Rockbrook Summer Newsletter
June - July Edition 2022
Welcome to the 2022-2023 School Year
This year will be my ninth year as the Principal at Rockbrook, and it is such a privilege to be a part of a supportive community of students, families, and teachers who work together to see that each child grows, learns, and succeeds! Whether you are a new family to Rockbrook or a returning family I hope that you will engage in the many opportunities at our school. One great way to do so is by participating in our Rockbrook Community Club (our Westside term of PTO/PTA). Whether attending our monthly meetings, participating in committees, or volunteering to help with parties and events, all families of Rockbrook students are encouraged to be a part of this group and to help support the opportunities and experiences they provide for our school and our kids.
Joining our team at Rockbrook this year we have several amazing new staff members were are pleased to introduce you to (pictures and introductions below).
Please help me welcome:
Ms. Christina Greenwald - 5th Grade
Mrs. Lindsey Jagels - 6th Grade
Ms. Debbie Sadowski - EL Teacher
Mr. Alex Steele - PE
Ms. Jasmine Butler - Day Custodian
Our Sneak-Peek Night this year is on Thursday, August 11th at 6:00pm. We look forward to welcoming families back to our school and the excitement of the start of the new school year. Be sure to join us to meet your child's teacher and see their room. Class placements will be sent out in early August ahead of Sneak Peek Night.
Sincerely,
Mr. Higginbotham, Principal
*Note: Remember for Kindergarten families you should have received a letter in the mail indicating if your child will attend the 16th and 17th, or 18th and 19th. Please call the office (402.390.6475) if you did not receive this or are uncertain and we'll be happy to help you.
Rockbrook Sneak Peek Night
Thursday, Aug 11, 2022, 06:00 PM
2514 South 108th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Classroom Assignments
As a parent of a Rockbrook student, drop off and pickup are important routines to know about. Below is a list of procedures for parking, drop off, and dismissal. Following these procedures helps to promote safety and efficiency at these busy times of day.
Breakfast Drop Off: 8:05 at the North (Main) Entrance
School Day Drop Off: Staff supervision begins at both North and South Entrances at 8:10 please do not drop off before then.
Students Entry: 8:20
Start of School Day: 8:30 (students need to be in their classroom)
Dismissal: 3:30 (3:00 on Wednesdays)
Additional Details
Please Stay in Your Car If Possible
Avoid the Crowd
After School Plans
We understand that student pickup plans may occasionally change. To ensure all students are accounted for at the end of each day we ask that families make their best attempt to use a typical mode of pickup on most days. Please take a moment to fill out the form below to indicate your child's typical dismissal plan. In the event that you need to pick your child up via a different method, we ask that a parent call the office at least 30 minutes before the end of the school day. The office will notify the student and their teacher of this change of plan.
https://forms.gle/En3ZRGo4QDx4D9rW7
Approving a Child to Go Home with Another Child's Parent:
In the event that you would like to approve your child to go home with another child's parent we need contact from both you and the other child's parent. This can be in the form of a note, email, or phone call to the office. Staff will not dismiss your child to another child's parent without prior contact, preferably to the main office so that this can be communicated to others (Classroom Teacher, Club66, etc).
Lunch at Rockbrook
Lunch Costs
For the last two school years, Westside Community Schools, given waivers and reimbursement provided by the USDA, has been able to provide breakfast and lunch to the students of the district at no charge. As we move into the upcoming school year for 2022/2023, these waivers will not be extended. Therefore the district will have to return to a traditional pre-pandemic model where students either pay full price for all meals or will have to qualify, directly or via application, for free or reduced-price meals. Costs per meal for the 2022/2023 school year are as follows:
Elementary School Meal Pricing:
Student Breakfast=$1.70
Student Lunch=$2.60
If you think you may qualify or are interested in applying for Free or Reduced Price meal benefits, you can fill out an Application for Free/Reduced Meal Benefits. Please remember that this status is always kept private and that there is no way for other students to have access to this information.
