May 1, 2019

Dear Students, Parents, and Friends of Theodore Roosevelt High School,

Welcome Spring!  We know April was a very busy month for testing, which creates a great deal of pressure for our students.  In the past few years, we have spent a lot of time creating a schedule and determining the best way to test all students.  We feel now that in the future we can focus more on making the testing process less intense. While state testing is going on, students are still expected to continue to learn and be accountable in their other classes.  Hopefully, our future efforts will help alleviate some stress and anxiety.

May is a time for celebration, and for many students, this month marks the beginning of many new and challenging opportunities.

On Thursday, May 2, Roosevelt will host our first E3 Signing Day of the Class of 2019!  On this day the senior class will announce their future plans by signing letters of commitment to the 3 E’s:  Employment, Enlistment, or Enrollment. This should be an exciting day for all of our students to reveal where they are headed.  We are so proud of their achievements!

We are excited to announce that Kent City Schools will be hosting the state qualifying Special Olympics meet in track at the Stanton track on Saturday, May 4.  Members of the Kent Special Olympic Team are current TRHS students including, Brendan Casey, Jacob Haggerty, Spencer Morneweck, Daniel Smolk, Michael Smolk, Nate Smolk, and Josh Spisak.  TRHS graduate team members include Bilal Alexander, Teddy Carlson, Damian Diroll, Laura Smith, Austin Starkey, and Kelly Woodward. Current Stanton students participating are Drew Camara and Brady Liske. The event begins at 9:00 a.m. with a parade of athletes led by the Roosevelt Band.  Many of our students and staff will be among the 250 volunteers needed to make this special day a success.

On Tuesday, May 7, we will be celebrating our students as we host our Scholar and Achievement Awards Program & Reception beginning at 7:00 p.m..  We recognize students with a 3.5 grade point average or above for the current school year and seniors who have received local scholarships provided by local businesses, organizations, and families associated with Roosevelt.  Over $68,000 worth of scholarships will be awarded to approximately 50 seniors. Additionally, we recognize underclassmen who are receiving awards for leadership, service, and/or activities awards/recognition. We are extremely proud of all our students, and whether or not your student is earning an award or a scholarship, this is a great and inspiring event for everyone.

On Wednesday, May 8, we will be hosting our Career and Technical Education Passport Program and Reception.  Over 160 students will be earning their passports. Many, if not all of these students, will be seeking post-secondary opportunities with the advantage of already having two years of experience in their chosen fields.   

At our final senior informational assembly a few days ago, staff members selected by the senior class officers spoke to the class.  Their messages included many meaningful and inspirational thoughts and suggestions. Students were reminded that last impressions are equally important as first impressions and to be present in the moment and enjoy it.  They were encouraged to take risks, make an effort to meet new people, and always remember to thank the people who love and support them. Our entire Roosevelt staff couldn’t be more proud of our seniors and we are excited to celebrate with them on their graduation day.

Two days after graduation, the students in grades 9-10-11 will take their final exams.  The third quarter grade is worth forty percent of the second semester grade. The fourth quarter grade is worth forty percent of the semester grade. Final exam scores are significant because they comprise twenty percent of the second semester grade.

On a concerning note, vaping/juuling has become a major issue for adolescents throughout our country.  We are worried that some of our students are already addicted, leading them down the road to an unhealthy lifestyle.  We have attached some resources that may help in understanding and dealing with this health scourge.  We are also looking at collecting data and creating a brief survey to be completed by our students so we have some baseline data for the next school year.

The month of May marks the culmination of many school activities.  There are a number of musical and vocal performances and art shows.  Spring sports participants will be preparing for postseason tournaments.  We know our students are excited and anxious for summer break but please remember how important it is to finish the academic year on a strong note.

Listed below are some important May dates:

May 2: E3 Signing Day All-School Assembly

8:16 a.m. in the TRHS Gymnasium

May 8: TRHS CTE Passport Program & Reception

9:00 a.m. in the TRHS Auditorium

May 7: TRHS Scholar and Achievement Awards Program & Reception  

7:00 p.m. in the TRHS Auditorium

May 13 Athletic Health Care Sports Physicals

5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at TRHS

May 16: TRHS Graduation Rehearsal for Seniors

11:30 a.m. at KSU MAC Center (busses depart at 11:00 a.m. from Roosevelt)

May 17: TRHS Senior Honors Assembly & Senior Slide Show

7:50 a.m. in the TRHS Auditorium

Senior Class Picnic

11:30 a.m. at Plum Creek Park

May 19: TRHS Baccalaureate and Graduation

1:00 p.m. at KSU Mac Center

May 21: Board of Education Meeting at TRHS – 7:00 p.m.

