A S S O C I A T I O N
A C T I V I T I E S, E V E N T S
& P R O G R A M S
Tel (310) 395-0941 Fax (310) 587-1169
Dear Parents:
Welcome to the Roosevelt community. We are very happy that your family is a part of our family. Throughout the year, there are many activities supporting the school, your child’s education, and the greater community &emdash; so many opportunities for everyone to be involved. It is the belief of the parents, teachers and administrators of Roosevelt School that the more you are involved in your child’s education, the more enriched and special it will be for everyone.
In keeping with the philosophy that education is a person’s best weapon, the administration and the PTA have prepared this Handbook as your family’s overview of the many programs, events, policies and groups of the Roosevelt School community. Please keep this handbook for your years at Roosevelt, it has been designed to last many years and you will not receive a new one every year!
This handbook is to be used in conjunction with your Roosevelt calendar; you can reference upcoming events in the handbook. Any questions you and your family might have about a school policy or activity can be answered quickly with this guide. Here’s some other tips to help you:
- Look in the current school calendar for PTA board members, group leaders, committee chairs and their phone numbers
- Up to date information about Roosevelt teachers/classes location, staff as well as SM-Malibu School District and School Board, local and state legislators and their phone numbers are at your fingertips in the calendar.
- Review your school calendar monthly.
- Read your Bulletins every Wednesday.
- Update your school calendar with any changes.
- Don’t hesitate to call someone with any problems or questions you have.
Best wishes for the school year,
Your Roosevelt PTA Jerold Harris, Principal
OBJECTIVES OF THE PTA
To promote the welfare of children and youth in home, school and community. To raise the standards of home life. To secure adequate laws for the care and protection of children and youth. To bring into closer relations, the home and the school, that parents and teachers may cooperate intelligently in the education of children and youth. To develop between educators and the public such united efforts as will secure for all children and youth the highest advantages in physical, mental, social and spiritual education.
YOUR ROOSEVELT PTA
As a parent, you are your child’s first and best advocate, and as a parent you are the "P" in PTA. The membership of your Roosevelt PTA is made up of the Parents, Teachers, Administrators and concerned members of the community. We are all "the PTA". The Roosevelt PTA and Booster Club support the children of Roosevelt by raising money to fund teacher aides, classroom supplies, technology support, learning and enrichment programs, and the fine arts and music programs among many others. The Roosevelt PTA and Booster Club organize and coordinate events and activities throughout the year. The Roosevelt PTA coordinates activities sponsored by the state and national PTA as well as Community Services projects for students and families. Aside from fun and fundraising, the Roosevelt PTA is a strong advocate for every child and a voice at the School Board, the State Legislature and in Washington. Children need every one of us to speak and work on their behalf to nurture and educate them all &emdash; make the connection.
PTA MEMBERSHIP
Please join the membership drive in the fall or any time during the year. Dues are $6 per person, a portion of which goes to our District Council, to State PTA and National PTA to help our legislative effort. All Roosevelt families are automatically members of the Booster Club. Members of the community at large and alumni families are encouraged to participate as well.
ROOSEVELT SCHOOL PTA MEETINGS
PTA meetings are generally held on the first Wednesday of each month at 7PM. Topics discussed are matters of importance to all parents and there attend. See the Calendar for times.
AFRICAN-AMERICAN STUDENT PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
(Usually meets third Wednesday of each month)
Group of diverse parents who are dedicated to instilling a sense of empowerment, pride and cultural identity to the children of African-American descent through communication, education and fellowship. Sponsors the Annual Gospel Brunch (see Family Community Activities for a description). See this year’s Calendar for a listing of officers and contact phone numbers.
HISPANIC AMERICAN FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
(Usually meets second Tuesday of each month)
Provides support in Spanish and English to help smooth transitions to new cultures and values. Provides general parent and child support and education. Within the group, English and computer classes are offered. See this year’s Calendar for a listing of officers and contact phone numbers.
IRANIAN FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
(Usually meets first Monday of each month)
Provides support in Farsi and English to help smooth transitions to new cultures and values. Provides general parent and child support and education and help with parenting skills. Sponsors Nooroz, the Persian New Year celebration. See this year’s Calendar for a listing of officers and contact phone numbers.
DAD’S CLUB
To engender a community spirit and broaden opportunities for involvement for all Roosevelt family members by way of occasional meetings, Pancake Breakfasts, School Picnics and Barbecues. Will train to barbecue! Give a call to this year’s Dad’s Club President &emdash; or check out the weekly bulletin -- and find out when the meetings are and how you, too, can participate.
