Principal Nelson's Newsletter
Raccoons!
This has been my first year in the hallowed halls of Rosedale, and I can't help but say that I am head over heels in love with everything about it! Everything, everyone, and every event has been better than advertised. This month, in particular, consisted of three seminal events that served as a perfect snapshot of all the splendor and magic that is Rosedale. Whether it be sharing a once-in-a-lifetime (for some of us) astronomical occurrence such as the Eclipse, spending a Saturday with 650 bicyclists at the Rosedale Ride, or shaking your tail feather-clad in neon at the Prom, each occasion was 100% Rosedale and 100% about our students.
We are not unique in this endeavor; all schools put their students first and foremost. However, here in Rosedale, unlike any other campus, we also put our families first. Each of the above events was as family-friendly as possible and catered to the whole child and the whole family. We know how challenging it is to find activities that everyone can participate in that are safe, fun, and come with glow sticks, so we are going out of our way to add more for next year. We are looking to up the ante on family events here on campus. We will meet with all stakeholders to discuss ways to support one another and offer more experiences like those above (except for a total eclipse).
Teacher Appreciation Week:
Your student's favorite day of the week is any day h/she is here at Rosedale, and the number one reason is because of the fantastic educators we surround them with. We are blessed that these career caregivers have chosen to share their gifts with us, and we will be able to appreciate them all next week. If you need any information about which staff is working with your student or what sorts of appreciation they prefer, please email me, and I'll share the info.
End-of-Year Activities:
As much as we love what happens on campus each day, even the good times must come to an end. The school year will end for students on the 23rd (Splash Day!), and we will see most of our students again in August. Those who will graduate on the 22nd will still be a part of our family, but we will not see them daily. Regardless of whether our most prized possessions are returning in August or visiting us for some fantastic community events next year, we want to finish up 23/24 stronger than ever. Check out the dates for our upcoming activities and contact your classroom teacher about other celebrations.
A Call to Arms:
This summer, I plan to reflect on ways I can contribute to the fabric of Rosedale in a meaningful, authentic, and beneficial way for all. We need to make very few improvements, but we can still tweak some current practices to strengthen them. If you have any suggestions, complaints, concerns, BIG ideas, or wonderings, please share them with me. We all want what is best for our community, and this summer, we will get to plan for how best to support and honor them. Remember, there is no such thing as a bad idea, so please send me your thoughts. matthew.m.nelson@austinisd.org
A Final Thought:
As parents, we can teach our students things that the education system can never match: stick toitiveness and grit. We must bolster them with resilience and allow them to overcome all life's obstacles. Theirs is not an easy path in life, so we must ensure they are prepared for anything and everything. No guidebook, Waze, Google Maps, GPS, legend, or key can help them navigate the pitfalls during this journey. If they are not experienced in struggle or confident in their ability to bounce back, we are not honoring their independence. The sky is the limit when they learn to handle setbacks and channel their frustrations into motivation.
These skills are not natural and must be honed to be fully effective. Practicing grit strengthens you
just as exercising increases your stamina. Let your child practice these skills daily and then see how much stronger the tailwinds and greener the lights are on their journey.
Matthew Nelson
Principal
Rosedale
7505 Silvercrest Dr.
Austin, TX 78757
512-414-3617 ext. 70744 office
AISD Teacher Appreciation Week, May 6-10
Help us celebrate the absolute greatest staff in Texas this week! Whether volunteering for the PTA luncheon, sending a gift card or treat, or simply emailing them and letting them know how special and impactful they are, please take time this week show them how much you care.
Go Project Celebration Assembly, May 21st, 11:30
Before our Go students are Gone students, we want to recognize and celebrate all they've accomplished with our program. Join us in the gym as we bid adieu to our Go Project students who are moving on.
Rosedale Graduation Ceremony, May 22nd, 11:00 am
Make sure to pack plenty of Kleenex for AISD's first graduation ceremony of the year here at Rosedale. AISD likes to kick off the season with a bang and there's not better place on Earth to do so than at Rosedale Come support our students as they embark on the next phase of their journey.
