Principal's Message

Sunday, February 08, 2026

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

I am sharing a lot of content below. So, I’ll keep my message brief. We had a really fun Valentine’s Dance this past Friday evening. Students danced, caught up with friends, and enjoyed lots of snacks and pizza. I was especially impressed by the students who stayed after school to help set up and decorate, and by those who cleaned up after themselves (and peers) throughout the evening. We have such wonderful kids in this building, and I am grateful for these opportunities to celebrate with them. Thank you, families, for your role in keeping our pickup traffic moving smoothly and safely. Another excellent example of us all working together to take care of our kids.

News and Updates

February Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Focus: Being ready to learn doesn’t start when the first bell rings each morning – it starts with knowing yourself. This month’s SEL focus is self-awareness, and what it means to show up ready to learn. That starts with students noticing how they’re feeling, what they need, and what helps (or hurts) their focus. Some days that means extra sleep. Some days it means taking a breath before class. Some days it is simply recognizing, “Today might be a little harder – and that’s okay.” When students come to school prepared – with their materials, some rest, and a mindset that says I can try today – they give themselves a real advantage. Readiness isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being aware. Families can support this work at home by checking in on how your child is feeling, helping establish simple routines, and encouraging daily habits that make school feel manageable and possible. These small conversations and habits add up in a big way. Together, we can continue to learn (and practice) the value of self-care, so that we may better serve our community. Together, we rise.

News from the Roth JHS Library: Mrs. Leader and Ms. Thomas in the Roth Library are at it again. I hope that you have given some time to each month’s Library Smore (newsletter). They curate some pretty cool resources and activities for students to enjoy both at school and at home. Here is a sneak peek of two items from this month’s newsletter.

As we mark the 100th anniversary of Black History Month in 2026, we have an incredible opportunity to look back at the vast, global impact of Black leaders, inventors, and artists. Take a look at the BlackPast Interactive Timeline. This tool allows you to filter through centuries of history, from the ancient empires of Africa to the modern-day innovations in science and social justice. Explore the BlackPast Interactive Timeline Here. And for even more ways to celebrate Black History Month, check out this video of the top-selling African American musicians over the past decades.

Family Findings: Info for the Whole Family

Phubbing, a blend of "phone" and "snubbing," occurs when we prioritize a mobile device over the person standing right in front of us. While it often feels like a harmless "just one second" habit, frequent phubbing can erode the quality of family connections and make children feel less valued or heard. In the sensitive Junior High years, this "digital distraction" can unintentionally signal to students that their thoughts are secondary to a notification, often leading to increased social anxiety or a cycle where they mirror the same behavior back to you. By choosing to "park" our phones during key moments, we send a powerful message that the people in the room are our top priority! Click here to learn more about Phubbing and ways to manage phone usage!

Minerva Campbell Literary Contest: The Henrietta Public Library is excited to present the Minerva Campbell Writing Contest. This contest celebrates students with a talent for writing. Students can showcase their creativity by submitting an original short story, essay, or poem to the Roth Library. Submissions are due by 3 p.m. on Monday, March 2. Students should stop by the Roth Library to pick up the contest rules flyer. We can’t wait to read (and celebrate) our students’ work!

Washington, D.C. Trip Update: Though my groundhog friend out of Pennsylvania projects another six weeks of winter, spring is not too far away. And, with the coming spring, our 8th Grade Washington, D.C. trip is not too far behind. Please continue reading for an important update from advisors, Ms. Flood and Mr. Mallaber.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we finalize preparations for our upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., please take note of the following deadlines and requirements to make sure your student is cleared for travel.

Final Payment Deadline: 

The final balance for the trip is due Friday, February 27

Balance Information: Students received updated balance sheets this week that detail their remaining balances; Payment Method: Please make checks or money orders payable to Roth Junior High; Submission: Payments should be delivered directly to Mr. Mallaber or Ms. Flood

Medical Documentation:

Medical packets (printed on white paper) were distributed during lunch this week; Deadline: Please complete and return these forms by Friday, February 27; Submission: Forms may be returned to Mr. Mallaber, Ms. Flood, or Mrs. Littlefair in the nurse’s office; Medication: If your student requires medication during the trip, please refer to the specific instructional sheet included in the packet for further requirements

Behavior/Academic Good-Standing:

In January, students completed a "Run-Around" evaluation to assess their current performance regarding academic effort, assignment completion, and classroom conduct.

Satisfactory Standing: Students who received positive marks across all categories are currently cleared and do not need to take further action unless a significant issue arises; Required Improvement: Students who received "No" in any category have been advised on how to rectify these issues; these students must complete a second evaluation; Eligibility: Per our initial informational meeting, participation in the D.C. trip is contingent upon meeting basic attendance and behavioral expectations; the results of the second evaluation can/will be used to determine a student's continued eligibility for the D.C. Club and the trip itself

We encourage you to discuss these expectations with your child to ensure they remain in good standing. Thank you for your continued support in making this a successful experience for our students.

Student Council Apparel Fundraiser: I am excited to share that our Student Council is hosting an R-H Spiritwear fundraiser. This is an excellent opportunity to rock some R-H gear, and to support our student event planning. Click here to access the flyer. Sales are open from Monday, February 9, to Wednesday, March 4. Once the sale ends, we expect it will take about four to six weeks for orders to be delivered to Roth Junior High. Student Council will distribute all orders at the time of delivery. Thank you for your support!

Reminders

Revised Incomplete (INC) Grading Policy: Our revised Incomplete Grading Policy is now in effect. This policy update affects credit-bearing courses for 8th and 9th graders. For Quarter 2, students who receive an INC for any Required Course Assessment (RCA) will have 10 school days after the quarter ends – through February 13 – to complete assignments, earning the grade they receive. Students holding any Quarter 1 INCs will have until March 3 to complete the required work. All unresolved Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 INCs will change to zeros after those respective deadlines.

Looking ahead, for Quarters 3 and 4, students will have 10 school days from the date an INC is issued to work directly with their teacher to complete the assignment or RCA. An important change to note: students may no longer return to previous quarters to complete work; any exceptions will require a formal appeal to the building principal. This process is designed to help students practice accountability, responsibility, and self-advocacy – communicating with their teachers, developing a plan, and following through. We encourage families to partner with us by regularly checking grades in SchoolTool and reaching out to teachers with questions. Clear communication and timely action will help our students develop into the responsible learners that they are all capable of becoming.

Advanced Coursework: Let’s get our students excited about advanced coursework and what it can do for their future! It starts in 7th grade for math and continues all the way through high school. These courses give students a chance to level up – to challenge themselves, stretch their skills, and show what they’re capable of. Along the way, they build confidence, get a taste of college-level work, and can even earn college credits before graduation. Over time, it can save time and money too. Most importantly, it’s a chance to grow, shine, and discover just how far they can go when they step up to the next level! Click here to learn more about Advanced Coursework at Rush-Henrietta.

i-Ready Midyear Reports: Our 7th and 8th graders recently completed their midyear i-Ready benchmark assessments for Reading and Math. By assessing students using i-Ready at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year, we are able to monitor student progress and growth. We are also able to identify students who may be in need of additional academic intervention and support. This week, students will receive their individual i-Ready growth reports to bring home. These reports offer a snapshot of each student’s current Reading and Math proficiency. To learn more about i-Ready, visit the i-Ready page on our district website. Click here for a preview of the i-Ready Reading letter. Click here for a preview of the i-Ready Math letter. 

District Parent Survey: Our annual parent survey is open! This is an opportunity for parents and guardians to let us know what we are doing well, and what we can do differently. All responses are anonymous; participation is voluntary but encouraged. The survey will be open through Sunday, February 15, and is available in a number of languages. Simply choose your preferred language from the dropdown. Visit www.rhnet.org/survey2026 to participate. Because each child is unique, we ask that families complete one survey for each of their K-12 students attending school in R-H. We appreciate your time and insight!

February 2026 Lunch Menu: Click here to view our February lunch menu.

Thank you for all that you do to support Roth's rise to excellence!

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• February Break (No School): February 16 - 20
• Roth Parent Group: Monday, March 23; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Friday, February 06, 2026

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

The start of the new semester has presented students and staff several opportunities to revisit policies and expectations. Number one on both lists is respect. I ask that you make time this weekend to connect with your student/s around this specific word, concept, and philosophy. I’ve said it before and I’ll share it several more times before the year ends. When we learn to respect ourselves, we can more fully respect those about us. As much as I want students to show respect, I want them to receive respect. As much as I want students to practice respectful behavior toward others, I want them to practice respectful behavior toward themselves. It goes a long, long way. Be warm and safe this weekend.

