RMS Update: 5.13.2024
RMS Newsletter, 2023-2024
New Announcements
School News
- Principal's Message
- No Perfumes, Lotions, or Spray at School
- 8th Grade Promotion
Community Activities + Events
- South Eugene Girls Basketball Summer Skills Camp
- Ophelia's Place Summer Camps & Events
Roosevelt Important Dates
What's coming up at RMS?
This Week
MAY 13 (M): A DAY
- 3:45PM- RMS Debate Club
MAY 14 (T): B DAY
- 6:30 pm- AVID parent meeting
MAY 15 (W): A DAY
- Affinity Wednesday
- Walk & Roll to School Day
- JSU Field Trip
- 2:35PM- Early Release Day
- 7:00PM- School Board Meeting
MAY 16 (TH): B DAY
- 12:00PM- District Track Meet
MAY 17 (F): A DAY
Next Week
MAY 20 (M): B DAY
- 3:45PM- RMS Debate Club
MAY 21 (T): A DAY
MAY 22 (W): B DAY
- APISU Field Trip
- 2:35PM- Early Release Day
MAY 23 (TH): A DAY
- 8th Grade visit to SEHS
MAY 24 (F): B DAY
School News
Principal's Message
A Note from Your Admins
Good afternoon, RMS Families:
We hope this weekly newsletter finds you well and returning to the work week refreshed and connected after a truly beautiful spring weekend. Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, aunties, bonus moms, and wonderful female role-models … it truly takes all of us to raise up our young ones.
Our update this week is short-- a few end-of-the-year reminders and a thought-provoking video about teens and tech use.
First, we have just five short weeks left in the year. It seems the school year is flying by, which often feels true once state testing is complete. And, speaking of state testing, students will begin make-ups this week and next with an eye towards finishing prior to the last week in May. With a little over month to go, this is also an important time for students to take stock of their grades and assignments and make a plan to use FLEX, before and after school time, and Homework Club to keep on track until June.
Next, both Mike and I, on behalf of our counselors and staff, continue to be alarmed at the impact of cell phone use on our students. Though our policy is 'off and away during the school day,' and phones are meant to be off and in lockers, we know many students continue to carry them throughout the day. We also know from research that even if cell phones are turned off and stored in a binder or pocket, the pull of the device is still ever-present which causes major distractions throughout the day. Currently, we're reading Jonathan Haidt and considering the potential of four ideas Haidt posits: No smart phones before high school, no social media before 16-years old, no phones at school, and more independence and responsibility with the potential inherent of a return of play-based adolescence. If you are interested in having a parent conversation or lending your voice to a larger effort of supporting responsible tech use at middle school, please reach out directly to Courtney: leonard@4j.lane.edu. Thank you!
And, as we prepare for next year, we look forward to wrapping up this one… today, 8th grade families should receive an email and ParentSquare message from Skye Stier about Promotion which is Thursday, June 13 from 6:30 - 7:30 pm. Promotion is followed by an 8th grade-only dance from 7:30 - 9:00 pm. More details to follow!
Here’s to the final five weeks of the 2023-24 school year!
Courtney and Mike
No Perfumes, Lotions, or Spray at School
Recently, we've seen an uptick in students using perfumes and body spray in the hallways and even during class time. Occasionally, students use poor judgement and spray scents at other students or even at adults. Please help us out by talking to your student. Using any product with a scent even if it's just deodorant or natural oil can trigger asthma and allergies in others. In fact, just last week, we had two students end up in the nurse's office with headaches after their friend sprayed perfume on their clothes. In addition, using scents or sprays causes a disruption to the hallways when students smell, hear or see something unusual. Thanks for your help in reminding students nothing with a scent or a propellent is welcome at school.
8th Grade Promotion
Eighth-grade promotion and celebration activities are drawing near! 8th grade families, please make sure to check your email for more information pertaining to activities on the last days of school. We look forward to a safe, fun, and exciting end of the year!
IMPORTANT 8TH GRADE DATES AND EVENTS:
Thursday, June 13:
2:00 pm- Mandatory Promotion rehearsal during 5th period
6:00 pm- 8th grade students arrive for Promotion and stage in the small gym
6:30 pm- Promotion event in the large gym
7:30 pm- 8th Grade Dance– please note: The dance ends at 9:00 pm and we do not allow early exit.
Friday, June 14:
8:30 am - 3:40 pm- Regular school day for all students, including 8th grade students
2:30 pm- Summer Social for 8th graders (gym patio + field)
Please complete the form below by Friday, May 31:
- Promotion RSVP: https://forms.gle/ekFCNRhV8TDCmNVLA
- Suggested Donation: https://www.schoolpay.com/link/RMS8thPromotion
We need your help! If you'd like to sign up to volunteer, please use this link: https://www.parentsquare.com/feeds/33045963
Mental Health Awareness Month
May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the importance of mental well-being. We’d like to share with you some additional information and here are some links with more information: 4J News: Focus on Mental Health in May and Instagram Week 1.
23-24' Yearbooks on sale!
Now is the time to order your student's yearbook! Yearbooks will be delivered during the last week of school, but there is a limited amount!
Cost: $30 or $15 for those included in the federal free and reduced lunch program.
- To purchase a yearbook, please click here.
