Rockbrook Reminder
Rockbrook's Weekly Updates | 02-09-2023
Rockbrook Valentine's Parties
Rockbrook's Class Valentine's Parties will be Tuesday, February 14th from 2:30-3:15. Similar to Halloween, to make sure we have enough room for the fun activities planned in classrooms we ask that families only join the classroom parties if they are one of the signed up volunteer families. Students are welcome to bring a Valentines box or bag to collect their valentines. Students who choose to bring valentines to pass out are asked to bring one for every student in the class. As we are unable to send out class lists, we suggest students leave the to: line blank and sign the from line to ensure nobody is forgotten.
Need Help with Valentines:
Valentines need not be store-bought. Having your child make Valentines notes is a fun and meaningful way to show kindness to their friends. If your child would not be able to bring Valentines but would like to participate please contact Ms. Davis, our School Psychologist and Counselor and we are happy to help make sure all children can take part.
Food Safety
Please remember to follow the District Approved Snack List. Linked is the list of recommended treats for parties or birthdays. Thanks for helping to make Rockbrook a caring community for all of our students. While students will enjoy some treats in the room, most will be sent home for parent review.
What if Our Family Doesn't Celebrate?
- Your child may stay in the classroom but choose at what level they participate in celebrating Valentine's Events
- Your child may take part in an alternate fun (non-holiday) opportunity (games, snacks, etc) at the office.
- For families that prefer, they are welcome to pick their child up before our parties which begins at 2:30.
Please email Ms. Wilcox (wilcox.inessa@westside66.net) if your child will be choosing one of these options.
Help Support WE-SIDE Unified with Polar Plunge
Adults (and students with adult permission) are invited to register as part of the WE-SIDE UNIFIED Polar Plunge Team. Be Bold, Get Cold! - Click here if you are interested in registering.
Not up for an icy dip? Consider coming to cheer the team on and/or make a donation to help support inclusive activities across our district. Polar Plunge is one of the primary ways we help provide resources for these fun opportunities.
Don't miss your chance to see Dr. Higginbotham "take the plunge." You can donate directly to Dr. Higginbotham's donation page (https://www.classy.org/fundraiser/4359435) or to the WE-SIDE UNIFIED Team (https://www.classy.org/team/473674)
Class Placements for 2023-2024
We are fortunate at Rockbrook to have a high-quality, caring, and dedicated staff of educators who strive to meet the needs of every child. Our teams of teachers are insightful and qualified and put a great deal of care and effort to best fit each child’s educational needs with the right teacher.
During the last quarter of the year, our staff begins the challenging task of creating the class lists for the next school year. This task involves many people and a great deal of thought, as we do our best to:
Balance
When a classroom is balanced, the students are more successful, learning is easier, and the teacher is able to meet the needs of the learners in attendance. Teams of teachers go over criteria such as male/female ratio, academic needs and talents, and special programming to ensure classrooms have even and diverse representation.
Build Equity
We also work to see that all classrooms resemble each other in leadership abilities, social skills, peer relationships, individual learning styles and teaching styles, and classroom dynamics (behavior, social, emotional, and personality considerations among students).
Finding the Right Match
We recognize that parents are an important part of our team and a crucial advocate for their child’s success. With so many variables, granting every teacher request would not be possible and might not match with the careful planning teachers do in preparing suggested lists. In addition, children need to work in and with a variety of circumstances now and in the future, in terms of personnel, peers, and environment.
If there is a circumstance you feel we should consider, please do the following:
• Make a formal request in writing (by email to higginbotham.garret@westside66.net is acceptable) no later than March 16th, 2023
• Requests should reference your child’s learning style and type, not the specific teacher you wish them to have.
• If there has been a request made in a previous year that still applies, such as not placing your child with another particular student, please include this in writing to make sure we are aware of the necessary details again, for placement in the 2023-2024 school year.
Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s education. Class assignments will be mailed individually during the summer, prior to the start of school.
Kindergarten Enrollment 2023-2024
KINDERGARTEN ENROLLMENT FOR 2023-24
Kindergarten enrollment for District residents for the 2023-24 school year begins approximately Feb 1, 2023. Please check our website at westside66.org as soon as possible after Feb 1st to start your enrollment online.
- Children entering kindergarten must be 5 years old on or before July 31, 2023. Parents may wait to enroll their child(ren) in kindergarten for an additional year. However, Nebraska law requires that child(ren) who reach the age of six prior to Jan 1st of the then current school year must be enrolled in school.
- For questions about enrollment, please contact the Westside Welcome Center at 402-390-2100 or
- enrollment@westside66.net
KINDERGARTEN OPTION ENROLLMENT
If you live outside of the Westside district and have a child eligible for kindergarten in 2023-24 who has a sibling attending our schools through the Option Enrollment program, you must submit an option application for your kindergartener. The deadline to apply for Option Enrollment is 4:00 pm on March 15th.
In addition to kindergarten, you can apply for any other grade level by the same deadline, 4:00 pm on March 15th.
Option Enrollment forms can be completed using this link:
https://forms.gle/FvsmAEBqRpcePEKg9
Questions about Option Enrollment, please contact Student Services at 402-390-2107.
IN-DISTRICT TRANSFERS FOR 2023-24
Are you a District resident and would like your K-6 grade child(ren) to attend an elementary school in Westside other than the area where you live? The deadline to submit an In-District Transfer request for the upcoming school year is 4:00 pm on March 15th.
An In-District Transfer request form must also be completed for any child starting kindergarten next year who has a sibling attending an elementary school outside of their home attendance area.. The deadline to submit this request is also 4:00 pm on March 15th.
In district transfer forms can be completed using this link: https://forms.gle/EHgruZWb9MH1UBtH8
Questions about In-District Transfers, please contact Student Services at 402-390-2107.
EARLY ADMISSION FOR KINDERGARTEN
Children of District residents who wish to be tested for early entrance to kindergarten must turn 5 years old between August 1 and October 15, 2023.
For further information regarding early entrance testing, please contact Early Admissions at
402-390-3303.
ROCKBROOK PBIS SKILLS FEB. 6TH - 10TH
Each week we focus on a Social Skill and a School-Wide Expectation as a part of PBIS (Positive Behavior in School) program. Reviewing these expectations and using similar language at home can help to reinforce your child making positive choices both at school and home.
Medication at School
For you child’s safety and for the safety of others, all medication, even cough’s drops, must be kept locked in the health office, it must be in the original package. All medication, including cough drops, needs to be accompanied by a medication form signed by the parent or guardian, all prescription medication forms must be signed by the doctor. Whenever possible, medication should be administered at home.
Bundle Up...
Welcome to Rockbrook Elementary - Home of the Bulldogs
The mission of Rockbrook Elementary School, a diverse community of learners, is to foster learning by providing a quality educational experience within a secure and challenging environment.
Email: rockbrook.66@westside66.net
Website: http://rockbrook.westside66.org
Location: 2514 South 108th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Phone: 402-390-6475
Facebook: facebook.com/RockbrookElementary
Twitter: @Rockbrook66