Rockbrook Summer Newsletter
Back to School Edition
Welcome to the 2020-2021 School Year!
Dear Rockbrook Families,
Another exciting year at Rockbrook is about to begin. Though things may look and feel a little different this year, know that we are committed to providing your child with a great educational experience and to doing everything we can to support their safety, health, and wellbeing. Below is our long-awaited Summer Newsletter. Thank you for your patience as our district works to arrange the many details needed to make school happen this year.
As you've seen in your email we are coming back in a "Yellow Status" with students attending two days in person and two days online each week. Included with our newsletter are many important details your family will need to know. Please take time to review carefully and email or call if you should have any questions (higginbotham.garret@westside66.net, 402.390.6475).
Important Dates:
August 11th: Class placement will be emailed to families
August 14th: Virtual Sneak Peek - an email will be sent so families may access videos
August 18th: First day of school for families with last names A-K* and Group 1 Kindergarten
August 19th: Dismissal at 3:30 - different than a typical Wednesday has been.
August 20th: First day of school for families with last names L-Z* and Group 2 Kindergarten
August 24th & 25th: Students with last names A-K* in person, all others online
August 27th & 28th: Students with last names L-Z* in person, all others online
*(Unless alternate arrangement previously approved)
Sincerely,
Mr. Higginbotham
Rockbrook Calendar
What Does Yellow Mean?
For further details about what "Yellow" means, be sure to check out our district description
VIRTUAL Sneak-A-Peek Nights
- Sneak-A-Peek Nights at all Westside elementary schools will be VIRTUAL for the 2020/2021 school year.
- On August 14th, your family will receive an email with a link to a "FlipGrid" collection of videos from our teachers, introducing themselves to you, showing the classroom, and helping your child to become familiar with what expectations will be on their first day of school.
Extended Learning Campus Student Material Pick-up
Health and Safety
The health and safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance. In using guidance from health officials throughout the metro and beyond, as well as District Guidelines and Policies, listed are measures we have developed in order to provide a safe and healthy educational environment for our Rockbrook students and staff. To view Westside’s full pandemic plan, including the information below, please see above. More information, expectations and procedures will occur throughout each classroom at Rockbrook upon our return to school. As guidelines change, communication will be made from the District and/or the school.
Masks - Masks will be required. There will be mask breaks taken throughout the day. Masks will be required upon arrival on campus and dismissal of the school day.
Social Distancing - With the wearing of masks, students and staff will maintain social distancing in the hallways and classroom seating to the greatest extent possible.
Hand Washing & Sanitizing - Hand washing and sanitizing procedures will be taught throughout the building and will occur frequently throughout the day. Classrooms will be stocked with hand sanitizer for students and staff to use.
Plexiglass - Plexiglass will be used throughout the school, most specifically in the office area, tables in the classroom, and small group instruction tables.
Lunchroom - Students will eat lunch in the lunchroom with social distancing measures.
Specials - Specials will occur with Music and P.E. being held inside the gym or outside for instructional purposes. The gymnasium provides space great enough to provide social distancing in these two disciplines. Art and Library will travel to the classrooms.
Student Supplies - Students will use individual supplies, textbooks, and resources. Items will not be shared among the community in the classroom as well as in specials.
Water Bottles - Students should bring their own water bottles that are clearly labeled with their name. Students will fill up bottles in classroom sinks and touchless water-filling stations being installed in future weeks.
Emotional Wellbeing
In addition, this year we have expanded our curriculum, SecondStep, to include their Bullying prevention program.
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.
Back to School Supply Drives
Back 2 School Bash (Drive thru) Mission Church 3401 Patrick Avenue. August 1st 6-8PM
https://www.thisismission.org/upcoming-events/back-2-school-bash
August 1st 2-4PM One World Back-to-School Bash
https://www.oneworldomaha.org/get-involved/backtoschoolbash/
Salvation Army Backpack Distribution
Specials - Art, Music, Library, PE
As part of the District Pandemic Plan and to support our learners in school and at home, the Specials schedule has been adjusted.
- Students will have 30 minute specials daily
- Specials will be on a two week rotation ~ PE/Library will be at Rockbrook for 10 days, then Art/Music will be at Rockbrook for 10 days.
Visitors
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.
Students riding on the bus will
-Wear a mask
-Sit in an assigned seat
Bus drivers will
-Wear a mask
-Clean bus before and after routes
-Assign student seats
CHIEF BUS COMPANY
392-2144
Lunch at Rockbrook
We have a computerized meal program in operation in our district that allows parents to maintain an account for their child’s meal charges. Each student has their own account. When students go through the food line, the price of the breakfast, lunch, or any extra items such as extra pizza or extra milk is subtracted from their account. Students on free lunch may keep money in their account to pay for extra food items which are not included in the free lunch program.
Lunch Costs
The cost for a school lunch this year is $2.50 (40¢ for reduced) and $4.10 for adults. Extra milk or bottled water can be purchased for 50¢ per bottle. Breakfast is $1.60 for students (30¢ for reduced) and $2.60 for adults.
