RMS December 2024 Newsletter
December 4, 2024
December 2024 ENews
Greetings, Roosevelt Middle School (RMS) Families! This week marks week 1 of the second trimester. Students now have the foundation of learning gained during trimester 1 as a springboard into a fresh start trimester 2. I observed students enter RMS on Monday with smiles and energy around catching up with their friends and peers. Middle schoolers always bring great enthusiasm to our learning community!
As I have said before, there are many things to celebrate at RMS. Most recently was the publication of the Royal Revue, our school newspaper. We have passionate learners who enjoy exploring their curiosities and packaging them into words that create stories for their peers to read. One student states, "I like making comics and writing stories." Another reflects, "Newspaper club is interesting because I can go further into the stuff that I like and show others in the school. It is a way for students to lead and interact with others." RMS Newspaper Club Advisor Mr. Van Zee shares," I love Newspaper Club, it's a blast with an eclectic group. I get to work with so many students with different interests throughout their time at RMS. Watching students grow as writers is a lot of fun." Another RMS celebration is our ‘Cafeteria Captain' volunteers. This is a group of students who volunteer to stay back and assist in any leftover cleanup after lunch. Some of these tasks include sweeping, mopping, or spraying down tables. Many students volunteer for this experience and it's great to see them taking pride in their learning spaces and willing to lead in this capacity. I’d like to remind parents and students, we don't allow fast food to be dropped off for students. This is for safety reasons and we must be mindful of student allergies. Students who bring a lunch from home need to pack it in their lunch bags vs. having a bag of fast food dropped/delivered. As I round out this message, I have a couple updates to share.
First, during Royal Rally this week, students learned about an update to the Smartpass process. Our pass data showed us that there is a significant amount of time students are out of class using multiple passes during the day. Royal Rally Advisors went over slides where students were encouraged to use their passing time for bathroom and locker use in order to be sure they weren’t missing out on learning in their classes. Also, students learned they will be allocated 20 passes for the 2nd trimester. Our goal is to invite students to build a greater awareness for their time management and self-regulation and miss as little learning as possible. Any student who meets their allotment can ask to sit down with their Royal Rally teacher, admin, or another support staff member (counselor, social worker) to look over their pass use and identify any patterns that could potentially shift to missing less class. Together a staff member and the student will determine any additional passes a student needs for the remainder of the trimester. At the end of this second trimester we will review this shift and determine if it was the appropriate balance of pass allotment and encouragement to be present in classes. Of course, we don't want students to feel stressed around this update; we want them to understand that the goal is to help them grow life skills. Hear the message I shared with students via video.
Second, with the shift to winter, I would like to ask families to please remind students to dress for the weather. Some students are still bringing blankets and or are wearing their winter jackets to their classes. We are requiring students to put their jackets in their lockers and leave blankets at home. Please encourage your student to have some layers of clothes to access at school should they feel they need them. If your child needs warmer clothing, please contact your child's school counselor.
Thank you for taking the time to read these monthly newsletters. I am so grateful for this wonderful community!
MCA scores available for parents/guardians to view online
The 2024 Minnesota Comprehensive Assessments (MCA) Individual Score Reports for students who took a test during the 2023-24 school year are available for families to access online. Families can access the document by logging into A-HConnect or viewing it on the ParentVUE mobile app.
Who takes the MCA test?
Students in grades 3-8 and in grades 10 and 11 take MCA tests each year. MCA reports will only be available for students who took an MCA test during the 2023-24 school year.
In addition to detailed test results, the report also includes a QR code directing families to an individualized video report of the student’s score. Parents, guardians and any person with educational rights to a student will be able to access the student’s MCA report online.
RMS Food Drive: December 2 through December 12!
The Kindness Council is excited to announce a Food Drive from December 2nd to December 12th! We are collecting non-perishable food items and toiletries to support our local community.
How it works:
- Students are asked to bring in their donations each morning and give them to their Royal Rally teacher.
