Hello, Roosevelt Families —
I hope you are enjoying the long weekend in honor of Presidents’ Day and finding some time to rest and recharge. It was such a joy to see our campus filled with kindness during last week’s Valentine’s Day celebrations. The care our students show one another — and the way our staff nurtures that spirit — is something truly special.
Roosevelt Reads | As we move through the month, we are now in our third week of Roosevelt Reads, our schoolwide reading challenge and the PTA’s largest fundraiser of the year. This initiative is about so much more than minutes logged or pages turned. It reflects our deep commitment to literacy while also directly supporting our school community.
Funds raised help provide supplemental books, classroom supplies, and instructional software, as well as resources for the library and nurse’s office. They also support beloved community events like the Talent Show, Science Fair, and Fun Run, and campus improvements such as filtered water stations and new picnic tables. Every book your child reads truly makes a difference.
PBL Marketplace | You may also be hearing more from your children about Project-Based Learning (PBL) happening across grade levels. This instructional approach allows students to collaborate on meaningful, real-world projects that integrate academic skills with creativity, communication, and problem-solving.
A wonderful example is our 2nd Grade Valentine’s Marketplace. Students worked in teams to design and “sell” Valentine-themed products using play money. Through this experience, they were practicing math, writing, speaking, collaboration, and basic economic concepts — all grounded in kindness and teamwork. Be sure to ask a 2nd grader about their experience!
Beam Signing | To celebrate our new construction and the journey we have taken together, our Roosevelt students and staff will participate in a Beam Signing on Friday, February 20, on the Big Yard — a special milestone as we get closer and closer to our new TK/K & Library building becoming a reality.
A beam signing is a long-standing construction tradition. Before a major structural beam is lifted into place, members of the school community are invited to sign it. That signed beam is then permanently installed in the building’s framework. At Roosevelt, every student and staff member will have the opportunity to add their name or a short message to the beam before it is raised.
This means our children will literally become part of the new building’s foundation — a powerful symbol that this space is being built for them and because of our community’s shared commitment to the future. Years from now, that beam will remain inside the structure as a lasting reminder of this moment in Roosevelt’s history.
BHM – Le Ballet Dembaya | As we continue to honor and celebrate Black History Month (BHM), we are thrilled to welcome Le Ballet Dembaya, a West African Drums & Dance Troupe, back to Roosevelt on Friday, February 27. Their performance was a huge hit last year, and our students were completely captivated by the music, movement, and storytelling.
This year, we are especially excited to host grade-level assemblies, creating a more intimate and engaging experience for students. This powerful opportunity, made possible by our amazing PTA, allows students to connect more deeply with vibrant cultural traditions and historical contributions through live performance.
Communication Flow Chart | A strong partnership between home and school is essential to student success. As a reminder, our Communication Flow Chart has always been available to help guide families in knowing who to contact with questions or concerns. We encourage you to review it to ensure you are reaching out to the appropriate staff member.
Your child’s classroom teacher is always the first line of contact for questions about academics, classroom experiences, or social dynamics. Staff members aim to respond to emails within 24-48 hours. For urgent matters, please call the main office so we can assist you promptly. Thank you for partnering with us to keep communication clear and efficient so we can best support every child.
Thank you for being such an important part of our Roosevelt community. We are grateful for your continued support and collaboration.
With gratitude,
Dr. Amy Onyendu
Looking Ahead
Roosevelt Reads | All Month Long
February is dedicated to literacy and community spirit through our annual Roosevelt Reads fundraiser. This year’s camp-inspired theme brings fun, excitement, and a shared love of reading. More details coming soon.
Parent Connect @ Roos: Screening of Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition | RSVP to reserve your spot NOW!
Tuesday, February 17
• 8:40 a.m. (Auditorium)
• 6:00 p.m. (Zoom)
Our PTA is hosting free screenings of Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition, a documentary designed to support families as children navigate the digital world. Topics include device use, gaming, social media, and strategies to support healthy habits and well-being. These sessions are intended to inform and empower parents and caregivers through research-based insights and discussion.