My School Bucks
To deposit money into your child’s account you may bring a check or cash to the office, or you may go to MySchoolBucks.com. We send an email to any student whose account has become overdrawn. Please check your email, spam folder and MySchoolBucks account for your child's lunch balance. We need to have negative balances at zero or positive balances. This balance carries over to the next year. Start 2022-2023 year off right for your child's lunch account.
Running Late
Please let the office know if you are running late or have a morning appointment for your child. If your child plans on eating lunch from the cafeteria that day, PLEASE call and or email your child's lunch choice before 9 am.
Joining Your Child for Lunch
If you are joining your child for lunch, and want to eat lunch from the cafeteria, then you must call before 9 am to order your lunch choice. Adult lunch is $4.25, small bills are preferable for payment and should be paid at the office.
We cannot deduct your lunch from your child’s account as our computer will not let us charge the adult price on a student account.
If you are coming and bringing a lunch, then there is NO need to call ahead, just let us know when you check-in. Guests are asked to only bring food for their own child when visiting.
Pizza Hut
Students (3rd Grade and up only) may purchase extra slices from their lunch accounts when Pizza Hut is on the menu if they have a positive balance in their account. Extra slices cost $1.20. Parents, make sure you let your child know whether or not you want them to have an extra slice. Extra slices are not included with free or reduced lunch accounts. You need to make sure your child has the $1.20 for the extra slice.
Where to Sit
Parents joining their child for lunch are welcome to sit with their child and the class when space allows. Limited seating is also available at our guests table, but parents are asked to only bring their own child if choosing to sit there.
Breakfast and Lunch Menu
https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/RockbrookElementarySchool
Monthly Newsletters
Two Parent Households
- Inform the office of your current phone number, address, and email.
- Inform the teacher you would like to receive progress reports (this may be electronic), conferences signups, and notices about school activities.
- Attend Parent-Teacher Conferences to show your child that both parents are behind him/her - acting as a team.
- Provide your child with a special folder to save school papers for you. That way, you'll see your child's finished work and teacher comments.
WE-SIDE UNIFIED Summer Opportunities
Westside App
It's never been easier to keep up to date on events in Westside and at Rockbrook. The Westside Community Schools App is available for both iPhone and Android in the App Store. Using this app allows you to follow important information for our school and district, access calendars, and links to important resources. Be sure to download it and check it out!
Fall Facilities Reservations
Rockbrook Elementary, Early Childhood, and Club66 - Safe and Welcoming Inside and Out
The safety of our students and families is our top priority at Rockbrook. The best security, however, is only as good as the practices we implement in using it. Please help us in adhering to policies regarding student Drop Off and Pick Up.
Both Early Childhood (ECC) and Club66 Policy requires that all students be checked in to these programs by an adult, by walking children into the building. As ECC and Club66 staff operate from the south end of our building, we ask that all Early Childhood and Club66 attendees enter through the south end of our building unless stair access prohibits doing so.
All exterior doors at Rockbrook will remain locked except when being monitored by Rockbrook Staff during arrival and dismissal. School age students may be dropped off starting at 8:30 a.m. and enter through either the north or south entrance. Please be aware of the times below when entrances will be locked or open and monitored.
Before 8:20 - All entrances are locked, students and families must use the buzzer to request entry.
8:20-8:30 - North and south entrances will be open and supervised by Rockbrook Staff.
8:30-3:25 (2:55 on Wednesdays) - All entrances are locked, students and families must use the buzzer to request entry.
3:25 (2:55W) - 3:45 (3:15W) - North and south entrances will be open and supervised by Rockbrook Staff.
3:45-6:00 - All entrances are locked, students and families must use the buzzer to request entry.
(Note: for evening events, and access, arrangements for entry are being coordinated through our district office. Please contact Jennifer Fox at fox.jennifer@westside66.net regarding evening access.)
If you will be dropping your child off after 8:30 you will also need to walk them in to the office and sign them in for the day. If students arrive without an adult between 8:30 and 3:30, parents will be contacted to remind you of this expectation.
