2-6-2023

Posted on: Written by: Categorized in: ENews

Roosevelt Middle School eNEWS | February 6, 2023

New Announcements:

  • Roosevelt School News
    • A Message from the Principals
    • Talking to Your Children about Standing Up
    • Black History Month
    • When There is Violence in the News
    • Chloe’s Law
    • Activity Night: February 10th
    • PAR News: Thanks for Helping with Teacher and Staff Appreciation
  • Community Resources
    • Babysitting Certification through YMCA

 

Schedule of Events

This Week

FEBRUARY 6th (M): B DAY

FEBRUARY 7th (T): A DAY

  • Drop Off COVID-19 Test Kit
  • 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, RMS Parent Education Night
    • Where: RMS Library

FEBRUARY 8th (W): B DAY

FEBRUARY 9th (TH): A DAY

FEBRUARY 10th (F): B DAY

  • 2:35 PM, Early Release from School
  • 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM, Activity Night

Next Week

FEBRUARY 13th (M): A DAY

FEBRUARY 14th (T): B DAY

  • Drop Off COVID-19 Test Kit

FEBRUARY 15th (W): A DAY

FEBRUARY 16th (TH): B DAY

FEBRUARY 17th (F): A DAY

  • 2:35 PM, Early Release from School

**A and B School Calendar for 2022 – 2023

 

Roosevelt School News

News from the Principals

Hello to our RMS families:

And, we’re on to the second half of the year! We hope your students had a restful three-day weekend, ready to come back strong for the next four months.

Last week in our eNews, we shared with you about a number of incidents at school that involved students using racial slurs or stereotyping students of color. Because it was pervasive across grades levels and programs, and based on what our student affinity groups shared with us, Mike and I crafted a video message for Houses on Wednesday, February 1. House advisors then led students through a discussion about the use of racial slurs, specifically, the n-word. We invited Houses to a conversation about the impact of language on our school community and further, asked students to consider the impact for peers who historically have felt the sting of slurs. We invited students to listen, reflect honestly and thoughtfully, and to be fully present in the conversation.

Because the n-word has been used to oppress, abuse, and purposefully cause harm to others and also regularly shows up in music and on social media many of our students consume, we shared that unequivocally, the word is always hurtful no matter how it’s intended or even received. We are deeply concerned about the impact the word has on students… and we know hurt isn’t limited just to that word— it extends to other words people use to cause injury.

We want students to know our school is a safe and welcoming place for everyone, and particularly for students who may be targets of racist or biased speech. Our work continues to step in, interrupt, and educate. Over the next few weeks in House, we will share some different tools and language for students to use so we can all be better at stopping ignorant and biased language and actions.

After last week, many of you emailed to express your dismay and concern and we deeply appreciate you reaching out. Several of you also asked for additional resources for talking to your students about hate speech, racism, and homophobia and we’ve included a reference section below. We also acknowledge our school-wide conversation marked the start of Black History Month and came right on the heels of the death of Tyre Nichols in Memphis which impacted many of our families. The coalescing of these moments is a reminder our communities are stronger when we can work through difficulties together, with love and empathy. Resources for discussing each of these topics are included below.

With that, we are looking forward to our MLK, Jr. Assembly on Friday where we’ll come together under the themes of ‘community’ and ‘belonging.’ Our assembly is a chance for students to hear about the life and times of MLK, Jr., and we have a special guest speaker who will provide an additional message of standing up and stepping in.

As always, please let us know if you’d like to connect … and we really hope many of you will join us this Tuesday– that’s tomorrow!– for a special film screening about the teenage brain and social media– check out the information below.

 

Much gratitude to all of you,

Courtney and Mike

 

Talking to Your Children About Standing Up

Resources abound and families will choose how they talk to their children about biased speech and actions. Here are a few resources we’ve found particularly useful:

 

Resources for Black History Month

February is Black History Month, an annual celebration of the history, heritage, and accomplishments of African American/Black people. Many of us will engage students, family or colleagues in discussions about Black History this month, and with that in mind, we want to share some resources.