SCHOOL SPIRIT CLOTHING
Roosevelt Spirit Clothing may be purchased at PTA events and every Friday after school from 1-3PM. Friday is designated as School Spirit Day when children are encouraged to wear their school spirit clothing. T-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, pants, dresses, jackets, hats and other items are available in sizes for kids and adults. All profits go to Roosevelt PTA programs.
PARENT EDUCATION
English as a Second Language (ESL) classes are offered to parents two evenings weekly from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Dolores Vega, Community Liaison, can be contacted through the school office (395-0941) for details.
ROOSEVELT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Roosevelt School is a richly diverse community of learners that values the contributions of all its members. In an environment of teamwork, caring, trust and respect, we provide the highest quality education possible. Our aim is to empower students by facilitating the acquisition of knowledge, improving skills and developing character so that they may lead quality lives and contribute to society. We promote visionary, versatile thinking and enthusiastic, lifelong learning. We appreciate the uniqueness of each student and set high expectations for all. We welcome parents and community members as partners in the education process.
BASIC ACADEMIC PROGRAM
The academic program at Roosevelt School is designed to embody the school’s mission and philosophy. Underlying the instructional program is the fundamental belief in the value of experiential learning. Our goal is to provide a curriculum that is rich and challenging - one that encourages children to wrestle with real and simulated experiences and one that is developmental. We follow the State of California Frameworks, that children construct their own knowledge through direct personal experience with people, events, objects, and phenomena in the world. Our instructional program is designed to develop deep conceptual understandings, critical thinking, problem solving skills, and self-confidence as independent learners. Reading, writing, mathematics, social studies and the visual arts are coordinated as much as possible. We call this approach an "integrated curriculum."
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES
The system of reporting to parents consists of the group conference held at the beginning of the year and the individual parent-teacher conference held in November/December. Report cards are issued in January and in June for students in Kindergarten and grades 1 and 2. Children in grades 3, 4 and 5 receive their report cards in November/December (at the parent-teacher conference), in March and in June. Kindergarten parents conference and receive report cards in January. Both parents and teachers feel that the individual conference is the most productive of these methods for exchanging information about the child.
Conferences may be arranged at any time during the year by leaving a message for the teacher in the school office. Do not hesitate to contact our office if there is any question regarding the school program, scheduling, or any other concern, which affects your child. If you feel a problem exists, you are urged to arrange a conference immediately. Do not wait until a small problem becomes a large one.
SCHOOL ABSENCES (FULL & PARTIAL DAY)
On returning to school from an absence, students must bring a note from home with the specific reason for their absence. (I.e. "flu", "fever", etc.) The parent or guardian must sign it. If your child will be out of school because of a communicable disease, please notify the school immediately. This is an important step in the control of disease. When returning after recovery from a communicable disease, such as measles, mumps, chicken pox, or strep throat, the child must bring a release slip from the family doctor. All children with any communicable disease must be checked through the nurse’s office before returning to the classroom. All cases of head lice should be reported to the school nurse. The school nurse, when available, can approve your child’s return to school after chicken pox or after appropriate treatment for head lice.
ABSENCES/LATE ARRIVAL
Each time your child is absent due to personal or religious reasons, he/she is missing an important day of school. Roosevelt does not receive funding for students who are not physically present in school. We are asking that you make every effort to ensure that your child attends school each day that he/she is healthy. When planning family trips or scheduling appointments, please try to avoid doing so while school is in session.
Children arriving after school begins are tardy. Teachers will note this on their records. If they are more than 10 minutes late, students must sign the tardy book in the office. Tardy students are very disruptive to the classroom. Please be considerate of the other students and the teacher.
Any student who is absent from school without a valid excuse for more than three days, or tardy in excess of 30 minutes on each of more than five days in one school year, is considered truant and shall be reported to the Principal.
HOMEWORK FOR ABSENT STUDENTS
If your child is absent and you wish to pick up school assignments, call the office before 9:30AM to request the assignments. The child’s homework may be picked up in the office after 3:00PM that same day. This applies to classes where assignments are given on a daily basis.
RELEASE FROM SCHOOL
Students may be excused from school in the company of an adult only when the adult has been properly identified by a school authority and is listed on the emergency card. Such releases are permitted only with the full knowledge and consent of the parent or guardian. A student may not be released at his/her own request.
The adult is requested to report to the office and sign out the child. The procedure is as follows:
Once a student exits the campus at the end of the day, they may not return to campus without adult supervision.
Please help us by making sure that your child understands that once on campus, he/she should not leave without formal permission either during or after school.
SCHOOL MESSAGES
Please ask the office to transmit messages to your child only in the event of an emergency. Do not interrupt classroom time by going to the classroom with forgotten items or messages. Our mutual goal should be to teach our children personal responsibility, but just in case...
