About Village Oaks

Village Oaks Elementary

School Profile

• Approximately 542 Students in Grades K-4
• 30 Classroom Teachers
• 2 ELL Teachers
• 4 Special Education Teachers
• 1 Special Education Teacher Consultant.
• Art, Music, Media, and Physical Education Classes
• Ancillary support for students' academic, social, physical, and emotional needs
• Active Parent -Teacher Organization (VOICE).

Arrival/Dismissal

Student safety is our top priority at Village Oaks. In an effort to ensure our students are safe, we have created the following arrival and dismissal procedures. 

General Procedures

• Do not park in front of our neighbors' driveways or mailboxes.
• Please do not walk through the yards/driveways of our neighborhood houses. 
• For the safety of our students do not walk your children through our bus loop as students are loading/exiting our buses.
• When buses are in the bus loop, please do not walk through the bus area.
• Please do not park near the crosswalk or near the bus loop.
• For our walkers/bikers, all students and parents that need to cross the street, must do so at the crosswalks with the designated crossing guards.

Bus Stop

ARRIVAL (8:45-9 a.m.)

• Staff/volunteers will be outside of the school building and in the car loop starting each morning at 8:45 a.m.. Please do not drop off your student prior to 8:45 a.m.. 
• Please stay in your car as you drive through our car loop. If you would like a longer goodbye or your student needs assistance, please park and walk your student up to the school. 
• Please encourage your students to be ready to exit the car as you approach the drop off area.
• Students must exit from the passenger’s side of the car in the car loop. 
• Students should only exit their vehicle between the two blue signs in the car loop. Look for adults to help!
• Students should be in their classrooms by 9 a.m.. Students who arrive after 9 a.m. will be marked tardy. 
• If you arrive with your student after 9 a.m., please park your car and walk your student into the building and sign them in tardy.
• Students will line up at the two front doors by grade level in the morning until the doors are opened at 8:52 a.m.. 
  • Kindergarten/Launch and 1st grade line up at the Main Office Door.
  • 2nd - 4th grade line up at the doors next to the cafeteria.

Car Loop Arrival

• Car loop: Driver stays in car
• Students exit the passenger side along the numbered area 
• Student unloading may only occur past the main office entrance - volunteers/staff will help 

DISMISSAL (3:52 p.m.)

General Procedures

• All students will be dismissed from the building only. 

• Each family at Village Oaks has been assigned a number. All students that attend Village Oaks will have a backpack tag with this number. 

Car Rider Procedures

• Carloop students will come out of the cafeteria door once their car arrives at the designated pick up area. 
• This decal/window cling should be placed on the inside of your front passenger side/lower corner of the windshield if you plan to pick up your student using the car loop. 
• This number will allow us to radio for your student when you pull up in the car loop and allow us to confirm which student should be going home with this car. 
• If you need a second decal please indicate on the attached form. 
• If you do not have your car decal for pick up, you will need a photo ID and will have to wait for a staff member to confirm (via PowerSchool) that you are permitted to pick up. 

Walk Up Procedures

• Parents/guardians who are walking up to pick up their student(s) must do so from the gymnasium. 
• If you are walking up to the gymnasium (enter through door 14, back of the gymnasium) to pick up your student(s) (you are not using the car loop) you will need your laminated number card. 
• A staff member will check your student out to you using your number card and matching it to your student’s backpack number. 
• If you do not have your laminated number card for pick up, you will need a photo ID and will have to wait for a staff member to confirm (via PowerSchool) that you are permitted to pick up. 

Carpool Procedures

• If your student is picked up in the car loop by another adult/family member/friend, you must request an additional car window cling with your family number on it. 
• Please give this carpool decal to that individual to place on their car. 
• If your student is being picked up at the gymnasium (not using the car line) please give them one of your laminated number cards. 

Katy Dinkelmann

I am honored to serve as Principal of Village Oaks Elementary. My first priority as a principal is always the students. I am committed to student-centered leadership, making decisions that put students' needs at the forefront and fostering a nurturing environment where every student feels valued. I also prioritize academic rigor, ensuring that our students are challenged to reach their full potential while developing the skills and knowledge necessary for future success. I believe in shared leadership that honors all voices within our school community. As a lifelong learner, I strive to model a growth mindset alongside our staff and students, continually learning from them each day.

Growing up in South Redford, Michigan, I attended a neighborhood school much like Village Oaks. I carry with me the memory of my first-grade teacher, Mrs. Stough, who made every student feel like a cherished part of the class family. Her example drives my desire for every Village Oaks student to feel that they belong to a caring community that celebrates their individuality and potential.

As a parent, I understand the importance of the school environment and the trust families place in our school community. My husband Jeff, our four wonderful children—Carson and Addison, both college students, Charley in 5th grade, and Jackson in 3rd grade—and my mother Sue are all part of a vibrant and supportive family. Living in Brighton with our two dogs, we share a love for the arts, from dance and theater to music, and enjoy activities like cooking, swimming, and spending time outdoors.

I have had the great fortune to work in the Novi Community School District for all but one of my years in education. While I have served as the Principal of VO since the 2022-2023 school year, I began my career as the dance teacher at Novi High School in 2005. My administration career began as an Assistant Principal at Novi High School, and then as an Assistant Principal at Novi Middle School (my final stop before VO). 

I believe a positive elementary experience lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. I am dedicated to nurturing that passion and excitement for learning here at Village Oaks Elementary. I am dedicated to partnering with families to create a supportive, engaging, and joyful learning environment.  I am proud to lead such a wonderful school community and value the partnership with our students and families.

Village Oaks Elementary
23333 Willowbrook
Novi, MI 48375

Phone: (248) 449-1300
Attendance: (248) 449-1301
Fax: (248) 449-1319

Hours: 9 a.m. - 3:52 p.m.

Regular Hours: 9 a.m. to 3:52 p.m.

Half Day Hours: 9 a.m. to 12:22 p.m.

Specials schedule

Recess/Lunch schedule