The national theme of Black History Month for 2023 is “Black Resistance”, and encourages us to recognize and reflect on the proud history of resistance among Black Americans. If you’re interested in learning more about the origins of Black History Month or reading more about the specifics of this year’s theme, you can visit The National Museum of African American History and Culture’s Black History Month page and also HISTORY’s Black History Month page. Additionally, you might consider visiting:

 

When There is Violence in the News

As much as we may try to shield students from the news, our role as middle school educators and families is to help provide accurate, timely and appropriate information for our particular age. Resources are also critical and below, we’ve shared some of the ones that support our work in schools.

 

Chloe’s Law

Oregon law allows students to legally take mental health days. This started just prior to the pandemic and allows students to have up to five absences excused in a three-month period. We honor this important student right knowing that sometimes, we need to be with our school community and sometimes with our home support network, sometimes with our spiritual network and sometimes, we just need a break! Please let us know if we can help and we stand ready to support.

 

Want to Have Fun?

Come to Activity Night on February 10th

Spring Activity Night!

When: Friday, February 10th, 2023

Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Where: RMS

 

What is Activity Night?

Activity Night is a fun and safe opportunity for all Roosevelt Students to socialize in a supervised and familiar place.

What are some of the activities?

  • Bingo
  • Karaoke
  • Chill Craft Corner
  • DJ/Dancing in the Small Gym
  • Basketball, ping pong, corn hole and more in the Large Gym
  • Concessions – pizza, chips, gold fish, popcorn, juice (all $1.00 each)
  • AND MORE . . .

All activities are in the Dining Hall and C Hall only. The rest of the school will be closed, including all lockers. There will be a space near the entrance to store your belongings. We suggest you don’t bring much of anything with you! Entry is ONLY through the admission doors in the back of the building at the dining hall.

Who is invited?

Activity Night is for Roosevelt students only. No visitors are allowed. Students who do not attend school on Friday may not attend Activity Night.

Price:

  • $3.00 in advance – free for any student who qualifies
  • $5.00 at the door

If you purchase admission in advance, you must bring your Activity Night ID Card with you; otherwise you will pay $5 at the door. Advance purchase of Activity Night ID Card is strongly encouraged.

How is the money used?

Proceeds from Activity Night are first used to cover the expenses of Activity Night and any remaining funds are used to support various school programs, including field trips, teacher classroom grants, student scholarships and similar uses.

ACTIVITY NIGHT CARDS GO ON SALE IN HOUSE MONDAY, February 6.

Drop off and pick up are in the parking lot on the east side of the school. All students enter through the south Dining Hall doors. NO ENTRY AT THE FRONT OF THE SCHOOL.

Students may NOT leave early unless a parent picks them up. All students must be picked up promptly at 8:00 PM.

REMINDERS ABOUT ACTIVITY NIGHT:

  1. ALL SCHOOL RULES APPLY AT ACTIVITY NIGHT.
  2. Students who purchased ID Cards in advance must bring their ID Cards with them and enter the building at the south side cafeteria door near the theater stage.
  3. Students who pay at the door enter at the south side cafeteria door near the parking lot.
  4. No outside food or drink is allowed at Activity Night.
  5. If you do not come to school on Friday you may not attend Activity Night.
  6. No taking pictures or videos during Activity Night.
  7. No wheeled transportation will be allowed in the building. This means bikes MUST be locked up in the racks at the front of the building and all smaller wheeled transportation must be locked up in the coat room in C3.
  8. Students may not go to their lockers or the coat room during Activity Night.
  9. No one may leave early unless your parent comes to pick you up.

 

Planning an Extended Absence? Please fill out our form!

The district 4J Attendance Committee has created a consistent 4J Pre-arranged student absence request form.  Parents and guardians, thank you for completing this form for all absences that are 3 or more days in length. Parents or guardians only need to complete the first section and then turn into the office. Don’t have your student’s permanent ID number? Not to worry! Our office staff can assist with that once the form is submitted.

