Hello, Roosevelt Families–
As we head into the Thanksgiving holiday, I want to take a moment to pause with you and reflect on the many reasons our hearts are full this season. Gratitude shows up in big and small ways each day at Roosevelt, and it begins with the people who make our school the special place it is.
We are deeply grateful for our students — whose curiosity, energy, and joy remind us of our purpose every day. They inspire us to learn, grow, and show up as our very best selves.
We are thankful for you, our families, for entrusting us with your children and for partnering with us in their learning, safety, and well-being. Your support, advocacy, and presence make a tremendous difference. This fall alone, we’ve felt your strong community spirit at Back-to-School Nights, Fall Festivals, Halloween parades, Roosevelt RevUps, Grade-Level Lunch on the Yard events, Popcorn Fridays, and so much more. These moments are richer because you show up.
We are grateful for our teachers, instructional assistants and paraprofessionals, support staff, front office staff and health aides, our school psychologist, custodians, cafeteria staff, campus monitors, and volunteers — each of whom works tirelessly with students’ best interests at heart.
To our PTA, School Site Council, and ELAC members, thank you for generously giving your time and voice. Our school is stronger because of the collective effort of so many dedicated individuals.
As the holiday approaches, we are reminded not only of what we have, but of who we have. Even in challenging times, our community continues to show resilience, compassion, and commitment. We also recognize that this season can be difficult for some. Whether this time brings joy, reflection, or a mix of emotions, please know that you are seen, valued, and supported. It is an honor to serve such an incredible community.
Schools will be closed from Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28. We hope this break — whatever it looks like for you and your loved ones — brings opportunities for rest, connection, and moments of peace. We look forward to welcoming our students back on Monday, December 1, refreshed and ready for the weeks ahead.
From my family to yours, I wish you a gentle, meaningful, and hopeful Thanksgiving holiday.
With warmth and gratitude,
Dr. Amy Onyendu
Principal, Roosevelt Elementary School
Celebrating Student Voice at Roosevelt
At Roosevelt, we believe that student voice matters because who better to share ideas about their learning and school experience than our own students? Recently, a group of our students had the incredible opportunity to present a project they created independently on school lunches to me and Dr. Richardson. They shared their research, ideas, and recommendations about cafeteria food with thoughtfulness, clarity, and real commitment.
These students worked diligently to gather input from their peers, analyze their findings, and create a presentation that reflected both their creativity and care for the Roosevelt community. Their dedication and courage in sharing their perspectives were inspiring, and it reminded all of us why it is so important to listen to students: they are experts in their own experiences and can offer meaningful insights that help shape our school.
I am incredibly proud of these students for their hard work, initiative, and the thoughtful voices they shared. Their work is a shining example of how Roosevelt continues to value student leadership, ideas, and advocacy.
ROOSEVELT WEBSITE
Roosevelt has a new website!
Check it out here: https://roosevelt.smmusd.org
SAVE THE DATES
11/26-28 – NO SCHOOL: THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY BREAK
12/1-12 – TOY DRIVE
12/4 – PTA MEETING @ 8:40 a.m. – AUDITORIUM
12/5 – POPCORN FRIDAY
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 everyone can become familiar with Cool Tools and have conversations with your child to reinforce the strategies at home.