When you are visiting the school, we would also remind you that all visitors must check in at the main office and get a visitor's badge. Anyone without a badge may be asked to return to the office to check in. If your child has forgotten something at home and you are quickly dropping this off, we are happy to accept this at the office and deliver items to the classroom.
Thank you for your support to keep Rockbrook Safe and Welcoming Inside and Out.
Your Partners in Education,
Mr. Garret Higginbotham, Principal & Ms. Julie Kathol, Site Director RBECC and Club66
Cell Phones and Smart Devices in School
Our expecation is that all cell phones are turned off and placed in a student's backpack while on school grounds.
In the event students need to contact their parent, calls can be made from classroom or office phones.
2022-2023 Rockbrook Staff
Dr. Higginbotham- Principal
Ms. Wilcox - Administrative Assistant
Mr. Carlson- Kindergarten
Ms. Miller- Kindergarten
Ms. Lewis-1st Grade
Ms. Whitney- 1st Grade
Ms. Kyle- 2nd Grade
Ms. Raphael- 2nd Grade
Ms. Davenport- 3rd Grade
Ms. Rice-3rd Grade
Ms. Conyers- 4th Grade
Ms. Madson- 4th Grade
Ms. Greenwald- 5th Grade
Ms. Smith- 5th Grade
Ms. Akers-6th Grade
Mrs. Jagels-6th Grade
Ms. Cramer-Brink- Learning Circles
Ms. Josten-Learning Circles
Mr. Schoneman-Learning Circles
Ms. Davis- School Psychologist
Ms. Sharkey- Speech Clinician
Ms. Safranek- Reading Coordinator
Ms. Wisniewski- Media Specialist
Ms. Henecke -Vocal Music
Mr. Steele- P.E. / Health
Ms. Sadowski - English Language
Ms. Sindt-EY Coordinator
Mr. Freeman- Instrumental Music/Band
Ms. Matheson- Instrumental Music/Strings
Ms. Brezina- ArtTeacher
Ms. Biodrowski- Educational Assistant - Kdg.
Ms. Padios-Educational Assistant - Kdg.
Ms. Mellick- Educational Assistant
Ms. Hurlbut -Educational Assistant
Ms. Seward- Health Assistant
Ms. Dickinson- Educational Assistant - Learning Circles
Ms. Johnson- Educational Assistant - Learning Circles
Ms. Carlson- Educational Assistant - Learning Circles
Ms. Preininger- Head of Building Food Service
Ms. Pineda- Food Service
Mr. Preininger- Building Services - Engineer
Ms. Butler - Building Services - Day Custodian
Mr. Dunlap- Building Services - Night Custodian
Mr. Sanchez Moran- Building Services - PT Custodian
District Approved Snacks
be safe for all students to eat. When deciding what to send, please choose from the list attached and remember the following guidelines:
Click the Images Above to Download
Annual Updates
Attention 5th Grade Students and Parents
You are invited to BE A PART OF THE MUSIC! This fall, you will have the opportunity to do what so many successful students have done before you by being a part of Band and Strings! In the first three weeks of school we will be visiting all the buildings, demonstrating the instruments, and giving students the opportunity to select an instrument of their choice. We will have a parent meeting about our program on Tuesday, August 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Westside Middle School. All are welcome to attend to learn about elementary instrumental music and meet the teachers. We are excited to introduce your child to the world of instrumental music!
The Elementary Instrumental Music Staff
Gail Carpenter-Johnson, Michael Freeman, Viktoria Matheson and Jennifer Johansen
Welcome to Rockbrook Ms. Jagels
Welcome to Rockbrook Ms. Greenwald
My name is Christina Greenwald. I have been a paraprofessional and substitute teacher for 5 years at Loveland Elementary. My love and passion for teaching led me back to school to further my education and receive a Master's in Elementary Education. My husband and I have two children and two dogs. I love traveling, reading, watching movies and sports and spending time with family and friends. I am thrilled for the opportunity to work with all the students, families and staff at Rockbrook!
