Raccoon Review

Dear Rogers Families,

This week, I'll go over Habit 3 of the 7 Habits of Happy Kids: Put First Things First. This habit is all about learning to prioritize—doing what needs to be done before what we simply want to do. At school, we talk with students about focusing on important tasks, managing time, and staying committed even when something feels challenging or less exciting. This habit helps children build self-discipline, responsibility, and follow-through—skills that support both academic success and personal growth.

Putting first things first is closely connected to independence. When students learn to pause and ask, “What’s most important right now?” they become better equipped to manage distractions and make thoughtful choices. We emphasize that this habit isn’t about being perfect or rushing—it’s about making intentional decisions that help learning and relationships move forward. Over time, practicing this habit helps students feel more capable and confident in handling school expectations and daily responsibilities.

You can support this habit at home by helping your child talk through priorities. Before starting an afternoon or evening routine, try asking, “What needs to happen first?” or “What’s the most important thing to take care of before play or screen time?” You might also model this habit by naming your own priorities aloud: “I’m going to finish this task first so I can relax later.” These small, everyday conversations help children learn that managing time and responsibilities is a skill they can practice—and grow—one choice at a time.

Warmly,
Mrs. Lewis
Principal, Rogers Elementary

Important Dates:

February: Black History Month -- We'll be celebrating history all month long. Here's the calendar! Check it out and consider participating on interactive days!

February 3: PTA Meeting

February 5: Lyon Counseling is hosting a virtual event on helping students handle body image and self-esteem. This will take place from 6-7 p.m. The registration link can be found here, and you can submit questions in advance at this link!

February 6: NWEA Family reports will be available for parents to view in MiSTAR

February 6: Family Dance (6:00-7:30 p.m.)

February 9: African-American Read-In (Wear your PJs today, and we'll snuggle up to read books by some talented African-American authors!)

February 9: Yearbook cover contest entries due

February 11: Kindergarten - Fancy Valentine Tea Party!

February 12: Dads' Club Meeting - 8:00 p.m. at Dog and Pony Show in Oak Park

February 13: 1/2 Day for Students

February 13: Tk & Kindergarten will be celebrating the 100th day of school (subject to change if we have more snow/ice days before then)

February 16-20: Mid-Winter Break

February 26: African-American Read-In (See below for more information!)

SAVE THE DATE! The 2nd Annual Rogers Dads Club Trivia Night will be at the Berkley American Legion on Saturday, March 14th, doors at 6p; trivia starts at 7p. There will be cash prizes, an open bar, pizza from Mother Handsome, a 50/50 raffle, and more! More information to come but mark your calendars!

The next Dads Club meeting is at 8p on Thursday, February 12th at Dog and Pony Show Brewing Company in Oak Park. We are always looking for new dads and new ideas! There is no fee to join, nor do we take attendance. The more dads we have, the more help we can offer to the kids of Rogers Elementary!

You can purchase a PTA membership at this link.

Lyon Counseling is hosting a virtual event on helping students handle body image and self-esteem. This will take place from 6-7 p.m on February 5, 2026. Lyon Counseling is hosting a virtual event on helping students handle body image and self-esteem. This will take place from 6-7 p.m. The registration link can be found here, and you can submit questions in advance at this link!

Jenny Zott, LLMSW, will be the clinician hosting the event. She is a clinical social worker who provides therapy to people of all ages in the state of Michigan. She works at Lyon Counseling Center providing fully remote services. You can view her bio here.

To join the meeting, use this link.

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Founders Day

It’s almost time to celebrate Founder’s Day in the Berkley School District and Rogers Elementary!

Founders’ Day (Feb. 17) is when we celebrate the legacy and work of the National PTA founders that made a commitment to better the lives of every child in education, health and safety. It is a time to reflect and take pride in our achievements, and renew our commitment to be a:

powerful voice for all children;

relevant resource for parents; and

strong advocate for public education.

The founders represented people of imagination and courage. They had a simple idea—to improve the lives and future of all children. They understood the power of individual action, worked beyond the accepted barriers of their day, and took action to change the world for all children.

Each year the Berkley District PTSA celebrates Founder’s Day by selecting a PTA Member, Educator, and Support Staff of the Year to be recognized for each school.