May 21-23: TRHS Final Exams (see Second Semester Exam Schedule)

May 24: Summer School Registration

11:00 a.m.    

I want to offer my sincere congratulations to our graduates and their families.  I also offer congratulations and sincere gratitude to all of our students, our faculty and staff, and our community members who have worked so hard and been so committed to making this a successful school year.  Very best wishes for a safe, happy, and fulfilling summer.

Respectfully,

Dennis A. Love

February 1, 2019

Dear Students, Parents, and Friends of Theodore Roosevelt,

As cold and dreary as January and February can be, there are still many heartening and positive events taking place at Roosevelt.  We proudly inducted seventy-five new students into the National Honor Society. Students accepted into this prestigious group must learn at high levels, exhibit leadership characteristics, serve others and be of strong character.  We appreciate that these students have been generously offering their time to provide tutoring during our early release time on Wednesdays.

Athletically, we are proud of our men’s swimming and diving team for winning the Suburban League Championship.  The senior swim captains are Haydn Swan and Nolan Jones; Drew Ferrell is the diving captain. We recognize and appreciate the hard work and time our swimmers put into their sport.

As we celebrate Black History this month, we are preparing to recreate our living museum showcasing African American History on Thursday, February 21 during the school day.   We will commemorate African American heroes whose positive influences continue to touch the lives of people everywhere.

We are excited that we have completed a full year of professional development Wednesdays.  During those sessions, we have used this valuable time to accomplish several tasks. We reflected on our mission and set goals to create a culture that focuses on promoting positive mental health for all.  During this time of collaboration and learning for the staff, we provided educational opportunities for our students. We are grateful that we have been allowed this opportunity to continue to do the hard work that will enhance our students’ high school experience.

The following are important dates for upcoming events:

Monday, Feb. 4:
ACT Seminar

Thursday, Feb. 7:
Kent City School District Strategic Planning Community Forum for
Future Planning – 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Stanton Middle School.

Thursday, Feb. 7:
Career Technical Education Conversations w/Parents
6:30 p.m.
TRHS 8th Grade Open House
7:00 p.m.

Monday, Feb. 11:
Spring Sport Parent and Athlete Preseason Meeting
7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 13:
An evening with Joe Hendershott
Roosevelt Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 14:
Interim Grade Reports Distributed

Monday, Feb. 18:
NO SCHOOL for Students/Staff
Presidents’ Day

Tuesday, Feb. 19:
Board of Education Meeting
Roosevelt – 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, Feb. 20:
ACT for Juniors at Stanton Middle School

Wednesday, Feb. 20:
Senior Class Guidance Information Assembly #2
1:30 p.m. (during the early release time)
(seniors are required to attend)

Thursday, Feb. 21:
TRHS Drama Guild Presents the Winter Musical: Peter Pan
6:00 p.m. — Thursday, February 21
7:30 p.m. — Friday & Saturday, February 22 & 23
3:00 p.m. — Sunday, February 24

Thursday, Feb. 21:
Career Technical Education applications due.

Wednesday Feb. 27:
Coffee and Conversation Community Forum for Future Planning
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Woodward Room
(2nd floor of the Kent Free Library)

Saturday, Mar. 2:
Rough Rider All Sports Boosters Night at the Races
6:00 p.m. at Roses Run Country Club

Thursday, Mar. 7:
Community Engagement Forum for Future Planning
6:00 to 7:30 p.m. – Holden gymnasium

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

Respectfully,

Dennis Love

December 3, 2018

Dear Students, Parents, and Friends of Theodore Roosevelt High School,

Join me in offering enthusiastic congratulations to seniors, Adreane Crockett, Ryan Dean, Taijanae Johnson, Josh Palmer; juniors, Chloe Alexander, Zac Common, Courtney Kenworthy, Nick Rothaermel, and sophomores, Alex Dabrowski and Tahj Truss.  These ten students were selected by our coaches to be members of the Suburban League Leadership Team. They represent our Rough Rider athletic programs within the Suburban League and the leadership team, whose purpose is to provide opportunity for student athletes to be liaisons between each member school’s athletic department and their student body.  The student athletes also share positive events and experiences at each Suburban League school with other members at leadership meetings throughout the school year. The main goal of the Suburban League Leadership Team is to concentrate and focus on the similarities of high school student athletes, no matter the school colors they wear. Their most recent meeting was held at Copley High School on December 1st, where the team welcomed Roosevelt Alumnus, Marcus Wright as their guest speaker.  The team has also volunteered at the Akron Children’s Hospital Radiothon and is currently planning their community service project for the spring of 2019.