Welcome to Rockbrook Mr. Steele
Hello, my name is Mr. Steele! I have been teaching PE for 6 years and come to Rockbrook and Prairie Lane from All Saints Catholic School here in Omaha. My wife Lindsey and I got married last May and live here in District 66. I am extremely excited to get to know all of the wonderful students and families of Rockbrook and Prairie Lane and I look forward to this Fall!
Welcome Mr. Steele!
Welcome to Rockbrook Ms. Sadowski
Hello, I am the EL teacher at Rockbrook Elementary. I am a Creighton
University graduate. I am a long-time teacher for Westside Community Schools. I am originally from the Hoosier state of Indiana. Omaha has been my home all of my adult life. Language and literacy interest me passionately. My work with our young people to help them become language-proficient and literate gives me great pleasure. I love the fact that we have a diverse community and that I get to be a part of it. I love learning about everybody’s culture, language, foods, history, and journey to America. I find everybody’s “story” to be unique. I look forward to learning yours!
Welcome to Rockbrook Ms. Butler
DOES YOUR FAMILY NEED ASSISTANCE?
Westside Community Schools provides clothing and food assistance through the Family Resource Center to students and their families who may need extra support. Families can contact the School Social Worker, April Anderson, by email or at 402-408-8914 to arrange a time to meet there. Additional resources can be located in the Social Work Newsletter.
We want to make sure every child has the school supplies to feel ready to start on their first day. If you family is in need of assistance for school supplies there are several options throughout the community. Many of these are currently taking donations to help stock up for the wishing to access this. If your family would either like to donate to or access these supports, further information can be found at the Salvation Army 7 Can Help Kids Back to School Backpack Program as well as by contacting the School Social Worker.
Co-President, Jessica Kaasch
Hello! I am Jessica Kaasch and excited to start my third year as the Community Club co-president. My son, Carson, will be in third grade and my daughter, Skylar, will be in Kindergarten this year. Westside Pride runs in our family as my husband, Ted, graduated from WHS in 1998 and I have been a teacher at Westside Middle School for 14 years.
Join us each month for our Rockbrook Community Club Meetings! These are typically the second Monday of the month at 6:00 pm. We need your help in making important decisions that help to support our school and community. Details and updates can be found in Dr. Higginbotham's weekly newsletters. Also, follow us on Facebook at Rockbrook Community Club.
Finally, please keep an eye out at Sneak Peek for Community Club sign-ups. We need volunteers for room parents, events, and more. We've got something for everyone, no matter your skills or schedule. Thank you so much for your support.
Enjoy the final weeks of summer!
Jessica Kaasch
Co-President, Kara Meisinger
Hello. My name is Kara Meisinger and this is my first year as Rockbrook Community Club co-president. My husband Mark and I have two boys at Rockbrook—Cade is in 5th grade and Luke is in 3rd grade. When they aren’t keeping me busy, I enjoy teaching Public Health and Wellness courses for a few local colleges. In my free time, you will often find me heading for the trail on my bike or walking our two dachshunds around the neighborhood.
I have coordinated a number of events for the school over the past few years, such as the Fun Run and Art & Pizza. I look forward to assisting the Community Club in a broader capacity this year and hope that you will attend and participate in our meetings and events. I’m excited for a busy and fun year!
Rockbrook Community Club Resources
Online Directory & Contacts App
Our Community Club uses the online Membership Toolkit (http://rockbrookcommunityclub.membershiptoolkit.com) portal to help manage information, resources, and importantly our school directory. You can register on our website, and information will be added for those that opted in during their new and returning registration process when the district releases opt-in contacts. The school is unable to share student and family contact information, so this is an important tool to help families connect.
Community Club Online and Social Media
Rockbrook is Hiring!
