Hello, Roosevelt Families!
Welcome to November! It’s hard to believe how quickly the year is moving, and what an exciting few weeks it’s been at Roosevelt. Between United Against Hate Week, our Halloween Parade, and our first Roosevelt Rev-Up of the year, our campus has been full of energy, joy, and community spirit.
Our Rev-Up assembly was a true highlight. We welcomed BMX bikers who wowed our students, staff, and families with incredible stunts and inspiring messages about kindness, acceptance, and standing together against hate. The best part was celebrating our Upstanders — students recognized for their courage, empathy, and commitment to doing what’s right.
Celebrating Integrity
Speaking of Upstanders, I want to recognize Izzy, Charley, James, Hania, and Eva for showing the “I” in GRIT—Integrity.
A few weeks ago, Izzy found a $100 bill on the playground. Rather than keeping it, she quickly reached out to her trustworthy friends, and together they decided to turn the money in to the office. At Roosevelt, when students find money and turn it in, we record their names and the date it was found, then wait a week to see if anyone claims it. If no one comes forward, the money is returned to the students as recognition of their honesty.
In this case, after waiting several weeks to ensure it went unclaimed, we called these students to the office and presented each of them with $20 as a token of appreciation. Their thoughtful, honest choice is a perfect example of how our students bring Growth, Respect, Integrity, and Tenacity to life every day, showing what Roosevelt Pride truly looks like.
Learning Rounds Across Subjects
Roosevelt hosted a Learning Round, welcoming district personnel and administrators from neighboring schools. These visits provided an opportunity to observe students actively engaging across all subject areas — including math, reading, writing, and small group activities — and to see our teachers showcase strategies that support deep thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Visitors focused on how students were reasoning, analyzing, and applying skills at different Depth of Knowledge (DOK) levels. We observed students recalling information and applying strategies (DOK 1–2), analyzing problems and justifying their thinking (DOK 3), and even synthesizing ideas and transferring knowledge to new situations (DOK 4).
Classrooms were full of active participation, with students discussing ideas, building on peers’ thinking, and clearly explaining their reasoning. Teachers guided students through intentional questioning, modeling, and scaffolding while gradually releasing responsibility to support independent thinking.
This Learning Round highlighted not just content mastery, but the ways our students are thinking critically, collaborating, and engaging meaningfully in all areas of learning. It was an exciting opportunity to showcase the curiosity, perseverance, and problem-solving skills that make Roosevelt learners so exceptional.
Parent–Teacher Conferences
Thank you to all families who participated in Parent–Teacher Conferences last week. These meetings provided valuable time to celebrate your child’s progress, set goals, and strengthen our home–school partnership. Your time and engagement mean so much, and we are grateful for your partnership in your child’s learning journey.
Parent Connect at Roosevelt
Parent Connect @ Roosevelt is a series of family learning sessions designed to bring parents and caregivers together with our school team. Each session focuses on a different topic to support your child’s growth and strengthen the home–school connection. All Roosevelt parents and guardians are welcome, and we encourage you to RSVP HERE so we can prepare for proper accommodations.
TOPIC: Neurodiversity-Affirming Practices at Home
Guest Speakers: Ms. Hanna Haghayeghi, School Psychologist, and Ms. Liz Sciutto, SMMUSD Behavioral Specialist
In this interactive session, parents will gain practical tools to support children with diverse learning and behavioral needs, nurture self-advocacy, and celebrate neurodiversity at home.
Session 1: Tuesday, November 18 | 
8:40 A.M. | 
Roosevelt Auditorium
Session 2: Wednesday, November 19 | 
6:00 P.M. | 
Zoom
Looking Ahead
As we move into this season of gratitude, I hope we all take time to reflect on the small and big moments of kindness, growth, and connection happening every day at Roosevelt. Thank you for your continued partnership and support in helping our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
With appreciation,
Dr. Amy Onyendu
CHARACTER TRAIT OF THE MONTH: Nov – Dec 2025 Respect & Responsibility
Book of the Month: The Great Kapok Tree by Lynne Cherry
Talking Points for The Great Kapok Tree
Focus Phrase: Roosevelt students respect themselves, each other, and the environment, and take responsibility for their actions toward others and in their environment.
The focus components of RESPECT and RESPONSIBILITY for this book are:
- Take care of your environment
- Set an example for others
- Think before you act. Use your head. Imagine the consequences.
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, and do not leave your car to 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 is prohibited from 2:45 – 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.
