Hello, Roosevelt Families–
Happy March! February was filled with rich learning experiences and strong community connections across our campus.
Our 2nd graders hosted a Valentine’s Day Marketplace as part of their Project Based Learning. Students worked in teams to design, create, and market handmade items, practicing real-world math skills like pricing and making change. In a beautiful act of generosity, they chose to donate nearly $200 in proceeds to Breakthrough T1D to support Type 1 diabetes research.
Families joined us for Parent Connect and screenings of Screenagers: The Elementary Edition, which sparked thoughtful conversations about screen time, gaming, and mental health. Students also participated in interactive sustainability lessons with Curby the Recycling Robot, reinforcing the importance of responsible choices at school and at home.
During The Great Kindness Challenge, our students embraced the theme “Kindness Moves,” participating in campus-wide activities and a spirited assembly that highlighted unity and belonging.
Roosevelt Reads brought joyful energy to campus all month long. Camp Roosevelt became a cozy Reading Lounge, and our Read-A-Thon, supported by PTA, encouraged strong reading habits while raising funds to support programs for all students. Thank you for showing up so enthusiastically for this effort.
We are especially proud of our students’ recent achievements. At the Destination Imagination Regional Tournament, two Roosevelt teams presented original technical challenges they designed themselves.
The Money Makers earned 2nd place overall and will advance to the State Tournament in April. They also placed 1st in the Instant Challenge, which requires quick thinking and teamwork to solve an unseen problem.
Our Spelling Bee featured six impressive finalists, and after a strong competition, Abigail Moser emerged as our school champion. She will represent Roosevelt at the Los Angeles County Spelling Bee in Alhambra on March 18. We are cheering her on! Thank you to parent volunteers Catherine Schmidt and Steve Sole for volunteering and organizing both of these meaningful opportunities.
We are also grateful to our PTA for sponsoring Black History Month programming with Le Ballet Dembaya and our Lunar New Year RevUp featuring a vibrant lion dance. These experiences broaden our students’ understanding of culture and community.
We are proud to share that Roosevelt continues to shine across the district. Be sure to check out this month’s issue of The SMMUSD Wave to see Roosevelt highlighted across the district.
As we look ahead, please remember to check your email for information about the 2026–2027 Class Placement Parent/Caretaker Comment Form. We will soon begin working on class placements based on projected enrollment. Your input about the type of learning environment in which your child thrives and the traits that support their success is valuable to us. Please submit the form by 3:00 PM on Friday, March 6. Late forms will not be accepted.
Thank you for being such an engaged and supportive community. March brings new opportunities for growth, and we are excited to continue the journey together.
With gratitude,
Dr. Amy Onyendu
Looking Ahead:
✨ 2026–2027 Class Placement Parent/Caretaker Comment Form Due | March 6 at 3 p.m.
We will soon begin working on class placements based on projected enrollment. Your input about the type of learning environment in which your child thrives and the traits that support their success is valuable to us. Be sure to submit your form on time! 🙂
✨The Great Sliming | Wednesday, March 11, 10:10 a.m. | The Big Yard
Thanks to all of you, we met our goal of 75 new donors to the Santa Monica Ed Foundation. As a reward for the students, we will have a special RevUp where Ms. Warren, Ms. Hanna, and I will get slimed. Plus, we’ll have a special visit from the LA Galaxy’s Cozmo and Star Squad! You won’t want to miss it!
✨ Parent Volunteer Training | Thursday, March 12, 8:35 a.m. | Auditorium
Interested in volunteering on campus during the school day? If you have not attended a training this school year, last school year, or in Spring 2024, please plan to join us. Attendance for the full session is required in order to be added to our approved volunteer list.
During the training, Mrs. Warren will review our Cool Tools peer mediation program, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, campus safety expectations, and important volunteer logistics and procedures. Volunteer applications will be available at the training or can be submitted shortly after completion.
✨ Roosevelt Talent Show | Friday, March 13 | 5:00 p.m. | Auditorium
Our students will take the stage to showcase their incredible talents — from music and dance to comedy and creative performances. It is always a joyful celebration of student voice and courage!
✨ Spring Book Fair | March 16–20 | Library
Students will have the opportunity to explore and purchase new books during the school day. The Book Fair supports classroom libraries and encourages a continued love of reading.
✨ Parent Connect @ Roosevelt: Raising Resilient Children | Tuesday, March 24 | 8:40 a.m. (Auditorium) and 6:00 p.m (Zoom)
Join us for a conversation exploring how parents can nurture resilience and inner strength in their children. In an environment that increasingly works to avoid friction and discomfort yet experiences higher rates of anxiety and burnout, it is more important than ever to learn how to navigate struggle, disappointment, and uncertainty.
Together, we’ll explore the importance of building resilience in the modern age and learn practical tools and steps to help our kids grow through struggle, embrace the friction, and build the character to thrive in a rapidly changing world. Register here!
✨ Spring Open House | Thursday, March 26
Mark your calendars for this special evening to visit classrooms, meet teachers, and celebrate your child’s academic growth. Additional details regarding the schedule and classroom visit times will be shared soon.
Character Trait of The Month: Good Judgment
Book of the Month: If Everybody Did by Jo Ann Stover — Talking Points for If Everybody Did
Focus Phrase: We use good judgment at Roosevelt to take care of our classrooms, school, homes, community, and environment.
Good Judgment is a powerful character trait that helps students make thoughtful choices, solve problems responsibly, and consider the impact of their actions on themselves and others.
Throughout the month, our teachers will engage students in conversations, activities, and reflections that explore what it means to pause, think critically, and make decisions with integrity—even when it may be difficult.
Students will learn that good judgment involves weighing options, anticipating consequences, and choosing what is safe, respectful, and responsible.
We invite families to continue these conversations at home by talking through everyday decisions and encouraging children to reflect on their choices. Whether it’s handling a disagreement, managing responsibilities, or navigating peer situations, these moments provide valuable opportunities to practice good judgment.
Together, we can help our students understand that strong decision-making skills build confidence, trust, and a positive school 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 you 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!