Click below view or download a pdf version of our Roosevelt Student and Family Handbook. 

Roosevelt Student-Family Handbook 2019-20 

Arrival/Departure Procedures

Student safety is our priority and is more important than adult convenience, so thank you for your patience in our small parking lot. Please follow these procedures and be respectful of other families so we can have the safest, most efficient process possible:

• Arrival at School:  Students can begin arriving at 8:00 am.  Do not drop off students before 8:00 a.m. because there is no adult supervision.  
• Dropping Off and Picking Up Your Child: 
• Follow all directions of school staff, and model respect and cooperation. 
• The pick-up/drop-off lane is the lane by to the sidewalk. Do not exit vehicles in this lane.  
• If you plan to exit your car, you must park in a marked parking space. 
• K-1 students exit through the main doors, with older students exiting through main and northeast doors. Please wait for your child behind the yellow line and outside the gate.  
• Do not block others by parking in front of or behind another car.  
• Students may not walk in the parking lot unescorted, and all must use crosswalks.  
• During pick-up, children must remain on the sidewalk and wait for access to the vehicle or for an adult to escort them. 
• If all parking spaces are full, cars may form into 2 lines at the entrance.
• When space is full and you are parking in neighborhood streets, do not leave your car anywhere where it will block the flow of traffic. This includes not parking in the “No Parking” area of 18th Avenue near the bus lanes because this blocks buses.

• Before School:  Breakfast is served from 8:00-8:35 am, and students may eat breakfast, stay in the gym, or play on the playground between 8:00-8:40 am. 
• Bicycles, Scooters, etc.:  Bicycles and scooters must be parked upon arrival at school and remain securely locked to the bike racks until dismissal. All bicycles/scooters should be labeled with identification. Students must dismount and walk bikes while on campus. Students in grades K-2 are discouraged from riding bikes to school because of the risk level. Children’s safety is our top priority, so we may restrict students from using forms of transportation that endanger safety.
• Walking to School:  Safety is especially important for students who walk to and from school without adult supervision. To ensure safety as students walk to and from school, please re-teach personal safety regarding strangers, how to get help, who to go to, etc. to make sure our children have the skills to reduce risk. Students and family members need to use walkways, sidewalks, and crosswalks for their safety, including mandatory use of crosswalks directed by safety patrol. 
• After School: Students may not return to campus after leaving (for example, to go to 7-11).  Supervision ends at 3:30, so all students must be picked up before 3:30 pm. After-school childcare (Beyond the Bell) is available on-site through Yakima City Parks and Recreation.  If your child is left at school after 3:30 pm or is returned on the bus, these steps will be followed: A contact with the parent will be made by a staff member. If parent contact cannot be made, emergency numbers will be called. If no contact is made, the child will wait at school until 4:15, at which time the police will be called to pick up the child.
• Riding the Bus:  The school bus is an extension of the classroom. The rules that apply to the classroom apply also to the school bus and bus stops. Riding the bus is a privilege, not a right, and students may be suspended from riding the bus if they do not follow bus rules: 
  • Follow directions the first time they are given.
  • Use a quiet voice. 
  • Sit down and stay in your seat with your feet on the floor while the bus is in motion.
  • Be courteous to bus driver and passengers--no profane language or name calling.
  • Keep all parts of your body and all objects inside the bus.
  • Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself; no fighting, pushing, or tripping.
  • No littering, eating, or drinking on the bus.
  • No destruction, marring or defacing of property.
  • Students must cross roads in front of the bus and under the direction of the bus driver. 

Children are expected to ride the bus unless the office has received a signed, written note, which will first be approved by the office and then given to the bus driver by the student. Potentially hazardous items are forbidden from being transported on the school bus, including balloons and items that are alive, heavy, sharp, or bulky (for example, plants in glass jars, insects, roller blades, scooters, popcorn/sunflower seeds, science projects, toys, basketballs, etc.). If you have any questions regarding transportation, please call 573-7200 between 6:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

• Middle-school and high-school siblings:  No supervision is available for siblings after school.  Siblings can wait off-campus in the grass area until the dismissal bell has rung unless accompanied by an adult.  

