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friendsofroxhill

RoxStar Newsletter - October 2024

Updated: Oct 15


Here’s what’s happening at Roxhill and in our community this month.


Table of Contents



Message from Interim Principal Beach 


Roxhill Families,


I hope this message finds you well! As we wrap up our first month of school, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful start we’ve had together.


This month has been filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a true sense of community. Our dedicated teachers and staff have been working tirelessly to build strong relationships with our students. Through engaging activities, open communication, and supportive environments, they are laying the foundation for a year of growth and learning.


I am especially proud to see our students demonstrating respect and kindness toward one another. Whether it’s a helping hand in the classroom, a kind word in the hallway, or a friendly smile during lunch, these small acts of compassion are creating a positive atmosphere that benefits us all. It’s heartwarming to witness our students embodying the values we strive to promote as a school community.


As we continue to grow together, I would like to highlight one area for improvement that is essential for our collective success: punctuality. Please ensure that your student arrives at school on time. The first bell rings at 7:50 AM, and students should be in their classrooms by 7:55 AM. Being on time not only helps students settle in for a productive day, but it also fosters a respectful learning environment.


Thank you for your continued support and involvement. Together, we are fostering an environment where every student can thrive. I’m excited to see what the coming months will bring!


Sincerely,

Principal Beach


Welcome to our new Office Assistant, Ms. Zuri!

She is replacing Ms. Christy. Ms. Zuri will be handling attendance, as well as other office duties.


The attendance phone line and email remain the same.  Each day your student is absent, please communicate to the office in the way that works best for you:


Phone: 206-252-9574


Field Trip and Classroom Fund


Friends of Roxhill is raising money for the Back to School Field Trip and Classroom Fund! We are more than halfway to our goal - can you help us close the gap? This fund provides each teacher with money for field trips and classroom supplies, like educational games, toys and books. Our goal is to give teachers $20 per student by October 13.


Not all families in our school have the means to give. If you do, please consider donating on behalf of your student and a classmate. 



Or bring cash or a check to the front office. 

Checks payable to: Friends of Roxhill Elementary

Memo: Field Trip + Classroom Fund


Carpool Connections


If you are ineligible for bus service and are looking for other Roxhill families to connect with about carpooling or walking your child to school, please fill out the following form, created by Friends of Roxhill. Your contact information will not be shared without your permission.



If you are willing to drive or walk students in the neighborhood without transport, please fill out the form as well.


Health Information from Nurse Ann

It’s time for our annual vision and hearing screening!  Each fall, all students at Roxhill Elementary receive vision and hearing screening.

  

Why? Because students are using their eyes and ears all day every day to learn!  


What happens during screening?


  • Vision: We use a special camera called a Spotscreener to take a picture of your student’s eyes.  This tool is super helpful.  It screens for nearsightedness, farsightedness, amblyopia (‘lazy eye’), astigmatism (blurred vision), unequal pupil size, and eye structure problems

  • Hearing: Students put on headphones and listen carefully for a beeping sound at high, medium, and low frequencies.  Each time they hear a sound, they raise their hand.  Hearing difficulties can come from wax or fluid in the ears, ear infections, or problems with the inner ear or auditory nerve.


How will you find out your student’s results? You will receive a paper copy of your student’s results by the end of November. 


What if there is a concern identified? Screenings are not diagnoses. If needed, we will work together to identify the next best step; usually this includes a referral to your child’s primary care provider, an optometrist, or Seattle Public School Audiology.


If you have any questions or concerns, please call Nurse Ann at 206.252.9577, or email at aeperry@seattleschools.org, or send me a message on Talking Points. 


Friends of Roxhill PTO Community Meeting


Monday, October 14

6:00-7:30 pm

Roxhill 


Friends of Roxhill is our school’s non-profit parent/teacher organization (PTO). We are parents, community members, and teachers who work together to support the education and enrichment of our multicultural public school. 


Everyone is welcome and all ideas are encouraged!


Our meetings are usually on the 2nd Monday of the month from 6–7:30 p.m. in the Roxhill “Woods”. This is a great way to connect with Principal Beach, parents, caregivers and teachers in the Roxhill community. Pizza and childcare will be provided. Spanish interpretation will be available. Interpretation for other languages is available upon request. Email friendsofroxhill@gmail.com with questions.


MOD Pizza Dine Out Fundraiser


Support FORE by dining out at MOD Pizza! On October Thursday, October 24, Roxhill will receive 20% of designated sales from the MOD Pizza in Westwood Village. Watch for a flier in your student’s backpack to order in person or order online using code MODGIVES20.


