News from the Tiger’s Den November 2019
A note from Principal Ben Dallman…
PRIDE, Respect, and Responsibility
Happy November Roosevelt Families! I hope you and your family have had the chance to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the autumn season before winter arrives. At Roosevelt, our students have been working diligently to make academic gains while also developing a greater sense of pride and respect for themselves and others around them. I hope your children feel like they have had a great start to the school year!
Thank you for taking an active role in your child’s education this past month. Along with your presence during after-school events, parent-teacher conferences, and holiday celebrations…your work at home reading with, playing with , and talking with your children is irreplaceable. Thank you for the important work you do!
Recent Highlights:
• Thank you for attending Parent/Teacher Conferences and to our many families who completed our “Perseverance & Self-Regulation.” We will use these results along with data from our staff and student surveys to measure our strengths and direct our focus. Along with school goals specific to math, reading, and writing, we are also responsible for meeting the needs of the whole child and their social/emotional skills. Your perspective is an important part of gauging our success. • What an exciting way to mark the end of October! Thank you for doing your part to ensure a fun and safe Halloween celebration for our kids. An extra special thanks to our Halloween helpers for your assistance. • On November 1st, we acknowledged our efforts made in building self-control and mindfulness during an all-school assembly and will celebrate our gains as a school with Turkey Bingo just before Thanksgiving break. We also introduced our next focus skill “embracing diversity.” Related to teaching our kids to celebrate all our wonderful differences at school and at home, the University of Wisconsin-Extension provides an excellent resource for families called Raising Caring Kids. Please take some time to review the article, video, and resources connected to this month’s article “Respecting Differences Makes Us Stronger” as you work with your child at home.
Upcoming in November:
• We will be honoring Veterans and their families during our Veteran’s Day program on November 11th beginning at 2:45pm. Although seating and parking is limited, we would like to invite Veterans and their family members to join us for this special ceremony being held in their honor. If unable to attend, a recording and livestream of our program will be available on our website.
• To ensure the safety of our children under any circumstance, we need to practice how we would respond if ever faced with a threatening situation. During the week of November 18th, we will be practicing what to do in the event of a school lock-down with our students. Our goal is to carefully prepare for what is a highly unlikely situation while keeping student anxiety at a minimum. Please let me know if you have any questions.
th • Students will not be attending school during the week of November 25 . We will welcome our students nd back from Thanksgiving on Monday, December 2 . Please enjoy your time with family and friends!
If you have questions or would like to learn more about the great things happening at Roosevelt Elementary, check out our website or Facebook Page . If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to call, email, or stop by to visit our school. Thank you for the positive support you provide your children each day!
Sincerely,
Principal, Roosevelt Elementary School
(715) 852-4710 [email protected] Follow us on Twitter @Roosevelt_Pride
“Collectivly commited to educate our Roosevelt community in a safe, nurturing, and responsive environment.”
Just a reminder…
School will be closed the week of November 25th. Our staff will be participating in
professional development activities on Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday – Friday we will be closed to observe the Thanksgiving Holiday. We wish you a wonderful break, and will see
you on Monday, December 2nd!
Weather Reminders! Mark Your Calendar…
November 5 After School Math Club Begins Closings: If schools are closed because Culver’s Night of inclement weather, the following local radio and television stations will broadcast the announcement: November 7 PTA Officers Meeting at 6:00 pm WBIZ, WAXX/WAYY, WWIB, WIAL, WQRB, WQOW-TV November 11 Veterans Day - Program Info to Come 18, and WEAU-TV 13. Announcements on these November 15 Picture Retake Day stations usually begin at 6:00am or shortly thereafter. November 21 My Local Deals Fundraiser Kicks Off No announcement means that the schools are open. Nov. 25-29 NO SCHOOL (Monday and Tuesday = Staff The district’s web site will also note if schools are Professional Development, and Wednesday closed. through Friday = Thanksgiving Break) The same stations will make a school-closing
announcement if bad weather develops after school Future Dates… has started for the day. Please do not call the school to December 3 Culver’s Night ask if the school will close. This ties up the telephone December 5 My Local Deals Fundraiser Ends line and prevents its use in case of an emergency. The PTA Holiday Workshop 3:35 – 4:30 pm decision to close schools because of bad weather is made by the Superintendent after consulting with the December 11 Report cards sent home in student folders National Weather Service, city, county, and other Dec. 23- Jan. 1 NO SCHOOL - Winter Break sources. If the schools are closed because of bad January 2 School resumes weather, all athletic, after-school, and evening events
are also canceled.