Attendance

Your child’s attendance at school is very important, and we want all students to take Strive for 5 Challenge, which means having less than 5 absences of any kind during the school year. Please make every effort for your student to attend school on time every day unless they are ill.   

• CHALLENGE 5--Strive for 5:  Join the CHALLENGE 5! Strive for less than 5 days absent to build your child’s success.  80% of chronically-absent kindergarten and 1st graders won’t read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade, and 75% of chronically absent 6th graders don’t graduate high school. Surprisingly, chronically absent means that a student misses 2 days each month--whether excused or unexcused-- which is 10% of the school year.
• Perfect Attendance – PACE:  Roosevelt participates in the Bud Clary Toyota’s PACE Program (Perfect Attendance Creates Excellence) that awards bikes and helmets to students without any tardies, absences, or early exits from school. 
• Becca Bill:  State law requires that schools inform parents of the Compulsory Attendance Law (RCW28A.225), which requires that parents and schools work together to correct unexcused absences.  The law requires the school and juvenile court to take action when students--even in elementary school--accumulate excused absences (YSD Operational Policy 3122). State law requires that schools inquire about every absence. 
• Excused Absences (YSD Operational Procedure 3122) A written note including date of absence, reason, student’s full name, and parent/guardian signature must be submitted within 48 hours of return.  Chronic health conditions may require a health plan involving a doctor. Absences are excused for the following reasons: participation in a school-approved activity; illness/health condition; family emergency; religious observance; disciplinary actions; pre-arranged absences.
• Early Check-Out:  Please schedule medical appointments during non-school hours. To prevent disruption of instruction, the office will not call for students during the last 30 minutes of the school day.  If you have to pick up your child early, send a written note to the teacher that morning, and the early dismissal must be pre-approved. Office personnel may ask for identification of an unfamiliar adult picking up a child.
• Pre-arranged Absences:  To request approval of a prearranged absence, fill out the request form in the office at least 10 days ahead of time. The student’s attendance and academic standing, as well as the purpose of the absence will be considered. It is the parent’s responsibility to arrange for make-up work with the teacher.   
• Emergency Absences: In case of an emergency absence, contact the school by phone or in writing as soon as possible (voicemail is available 24 hours a day). When your child returns to school, a written note must be submitted within 48 hours and must include the child’s full name, reason for absence, dates, and parent/guardian signature.
• Tardies:  Students should arrive to Roosevelt before 8:30 am so they’re ready to learn when instruction begins.  Late students disrupt and miss instruction. If your child is tardy, provide a written note. Please avoid scheduling appointments during the school day. If a student's tardiness is excessive, a parent conference with the principal will be required in order to implement a support plan. Excused tardies include illness/health conditions, religious observances, and emergencies. Unexcused tardies include car trouble, bad weather, oversleeping, babysitting, missing the bus, etc. 

Student Health and Safety

Please contact the school if your child has any medical conditions that have not been reported or if you change doctors. Washington State law requires that all school-age children have up-to-date immunizations. Vision and hearing screening is done annually at school. Scoliosis screening is done for students in grade 5.

