Friday, January 17, 2025

 

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

As we prepare for another long weekend – including Sunday’s monster showdown between the Ravens and our Bills – I find it important to reflect on the significance of Monday in my own journey. On Monday, January 20, schools will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. As the son of a Pakistani man and a Puerto Rican woman who met and married in mid-1980’s New York City, I grew up with opportunities made possible by the Civil Rights champions of United States history. As an elementary student, I remember the first several times I heard Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. 

I remember the way that speech, and the lessons about social justice and equality that my teachers led, made me feel. I spent most of my childhood in diverse school settings, but there were not many kids who fit my specific makeup. Most Januarys, I would hear (and later read) Dr. King’s speech and feel like I could do whatever I set my mind and effort to. My background didn’t matter in the face of enormous opportunity. I believe that my parents’ story may not have been possible without the commitment to the advancement of all human beings that historical giants like Dr. King championed. And, especially in a community as wonderfully diverse and accepting as Rush-Henrietta, I believe it is important for us to remember and give thanks for the greats who came before to make possible this life that we have a chance to enjoy. So much gratitude.

Next week is a short one for students. We have school on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Students will be off on Friday as teachers across the district prepare for the 2nd Semester. And then we continue the climb towards earlier sunrises and later sunsets. At Roth, we will continue our rise to excellence. 

Here are some upcoming events and reminders.

Winter Concert Series: Wow. I am so happy to have been able to experience three winter concerts led by our committed faculty, and performed by our skilled student musicians. We wrapped up the Winter Concert season with this past Monday’s 7th Grade Concert. Congratulations to all of Roth’s musicians for three fantastic shows, and thank you to our faculty: Mrs. Herman, Mrs. Mate, Mrs. Quinlan, Mr. Kazacos, and Mr. Ronan. 

Teen Night, Roller Skating Party: *This event is presented by the Henrietta Parks and Rec team. Current Rush-Henrietta 6th - 9th graders are invited to participate in a night of skating and fun at the Henrietta Rec Center from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 18. “Find your balance, and let the good times roll!” The event is free. Complete this registration form to participate.

Roth Junior High Valentine’s Dance: Tickets will be on sale for two weeks leading up to our dance from 6 - 8 p.m. on Friday, February 7. *Please note this is a different time than what I shared in last week’s E-News. Tickets are $10 per person and will be sold during student lunches from Monday, January 27 - Friday, February 7. We are looking forward to dancing the night (early evening) away. Big shout out to our Freshmen Class officers for organizing this event.

Shrek the Musical Jr: I’m excited to be entertained and impressed by our talented students as they bring Princess Fiona’s kingdom and Shrek’s swamp to Roth’s auditorium for a night of magic and laughter. Please continue reading for our show’s official announcement. 

Roth will be ogre-the-moon when Roth Junior High School students present their production of Shrek the Musical Jr. The family-friendly musical comedy follows the adventures of an ogre named Shrek who sets off on a quest to save a princess from a dragon. However, it turns out that in order to ultimately succeed, Shrek must battle an even bigger obstacle: learning how to believe in himself and open his heart to others. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, January 31, and 3 p.m. Saturday, February 1, in the Roth Junior High auditorium. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here. Thanks for all of your support! 

Student Arrival (AM) Reminder: This is specifically for families who drop off their students each morning. From 6:45 - 7:05 a.m., the bus loop should be used by school buses only. Families dropping off their students during this 20-minute window should use the designated Student Drop-off Zone, which has visible signage. We have had a number of near accidents in the bus loop due to unsafe vehicle traffic while buses are attempting to pull in and out. We are doing our best to keep our students safe in the building, and I ask that you do your part on the outside. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Upcoming Events:

• Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day (school closed): Monday, January 20
• Grading Day (no school for students): Friday, January 24
• Roth Parent Group Meeting: Monday, January 27, at 7 p.m.
• Lunar New Year (no school for students): Wednesday, January 29
• Roth Musical (Shrek the Musical Jr.): Friday, January 31 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, February 1 at 3 p.m. 
• Roth JH Dance: Friday, February 7 at 6 p.m.

Click here for previous E-News communications.

Sincerely,