Dear Roosevelt Families,
I hope this letter finds you well and settling into the rhythm of the school year. September is always a special time on campus, and I’m excited to share some of the wonderful things happening here at Roosevelt.
First, we are proud to recognize Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15). Each year, the National Council of Hispanic Employment Program Managers (NCHEPM) selects a theme to guide the month’s observance. This year’s theme is: “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future.”
This theme invites us to celebrate the incredible contributions of Hispanic and Latino communities while encouraging our students to look forward with pride and inspiration. At home, families might celebrate by:
- Reading books together that highlight Hispanic and Latino voices.
- Cooking a traditional family recipe or trying a new dish from Latin America.
- Sharing stories of family history and heritage with your children.
- Exploring music, art, or dance from different Hispanic cultures.
We are looking forward to weaving this celebration into our school days, while also encouraging you to make space for it at home.
This week also brings two exciting community traditions:
- Book Fair (Monday, September 15th – September 19th in the Auditorium): Our school Book Fair opens on Monday! Students will have the opportunity to shop throughout the week and discover new books that spark their curiosity and love for reading. To make it even easier, we’re offering eWallet—a super convenient (and fun!) alternative to cash. Set up a free account, load it up with funds, and even invite family and friends to chip in so your child can shop ‘til they drop! Any leftover funds? No problem! They can use them online at The Scholastic Store or save them for next time.
- Back to School Picnic: On Tuesday, September 16th, from 5-7 PM on the Big Yard, we’ll gather for our annual Back to School Picnic. This is always such a special event—an opportunity for families to come together, build connections, and celebrate the start of the school year as one community. The Book Fair will also be open that evening for families to shop together.
I’m also thrilled to announce a new series we are launching this year: Parent Connect @ Roosevelt. This is a series of family learning sessions designed to bring parents and caregivers together with our school team. Each session will focus on a different topic to support your child’s growth and strengthen the home-school connection. Come learn, share, and connect with us—we can’t wait to see you there!
Our very first Parent Connect @ Roosevelt will take place on Tuesday, September 30th, with two session offerings:
- 8:40 AM in the Auditorium (right after drop-off)
- 6:00 PM on Zoom
This first session will be a conversation on Reading Workshops, featuring guest teachers Ms. Carey and Mr. Ostrom. All current Roosevelt parents and guardians are welcome! Please RSVP so we can prepare for proper accommodations.
At Roosevelt, we believe in the power of community. Whether we’re honoring cultural heritage, celebrating the joy of reading, or learning together through Parent Connect, these moments create lasting connections and set the tone for a strong school year.
We are grateful for your partnership and look forward to seeing many of you at the picnic, the book fair, and our very first Parent Connect.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to a wonderful week ahead!
In partnership,
Amy Onyendu, Ed.D
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Raptor System & ID Badges
At Roosevelt, we’re continuing to use the Raptor security system for all campus visitors. Please bring your government-issued ID to the front office to sign in. If you forget your ID, you’ll need to provide your full name and date of birth.
To make check-ins easier and reduce paper waste, we’re offering plastic, reusable Roosevelt visitor badges. If you’d like one, stop by the office Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, or Friday between 8:45 a.m. and 3:15 p.m. or Wednesday from 10:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. These badges are optional, but you’ll still need to check in with your ID through the RAPTOR system for a printed sticker if you choose not to get one.
Visitor badges allow access through the Lincoln entrance and are needed for volunteering if you’ve attended parent volunteer training.
SEPTEMBER IS ATTENDANCE AWARENESS MONTH
September is National School Attendance Awareness Month—and here at Roosevelt, we’re putting a spotlight on just how much showing up matters. Every day your child is present is another opportunity to learn, connect with friends, and grow into their best self. When students miss school, they miss out on those moments that make a real difference in their confidence, learning, and relationships.
To make this fun and engaging, we’ll be celebrating with Attendance Matters! dress-up days every Wednesday in September. Each week has its own theme (see flyer below), from neon colors to sports pride to character/celebrity day! It’s a great way to build school spirit while also reinforcing the importance of being here every day.
BE PRESENT. BE POWERFUL. Together, let’s show our students that attendance isn’t just about being in school—it’s about building habits that open doors to future success. Thank you for helping us make every day count!
ATTENDANCE NOTIFICATIONS
If you have received an attendance letter, here is some information:
“I just received a letter from the school about absences. Why did I get this letter?”
- Three (3) UNEXCUSED absences are considered excessive and trigger a letter to be sent out from our automated system.
- EIGHT (8) excused (illness, etc.) absences are considered excessive.
- SIX (6) unexcused absences warrant a 2nd letter.
- NINE (9) unexcused absences warrant a 3rd letter.
- Three (3) long tardies are considered an absence (arriving at school 30 minutes late or more). In addition, three (3) occurrences of students leaving early (students leaving school 30 minutes early or more) are also considered an absence.
We also recognize that there are some excused reasons why your child may be late to school. Please send a note or call the school in advance if you know your child will be out of school ahead of time.
FORGOTTEN ITEMS
Our Main Office does NOT accept forgotten items 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.
Let’s continue to support and encourage our students as they engage in these exciting opportunities for learning and exploration.
LOST & FOUND SHED
A collection of lost items can be found 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.
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.