• Illness: If a student complains of illness, his/her temperature will be taken in the health room. If it is normal, the student will remain in class. If the temperature is elevated, the parent/guardian will be called. Students are also sent home if there is vomiting or diarrhea. Students are not allowed to walk home unaccompanied during school hours.
• Injuries/Emergencies:  Generally, only parents, family doctor, or someone with written approval may authorize emergency treatment beyond first aid. It is essential that we have two emergency names and phone numbers in case parents cannot be contacted. 
• Medications:  Some students need to take prescribed or over-the-counter medication during the school day. YSD policy requires a parent and physician to fill out a form available in the school office that provides complete instructions for administering the medication. YSD medication policy regarding prescription and commercial medication is printed on the back of that form. All medication must be brought to the office in the original container, accompanied by the form.   Students may not carry their medication to school. A parent/guardian must deliver it. Over-the-counter drugs (aspirin, cough medicine, etc.) are treated the same as prescriptions and require a signed form giving authorization for your child to receive this medication. Students cannot administer medication on their own.
• Head Lice: (YSD Operational Procedure 3437):  To prevent the spread of lice, remind your child not to share hats, coats, combs, etc.  If your child is found to have lice, the nurse or her designee will make contact with the parent. A letter notifying parents of lice and lice treatment suggestions will be sent home with the student. Siblings or others living with the student should be checked for head lice. If a student is found to have multiple separate cases of lice in 4 months, the school nurse may work with the counselor and parent to determine a plan of action to help the family and student.
• Glasses:  Students with glasses should wear them every day. Unless students need to wear glasses on the playground or in PE, glasses should be left in the classroom.
• Immunizations: State law requires that all students have all scheduled immunizations completed before entering a Washington State public school, and the school must have a written record of the dates of immunizations before the student may attend.
• Medical Insurance:  Schools do not provide medical insurance to cover students in the event of injury. If your child is not covered by a health insurance program, you may want to consider the student insurance program selected by the district to provide affordable coverage options. Information and enrollment forms are available in the office.
• School Closures/Delays/Inclement Weather:  When extreme weather conditions exist, check the YSD website or app, or tune in to your favorite radio or television station to learn about delays or closures.  Please do not call the school as phone lines must be kept open for emergencies. Inclement weather during the day may also trigger an early dismissal, and bus drivers may need to use different bus routes.  Decisions about closures or delays are made by 6:30 a.m. When schools are closed, all activities planned for that day and evening are canceled.
• Snow: Throwing snowballs can be dangerous on a playground, and is not allowed.  Students can build with the snow. However, there is a difference between packing snow and placing it on the snowman or snow fort and throwing it.  Students also may not kick the snow onto another student, slide with feet on ice and/or snow, climb slick/icy snow mounds, or play "King of the Mountain" or similar games.
• Security Cameras:  To maintain safety and security, our campus is monitored by security cameras in all indoor and outdoor public areas.
• Safety Drills and Emergency Procedures:  Roosevelt practices monthly emergency drills to keep students safe, including a rotation of fire, lock-down, evacuation, and other drills. During drills or emergencies, signs are posted at the school entrance. If these signs are posted, do not enter the school until the signs are removed. During drills or emergencies, visitors must comply with all emergency procedures.
• Meals:  Hot breakfasts, lunches, and milk are available to all students free of charge. Students who bring lunches and want to purchase milk will pay 50 cents. Menus are posted in the classroom and on the YSD website, and printed copies are available in the office.  Adult lunch and student milk fees can be paid for in the cafeteria before school. 
• Snack Items: Students cannot bring chips or other snack foods to eat during breakfast or lunch unless they are individually-sized and part of a meal they brought from home. All other bags of chips/other snack items will be collected by school staff and given to the child at the end of the day on the first occurrence.   All subsequent occurrences will result in the snack(s) being thrown away. No food may be taken to the playground without teacher supervision.   
• Counseling Services:  Students are assisted in their learning and development through individual and small-group counseling and classroom activities. Teachers, parents, school staff, or students may make referrals for counseling services. Students with chronic or intense mental health needs may be referred to community agencies for additional therapy or support. All counseling services are conducted in a confidential manner. Parent support and permission are obtained prior to ongoing student participation. A brochure describing counseling services is available in the office. Questions about counseling services can be answered by calling 573-1714.
• MindUP:  After announcements each morning, classes participate in MindUP, an evidence-based routine that builds social-emotional awareness and promotes academic and behavioral success.  
• Special Education Processes/Child Find:  YSD is committed to locating children from age 3-21 who might need special education, a responsibility called “Child Find.” By law, a child with a disability has a right to a “free and appropriate education.” The following steps highlight the procedures used in identifying students with disabilities and the development of their individualized educational program (IEP): 
  • Referral: A written referral can be made by a parent, staff member, or person with knowledge of the child  when a child is suspected of having a condition that interferes with learning. 
  • GOPP: Referrals are reviewed by a Group of Professionals and Parents (GOPP) to determine if a special education evaluation is needed. The GOPP includes a school psychologist, principal, speech pathologist, occupational therapist, teachers, counselors, a special education director, other service providers, and parents.
  • Evaluation: If recommended by the GOPP, the evaluation is completed to determine if a disability exists and the extent of the disability. Several different test procedures are used, and the tests are non-discriminatory and are in the child’s native language. The GOPP team--including parents--reviews the testing results and determines what further evaluation is needed. 
  • Individualized Education Program (IEP): The IEP is developed by the special education teacher, general education teacher, parents, and the related services specialist. The IEP is reviewed annually by the IEP team. The IEP outlines the services to be provided, specific goals and objectives, and the most appropriate placement for the student.
• Homeless Students:  The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act ensures educational rights for children experiencing homelessness. The office has a form which can help determine eligibility for the services under the McKinney-Vento 42 U.S.C. 11435. If your family is experiencing temporary living arrangements, etc., visit this site or contact the office to complete the form and receive additional support for your child. 

