Roosevelt Middle School eNEWS | February 13, 2023
New Announcements:
- Roosevelt School News
- Girl’s Group Through Ophelia’s Place
- Vaccination Exclusion Day
- Host Families for French Intern
- PAR News: Showcase Information
- Community Resources
- Math Festival
Schedule of Events
This 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
Next Week
FEBRUARY 20th (M): NO SCHOOL
- No School, President’s Day
FEBRUARY 21st (T): B DAY
- Drop Off COVID-19 Test Kit
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, Parent Equity Night
- Location: RMS Library
FEBRUARY 22nd (W): A DAY
FEBRUARY 23rd (TH): B DAY
FEBRUARY 24th (F): A DAY
- 2:35 PM, Early Release from School
**A and B School Calendar for 2022 – 2023
Roosevelt School News
Girl’s Group through Ophelia’s Place
RMS and 4j is proud and grateful to partner with Ophelia’s Place in many different capacities, including parent education events and on-site student groups. This spring Ophelia’s Place will run a girl’s group once a week on site. Topics will include: empathy + healthy friendships/relationships, gender stereotypes, media and body image, boundaries, and relational aggression. Important subjects all around! If you are interested in having your student participate in this group, please email counselor Lee Baker at baker_l@4j.lane.edu.
**For information about the weekly topics, click here.
Vaccination Clinics: This Week Only
Wednesday, February 15th is Vaccination Exclusion Day. All students must be up-to-date with their vaccine or have filed an exemption prior to the 15th to attend school that day.
Does your child need a vaccine? Both 4J and Lane County are hosting vaccination clinics to help ensure all students have the resources to be immunized.
4J School Based Health Center Walk-In Vaccination Clinic
- When: Wednesday, 2/15
- Time: 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM
- Where: North Eugene High School, 200 Silver Lane
- Note: This is a first come, first serve clinic. More information is provided in Spanish and English.
Lane County Health Department Walk-In Vaccination Clinic
- When: Tuesday, 2/14 and Wednesday, 2/15
- Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Where: 151 W 7th Ave Suite #310
Host Families Needed for French Intern
For the first time in three years, RMS is contemplating bringing a French-speaking intern to our immersion classrooms. Much will depend on whether we can find host families for the 2023-24 school year– and we’re looking for a series of families ready to welcome a French-speaking visitor to their home! We ask the following of our families:
- A one-two month commitment to host during the school year
- A separate bedroom dedicated just for the intern
- Three meals/day
- The ability to be flexible and empathetic
If you are interested in this intriguing opportunity, please contact Laura Fuhriman at fuhriman_l@4j.lane.edu. Hosting an intern from another country brings the world to your family and enriches our school environment across classrooms. We’re looking forward to the potential!
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:
- Parents Magazine: How to Teach Your Kids to Fight Hate
- Southern Poverty Law Center: Speak Up: Responding to Everyday Bigotry
- Common Sense Media: Where Kids Find Hate Online
- Anti-Defamation League: Making it Meaningful (for teachers, and applies to parenting)
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:
- Library of Congress
- Common Sense Media
- 45 Books to Teach Children about Black History
- An Oregon Black History timeline
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.
- Scholastics: Resources for Responding to Violence and Tragedy
- National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement: Talking to Kids about Tragedies in the News
- The National Child Trauma Stress Network: Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators
- PBS: Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News
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.
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, 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
SAVE THE DATE!
Our annual Showcase is back! We will be hosting a fun evening for our entire community to come together and celebrate the accomplishments of our students this past year with art and live music, enjoy time together playing games and eating food. Let’s support our school through activities and an auction. The date is Friday, April 21st.
If you would be interested in making this night happen, we would love your help from making phone calls, picking up auction items, making posters, selling tickets, overseeing games, serving food, decorating, etc. If you are interested in being part of the fun to make Showcase happen, please contact Jamie Harms at jamieharms@gmail.com.
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.
Community Resources
Youth Math Festival: February 25th

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.
- What: American Red Cross Babysitter’s Training
- When: Saturday, February 18
- Time: 9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
- Who: Those 11 years and older
- Where: EUGENE FAMILY YMCA
- Cost:
- $100 for Members
- $110 for Non-Members
- (Financial Assistance available)
- Contact: sabrina@eugeneymca.org
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!
- Register for the Jan 30th at 5pm PT Session
- Register for the Feb 16th at 11:30am PT Session
- Register for the Feb 28th at 5pm PT Session
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/
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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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