September 2023 Newsletter
Message from Principal Lorow
Family Communication
School Meals and Supplies
Field Trip and Classroom Fund
Volunteer at Roxhill
Carpool Connections
Health Information from Nurse Ann Perry
Neighborcare
Double Dutch Divas Playground Playdate- 9/9
Friends of Roxhill Community PTO Meeting - 9/11
Roxhill Park Family Meetup - 9/23
Flower Power Fundraiser
Affordable Connectivity Program for Family Home Internet Access
Family Connectors University
Important Dates
Message from Principal Lorow
Welcome Roxhill Families to the 2023-24 School Year!
The front door opens to students at 7:35am. There is no supervision or school entry before 7:35am. All students enter through the front doors. Students who need breakfast will go directly to the cafeteria for breakfast. All other students will go out to the playground. Morning recess ends at 7:50am. All students walk to classrooms. The instructional day begins at 7:55am. If your student arrives after 7:55am they will be marked tardy.
Cell Phones and Electronic Devices
We recognize that many students carry cell phones or other devices to communicate with parents before/after school. Students are not allowed to use cell phones, SMART watches or other electronic communication devices during school hours. If a student has an emergency call to make, he/she must first obtain permission from an adult to use a school phone. If the device is a distraction to instruction or learning, the teacher may take it away. The first time an adult takes away a cell phone, the phone/device goes to the office and the child picks it up from the principal there at the end of the day. When this happens a second time, the principal keeps the cell phone/device until the parent is able to collect it. The school is not responsible for any lost or stolen cell phones or other electronic items, and therefore will not investigate missing items.
Toys
Toys, including slime, silly putty, playing or trading cards, electronic games, Legos, dolls, etc. should not be brought to school.
Attendance
Research has shown that chronic absences for students have more than doubled during the pandemic at the national level. Current Roxhill data demonstrates this same significant increase in chronic absenteeism right here in our own school. Missing more than 1 school day a month translates into chronic absenteeism. We know that students who are chronically absent miss out on a significant amount of instruction, learning, and social development. This can have a lasting negative impact upon the student across the school years.
Some things that help prevent chronic absences:
1. Routines: Daily attendance routines, created at home and in school, can reduce stress for students and families and create a sense of safety and security, especially after chaotic transitions. Home routines include set bed times, packing lunches and back packs the night before, laying out clothes for the next day, etc.
2. Engagement: Being in school helps students to get to know peers, teachers and school staff, and to create trusting relationships that motivate students to participate in learning. Help your child get involved. Reach out to their teacher or Ms. Amber, school counselor, if you think your child might need support in building relationships at school.
3. Access to Resources: Schools can help students and families gain access to basic resources such as meals, physical and mental health services. If you need help with the basics including housing, access to food or clothing for your child, reach out to Ms. Amber. Ms. Amber can also help with access to mental health services.
4. Learning: Learning is most meaningful when it is active, social, and allows students to apply concepts to real life situations. Showing up to school regularly helps students engage in learning that builds proficiency in reading and math that will help them to graduate from high school. If you have questions, reach out to your student’s teacher.
We are here for your child. Reach out with questions or concerns. Together we can figure it out.
Family Communication
At Roxhill we value partnering with families and will communicate with families in various formats translated in major languages. Schoolwide communication will come in the form of email and Talking Points texts. Talking Points texts will come through as SMS messages in your designated home language. You may respond to text messages for 2-way communication. We also recommend downloading the free Talking Points App to your phone or device. If you would like to have messages translated to a different language, please let your child’s teacher know. Classroom teachers will share class specific information about how to communicate with them through email address, phone, and Talking Points. Please ensure that we have your current email address on file.
School Meals and Supplies
Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge to all Roxhill Elementary students for the 2023-24 school year. The district will email a Family Income Survey to all families. Roxhill receives additional funding for instructional programs based on the percentage of families on Free and Reduced Lunch, so it is important that ALL families respond to the survey regardless of need. Link to survey here.
At Roxhill there is no need to purchase consumable school supplies (pencils, crayons, paper, folders, etc.) They are provided to all students.
Field Trip and Classroom Fund
Kick off the new school year by giving to the Roxhill Field Trip and Classroom Fund!
Did you know schools and families cover the cost of field trips? This creates a disparity between field trip experiences across schools in our district.
With your generous donations, Friends of Roxhill provides each teacher at our school with money for field trips and to equip their classroom with much-needed supplies, like educational games, toys, and books. Last year, each teacher received ~$15 per student. We'd like to increase the amount to ~$20 per student this year!
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. You can make a donation at the link below or bring cash or a check to the front office.
Checks should be made payable to: Friends of Roxhill Elementary.
Memo: Classroom and Field Trip Fund
All of the funds will go to teachers to benefit our RoxStars and are tax deductible.
Please make your gift today, then share it on social media.
Thank you for being a friend!
Volunteer at Roxhill
We encourage all families and community members to complete the SPS Volunteer application online as soon as possible if you are planning to volunteer or chaperone this year. We would love to have you! Volunteers must have information and approvals completed prior to volunteering. Background checks must be fully approved (not pending).
Click here to start the Volunteer application process. There is financial assistance available for the cost of background checks. If you need assistance completing the packet, we will schedule times to come into school to apply.