If you need to see your child during the school day, please report to the office so that we may protect all children and minimize interruptions. Do not go directly to your child’s classroom.
If you need to deliver something to your child, please take the item to the office where it can be picked up or delivered to your child at an appropriate time. Every effort is made not to interrupt instructional time.
SCHOOL TELEPHONE
Children may use the office phone only in emergency situations. Please send $.35 with children if they need to use the pay phone after school or at recess.
LOST AND FOUND
Students’ personal property should be marked. When such items are found, they will be taken to Lost and Found located near the Nurse’s Office, where they may be claimed. Unmarked clothing may also be checked at Lost and Found. Several times throughout the year, items from the Lost and Found will be displayed between the auditorium and the cafeteria for perusal by students and parents.
CREST (Child Care, Recreation, Enrichment, Sports, Together)
CREST is the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District Before and After School program for Grades K-5. The CREST program was carefully developed as a joint partnership between the City of Santa Monica and Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District.
CREST also makes available after school foreign language classes to students. Weekly classes in Spanish, French and Italian are offered.
Contact the Child Development Office for more information (310) 399-5865.
Other programs are available through community agencies:
Bay Cities Jewish Community Center (310) 828-3433
Parks and Recreation (310) 393-9975
Santa Monica Boys & Girls Club (310) 393-9629
YMCA (310) 393-2721
YWCA (310) 452-3881
LUNCH PROGRAM
Students may either bring a sack lunch from home or purchase a lunch. Menus are sent home at the end of the month for the following month. Students may choose to eat from the Salad Bar, which is provided to the school from the local Farmer’s Market. The cost of either lunch is $2.25. Tickets for 20 meals are available for $40.00 in the school office (between 8:00AM and 4:00PM). Cash or personal checks (to SMMUSD Cafe Dept.) will be accepted. Parents are responsible for checking with their children periodically to determine when to buy a new ticket. Children bringing lunches from home may purchase cartons of milk or juice for $.50 and cookies for $.75, bottled water and sports drinks are also available for purchase. Some students may qualify for the free or reduced price lunch program. Applications for this program are in the office.
EMERGENCY AND ILLNESS PROCEDURE CARDS
Emergency Cards enable teachers and office staff to contact the appropriate person in the event that a child becomes ill or has an accident at school. Please keep the school informed of changes in names, addresses, and places of employment and telephone numbers. This is vital to the welfare of your child. Both the school office and the school nurse should be informed of any changes in this information.
NURSE SERVICE
The school nurse provides emergency first aid only for injuries or illness, which occur at school. A Registered Nurse is on duty at Roosevelt all day Monday through Friday.
Parents are asked to cooperate by not sending children to school if they appear to be ill. It is strongly recommended that each child have a thorough examination at least once a year, preferably before entering school in the fall.
Parents whose children need medication to stay in school must bring the medication and a doctor’s and parent’s written request to the school nurse. Any medication to be given at school must be labeled by a pharmacy, medical doctor or health clinic with the student’s name, correct dosage and name of the drug.
If a child becomes ill or is injured at school, the child is not released without the consent of the parent, guardian or other person listed on the emergency card. Elementary school children are not permitted to go home alone during the school day. Facilities are not available to care for children who are ill. Please assist us by picking up your child in a timely manner when he/she is ill.
If, following an injury or illness your child has a cast or needs to use crutches at school, a note from the doctor is required. Roosevelt School routinely provides vision and hearing screening.
HEAD LICE
Head lice are a problem at all schools, but with vigilance we can keep this to a minimum at Roosevelt. Head lice are a parasite that lives in hair on the scalp. They are not dangerous, but can spread easily from physical contact. Head lice crawl &emdash; they do not jump or fly. If children share hats, share hair ornaments, rub heads or share combs they can infect other children. Head lice are NOT a sign of poor grooming habits. The nurse will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding head lice. SM-M School District policy requires that any child found with head lice be sent home and deloused before being readmitted to school. Let’s keep our kids in school and lice out.
Roosevelt has mandatory school-wide lice checks three times a year. The first week of school, and the week following winter and spring breaks. There are also volunteers to do a monthly lice check in each classroom.
DISASTER DRILLS
Fire and other emergency drills are held on a regular basis so that the students will have automatic responses to emergency signals. The school has an emergency preparedness plan, which is reviewed and revised as necessary. Following an emergency, such as an earthquake, the school will remain open until their parents have claimed all children or someone designated on the emergency card.
STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
An application for student accident insurance is sent to all parents. Parents desiring such coverage for their child should complete and mail the form directly to the insurance company. The form should not be returned to school. Should an accident occur and your child has the insurance, claim forms are available from the company.
