Roosevelt Middle School eNEWS | May 8, 2023
New Announcements:
- Roosevelt School News
- Principals Message
- May is Mental Health Awareness Month
- Students and Tech- What’s Your Take?
- PAR News: Silent Auction and Thank Yous
- Community Resources
- Pizza? Yes, please: FoFE Fundraiser on 5/24
Schedule of Events
This Week
MAY 8th (M): A DAY
MAY 9th (T): B DAY
- Drop Off COVID-19 Test Kit
- 3:40 PM – 4:40 PM, Chess Club in the RMS Library
MAY 10th (W): A DAY
MAY 11th (TH): B DAY
- 12:00 PM – 6:00 PM, District Track Meet @Churchill Track, Students will depart at 10:00 AM
MAY 12th (F): A DAY
- 2:35 PM, Early Release from School
Next Week
MAY 15th (M): B DAY
MAY 16th (T): A DAY
- Drop Off COVID-19 Test Kit
- 3:40 PM – 4:40 PM, Chess Club in the RMS Library
- 6:30 PM -7:30 PM, Parent Equity Group in the RMS Library
MAY 17th (W): B DAY
MAY 18th (TH): A DAY
- 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM, AVID Parent Information Night for 6th and 7th grade in the RMS Library
MAY 19th (F): B DAY
- 2:35 PM, Early Release from School
**A and B School Calendar for 2022 – 2023
Principal’s Message
Greetings, RMS Families!
We hope you enjoyed the three-day weekend after midterm grading… this is the final push to June and we look forward to supporting our students to the very end of the year.
This is the time of year in middle school we start to see a lot different behaviors from students. For a variety of reasons– the culmination of the year, fun springtime events, a grading period, saturation with classes, adults and peers– even students who are normally regulated can exhibit uncharacteristic responses to daily activities. We try to approach students with a great deal of compassion and empathy and work to the point of conversation where students and staff can both acknowledge and reflect on any given situation. This article from Edutopia outlines generally how we work with students– it’s written for educators, and could easily be used by families, too. Let us know what you’re seeing and thinking so we can support you and your student at school, too!
One of behaviors we’ve seen a rise in over the course of the last few weeks is students increasingly using tech during times we’ve explicitly directed as non-tech times– during break, in-between classes, in classrooms without teacher permission. As a result, we’re curious about your own experiences with technology at home and the kinds of responses you see as parents. Holistically, we’re also interested in what parents see as the main impacts of technology use on their students. Below is an explanation and survey to gather information and gauge the impact– please let us know your experiences!
We hope it’s a great full week ahead for you and your students!
Courtney and Mike
Students and Tech- What’s Your Take?
Tech is ubiquitous, there’s no question! We’re curious what you’re seeing at home, and the kinds of ideas and responses your students have when you discuss tech use. As we work to craft new tech goals and parameters for student laptops next year, we’d love to hear from parents.
Would you take a moment and fill out our tech survey? It’s linked here and will give us valuable feedback on our next steps as a school. If you are interested in having a parent conversation or lending your voice to a larger effort of support responsible tech use at middle school, please reach out directly to Courtney: leonard@4j.lane.edu.
Thank you!
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Month across the nation. It’s the ideal time to open up a conversation, reach out, and spread awareness about the significance of the problem in our schools and communities—and what we can do about it. With better awareness we can decrease stigma around mental illness, educate students and teachers about symptoms, encourage seeking help for oneself and others, and promote creating a culture of caring and connectedness in our schools and communities. For more resources, please visit https://www.4j.lane.edu/safety/mental-health-resources/.
Mental health issues affect us all. You may be among the one in five Americans with a chronic mental illness. Or, you may have experienced temporary symptoms at some point in your life. If not, a friend, spouse, child, or co-worker may suffer from depression, anxiety, or another mental health condition.
Unfortunately, although we have made progress, the stigma around mental health persists. While some people are open about their mental health problems, others keep it a close secret. Mental health problems and suicide have risen to epidemic proportions among children and youth, causing major concerns in our communities and school systems. Of special concern are students who have mental health issues who have not been identified and are not receiving treatment, affecting their academic and long-term life outcomes.
Tissue Donations
Allergy season is upon us!
Roosevelt is incredibly low on tissue boxes! Our students and staff would be very appreciative if your family is able to donate a few boxes to help get us through the Spring season.
Thanks for helping out.
PAR News
Showcase Silent Auction
The Showcase fun continues! After a wonderful evening of family fun, we still ended up with some awesome gift cards on our wall and items on our tables. Every penny spent on the silent auction goes to support PAR and in turn our Roosevelt Community. Thus, take a look and see if there is a place that you regularly patron that you might consider purchasing gift cards, tickets, and more or find something that looks fun you might want to try.
You can check out the items on the Showcase Silent Auction by clicking on the link.
Thank You Volunteers!