To deposit money into your child’s account you may bring a check or cash to the office, or you may go to westside.getlunchtray.com and go to District Links. We do send a letter daily 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 2020-2021 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.
Lunch Visitors - Currently Unavailable
Due to current health efforts lunch visitors will not currently be allowed.
Pizza Hut
Students 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.
Deliveries During the School Day
It happens to all of us. We forget something we needed for school or work at home. Fortunately, sometimes parents are able to drop items off for their child. To keep student focus on learning we would ask that such items be dropped off to the office. We are happy to deliver these to your child or have your child’s teacher pick them up at an appropriate time.
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. Once class placements are sent out at the beginning of August, 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/qGWwmbiwov2Br7qa7
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).
Outdoor Education 2020-21
Co-President, Jessica Kaasch
Hello! I am Jessica Kaasch and excited to serve as the Community Club co-president for the Bulldogs this year. My son, Carson, will be in first grade and my daughter, Skylar, will be in the PreSchool program 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 12 years. Though we are in unprecedented times, I am confident Emily and I can still plan some wonderful events for Rockbrook families this year.
Join us each month for our Rockbrook Community Club Meetings! These are typically the first Tuesday of the month at 6:00 pm. We need your help in making important decisions that help to support our school and community. Our first meeting will be held in the outdoor classroom on September 1st. Stay tuned for more information!
Enjoy the final weeks of summer!
Jessica Kaasch
Co-President, Emily Bailey
Hi Bulldogs! My name is Emily Bailey and I’m also excited to be part of the Community Club this year with Jessica. I have two kids - my son, Grant, will be in first grade and my daughter, Georgia, is in her final year at Rockbrook ECC. I work in advertising sales by day and love doing home projects at night. My husband and I have lived in the District since we were newlyweds over a decade ago. I’m so excited to become more involved in the Rockbrook community and I look forward to meeting many of you at our first meeting in the coming weeks!
Emily Bailey
Additional Community Club Resources
Rockbrook Community Club - Family Resources During Extended Campus Learning
To help families coordinate contacts with other school families during this difficult time the Community Club is gathering contact information for family's interested coordinating resources such as childcare, study groups, etc. Please complete the linked form if your family is interested.
Community Club Online and Social Media
Preparing Your Child for School and Wearing Masks
As you have likely seen in our Superintendent, Dr. Lucas's emails, all school-age students and staff will be wearing masks. It is important that families begin talking with their children about how to safely wear a mask, why it is important, and practice mask wearing for gradually longer periods of time. Students will be allowed socially distanced mask breaks throughout the day, but practicing ahead of time will help greatly.
Below is a link for an article that was featured in the World-Herald that may help to address any concerns families have about their child and wearing masks.
https://www.omaha.com/momaha/worried-about-your-child-wearing-a-mask-at-school-this-fall-this-omaha-pediatrician-has/article_8e7c3c12-d33c-550b-a201-fa67796f949f.htmlIn addition, through our partnership with Children's Hospital, here in Omaha, we are able to provide two helpful videos, one for younger students and one for older students to begin learning safe ways to wear and handle masks. Our current plan is to provide students a lanyard with clip to help keep track of their mask during times they are allowed to take it off.
Rockbrook Fall Field 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 to the south entrance. 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 8:20 a.m. This year students will be asked to gather at de-densified locations where staff can monitor and support a staggered entry to the building.
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.
If you will be dropping your child off after 8:35 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 8:35 and 3:30, parents will be contacted to remind you of this expectation.
Visitors & Volunteers: At this time we will not be able to allow visitors and volunteers at the school. Please know that we greatly appreciate the help and company of our visitors, but are following health recommendations to reduce the number of individuals within the school. Should public health guidelines change in the future we will let families know if visiting and volunteering becomes available.
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 once they enter the building.
In the event students need to contact their parent, calls can be made from classroom or office phones.
Students use of smart devices such as watches, fitness bands, smart headphones, etc. are handled on a case by case basis. Typically students are allowed to have these devices so long as they are not a disruption to learning or used in a way that distracts the student or others. Note: During state testing and other assessments, students may be asked to store their smart devices at the teacher's desk to ensure they are not used as part of testing.
Welcome Ms. Hillary Ibarra - New Rockbrook 6th Grade Teacher
We are excited to welcome to our team at Rockbrook 6th Grade Teacher Hillary Ibarra. Ms. Ibarra comes to us from Scottsbluff Public schools where she has worked as a 6th Grade English Language Arts Teacher.
Ms. Ibarra will be joining us for the start of the new school year and we wanted to offer a chance to introduce her. We are excited to get to know her in the coming months and for the new opportunities, she will offer our students and staff at Rockbrook. Welcome, Ms. Ibarra!
Welcome Mr. Jerod Schoneman - New Rockbrook Resource Teacher
"Thank you for the opportunity to join the Rockbrook family. I am extremely excited to be joining the team at Rockbrook Elementary. I am coming up on my fourth year of teaching. I have previously been teaching sixth grade in St. Paul. During my time in St. Paul, I had the opportunity to coach Jr. High track as well as Jr. High boys basketball. I have a really deep passion for coaching youth sports which allows me to continue my love and enjoyment of all different sports. In my free time, I enjoy golfing, hiking, and being on the lake with family and friends. I am lucky to be married to my wonderful wife, Taylor, who is also joining the Westside district as well this upcoming school year. We are extremely excited to be welcoming a baby boy this summer as we grow our family. I look forward to meeting everyone this upcoming school year."