IF YOUR CHILD IS DRIVEN TO SCHOOL…
Follow these suggestions of the Roosevelt Safety Committee:
IF YOUR CHILD WALKS TO SCHOOL…
When your child walks to school, please encourage him/her to remember the following safety precautions:
SCHOOL ENTRY / EXIT POLICY
Any person entering or exiting the Roosevelt Campus after 8:45 will have to sign in and out at the Lincoln Boulevard Gate, all other gates will be locked. Any person coming on campus must sign in and out and wear a badge, and that badge must be returned to the office upon exit. All students must be signed in and out at the office. Please refer to the Release from School section for specific details with regard to the exit and entrance of students during the school day.
BICYCLE PERMITS
Children in 4th and 5th grades who live six blocks or more from the school may ride bicycles. A license and lock are required. Permits may be revoked at any time safety rules are abused. Please inform your child that it is against the law to ride bicycles on the sidewalk, or for persons under eighteen to ride without a helmet.
Riding skateboards, bicycles, scooters or rollerblades/skates on the playground is not permitted.
Please do not bring dogs on the school premises at anytime.
APPROPRIATE ATTIRE
Students should wear rubber-soled shoes for playing on the playground and/or apparatus. Parents should consider clothing that is appropriate to a child’s activity and safety when coming to school.
SAFETY COMMITTEE
The Safety Committee is a group of parents and staff headed by the Assistant Principal that work on matters of campus safety systems, student safety, and traffic safety. Please check out the weekly bulletin -- and find out when the meetings are and how you, too, can participate
A safe environment is every child’s right. Please talk to your children about how they can help keep themselves safe in our urban environment. The office can provide you with materials prepared by our staff to help you talk to your kids.
Disciplinary actions will focus on a positive approach. We feel that it is reasonable to expect children to follow basic rules and act in a courteous and fair way to others. The goal is to enable children to be successful, thus enhancing their self-esteem.
Expectations
- We believe in a just and fair process of learning. Therefore, all students and adults at Roosevelt are expected to:
- Focus on learning and be prepared to learn.
- Respect the rights of others to learn and study.
- Be kind to yourself and others.
- Show respect for property.
- Behave safely and have regard for the safety of others.
DAILY BELL SCHEDULE
Children are asked to arrive at school no earlier than 8:15AM. Supervision on the playground begins at 8:15AM. Those arriving before 8:15AM will sit on the lunch benches or the benches on the patio in the Kindergarten yard.
MINIMUM DAYS
Occasionally pupil-free and minimum days are scheduled to facilitate parent/teacher conferences. Check the Calendar for this year’s scheduled minimum and pupil-free days.
Kindergarten Minimum Day Schedule
8:30AM - 11:30AM
Grades 1 & 2 Minimum Day Schedule
8:30AM - 1:15PM
Grades 3-5 Minimum Day Schedule
8:30AM - 1:30PM
The last two days of school minimum days are on a different schedule. Keep an eye on the weekly Roosevelt Bulletin for details of upcoming minimum days.
PLAYGROUND ACCESS
The Santa Monica City Department of Parks and Recreation provides limited playground supervision after school. See information under "CREST". Kindergarten students may not remain on the playground unsupervised after school. Children in Grades 1 and 2 may remain unsupervised on the playground for 1/2 hour after the end of school. Children in Grades 3 - 5 may remain unsupervised on the playground until 5PM. School administration strongly discourages students from checking in and out and back in while participating in Parks and Rec. Playground Access. Parents will be notified of such abuses.
The Roosevelt Booster Club is a non-profit public benefit corporation recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. All donations made to the Booster Club, in excess of goods received, are tax deductible. The Booster Club’s tax-exempt identification number is 94-4403109.
The mission of the Booster Club is fund-raising to pay for the enrichment programs the PTA sponsors, specifically for programs no longer sponsored by the school district or the state.
The Booster Club strives to raise the maximum amount of funds by keeping expenses at a minimum. We do not sponsor or promote fund-raisers that endorse any individual product or service. The Booster Club is supported solely by volunteers. It takes many volunteers to organize, plan and work at these fundraising events. The Booster Club needs new parents to volunteer during the school year to keep the Booster Club and your child’s education on the fast track.
We strongly encourage each Roosevelt family to sign-up for at least one event or Chair position. Many of the volunteer opportunities are perfect for Roosevelt’s working parents.