We are also pleased with the success of the 33rd Annual TRHS Leadership Retreat and wish to commend the 2018 Planning Committee:  Bri Boykin, Claire Cardy, Kim Griggy, Brook Harvey, Jace Kohl, Celia Oswitch,Owen Pazderak, Abi Scherer, Lauren Shanley, Carlie Thompson, and Jenna Welch.  The retreat held at Camp Wanake in Beach City, Ohio, focused on leadership skills and qualities that related to the theme, “Reinvent Your Leadership-Imagine the Possibilities”!  There were 105 Roosevelt student delegates who attended, representing 36 clubs and athletic teams. Delegates had the opportunity to learn more about their leadership skills, participate in hands-on workshops and hear from keynote speakers.  Just before Thanksgiving, the delegates also participated in the annual canned food drive, a community service project to benefit Kent Social Services. This year, the students in the district collected 9238 canned goods for distribution to families in the community.

TRHS Choral Works and Chorale will present their 6th Annual Madrigal Dinner, Friday, December 7th at 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m. at Stanton Middle School. Seventy five very talented students take part in this incredible event.  If you have not ever attended a Madrigal Dinner, put it on your must- do list, you will not be disappointed.

The Art Department held its first Open Mic Night in early November.  There were approximately 20 acts ranging from students singing, playing instruments to hula hoop dancing. There were over 100 people in attendance.  Open Mic Night is a great way for many of our students and staff to show off their talents in a relaxed, informal way. We look forward to the next Open Mic Night.

During our professional development time during the month of November our staff focused on the character trait of empathy.  Attached is a plan for our November 14th professional development.  We encourage you to ask your students the questions and to watch the videos.  We also gave students a short survey and we are looking forward to seeing the results.

Do you feel you have an adult at Roosevelt High School that you trust enough to go to with personal problems or concerns?

If students answered “yes”:

How would you describe an adult that you trust?

If students answered, “No”:

What are some reasons you feel you can’t trust an adult at Roosevelt? Would you like to be connected with an adult in this building?

Preparation for semester exams should be in progress as exams are less than three weeks away.  Exam grades reflect student effort and knowledge of course content up to this point in the school year.  The first quarter grade is worth 40% of the semester grade. The second quarter grade is worth 40% of the semester grade.  Exam scores are significant because they comprise twenty percent of the first semester grade.

Students will begin the scheduling process early in the second semester.  Roosevelt High School is committed to providing relevant courses to prepare our students for success in our continuously changing society.  Students’ future schedules will be based upon various student data points, teacher/counselor/parent recommendations, and student interest. Scheduling early for the 2018/19 school year will ensure appropriate course placement.

The month of December is an extremely eventful one. The winter sports season is already underway.  Also, we look forward to the numerous, entertaining choir and band holiday performances.

Listed below are some important dates:

December 19-21: Semester Exams – Exam Schedule will be posted online

            December 24:       Winter Break – No School

            January 7:             Classes Resume

While there are many exciting events at Roosevelt, we are also aware that the holiday season can be a challenging and stressful time for many.  We will do our best to make certain that Roosevelt continues to be a warm, caring, and consistent environment for all of our students.

Warmest wishes for a very happy and safe holiday season.

Dennis Love

Principal

Please enjoy the November 2018 – Branching Out!

Oct 2, 2018

Dear Students, Parents, and Friends of Roosevelt High School,

We are so proud to offer congratulations to National Merit Semi-Finalists Mengyu Lu, Nathan Mudrak, and Abigail Pease, and National Commended Students ;  Jacob Brawley, Maya Niesz Kutsch, Owen Pazderak, and Lee Phillips.. These exceptional students are rated as top high school students across our country based on their phenomenal PSAT scores.

Congratulations to junior Joe Gavriloff, who was chosen to be a hero patient during this year’s Akron Children’s Hospital Akron Marathon Race Series Marathon, Half Marathon and Team Relay.  The following link highlights Joe’s story https://www.akronmarathon.org/joe-gavriloff/ .

