Can you believe it? We’re in the final stretch of the school year, and since this is Rosedale, the fun doesn't stop until after the last day of school.

Before the summer break, we want to give you and your exceptional student a Raccoon standing ovation! This year has been a testament to our students' unique achievements, filled with growth, milestones, celebrations, fellowship, and many meetings. But through it all, your support, partnership, and love have made the most significant difference.

We are so proud of every student for their hard work, resilience, and daily reminders that progress doesn't always look the same for everyone, but it's always something to celebrate as we head into summer. A friendly reminder: while the school doors might close, learning doesn’t stop, nor does growing, stretching, building independence, and making discoveries.

Thank you for your trust, partnership, and unwavering support. Your involvement is appreciated and integral to your child's education. Keep cheering on your students because your role in their journey is invaluable.

Teacher Appreciation Week:

Next week is Teacher Appreciation Week, a special time to recognize the incredible educators who pour their hearts into our students daily. There is something truly powerful about saying, “Thank you for what you do.” Whether it’s a note, a smile, or a small gesture, recognizing someone for doing good work reminds them that they’re seen, valued, and appreciated, which matters now more than ever.

We’re so lucky to have a dedicated team guiding, supporting, and celebrating our students. Thank you for joining us and showing them how much they mean to our school community! Email me if you need any ideas about what your student's teacher likes, and I'll gladly share.

Matthew Nelson

Principal

Rosedale

7505 Silvercrest Dr.

Austin, TX 78757

512-414-3617 ext. 70744 office

To reward our fantastic staff and provide job-like training to some students who can only leave campus occasionally, we will offer free snacks to all staff each afternoon!

For this to be as successful as possible, we will also need your help. You have the power to make a difference. Please donate snacks to the school, which we will disseminate to our staff. Any individually packaged snacks or drinks (non-alcoholic) will work. You can drop them off at the office, send them with your student, or even have them shipped here from anywhere in the USA.

We thank you in advance for your gifts and for wanting our students and staff to feel the love.

Each month, we will showcase a few of our outstanding caregivers and ask probing questions that nobody in particular ever wanted to know...except us. We'll learn more about what makes them tick, what makes them tock, and what they think of TikTok :) Enjoy!

1. Where did you grow up? I was born and baptized at the St. Mary's Hospital in Galveston, Texas (in the ocean?) No. The hospital was on the land. (no, I meant....never mind)

2. What is the weirdest hobby you have ever tried? I'm not very adventurous, so I haven't tried many. Does swimming count? (depends on where you swim) What about tubing? (again, where is this happening, and on what are you tubing?) The ocean (oh, where the hospital isn't)

3. What is your favorite place you've traveled to? We don't travel much, but we go to Florida to visit my in-laws. (That's sweet. Anywhere else?) Yes, Northern California, the Napa region, to see my in-laws (they're bi-coastal). And when they visit Galveston, they're tri-coastal! (please leave the clever remarks to me)

4. What was your first job? In my senior year of high school or after graduating, I worked the front desk at a hotel in Galveston. (was the hotel in the ocean?) No, on land. (I don't think I know much about this "Galveston" you keep speaking of)

5. What is one thing you have done you will never do again? I used to love riding roller coasters, but now I can't get anywhere near them. (Is it because of the height?) No, I don't want to fall into the ocean. (Arggh...I give up!)

1. When was the last time you screamed at someone, not including your brother? This weekend, I screamed at the TV when UT was playing A&M in baseball. (doesn't count; has to be a human) At the UT football games, I scream and yell at the refs the whole time. (that's not very nice; they're just doing their job) Well, they're not doing it very well; those BLIND-AS-BAT, MORONIC, SORRY EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING NINCOMPOOPS!

2. What's the most exciting thing you see outside your kitchen window? Birds. (not very exciting) There are Blue Jays, Cardinals, and trees. (any hummingbirds?) No. I can also see a hot tub. (are the birds using it?) No. (I'll just put you down as N/A)

3. What is your quirkiest hidden quality? I can take my pinkie toe and place it over the toe next to it, the ring-finger toe. (It is a good thing you keep this secret. How did you know you could do this?) It's hereditary. My dad can also do it. (so it doesn't skip a generation? How fortunate for your future children)

4. If you could charge a million dollars for a service, what would it be? I would fly people's children all over the world for them! (non-stop) Yes, I'd fly everywhere, around the world, non-stop. I'd sit with them at layovers, go through security with them, and even entertain them on the plain. (Deal! How's twenty dollars?) Twenty dollars? I thought you said one million. (it's called negotiating. Thirty?) Fly your girls? The ones who kept pelting me with balls at Prom? Hard pass. (ouch)

5. Do you think you have a good memory? Yes, the best. (prove it). Gladly. (what's your favorite ice cream flavor?) Cherry Garcia. (who makes it?) Ben & Jerry's (where are they located?) Vermont. (what's the first question I asked you?) Nice try. It was "Do you think you have a good memory? (Wrongo! It was "When's the last time you screamed at someone? I got you! Nelson 2, Cooleys 0) THATS NOT FAIR YOU ZEBRA-SHIRT-WEARING, NO-SENSE-MAKING, SORRY EXCUSE FOR A REFEREE!!! My bad. Habit.

Caregiver Social

Tuesday, 5/6 at 11am

Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

3825 Lake Austin Blvd

Austin 78703

A time to meet and chat with other families with children with disabilities. Open to all Rosedale families and anyone else in the disability community.

May PTA Meeting

Tuesday, 5/13 from 11:30am-1pm

Rosedale Community Room

Lunch will be provided!!

Spanish Interpretation available in person and on zoom.

Zoom Link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89964715875?pwd=kRbZNKUYvgBjzNLpmiNtwb460Xgin1.1

Please join the Rosedale PTA WhatsApp group to stay up to date for the summer meet ups and next school year!

We need books for our new Lending Library for parents, caregivers & community members.

Resource books that have helped you, books to share with siblings, neighbors or friends. Books that discuss disabilities to promote understanding, awareness & inclusivity.

We have a cart in the Community Room for the lending library

Thank you,

Kimberly Johnson

Rosedale Proud Parent

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

tracy.a.castillo@austinisd.org

https://www.schoolcafe.com/austinisd

Austin Unite is a social group that provides low-cost opportunities to young adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities ages 17-25 in the Austin community. In the past, events have included UT sporting events, park picnics, arcades, and more! At the events, participants are paired with trained, college-age volunteers in a ratio that best reflects their level of need/ independence.

Here is the link to the website: www.austinunite.org. To get your child involved, navigate to the "parent interest form" under the participants tab.

Literacy & Biliteracy/Summer Enrichment