During the school year, the Booster Club plans to raise funds through the following:
ANNUAL GIVING FOR EDUCATION
The Annual Giving for Education campaign is Roosevelt School’s direct donation drive. It is the major fund-raising program for Roosevelt’s educational enrichment. Our Annual Giving for Education helps provide a wide range of programs, such as:
Classroom Teaching Aides Nurse
& Copying Support Vocal Music
Fine Arts Programs Field Trips
Computers & Technological Support Reading Coach
Classroom Supplies
Lunchtime Activities & Supervision
Curriculum Enhancement
The Roosevelt Booster Club & PTA are budgeted to provide more than $175,000 toward the cost of these programs each year. All of the money collected from Annual Giving for Education goes to these programs and directly benefits each and every one of Roosevelt’s children. All of Roosevelt’s families are strongly encouraged to support their child’s education by making a donation to the Annual Giving for Education direct donation drive. Every donation, regardless of size, is important. It is our goal to achieve 100% parent participation as 100% of Roosevelt’s children benefit from these funds.
Donations may be made in cash, by check or credit card (VISA, MasterCard and AMEX). All donations are tax-deductible.
SCRIP and E-SCRIP
Scrip is a fabulous fund-raising opportunity offered by merchants to non-profit organizations. Scrip is simply a gift certificate to the merchant’s store or business. The participating merchants sell the scrip to the Booster Club at a discount of 2% - 27%. The Booster Club then sells the Scrip to you, Roosevelt’s parents, families and friends at the face (non-discounted) value.
E-Scrip is even simpler! For a small annual fee, you can register your supermarket card and/or credit card and every time you use the card at a participating venue, Roosevelt makes money &emdash; a percentage of your purchase, similar to ‘paper’ scrip. See the Scrip/E-Scrip flyer always available in the office for further information, or speak to the Scrip Chairperson &emdash; their phone number can be found in the current calendar.
Therefore, at no extra cost to you, your everyday purchases become a tremendous source of much needed funds for Roosevelt. This fundraising event is ongoing throughout the school year and summer vacation. Scrip purchases are not tax-deductible.
HOLIDAY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
The Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair is scheduled for a Saturday in early December. Vendors pay an entrance fee and donate a percentage of their sales to the Roosevelt Booster Club. Children’s games, crafts and activities are also featured. An International Food Festival is held, featuring specialty dishes from cultures around the world (and around Roosevelt).
Net proceeds of this event go directly to the funding of the Fine Arts Program for Roosevelt’s students.
SPRING FUND-RAISING EVENT
The Booster Club’s Annual Auction is held at during the spring &emdash; with different themes and/or activities. Drawings are held for items donated by our teachers. An auction of a wide variety of goods and services donated by Roosevelt’s sponsors, families, teachers and staff is the highlight of the event. Save the date for this festive function, check out the current calendar.
The Governance Council is a body made up of the Principal, Assistant Principal, and elected teachers, staff, parents (including representatives from the African American, Hispanic American and Iranian Family Support Groups, as well as PTA, Booster Club and parents at large.
The goals of the Governance Council are:
The Santa Monica-Malibu PTA Council is made up of representatives from each of the schools in the district. The function of the PTA Council is to act as a leadership body to schools’ PTA Boards, as an advocate for students and parents directly with the School Board and the State legislature.
Santa Monica-Malibu PTA Presidents’ and PTA Council meetings are held at the school district at 1651 16th Street twice a month. All parents are welcome and encouraged to attend. Call 450-8338 X202 for dates and times.
The SM-MPTA Council, along with the SM-M Education Foundation, sponsors a Summer Enrichment program. This 4-week program features fun and interesting classes for children entering Kindergarten in the fall through those entering sixth grade. Information is distributed to all students in the spring of the year and further information can be obtained by calling the PTA Council Office at the Board of Education.
SANTA MONICA-MALIBU EDUCATION FOUNDATION
The Foundation (SMMEF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of education by raising funds for all 16 public schools in Santa Monica and Malibu. Parents and community members who volunteer their time direct the board. Interested? Call Linda Gross, Executive Director of SMMEF (396-4557).
The Education Foundation sponsors an annual raffle that raises funds for grants. All District teachers may apply for these grants for innovative and creative programs outside the scope of normal curriculum.
Each spring the SM-M Ed. Foundation presents student concert entitled "Stairway to the Stairs" highlights an evening of musical talent from the Middle Schools and High Schools. Look in the current calendar for this year’s date.
Mr. John Deasy, Superintendent of Schools 450-8338
The Board of Education of the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District meets the first and third Thursday of every month at 7:00PM in the Board Room of the District Administrative Office, 1651 16th Street. The Roosevelt PTA encourages you to become involved with the School Board and to address the Board on issues of importance to you and your student &emdash; your voice will be heard. If you wish to speak to an item on the agenda, you must fill out a written request to speak (a chit) before that agenda item is called. The agenda is available in the school office the Friday before each meeting.
The names, phone numbers and term of each Board of Education member is printed in the yearly Roosevelt Calendar.