There are many ways to get involved at school. Please fill out our PTO Friends of Roxhill’s Volunteer Interest Survey to see what opportunities might be a good fit for you. We can then connect you with the right people!
New volunteer opportunities are added to Friends of Roxhill’s SignUp.com page on an ongoing basis, so check back throughout the year.
Carpool Connections
If you are ineligible for bus service and are looking for other Roxhill families to connect with about carpooling or walking to school, please fill out the following form, created by Friends of Roxhill. Your contact information will not be shared without your permission:
Health Information from Nurse Ann Perry
Hello! From Your School Nurse, Ann Perry
You can find me at School: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
7:30am – 3:00pm
You can contact me by phone 206.252.9577 or email aeperry@seattleschools.org
Please check out important health information for the new school year regarding immunizations, health updates, medications and flu shots here.
Neighborcare
Welcome back students and staff! The beginning of school is a big time for everyone. This year we will continue to have our Dental Days. We also offer immunizations, behavioral and mental health, sports physicals and well-child exams. For students already registered with our clinic your registration forms are good for one calendar year. We will be sending out registrations school wide shortly. In the meantime, give us a call if you have any questions about our services or appointment availability.
Phone: (206) 452-2660 Text The Clinic: (206)490-0802, Email: emma.cavaliere@neighborcare.org
The Food Bag program and the indoor vegetable garden will be back as well, thanks to the continued support of Friends of Roxhill, Cascadia Produce and the West Seattle Food Bank.
Double Dutch Divas Playground Playdate
Saturday, September 9
10 - 11:30am
The Double Dutch Divas are coming to Roxhill! Have fun with jump ropes, play on the school playground and connect with Roxhill families. Coffee and light snacks will be provided. Bring a snack to share if you like.
Learn more about the Double Dutch Divas here.
This event is sponsored by:
City of Seattle, Seattle Office of Arts and Culture and Delridge Neighborhood Association.
Friends of Roxhill Community PTO Meeting
Monday, September 11
6-7:30pm
Roxhill Cafeteria
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 cafeteria. This is a great way to connect with Principal Lorow, 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.
Roxhill Park Family Meetup
Saturday, September 23
10am-12pm
Come play at the park with other Roxhill families! We will meet at Roxhill Park (across from Target) rain or shine so kids can play and families can get to know one another. Coffee will be provided. Bring a snack to share (optional).
Flower Power Fundraiser
We are partnering again with Flower Power Fundraising to sell flower bulbs, kitchen garden herbs, sprouts, seeds and more to bring some joy to your home garden or window sill.
Check out our fundraising website:
Share the link with your friends, neighbors, co-workers and relatives across the country. They have a variety of plants for every climate.
Friends of Roxhill Elementary receives 50% of the profits from every order.
Orders are shipped directly to the person placing the order starting at the end of September (there is a $6.99 shipping fee).
Order deadline is October 15.
Affordable Connectivity Program for Family Home Internet Access
DoTs is highly recommending that students and families in need of internet access apply to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. This can make many plans no-cost for internet access.
A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
Based on your household income
If you or your child or dependent participate in certain government assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, or other programs
Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Schools, please use the provided family letter template to confirm student enrollment. Letters should be copied onto school letterhead for families to include in their application when prompted. ACP Eligibility Letter
More information available on the MySPS Student Device Support webpage
Contact Student TechLine: laptops@seattleschools.org
Family Connectors University
All SPS families are invited to join North Seattle College’s (NSC) Family Connectors University (FCU). This is a family-focused online course designed to help parents and caregivers support their child’s learning and growth.
FCU topics include:
Helping your child with learning
Social Emotional Learning ideas for home
Becoming a supportive partner at your school
Helping your child with ‘big emotions’
Supporting your child with reading and math
Talking to kids about race, racism, and antiracist actions
Take this course in real-time or attend offline at a time that works for you. The class takes place online via Zoom for 10 weeks beginning Tuesday, Oct. 4, 6-7:30 p.m. You can participate synchronously or asynchronously, as sessions will be recorded. The course is facilitated by NSC Parent Education Instructor Lea Evans, SPS Family Partnerships Coordinator Asosa Sailiai, and special guest speakers.
Check out our FCU video and course details for more information.
Please join us for a quick orientation on Tuesday, Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m. Link to Zoom session.
We’ll answer your questions, give you details on how to sign up through North Seattle College, and tell you how to apply for a need-based scholarship. If you can’t make it live, a recorded version of the orientation will be available. The cost for the 2-unit class is $37.08 and some scholarships are available. Email Asosa Sailiai amsailiai@seattleschools.org to enroll or find out more information.
Important Dates
September 9 - Double Dutch Divas Playground Playdate, 10-11:30am
September 11 - Friends of Roxhill Community PTO Meeting, 6-7:30pm
September 23 - Roxhill Park Family Meetup, 10am-12pm
October 12 - Curriculum Night, 6pm - 7:30pm
October 13 - NO SCHOOL State In Service Day
October 16-20 Nature Bridge (5th Grade Field Trip)
October 24 - Picture Day
November 11 - NO SCHOOL Veterans Day
November 21-23 - NO SCHOOL Fall Conferences
November 24-25 NO SCHOOL Thanksgiving Break
November 30 - Picture Retake Day
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