Student Expectations and Discipline

Roosevelt’s approach to behavior expectations and consequences is based on PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) and is designed to help students, parents, and school staff maintain a safe environment that fosters educational growth for all students.  PBIS provides a framework for a multi-tiered approach to social, emotional and behavior support. View a 1-page Roosevelt PBIS overview here: Roosevelt PBIS Brochure

• Yakima School District Student, Parent, and Staff Handbook:  YSD mails this booklet  home annually, and it contains all federal and state laws, notifications, and district policies. It contains detailed information on prohibitions against and consequences for gang activity, weapons (including pocket knives), drugs/tobacco, disruptive conduct, fighting, insubordination, profanity, etc.  These handbooks are also available online at https://www.yakimaschools.org/handbook. 
• BEAR Expectations:  Through the PBIS approach, all staff members  explicitly teach, re-teach, and reinforce positive student behaviors in all areas of the school using the BEAR Expectations. Whether in the classroom, on the playground, or anywhere in between, we are BEARS: 
  • Be safe.
  • Expect success.
  • Act responsibly.
  • Respect all. 
• Office Referrals: Students may receive an office referral for major violations, or for repeated behaviors that have not been resolved through teacher and parent interventions.  The student then confers with administrators, corrective actions are chosen, and parent contact is made. Corrective actions may include a warning, time out, in-school suspension, detention, short-term suspension, long-term suspension, emergency expulsion, or expulsion based on the severity of the infraction (see YSD Student, Parent, and Staff Handbook for more information).   
• BEAR Paws and BEAR Bucks:  Students earn BEAR Paws and BEAR Bucks by consistently meeting and exceeding the BEAR Expectations. Students can use BEAR Paws and BEAR Bucks for a variety of incentives (for example, drawings or “purchasing” items in the BEAR Store with BEAR Bucks).
• Classroom Discipline/Clip Chart:  Teachers use a color-coded clip system to keep students informed and accountable for behavior, with the goal of students managing their behavior, taking responsibility to self-correct, and being recognized for growth and good decisions.  All students begin on green each day. Students clip up for meeting and exceeding the BEAR Expectations, and students are asked to clip down for not meeting BEAR Expectations after a verbal reminder. 

• Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying: (YSD Operational Policy 3215) Harassment, intimidation, and bullying mean any intentional electronic, written, verbal, or physical acts, including but not limited to acts motivated by race, color, religion, ancestry, origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, mental or physical disability, or other characteristics that:
• Physically or emotionally harm a student or damage the student’s property; or
• Have the effect of substantially interfering with a student’s education; or
• Are so severe or persistent that they create an intimidating or threatening educational environment;
• Substantially disrupt the orderly operation of the school (RCW 28A.300.285).