Please take a few minutes to complete the Founder’s Day Survey so that we may recognize the great work of our amazing Rogers Elementary School community! Forms are due Monday January 26th!

If you should have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Abby Watteny, PTA Founders Day Chair - Abby.M.Watteny@ehi.com or Marni Saar, Rogers PTA President - rogerselementarypta@gmail.com

It’s time to let us know if your children will be returning to the Berkley School District next year.

The District has created a simple form for all families with students in grades TK-11 to fill out inside of the MISTAR Parent Connection. Your responses will help us create our classroom communities and courses for next year. Follow the steps below to complete the form, once per child. Form entries will open on Monday, January 19 and are due Friday, February 13 at the end of the day.

How to fill out the form:

1. Log into MISTAR Parent Connection

2. In the top right corner click on Intent to Return in bold, red lettering.

3. Click on your child’s picture.

4. Answer the questions listed. If the question does not apply to you, please type n/a in the open fields.

5. Click the Submit button at the top

6. Repeat for additional children

You can also find the Intent to Return form in the MISTAR App:

1. In your mobile device app store, download Q ParentConnection.

2. Inside the app, select the State, County and District.

3. Select Enter ParentConnection.

4. In the upper right, select Log In.

5. Enter your MISTAR Parent Portal Pin and Password.

6. In the triple line menu, select My Information.

7. Click the Edit button next to your child’s name.

8. Answer the questions listed. If the question does not apply to you, please type n/a in the open fields.

9. Click the Submit button at the top

10. Repeat for additional children

Please fill out the form by Friday, February 13.

QUESTIONS?

If you are having problems logging in, have questions about completing information online or are experiencing technical difficulties, submit a ticket to the Oakland Schools Help Desk.

Winter Weather & Clothing

As we enter into winter months we will experience some colder weather which will impact our students. We will invite students inside for an inside line-up no earlier than 7:45 am whenever the temperature is 9 degrees or less with the windchill. We have an organized system that allows students to line up in the hallways. However, if the weather is above 9 degrees (factoring in the windchill) we will have students wait outdoors each morning and go outside for recess each day. Please have your children dress appropriately for the weather in the event we do remain outside. Proper winter attire may include winter coats, gloves, hats, snow pants and boots.

Although we have some extras in the office we do not have enough to outfit each child.

If you need assistance with winter clothing, please do not hesitate to reach out to me directly as we are fortunate to have anonymous donors who may be able to provide such items.

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Background Check/Volunteer Release Form

Please read the helpful document at this link for more information on volunteering!

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Food Service

The Michigan Legislature passed the state budget. Included in the budget, among other things, are free meals (breakfast and lunch) for all students for the 2025-26 school year.

🍳Breakfast Procedures

Free breakfast will be served each morning from 7:40 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. The main door will be opened from 7:40 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. The door will not open sooner as no supervision is available before that time.

The February lunch menu can be found here.

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📵Electronic Devices

We respectfully ask that students do not use a communication device during any part of the school day. Devices are a distraction and could be sadly lost. Devices, if they must be brought to school, should be powered off and in lockers during the entire day. Smart watches should be for checking time and not games or communication. Thank you for supporting the staff and allowing uninterrupted learning throughout our school day.

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🚦🚧Please visit the Rogers website for important information about traffic patterns and guidelines. Watch this video for more information about School Safety Zones.

🚧 Traffic Pattern Details

• We respectfully ask that you save spots in our parking lot for staff use only.
• Curbside drop-off & pickup will take place opposite school grounds on the resident/house side of the street.
• Drop-off, pickup, parking, stopping, and standing around the perimeter of Rogers is not permitted to allow public safety quick access to buildings in case of emergency.
• Students will cross at the designated crosswalks at the corner of Oxford & Hamilton and Hamilton & Harvard.
• Students should exit cars on the resident/house side of Hamilton & Oxford, walk to the corner, and cross with a crossing guard. Students should exit onto the curb, not into the street.
• Caregivers are encouraged to park and walk with their child to school.
• Parking is allowed opposite school grounds any time of day.
• Rogers staff parking lot has a designated drop-off/pick up zone only.
• Berkley Public Safety will be enforcing traffic rules.

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Have a fabulous weekend!

Katie Lewis, Principal

Rogers Elementary School

2265 Hamilton

Berkley, MI 48072

katie.lewis@berkleyschools.org