Raccoon Review

Dear Rogers Families,

As we close out the calendar year, I want to pause and express my sincere gratitude for the trust, partnership, and care you bring to our school community. These past months have been filled with learning, growth, laughter, and meaningful moments that reflect who we are at Rogers. Your support—whether through conversations at pickup, notes to teachers, volunteering, or simply encouraging your child each day—makes a real difference. We are better because of the community we share.

This time of year invites reflection. For our students, it’s a chance to notice how much they’ve grown—not just academically, but as people. For adults, it’s an opportunity to celebrate progress while also giving ourselves permission to rest and reset. Learning is a long game, and the steady, consistent care our children receive at home and at school is what allows them to thrive.

Despite the joy they bring, the holidays can be challenging for so many reasons. During busy or emotionally charged moments, try offering your child a simple “name it to tame it” check-in. You might say, “It looks like you’re feeling frustrated—does that feel right?” Helping children label emotions builds self-awareness and reduces overwhelm. Pair this with reassurance (“All feelings are okay”) and a gentle strategy like a deep breath, a short walk, or quiet drawing time. Small, regular moments of emotional coaching add up to big resilience over time.

I've encouraged the Rogers staff to unplug as much as possible over break, so please be mindful of that. Our staff works very hard, and they need time to rest and recharge. I'm wishing you rest, connection, and joy as we head into the new year together. Enjoy the break!

Warmly,

Mrs. Lewis

Important Dates:

December 20-January 4: District Closed - Winter Recess

January 6: PTA Meeting

January 9: Yearbook cover contest entries due

January 12-30: Winter Benchmark Testing Window (NWEA and F & P testing)

January 16: 1/2 Day for Students

January 19: District Closed - MLK Jr. Day

January 22: Kindergarten Open House (6:30-7:30)

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 will be forthcoming, but you can submit questions in advance at this link!

February 6: Family Dance (5-7 p.m.)

February 13: 1/2 Day for Students

February 16-20: Mid-Winter Break

PTA Announcements:

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. The registration link will be forthcoming, but 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.

You can purchase a PTA membership at this link.

Mother Handsome School Sponsorship Discount

Mother Handsome is kindly offering all Rogers staff, families, and supporters a promo code for takeout pizza all school year long! Use promo code ROGERS20 until June 12, 2026!

Mother Handsome also offers a Party Pack for larger gatherings where the promo code does not apply: 3 Large Cheese Pizzas, 3 Large Pepperoni Pizzas, and 3 Large Mix & Match Specialty Pizzas for $150.

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 January 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