 

Funds Needed for Cooking Class and PE Equipment

We are incredibly grateful to the families who were able to donate to our December Direct Drive. With your help, we were able to put the money towards school endeavors which include the direct purchase of special supplies for our elective classes and buying additional hours for support staff to help keep our students safe and connected.

We now have two specific needs for which we’d like to raise additional funds:

  • Our PE classes are seeking new funding for equipment for outdoor springtime sports. Every 7th and 8th grade student is currently enrolled in PE and every 6th grade student has one term this year of PE. https://www.schoolpay.com/link/RMSPEdonations
  • Our cooking classes are getting expensive! This year, we are running more sections of Family Recipes than ever before. It is a popular class and with the cost of food and supplies sky-rocketing, the class is quite expensive to offer. If you can donate grocery store gift cards to Safeway and Albertsons that would be very helpful. Donations can also be made here: https://www.schoolpay.com/link/RMSFamilyRecipes

Thanks to everyone who can step in to both volunteer time and offer resources!

 

February and March RMS Parent Education Nights

We’re looking forward to our final two parent education events of the trimester two– please see below for details. Parent Education Nights provide invaluable information and resources for middle school families. They give us a chance to connect about our amazing middle schoolers, consider new ideas and share tips and strategies. Hope to see you at our next event!

  • Tuesday, February 7: A screening of the flim Like in the RMS Library at 6:30 PM. A description of the film is below and the trailer can be viewed here: https://www.impactful.co/like.
    • “LIKE breaks down why we find social media so irresistible, examines who is controlling whom, and gives viewers the tools to pivot to a more balanced and contented relationship. It features Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, including the co-creator of the ‘LIKE’ button, experts in brain science, and teenagers. Medical and science experts explain the behavioral changes that come from chemical effects on the brain. But the 49-minute-long LIKE does not leave you with a sense of fear and foreboding. The core of the documentary is built around the kids and teens interviewed, and the empathy that they build with their audience as they look honestly at their usage and dependence on these tiny devices, consider the good that can come from and be transmitted via social media and rethink the relationship to one where they are much more aware and in balance.”
  • Tuesday, March 7: Suicide prevention, session w/ SEHS, SBMS, RMS Library at 6:30 PM. Join local experts and hear speakers who will take us through prevention strategies, discuss signs and signals, and provide information about keeping our young people safe, and staying alert and responsive as parents and educators.

 

Incoming Freshman News 

Transitioning from 8th grade to 9th grade is an exciting time and can raise many questions. This section is devoted to helping parents and their 8th grade students find answers to (most) of those questions. Check here for information regarding end of school activities at RMS, summer programs and information about high school.

High School Webpages for “Class of 2027”

Most of the local area high school host a webpage dedicated to incoming freshmen. Check out these links here:

**Not all of the webpages have been updated for the “Class of 2027” yet.

 

Purchase Your 2022-2023 Yearbook Now!

Now is the time to place an order for your student’s yearbook! The cost is $30 ($15 for those who qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program).

If you would like to pay online please visit the following link to purchase your yearbook:  https://www.schoolpay.com/link/Roosevelt-2022-2023-Yearbook

If your student is already qualified for the federal free and reduced lunch program, please use this link: https://www.schoolpay.com/link/Roosevelt-2022-23-Yearbook-freereduced

If you prefer to pay with cash or check, please send your payment to the office. Checks can be made to Roosevelt Middle School with “Yearbook and Student Name” written in the memo space.

If you are not sure if you’ve already purchased a yearbook, please reach out to Skye Stier, stier_s@4j.lane.edu

 

PAR News

Thank You for Helping with Teacher and Staff Appreciation

Thank you RMS students and parents for your help in putting together a fun token of our appreciation for our teachers and staff as they spend their Friday grading and in development at the halfway point of our school year. Many families were able to contribute some coffee cards and chocolate to remind our staff how thankful we are for them and all that they do for our RMS community. We would also encourage you to consider dropping an email of encouragement to your student’s teachers thanking them for their investment in your child too. We are all in this together!

