Rockbrook Express
Rockbrook Elementary School's Monthly News | Feb 2023
!!Please Note the Updated Time for Community Club Meeting!!
Rockbrook Valentines 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.
Spring Semester 2023 Student Council Results
Jackson H.
Eliza W.
Greta F.
Robbie R.
Olivia J.
Sunny S.
Evelyn G.
Charlotte R.
Claire R.
Spring Music Concerts
Tuesday, February 7th: 3rd and 4th grade performance at 7:00pm at WMS
Tuesday, March 7th: K-2 performance at 7:00om at WMS
Thursday, March 30th: 6th grade music festival at 7:00pm at WHS
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.
STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
During the month of December the following Students showed exemplary skills in being Safe, being Respectful and being Responsible. Each received a certificate as the Student of the Month from their class and a gift certificate for a free single topping pizza from Godfather's. Way to go!
Luke M.
Evey S.
Riley Y.
Ezekiel B.
Avery F.
Kiyah J.
Idris B.
Georgia B.
Noah S.
Lainey K.
TJ S.
Finn G.
Avery T.
Dillon H.
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)
Snow Play Expectations
Winter Wear and Snow Gear
To ensure that students can both enjoy the snow and keep warm and dry once they come inside, we wanted to remind you of a few expectations for students wishing to play in the snow.
• Students need to wear proper coats, gloves, and hats. When temperatures are above 10º we will typically be going outside.
• If students wish to walk in deep snow, they will be expected to wear snow boots.
•For very deep snow or if students wish to roll and play in in the snow, students will need snow pants to ensure they stay warm and dry.
• If students wish to build with snow they must have gloves or mittens.
• When recess equipment is slick or wet, access may be restricted to promote student safety.
We appreciate your support in going over these expectations with your child. Teachers will do so as well so that students may have a fun and safe time during winter recess.
ROCKBROOK PBIS SKILLS JAN, 30TH - FEB.3RD
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.
Who Ya Gonna Call?
Please remember to call the school office at 390-6475 before 9:00 a.m. if:
- Your child will be absent from school for any reason.
- Your child will be late for school
Often times parents will tell the teacher when their children are going to be gone, but sometimes the teacher is gone as well. The office really needs to know. We would appreciate your help with this anytime you know your child will be out of school.
Also, please let the office know if you are going to be out of town and someone else will be taking care of your children. In the case of an emergency, we want to reach someone as soon as possible.
Students and Cell Phones / Smart Devices
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.
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