It is my practice to break down the school year into five-week periods. As such, we at Roth Junior High are already out of our first five weeks. This is an excellent time to connect with your student, and ask probing questions such as: “How are you doing in each of your classes? Are you giving your best effort in each class? How are you practicing healthy study and self-care habits? How are you treating your peers? Do you feel connected to at least one adult at Roth?”

Checking in with our students lets them know that we see them, we hear them, we care about (and for) them, and we want them to succeed. It has been a smooth start to the school year at Roth. Athletics are more than midway through the fall season. Extracurricular clubs kicked off last week. This week is Spirit Week, and I am excited to celebrate Homecoming with all of our students and staff on Friday. Please continue to check in with your student. Reach out to their counselor and our leadership team if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions. I am grateful for the support and well wishes that have been shared thus far, and I remain committed to finding new ways to connect with our families.

As we begin our next five weeks, here are some upcoming events and reminders.

Student Clubs: Whether it is through athletics or extracurricular clubs, research shows that students who participate and engage in afterschool activities enjoy a more positive experience than their peers who do not. I have always encouraged club participation for all students. This afterschool time gives students and staff an opportunity to connect as social beings with similar interests. Students can sign up for clubs by emailing the advisor and/or signing up outside of their classroom. Please click on the following link for Roth Junior High’s student clubs. Click here.

Homecoming Week & Pep Assembly: Homecoming Week started on Monday, and ends with the Friday night varsity football game vs Penfield at Kleemann Field. Roth Junior High is getting in on the action and celebration this year, not only through our district-wide Spirit Week dress-up days, but also by celebrating at our very own Homecoming Pep Assembly on Friday the 11th. Students will be able to sign up for a variety of competitions versus teachers for our Pep Assembly. Students should be ready to eat, play and compete! Sign-ups are up in our grade-level halls and have been sent via a Google Form. This year, each grade will be competing to earn the Roth Junior High Spirit Stick! The class with the most points by the end of our Pep Assembly will win the Spirit Stick and bragging rights! Points will also be awarded based on participation for our Spirit Week dress-up days. I am excited to celebrate with our students and staff!

Cell Phone/Device Reminder: Students now know our expectations and policy around phones and other personal devices. Roth students should store personal devices in their lockers at the start of each school day. Students can access their devices briefly during passing time, and should wait until after the final bell before picking up these devices from their lockers. To date, families have been responsive and supportive when we reach out about student device policy violations. I ask that you continue to guide your student in responsible and limited use of their personal devices. Junior high students spend, on average, 5-7 hours on their devices each day. By requiring students to unplug during our seven-hour school day, we hope to limit the distractions these devices can cause, and to increase comfort with peer-to-peer interactions. This process has not been without coaching conversations, and we appreciate support from home.

Athletic Attendance Reminder: As I mentioned earlier, varsity football will celebrate Homecoming versus Penfield at Kleemann Field on Friday night. Please review our expectations for student spectators. Junior high students should be accompanied by an adult at JV and varsity athletic events. Because these competitions take place in the evening, it is important that an adult is present to help monitor student behavior AND to give their student a timely ride home. This is meant to be a gentle reminder that spectators should participate in good-natured, productive, and safe celebrations during our athletic competitions. 

Student Council Fall Fun Day (Friday, October 18, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.): Student Council will be selling tickets ($5 per student) next week for this excellent opportunity for students to enjoy the building after hours. There will be a selection of activities available for students to participate in. Some of the options include mat ball in the large gym, giant games, board games and a movie in the auditorium. Snacks will be provided. This event is limited to current Roth Junior High students.

Picture Retake Day (Wednesday, October 30): This is for any student who did not get their picture taken during the first visit from our photographers, or who wish to retake their photo. The specific timeframe will be shared in a future E-News.

Coffee with the Principal: This is a new opportunity for families to engage with each other, and with me. For this first offering, we will meet from 9 - 10 a.m. on Saturday, October 19. Please bring your own coffee or snack, but I will also make coffee, hot water and tea available to all who attend. This is a parent/guardian meeting. It is intended to provide an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions, and collaborate.

We are in Week 6. Students have a pretty good idea of their routine and schedule. We at Roth will do our part to share best practices for learning, positive study habits, and healthy living habits. We want our students to be successful, and to feel positive about their days with us. Please encourage your student to come to school each day prepared to learn, to give their best effort, to ask for help when needed, and to join Roth’s rise to excellence.