Harassment, intimidation, are bullying are prohibited, and this prohibition extends to online activities, school activities, school transportation, bus stops, and property adjacent to school grounds. Anyone engaged in this behavior will be subject to disciplinary action including suspension and expulsion. To report bullying, please first contact the classroom teacher and then the principal.  Reporting forms are also available on the Yakima School District website at www.yakimaschools.org/hibform and can be completed anonymously. 

• Sexual Harassment:  Students and staff are protected against sexual harassment by anyone in any school program or activity.  Sexual harassment is unwelcome behavior or communication that is sexual in nature when a student or employee is led to believe that he or she must submit to unwelcome sexual conduct or communications in order to gain something in return, or when the conduct substantially interferes with a student's educational performance, or creates a hostile environment.  Report sexual harassment to any staff member or to the YSD Title IX Officer at 573‐7066. 
• Hall Passes:  To ensure supervision, students need a pass from an adult to go to the office, restroom, leave the playground, go to another classroom, etc. Students must have a pass to be in an area that he/she is not designated to be in. Children are not allowed in the staff lounge. 
• Cell Phones and Electronics:  The district does not permit the use of personal electronic devices (including cell phones) during school hours for students in grades P-12. Although highly discouraged, students may bring cell phones to school if directed by parents. However, when students arrive at school, devices must be turned off and placed in the student’s backpack until school is over. If a student does not comply with this guideline, the item will be turn in to the office and may be picked up at the end of the day by parent/guardian.  Use of cell phones and videotaping in bathrooms is prohibited at all times.  
• Valuables/Personal Property/Money:  Money should not be brought to school, and students may not exchange money and items.  Students should not bring personal items such items as cameras, toys, Gameboys, CD players, card collections, etc. to school, including the playground due to risk of heft, disruption, and damage.  The school is not liable for destruction and/or loss. All items that disrupt the school environment will be collected and held until a parent picks up the item. If the item is not picked up in a timely manner, it will be donated to a charity. 
• Earphones:  Students are not allowed to wear earphones unless directed by staff members.
• Gum:  Student use of gum is not allowed at school
• Dress Code:  Our dress code ensures that clothing does not disrupt our learning-focused environment.   If there is doubt about the appropriateness of a garment, it should not be worn. The following items are not allowed: spaghetti-strap or low-cut tops, see-through shirts, shirts that reveal the mid-section (stomach), clothing without proper undergarments, jeans/pants with holes, muscle shirts, and items  depicting drugs, alcohol, racism, and/or vulgar or suggestive pictures or statements. Shorts and skirts must be the length of tips of fingers when hands are at the side. Gang-like attire is prohibited: bandanas, wallet chains, hair nets, baggy pants sagging below the waist; red, pink or blue shoelaces; repeated wearing of red or blue clothing.  For safety reasons, flip flops and “heelies” are allowed, and we strongly discourage students from wearing open-toed sandals without a back strap. 

Family Engagement and Visiting Roosevelt

We believe in building strong partnerships with families. To keep our school safe while also welcoming visitors, Roosevelt’s visitor pass policy is in effect from 8:00 am—3:45 pm  (YSD Operational Procedure 4317).

