Hello, Roosevelt Families!
We hope you’re enjoying a relaxing weekend and taking time to recharge. What an incredible few weeks it’s been here at Roosevelt—filled with celebration, community, and so many moments that remind us how special this school truly is!
Hispanic Heritage Celebration
Our first-ever Hispanic Heritage Celebration was a huge success! Thank you to our amazing Hispanic Heritage Parent Group—Xiomara Siguenza, Sonia Morales, Norma Marron, Cecy Marron, Leticia Ortiz, Ana Cabrera—and our Bilingual Community Liaison, Elena Uliantzeff—for your creativity, dedication, and countless hours of planning. You brought our campus to life with color, culture, and joy.
A special shoutout to Samohi Principal Marae Cruce and the talented Samohi Mariachi Ensemble for filling the air with energy and pride through their incredible performance. Thank you also to our wonderful librarian, Gerardo, for curating a beautiful book collection honoring Hispanic heritage, and to our parent volunteers and student performers for sharing your talents and enthusiasm. And of course, a heartfelt thank you to Superintendent Dr. Shelton for joining the fun (and even learning a few Salsa and Cha Cha moves alongside our students!).
Don’t miss this special video recap that we’ve put together!
United Against Hate Week
Thank you to everyone who joined in our United Against Hate Week campaign! Your kindness, participation, and spirit of inclusion made such an impact. A special thanks to our PTA’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee for curating activities that reminded us all how powerful unity and understanding can be.
And what a treat to welcome the BMX Freestyle Team! Their incredible stunts wowed our students, but their message about respect, belonging, and community truly left a lasting impression.
Halloween Parade
We’re thrilled to invite all Roosevelt families to our annual Halloween Parade on Friday, October 31st, at 9:00 a.m. on the Big Yard and field! TK–5th-grade students will show off their creative costumes in this beloved tradition. Families are welcome to attend—please enter through the Upper 9th Street Gate between 8:40–8:55 a.m. and remember to bring your visitor badge or check in at the gate.
Students may wear costumes to school (no scary, gory, or culturally insensitive themes), and masks or face paint are allowed during the parade only. After the fun, students will return to class for a regular day of learning—with a touch of Halloween spirit! 
Click here to read the full details about entry, costumes, and class parties.
Parent-Teacher Conferences & Schedule Reminders
Parent-teacher conferences are just around the corner! Keep an eye out for scheduling details from your child’s teacher.
As you meet with your child’s teacher this conference season, know that SMMUSD continues to offer students access to free, confidential online therapy through Hazel Health. When students feel better, they learn better. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or challenges at home or school, Hazel can help support your child’s well-being and academic success.
Getting started takes less than 5 minutes: https://getstarted.hazel.co/district/smmusd
Here’s a quick reminder of our upcoming calendar:
- Tuesday, Nov. 4: Pupil-Free Day (No School)
- Wed–Fri, Nov. 5-7: Minimum Days ***No Late Start on Nov. 5***
- Tuesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day (No School)
Minimum Day Dismissal Times
- TK–Kinder: 12:20 p.m.
- 1st–2nd: 1:00 p.m.
- 3rd–5th: 1:15 p.m.
Parent Connect @ Roosevelt
Our next Parent Connect @ Roosevelt will take place on Tuesday, October 28th, with two sessions again—one at 8:40 AM in the auditorium and one at 6:00 PM on Zoom. This allows parents to choose the time that works best for them. Both sessions will include opportunities to ask questions and engage with our team. Click here to sign up! This time, we’ll be exploring Math Instruction Across Grade Levels, featuring special teacher guests Ms. Jauregui and Ms. Alexander. You won’t want to miss it!
Thank you, Roosevelt families, for being such a vital part of our community. Your partnership, energy, and care continue to make this school such a special place for our students. The year is off to an amazing start—and the best is yet to come!
With appreciation,
Dr. Amy Onyendu
CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH: FRIENDSHIP
Book of the Month: Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
Talking Points for Enemy Pie
Focus Phrase: As citizens of our classrooms, our school, our community, our country, and the world, we include new friends and give everyone a chance.
LOST & FOUND SHED
We have quite a collection of items in the Lost & Found Shed located behind the Coach’s Office near the Upper 9th St. gate. Please be sure to check the Lost & Found anytime during dismissal. We have lots of water bottles and lunch bags!
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 the flow of traffic 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 to 3:15 p.m. daily.
COOL TOOLS PEER CONFLICT RESOLUTION STRATEGIES
This link has been included for you and your family to review so that everyone can become familiar with Cool Tools and have conversations with your child to reinforce the strategies with them at home