Medication at School
Rockbrook Recess Equipment
Student Dress Code
Students in the Westside Community Schools are expected to dress in a way that is appropriate for the school setting. Students should not dress in a manner that is dangerous to the health and safety of anyone or interferes with the learning environment or teaching process in our school. Following is a list of examples of attire that will not be considered appropriate; this list is not exclusive, and other forms of attire may be deemed by the Principal to be inappropriate for the school setting:
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Clothing that shows an inappropriate amount of bare skin or underwear (midriffs, spaghetti straps, sagging pants) or clothing that is too tight, revealing or baggy, or tops and bottoms that do not overlap or any material that is sheer or lightweight enough to be seen through, or otherwise of an appropriate size and fit so as to be revealing or drag on the ground;
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Shorts, skirts, etc. that do not extend downward as far as the student’s fingertips when the student is standing fully upright with arms relaxed at his or her side.
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Sleepwear and slippers, including pajama bottoms, blankets, and costumes, unless part of a school-sponsored activity;
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Clothing or jewelry that advertises or promotes beer, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs;
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Clothing or jewelry that could be used as a weapon (chains, spiked apparel) or that would encourage “horse-play” or that would damage property (e.g. cleats);
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Head wear including hats, caps, bandannas, hoods worn over the head, and scarves;
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Clothing or jewelry which exhibits nudity, profanity, makes sexual references, or carries lewd, indecent, or vulgar double meaning;
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Clothing or jewelry that is gang related.
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Heavy coats and jackets.
Consideration will be made for students who wear special clothing as required by religious beliefs, disability, or to convey a particularized message protected by law. Westside Community Schools’ Dress Code guidelines have been developed to create safe and productive learning environments where all students are accepted, engaged, celebrated, and have the opportunity to thrive in school. The final decision regarding attire and grooming will be made by the Principal. In the event a student is uncertain as to whether a particular item or method of grooming is consistent with the school’s guidelines, the student or student’s parent/guardian should contact the Principal for pre-approval. If school staff determine that the student does not meet dress code, the student will be asked to change.
Flip-Flops/Crocs & Recess / Gym, A Dangerous Combination
Visitors and Deliveries
To keep students focused on learning any deliveries during the day should be dropped off at the office. We have a deliveries table where families may bring items and place a note on it and we will contact your child's teacher to have them come pick this up at a convenient time.
Bus Information
Rockbrook has bus transportation available for students who live two miles or more from school. Please call Westside administration at 402-390-2107 to register for bus service or if you have any questions regarding where the bus stops are located or what time pick up and drop off times are.
CHIEF BUS COMPANY
392-2144
Student Illness
Office personnel will notify parents/guardian when a student needs to be sent home from school due to illness. Conditions requiring a student be sent home include: temperature greater than 100.0°F, vomiting, diarrhea, unexplained rashes, or on determination by the school nurse that the child’s condition prevents meaningful participation in the educational program, presents a health risk to the child or others, or that medical consultation is warranted unless the condition resolves.
Parents should complete the online Annual Information Update each year to verify that emergency daytime phone numbers are current so that parents can be reached if their child becomes ill or is injured while at school. Parents should also inform the School Nurse or Health Assistant of health-related information they feel is important for each child’s safety and success at school.
When is My Child Too Sick for School
Send me to school if...
· I have a runny nose or just a little cough but no other symptoms.
· I haven't taken any fever-reducing medicine for 24 hours and I haven't had a fever during that time.
· I haven't thrown up or had any diarrhea for 24 hours
Keep me at home if...
· I have a temperature higher than 100 degrees even after taking medicine.
· I'm throwing up or have diarrhea.
· My eyes are pink and crusty.
Call the doctor if...
· I have a temperature higher than 100 degrees for more than two days.
· I have been throwing up or have diarrhea for more than two days
· I have the sniffles for more than a week and they aren't getting better.
· I still have asthma symptoms after using my asthma medicine (and call 911 if I'm having trouble breathing after using my inhaler.)
What We Do in the Event of Weather
We are lucky in Nebraska to get to enjoy all 4 seasons. This also means that at times the weather gets in the way of our fun and plans. Below is a brief description of our procedures when the weather is not cooperating:
Cold Weather: So long as temperatures are 10° or warmer, students will be outside for recess, arrival, dismissal, safety patrol, and other outdoor activities.