• Skyward Family Access:  Skyward, the YSD student information system, allows parents and guardians access to student information through Skyward Family Access. Family Access is available to registered users through a web portal accessible on most devices. 
• Registering for Skyward: Parents/guardians of a YSD student  may register for a Skyward Family Access account by completing the attached form, asking in the office, or by downloading a form at www.yakimaschools.org/Page/143.
• ParentLink Automated Notification System: We use a product named ParentLink to generate automated voice calls, text messages, and e-mails to registered families. A Skyward account is required to access ParentLink. To sign up for a ParentLink account, just provide an email address with your Skyward Family Access registration. With a ParentLink account, you can set delivery preferences for other notification systems (texting, robo-calls, etc).   More information is available in the office or at https://www.yakimaschools.org/Page/1586.  
• Parent Notification Systems:  We share information with families through many different formats. Please sign up for these systems so you have the latest information: 
  • Text Messages:  To receive texts, you need a Skyward account with an active email address. See above to sign up for texts using ParentLink.  
  • Robo-calls: Special event notices occasionally go out to registered phone numbers. Manage preferences through ParentLink (see above ParentLink info for details). 
  • Mobile App: Download the YSD mobile app for alerts, news, and calendars. You need to enter Roosevelt as your preferred school. 
  • Roosevelt webpage:  Our district and school websites contain information including current news, staff directories, policies, and procedures.
  • Facebook and Twitter: Follow YSD’s Facebook and Twitter accounts for news and alerts.  Also, the Roosevelt Booster Club has a Facebook page that shares valuable updates.
• Visitor Passes:  All visitors must check in in the office and display a visitor’s badge, including playgrounds and the cafeteria/gym.  In order to allow visitors with minimum disruption, we require the following procedures be followed: 
• All visitors must obtain the permission of the principal and wear a visitor’s pass.
• Approval may be deferred by the principal until an appropriate time for the visit can be arranged with the teacher, for example if class activities could be disrupted by a visit. 
• If a visitor’s presence is disruptive, the principal may withdraw approval.
• Emergency Contact Information:  To be able to contact parents immediately in emergency situations, the school must have multiple current phone numbers at all times. 
• Change of Address or Phone Number:  It is essential for your child’s safety and for our educational partnership that Roosevelt has your most current phone numbers and address. Please call to update your work number, home number, and/or alternate emergency contact numbers whenever a change occurs. 
• Volunteering:  We encourage you to volunteer in our school. If you are interested, please call or stop by the office for information. Every year, all volunteers must fill out a new Volunteer Information Form and undergo a criminal background check. If you wish to volunteer, complete the form in the office.  Volunteers must respect student confidentiality and adhere to the visitor policy by checking in at the office before each visit to receive a visitor’s pass.
• Visitors on the Playgrounds:   If parents want to be on the playground daily, it is a requirement that they complete the volunteer registration for YSD approval. 
• Contacting a Teacher: Teachers can be contacted through the office (573-1700) or through the email address of lastname.firstname@yakimaschools.org. 
• Scheduling a Conference: Parents are welcome to meet with a teacher and/or principal about a child’s progress. In order to ensure that a meeting can take place, a parent/guardian should schedule a meeting ahead of time by calling the teacher or the office (573-1700).  Typically teachers are available to meet from 8:15-8:40 am and 3:15--3:45 pm. Parents must check into the office to receive a visitor’s pass prior to visiting a teacher or the principal. 
• Conference Week:  Parent-teacher conferences are held during one week in November and one week in April. Every day during each conference week, students are dismissed at noon. 
• Bear Tracks Newsletter:  The Bear Tracks school newsletter is published regularly in English and Spanish and sent home with students. 
• Birthdays:  If you wish to bring treats for birthdays, please check with the classroom teacher at least 1 week in advance. Due to allergies, homemade treats may not be distributed, and treats must have the ingredient label in place. Balloons, flowers, or other items will not be sent into classrooms because of disruption and cannot ride home on the bus. Unless the entire class is invited to a home birthday party, do not distribute invitations at school. If you plan to mail invitations, remember that the school cannot  release addresses and telephone numbers.
• Homework Folder:  Please check your child’s homework folder daily for announcements and homework.  
• Roosevelt Booster Club:  The Roosevelt Booster Club plays a vital role in the life of the school.  Many school activities would not occur without the volunteers and financial support of the Booster Club. All parents are members of the group, and information about getting involved is available in the office.
• Family Nights:  Your family is invited to a series of family events, many co-sponsored by the Roosevelt Booster Club.  Tentative dates and topics are listed, but watch for fliers with additional details each month.  
• Videotaping/Photography:  To protect student privacy, visitors should not make videorecordings or take pictures of other students while on campus. 
• Lunch Visitors:  Adults are welcome to eat lunch with their child by following visitor’s procedures. Children not enrolled at Roosevelt (for example, siblings, cousins from out of town) can be permitted to eat lunch while a parent is visiting if the parent supervises adequately.
• Animals/Pets:  Bringing animals on to the campus can be dangerous due to allergies and the risk of injury. Any animal brought onto school grounds must be on a short leash and supervised by an adult at all times. Dogs will be banned if they become a disruption. Owners are responsible to pick up/dispose of any waste.  
• Custody:  If your family has a custody situation or a restraining order that the school needs to be aware of, contact the office immediately. You will need to provide legal documentation. Without it, the school by law cannot prevent legal parents/guardians from accessing your child. 
• Withdrawals and Transfers:  When moving away from Roosevelt, advance notice to the school office and teacher is appreciated. This enables the student’s file to be updated so that it is readily available for the new school. It also allows the teacher to make sure that the student has taken all of his/her personal materials, that school textbooks are returned, and most importantly, that the staff has an opportunity to say good-bye and wish the student well.

