Monthly Newsletter: September

Hello Roxhill Families,

We had so much fun in our first three days of school with 1st-5th graders and are very excited to welcome Kindergarteners and Headstart students today, Tuesday, September 8!

This year, I'll continue a strong emphasis on communication. Each month, I will send a detailed newsletter that shares what we've been up to at school and gives a preview for what's to come. At the end of every week, you'll get a "Roxstar Rundown", highlighting the top 3 things to know that week.

In partnership,

~Principal Bruno

Something to talk about with your student: What are STAR expectations and what's your role in them?

Important Upcoming Dates:

• September 8: First Day of School, Head Start and Kindergarten
• September 14: Friends of Roxhill Community Meeting
• September 19: September Park meet up at E.C. Hughes Park 10 am - 12 pm
• September 24: Picture Day
• September 24: Curriculum Night 5:30 - 7 pm
• September 25: Hearing Screenings
• October 19-23: 5th Grade Outdoor School at Nature Bridge

We are teaching and re-teaching the Roxhill Way to students as we settle into school routines. We encourage you to talk about these at home with your child. A great way to get the conversation started is by considering: Which of these expectations aligns with rules or expectations you have at home? How do expectations look the same or different at school and at home?

We are seeking a reliable and caring lunch and recess supervisor to help maintain a safe, positive environment for PreK-5th Grade students during lunch and recess from 10:30 am - 12:30 pm, Monday - Friday. Interested candidates should reach out to Principal Bruno as soon as possible: kgbruno@seattleschools.org

This year, all SPS students can receive one breakfast and one lunch each school day at no cost to families. Students will still check out using their student ID or barcode, but there is no charge for their first complete breakfast and lunch.

A few important things to know:

• The free meal benefit covers one complete breakfast and one complete lunch per student, per day.
• Extra items are not free. This includes second meals, additional entrées, milk purchased separately, and à la carte items. These purchases will be charged to your student's meal account.
• Any meal account balance or debt from last school year still remains, although it will not prevent a student from receiving their free breakfast or lunch.
• Families should still complete the CNEEB form. Even though meals are now free for everyone, the information from this form helps Roxhill and SPS receive important funding and resources and may qualify students for additional educational benefits. Families who do not wish to provide income information can select the new "Decline Benefits" option.

We are excited that all of our Roxstars now have access to breakfast and lunch at no cost!

On your way to school or heading home after? There's no need to go it alone! Metro SchoolPool connects students and families looking to travel together. Whether you're driving, biking or walking, join a SchoolPool for a shared commute today.

Our wonderful office assistant, Ms. Zuri, has accepted a promotion at another school. She wanted to share the following message with families:

**Dear Roxhill Families,**

It is with a sad but very full heart that I share that I will not be returning to Roxhill this school year. I want you to know that this decision is in no way a reflection of how I feel about Roxhill. I have truly loved the last two years serving this community. From the very beginning, you welcomed me with open arms, trusted me, shared your stories with me, and taught me so much. Most of all, your children kept me curious, laughing, learning, and excited to come to school every day.

As I write this, so many little memories are coming to mind. ❤️ Lunch duty and hearing all the stories the kids just *had* to tell me. Students stopping by the office to ask, “Ms. Zuri, how do you say this in Spanish?” Kids rooting for Mexico during the World Cup because “Ms. Zuri is from Mexico!” Receiving handmade cards where students drew pictures of themselves with me, and, of course, making sure to give me my curls! And on the last day of school, somehow more than 200 Pokémon cards passed out. Those might seem like small moments, but they are the moments I will carry with me.

Roxhill is truly a special place. The love, care, and dedication that I have witnessed from the people inside that building is something I will never forget. Please know that your children are in amazing hands. There are so many people at Roxhill who genuinely see them, care about them, advocate for them, and want them to succeed.