Welcome Ms. Allison Wisniewski - New Rockbrook Library Media Specialist
Congratulations and Happy Retirement to Ms. Montgomery
2020-2021 Rockbrook Staff
Mr. Higginbotham- Principal
Ms.Veldhuis - 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. Chouinard- 5th Grade
Ms. Smith- 5th Grade
Ms. Akers-6th Grade
Ms. Ibarra-6th Grade
Ms. Cramer-Brink- Learning Circles
Ms. Josten-Learning Circles
Ms. Manzo-Learning Circles
Mr. Schoneman-Learning Circles
Ms. Davis- School Psychologist
Ms. Sharkey- Speech Clinician
Ms. Safranek- Reading Coordinator
Ms. Wisniewski - Media Specialist
Mr. Pribnow -Vocal Music
Mr. Glanzer- P.E. / Health
Ms. Sindt-EY Coordinator
Mr. Freeman- Instrumental Music/Band
Ms. Matheson- Instrumental Music/Strings
Ms.Johnson- 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
Miss Wolbach- Educational Assistant - Learning Circles
Ms. Johnson- Educational Assistant - Learning Circles
Ms. Kaufman- Educational Assistant - Learning Circles
Miss Lewis- Educational Assistant - Learning Circles
Ms. Smith- Educational Assistant - Learning Circles
Ms. Larsen- Educational Assistant - Learning Circles
Ms. - Educational Assistant - Learning Circles
Ms. Preininger- Head of Food Service
Ms. Pineda- Food Service
Mr. Preininger- Building Services - Engineer
Ms. Malone - Building Services - Day Custodian
Mr. Hamilton- Building Services - Night Custodian
Mr. Willits- 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
Note: Personal snacks for your child may include items not on this list, but are only for their consumption.
Returning Student Updates - Coming Soon - Help Us Keep You In the Know
Be sure to watch your inbox next week for our annual student updates. This is a great time to adjust phone numbers, emergency contacts and make sure you continue to receive communications from the school and district.
What if I forgot my PowerSchool account login information?
Contact Ms. Veldhuis through email or phone or you can reset your password using the “Forgot Username or Password?” link on the login page (ps.westside66.org). Please be aware that the recovery email will be sent to the email address you used to create the account, which may not be your current email address.
If you need further assistance with your account, please email powerschool.support@westside66.net or call 402-390-2100.
Medication at School
For your 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, the medication should be administered at home.
If your child has any additional health needs, please be sure to turn in the appropriate forms and action plans so we can best support your child.
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.)
Rockbrook Recess Equipment
Each grade level at Rockbrook has a set of recess equipment. Having each grade level with their own equipment encourages students to be responsible with the equipment, ensures all classes have similar access, and offers greater variety for students to play. We ask that students not bring equipment from home.
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.
Dress Expectations
In order to ensure a positive learning environment where all feel comfortable and respected, please follow the following expectations regarding student dress. We expect students to wear clothing that:
-
Is clean, safe, and in good condition.
-
Is considerate of others.
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Is free of advertisements, graphics, or language related to drugs, alcohol,
tobacco, or violence.
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Is free of sexual or disrespectful comments or graphics.
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Covers appropriately. Halter tops, bare shoulders, and short shorts are not
allowed per district dress code.
Flip-Flops & Recess / Gym, A Dangerous Combination
While flip-flops are a very cute and popular item, they present some safety challenges for our students out at recess and on gym days. If your student likes to be active at recess, please consider sending safer shoes for those recess / gym feet.
PBIS - Positive Behaviors In School...and at Home!
On our next couple of articles you’ll see our Rockbrook Elementary Behavior Matrix. Part of our mission to ensure a safe and challenging environment is teaching clear expectations for behavior. We encourage families to do the same at home. After reviewing the school expectations with your child, consider using the 3 Be’s - Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, to review home expectations. Using this common language can make it easier for kids to remember and make positive choices. Students who return the completed strip at the bottom of the home expectations poster can receive a Golden Paw for demonstrating responsibility, which makes them eligible in our first quarter assembly drawing.
Rockbrook Summer Reading and Math Challenge
Notice of Nondiscrimination
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.
Important Dates
August
August 11th: Class Lists will be emailed to families
August 14th: Virtual Sneak Peek - an email will be sent so families may access
August 18th: First day of school for families with last names A-K* and Group 1 Kindergarten
August 20th: First day of school for families with last names L-Z* and Group 2 Kindergarten
August 24th & 25th: Students with last names A-K* in person, all others online
August 27th & 28th: Students with last names L-Z* in person, all others online
*(Unless alternate arrangement previously approved)
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.
Rockbrook School Design Goal:
At Rockbrook we will increase student engagement and achievement through Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports for social, emotional, behavioral, and academic needs.
Email: veldhuis.courtney@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