Academic Information

Parents are encouraged to stay in contact with their child’s teacher with any questions, concerns, or words of appreciation.  Close partnerships are vital for supporting each child. 

• Report Cards:  Parents are given two written reports during the year regarding their child’s academic progress; one mid-year report at the end of January and one final report in June.
• Student Records: The school maintains student records necessary for educational guidance and welfare of students and for efficient operation of schools, and as required by law. All individual student information is treated in a confidential and professional manner. Student records are the property of the school, but are available to parents upon request.
• 20-20 Reading Program:  Students who read 20 minutes each day for 20 days every month and turn in the signed 20-20 Reading Logs will earn positive incentives including a movie field trip.  (The Reading Round-Up reading log for the Central WA State Fair counts as the 20-20 Reading Log for September.)
• Accelerated Reader:  Accelerated Reader (AR) is an online program that allows students to earn points and prizes for their independent reading.  For AR, students read books of their choice at their reading levels and take short quizzes. Students earn points by passing these quizzes, and students use their points to earn fun incentives, prizes, and medals. Call the library at 573-1785 for more information about AR.  
• Homework and Daily Reading:  Learn about your child’s teacher’s homework policy. Parents are encouraged to support their children by checking on homework, by providing a consistent, quiet time/place to complete work, and by communicating with the teacher about progress. Also, daily reading at home is expected.  Encourage your children to read daily by providing a time and space, by talking about what they are reading, going to the library, reading aloud, and limiting time on video games and other activities that compete with reading and homework time. 
• Library:  Each class visits our library for 30 minutes each week.  Books are checked out for one week, and books may be renewed if not requested by another student. Students will be informed about overdue books. If a book is lost or damaged, the student will be required to pay for the replacement of the book.
• Fees and Fines:  Students will demonstrate care and respect for personal and school property. Fees and fines will be charged to replace or repair library books, textbooks, magazines, or other items used by students that become lost, damaged, or defaced. Books should be carried in backpacks or a plastic bag in inclement weather and be kept out of the reach of small children or pets at home.  Report cards will be held until payment is received per RCW 28A.87.120 and district policy.
• Computer and Electronic Networks Acceptable Use ( YSD Operational Procedures 4311 and 3207.2X):  Roosevelt is a 1:1 school for laptops in Grades 2-5.  Students are allowed to access the internet for educational purposes under staff supervision. Use of district computers and networks at school is for education and research.  All student use of computers and networks must comply with the Children’s Internet Protection Act. Violating acceptable use policies may result in termination of access to computers and networks. Unacceptable use includes downloading, installing, and/or streaming non-district approved games, audio or video files, or applications; hacking, vandalizing, or introducing viruses or other changes to software or hardware; misuse of log-ons or account information; cyberbullying, hate mail, harassment of any kind, discriminatory jokes, or remarks; information that could endanger others; and/or accessing, uploading, downloading, storage and/or distribution of sexually explicit material. 

