Roosevelt, Truman Elementary have Varied Strengths

Learn more about elementary schools in Desert Sands

21st Century Skills at Roosevelt Elementary

By Principal Daniel Martinez, Ed.D.

Roosevelt Elementary School is a learning community working together to ensure that students succeed.

At Roosevelt, students develop 21st century skills, through STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) and participate in rigorous curriculum through AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) career and college readiness pathways to ensure successful futures. Roosevelt’s dedication to improving the lives of the students is demonstrated through the school’s Healthy Schools Program, where health, nutrition, and physical activity are essential to daily routines. Roosevelt has earned national recognition, earning multiple awards including the California Green Ribbon School award, Gold with Distinction award by the USDA, and a gold award earning the title as one of America’s Healthiest Schools by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Roosevelt has an extensive STEM program focused on classroom instruction, a STEM lab and, makerspace room. Students create video games, music mixes and videos, apps, and digital projects through programs that utilize imperative, functional, logical, and object-oriented languages of  python, and javascript. Students explore STEM through multiple facets including physical education, STEM Family Night, the school garden, art and music, as well as robotics and coding classes.

Roosevelt provides enrichment opportunities and community unity for students and families through student council, PTO, Family Reading, STEM, and Math Nights, after school sports, family running teams, Snow Day, Cinco de Mayo and Harvest Festival, and music performances. Roosevelt works with W.O.W. and M.O.M. volunteers who provide academic support, pickleball lessons, and hold a warm blanket and book event for students each year.

 

Truman Elementary School: Our Distance Learning Journey 

By Principal Carol Bishop

Wednesday, August 19, 2020, was the first day of school for Truman Elementary School!

Students, parents, and staff had been eagerly awaiting this moment. The twist, no Truman Tigers/Cubs and excited families being greeted by teachers at the classroom door. Instead, “Zoom Greetings” from quiet classrooms containing one teacher and a screen full of students, now SO excited to meet their new teacher for the first time.

Two days prior to school opening, droves of parents  had passed through Truman’s parking lot safe in their cars while the principal and support staff, facemasks on, shared positive words of comfort and love while delivering large bags of work materials and devices to each and every child. Parent anxiety was high but, thanks to a daily service from the Truman Curb (still operating daily), and the GREAT directions from teachers, device concerns continue to be immediately dealt with and resolved.

Along with “Zoom” students also have “Google Classroom” and/or “SeeSaw” access depending on the grade level.  Grade level teams continue to  develop engaging rigorous lessons engaged in daily math and reading assignments as well as Social Studies, PE, Music and STEM classes.

We continue to stand together, ensuring that we keep our “Truman Family” emotionally and academically strong. Our Patriot Day Celebration included all students. Flags had been shared with families prior to September 11, proud faces lit up the screens and Lee Greenwood led us in song! Who could ask for more as together we journey through distance learning.

For more information on Desert Sands Unified School District, Theodore Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman elementary schools, click here.