- Donation boxes will be located in each Royal Rally classroom.
- The Royal Rally class in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades that brings in the most items will win a special treat for their class!
What to Donate:
- Non-perishable food items (e.g., canned goods, pasta, rice)
- Toiletries (e.g., soap, toothpaste, shampoo, toilet paper)
Let’s work together to help those in need and make this drive a success! We appreciate your generosity and support.
Scholastic Book Fair coming in February
Calling all Royal Readers!
The book fair is coming to Roosevelt! RMS Library will be hosting the Scholastic Book Fair from February 3rd to 7th, open daily from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
Here's how your student can explore the Book Fair:
- Class Visits: Students will visit the fair during their ELA class time.
- Before-School Shopping: Encourage your child to stop by the fair before school starts!
Looking for a cashless option?
Scholastic offers a safe and convenient way for students to shop using eWallet. To learn more and set up your child's eWallet, visit scholastic.com/fair.
Every purchase benefits our school library! By supporting the Book Fair, you're helping stock our shelves with amazing books for all students to enjoy.
We can't wait to see our Royal Readers at the Book Fair!
Our Volunteer Needs
Here are the current volunteer needs at RMS.
Thanks for supporting our students & staff.
We need volunteer support on Wednesday, December 18, and Thursday, December 19, for our 6th grade Stress Management Stations; this is part of Health class. Volunteers will supervise and support students at stations.
Our RMS Support Staff would like to help our RMS families who need extra support this holiday season. You can help by donating $5-$25 gift cards. Please drop off your donations by Friday, December 13, in our main office from 7:30 am to 4 pm. Please label the donations: “Attention Alger". RMS Family Donations
Our Advanced 7th grade ELA classes are requesting snack donations for their Fezziwig activity, there is a sign-up for each class:
We are requesting donations of tissue boxes for staff and students Donation of Tissues.
To become an RMS volunteer, please complete/update your RMS Volunteer Application & Background Check Permission. Current RMS volunteers log into MyVolunteerPage.com to sign up. For questions about volunteering, please contact our volunteer coordinator, Jenny Johnson: JenniferA.Johnson@ahschools.us or 763-506-5970.
Chaperones Needed for this year's Grade-Level Field Trips
We're excited to announce some upcoming field trips for our students, and we need your help!
We're seeking dedicated volunteers to chaperone these events. Your participation is invaluable in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all students. We need as many chaperones as we can gather for these field trips.
Friday, February 14, Grade-Level Field Trips:
Friday, February 14
Grade 6
Maple Grove Community Center
Friday, February 14
Grade 7
Elm Creek Park Tubing Hill
Friday, February 14
Grade 8
Nickelodeon Universe at the Mall of America
Last Week of School, Grade-Level Field Trips:
Tuesday, June 3
Grade 6
The Minnesota Zoo
Wednesday, June 4
Grade 7
Wild Mountain
Thursday, June 5
Grade 8
Valley Fair
*this field trip will return to RMS at 5:30 p.m.
Want to volunteer?
To volunteer, please sign up using the following link: RMS Volunteer Application & Background Check Permission
Please note:
You will drive yourself to the field trip location, and adult admission is included.
All volunteers must complete a background check.
Specific chaperone guidelines and expectations will be provided closer to the field trip dates.
Thank you for your support and willingness to volunteer. Your involvement makes a significant difference in our students' educational experiences.
Any questions about volunteering, contact our VSC Jenny Johnson
JenniferA.Johnson@ahschools.us or 763-506-5970
Happy holidays! As we wrap up the fall season, Community Ed has been adding new opportunities for our Roosevelt Middle School students to participate in fun classes, make new friends, and learn new things. Below there are athletics and enrichment activities that will be available to students throughout December and January.