~PAR

 

Volunteering Info

Good day everyone,

Once in a while RMS various departments are looking for volunteers to help with projects or in their classroom.

We are also looking for volunteers to help with  the front office, the library, Activity Night (October and February), Picture days, Showcase… and as well as participants in our PAR  (Parent At Roosevelt). We are starting to get things in motion for our showcase (April 2023), we will need many helping hands. We will let you know what is needed and you let us know how much you can be involved, the more

Please CLICK HERE to fill up the Google Form. Check all the areas where you will be willing to help with. That doesn’t mean that you will need to volunteer every time, but it will help us to create the appropriate lists for the different needs.

Thank you

Laura

 

Observing Your Student in Canvas

Would you like to be able to see what your student is doing at school in Canvas? Become an Observer on Canvas. As an Observer you will be able to check grades, monitor assignments and due dates, as well as communicate directly with your student’s teachers.

**To be set up as an observer, use this link to request a pairing code. Then click here for step by step instructions on setting up an Observer account. The same instructions can also be found by watching this video in English or Spanish.

 

COVID-19 News

Sign Up for COVID-19 Testing

RMS has enrolled in the OHA/UO COVID-19 Screening Testing Program this year. This is an optional, weekly saliva test, via a take-home test kit. Please review this info/registration-flyer for more information.

If you would like to participate, please sign up by completing these two steps:

  • STEP 1: Complete the UO K-12 Student Information Survey at https://tinyurl.com/k12covidscreening. The registration survey can be viewed in English or Spanish. We have a rolling enrollment; students can sign up anytime. Testing can begin about 1-2 weeks after student sign-up begins.
  • STEP 2: Complete and return the OHA Consent Form. This form is required for all participating students and must be completed and returned to the school at the start of the program – plan to bring this form on your first test pick up day. If you do not have a printer, your school can provide a printed copy at test pick up. Schools are required by OHA to retain these consent forms.

Ages 5 – 14

 

Test Kit Drop off Info

Students should return the kits every Tuesday morning. Collection bins are located at the front office for sample drop-offs. Students should have their test kits in hand when arriving at school so they can be quickly and easily dropped in the designated bins.

**Check out the flyer (French and English) for more information.

 

Extracurricular Activities

2023 Sheldon Boys and Girls Youth Lacrosse Clinics

Get ready for the lacrosse season by signing up for the Sheldon 1st-8th grade boys and girls lacrosse skills clinics. Two total sessions. Each session is 90 minutes long.

Join Sheldon’s coaches and varsity players for a series of clinics designed for both beginners and returning players.

  • Returning players should bring all of their equipment.
  • New players will have no contact drills and will be separated from the returners. Loaner lacrosse sticks will be provided if needed.

Dates for the Boy’s Lacrosse Clinics are:

  • Friday, February 10th, 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM at Sheldon Turf Field
  • Saturday, February 11th, 10:30 AM to Noon at Sheldon Turf Field

Dates for the Girl’s Lacrosse Clinics are:

  • Saturday, February 11th 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Sheldon Turf Field
  • Sunday, February 12th 10:30 AM to Noon at Sheldon Turf Field

Cost for the Two Clinic Series: $50

  • You must register at least one week prior to the clinic to guarantee receiving a camp t-shirt
  • Sibling discounts are provided and pro-rated pricing available if you can’t attend all the sessions

Registration will ONLY be through the Sheldon lacrosse website: www.sheldonlacrosse.com. Registration for the Sheldon Youth Clinics will NOT be on the Kidsports webpage. Players are encouraged to sign up for the Kidsport’s regular season on their website: kidsports.org (Enrollment in January – February, Season starts in March).

Parent Contact: Kevin Strode

 

Community Resources

Want to Earn Some Money? Babysitter Certification Thru YMCA

The Eugene Family YMCA is offering a Red Cross Babysitter Training course on Saturday, February 18, 2023.   

