Bird's Word for September 19, 2024
Update re: New Transportation Routing System
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.
Attendance Matters
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.
Attention Native American Families!
Do you identify as Native American? Are you receiving messages from Gabriella Carroll, American Indian Education Program coordinator, or Savannah Rojas, Native American cultural liaison? If not, please contact Gabriella at gabriella.carroll@isd623.org or at 651-359-0572 to be included in Roseville Area Schools’ American Indian Education Program. The Roseville American Indian Education Program is a district-wide program with a goal of promoting cultural awareness, academic advocacy, and community connection for our American Indian students and families. The Roseville American Indian Education Program serves all Native American students regardless of tribal affiliation or blood quantum.
Speaker Series for Parents/Guardians Sponsored by Advanced Academics and Talent Development
Local Psychologist Dr. Teresa Boatman will be offering a 3-part speaker series to parents and guardians of Roseville Area students in PreK through grade 12. The presentations are focused on the social-emotional needs of students. Dr. Boatman is a very engaging and relatable speaker with deep understanding of advanced students and their intellectual, academic and social-emotional needs. All parents are invited to participate in any or all of her presentations this year.
The first event will take place on Monday, September 16, from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m. It will be held in the Fairview Room at the Aŋpétu Téča Education Center (1910 County Rd. B West). Dr. Boatman will present from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. and an optional family connection time will run 7:00 - 7:30 p.m. Sorry but childcare is not provided.
To learn more about this free event, please CLICK HERE.