Ski/Snowboard Club
Ski/Snowboard Club - Held on scheduled Fridays December - February
This club gives Anoka-Hennepin School District Middle School students the opportunity to ski and snowboard as a group and develop their skills in these exhilarating sports. Ski/Snowboard Club strives to provide a venue for wholesome outdoor activity for our young people during the winter months. The club will visit Trollhaugen on scheduled Fridays in the months of December, January and February. Membership is open to Middle School students regardless of their skill level. Equipment rentals are available at the ski hill and will be paid for on the day of the trip at the ski hill. Students will be transported by bus to and from the ski hills. Please contact the Community Education Office at your middle school if you have a season pass at Trollhaugen.
Dungeons and Dragons - Epic Adventure
Dungeons and Dragons - Epic Adventure - Saturday, December 7 at Badwolf Adventure Studio 3015 Coon Rapids Blvd NW, Coon Rapids, MN 55433
Dungeons and Dragons Epic One-Shot Adventure.
Join a professional Game Masters for a memorable D&D One-Shot Adventure. This epic four hour quest will give experienced players a chance to test out new characters and experience a brand new D&D journey. You need nothing to play. Simply register and Badwolf will take care of the rest.
Chess Club - Mondays starting January 13
Chess Club - Mondays starting January 13
Get into the game you love to play! Our focus is on developing competitor’s chess skills, knowledge, analytical abilities and intellectual strength through lessons, puzzles and practice. Our team will compete against other teams at team meets and local and state tournaments. Create a checkmate today.
Dungeons and Dragons
Join a professional Game Master as you learn how to build a Dungeons and Dragons character, and then set out on your adventures! Students will go on adventures guided by their imagination and their instructor while learning critical thinking, teamwork, roleplay, and puzzle-solving skills.
Weight Training and Conditioning
Weight Training and Conditioning - Two classes running concurrently after school either M/W or T/Th starting January 15 or 16
Do you like to workout? Is it time to get in shape or stay in shape? Join us in this fun and educational fitness class. Learn the proper way to use equipment and design a workout routine to help you reach your personal goals.
Babysitter Training
Babysitter Training - One class will be held after school in January and another in the evening in February - no crossovers
Parents are looking for certified babysitters! Get a leg up on the competition with this American Red Cross class that prepares you for a wide variety of babysitting situations. Through hands-on activities, you’ll learn about the basic care of young children including safety and responsibility, age-appropriate activities and first aid. Boys and girls at least 11 years of age are welcome to participate. Class includes a comprehensive babysitting manual. Must complete the entire class to receive certification.
Performance Cheer
Performance Cheer - Starts January 22 and will be held after school on Mondays and Wednesdays with a concluding show on March 4.
Performance cheer is an athletic event that involves cheering, stunting, tumbling and dancing. The performance cheer squad will participate in an Anoka-Hennepin Schools middle school show at the completion of the season. Student athletes will need black shorts, mostly white tennis shoes and to come to each practice with athletic attire. The district cheer show is Tuesday, March 4 at Coon Rapids Middle School at 6:30 p.m. Parents/Guardians are responsible for transporting students to the district cheer show.
Ping Pong
Ping Pong - Mondays and Wednesdays starting February 3
In this ping pong league, players will learn the skills and strategies of ping pong with an emphasis on participation, teamwork and safety. Players practice after school and compete against other Anoka-Hennepin middle schools. Due to enrollment numbers and transportation scheduling, there may be times when parents/guardians will be asked to transport their students. Competitions on Wednesdays: February 12 and 26 starting at 4:15pm. Ping Pong Showcase Wednesday, March 5 at Roosevelt Middle School starting at 6:15pm.
Procedural Expectations for Picking Up Your Student Early
A friendly reminder that:
Following RMS's student pick-up procedure helps the office prepare for your arrival and helps you get to your destination on time.
If you will be picking up your student(s) early please follow this procedure:
Pre-Notify the school by
- Calling and leaving a message on the attendance line; 763-506-5806
- Enter the pick-up time and reason in ParentVue early in the day.