Parent Volunteer Training
Interested in volunteering during the school day? Please join us for training with Mrs. Warren if you have not attended this year, last year, or in the spring of 2024.
Training Dates:
• Thursday, February 19 (Zoom) | 6:00–7:00 p.m.
• Thursday, March 12 (Auditorium) | 8:35–9:35 a.m.
Please note: Attendance for the full session is required to be added to the approved volunteer list. Topics include Cool Tools peer mediation, the Olweus anti-bullying program, and volunteer logistics. Applications will be available during or after training.
We look forward to another wonderful month together at Roosevelt.
Character Trait of The Month: Kindness
Book of the Month: Sam and the Lucky Money
Talking Points for Sam and the Lucky Money
Focus Phrase: Be kind.
Our Character Development Trait for February is Kindness.
Kindness is a powerful character trait that helps build empathy, connection, and a strong sense of community. Throughout the month, our teachers will engage students in conversations, activities, and reflections that highlight what it means to be kind through words, actions, and choices, even when it is challenging.
Students will explore how kindness can create a positive impact on others and help make our school a welcoming place for everyone.
We invite families to continue these conversations at home by recognizing and celebrating acts of kindness, big and small. Whether it is helping a sibling, including others, or showing care and respect, these moments matter. Together, we can support our students in understanding that kindness is not just an action, but a way of being that strengthens relationships and uplifts our entire community.
IMPORTANT PICK-UP AND DROP-OFF SAFETY REMINDER
The safety of our students is our top priority, and we want to ensure that our pick-up and drop-off procedures at the school gates are as safe and efficient as possible. With that in mind, we would like to remind everyone of the following safety guidelines:
- Lincoln and 9th Street are for loading/unloading ONLY:
Keep circling until you see your child.
Do not wait at the curb.
Do not leave your car and go look for your child. - No Double Parking: Do not double park your vehicle. This obstructs traffic flow and can create hazardous conditions.
- Mind the Crosswalks: NEVER drop your child off on the opposite side of the street. Be especially cautious near crosswalks and pedestrian areas. Always yield to pedestrians and allow them to cross safely.
- Be Patient & Set a Positive Example: As parents, your behavior sets an example for your children. Please be patient and considerate of other parents and guardians while modeling safe and responsible driving practices.
- Please be mindful that the Staff Parking Lot is for Staff Only: Entry and exit are prohibited from 2:45 – 3:15 p.m. daily.
Absences & Tardies
Attendance Matters! We want to emphasize the importance of punctuality and regular attendance for your child’s education. We understand that things happen; however, being present at school on time every day is a crucial part of their academic success. It ensures they do not miss out on valuable learning opportunities and can actively engage in the classroom.
Consistent attendance sets a strong foundation for their future.
Your child must arrive by 8:25 a.m. This protects their emotional well-being and supports our Office Staff. We appreciate your letting the school know in advance about your student’s absence(s). You must email our main office at absence@smmusd.org and then copy your student’s email address to the note so that they are aware.
Please note: All gates close at 8:30 a.m. (10:00 a.m. on Wednesdays). The Montana Gate is NOT a Drop Off Gate! If your child didn’t make it to their gate to enter campus on time, he/she will need to go to the Main Office to get a tardy slip to enter campus.
Forgotten Items
Our Main Office does NOT accept items that were forgotten and left at home! This includes homework, backpacks, water bottles, lunches, outerwear, instruments, etc. If your child forgets their lunch, we will provide him/her with a free lunch from the cafeteria.
It is important for your child to experience the natural consequences of having forgotten an item they were expected to bring to school. This is a great way to learn and nurtures a sense of responsibility and independence.
Lost & Found
As a reminder for the new year, please label your child’s items so we can help return them quickly!