Splash Day on April 23rd...the last day of school.
Please use this form (click above) for your student if h/she is going to be arriving late or will be attending any doctor's appointments or therapies. For questions, please contact Tracy Castillo at (512) 414-3617 ext. 57110
Each newsletter we will showcase a few Rosedale Raccoon staff members and ask them five random questions. Be forewarned, the questions are random and chaotic and may not pertain to what we do here each day at Rosedale, but they should give you a glimpse of the inner-workings of those who have answered the call of awesomeness.
Nancy Rodriguez Rosedale GIANT and classiest custodian on campus.
- How many pairs of shoes do you own? 15. But I always wear the same dress shoes. At work I usually rotate 3 different pairs. (How many have lifts?). What? (nothing :)
- If you could trade places with anyone for a week, who would it be? Wonder Woman. She's super energetic, always moving and fixing things. (How much can she lift?). Whaaatttt? (nothing:)
- What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving! I love cooking and eating. My kids love it when I make my famous white rice, sour cream, corn, and cheese casserole. (Would you say it lifts them up?) WHHHHAAAATTTTT??
- What is the best gift you've ever received? My daughter took me to Germany this year, and I loved it! This summer, she is taking me to Italy. (In an airlift?) Mr. Nelson!!! Why do you keep saying that?
- If money were no object, how would you spend your time? By traveling all over the world. I want to go to Hawaii with my husband on our anniversary and see everything there. (Can I get a lift?) AAAAARRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!
Stephanie Wright: Nothing wrong about this TLC TA!
2. What is your biggest regret? Partying too hard when I was younger. I lost a lot of moola and would love to have had kept it.
3. If you could look into a crystal ball and see the future, would you want to do it? Parts, maybe, or not at all. It takes away from the journey we're all living. (you could see next week's Powerball numbers) Then Heck Yeah! Party time! (please see above question)
4. Do you have a favorite type of exercise? I'm into HIT classes (que?) High Intensively Interval Training. I also like doing hot yoga.
5. If you could be a tree, what kind of tree would you be and why? A maple. Because of all of the sweet stuff that comes out (what a sappy answer)
Rosedale PTA Information
May PTA Information
May Newsletter info:
Dear Rosedale Families,
Rosedale PTA is hosting a Teacher Appreciation lunch on Thursday, May 2nd. The meal will be catered, but we need desserts. We invite all our families to share a favorite dessert (not refrigerated) for the event. You can drop off your dessert at the office before noon on May 1st or May 2nd.
We'd love volunteers to help with the lunch! Feel free to drop by from 11:30 to 1:30 on May 2nd to help set up and serve the meal. It's a great way to chat with staff and thank them in person.
Save the DATES:
5/2/24, 12 pm: Staff Appreciation Luncheon
5/4/24, 12-2 pm: Community Day at Rosedale
5/6-5/10: Teacher Appreciation Week
5/7/24, 11 am: PTA Social at Mozart's
5/13-17: School Nurse Appreciation Week
5/14/24, 11:30-1 pm: PTA Meeting, elections & presentation on Star Plus Waiver by transition specialist
5/17-18, 10 am-2 pm: FUNdamental Sports, Special Olympic Summer Games at Morgan's Wonderland in San Antonio, more info on image below
5/22/24, 11 am: Rosedale Graduation
5/23/24: Last day of school/Water Day
Kimberly Johnson is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Topic: Rosedale School PTA Meeting Time: May 14, 2024 11:30 AM Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83833371076?pwd=owY2iFtbLaxafg84v6TUy3SUuOa2Ev.1 Meeting ID: 838 3337 1076 Passcode: 557964
Kimberly Johnson
Rosedale School PTA President
PTA Elections!!!
PTA elections will be held at our final meeting of the year on May 14th. We are accepting nominations for the offices of President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. If you would like to nominate yourself or someone else for one of these offices, please contact a member of our nominating committee:
Maureen Benschoter maureen.benschoter@gmail.com
Laura Mouw lbmouw@gmail.com
We're also happy to answer questions about PTA and being an officer.