News and Updates

Valentine’s Dance Tonight (6 - 8:30 p.m.): Tonight is our third dance of the school year. That’s right: third dance. At every stop along my educator journey, I have found joy and gratitude in providing students opportunities to celebrate, let loose, and have fun. Tickets have been on sale all week during lunches, for $10 per person. We’ll have pizza, water, and other snacks to give our students a whole lot of calories to burn off on the dance floor. 

Many of you will be happy to know that I ordered a few LED safety sashes and handheld STOP signs for tonight’s post-dance traffic flow. It’s going to be very, very cold. As such, I am going to move our students from the gym to our cafe for pickup. As I shared last week, please practice safe and common sense driving/parking habits when picking up your kid/s tonight. Please do not block the bus loop by parking and waiting. Instead, I ask that you use our parking lot if you arrive early. Let’s keep the bus loop open and available for traffic to flow, slowly. Our kids are going to have a blast this evening, and I’d very much like to send them home safely.

February Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) Focus: Being ready to learn doesn’t start when the first bell rings each morning – it starts with knowing yourself. This month’s SEL focus is self-awareness, and what it means to show up ready to learn. That starts with students noticing how they’re feeling, what they need, and what helps (or hurts) their focus. Some days that means extra sleep. Some days it means taking a breath before class. Some days it is simply recognizing, “Today might be a little harder – and that’s okay.” When students come to school prepared – with their materials, some rest, and a mindset that says I can try today – they give themselves a real advantage. Readiness isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being aware. Families can support this work at home by checking in on how your child is feeling, helping establish simple routines, and encouraging daily habits that make school feel manageable and possible. These small conversations and habits add up in a big way. Together, we can continue to learn (and practice) the value of self-care, so that we may better serve our community. Together, we rise.

Washington, D.C. Trip Update: Though my groundhog friend out of Pennsylvania projects another six weeks of winter, spring is not too far away. And, with the coming spring, our 8th Grade Washington, D.C. trip is not too far behind. Please continue reading for an important update from advisors, Ms. Flood and Mr. Mallaber.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we finalize preparations for our upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., please take note of the following deadlines and requirements to make sure your student is cleared for travel.

Final Payment Deadline: 

The final balance for the trip is due Friday, February 27

Balance Information: Students received updated balance sheets this week that detail their remaining balances; Payment Method: Please make checks or money orders payable to Roth Junior High; Submission: Payments should be delivered directly to Mr. Mallaber or Ms. Flood

Medical Documentation:

Medical packets (printed on white paper) were distributed during lunch this week; Deadline: Please complete and return these forms by Friday, February 27; Submission: Forms may be returned to Mr. Mallaber, Ms. Flood, or Mrs. Littlefair in the nurse’s office; Medication: If your student requires medication during the trip, please refer to the specific instructional sheet included in the packet for further requirements

Behavior/Academic Good-Standing:

In January, students completed a "Run-Around" evaluation to assess their current performance regarding academic effort, assignment completion, and classroom conduct.

Satisfactory Standing: Students who received positive marks across all categories are currently cleared and do not need to take further action unless a significant issue arises; Required Improvement: Students who received "No" in any category have been advised on how to rectify these issues; these students must complete a second evaluation; Eligibility: Per our initial informational meeting, participation in the D.C. trip is contingent upon meeting basic attendance and behavioral expectations; the results of the second evaluation can/will be used to determine a student's continued eligibility for the D.C. Club and the trip itself

We encourage you to discuss these expectations with your child to ensure they remain in good standing. Thank you for your continued support in making this a successful experience for our students.

Student Council Apparel Fundraiser: I am excited to share that our Student Council is hosting an R-H Spiritwear fundraiser. This is an excellent opportunity to rock some R-H gear, and to support our student event planning. Click here to access the flyer. Sales are open from Monday, February 9, to Wednesday, March 4. Once the sale ends, we expect it will take about four to six weeks for orders to be delivered to Roth Junior High. Student Council will distribute all orders at the time of delivery. Thank you for your support!

District Parent Survey: Our annual parent survey is open! This is an opportunity for parents and guardians to let us know what we are doing well, and what we can do differently. All responses are anonymous; participation is voluntary but encouraged. The survey will be open through Sunday, February 15, and is available in a number of languages. Simply choose your preferred language from the dropdown. Visit www.rhnet.org/survey2026 to participate. Because each child is unique, we ask that families complete one survey for each of their K-12 students attending school in R-H. We appreciate your time and insight!

February 2026 Lunch Menu: Click here to view our February lunch menu.

Thank you for all that you do to support Roth's rise to excellence!

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Wizard of Oz (Burger JHS Musical): 7 p.m. on Friday, February 6; 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 7
• February Valentine's Dance: Friday, February 6; 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• February Break (No School): February 16 - 20
• Roth Parent Group: Monday, March 23; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Friday, January 30, 2026

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

And hello to the second half of the school year. Like I wrote last week: twenty weeks in, twenty weeks out. The halfway point of the school year provides us all with a natural and important opportunity to reflect. For us educators: are we showing up to this important work each and every day with the belief that our students can grow into fantastic human beings? For our students: are they showing up to school and their classes prepared, on time, and ready to engage in the learning? For our families: are you being provided with enough opportunity to be our partners in your child’s education? I say reflect, because each of those questions deserves some thinking time. 

Please know that your Roth Junior High faculty and staff will continue to celebrate, support, challenge, and grow our students. We will continue to model kindness, accountability, and respect.

This weekend, so many of our students will shine on stage and backstage as they present Mary Poppins, Jr. The opening performance is at 7 p.m. tonight. We have a matinee show tomorrow at 3 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased by clicking here. I look forward to celebrating our students and staff who have put a lot of time, commitment, passion, and energy into this show. It’s going to be practically perfect in every way!

Upcoming

Valentine’s Dance Party: To celebrate the start of our new semester, students are invited to a night of fun, dancing, good music, and plenty of snacks from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 6. Tickets will be on sale during lunches next week. Tickets are $10 each. Roth JHS students are able to invite Burger JHS students. Guest permission forms are available in the Main Office. We are looking forward to dancing the night (early evening) away. Big shout out to our Freshman Class officers for organizing this event!

The Wizard of Oz (Burger JHS Musical): Let’s also celebrate and support our Burger Junior High friends as they bring Oz to Henrietta. Dorothy and her friends are off to see the wizard in this journey through Oz, where they discover the importance of friendship, courage, and believing in yourself. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, February 6, and 1 p.m. Saturday, February 7, in the Burger auditorium, 639 Erie Station Road, West Henrietta. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at rhnet.org/wizardofoz.

Reminders

After-School (Athletics, Musical, Etc.) Pickup: We have many activities running after school. Our building comes to life in a different way most afternoons from 3 p.m. on. As those activities end each evening, we have dozens upon dozens of eager drivers ready to get their children home for the night. It is my hope that you are all able to do so safely. And so I ask that we re-read the following message that I shared this time last year: 

I love witnessing so much activity at Roth after dismissal. Students travel from other buildings for athletics. Students stick around to participate in extracurricular clubs. As I have written before, I believe that schools are meant to house, educate, and support students. 

However, I have also noticed a troubling trend that I am hopeful we can work together to correct. When I leave the building around 5:45 to 6:15 p.m., I exit to dozens of vehicles waiting to pick up our students. Please note that our bus loop is not intended to function as a multi-lane roadway. Our bus loop must be single-lane only to ensure student safety. On more than one occasion, I have seen unsafe driving behavior in this loop, and I am asking our families to wait in the parking lot if you notice that there is no additional space in our single-lane bus loop. 

Additionally, I have observed traffic backed all the way down to East Henrietta Road. As a resident of this community, I worry about the traffic safety that we may be disrupting. If the bus loop single-lane traffic does not have space for additional vehicles, please wait in the parking lot. The goal of this specific request is to ensure student (and family) safety. Thank you in advance for your cooperation as we continue to identify areas to improve at Roth Junior High.

Academic Honors: Teachers spent today submitting grades for the second marking period. In the next few weeks, students will be checking our Academic Honors display case outside of the Counseling Suite to see if they have earned one of the three designations. As a reminder, students can earn their place on one of three Academic Honors lists: High Honor Roll; Honor Roll; and, Honorable Mention. Each designation is a formal acknowledgement of the effort and energy put into academics. Here are the criteria for each:

• High Honor Roll: GPA of 94.45% - 100.00% 
• Honor Roll: GPA of 89.45% - 94.44% 
• Honorable Mention: GPA of 84.45% - 89.44% 

GPA (Grade Point Average) is the mathematical average of each student’s grades. To be eligible for Academic Honors, students need to have no failing grades or incompletes (INC). Again, this a timely reminder for families to check SchoolTool on a regular basis.

