< Handbook Overview

Roosevelt School District has adopted curricular resources aligned to the Arizona College and Career Readiness Standards for English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science in all grade levels. Additional supplemental resources are provided for English Language Acquisition, Physical Education, Art and Music.

All of our adopted curricular programs are available digitally, allowing students to access and engage in authentic and innovative learning through a district-assigned iPad. RSD teachers participate in professional learning communities to collaborate using data to inform instructional practices, develop instructional strategies to meet students' needs, and participate in professional development aligned with our RSD Strategic Plan.

Student report cards are issued three times during the school year at the end of each trimester. In addition, mid-term progress reports are issued midway through each trimester. Subjects are graded as follows:

4 - Advanced Level of Standards Mastery
A “4” indicates that the student is working independently on concepts and skills above grade level. Few students typically attain this level.

3 - Proficient in Grade Level Standards Mastery
A “3” demonstrates mastery and independent application of grade-level skills and concepts. A “3” is the goal for grade-level mastery and should be celebrated.

2 - Partially Proficient in Grade Level Standards Mastery
A “2” indicates that a student has not yet mastered the standards but is progressing toward achieving the skills and concepts for grade-level mastery. Additional support from teachers and family is needed.

1 - Minimally Proficient in Grade Level Standards Mastery
A “1” indicates that the student does not demonstrate an understanding of the skills and concepts expected at the grade level. Teachers and families need to intervene.

Teachers also use behavior descriptors as follows:

• Always: The student always demonstrates this behavior or quality.

• Mostly: The student almost always demonstrates this behavior or quality.

• Sometimes: The student sometimes demonstrates this behavior or quality.

• Rarely: The student rarely displays this behavior or quality.

Homework is a natural extension of the school day. It is intended to provide independent practice and build study skills. Teachers may assign homework daily. Please check with your child's teacher regarding the homework policy. Parents are encouraged to provide time and a quiet study area for their children to complete homework activities.

Most of the textbooks students use are now in digital format and accessed through the student’s district-assigned iPad. Students will be issued consumable workbooks or guided reading books for English Language Arts and Math to be used the entire school year. Librarians will keep records of the books that are checked out by students in the library. Students will be required to pay for any textbooks, workbooks and/or library books that are lost or damaged.

Each school has a Child Study Team that meets to review individual cases of students who are experiencing challenges in academics or behavior as identified by the teacher. This identified team works together with the family to develop an intervention plan to help the student achieve success.

The Roosevelt School District implements research-based models of Structured English Immersion that offer multilingual learners intensive English-language development programs to accelerate their learning, as required by Arizona Revised Statute §15-756.01.

Multilingual learners who are in the process of learning English receive coherent English Language Development instruction that includes both high-quality integrated and targeted ELD aligned with the state's English Language Proficiency Standards. The District’s ELD instruction includes:

• oral and written language instruction, including structured opportunities to develop verbal and written skills and comprehension strategies.

• access to complex language content through grade-level textbooks with appropriate support.

• parental engagement strategies.

RSD understands multilingual learners are valuable members of our education community, and all individuals at every level within our district have an active role in ensuring the success and achievement of all English Learner students attending our schools.

Roosevelt School District offers a variety of supports and services to help students with exceptionalities. We value working collaboratively with the student, family, school personnel, community, and state agencies, when applicable so that all students can make progress in our schools and programs.

All Roosevelt School District elementary schools and programs provide a continuum of services that align with the educational mission of the district to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. We honor the requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, including following procedural safeguards to protect the rights of students and their families. Working with the student and family, eligibility is determined through a formal evaluation process that uses criteria associated with specific disabilities. Within this evaluation process, families are provided information regarding their student’s eligibility.

Roosevelt School District staff convene the Individualized Education Program team for those eligible under the IDEA. Working collaboratively with parents as partners, the IEP team reviews and revises an annual plan that describes the specially designed instruction and related services to be provided to students to help them reach their annual goals.

If you believe your student may qualify for special education services, please contact your school’s office to inquire about information on the process.

Roosevelt School District offers Gifted Services for identified students. RSD screens all second-grade students annually. As a parent, if you believe your student shows advanced reasoning ability or is performing significantly above grade level, you may request that your student be tested to determine eligibility. The process begins with your child’s teacher and the school gifted coordinator.