Principal Jill MacKenzieDear families,

On behalf of our entire staff I would like to welcome you to our school (and school website)!

Every school has its own identity. The reason we at Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary come to work every day is that we love our kids and take very seriously our role in helping them get to where they are going. Some will grow up to be architects, some writers, some scientists, some will be chefs, and on it goes. With hard work, moments of joy, and our shared belief in your children — families and staff members – together we will give them the best start possible toward fulfilling their dreams.

Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary has over 500 students, K-5, from many ethnicities and walks of life, and over 80 enthusiastic staff members. About 40 percent of our students are English Language Learners and we have a Spanish Dual-Language Program (grades K, 1 & 2). We are a school with a vision for our students. We believe every one of our kids has it in him or her to grow by leaps and bounds academically, and to cultivate the habits and characteristics needed to succeed. We believe it is our job to inspire passion for learning, and to help our students develop a picture of themselves as college-bound.

You’ll experience a college-going culture in our school. College pennants, chants, and bulletin boards give students the clear message that with hard work and determination they can get to college. We talk with our kids about having a growth mindset. A growth mindset implies wanting always to improve, persisting to overcome obstacles, and celebrating each others’ successes. Growth Mindset is an AVID tenant. Becoming an AVID school (Advancement Via Individual Determination) has provided us a framework for creating more effective learners. AVID’s mission is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society. Note taking, organization, questioning, and collaboration are all things AVID is helping our students learn.

While AVID helps our students with work habits, The 6 Pillars program helps us help your students practice good character. The 6 Pillars are Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Teachers are committed to developing these dispositions with their students. These traits will serve our students well throughout school and in whatever life path they choose.

Whether your child is starting Kindergarten with us, or entering 5th grade, we understand you are sharing with us your most prized commodity. We will do our best to earn your respect. These are the things we ask of you:

  1. Get your child to school, on time, daily (except, of course, in the case of illness). It is critical to learning;
  2. Read with your child for 15 minutes nightly;
  3. See that your student completes his / her homework, and;
  4. “Take 5,” which is 5 minutes to talk about the school day each evening.

These four simple things will support your child more than you might imagine.

Thank you for entrusting us to walk alongside you on your child’s journey.

Jill MacKenzie
Principal