Revised Incomplete Grading Policy: This is an important update to our Incomplete Grading Policy. This policy change affects credit-bearing courses for 8th and 9th graders. For Quarter 2, students who receive an INC will have 10 school days after the quarter ends – through February 13 – to complete any incomplete assignments or Required Assessments (RCAs), earning the grade they receive. Students holding a Quarter 1 INC will have until March 3 to complete the required work.

Looking ahead, for Quarters 3 and 4, students will have 10 school days from the date an INC is issued to work directly with their teacher to complete the assignment or RCA. An important change to note: students may no longer return to previous quarters to complete work; any exceptions will require a formal appeal to the building principal. This process is designed to help students practice accountability, responsibility, and self-advocacy – communicating with their teachers, developing a plan, and following through. We encourage families to partner with us by regularly checking grades in SchoolTool and reaching out to teachers with questions. Clear communication and timely action will help our students develop into the responsible learners that they are all capable of becoming.

Advanced Coursework: Let’s get our students excited about advanced coursework and what it can do for their future! It starts in 7th grade for math and continues all the way through high school. These courses give students a chance to level up – to challenge themselves, stretch their skills, and show what they’re capable of. Along the way, they build confidence, get a taste of college-level work, and can even earn college credits before graduation. Over time, it can save time and money too. Most importantly, it’s a chance to grow, shine, and discover just how far they can go when they step up to the next level! Click here to learn more about Advanced Coursework at Rush-Henrietta.

i-Ready Midyear Reports: Our 7th and 8th graders recently completed their midyear i-Ready benchmark assessments for Reading and Math. By assessing students using i-Ready at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year, we are able to monitor student progress and growth. We are also able to identify students who may be in need of additional academic intervention and support. 

During the next two weeks, we will be sending home individual i-Ready growth reports to give families a snapshot of their child’s Reading and Math proficiency. To learn more about i-Ready, visit the i-Ready page on our district website. Click here for a preview of the i-Ready Reading letter. Click here for a preview of the i-Ready Math letter. 

February 2026 Lunch Menu: Click here to view our February lunch menu.

Thank you for all that you do to support Roth's rise to excellence!

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Mary Poppins, Jr. (Roth JHS Musical): 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30; 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 31
• Wizard of Oz (Burger JHS Musical): 7 p.m. on Friday, February 6; 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 7
• February Valentine's Dance: Friday, February 6; 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• February Break (No School): February 16 - 20

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Friday, January 23, 2026

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

We are days away from the halfway point of our school year. 20 weeks in. 20 weeks out. For our 9th graders, this is the home stretch of their Roth Junior High School experience. For our 7th and 8th graders, this is another two-marking-period run to develop the behaviors, habits, and characteristics that result in successful communion with self and others. One of the things that I enjoy most about working in schools is the activity. From the moment I step out of my car in the parking lot, to the moment I finally shut my laptop screen and head home, my mind is moving – sometimes at a mile a minute. My body is moving. My energy is high, and I'm so grateful for what I get to experience. I get to experience being a part of teaching and learning. I get to experience being a part of humans interacting with kindness, compassion, integrity, and a willingness to grow in response to feedback. Humans being, not just humans doing.

Today, we held a 7th grade assembly focused on “The Power of No.” We talked about being upstanders instead of bystanders. Standing up for what we believe in. Standing up for what we know is right. Standing up for others when they are not able to stand up for themselves. We talked about respect and kindness as non-negotiables for the community we hope to continue to build at Roth Junior High School. Our 7th graders did a great job.

 

They participated. They were engaged. They had fun. They cheered each other on. They listened when it was time to listen. And they celebrated when it was time to celebrate. As we wrap up the first semester of the 2025-2026 school year, I want to pause and celebrate our students; our faculty and staff; and our families. Together, we continue to grow. Not just as learners. Not just as a school community. But as human beings. Practicing every day how to show up for ourselves, and for one another.

Updates

Revised Incomplete Grading Policy: This is an important update to our Incomplete Grading Policy. This policy change affects credit-bearing courses for 8th and 9th graders. For Quarter 2, students who receive an INC will have 10 school days after the quarter ends – through February 13 – to complete any incomplete assignments or Required Assessments (RCAs), earning the grade they receive. Students holding a Quarter 1 INC will have until March 3 to complete the required work.

Looking ahead, for Quarters 3 and 4, students will have 10 school days from the date an INC is issued to work directly with their teacher to complete the assignment or RCA. An important change to note: students may no longer return to previous quarters to complete work; any exceptions will require a formal appeal to the building principal. This process is designed to help students practice accountability, responsibility, and self-advocacy – communicating with their teachers, developing a plan, and following through. We encourage families to partner with us by regularly checking grades in SchoolTool and reaching out to teachers with questions. Clear communication and timely action will help our students develop into the responsible learners that they are all capable of becoming.

Advanced Coursework: Let’s get our students excited about advanced coursework and what it can do for their future! It starts in 7th grade for math and continues all the way through high school. These courses give students a chance to level up – to challenge themselves, stretch their skills, and show what they’re capable of. Along the way, they build confidence, get a taste of college-level work, and can even earn college credits before graduation. Over time, it can save time and money too. Most importantly, it’s a chance to grow, shine, and discover just how far they can go when they step up to the next level! Click here to learn more about Advanced Coursework at Rush-Henrietta.

Reminders

Academic Honors: We’re in the last week of the second marking period, and students will be checking our Academic Honors display case outside of the Counseling Suite in the next several weeks to see if they have earned one of the three designations. As a reminder, students can earn their place on one of three Academic Honors lists: High Honor Roll; Honor Roll; and, Honorable Mention. Each designation is a formal acknowledgement of the effort and energy put into academics. Here are the criteria for each:

• High Honor Roll: GPA of 94.45% - 100.00% 
• Honor Roll: GPA of 89.45% - 94.44% 
• Honorable Mention: GPA of 84.45% - 89.44% 

GPA (Grade Point Average) is the mathematical average of each student’s grades. To be eligible for Academic Honors, students need to have no failing grades or incompletes (INC). Again, this a timely reminder for families to check SchoolTool on a regular basis.

Mary Poppins Jr. (Roth JHS Musical): Please join us for this year’s musical, Mary Poppins, Jr. Our talented students have been hard at work rehearsing, building the set, and arranging props for the past two months. Join us for an evening (and afternoon) of music, magic, and high-flying fun as this beloved story comes to life on stage. 

Our students have worked incredibly hard, and we can’t wait to share their creativity and energy with our school community. The opening performance is at 7 p.m. Friday, January 30. The afternoon performance is at 3 p.m Saturday, January 31. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here. It’s going to be practically perfect in every way! 

 

The Wizard of Oz (Burger JHS Musical): Let’s also celebrate and support our Burger Junior High friends as they bring Oz to Henrietta. Dorothy and her friends are off to see the wizard in this journey through Oz, where they discover the importance of friendship, courage, and believing in yourself. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, February 6, and 1 p.m. Saturday, February 7, in the Burger auditorium, 639 Erie Station Road, West Henrietta. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at rhnet.org/wizardofoz.

Valentine’s Dance Party: To celebrate the start of our new semester, students are invited to a night of fun, dancing, good music, and plenty of snacks from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday, February 6. Tickets will be on sale during lunches the week leading up to the event. Tickets are $10 each. Roth JHS students are able to invite Burger JHS students. Guest permission forms are available in the main office. We are looking forward to dancing the night (early evening) away. Big shout out to our Freshman Class officers for organizing this event!

January 2026 Lunch Menu: Click here to view our January lunch menu.

Thank you for all that you do to support Roth's rise to excellence!

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Grading Day (No School): Friday, January 30
• Mary Poppins, Jr. (Roth JHS Musical): 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30; 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 31
• Wizard of Oz (Burger JHS Musical): 7 p.m. on Friday, February 6; 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 7
• February Valentine's Dance: Friday, February 6; 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• February Break (No School): February 16 - 20

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Friday, January 16, 2026

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

I choose to believe that deep within us all – the adults who work in and out of schools – is a much younger version of ourselves. Some popular texts would pinpoint that exact version as our eight-year-old selves. Whatever the age, I get the feeling. When the forecast predicts snow, especially during the overnight. That feeling of anticipation, hope, and excitement. As much as I truly love the work that I am so grateful to be part of with, for, and by our students – I also very much enjoy an old-fashioned snow day. 