Student Awards and Recognition

Recognizing students’ efforts and accomplishments and providing service opportunities promotes leadership, personal development, and achievement. In addition to BEAR Paws and BEAR Tickets, students are recognized during awards assemblies, an annual SBA Celebration, and end-of-the-year ceremonies and events.

• Student of the Month:  One student is selected from each classroom on a monthly basis for academic achievement, effort, and/or improvement. Parents will be sent invitations to attend.  
• President’s Education Award:  Fifth-grade students may earn the Principal’s Award at the end of the year. The President’s Education Award, sponsored by the U. S. Department of Education and  the National Association of Elementary School Principals, honors students who have achieved high academic goals by their hard work and dedication to learning.
• Kindness Award:  One student is selected from each class each month for modeling kindness to others. A certificate is presented at the Student of the Month Assembly.  
• Other Recognition:  During monthly assemblies, drawings are held to recognize students who have passed AR (Accelerated Reader) quizzes and who have turned in Bear Tickets. 
• Safety Patrol:  Each fall, 4th and 5th grade students may apply to become members of the Roosevelt Safety Patrol, that serves before and after school.  Application materials are available in the office. 
• Hall Monitors:  Each fall, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grader may apply to serve as Hall Monitors during recesses.  Application materials are available in the counselor’s office. 
• ASB Leadership:  ASB Leadership students build a positive school climate by developing leadership skills, empowering students, and creating a sense of responsibility and service. Representatives are elected from each 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade class, and officers are elected from these representatives. Leadership students meet once a month during lunch or recess.  

Other Helpful Information

• Field Trips: Field trips are used to supplement, extend, and enrich a child’s education.  In order to attend, students must return a signed parent permission slip. If you want to chaperone, there are 2 forms--a Volunteer Information  Form plus a chaperone form--to turn in ahead of time. 
• Water/Field Day:  In June, we celebrate the end of the school year with a ½-day water/field day. Students should bring a dry set of clothes and shoes. Students with unpaid fines/fees, incomplete classwork, or significant disciplinary issues may lose the opportunity to participate. 
• Lost and Found:  Label your child’s clothing and other belongings with first and last names. If an item is lost, check the lost and found area located in the hallway next to the cafeteria. Articles left in the lost and found for an extended period of time will be given to a charity.
• School Pictures:  Individual and group pictures will be scheduled. Flyers will be sent home with details and information including prices.
• Release of “Directory Information”:  Parents may restrict release of so-called “directory information” about their children by completing a form in the office. This excludes your child’s name from the yearbook, awards programs, etc. 
• Annual/Yearbook: Yearbooks are available for purchase each spring. 
• Class Parties:  Class parties are usually held during the last hour of the school day.  Teachers will communicate with families about class parties. If you prefer your child not participate in a party for religious or personal reasons, please inform your child’s teacher so that alternate plans can be arranged. At Halloween, teachers may allow students to wear or change into costumes; however, no students may wear masks or bring toy weapons. 
• Telephone Usage:  Permission to use the phone will be granted in cases of emergency or legitimate school business. Children who plan to visit another student after school should make those arrangements from home. It is necessary that your child’s method of getting home from school be a regular routine, discussed with the child in advance, and that it varies only when extenuating circumstances make it necessary. Please call the office with going-home instructions ONLY in emergency situations.
• Recess:  Students have 3 recesses each day--morning, lunchtime, and afternoon, and all students are expected to go outside unless a specific health problem has been documented and arrangements have been made in the office due to a lack of alternative supervision. A rule of thumb usually is that, if a child is too sick to go outside, he/she should not be in school. Please dress your child according to weather. During inclement weather, all children will be supervised indoors. Umbrellas are not allowed on the playground.
• Playground Equipment: Students are provided with a variety of playground equipment during recess (including soccer balls, footballs, jump ropes, hula-hoops, frisbees, etc.), and they do not need to bring items from home.  Students should return all playground equipment to the storage carts after each recess and should not bring items to the classrooms. No bouncing/throwing balls in the building.