SCHOOL LEGISLATION
The PTA keeps its members informed on legislative issues at the state and local levels that affect education. Throughout the school year, at PTA meetings and through newsletters, the Legislation Committee will report on current issues. It is important that parents in turn, let their voices be heard on these vital issues &emdash; especially relating to adequate funding for quality education for our children.
PROGRAMS/ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
BOOK FAIR
Roosevelt has two annual Book Fairs. The first in the fall, the week of "Back to School Nights", the second in the spring in conjunction with "Open House. Typically, children visit the Book Fair with their class during the school day. Students are allowed to purchase books after school or during recess. Parents can send money with children by sending a blank check made payable to "Roosevelt PTA", with the maximum amount the child is allowed to spend written in the Memo Section (i.e. Book Fair &emdash; up to $15.00).
Teachers are given the opportunity to make up a wish list for those families wishing to donate books to the classroom, it is also an excellent way to make a lasting donation to the School Library.
CAMPUS CLEAN UP DAY
Once yearly, teachers, staff, parents and students come together on a weekend day to do small repairs, beautify and clean up the campus. If you have a special talent with tiling, a hammer or a hoe &emdash; or even if you don’t it’s a fun day. It’s our school, let’s make sure it looks its best!
FIFTH-GRADE ACTIVITIES:
ASTROCAMP
Astrocamp is a weekend retreat science camp in Idlewild, generally held in the spring of the year. It is open to every fifth grader in good standing. Meetings will be held to brief fifth grade families, check the weekly bulletin for details.
CULMINATION
The last weeks of school for fifth graders is full of activities, including a full tour of Lincoln Middle School, a class barbecue and yearbook autograph party, and a Culmination Ceremony. There is a Fifth Grade Activities committee organized to handle these events, please check your Calendar to give them a call and help out.
GARDENING ANGELS
Roosevelt’s Gardening Angels program provides instruction on gardening for classroom gardens, as well as supports and helps maintain the school’s landscaping. The gardens are a fun way for children to learn about science, agriculture and even cooking. Not just for the ‘green-thumbed’ &emdash; contact this year’s chairperson, listed in the Calendar.
POPCORN FRIDAYS
Popcorn sales take place every Friday after school on the patio outside the cafeteria.
READ-A-THON
Roosevelt’s Read-A-Thon is a great way to encourage families to support their school and promote reading for their children at the same time! As a fundraiser, the event involves families, friends and even neighbors pledging to financially support the time spent reading by your child. Whatever a child’s reading level, a child can enjoy this innovative fundraiser. There are many special reading-centered activities such as a school-wide reading treasure hunt, and an evening read-in-pajamas party and more! Check the Calendar to see when this year’s Read-A-Thon is going to be held.
REFLECTIONS
The Reflections Program is a cultural arts program developed by the National PTA. The program has four categories: literature, musical composition, photography and visual arts and a yearly theme. Students enter by submitting their artwork. Applications for the program are available in the fall.
ROOM REPRESENTATIVES
Room Reps. are parents who volunteer to help organize and notify other families in their child’s classroom’s of room and school events. Room Reps. act as a liaison and support group with class parents, the teachers and the PTA and Booster Club. Because much of the job involves phoning, it is a great way for a working parent to stay involved. If you would like to be a Room Rep. call the Room Rep. chairperson listed in the Calendar.
SCIENCE EXPLORERS EXPO
The Science Explorers Expo, a free event, is held annually in the spring and is geared to get young minds excited about science and to show students that science is all around us. Every year there is a Dad’s Club barbecue lunch and science displays and interactive projects, such as the "take-apart" booth. Every other year, students (individually or as a class) are asked submit and display science projects.
YEARBOOK
The Roosevelt Yearbook comes out at the end of the year and is a wonderful source of childhood memories for kids and parents alike. Order forms will come home with your student in February.
Candid classroom/class activity photos are welcome to be collected for the publication. Fifth grade students are asked to provide a few sentences on a specific theme.
Roosevelt Reaches Out &emdash; Everyone can be very proud of the Community Service projects in which Roosevelt families participate. Through these programs children become empowered and learn that no matter how young they are, they can make a difference in someone’s life.
Anyone wishing to start an all-school community service project needs only to get in touch with the PTA president and/or the Assistant Principal.
This is a listing of just some of the all-school community service activities with which students and parents can become involved.
SHARE A LUNCH
A weekly program to help Santa Monica’s homeless. Every Wednesday morning boxes are placed at the entrances for the collection of extra lunches made by Roosevelt families for donation to the Ocean Park Community Center to feed those in our community that would otherwise go without a meal. Additionally, as a grade, Kindergarten families make lunches beginning at 8:15 am each Wednesday morning, with parents and teachers helping to coordinate the bulk food/supplies that will be used.