In the course, students will learn how to:

  • Supervise children and infants
  • Perform basic child-care skills such as diapering, feeding and dressing
  • Choose safe, age-appropriate games and toys
  • Identify safety hazards and prevent injuries
  • Care for common injuries such as burns, cuts and bee stings
  • Communicate effectively with parents
  • Find and interview for babysitting jobs

Upon completion of the course, students will receive a Certification in Red Cross Babysitter’s Training.

 

Youth Preparedness Council

The Youth Preparedness Council (YPC) application is now open! Students in 8th to 11th grade who have a passion for disaster preparedness, helping others, and are involved with their community are encouraged to apply.

The YPC offers an opportunity for teens to share their ideas and feedback with FEMA, improve their leadership skills, and develop preparedness projects. National YPC members also participate in an annual youth summit in Washington, D.C. with FEMA leaders and preparedness professionals to network and learn more about the field of emergency management. The Summit this year will take place in July 2023.

Applicants from FEMA Region 10 (AK, ID, OR, or WA) who are not selected for the National YPC will have their application reviewed for the regional YPC, which is a great opportunity to meet like-minded teens from our area.

FEMA will host three webinars for potential applicants to learn more about the YPC application process and to ask FEMA staff questions. This application closes on March 6, 2023. Apply today! 

 

FREE Open Gym at KidSports

Night Sports Open Gym for 13 to 19 year olds hosted by J.A.M. – Juvenile Advocacy and Mentorship

  • KidSports – 2054 Amazon Parkway
  • Thursdays 7:30-9pm
  • Open Gym: basketball, volleyball, dodgeball, games, organized activities, free play, raffles, and support.

Want to learn more? www.juvenileadvocacymentorship.com or jam4oregon@gmail.com

 

Middle School Madness with the YMCA

The YMCA will be hosting a new teen night program: Middle School Madness!

  • Who: 6th – 8th Grade Students
  • Cost: $10/ Y Members – $25/ Community Members
  • When: 11/18, 12/16, 1/20, 2/17, 3/17, 4/21, 5/19
  • Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
  • Where: Eugene Family YMCA
  • What: An opportunity for middle school students to safely get together with peers, play gym games, enjoy snacks, and arts and crafts!

Click here to register online.

**Check out the flyer in Spanish or English.

 

Request your child’s free LTD pass!

All students in kindergarten through 12th grade can ride Lane Transit District (LTD) buses for free. Students may ride anywhere, anytime in the Eugene–Springfield metro area.

Middle school students no longer need parent/guardian permission to get a pass. If your student would like a pass, please have them stop into the front office and request one from there.

Los estudiantes viajan gratis en LTD

El Distrito de Transporte del Condado de Lane (LTD por sus siglas en inglés) ahora ofrece transporte gratuito en autobús a todos los estudiantes de kindergarten a 12° grado. Los estudiantes pueden viajar en cualquier lugar, en cualquier momento en el área metropolitana de Eugene – Springfield.

Los estudiantes de secundaria ya no necesitan el permiso de los padres/tutores para obtener un pase. Si su estudiante desea un pase, pídale que se detenga en la oficina principal y solicite uno allí.

 

Mental Health Support

Free Access to Care Solace

4J families, does your student or a family member need help with mental health care? Eugene School District 4J is providing students, staff and their families’ free access to Care Solace, a confidential care coordination service, to help provide an additional layer of care and address the growing need for mental health care and substance abuse treatment.

Care Solace will connect you to verified community care providers matched to your needs, including providers that accept your medical insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, or sliding scale options for those without insurance. Their care companion team is always available. Get help finding care providers that meet your needs at caresolace.com/eugene or call 888-515-0595 anytime, day or night, in any language. (Note, Care Solace is not a mental health service provider or emergency response service. In the event of a life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1 or the National Suicide Hotline at 800-273-8255.)