However you spent yesterday – at home with our kids; at your own place of work; shoveling; snowblowing; resting; trying to keep warm; catching up on chores or projects – I hope that you were able to experience at least some of that eight-year-old-inside-of-you joy. 

Please continue reading for some important reminders and upcoming events. Our second marking period ends in two weeks. For students in half-year classes, there will be some schedule changes. Please continue to check SchoolTool regularly, and if you have any questions related to a specific course, email that teacher directly. I value your partnership, support, and feedback. Enjoy the weekend.

An Important Message from Senior High School Principal Allen: The incident referenced in this message involved Roth Junior High students. Please take Principal Allen's message to heart, as we truly want our students to practice safe behavior on and off Roth Junior High's campus.

Hi Family, We are aware of a video circulating in our community involving an incident that occurred in the high school locker room after the school day ended on Wednesday. We are investigating the matter and taking it seriously. As we move forward, we ask that everyone be mindful of privacy and the very real impact of social anxiety. Discussing, sharing, reposting, or encouraging further action related to this video is a violation of our Code of Conduct, and students may face consequences for engaging in those behaviors.

Please keep in mind how challenging it can be to be a student today. Words, posts, and actions, even when intended casually, can significantly impact the well-being of others. We ask our community to choose empathy – today and always – and not contribute to the stress or anxiety of others. Thank you for your partnership and care for our students.

Attendance Reminder: I’d like to continue to encourage families to contact our team if you are experiencing challenges or barriers to on-time daily attendance. It does take a village, and we have so many willing and able villagers at Roth who want to work with all of our students. To date, we have nearly 100 students who have missed 10% or more of the school year. While I recognize that many of those absences are for legitimate reasons, I believe that there are perhaps as many (maybe more) that could be prevented with a reimagined home-school partnership. Please trust that we want all of our students to both know and feel that they belong here. 

Here is what I wrote a few weeks ago:

Morning announcements start at 7:25 a.m. each morning. It is important for students to be in their first period class before the announcements, as teachers get right into instruction as soon as we sign off. Especially as we consider opportunities to make positive changes in our habits and school community, I ask that we work together to get our students to school on time each morning. Our school buses drop students off with plenty of time to eat breakfast, socialize with peers, connect with adults, and get mentally prepared for the school day. To our families who elect to provide their own transportation, let’s work together to give your students that same opportunity. If there are barriers to on-time school attendance that our school team can help address, please give us the opportunity to do so. Together, let’s get our students to show up, on time, ready to put in the work. Thank you.

Our school counselors and social workers are fantastic at their jobs. Feel free to contact any member of our team if you have questions, ideas, or concerns about your child’s attendance. 

• Patricia Prinzi (pprinzi@rhnet.org), 7th Grade Counselor
• Rozetta LaPlaca (rlaplaca@rhnet.org), 8th Grade Counselor
• Robin Hernandez (rhernandez@rhnet.org), 9th Grade Counselor
• Melissa Sewruk (msewruk@rhnet.org), Social Worker
• Patrick Maney (pmaney@rhnet.org), Social Worker

Peer Mediation Opportunity: Roth Junior High is excited to introduce our new Peer Mediation Program, which encourages students to support one another in resolving minor conflicts in a respectful and constructive way. Interested student mediators in 9th grade have gone through multiple days of training in conflict resolution, active listening, problem-solving, managing emotions, and self-awareness. They are ready to help their peers move forward after minor disagreements.  

Peer mediation is voluntary, confidential, and supported by staff. It teaches students valuable skills such as communication, empathy, and accountability. This program is one of the ways we are fostering a positive, supportive school environment in which students learn to work through challenges together. If you believe your child could benefit from this opportunity, please encourage them to speak with an assistant principal or a member of our mental health team to learn more about participating.

Backpack and Device Reminder: It has been wonderful to welcome our students back from the very long Winter Recess, and to gently guide them back into peak school motivation and behavior. As a reminder, students should store their backpacks and devices (phones, wireless earbuds/headphones, etc.) in their lockers before first period each morning. Smaller bags (such as drawstring bags, messenger bags, and carrying totes) are acceptable. I am so happy to share that the vast majority of our students have adapted to these new expectations. I see students carrying books and binders and walking with urgency to their next class – even after visiting their lockers to drop off and pick up supplies. Please continue to encourage our students to follow school expectations, and to respond appropriately to any adult attempt to remind or reinforce said expectations. 

Course Selection Meeting/s Update: Our counselors are in the thick of course selection meetings with 7th, 8th and 9th graders. As I mentioned during last week’s Parent Group meeting, there are many moving pieces that come together to craft our building schedule, and each individual student’s schedule. I aim to do a better job this coming fall at communicating the need-to-knows of the course selection process for Roth JHS students and families. Here is the message I shared earlier this week regarding last week’s presentation. 

Thank you to all who joined, participated in, and spread the word about this past Monday’s Parent Group meeting. We had a great in-person and online audience. Click here for the slidedeck I used during the presentation. I do need to clarify two points that I was incorrect in sharing. First, Teenage Brain – though available to 8th and 9th graders for 0.5 credit – does not count as the required 0.5 Health credit toward graduation. To clarify, students do not exit Roth JHS with their 0.5 Health requirement satisfied – they must fulfill that requirement at the Senior High School. Second, I incorrectly stated that the Senior High School does not offer any sections of Earth and Space Science, or Biology. The SHS does indeed offer one section of each; however, seats are typically reserved for students new to R-H or with extremely specialized circumstances. As I have shared in the past, I want to be honest, transparent, and reflective. That includes when I make a mistake. I’m still editing the Google Meet recording, to make it easier to view. I hope to share that soon. 

News from the Roth Library: Thank you, to Mrs. Leader and Ms. Thomas. These two dedicated Roth staff prepare and deliver fantastic library experiences for our students to enjoy on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis. Click here to enjoy Roth Library’s January 2026 Smore. Here is a sampling of their message of hope regarding Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 19) honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the Civil Rights Movement who worked to end racial injustice through peaceful protest and powerful words. Dr. King believed in equality, fairness, and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. This day also serves as a National Day of Service, encouraging people to help their communities and make a positive difference. By learning about Dr. King’s life and message, we are reminded that our words and actions matter and that everyone can play a role in creating a more just and inclusive world.

Roth JHS Production of Mary Poppins, Jr.: Please join us for this year’s musical, Mary Poppins, Jr. Our talented students have been hard at work rehearsing, building the set, and arranging props for the past two months. Join us for an evening (and afternoon) of music, magic, and high-flying fun as this beloved story comes to life on stage. 

Our students have worked incredibly hard, and we can’t wait to share their creativity and energy with our school community. The opening performance is at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30. The afternoon performance is at 3 p.m on Saturday, January 31. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here. It’s going to be practically perfect in every way! 

The Wizard of Oz (Burger JHS Musical): Let’s also celebrate and support our Burger Junior High friends as they bring Oz to Henrietta. Dorothy and her friends are off to see the wizard in this journey through Oz, where they discover the importance of friendship, courage, and believing in yourself. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday, February 6, and 1 p.m. Saturday, February 7, in the Burger auditorium, 639 Erie Station Road, West Henrietta. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at rhnet.org/wizardofoz.

January 2026 Lunch Menu: Click here to view our January lunch menu.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School): Monday, January 19
• Grading Day (No School): Friday, January 30
• Mary Poppins, Jr. (Roth JHS Musical): 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30; 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 31
• Wizard of Oz (Burger JHS Musical): 7 p.m. on Friday, February 6; 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 7
• February Valentine's Dance: Friday, February 6; 6:30 - 8 p.m.
• February Break (No School): February 16 - 20

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Sunday, January 11, 2026

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

When our building is full of students and staff, I am in my element. I thoroughly enjoy greeting our kids most mornings and throughout the school day. I notice when someone is missing. Especially as we returned after a two-week recess, there were a lot of students that I didn’t get a chance to connect with. For those that did attend, I’ll find them early this week. For those who still haven’t emerged from the Winter Recess hibernation: I hope to see their smiling faces this week. 

The adjustment period that follows an extended break is expected. I am open and honest with students about my own transition: I need a little extra sleep and coffee to help me bring the energy those first few days back. As we wrap up this weekend, I ask that you take some time to check in with our students. Maybe consider using questions/prompts such as: 

• What were some of the challenges you experienced getting back into the school routine?
• After a full week, what is one thing that you missed about school?
• Are you showing up to school and each of your classes on time, prepared, and ready to learn?
• What is something positive that someone did for you – or that you did for someone else – this week?