**Looking for information about holiday classroom parties? Again this year, the district will utilize the “Two-Hour Delay.” Often road conditions are much improved Please contact your classroom teacher directly for more midmorning. Late starts allow us to not miss critical information about needed supplies, volunteers, dates, and educational time while ensuring that the ride to school is safe. Late starts will be broadcasted the same way times. as school cancellations. When a “Two-Hour Delay” is announced, the following changes will be made to the school day:
• Buses will run two hours after their normal schedule • Buildings will begin classes two hours after the normal start time
• Cold breakfast will be served at all schools Visit RCU on Thursday’s Right at Roosevelt! except Robbins Your child can learn about saving while helping • School lunch will be at or around the normal Roosevelt! Visit the RCU Roosevelt Branch to deposit time funds on Thursday mornings! Need information about • All morning and afternoon District Early signing up? Contact Mrs. Rud at [email protected] Learning Programs (Head Start, Early Learning & EC4T) will be cancelled. Please note that if your child attends an EC4T community site, you should contact that site directly. Don’t head to the store to buy more…check that lost and found table next time you’re at school! As we know, weather conditions can change rapidly. In the event a two-hour delay must be ------reconsidered, the decision to close schools for the full There is a good chance your missing items are day will be made no later than 8am.
there! If you have any questions, please contact the Superintendent's Office at 715-852-3002.
Don’t forget…Mrs. Buss wants to hear from you!
If you have a sick child or need to drop off late, please call our Attendance Line at 715-852-4700. If you need to pick up early, please give Mrs. Buss a call at 715-852-4701. Feel free to leave a message on her voicemail, noting the student name, date, and time of the absence. Student safety is our number one concern, and we worry when we don’t see your kids in school! Calling the office lets us know that your student is safe, sound and cared for!
5:1 Paws-itive Praise!
At Roosevelt, we strive to praise our students with positive language and reinforcements when we observe desired behaviors. While students may respond to tangible reinforcements, like tiger tickets or school celebrations, we also know that students respond to verbal praise and positive attention as well. In fact, we believe it is so important that we aim to reinforce positive to negative behaviors by following a 5:1 ratio. By praising and acknowledging positive behavior more often than negative choices, we remind our students that we are proud of their efforts and are encouraging them to show Pride, Respect, and Responsibility. This is an easy ratio to keep in mind as you engage with your children outside of the school day as well.
Brrr…It’s Cold Out There!
As much as we don’t want to admit it, the cold weather is making its way into Wisconsin! Even with the cooler
temps, students will be spending portions of the day outside. Getting fresh air and movement is critical to a
successful school day, so please help your child make the most of this outside time by ensuring that he or she is
wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. Layers, including warm coats, hats, mittens, and boots are needed to
keep children warm and safe while outdoors, and can easily be removed if the temperature does climb.
Additionally, please remember that students eating breakfast at Roosevelt are welcomed to come in at 8:15am.
All other students should play on the playground until the bell rings at 8:35am.
Public School Open Enrollment: February 3 – April 30, 2020
Wisconsin residents in grades 4K -12 may apply to attend school in a school district other than the one in which they live. For example: a child that lives in the Altoona School District could apply to attend the Eau Claire Area School District (ECASD). Students in pre-kindergarten may participate in limited circumstances; parents should call Jennifer Knutson at 715-852-3003 to find out if their preschool-aged child(ren) qualify.
Students who are currently attending the ECASD through open enrollment DO NOT need to reapply.
The open enrollment application for the 2020-21 school year is February 3 – April 30, 2020. An online application will be available to the public beginning Monday, February 3, and closing at 4:00pm on April 30, 2020. For more information about open enrollment, please go to: http://dpi.wi.gov/open-enrollment. Have you moved outside of the Eau Claire Area School District this year? If so, you need to complete a Tuition Waiver form. Contact the ECASD main office for more information at 715-852-3000.
Attention Families…
During the week of November 18th, we will be practicing a “School Lock-Down” drill this is also known as an Intruder Alert Drill. We are required by the school district to hold this drill annually. The children will hear a message over the PA system indicating that there is an intruder in the building. The classes will then gather in a safe area in the classroom and lock the doors. The teachers will follow the procedures to keep everyone in the classrooms until an “all clear message is given”. The teachers will discuss and practice this procedure with the children before the drill takes place. As a family, please feel free to discuss the drill with your children as you feel appropriate.
Thank you for supporting our Scholastic Book Fair! We had another amazing year for book sales! Thanks to our families, we have helped to put additional books into students’ hands, equaling thousands of additional reading minutes! Your support allows Roosevelt to add many new books into our classroom libraries as well! A huge THANK YOU to Crisinda and Kelly for all their amazing work on the book fair!
Winter & Holiday Help
This is the season for thanks and celebration in many homes. It is also the season of increased heating and clothing expenses. Please review the Holiday Help Directory below and consider how these programs may assist you and your family. The Eau Claire County Resource Guide is also a helpful tool and it can be accessed at www.eauclaire.uwex.edu/family-living/resource-directories or by calling 1-800-362-8255.
