From the Principal’s Notepad

Dear Rousseau Families,

WHEW! Can it really be the end of another school year? This is the time of year when, stopping to catch our breath, it’s important to look back and reflect on all we have accomplished before setting goals and charting the course for next school year. I am incredibly inspired and couldn’t be more proud when I hear each grade-level team share their results of a year of hard work and dedication on the part of teachers and students. What we know by looking at the results is that more students at Rousseau School are achieving at higher and higher levels. How does that happen? It happens because of an intense focus on learning. It happens because teachers are clear about what we want students to know and be able to do, and because we use frequent assessment to monitor progress along the way. It happens because of strong instruction that helps students meet rigorous district and state standards, and extra time and support that’s provided if they’re not quite there yet. I believe we’re getting better and better results because teams of teachers collaborate, share, and plan and parents support school and learning at home. It’s been a very good year for learning and growing and I thank ALL, students, teachers, and parents, who do their part and more to make it happen!

We’re making progress!! Renovation will continue at full speed throughout the summer with nearly every area of the school building involved. As a result, the main office will be relocated to the far northeast corner of the building. Summer office hours will be from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The geothermal well field is complete and soon the lower playground will be sporting a new crop of beautiful green grass, ready for play in August!

In keeping with our focus on quality teaching and learning— right up to the final bell! – your help in assuring that the last week of school is safe and educational is appreciated. In anticipation of the final days, please see that your child does not bring shaving cream, silly string, markers, hair dye, body glitter, or any other nuisance items to school. I will contact parents should students bring such items or come to school dressed in a manner that might cause disruption to the learning environment. Our goal for the last week of school is a business-as-usual climate. We will continue to expect students to conduct themselves as they have all year – in a safe, respectful, responsible manner.

Our heartfelt THANKS & BEST WISHES to the following staff members who will not be returning to Rousseau School next year:

  • Mrs. Dee Reifschneider
  • Mrs. Carin Appleget
  • Mrs. Mary Gourlay
  • Mrs. Chris Grantham
  • Mrs. Jody Rudd

The following staff members will be in new assignments for next year:

  • Mrs. Kristi Schirmer – Coordinator
  • Mrs. Nancy Coren – 5th grade
  • Mrs. Shelley Mattson – 2nd grade
  • Mrs. Stephanie Schultz – 2nd grade
  • Mrs. Paula Smith – Resource (returning from a leave of absence)

Thank you, again, for your kind support and active involvement in our important work at Rousseau School – to help students LEARN at high levels, THINK interdependently, and LEAD with character. We couldn’t do it without you! This summer, keep school skills sharp by including daily time to read and write in your child’s busy schedule AND… find plenty of time to rest, relax and have fun together. Be safe! See you in August.

Warmest regards,

Sue Braun