Thank you to Cara Francis, Lenora Lambeth and Vanessa Haddick who provided the plant starts, the students who provided the decorated dixie cups, and the parents who provided the snacks for our May Teacher and Staff Appreciation. We are so thankful for our teachers and staff as they helped our kids learn and grow this school year!
Volunteering Info
RMS eNews Editor Needed
RMS is seeking a dedicated and reliable parent volunteer to compile our weekly “eNews” newsletter. This newsletter is an important communication tool that keeps our families informed about the latest news and events happening at our school.
The volunteer will be responsible for collecting articles from school administrators and putting them together in a timely manner using Constant Contact, as the eNews is sent out to parents on Monday mornings. Most of the editing and compiling work can be done throughout the week (the average volunteer time is a couple hours per week) with a small time commitment on Sunday afternoon/evening or Monday morning.
Consistency is key, so we are looking for a volunteer who can commit to being available every week to ensure the newsletter is sent out regularly. This is a great opportunity to get involved and make a positive impact on our school community.
If you are interested in volunteering for this important role, please contact Laura Fuhriman or RMS eNews directly. We appreciate your support and commitment to our school.
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.
SEHS SUMMER BRIDGE 2023! South Eugene High School’s Summer Bridge program is open for registration! All incoming 9th-grade students are welcome to register for the July 31- August 4th experience. Students will meet new friends, learn about high school from student leaders, earn credit, and have fun! Please click here or use the links below to view the flyer and register:
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.
A Reminder About Cell Phones and Laptops
After every extended break from school, we will reteach certain expectations in classrooms– and devices require some special attention. At RMS:
- Cell phones are off and away all day.
- If you need to reach your student, please call the front office or remind your student they can use the office phone between classes, at break and lunch,and before and after school. Please do not text your student during the day and expect they will respond.
- We understand some parents may feel uncomfortable knowing students’ cell phones are inaccessible during the day. We know from experience, training and research that in the case of an emergency, there won’t be time or opportunity for students to text or call parents. In addition, we need the resources and ability for adults-on-campus to communicate clearly and directly with 550 or more students. Thanks for considering this perspective.
- Cell phone are *incredibly* distracting for students– sometimes more so than their laptops. Even if a cell phone is off and away in a student’s pocket, it’s still present for the teenage brain. Having cell phones secured in lockers is one more way students can be present and engaged in classes.
- Laptops are out at the invitation of an adult only.
- Laptops are academic tools we use to support our learning in classrooms.
- When we aren’t using our laptops, students store them in the black neoprene cases we handed out at the beginning of the year. If your student needs a new one, please send them to the front office.
- In between classes, laptops should be carefully stored in the sleeve and/or tucked into a student’s binder.
Please Lock Up All Wheels
Electric scooters are becoming more and more popular among students and we’ve seen an increase in the number of students riding them to and from school. First and foremost, if your student needs a helmet, we have extras– send them to our front office! In addition to this important safety reminder, we do not have room in our offices to hold electric scooters for students. Students who ride to school need to have a substantial lock to secure their scooters in the bike racks. RMS is not responsible for lost or stolen bikes, scooters, or skateboards nor can we secure them in our office space. Thanks for making the necessary arrangements with your students and their eclectic scooter!
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.
Extracurricular Activities and Clubs
Axe Soccer Camp
Registration is OPEN NOW for the 32nd Annual Axe Soccer Camp!
2023 Camp dates are Monday, June 19 through Friday, June 23 from 9 AM until 2 PM. Camp T shirt and soccer ball are included with registration!
To register or for more information visit: https://www.sesoccerclub.org/axesoccercamp
Summer Track and Field Camps
2023 Free UO Summer SAIL Program
Curious about college and exploring your interests?
Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2023 Student Academy to Inspire Learning (SAIL) Summer Program!
SAIL is a FREE week-long summer program hosted on UO campus where students get to experience college firsthand through exciting, hands-on, and interactive activities taught by distinguished UO Faculty. We offer in-person Day Only programs as well as Day + Residential Programs where selected students will get to stay in a UO Dorm Hall!
There are 18 different programs being offered this year including Spanish, Italian & French Languages Program.
Discover what college life is all about with SAIL! Visit our website sail.uoregon.edu for registration and additional details.
**Click on the links to check out the flyer (Spanish and English).
Willamette Valley Youth Football and Cheer
Churchill/South Youth Football and Cheer, a tackle football and cheerleading program open to youth in grades K through 8th, will open for registration on May 1st.
The season will begin August 21st. People interested in cheer should sign up by August 1st to be included in the uniform order. Scholarships are available.
The team is part of Willamette Valley Youth Football and Cheer.
For more information, contact south.churchillboard@gmail.com.
**Click here to check out the flyer.
SEHS “All skills” Youth Volleyball Camp
SEHS Volleyball Camp is designed to help athletes at every level to improve their volleyball skills. Our coaching staff and high school athletes will instruct on fundamental skill work, offensive and defensive skills and short-sided game drills.
