Happy New Year and Welcome Back, Roosevelt!
We are excited to begin the new semester and welcome our students back to school. We hope your break was filled with rest, joy, and meaningful time with the people you love. As we step into 2026, we are energized by the learning ahead and the opportunities this semester brings for growth, connection, and celebration.
Our work is strongest when school and home move in sync. Thank you for your continued partnership and support. That shared commitment reflects the GRIT we value at Roosevelt and makes a meaningful difference in your child’s experience and in the strength of our community.
As we return to daily routines, this is a friendly reminder to please follow morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up procedures and to move through these busy moments with patience and care. Our students are always watching. The way we follow expectations, interact with one another, and respect shared spaces sets the example they learn from every day.
Together, let’s make 2026 a year of collaboration, achievement, and shared responsibility as we continue building a safe, inclusive, and thriving school community. We look forward to a strong start and a successful semester ahead.
In partnership,
Dr. Amy Onyendu
Power of Words Assembly
This week, our 1st–5th grade students will participate in a special assembly, “Power of Words,” led by Ms. Warren. This experience centers on a simple but powerful message. Words matter, and how we use them directly impacts the people and spaces around us.
During the assembly, students will reflect on how their words connect to our school community agreements and expectations for respecting all people and all spaces. Thoughtful language, honest communication, and respectful interactions help create classrooms, playgrounds, and shared spaces where everyone feels safe, included, and valued.
Students will explore how words can uplift, encourage, and build community, as well as how careless or hurtful language can cause harm. The goal is to help students make intentional choices with their words and understand their responsibility in maintaining a positive school environment.
Families are essential partners in this work. We encourage you to remind your child that our community agreements apply everywhere, not just at school. Please take time to talk about choosing respectful words, honoring shared spaces, and treating all people with care and dignity. These conversations reinforce the message and help turn expectations into daily habits.
When school and home are aligned, students learn that respect is not situational. It is a standard!
Family Literacy Night
Get ready for an evening of fun, connection, and literacy magic! We are excited to invite you and your family to Family Literacy Night on Tuesday, January 27, from 5:15–6:15 p.m. in the auditorium and cafeteria.
Family Literacy Night is designed to celebrate reading, storytelling, and the joy of learning together. Families will explore a variety of interactive literacy activities and booths created by our school staff to engage students of all ages. Expect hands-on experiences, laughter, and meaningful moments that highlight how literacy comes to life beyond the classroom.
To kick off the evening, pizza will be available in the Lincoln Courtyard from 5:00–5:15 p.m., so feel free to arrive early, grab a slice, and head in ready for a great night.
We hope you will join us for this special event and share in an evening that celebrates learning, connection, and community at Roosevelt.
Star Assessment Window
The STAR Diagnostic Assessment window will take place from January 5 through January 23. During this time, students will complete brief assessments in reading and math that help provide a clearer picture of their current learning progress.
STAR assessments are short, computer-adaptive tests in Early Literacy, Reading, and Math. This means the questions adjust based on each student’s responses, allowing teachers to gather accurate, meaningful information about what students already know, how they are growing, and where additional support may be needed. Teachers use this data to guide instruction and better meet the individual learning needs of each student.
To support your child during the assessment window, we encourage plenty of rest, a positive mindset, and doing their best. These assessments are not about grades. They are about growth.
Once the assessment window closes, results will be available for families to view in the Aeries Parent Portal. Additional information on how to access and understand the results will be shared closer to the release date. If you have questions about the assessments or how the data is used, please reach out to your child’s classroom teacher.
School Upcoming Holidays, Breaks, and Events
Monday, January 5: Return to School
Monday, January 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday
Tuesday, January 20: Parent Connect @ Roosevelt @ 8:40 a.m. (Auditorium)
Thursday, January 22: TK/K Round Up @ 8:00 a.m. (Auditorium)
Tuesday, January 27: Family Literacy Night @ 5:15 p.m. (Auditorium & Cafeteria) Wednesday, January 28: Rev Up @ 10.10 a.m.
Character Trait of The Month: Honesty
Book of the Month: Lying Up a Storm by Julia Cook
Our Character Development Trait for January is honesty. Honesty is about telling the truth, owning our actions, and communicating openly and respectfully with others. It helps build trust, strengthens friendships, and creates a school environment where everyone feels safe, valued, and heard.
Throughout the month, teachers will engage students in discussions, activities, and reflections that explore what honesty looks like in everyday situations. Students will also read Lying Up a Storm by Julia Cook, which illustrates how even small untruths can quickly grow and why being honest, even when it is difficult, is the better choice.
Honesty also connects to the “I” in our GRIT values: Integrity, reminding students that being truthful means standing by the truth and taking responsibility for their choices.
We encourage families to reinforce honesty at home by talking through real-life examples and recognizing moments when children choose to tell the truth. Together, we can help our students see that honesty is not just a rule to follow. It is a habit that builds character and strengthens our community.
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). 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.
Lost & Found
As a reminder for the new year, please label your child’s items so we can help return them quickly!