Dr. Cureton, the Kent State University professor who has been working with our Early-Release Planning Committee, reminded our staff that there is a wealth of research verifying that a relationship with even just one trusted adult has a tremendous positive impact on an adolescent’s life.  The effects can be felt on foundational things such as grades, attendance, and reducing disruptive behavior. The relationship also influences specific things like math achievement and protection against suicide risk. In an effort to make a connection with every student, teachers posed two important questions to their students: What is a meaningful connection to you? What does a trusted adult look, sound, and act like to you?  The three words most often indicated in student responses were care, trust, and respect. We will all be in a great space if all of our students know we care about them, they can trust us, and we truly respect them. These traits may seem so simple to obtain, but unfortunately, many students do not have strong connections with positive adults. Attached are some links to articles we have been reviewing as a staff:

• School Connectedness
• Eight Things to Look For
• Five Easy Ways to Connect With Students
• Three Ways to get Students Connected
• Making School About Connection

In the month of October, teachers and departments will be sharing connectivity activities and strategies with one another.

A critical part of being successful at the high school level is often the ability for students to develop positive working relationships with their teachers.  Parent/Teacher Conferences will be Monday, October 22, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 29, from 5:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m., and Tuesday, November 20,  from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  To schedule your conferences, please e-mail Mrs. Harris at nharris@kentschools.net with the name of your student, the teacher you would like to meet with, and the time that works best for you.  If you are unable to e-mail Mrs. Harris, please call her at 330-676-8700.   The scheduling process will begin Tuesday, October 9.

The first grading period ends on October 11th.  On October 19th, students will receive their report cards during their first period class.  We are very hopeful that our students do well and are rewarded for their efforts. Students and parents/guardians may view grades on Progress Book.  To access Progress Book, please stop by the main office or call Mrs. Harris (330) 676-8700.

The following are important upcoming events for October:

       October 3:    College Financial Workshop at 7:00 p.m. in the T.R.H.S. Auditorium

        October 10: PSAT/NMSQT Test beginning at 7:30 a.m. T.R.H.S.

        October 11: End of the 1st Grading Period

        October 16: TRHS Winter Sports Parent and Athlete Meeting               Auditorium 7:00 p.m.

        October 19: Report Cards Distributed

       October 22: Parent Teacher Conferences 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

       October 27: ACT Test at T.R.H.S.

       October 29: Parent Teacher Conferences 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Respectfully,

Dennis Love

Notification of Rights under FERPA for Elementary and Secondary Schools

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords parents and students who are 18 years of age or older (“eligible students”) certain rights with respect to the student’s education records.  These rights are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days after the day the Kent City Schools (Roosevelt High School) receives a request for access.

Parents or eligible students should submit to the school principal [or appropriate school offi­cial] a written request that identifies the records they wish to inspect.  The school official will make arrangements for access and notify the parent or eligible student of the time and place where the records may be inspected.

2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the parent or eligible student believes are inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy rights under FERPA.

Parents or eligible students who wish to ask the Kent City School District to amend a record should write the school principal [or appropriate school official], clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it should be changed.  If the school decides not to amend the record as requested by the parent or eligible student, the school will notify the parent or eligible student of the decision and of their right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment.  Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the parent or eligible student when notified of the right to a hearing.

3. The right to provide written consent before the school discloses personally identifiable information (PII) from the student’s education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without con­sent.

One exception, which permits disclosure without consent, is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests.  A school official is a person employed by the school as an ad­ministrator, supervisor, instructor, or support staff member (including health or medical staff and law enforcement unit personnel) or a person serving on the school board.  A school official also may include a volunteer or contractor outside of the school who performs an institutional service of function for which the school would otherwise use its own employees and who is under the direct control of the school with respect to the use and maintenance of PII from education records, such as  an attorney, audi­tor, medical consultant, or therapist; a parent or student volunteering to serve on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee; or a parent, student, or other volunteer assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks.  A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an educa­tion record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.

[Optional] Upon request, the school discloses education records without consent to officials of another school district in which a student seeks or intends to enroll, or is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes of the student’s enrollment or transfer.  [NOTE:  FERPA requires a school district to make a reasonable attempt to notify the parent or student of the records re­quest unless it states in its annual notification that it intends to forward records on request.]

4. The right to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the [School] to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the Office that administers FERPA are:

Family Policy Compliance Office

U.S. Department of Education

400 Maryland Avenue, SW

Washington, DC  20202

[NOTE:  In addition, a school may want to include its directory information public notice, as required by §99.37 of the regulations, with its annual notification of rights under FERPA.]

[Optional]  See the list below of the disclosures that elementary and secondary schools may make without consent.