- Have your student bring a note to the attendance office in the morning
- The cut-off time to pick up your student is 2:30 p.m.
- Parking in front of the school to pick up your student ends at 2:30 p.m.
- If we are not notified prior, it will take longer to get your student out of lunch or class
Signing out your student
- Students must be signed out by a parent/guardian at the time of pick-up, unless other arrangements have been made with the Attendance Secretary.
- Enter door #1, put your ID into the scanner and press the button to notify the office that you have arrived.
- After you enter into the school, head to the attendance window to sign out your student
A huge thank you to those of you that have been following these procedures! If you are unclear of our procedural expectations please feel free to call us.
School Board action addresses $26 million budget gap for 2025-26 school year
The Anoka-Hennepin School Board endorsed a $26 million budget reduction and reallocation plan at its November 25 meeting, a decision that completes a process that unfolded over the past several months and allows planning for the 2025-26 school year to remain on schedule.
A number of factors converged in early 2024 that led to the need to reduce district expenditures. Read about the impact to Anoka-Hennepin Schools.
Specialty and magnet school options provide family choice in Anoka-Hennepin
Anoka-Hennepin Schools offers 12 schools that provide in-demand educational options such as the arts; science, technology, math, engineering and biomedical sciences (STEM/STEAM), as well as International Baccalaureate (IB).
Specialty and magnet school options are available to all students at no additional cost, designed to provide family choice. Students who live within the Anoka-Hennepin boundaries are eligible to apply to any of the specialty or magnet schools. The magnet schools belong to Northwest Suburban Integration School District (NWSISD) which provides transportation. Students may join the specialty programs using an in-district transfer process without transportation.
Six sites offer specialty programs, which students can access via in-district transfer; and six sites are magnet schools, available choices for families through the NWSISD. View the full article to learn more about Specialty and Magnet School options available to all families in Anoka-Hennepin Schools.
The specialty and magnet schools are hosting information nights/open houses for parents to learn more about the programs offered. These events range from November - mid January. For specific open house dates and more information on each of the specialty and magnet schools and the application/enrollment process, visit ahschools.us/specialtymagnet.
Need RMS's Policy and Procedures Reminders?
Our August 16 Back to School enewsletter contains important Roosevelt Middle School (RMS) information that can be helpful to you year-round. Click on the Back to School logo to take you directly to that newsletter.
December
- 12/2-12/12 - RMS Food Drive
- 12/10- Grade 6 & 7 Orchestra Concerts
- 12/12 - Grade 6 Choir Concerts
- 12/16 - Grade 6 & 7 Band Concerts
- 12/17 - Grade 7 Choir Concert
- 12/18 - Grade 8, Combined Band, Orchestra & Choir Concert
- 12/20 - Staff Development, No School
- 12/23-1/1 - Winter Break, No School
January
- 1/1- Winter Break, No School
- 1/2 - School Resumes
- 1/17 - Staff Development, No School
- 1/20 - District Closed, Holiday
- 1/23 - School Conferences: Virtual
February
- 2/3-2/7 - Scholastic Book Fair, during school hours
- 2/14- All School Field Trips (Information to come)
- 2/17- District Closed, Holiday
- 2/18 - Staff Development, No School
- 2/27 - Grade 8, Combined Band, Orchestra & Choir Concert
March
- 3/6 - End of Trimester two
- 3/7 - Staff Planning, No School
- 3/10-3/17 - Spring Break, No School
Complete 2024-25 School Calendar
Roosevelt Middle School's Activities Calendar.
- Main Office: 763-506-5800
- Absence Line: 763-506-5806
- Student Services & Registration: 763-506-5960
- Community Education: 763-506-5812
- Child Nutrition: 763-506-5811
- Health Office: 763-506-5804
- Volunteer Services: 763-506-5970
- Help Desk: 763-506-HELP (4357)
This e-newsletter is published by Roosevelt Middle School. Questions, comments or concerns about the school e-newsletter? Contact us.