I practice regular check-ins, frequent reflection, and as-needed adjustments when it comes to personal growth. I believe our students deserve the same. As always, please feel free to call or email me directly if you have any questions, comments or concerns stemming from our first full week of the 2026 calendar year. I am grateful for your partnership, support, and feedback. 

Upcoming and Reminders

Course Selection (2026-2027) Presentation: Thank you to all who joined, participated in, and spread the word about this past Monday’s Parent Group meeting. We had a great in-person and online audience. Click here for the slidedeck I used during the presentation. I do need to clarify two points that I was incorrect in sharing. First, Teenage Brain – though available to 8th and 9th graders for 0.5 credit – does not count as the required 0.5 Health credit toward graduation. To clarify, students do not exit Roth JHS with their 0.5 Health requirement satisfied – they must fulfill that requirement at the Senior High School. Second, I incorrectly stated that the Senior High School does not offer any sections of Earth and Space Science, or Biology. The SHS does indeed offer one section of each; however, seats are typically reserved for students new to R-H or with extremely specialized circumstances. As I have shared in the past, I want to be honest, transparent, and reflective. That includes when I make a mistake. I’m still editing the Google Meet recording, to make it easier to view. I hope to share that next week. 

January Social-Emotional Learning (SEL): Happy New Year Roth families and friends! With the new year and new month, our SEL focus for January is responsible decision-making. This focus is meant to help students make safe, respectful, and thoughtful choices. Being responsible means thinking about how our actions affect ourselves and others, from completing assignments on time to treating classmates kindly. When students practice responsible decision-making, they help contribute to a positive school community. Students, when possible, select one choice or action you made to reflect on each week; and, families, take a few minutes to talk about the choices/actions your students made and what can be learned from each. We are responsible to and for ourselves – and, we have the great opportunity to lift up those around us by the decisions we make and the actions we take. Together, we can. 

Winter Concert Series, Final Show: Last call for the final show in our Winter Concert Series. Please join us on Monday, January 12, for our 7th Grade Winter Concert. The show starts at 7 p.m. with orchestra, followed by chorus and band. I’m repeating the following information, because it has really helped us show our performers the respect, support, and gratitude they deserve when they’re up on stage. And, because this may be the first Roth JHS concert for many of our 7th-grade families.

If you arrive in the middle of a piece/song, we will ask that you enjoy the livestream in our large conference room. We’ll get you into the auditorium as soon as that piece/song ends. Families, please continue to practice safe driving and parking behavior prior to (and after) Roth events. We have so many family members and friends who show up to cheer our kids on, and I’d like every single one of you to return to your respective homes safely. Programs will be available and our auditorium doors will be propped open right up to our introductory remarks. Let’s please remember that we strive to provide our performers with an environment that respects the work and effort that they have put into this event. As a courtesy to our faculty and student performers, we ask that guests silence their cell phones for the duration of each concert, and that guests wait until a natural break occurs in between performing groups to enter/exit the auditorium. Let’s celebrate our student performers like the professionals we know they can become. 

As a reminder, Rush-Henrietta is livestreaming all concerts. So, if you or a family member are unable to attend, you can enjoy the performances online. Concerts will be available for livestreaming by visiting www.rhnet.org/concert.

News from the Roth Library: Thank you, to Mrs. Leader and Ms. Thomas. These two dedicated Roth staff prepare and deliver fantastic library experiences for our students to enjoy on a monthly, weekly, and daily basis. Click here to enjoy Roth Library’s January 2026 Smore. Here’s a sneak peek of their tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day (Monday, January 19) honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader of the Civil Rights Movement who worked to end racial injustice through peaceful protest and powerful words. Dr. King believed in equality, fairness, and standing up for what is right, even when it is difficult. This day also serves as a National Day of Service, encouraging people to help their communities and make a positive difference. By learning about Dr. King’s life and message, we are reminded that our words and actions matter and that everyone can play a role in creating a more just and inclusive world.

Roth JHS Production of Mary Poppins, Jr.: Please join us for this year’s musical, Mary Poppins, Jr. Our talented students have been hard at work rehearsing, building the set, and arranging props for the past two months. Join us for an evening (and afternoon) of music, magic, and high-flying fun as this beloved story comes to life on stage. 

Our students have worked incredibly hard, and we can’t wait to share their creativity and energy with our school community. The opening performance is at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30. The afternoon performance is at 3 p.m on Saturday, January 31. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased here. It’s going to be practically perfect in every way! 

January 2026 Lunch Menu: Click here to view our January lunch menu.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Winter Concert (Grade 7 Orchestra, Chorus, Band): Monday, January 12; 7 p.m.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School): Monday, January 19
• Grading Day (No School): Friday, January 30
• Mary Poppins, Jr. (Roth JHS Musical): 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30; 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 31
• February Valentine's Dance: Friday, February 6; 6:30-8 p.m.
• February Break (No School): February 16 - 20

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Sunday, January 04, 2026

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

This is a resend of my E-News from earlier this week, just in case you missed it. I hope to see many of you for tomorrow evening's Parent Group meeting. -OH

In just a few short days, we will put a bow on 2025, and start a new year. Together. As I shared a few weeks ago, this time of year is prime time for reviewing the past 12 months, making resolutions for the months ahead, and setting personal goals. Our life circumstances certainly vary from household to household, family to family. As such, our annual reviews, resolutions, and goals will differ. And, I believe that we can intentionally weave a common thread through all of our hopes, plans, and expectations for the year ahead: kindness. 

Let’s make it a habit to practice kindness, in all of our affairs. Let’s be kind to each other. Let’s teach our kids to be kind to one another. Let’s be kind to ourselves. Let’s teach our kids to do the same. Together, we can contribute to improving the life circumstances of our fellows – in classrooms, offices, grocery stores, parking lots, and our community-at-large – by practicing kindness. At Roth Junior High, we see signs and hear sayings around Roth Rising. Let’s continue this rise, together, one kind word and one kind deed at a time. 

I am grateful to have spent 2025 by your side; and, I am grateful that I get to repay that trust in daily acts of kindness with, by, and for your kids. Happy New Year.

Reminders

Course Selection Parent/Guardian Presentation: Please join me at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, for our next Parent Group meeting. I will walk you through the course selection and student scheduling process, so that you have a better understanding of what our counselors will be sharing in the weeks ahead. Hard to believe, but by mid-March, we’ll already be looking at course requests, staffing, and the building schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.

This will be a hybrid meeting. You can join virtually by clicking here at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5.

Here is what I have written about this topic in previous E-News: Our wonderful counselors have started classroom presentations to share electives and courses we have to offer at Roth Junior High. The next phase of the process is the release of a Course Request Form to all students late next week. Families, I ask that you please take time to read through the Course Request Form with your student, as there are a number of questions that can be answered by just walking through the process. Families, I also ask that you please join our next Roth Parent Group meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, January 5. I will share much more about this process at that time. 

And, just to continue the transparency of this process: our school counselors are committed to getting students into the maximum number of courses requested each school year. There will likely continue to be schedule constraints and restrictions; however, it is not too early to be thinking about next year’s selections. Click here for our at-a-glance course guide for the 2026-2027 school year.

Winter Concert Series, Final Show: Please join us on Monday, January 12, 2026, for our final performance of the Winter Concert Series. Our 8th and 9th grade performers were wonderful to listen to and support in December. Now, our 7th graders are ready to showcase their talents with families and friends. The show starts at 7 p.m. with orchestra, followed by chorus and band. I’m repeating the following information, because it has really helped us show our performers the respect, support, and gratitude that they deserve when they’re up on stage. And, because this may be the first Roth JHS concert for many of our 7th-grade families.

If you arrive in the middle of a piece/song, we will ask that you enjoy the livestream in our large conference room. We’ll get you into the auditorium as soon as that piece/song ends. Families, please continue to practice safe driving and parking behavior prior to (and after) Roth events. We have so many family members and friends who show up to cheer our kids on, and I’d like every single one of you to return to your respective homes safely. Programs will be available and our auditorium doors will be propped open right up to our introductory remarks. Let’s please remember that we strive to provide our performers with an environment that respects the work and effort that they have put in this event. As a courtesy to our faculty and student performers, we ask that guests silence their cell phones for the duration of each concert, and that guests wait until a natural break occurs in between performing groups to enter/exit the auditorium. Let’s celebrate our student performers like the professionals we know they can become. 

As a reminder, Rush-Henrietta is livestreaming all concerts. So, if you or a family member are unable to attend, you can enjoy the performances online. Concerts will be available for livestreaming by visiting www.rhnet.org/concert.