- If your student is included in the federal free and reduced lunch program, please click here.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Skye Stier, stier_s@4j.lane.edu
Community Activities + Events
Youth Summer Bridge Day Camp!
Do you like to play cards, play chess, or solve puzzles?
2024 Two Week Summer Youth Bridge Program - Lunch Included!
Weekdays, August 12th-August 23rd
9:00am to Noon
Cost: $40
Come on! Learn Bridge! Attend 8 of the 10 lessons get your $40 back!
Sponsored by Emerald Bridge Club Member, American Contract Bridge League.
Questions? Please contact Beverly Roy 541-654-5235 or nedgforman00@gmail.com
South Eugene Girls Basketball Summer Skills Camp
- When: June 24 -26th
- Who: Grades 6-8th
- Where: South Eugene Main Gym
- Time: 12-2:30
- What we do:
- -Focus on Fundamental skills development
- -Get to know current coaches and players
- -Have fun!
- Cost: $100 total
How to pay:
- School Pay
- QR code
- Drop off payment at S.E. High School at Finance office with Karen Cook. Make checks payable to South Eugene Girls Basketball until June 21st .
- Payment at the door. School Pay or QR code.
Questions: Contact Jacob Clark: clark_j@4j.lane.edu
South Eugene Soccer Camp
South Eugene Track and Field Summer Camp
South Eugene High School is organizing a Track and Field summer camp on July 15-19 and invites all RMS students to join. More information can be found here:
Ophelia's Place Summer Camps & Events
4J Pride Festival
4-H STEM Summer Camp
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 2024) to impact our community and work alongside Eugene’s Mayor. The deadline for applications is Tuesday, May 28.
Additional information on the group is included 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.
Eugene Rowing Club Learn-to-Row Summer Camps
Open to all rising 7th-12th grade students in Eugene and surrounding areas. No experience necessary!
Week 1 - Mon, Jul 8 - Fri, Jul 12
Week 2 - Mon, Jul 15 - Thurs, Jul 18
Week 3 - Mon, Jul 22 - Fri, Jul 26
Week 4 - Mon, Jul 29 - Fri, Aug 2
Dexter Henley - Sat, Aug 3
All camps are held 9 AM - 2 PM at Dexter Lake
Multi-Week discounts and payment plans are available
Intersquad scrimmage open to all LTR camp participants. For more information and to register, visit www.eugenerowing.org
Oregon Football Announcements
Spring Flag Football
SIGN-UP today for our Spring Flag Football Season (K-7th Grade). Players will be coached/mentored by Oregon Football Players & Staff. Practice/Games are on Sundays throughout April, May and June. For registration and more information please visit this link - https://www.nextlevelsports.com/Default.aspx?tabid=1024841
Art & Tech Camps at Emerald Art Center
We are offering arts and technology summer camps for youth 9-17 yrs, with 50% off scholarships for ALL low income families. We have professional artists from several cities around Oregon teaching this year, creating a quality program to foster creativity and boost confidence, social and technical skills, and are fun!
- The Wonderful World of Web Comics
- Optical Art & Graphic Design: Pattern Play and Illusions
- L'Art du Soleil: Art & Nature
- Figures & Faces
- The Art of Toys
- Watercolor Wonder
- Comics: Fantasy & Adventure
- Fun with Painting
With a maximum of 12 students, these camps provide an intimate setting for individualized guidance and cultivate each person's unique perspective and expression.
Rotary Tutoring Department at South Eugene High School
South Eugene Rotary Club is reopening the tutoring department!
Run by a group of high school students dedicated to making positive changes in the community, their mission is to help students who may be struggling or need some extra help in school.
For more Information and a link to the tutoring interest form, click here.
Community Resources
Students Ride Free with LTD
Free LTD Transit Passes for the Summer!
All students in 4J schools can get a student pass to ride Lane Transit District (LTD) buses for free. Student transit passes can be used to travel anywhere within the LTD service area. Student passes can be used at any time—after school, weekends and during school breaks, as well as to get to and from school each day.
To get a free LTD student transit pass middle school students can request their own passes at the front office. Passes are valid through September 30 and renew annually.
The Southeast Neighbors Transportation Committee & Charlemagne PTO
The Southeast Neighbors Transportation Committee & Charlemagne PTO have created an online petition asking the City of Eugene for protected crosswalks and flashing lights in front of *all* schools as needed in Eugene.
Please sign and share the petition: https://bit.ly/eugenekids.
We expanded the petition to include all schools in Eugene since there are many school zones that are lacking in street-crossing. We assert that this issue needs attention from the City of Eugene.
Additionally, the Southeast Neighbors Transportation Committee has signed up for a booth at the Better Ways Block Party on Sunday, May 19 from 1-5pm at the Farmer's Market to call attention to the need for improved crosswalks. We will have paper copies of the petition there along with links to the online petition.
We could use some help manning the booth at the Block Party. Please sign up to help, or share with others who can help:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0F45AEA62AA4FC1-49621538-crosswalk.
Mental Health Support
Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Resources
Please click here to find an updated list of community resources for families.
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/
Helping Out Our Teens in Schools
HOOTS offers 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.Earn Free Money for Roosevelt!
Oregon's Bottle Drop Program! Blue bags and tags are available for pick up in the front office.
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 & other local restaurants. Register your credit/debit cards, designating Roosevelt Middle School—Recipient ID #6723045. Click on the link above 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.