When:
- Monday, 6/26 – Thursday, 6/29
- 9:00 AM -11:00 AM
Equipment needed:
- Athletic shoes
- Comfortable active clothes
- Knee pads (optional)
- Bring a long sleeve shirt
- Water bottle
Cost:
- $125
Camp Goals
The goal of SEHS Volleyball Camp is to provide a place for kids to learn the fundamentals of volleyball, gain valuable team experiences and build a competitive volleyball community.
Camp Director:
Alicia Chamness and Zoe Scott
**Check out this flyer for more information and for the registration form.
Summer Art Camps with Emerald Art Center
Our summer program is designed for youth to explore a variety of visual and digital art and cultivate creativity. Students will develop new skills and techniques in drawing, painting, digital art and more. Using traditional mediums, iPads/iPencils for each student and the Cricut Explore 3, these camps are for ages 11-14.
Our instructors are working artists with extensive experience teaching art to youth and have crafted the program to allow kids the flexibility and freedom to be creative, have fun and develop skills they can use not only in art, but in life!
Session 1: DRAWING WHAT YOU SEE & DIGITAL DRAWING GAMES
- July 18-21, Tuesday-Friday from 1:00 PM – -5:00 PM
- Ages 11-14
- $160/ $140 Early Bird (price ends June 30)
Session 2: DESIGN AND PRINT YOUR OWN ZINE, USING GRAPHIC DESIGN & PRINTMAKING
- July 25-28, Tuesday-Friday from 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
- Ages 11-14
- $160/ $140 Early Bird (price ends June 30)
Session 3: DIGITAL ART, STICKERS & T-SHIRTS
- August 1-4, Tuesday-Friday from 1-5 pm
- Ages 11-14
- $160/ $140 Early Bird (price ends June 30)
Session 4: PAINTING!
- August 8-11, Tuesday-Friday from 1-5 pm
- Ages 11-14
- $160/ $140 Early Bird (price ends June 30)
“An excellent camp for older kids, focused on building art skill and not entertainment, group activities or busy work.” – Parent Feedback
“It was an awesome program. Just the right amount of freedom and direction.” – Parent Feedback
Our website has more info, scholarship forms and registration links.
**Check out the flyer for more information (in Spanish and English).
Community Resources
Pizza? Yes, please: FoFE Fundraiser on 5/24
Come get your MOD Pizza fix either before or after the choir concert on 5/24. Friends of Frenchies Eugene (FoFE) is a nonprofit organization that was created to support French-related opportunities for students in the Eugene K-12 program such as Canoe Island camps. We have also organized an unofficial directory for families in the French immersion program and are compiling a list of in-person and online French tutors to share soon.
On Wednesday, 5/24, we are partnering with MOD pizza (just the E 29th location) who will be giving us 20% of all in-store and online sales that day for people who mention they are there to participate in the fundraiser (flyer is below but not necessary) or who use the online code MODGIVES20.
So help us meet our goal of at least 100 participants and make 5/24 pizza night for your family or friends. They are open from 10:30 AM to 10 PM. Thanks for your support!
**Check out the flyer for more details.
Openings on the Eugene Youth Advisory Council
The City of Eugene is currently seeking applicants for the Eugene Youth Advisory Council. This is a fantastic leadership opportunity for youth who will be attending high school (or equivalent, as of Fall 2023) to impact our community and work alongside Mayor Vinis. The deadline for applications is Monday, May 29.
We are now in our third year of the Eugene Youth Advisory Council (YAC), initiated by Eugene Mayor Lucy Vinis. We have continued to sustain a group of 20-25 students representing many schools in Eugene (and homeschool students) that features significant diversity across race, ethnicity, gender, age and life experience. With a strong group of Seniors preparing to leave the group, the YAC is currently seeking applicants from all high school grades eager to fill these vacancies.
Additional information on the group is included in the attached application materials and on our website (https://www.eugene-or.gov/4843/Eugene-Youth-Advisory-Council), but essentially the YAC advises the City on important policy issues while also working to educate the community on issues of concern to youth and creating engagement and service opportunities for youth.
**Click here for more information and for the application form.
4J School Board Candidate Forums: May 6th and May 11th
Educational Equity Program Organizer at Community Alliance of Lane County is hosting two virtual 4J School Board Candidate Forums led by our community, students and parents. These forums will have closed captioning & live Spanish interpretation.
Zoom Registration for Student-Led Forums (May 6th @ 5:30 PM)
Zoom Registration for Parent-Led Forums (May 11th @ 5:30 PM):
Bike Repair: May 11th
Volunteer to Help at the Adams Elementary Spring Carnival
Would you like to earn some volunteer hours and maybe even help your old alma matar?
The Adams Elementary Spring Carnival will be held on Friday, May 19th and are in need of vlounteers.
Community service hours will be provided for any students who volunteer. The carnival is scheduled for May 19th from 4:30 PM until 7:30 PM, and we would need volunteers from about 3:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Any interested students or student groups can sign up here:
Note that all volunteers, even current 4J students, will need to complete the 4J volunteer application.
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: 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.
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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