You Belong Here, We Want You Here: Especially as we prepare to return after a two-week recess, I would like to revisit what I recently wrote about attendance. One of the best parts of my every day is greeting (most of) our students with a fist bump, nod, smile, and “Have a great day!” I know that my energy is a lot for some students to handle at 6:45 a.m., and I genuinely do get so excited each morning as my music plays and students enter the building. Together, let’s continue to get all of our students to school on time. Here is what I wrote a few weeks ago:

Morning announcements start at 7:25 a.m. each morning. It is important for students to be in their first period class before the announcements, as teachers get right into instruction as soon as we sign off. Especially as we consider opportunities to make positive changes in our habits and school community, I ask that we work together to get our students to school on time each morning. Our school buses drop students off with plenty of time to eat breakfast, socialize with peers, connect with adults, and get mentally prepared for the school day. To our families who elect to provide their own transportation, let’s work together to give your students that same opportunity. If there are barriers to on-time school attendance that our school team can help address, please give us the opportunity to do so. Together, let’s get our students to show up, on time, ready to put in the work. Thank you.

Our school counselors and social workers are fantastic at their jobs. Feel free to contact any member of our team if you have questions, ideas, or concerns about your child’s attendance. 

• Patricia Prinzi (pprinzi@rhnet.org), 7th Grade Counselor
• Rozetta LaPlaca (rlaplaca@rhnet.org), 8th Grade Counselor
• Robin Hernandez (rhernandez@rhnet.org), 9th Grade Counselor
• Melissa Sewruk (msewruk@rhnet.org), Social Worker
• Patrick Maney (pmaney@rhnet.org), Social Worker

Roth JHS Musical (Mary Poppins, Jr.): Please join us for this year’s musical, Mary Poppins, Jr. The opening performance is at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30. The afternoon performance is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 31. Ticket information will be available soon. Our students have been hard at work rehearsing, building the set, and arranging props for the past two months. Join us for an evening (and afternoon) of music, magic, and high-flying fun as this beloved story comes to life on stage. We can’t wait to celebrate the creativity and energy of our students with our school community. It’s going to be practically perfect in every way!

January 2026 Lunch Menu: Click here to view our January lunch menu.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Roth Parent Group, Course Selection & Schedule Presentation: Monday, January 5; 6:30 p.m.
• Winter Concert (Grade 7 Orchestra, Chorus, Band): Monday, January 12; 7 p.m.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School): Monday, January 19
• Grading Day (No School): Friday, January 30
• Mary Poppins, Jr. (Roth JHS Musical): 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30; 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 31
• February Break (No School): February 16 - 20

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

In just a few short days, we will put a bow on 2025, and start a new year. Together. As I shared a few weeks ago, this time of year is prime time for reviewing the past 12 months, making resolutions for the months ahead, and setting personal goals. Our life circumstances certainly vary from household to household, family to family. As such, our annual reviews, resolutions, and goals will differ. And, I believe that we can intentionally weave a common thread through all of our hopes, plans, and expectations for the year ahead: kindness. 

Let’s make it a habit to practice kindness, in all of our affairs. Let’s be kind to each other. Let’s teach our kids to be kind to one another. Let’s be kind to ourselves. Let’s teach our kids to do the same. Together, we can contribute to improving the life circumstances of our fellows – in classrooms, offices, grocery stores, parking lots, and our community-at-large – by practicing kindness. At Roth Junior High, we see signs and hear sayings around Roth Rising. Let’s continue this rise, together, one kind word and one kind deed at a time. 

I am grateful to have spent 2025 by your side; and, I am grateful that I get to repay that trust in daily acts of kindness with, by, and for your kids. Happy New Year.

Reminders

Course Selection Parent/Guardian Presentation: Please join me at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, for our next Parent Group meeting. I will walk you through the course selection and student scheduling process, so that you have a better understanding of what our counselors will be sharing in the weeks ahead. Hard to believe, but by mid-March, we’ll already be looking at course requests, staffing, and the building schedule for the 2026-2027 school year.

This will be a hybrid meeting. You can join virtually by clicking here at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5.

Here is what I have written about this topic in previous E-News: Our wonderful counselors have started classroom presentations to share electives and courses we have to offer at Roth Junior High. The next phase of the process is the release of a Course Request Form to all students late next week. Families, I ask that you please take time to read through the Course Request Form with your student, as there are a number of questions that can be answered by just walking through the process. Families, I also ask that you please join our next Roth Parent Group meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, January 5. I will share much more about this process at that time. 

And, just to continue the transparency of this process: our school counselors are committed to getting students into the maximum number of courses requested each school year. There will likely continue to be schedule constraints and restrictions; however, it is not too early to be thinking about next year’s selections. Click here for our at-a-glance course guide for the 2026-2027 school year.

Winter Concert Series, Final Show: Please join us on Monday, January 12, 2026, for our final performance of the Winter Concert Series. Our 8th and 9th grade performers were wonderful to listen to and support in December. Now, our 7th graders are ready to showcase their talents with families and friends. The show starts at 7 p.m. with orchestra, followed by chorus and band. I’m repeating the following information, because it has really helped us show our performers the respect, support, and gratitude that they deserve when they’re up on stage. And, because this may be the first Roth JHS concert for many of our 7th-grade families.

If you arrive in the middle of a piece/song, we will ask that you enjoy the livestream in our large conference room. We’ll get you into the auditorium as soon as that piece/song ends. Families, please continue to practice safe driving and parking behavior prior to (and after) Roth events. We have so many family members and friends who show up to cheer our kids on, and I’d like every single one of you to return to your respective homes safely. Programs will be available and our auditorium doors will be propped open right up to our introductory remarks. Let’s please remember that we strive to provide our performers with an environment that respects the work and effort that they have put in this event. As a courtesy to our faculty and student performers, we ask that guests silence their cell phones for the duration of each concert, and that guests wait until a natural break occurs in between performing groups to enter/exit the auditorium. Let’s celebrate our student performers like the professionals we know they can become. 

As a reminder, Rush-Henrietta is livestreaming all concerts. So, if you or a family member are unable to attend, you can enjoy the performances online. Concerts will be available for livestreaming by visiting www.rhnet.org/concert.

You Belong Here, We Want You Here: Especially as we prepare to return after a two-week recess, I would like to revisit what I recently wrote about attendance. One of the best parts of my every day is greeting (most of) our students with a fist bump, nod, smile, and “Have a great day!” I know that my energy is a lot for some students to handle at 6:45 a.m., and I genuinely do get so excited each morning as my music plays and students enter the building. Together, let’s continue to get all of our students to school on time. Here is what I wrote a few weeks ago:

Morning announcements start at 7:25 a.m. each morning. It is important for students to be in their first period class before the announcements, as teachers get right into instruction as soon as we sign off. Especially as we consider opportunities to make positive changes in our habits and school community, I ask that we work together to get our students to school on time each morning. Our school buses drop students off with plenty of time to eat breakfast, socialize with peers, connect with adults, and get mentally prepared for the school day. To our families who elect to provide their own transportation, let’s work together to give your students that same opportunity. If there are barriers to on-time school attendance that our school team can help address, please give us the opportunity to do so. Together, let’s get our students to show up, on time, ready to put in the work. Thank you.

Our school counselors and social workers are fantastic at their jobs. Feel free to contact any member of our team if you have questions, ideas, or concerns about your child’s attendance. 

• Patricia Prinzi (pprinzi@rhnet.org), 7th Grade Counselor
• Rozetta LaPlaca (rlaplaca@rhnet.org), 8th Grade Counselor
• Robin Hernandez (rhernandez@rhnet.org), 9th Grade Counselor
• Melissa Sewruk (msewruk@rhnet.org), Social Worker
• Patrick Maney (pmaney@rhnet.org), Social Worker

Roth JHS Musical (Mary Poppins, Jr.): Please join us for this year’s musical, Mary Poppins, Jr. The opening performance is at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30. The afternoon performance is at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 31. Ticket information will be available soon. Our students have been hard at work rehearsing, building the set, and arranging props for the past two months. Join us for an evening (and afternoon) of music, magic, and high-flying fun as this beloved story comes to life on stage. We can’t wait to celebrate the creativity and energy of our students with our school community. It’s going to be practically perfect in every way!

January 2026 Lunch Menu: Click here to view our January lunch menu.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Roth Parent Group, Course Selection & Schedule Presentation: Monday, January 5; 6:30 p.m.
• Winter Concert (Grade 7 Orchestra, Chorus, Band): Monday, January 12; 7 p.m.
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (No School): Monday, January 19
• Grading Day (No School): Friday, January 30
• Mary Poppins, Jr. (Roth JHS Musical): 7 p.m. on Friday, January 30; 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 31
• February Break (No School): February 16 - 20

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Monday, December 15, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

I believe there will be many resolutions made and goals created for the new year. I’d like to restate a few questions that I encourage our students to ask themselves each day, in an effort to contribute to some of the resolutions and goals that are discussed at home during December Recess. 