Library Song

Every two months, Mr. Robert introduces a new library song that students sing at the beginning of their weekly library visit.


Here is the library song for September/October, “L-I-B-R-A-R-Y.” (The person singing with Mr. Robert is his daughter, Camille, who graduated from Roxhill in 2009.)



Students should return books during their weekly library visit if they want to check out new books. Check out this schedule to see which day your child goes to the library.


  • Monday - students of Mr. Martin and Mrs. Green

  • Tuesday - students of Ms. Kyoko, Ms. Gamache, Ms. Turner, and Ms. Prynne

  • Wednesday - students of Mr. Popelka, Ms. Ellen, and Mr. Mitch

  • Thursday - students of Mr. Mac, Ms. Anna, and Ms. Gnoinsky

  • Friday - students of Ms. Fosnes and Mrs. Beal


Usually at the beginning of the school year, kindergartners keep their books at school. Students in grades 1-5 decide on their own if they want to keep books at school or take them home.


Volunteer Opportunities


Picture Day


Picture Day is on Tuesday October 22! We need volunteers to assist teachers and photographers by gathering students and matching name tags. You must be an SPS approved volunteer to participate. 


Reading Buddies


We are looking for parents who can spare just 15 minutes in the morning to read with our students from about 8:00 – 8:15am.


The goal is to encourage a love for reading and literacy among our students. By having parents, or community members come in to read with them, we hope to foster a positive reading environment and enhance their reading skills.


Books and student lists will be provided, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm for reading! Your presence and participation will make a difference.


Contact Roxhill Intervention Teacher, Katarina Ferguson at kmferguson@seattleschools.org with questions. Sign up to be a reading buddy. 


Chess Club


We are trying to set up a lunch time Chess Club for Grades 2-5. Ideally, we are looking for one to two individuals who would be willing to commit weekly, twice a month or monthly.  Please email friendsofroxhill@gmail.com if you are interested. 


All volunteer opportunities that take place on school grounds or field trips will require you to fill out a volunteer application through SPS. Apply here or check your status as a returning volunteer.


We are currently looking for volunteers to help with:


  • Childcare during FORE Meetings (October 14 , November 4 , December 9)

  • Pizza Pickup for FORE Meeting (November 4, December 9)

  • Picture Day Volunteers (October 22) Sign Up Here



Want to get more involved with Friends of Roxhill? 

Fill out our volunteer interest survey to learn more about what we do and how you can help.


Want to get more involved with Friends of Roxhill this year? 


We are currently recruiting board members for the 2024-2025 school year. The commitment for board members is to attend monthly meetings, vote on behalf of the Roxhill community when needed, read monthly meeting minutes for approval, and participate in occasional offline discussion on topics related to the board, budget, and events. 

We are also looking for volunteers who can help to:


  • Co-manage the Roxhill Learning Garden

  • Manage Facebook page and private group

  • Lead fundraisers

  • Coordinate volunteers

  • Plan events


You do not need to attend PTO meetings to help with any of these volunteer positions. Most can be done in your own time from home!


Email friendsofroxhill@gmail.com for more details.


Harvest Festival


Mark your calendars for Sunday, October 27th from 11AM to 2 PM. It’s Harvest Festival in the West Seattle Junction.


Sharing this detail with all of you as we want your elementary school kids to come out, be part of the parade and trick-or-treat with Junction merchants.  Gather your monsters for a good ol’ fashioned good time.


Below is the planned schedule:


  • Marching band and costume parade kicks off at 11 AM

  • Seattle Thrillers performance at 12 PM in the All-Ways intersection

  • Trick-or-treating along California Ave with a focus on fun activities 11 AM - 2 PM

  • A La Mode Pie Eating contest at 12:30P (adults and kids)

  • Chili Cook-off begins at 11A till the chili's gone

  • Live music at 11:30 with The Haggis Bros plus the Heebie Jeebie's play at 1:15P


A special thanks goes out to the West Seattle High School Marching Band, the Seattle Thrillers, West Side Music and your friendly merchants providing the fun and treats!


Important Dates

October 11 - NO SCHOOL for Students State In Service Day for Teachers

October 14 - Friends of Roxhill PTO Community Meeting, 6:00-7:30 pm

October 16-20 Nature Bridge (5th Grade Field Trip)

October 18 - 1st Grade and Principal Coffee Chat 8:00 am - 9:00 am

October 22 - Picture Day

October 24 - MOD Pizza Dine Out Fundraiser

November 11 - NO SCHOOL Veterans Day Observed

November 18 - Friends of Roxhill PTO Community Meeting, 6:00-7:30pm

November 25-27  - NO SCHOOL Fall Conferences 

November 28-29 - NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break

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