Learn more: 4j.lane.edu/2022/03/care-solace-mental-health-care-coordination-service/

Familias de 4J, ¿Necesitan ayuda con la atención de salud mental de algún miembro de su familia? El Distrito Escolar de Eugene 4J brinda a los estudiantes, el personal y sus familias acceso gratuito a Care Solace, un servicio confidencial de coordinación de cuidados, para ayudar a proporcionar una capa adicional de atención a la salud mental y tratamiento de abuso de sustancias para abordar la creciente necesidad de atención mental.

Care Solace le conectará con proveedores de atención comunitaria verificados que se ajusten a sus necesidades, incluidos los proveedores que aceptan su seguro médico, Medicaid, Medicare u opciones de pago por escala de ingresos para aquellos sin seguro. Su equipo de acompañantes de cuidados siempre está disponible. Obtenga la ayuda de contactos que satisfaga sus necesidades en caresolace.com/eugene o llame al 888-515-0595 en cualquier momento, de día o de noche, en cualquier idioma. (Tenga en cuenta que Care Solace no es el proveedor de los servicios de salud mental ni un servicio de respuesta a emergencias. En caso de una emergencia de vida o muerte, llame al 911 o a la Línea Nacional de Suicidio al 800-273-8255).

Infórmese: 4j.lane.edu/2022/03/care-solace-mental-health-care-coordination-service/

____________________________________________________________________________________

If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health right now, please check out these links for support. You are LOVED, we miss you, and can’t wait until we are all back together again!

  • HOOTS (Helping Out Our Teens in Schools) is offering mental health support by phone for students, families, and staff of 4J high schools during school closures. The phone line is accessible from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM Monday through Friday and is staffed by crisis counselors who normally work HOOTS clinic or work on CAHOOTS. Video support is available from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM on weekdays and is accessed by emailing hoots@whitebirdclinic.org with your name and preferred time. HOOTS is able to provide short term counseling and mental health support, resource referrals and OHP sign up. Students, families and staff of 4J please call (541)246-2342.
  • A chat-line for students. Teens are available to help daily from 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM Pacific Time via call, text, chat or email (adults are available by phone at all other times). YouthLine is a free, confidential teen-to-teen crisis and help line. No problem is too big or too small for the Youthline!
  • A national 24-hour, toll free confidential suicide hotline for LGBTQ youth via call, text, and chat: 866-488-7386 – The Trevor Project
  • YouthEra has virtual “drop-ins” from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Discord Streaming live (moderated chat) with two state-certified youth peer support specialists, on Twitch Monday-Friday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
  • All of the phone services are free and confidential. See also Youthline as part of Lines for Life.
  • Text HOME to 741741 from anywhere in the United States, anytime, about any type of crisis. A live, trained Crisis Text Line Crisis Counselor receives the text and responds, all from our secure online platform. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment.
  • Safe Oregon, the 24/7 statewide school safety tip line, is here for you; for all students and the whole community. Anonymously or confidentially report student safety concerns (suicidal ideation/thoughts, cyberbullying, child abuse, drug/alcohol abuse, etc.) and we will pass this information to school personnel and law enforcement (when necessary).

15th Night Resource Guide for Youth by Youth

The 15th Night Youth Action Council (YAC) is so excited to share their Resource Guide For Youth By Youth. It includes all kinds of resources for young people in our community; from emergency shelter, to job application assistance, reconnection to school, or where to find a meal on Fridays at 4pm, this resource guide covers it all. Read more.

 

Earn Free Money for Roosevelt!

You can help Roosevelt earn money for our school by registering your credit card with eScrip. Earn money for Roosevelt every time you shop at Market of Choice, Sizzle Pie (& other local restaurants). Register your credit/debit cards, designating Roosevelt Middle School—Recipient ID #6723045. Click on this link to get started.

Sign up for the Community Rewards program by linking your Fred Meyer Rewards Card to Roosevelt. You can search by our name or by our non-profit number GB554.

Download the Box Top for Education App in Google Play or the App Store, sign up (or sign in) and take a picture of your receipt within 14 days of purchase. It will automatically credit the school for each product. For more information, click on the link above.

| Roosevelt Middle School | Phone: 541-790-8500 | Attendance: 541-790-8525 |

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