TOY DRIVE
Each December the families of Roosevelt join with the Santa Monica Fire Department on a Toy Drive to collect new holiday toys for less fortunate children. Look for the brightly-wrapped boxes to make your donation.
ACCESS BOOKS
In the first two years of the program, Roosevelt families donated more than 10,000 books to Santa Monica and Los Angeles children whose homes or schools were without books. This yearly book drive &emdash; held in the spring &emdash; accepts all types of used children’s books. Check the Weekly Bulletin for details or call the Access Books Drive Chairperson to see how you can help.
GREEN TEAM
With the help of the student council and the children at our school we have implemented a "Green Team". A team of students, teachers and parents we learn and teach our school community how we actions we take make a significant impact on improving our environment at home, in the community and on our planet. Check the Weekly Bulletin for how you can get ‘green’.
OPERATION SCHOOLBELL
Early September is the time for this Community Service project. Designed to help Los Angeles County schoolkids, this clothing drive accepts gently used (on hangers) children’s clothes. Check the Weekly Bulletin for where to make your donation.
"TRICK OR TREAT" FOR UNICEF
For more than fifty years, children have been helping children all over the world by "Trick or Treating for UNICEF". Close to Halloween, orange boxes are distributed for kids to take with them on their candy quest. The orange boxes are then returned to school and collected by parent UNICEF volunteers.
WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL PICNIC
A family fun, all school, free event in September hosted by the Dad’s Club. A party and barbecue to kick off the new year and build school community, a great time to make new friendships and renew old ones. Includes a special party hosted by the First Grade for incoming Kindergartners.
PANCAKE BREAKFASTS
Twice yearly, the Dad’s Club sponsors Sunday morning a Pancake Breakfast for the Roosevelt community. Casual fun for the whole family, check your current Roosevelt calendar to note the dates.
GOSPEL/JAZZ BRUNCH
Roosevelt’s African American Parent Student/Staff Support Group sponsors the Annual Gospel/Jazz Brunch. A celebration of food, music and cultural activities as viewed through the African American experience. Gospel, Jazz, Blues, Soul Food and fun for the soul will headline the Bill of Fare. Check your current Roosevelt calendar to note the date.
STAIRWAY TO THE STARS CONCERT
Sponsored by the Santa Monica-Malibu Education Foundation this spring concert features the musical talents of students from the Middle Schools and High Schools. . Check your current Roosevelt calendar to note the dates.
BACK TO SCHOOL NIGHT / OPEN HOUSE
Two very important evenings &emdash; for you to get a chance to see first hand and to connect with your child class and teacher. Check your current Roosevelt calendar early to note the dates.
Back to School Nights are ‘adults only’ evenings held in the fall to meet your child’s teacher, get an overview of the curriculum and what to expect for the year to come. Kindergarten-Second grade on one night, Third-Fifth grades the next so that parents with more than one child can attend these important meetings.
Open House &emdash; in the spring &emdash; is your child’s chance to show you and your family their accomplishments, their classroom. Children and family are encouraged to attend Open House.
STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council is open to all Fourth- and Fifth-grade students and is led by a Teacher-Advisor, assisted by parent volunteers. Student council addresses student concerns, assists with campus student activities, and sponsors the popular School Spirit days (such as "Teddy Bear Day") and Dress Up days (like "Twin Day" or "Pajama Day"). Look for notice of Spirit days and Dress Up days in the Weekly Bulletin.
Student Council, under the direction of their Teacher-Advisor sponsors an Annual Talent Show. Open to every student in the school. All talents are welcomed. Look for notice of this spring event in the Weekly Bulletin.
READ ACROSS AMERICA/DR. SEUSS’ BIRTHDAY
March 1st, the birth date of Dr. Seuss, has been designated "Read Across America" day and is celebrated at Roosevelt by a literacy festival and assembly and community members are invited in to read to students.
VOLUNTEER TEA
In the spring of the year, the teachers of Roosevelt School honor all volunteers in a show of gratitude for the work they have done by hosting an informal afternoon tea.
BIRTHDAYS
Teachers acknowledge the importance of birthdays in a variety of ways. However, at Roosevelt birthday parties during the school day are not permitted. For parents who wish to observe their child’s birthday at the school, a nice way to do so is donate a book to the classroom or the library in your child’s name. Consult first with the teacher and respect their policy on the matter.
CLASS PARTIES/FOOD AT SCHOOL
School policy allows two class parties during the school year, the timing of such parties is up to the individual teacher’s curricular plans. Room reps may be asked to help the teacher organize or coordinate parties and parents participating are encouraged to please consider good nutrition and note that some students may have dietary restrictions or allergies. There are times when students/parents may be asked to bring ingredients for in-class cooking activities.
