Harambee Life | September 26, 2024

Hello Harambee Families,

Happy sunny Thursday! If you didn't see my message yesterday, I want to make sure that you know that Fall Conferences are on the evening of Thursday, October 3 and all day on Friday, October 4. The link to sign up for conferences is below. Note that you can sign up for conferences with classroom teachers, specialists, and our support staff. I will also be available to check in, listen to feedback, or just chat. Stop by the sign-in table for treats, coffee, and a chat with the principal.

Also, the Fall Book Fair will take place at the same time as conferences. All proceeds from the Book Fair help classrooms and the library at Harambee build our collection of books that provide windows and mirrors for each student.

If you have questions about signing up or would like to request transportation to and from conferences, please call the front office at (651) 379-2500.

Same team,

Principal Nathan

• Thursday, October 3 - Fall conferences start in the evening and Book Fair
• Friday, October 4 - Fall conferences and Book Fair, No School
• Thursday, October 10 - PTO meeting at 6 PM
• Wednesday, October 16 - Staff Development, No School
• Thursday, October 17 - Friday, October 18 - Fall Break, No School
• Thursday, October 24 - Family Night
• Monday, October 28 - Lifetouch school picture day

Roseville Area Schools implemented a new transportation routing system this summer to enable easier route updates, fewer delays, and streamlined communications with families. During this conversion we have also been shifting some bus stops to corners within a reasonable distance while considering student safety.

The conversion hasn’t occurred without challenges. We are aware we inadvertently have stops on busy streets that don’t meet our standards. Many daycare or alternate addresses did not convert from the old system to the new one and these addresses had to be set up manually. We have also encountered difficulties with some of our specialized transportation. Add to this an exceptional amount of ongoing road construction and it has made for the perfect storm.

We ask for your patience as we address and resolve the remaining issues. If you need to request a change to a bus stop or if you no longer require transportation services, please email us at transportation@isd623.org or call us at 651-635-1638. Please be prepared to provide the following information:

• Student Name

• Student ID

• Reason for the request (for example, relocation, change in transportation needs)

Please note that we are processing requests as quickly as possible. You will receive updates and information about any changes via email, so please ensure that your contact details are current. This includes verifying that your most recent telephone number and email address are on file to ensure you receive all necessary communications promptly.

The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this transition.

School success goes hand in hand with good attendance. Research shows that consistent attendance at school correlates with student achievement. Therefore, we want to do all we can to ensure children are in school as much as possible. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in preschool so they learn right away that going to school on time every day is important. Good attendance will help children graduate from high school and do well in college and at work. Our hope is to partner with families to remove barriers so students can be in school as much as possible.

We also know there will be days when your child will miss school, especially if they’re sick. Missing school when you’re sick is OK. In fact, children should stay home when they are sick. The goal is for students to be in school 95% of the time. That means your student would miss 8 days or less for the entire school year.

Here are some things you can do to help:

• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Avoid medical appointments and extended trips when school is in session.
• Don’t let your child stay home unless they are truly sick. Keep in mind complaints of a stomachache or headache can be a sign of anxiety and not a reason to stay home.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, or other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.

Here are some additional reminders regarding attendance:

• If your child has a doctor appointment, please bring them back to school after the appointment if possible.
• Excused absences include, but are not limited to: illness, doctors appointments, religious holidays, family emergency, and funerals.
• Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to: oversleeping, missing the bus, no transportation.
• There are also times students miss school due to family events. Some examples include cultural celebrations, weddings, funerals, graduations, and vacations. Up to five Family Event days will be excused. Day 6+ would be unexcused. Families could choose to take students out of school for family leave, but these days would be unexcused absences.

Thank you for all you do to support getting your child to school each day. Higher attendance equals higher student achievement! Thank you in advance for your support and partnership.

Join Us for the Foundation's 2024 Fall Fundraiser!

We’re one week away from the annual Roseville Area Schools Foundation 2024 Fall Fundraiser, which will take place Thursday, September 26, 5:30 p.m. at the Roseville Cedarholm Golf Course Community Building.

The event will feature a variety of fundraising activities including gift card pulls, a silent auction, and direct donation opportunities. Proceeds from the event will benefit a new Roseville Area Schools Foundation Relief Fund, which provides emergency funding to support students’ success in school and to eliminate opportunity gaps.

You will have an opportunity to hear from a number of representatives from the district including Superintendent Jenny Loeck, Senator Claire Oumou Verbeten, Foundation Chair Kezia Reeder, District Social Worker Peggy McLafferty-Yares, and representatives from the Office of Equity and Innovation.

Please consider giving back to make a direct impact for our students. This is a pay as you are event with a suggested donation of $35.

Looking for fun Roseville Area Schools apparel? 🤩 🔍 Choose from this selection of limited edition shirts! 👕 Your purchase will support Roseville Area Schools Community Education programs and services. 🎉

🔺 Heather black long sleeve ($20)

🔺 Heather red long sleeve ($20)

🔺 Gray short sleeve with school mascots ($15)

These shirts are a soft, comfortable tri-blend fabric (50/37/13 poly/cotton/rayon) in a unisex fit. Sizes are available in adult S - 3XL and youth S - XL.

Orders are due by October 4, 2024. ⏰ 🗓️ Shirt orders will arrive near the end of October!

CLICK HERE to place your order.

Safety is about the situation, self-awareness and self-defense. Learn the fundamentals, effective responses to practical situations, and experience hands-on exercises. Build a strong foundation for strength and confidence in yourself! Youth-focused class, parents are welcome to watch.

Monday, October 7
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

$59 | Ages 8+

CLICK HERE to register, or call 651-604-3770.

This is the ultimate trading card inspired art class! Design fantastical creatures and mythical characters while exploring sketching, painting, and sculpting. Dive into a vibrant world of artistic expression and card collecting. Make and play with slime, experience epic battles, and unleash your creativity in a supportive environment with skilled instructors and fellow trading card enthusiasts. Perfect for bringing your imaginative creatures to life! Feel free to bring your trading cards to class. Note: This event is not affiliated with or endorsed by The Pokémon Company.

Tuesdays, Oct 8 - Oct 29
4:15 - 5:15 p.m.

Grades K - 6 | $89

CLICK HERE to register, or call 651-604-3770.