FERPA permits the disclosure of PII from students’ education records, without consent of the parent or eligible student, if the disclosure meets certain conditions found in §99.31 of the FERPA regulations.  Except for disclosures to school officials, disclosures related to some judicial orders or lawfully issued subpoenas, disclosures of directory information, and disclosures to the parent or eligible student, §99.32 of the FERPA regulations requires the school to record the disclosure.  Parents and eligible students have a right to inspect and review the record of disclosures.  A school may disclose PII from the education records of a student without obtaining prior written consent of the parents or the eligible student –

• To other school officials, including teachers, within the educational agency or institution whom the school has determined to have legitimate educational interests. This includes contractors, consultants, volunteers, or other parties to whom the school has outsourced institutional services or functions, provided that the conditions listed in §99.31(a)(1)(i)(B)(1) – (a)(1)(i)(B)(2) are met. (§99.31(a)(1))
• To officials of another school, school system, or institution of postsecondary education where the student seeks or intends to enroll, or where the student is already enrolled if the disclosure is for purposes related to the student’s enrollment or transfer, subject to the requirements of §99.34. (§99.31(a)(2))
• To authorized representatives of the U. S. Comptroller General, the U. S. Attorney General, the U.S. Secretary of Education, or State and local educational authorities, such as the State educational agency in the parent or eligible student’s State (SEA). Disclosures under this provision may be made, subject to the requirements of §99.35, in connection with an audit or evaluation of Federal- or State-supported education programs, or for the enforcement of or compliance with Federal legal requirements that relate to those programs.  These entities may make further disclosures of PII to outside entities that are designated by them as their authorized representatives to conduct any audit, evaluation, or enforcement or compliance activity on their behalf.  (§§99.31(a)(3) and 99.35)
• In connection with financial aid for which the student has applied or which the student has received, if the information is necessary to determine eligibility for the aid, determine the amount of the aid, determine the conditions of the aid, or enforce the terms and conditions of the aid. (§99.31(a)(4))
• To State and local officials or authorities to whom information is specifically allowed to be reported or disclosed by a State statute that concerns the juvenile justice system and the system’s ability to effectively serve, prior to adjudication, the student whose records were released, subject to §99.38. (§99.31(a)(5))
• To organizations conducting studies for, or on behalf of, the school, in order to: (a)  develop, validate, or administer predictive tests; (b)  administer student aid programs; or (c)  improve instruction.  (§99.31(a)(6))
• To accrediting organizations to carry out their accrediting functions. (§99.31(a)(7))
• To parents of an eligible student if the student is a dependent for IRS tax purposes. (§99.31(a)(8))
• To comply with a judicial order or lawfully issued subpoena. (§99.31(a)(9))
• To appropriate officials in connection with a health or safety emergency, subject to §99.36. (§99.31(a)(10)
• Information the school has designated as “directory information” under §99.37. (§99.31(a)(11))

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Model Notice for Directory Information

 The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), a Federal law, requires that Kent City Schools, with certain exceptions, obtain your written consent prior to the disclosure of personally identifiable information from your child’s education records.  However, Kent City Schools may disclose appropriately designated “directory information” without written consent, unless you have advised the District to the contrary in accordance with District procedures.  The primary purpose of directory information is to allow the Kent City School District to include this type of information from your child’s education records in certain school publications.  Examples include:

A playbill, showing your student’s role in a drama production;

• The annual yearbook;
• Honor roll or other recognition lists;
• Graduation programs; and
• Sports activity sheets, such as for wrestling, showing weight and height of team members.

Directory information, which is information that is generally not considered harmful or an invasion of privacy if released, can also be disclosed to outside organizations without a parent’s prior written consent.  Outside organizations include, but are not limited to, companies that manufacture class rings or publish yearbooks.  In addition, two federal laws require local educational agencies (LEAs) receiving assistance under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) to provide military recruiters, upon request, with the following information – names, addresses and telephone listings – unless parents have advised the LEA that they do not want their student’s information disclosed without their prior written consent. [1]

If you do not want Kent City School District to disclose directory information from your child’s education records without your prior written consent, you must notify the District in writing by [insert date].  Kent City Schools has designated the following information as directory information:  [Note: an LEA may, but does not have to, include all the information listed below.]

-Student’s name                                                          -Participation in officially

-Address                                                                            recognized activities and sports

-Telephone listing                                                       -Weight and height of members of

-Electronic mail address                                                  athletic teams

-Photograph                                                                -Degrees, honors, and awards

-Date and place of birth                                                  received

-Major field of study                                                  -The most recent educational agency or

-Dates of attendance                                                        institution attended

-Grade level                                                                -Student ID number, user ID, or other unique personal identifier used to communicate in electronic systems that cannot be used to access education records without a PIN, password, etc.  (A student’s SSN, in whole or in part, cannot be used for this purpose.)    

1] These laws are: Section 9528 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (20 U.S.C. § 7908) and

10 U.S.C. § 503(c).