Are you showing up to Roth ready to put your best academic, behavioral, and attendance effort forward? Are you checking your grades, checking in with the school- and home-based adults in your life to make sure you are doing what is being asked of you? And, to the extent possible, are you finding opportunities to positively impact others?

We have close to 750 wonderful human beings that share Roth’s halls on a daily basis – students and staff, combined. If we can all commit to even one of those questions, we will make a lasting and positive contribution to our community. Roth families and friends, thank you for your continued support. Let’s make it a great last school week of 2025!

Updates and Reminders

Attendance Matters: As I wrote above, I encourage our students (daily) to check-in with themselves, their adults, and to find ways to help others. However, it is important to start with a common goal: show up. Show up on time. Show up ready to put in the work that each day asks of us. Morning announcements start at 7:25 a.m. each morning. It is important for students to be in their first period class before the announcements, as teachers transition right into instruction as soon as we sign off. Especially as we consider opportunities to make positive changes in our habits and school community, I ask that we work together to get our students to school on time each morning. 

Our school buses drop students off with plenty of time to eat breakfast, socialize with peers, connect with adults, and get mentally prepared for the school day. To our families who elect to provide their own transportation, let’s work together to give your students that same opportunity. If there are barriers to on-time school attendance that our school team can help address, please give us the opportunity to do so. Together, let’s get our students to show up, on time, ready to put in the work.

Our school counselors and social workers are fantastic at their jobs. Feel free to contact any member of our team if you have questions, ideas, or concerns about your child’s attendance. 

• Patricia Prinzi (pprinzi@rhnet.org), 7th Grade Counselor
• Rozetta LaPlaca (rlaplaca@rhnet.org), 8th Grade Counselor
• Robin Hernandez (rhernandez@rhnet.org), 9th Grade Counselor
• Melissa Sewruk (msewruk@rhnet.org), Social Worker
• Patrick Maney (pmaney@rhnet.org), Social Worker

Winter Concert Series: Our next concert is tonight, Monday, December 15 at 7 p.m. Here is what I shared last Friday. If you arrive in the middle of a piece/song, we will ask that you enjoy the livestream in our large conference room. We’ll get you into the auditorium as soon as that piece/song ends. Families, please continue to practice safe driving and parking behavior prior to (and after) Roth events. We have so many family members and friends who show up to cheer our kids on, and I’d like every single one of you to return to your respective homes safely.

And, a few more reminders. Programs will be available and our auditorium doors will be propped open right up to our introductory remarks. Let’s please remember that we strive to provide our performers with an environment that respects the work and effort that they have put in this event. As a courtesy to our faculty and student performers, we ask that guests silence their cell phones for the duration of each concert, and that guests wait until a natural break occurs in between performing groups to enter/exit the auditorium. Let’s celebrate our student performers like the professionals we know they can become. 

As a reminder, Rush-Henrietta is livestreaming all concerts. So if you or a family member are unable to attend, you can enjoy the performances online. Concerts will be available for livestreaming by visiting www.rhnet.org/concert.

Here is our upcoming schedule (all concerts start promptly at 7 p.m.):

• Monday, December 15: Concert Orchestra 8/9, Dedicated Voices, Concert Band 8/9
• Monday, January 12: Orchestra 7, Chorus 7, Band 7

Winter Spirit Week: Today's theme (and challenge) asked students and staff to dress like their favorite holiday movie characters. It was fun to see how creatively today's participants interpreted that theme. Click here for our Winter Spirit Week themes. 

Roth Parent Group Reminder: This reminder is important enough to repeat, again and again. Our counselors have started classroom presentations to share electives and courses we have to offer at Roth Junior High. The next phase of the process is the release of a Course Request Form to all students late next week. Families, I ask that you please take time to read through the Course Request Form with your student, as there are a number of questions that can be answered by just walking through the process. Families, I also ask that you please join our next Roth Parent Group meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday, January 5. I will share much more about this process at that time. 

And, just to continue the transparency of this process: our school counselors are committed to getting students into the maximum number of courses requested each school year. There will likely continue to be schedule constraints and restrictions; however, it is not too early to be thinking about next year’s selections. Click here for our at-a-glance course guide for the 2026-2027 school year. Again, I will share more information about the process and the work that goes into student schedules on Monday, January 5. This will be a hybrid meeting, with both an in-person and virtual format.

Roth JHS Yearbook Sale: Roth JHS yearbooks are on sale now. To purchase and customize your yearbook, go to: www.treering.com/validate. Our school’s passcode is: 101556133544541. 

And, to honor the season of giving, Treering is offering an opportunity to donate toward another student’s yearbook. If you would like to donate a yearbook, here is how. In your Treering cart you will see the option to purchase additional yearbooks and donate them to your school. This option will be available whether you are buying a book for your child or if your cart is empty. These are standard books and will not include your custom pages. 

December Lunch Menu: Click here to view our December lunch menu.

District Information:

Local Resources: With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You also may visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

 Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Winter Concert (Concert Orchestra 8/9, Dedicated Voices, Concert Band 8/9): Monday, December 15; 7 p.m.
• Winter Recess: December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026
• Roth Parent Group, Course Selection & Schedule Presentation: Monday, January 5; 6:30 p.m.
• Winter Concert (Grade 7 Orchestra, Chorus, Band): Monday, January 12; 7 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Friday, December 12, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

If you ask the kids who attend and/or the adults who work in schools, you’ll find that the energy that precedes December Recess can be categorized by a number of words. Exciting. Full of anticipation. Maybe a little sad and uncertain. And, the way our students, families, and staff experience any extended period of time away from our school  is just as varied. The holiday season means many different things and presents many different feelings for our students and families. We still have one more full week before we say goodbye to the 2025 calendar year, and we begin 2026. Together.

I continue to be grateful for this tremendous responsibility and opportunity to lead with so many caring, supportive, hardworking, and committed educators. I continue to be grateful for your partnership, trust, and feedback. Please continue to reach out directly if you have questions or ideas that I have not already addressed. Enjoy the weekend, keep warm, and know I’m always an email away. 

Reminders & Upcoming Events

Winter Concert Reminder: This past Monday night featured incredible performances by our talented student musicians. Thank you to all who attended for being a great audience. We have our next concert at 7 p.m. Monday, December 15. If you arrive in the middle of a piece/song, we will ask that you enjoy the livestream in our large conference room. We’ll get you into the auditorium as soon as that piece/song ends. Families, please continue to practice safe driving and parking behavior prior to (and after) Roth events. We have so many family members and friends who show up to cheer our kids on, and I’d like every single one of you to return to your respective homes safely.

And, a few more reminders. Programs will be available and our auditorium doors will be propped open right up to our introductory remarks. Let’s please remember that we strive to provide our performers with an environment that respects the work and effort that they have put in this event. As a courtesy to our faculty and student performers, we ask that guests silence their cell phones for the duration of each concert, and that guests wait until a natural break occurs in between performing groups to enter/exit the auditorium. Let’s celebrate our student performers like the professionals we know they can become. 

As a reminder, Rush-Henrietta is livestreaming all concerts. So if you or a family member are unable to attend, you can enjoy the performances online. Concerts will be available for livestreaming by visiting www.rhnet.org/concert.

Here is our upcoming schedule (all concerts start promptly at 7 p.m.):

• Monday, December 15: Concert Orchestra 8/9, Dedicated Voices, Concert Band 8/9
• Monday, January 12: Orchestra 7, Chorus 7, Band 7

Parent Group Presentation, Course Selection & Scheduling: This is another reminder. Our wonderful counselors have already started classroom presentations to share the electives and courses that we have to offer at Roth Junior High. The next phase of the process will be the release of a Course Request Form to all students late next week. Families, I ask that you please take time to read through the Course Request Form with your student, as there are a number of questions that can be answered by just walking through the process. Families, I also ask that you please join our next Roth Parent Group meeting Monday, January 5, 2026. I will share much more about this process at that time. 

And, just to continue the transparency of this process: our school counselors are committed to getting students into the maximum number of courses requested each school year. There will likely continue to be schedule constraints and restrictions; however, it is not too early to be thinking about next year’s selections. Click here for our at-a-glance course guide for the 2026-2027 school year. Again, I will share more information about the process and the work that goes into student schedules at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026. This will be a hybrid meeting, with both an in-person and virtual format.