Every organization has limited resources, so please make note of the sign-up dates and bring any necessary information to complete the application process. If you are fortunate enough to be in a position to give, please consider a donation to any of the organizations listed below.
If your family is financially unable to provide winter outerwear for your child(ren), we do have limited resources donated by community organizations to our school. If you would like to confidentially discuss your child(ren) or your family’s needs, please call Katie Skutley at 715-852-4703 or email her at [email protected].
Holiday Help Directory
Agency Activity/Program Date/Time Contact Guideline The Community Table Thanksgiving Lunch November 28th 715-835-4977 Anyone can attend. No 320 Putnam Street 11:30-1:00 reservation required.
The Community Table Thanksgiving-In-a-Box Pick-up will be the week To reserve your box email Boxes will be granted on 320 Putnam Street *Box will include a turkey of Thanksgiving at the [email protected] a first come, first serve and Thanksgiving sides. Community Table during basis. Food included will be meal times (see website uncooked, so families can or call) prepare in their homes.
Trinity Lutheran Church Thanksgiving Lunch November 28th 715-832-6601 Anyone can attend with 1314 E. Lexington Blvd. 11:30 and 12:30 meal a reservation.
Hope Gospel Mission Thanksgiving Lunch November 28th 715-552-5566 Anyone can attend. No 8 South Farwell Street 11:30-1:00 reservation required.
Hope Gospel Mission 8 Christmas Meal December 14th 715-552-5566 Anyone can attend. No South Farwell Street 11:30-1:30 reservation required.
The Community Table Christmas Eve December 24th 715-835-4977 Anyone can attend. No 320 Putnam Street Lunch 11:30-1:00 reservation required.
Pay It Forward – The Christmas Day at the December 25th 715-835-4977 Free event. Santa will be Community Table Community Table 8:00-10:00 there and have gifts. 320 Putnam Street
Family Promise of the Christmas Gift Assistance Any time prior to Amy Application required. Chippewa Valley Christmas 715-834-1379 309 E. Lake Street Are you or anyone you know looking for a little extra income with a flexible
schedule? Do you enjoy being out-doors and working with children? If so, check out this opportunity at ECASD!
The Eau Claire Area School District is seeking crossing guards and substitutes for the remainder of the 2019-20 school
year. This position requires an hour of your time in the morning and an hour in the afternoon to monitor traffic and assist children with safely crossing streets. Training and supplies are provided. If interested, please pick up an
application at the Board of Education building at 500 Main Street in Eau Claire. For more information, please call 715-852-3050.
A Note from the Eau Claire Area School District Nursing Staff…
Be aware, wash with care!
There are many types of germs (viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi) that cause many types of illnesses. These germs
can spread easily from one person to another and have wide-reaching effects.
One of the most common ways people catch colds is by rubbing their noses or eyes after touching someone or something that's contaminated with the cold virus. Nearly 22 million school days are lost annually due to the common cold.
A study involving Detroit school children showed that scheduled handwashing, at least four times a day, can reduce
gastrointestinal illness and related absences by more than 50%. Handwashing with soap and water is the most effective and inexpensive way to prevent illness.
As winter season is approaching, remember the importance of handwashing. Please remind your children and model good habits.
For more information, visit, http://www.itsasnap.org/snap/handwashing.htm
From the University of Wisconsin-Extension: Parenting and Family Relationships: Trustworthy resources to improve the quality of family life
Respecting Differences Makes Us Stronger español: Respetar las diferencias nos hace más fuertes
A Person’s a Person, No Matter How Small – Dr. Seuss
The ability to respect others is a skill that will help your child forever. It is important to teach children to respect and stand up for people who may seem different from themselves. Children can learn that people are more alike than different, and that everyone deserves to be treated with respect and kindness. They learn from the words they hear and what they see. You can help them learn by the way you talk about or react to what you see in the world.
Diversity is many different types of things, including different types of people, families, and communities.
What we know: When children respect themselves and others, they • feel good about who they are, • value people who are different from themselves, and • become adults ready to live peacefully in a diverse world.
Try this: Teach your child about the value of diversity, and show them that differences in race, abilities, beliefs, and cultures can enrich their lives through new experiences and relationships. Help them make friends with a new student that comes from a different country. Invite new neighbors to a cookout or picnic and share family stories. Visit museums that focus on other cultures and talk about differences and similarities.
For fun: Watch this short film, The Present, with your child and talk about the characters in the story. How are they alike? How are they different? Ask them why they think the little boy didn’t like his present at first and what might have changed his mind. (You may want to suggest to your child that he liked it once he got to know it better.) Help your child connect this story with people they know or situations they have experienced in their lives.