It is Santa Monica-Malibu School District policy: Food served in the classroom must be commercially prepared (store bought) or prepared at school under direct teacher supervision.
I t is also District policy that off-campus party invitations are never to be circulated at school (even if the entire class is participating). Off-campus party invitations must be mailed to students’ homes.
FIELD TRIPS
Field trips at Roosevelt are paid for by the donations that are made to the Booster Club.
In general, classes go on one to three field trips throughout the year &emdash; scheduled based on the individual teacher or grade level curricular plans. Permission slips signed by a student’s authorized guardian are required to allow the student to leave school grounds.
Usually chaperones are needed to accompany field trips, the teacher will ask for the requisite number of volunteers. In most cases, both the child and the chaperone will be asked to pack a lunch for the day in a disposable bag. Along with the permission slip, teachers will send home the particular requirements (such as sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and packed lunch).
HALLOWEEN
Roosevelt celebrates Halloween with a school-wide parade led by Mr. Harris. All children (K through Fourth grade) wishing to participate, costumed or not, parade around the playground at about noon. Check the Weekly Bulletin for this year’s time.
Kindergarten through Third grade students are not to be sent to school in costume, those students will be allowed to change into costumes in their classrooms for the campus-wide parade. Parents may come to their child’s classroom and help youngsters into their costumes and are encouraged to stay for the parade. Fourth and Fifth graders are allowed to wear their costumes to school and remain in costume throughout the day if they wish.
Please consider appropriate costume guidelines, excluding violent themes, weapons of any kind are not permitted.
PICTURE DAY
A school institution, Picture Day is in the fall of the year, each class poses together for a class picture and individually for photos that can then be purchased at the discretion of the parent(s). The class photos are also used in the annual Yearbook.
SCHOOL SPIRIT DAYS
School spirit is pride in our school. School spirit is the feeling of belonging to the Roosevelt community, despite our richly diverse backgrounds. And to show our spirit, Fridays are Spirit days. Students are encouraged to wear their Roosevelt spirit clothes (t-shirts, etc.) every Friday. Popcorn is sold and students socialize after school. (Refer to Spirit Clothing and Popcorn Friday sections for further details.)
Often the Student Council will designate other Spirit Days during the year, such as Teddy Bear Day, Pajama Day and Twin Day, among the most popular. Check your Weekly Bulletin to note the dates/activities.
WEEKLY PTA BULLETIN
Every Wednesday, your Roosevelt PTA issues a bright yellow bulletin for all families, and is a vital link to school events -- information on current programs/activities, concerns and opportunities. Announcements should be submitted to the PTA drawer in the Office no later than the preceding Friday.
WEEKLY SCHOOL MAIL
Mr. Harris sends home weekly school communiqués of significance to families. His office prepares a monthly calendar and important messages of policy. Also, look for weekly flyers with tips on literary building, homework strategies and other topics that can help your child(ren) attain their own high academic goals.
ROOSEVELT REPORTER
The Roosevelt Reporter is our school newspaper, published on a quarterly basis. Articles from students and parents are welcome &emdash; and classroom news can make headlines! This fun and award-winning publication highlights campus news, people and events. Make submissions to the Roosevelt Reporter Editor listed in the Calendar.
CALENDAR
Every September, the PTA issues a calendar highlighting the activities, events, meetings, minimum days and school holidays for the upcoming year. Also listed in the yearly calendar is the list of teachers and classroom location, departmental staff and titles, the phone contact for all current PTA and Booster Club Officers. Up to date information about SM-Malibu School District and School Board, local and state legislators and their phone numbers are at your fingertips.
DIRECTORY
Roosevelt School publishes a Directory each fall of student addresses and phone numbers solely for the use and convenience of Roosevelt staff, administration and families. Parental consent must be given to have any information to be included in the directory. Separate class phone rosters are made up by individual classes and a parent may elect to be included in either, both or neither.
HANDBOOK
In keeping with the philosophy that education is a person’s best weapon, the administration and the PTA have prepared this Handbook as your family’s guide to Roosevelt School. Keep this Handbook for the entire time your student is at Roosevelt; it will not be reproduced yearly.
Getting involved in your child's education is a major building block in their foundation for success; there are so many ways to be involved. Become and stay involved with your child’s education -- ask questions, know their friends and teachers, help with or check their homework, go to school functions. Volunteer in the classroom, help out at weekend functions, donate your skills and/or enthusiasm to a committee or event. Make the connection…
Roosevelt Elementary School staff and parents.
All names, addresses and phone numbers are for PTA use only.
PLEASE GUARD AGAINST ITS UNAUTHORIZED USE BY OTHERS.
P T A : E V E R Y C H I L D , O N E V O I C E