staff participated in intense training on school safety during their staff orientation.  And during the school year regular drills and practices are conducted with students.

🔗Link to safety drills

SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER

Meet Officer Lipscomb

Watch this student-produced video to learn more about Royal Oak Schools School Resource Officer, Antonio Lipscomb.  

SCHOOL THREATS

A Message From Sheriff Bouchard

With all of the continuing threats against schools across Oakland County, Sheriff Bouchard wanted to put out a video message to make his position very clear. It has not changed, nor will it. He asked Dr. Wanda Cook-Robinson, the superintendent of Oakland Schools, to send this out to every school district in Oakland County. She agreed and has been a great partner. Finally, we get questions about different roles. Charging decisions are up to the prosecutor and determination of student status, i.e. suspension or expulsion are up to the school district. Please share this with every student of every school in Oakland county.