I also want to give a very special thank you to Friends of Roxhill Elementary (FORE). You welcomed me, listened to my ideas and feedback, and, most importantly, you showed up for our community when it needed you. From supporting families during winter break, to field trips, the garden, community events, and so much more—you continually find ways to make things happen, even with limited resources. Thank you for the countless hours, energy, and love you pour into our school.

Roxhill has taught me what community can look like when people genuinely care for one another, lead with empathy, and show up when it matters.

I will be continuing my journey at another school, and while I am excited for this next chapter, leaving Roxhill is bittersweet. This community has been such an important part of my life and growth over the last two years. Thank you for trusting me with your children, for allowing me to serve your families, for every conversation at the front desk, every laugh, every story, every hug, and every little moment in between.

I may be going to another school, but a piece of my heart will always belong to the Roxhill community. ❤️

With so much love and gratitude,

**Ms. Zuri**

We wish Ms. Zuri all the best! Stay tuned for information about our new office assistant as we move through the hiring process. In the meantime, we are very lucky to be supported by Mrs. Laura Thomas as a substitute in the role. Be sure to say hello to her as you pass through the office!

Celebrate the end of the week by wearing our school colors blue and yellow, or clothing with stars! Official Roxhill t-shirts will be delivered to all students in the coming weeks thanks to the generous support of our PTO, Friends of Roxhill Elementary.

Roxhill school hours are 7:55 am - 2:25 pm.

Early Release Wednesdays dismissal is 1:10 pm.

Breakfast is served daily beginning at 7:35 am.

First Bell- 7:50 am

Tardy Bell - 7:55 am

Kindergarten and 3rd Grade 10:50 - 11:20

1st and 2nd Grades 11:25 - 11:55

4th and 5th Grades 12:00 - 12:30

The office is open from 7:35 am - 3:15 pm. After-school meetings on Tuesdays and Wednesdays sometimes impact office staffing.

Main office number: 206-252-9570

Report daily absences:

• Attendance line 206-252-9574
• Email: roxhill.attendance@seattleschools.org

If there is a change to your student's typical dismissal plan, please notify the office by 1:45 pm or 12:45 pm on Wednesdays.

Help keep everyone safe by only driving north on 34th Ave SW for drop off and pick up. Keep the area right in front of school doors clear for community members with disabilities and buses serving Special Education students.

Arrival begins at 7:35 a.m. There is no supervision available before 7:35. For everyone's safety, drop off is not available before 7:35 a.m. and students who arrive before doors open must be supervised by a caregiver.

All students enter through the front doors on 34th Ave SW. Families are welcome into the cafeteria during breakfast until the first bell at 7:50 a.m. After the tardy bell at 7:55 our front doors will be locked and late arrivals must use the doorbell on the left side of the door to be buzzed in.

We know the first week of school often brings new routines, traffic adjustments, and a bit of transition, so we’ll be flexible as everyone gets into the swing of things. Families are welcome into the building on the first day of school, but please follow staff instructions and exit during morning announcements after you snap those first day photos!

Pick up by car takes place on 34th Ave SW heading North. Please join the line that extends around the corner onto SW Kenyon St. Staff will come out to check the sign on your dash board to help facilitate a smooth dismissal. If you did not receive a car pick up sign, please connect with your student's teacher or the office. Pick up at the front of the building is intended only for caregivers who are not exiting their vehicles. The only exception is for students served in our distinct special education program. Please remember that not all disabilities are visible.

Pick up on foot occurs via the walker gate on SW Holden St (see map above). If you walk, bike, or plan to exit your car to greet your child at the end of the school day, the walker gate is for you! This helps to relieve traffic and unattended vehicles in the front of the school and ensure student safety during caregiver hand offs.

If your student has permission to walk home without adult supervision, please inform their classroom teacher.

Please plan to pick up your student by 2:35 pm and 1:20 pm on Wednesdays. 10 minutes after dismissal, unattended students will return to the office and caregivers will be contacted.