Rain: When rain is heavy enough that students would get considerably wet, or when there is thunder or lightning, students will be kept inside or brought inside. In addition, if conditions have been such that fields are muddy, access to dirt and grass areas may be restricted as well as playground equipment if it is deemed too slick for safe play.
Severe Weather: If the National Weather Service issues a Thunderstorm Warning students are kept inside. In the event of a Tornado Warning, students are moved to our area of refuge at the south end of the building. Families coming to the school during this time are encouraged to take shelter with us until the warning has passed.
Don't Forget - Wednesday Dismissal @ 3:00
Students will be dismissed every Wednesday at 3:00.
Please be prompt as teachers are scheduled to leave the building each week to participate in professional learning communities.
Emotional Wellbeing
We know it is important to consider both the physical and social-emotional well-being of our students, families, and staff. We continue to be committed to providing regular instruction and support for managing thoughts and feelings.
If your child is experiencing particular difficulties (whether related to the pandemic or other life circumstances) and you would like to explore options for additional support we encourage you to contact our School Psychologist, Ms. Davis (davis.lisa@westside66.org) who can help in coordinating additional supports and resources.
Kindergarten Enrollment for District Residents
Do you live in the District and have a child who will be ready for Kindergarten this fall? Do you know of other Westside residents with children who will be ready to start school in August?
Kindergarten enrollment for 2022-23 school year begins January 24. Parents of eligible students should go to westside66.org to begin the enrollment process as early as possible on or after January 24. Students entering kindergarten for 2022-23 must be five years old by July 31, 2022. Parents may opt to hold their children out of kindergarten for an additional year. However, Nebraska state law mandates that a child who reaches six years of age prior to January 1 of the then-current school year must be enrolled in school.
If you have questions, you may call the Westside Welcome Center at 402-390-2100.
Requirements for Early Admission to Kindergarten
In accordance with Nebraska Statute 79-214, the Westside Community Schools allows for admission of children residing in the District as early entrance kindergarteners through a locally designed testing program. Children of District residents who wish to be tested for early entrance must turn five between August 1 and October 15, 2022. For further information regarding early entrance to kindergarten, please call 402-390-3303.
Notice of Non-Discrimination
Westside Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, national origin, religion, disability, age, marital/parental status, military/veteran status or any other category protected by law in its programs and activities or in admission or access to, or treatment in, hiring and employment, and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups.
The following District personnel have been designated to coordinate compliance and can address inquiries about the District’s nondiscrimination policies and procedures:
For questions or concerns by students, parents or others:
• Coordinator of Student Services/Title IX Coordinator – ABC Bldg. 909 So. 76th St. Omaha (402) 390-2100 E-mail: titleixcoordinator@westside66.net
• Director of Special Services/ADA & 504 Coordinator (disability/accommodation) ABC Bldg. 909 So. 76th St. (402) 390-2100 E-mail: ADAcoordinator@westside66.net
For questions by District employees or applicants:
• Ass’t Supt. for Human Resources/Lead Title IX Coordinator - 909 So. 76th St. Omaha, NE (402) 390-2100
Annual AHERA Notice
The Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of 1986 (AHERA) requires each public school district to annually notify parents, staff, and employee groups of its asbestos management plans. A management plan is in place for Rockbrook and is available for review either at the school building or at the Westside Service Center, 9437 J St. Omaha, NE.
This school was originally inspected in the 1980’s and re-inspected by a certified inspector every three years thereafter. The three-year re-inspection was conducted in 2018, a ceiling tile inspection in 2019, and periodic surveillance will be conducted as required. No abatement activities are currently in progress or scheduled for the 2020-2021 school year at this building.
The Designated Person responsible for managing the District’s AHERA compliance and the contact person for questions or to review a management plan is the Director of Facilities, Russ Olsen (402) 390-8331.
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