Roth JHS Yearbook Sale: Roth JHS yearbooks are on sale now. To purchase and customize your yearbook, go to: www.treering.com/validate. Our school’s passcode is: 101556133544541. 

And, to honor the season of giving, Treering is offering an opportunity to donate toward another student’s yearbook. If you would like to donate a yearbook, here is how. In your Treering cart you will see the option to purchase additional yearbooks and donate them to your school. This option will be available whether you are buying a book for your child or if your cart is empty. These are standard books and will not include your custom pages. 

December Lunch Menu: Click here to view our December lunch menu.

District Information:

Local Resources: With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You also may visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

 Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Winter Concert (Concert Orchestra 8/9, Dedicated Voices, Concert Band 8/9): Monday, December 15; 7 p.m.
• Winter Recess: December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026
• Roth Parent Group, Course Selection & Schedule Presentation: Monday, January 5; 6:30 p.m.
• Winter Concert (Grade 7 Orchestra, Chorus, Band): Monday, January 12; 7 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Monday, December 08, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

There is a pristine and clean beauty to freshly fallen snow. It blankets our yards, roads, sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots. Even as an adult, I hear the call to bundle up, get outside, build a snowman, throw snowballs, and play. It has been a while since I’ve written about the importance of physical activity, unstructured play, and time off/away from devices for our students. Especially as the colder winter days make it more inviting to stay inside than out, I hope we’re all able to find ways to connect with friends and family members. Game night. Walks in the snow (bundled up, of course). Drawing, painting, creating, reading, and good, old-fashioned conversation. In the classroom, on stage, on the hard court, in our community, and at home – we are better together. 

Keep warm, and be well.

Winter Concert Reminder: We have our first Winter Concert at 7 p.m. this evening, Monday, December 8. We ask that families practice safe driving and parking behavior, before and after the concert. I know it is cold outside. The lines in the parking lot may be difficult to see. Please do your part to keep our driveway, bus loop, and parking lot safe during your campus visit. 

We will have programs available and our auditorium doors will be propped open right up to our introductory remarks. Mrs. Mate, Mrs. Quinlan, Mr. Kazacos, and Mrs. Herman are so proud of our student performers. Let’s please remember that we hope to provide our performers with an environment that respects the work and effort that they have put in this event. As a courtesy to our faculty and student performers, we ask that guests silence their cell phones for the duration of each concert, and that guests wait until a natural break occurs  in between performing groups to enter/exit the auditorium. Let’s celebrate our student performers like the professionals we know they can become. 

As a reminder, Rush-Henrietta is livestreaming all concerts. So if you or a family member are unable to attend, you can enjoy the performances online. Concerts will be available for livestreaming by visiting www.rhnet.org/concert.

Here is our upcoming schedule (all concerts start promptly at 7 p.m.):

• Monday, December 8: Chorus 8, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir 9, Jazz Band
• Monday, December 15: Concert Orchestra 8/9, Dedicated Voices, Concert Band 8/9
• Monday, January 12: Orchestra 7, Chorus 7, Band 7

Late-Bus Clarification: I made a mistake in my previous post about this topic. Our late buses run on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. We do not have late bus runs on Wednesdays or Fridays. These are specifically for after-school clubs and after-school academic support. Click here to learn more about Roth JHS student clubs.

It is my hope that sharing the following will clarify (and help students better navigate) the after-school late bus process. To accommodate after-school student clubs, academic study hall, and detention, we have a late bus run that boards around 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The after-school buses are not the same as the regularly scheduled arrival and dismissal bus routes. This is because there are far fewer students who stay after school than there are total students enrolled at Roth. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, we have four late buses. Please encourage your child to become involved in our after-school offerings!

Students are responsible for securing a late bus pass from the faculty member that they stay after school with. Our late buses start boarding at 3:30 p.m. Students should reference the Late Bus Guide that is displayed in our main entrance area to identify which of the four buses stops in their neighborhood. These are our bus labels for the after-school runs: 

• A, B - #612
• C, E - #697
• D, G - #681
• F - #683

A Roth staff member will make a final boarding announcement prior to releasing the four buses. The buses usually depart by 3:45 p.m. Late bus dropoff zones are typically in an area that will connect several streets in the same neighborhood/area. Our boarding and waiting area is outside of the Main Office. Students should remain in this area if their bus is not on time. Again, I hope that this information helps to clarify the process. I know this is a lot, so if you have specific questions, please email me directly.

Roth JHS Yearbook Sale: Roth JHS yearbooks are on sale now. Whether your student is just starting their first year with us, or getting ready to move up to the Senior High School, yearbooks are an excellent tradition to memorialize the celebrations and hard work that go into a year. And, to honor the season of giving, Treering is offering an opportunity to donate toward another student’s yearbook. I’ve included donation instructions below – Treering will match up to 30 yearbook donations per school. 

On your Treering homepage, click on your cart. In your cart you will see the option to purchase additional yearbooks and donate them to your school. This option will be available whether you are buying a book for your child or if your cart is empty. Select “Donate Yearbooks.” These are standard books and will not include your custom pages. Enter the number of books and select “Add to Cart.” Confirm the order in your cart. Select Checkout to continue with the donation. 

And, as a reminder, to purchase and customize your yearbook, go to: www.treering.com/validate 

Our school’s passcode is: 101556133544541  

Parent Group Presentation, Course Selection & Scheduling: This is a reminder. After my first year at Roth, I recognize an opportunity to reengage our families when it comes to the course selection process. This process will be my primary share-out at our next Roth Parent Group meeting, on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Families, our school counselors are committed to getting students into the maximum number of courses requested each school year. There will likely continue to be schedule constraints and restrictions; however, it is not too early to be thinking about next year’s selections. Click here for our at-a-glance course guide for the 2026-2027 school year. Students will receive a Course Selection Google Form via email in the next few days. Our counselors will begin scheduling meetings to review these selections in early January. I look forward to sharing more about this important process.

December Lunch Menu: Click here to view our December lunch menu.

Important District Information:

Local Resources: With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You also may visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access: New York requires school districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet, and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey is accessible through SchoolTool now. 

When you log in to SchoolTool, you will be prompted to respond to several brief questions found in each student's SchoolTool account. This will only take a few minutes and is available through the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app. We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app on your phone, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, Dec. 12. If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate.

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Winter Concert (Chorus 8, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir 9, Jazz Band): Monday, December 8; 7 p.m.
• Winter Concert (Concert Orchestra 8/9, Dedicated Voices, Concert Band 8/9): Monday, December 15; 7 p.m.
• Winter Recess: December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026
• Winter Concert (Grade 7 Orchestra, Chorus, Band): Monday, January 12; 7 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

It’s been so nice seeing the building return to full swing from our Thanksgiving Recess. Modified sports tryouts and Mary Poppins, Jr. rehearsals have kids in the building well past the 8th period dismissal bell. Families, I am grateful for the safe and patient evening pickup practices I’ve witnessed all week as I exit with our students. Especially as we roll into concert season, I ask that we continue to maintain those same healthy driving habits on campus so that our students, staff, families, and guests can enter and exit safely. 

I’d also like to share thanks for the support that you have demonstrated during these first 13 weeks of school as we continue to encourage and motivate our students toward individual and collective excellence. Each area – academics, behavior, attendance, extracurricular participation – provides students with opportunities to reflect on what is already going well, and where they can reach out for additional support. So, Roth families and friends, thank you for continuing to guide our students toward positive, respectful, healthy, and productive citizenship. 

Here are some upcoming events and reminders.

Winter Concert Season: Our first concert is at 7 p.m. on Monday, December 8. Our parking lot fills up pretty quickly, so please plan on arriving early. We will have programs available and our auditorium doors will be propped open right up to our introductory remarks. Mrs. Mate, Mrs. Quinlan, Mr. Kazacos, and Mrs. Herman are so proud of our student performers. Let’s please remember that we hope to provide our performers with an environment that respects the work and effort that they have put in. As a courtesy to our faculty and student performers, we do ask that guests silence their cell phones for the duration of each concert, and that guests wait until a natural break in between performing groups to enter/exit the auditorium. 

Let’s celebrate our student performers like the professionals we know they can become. 

As a reminder, Rush-Henrietta is livestreaming all concerts. So if you or a family member are unable to attend, you can enjoy the performances online. Concerts will be available for livestreaming by visiting www.rhnet.org/concert.

Here is our upcoming schedule (all concerts start promptly at 7 p.m.):

• Monday, December 8: Chorus 8, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir 9, Jazz Band
• Monday, December 15: Concert Orchestra 8/9, Dedicated Voices, Concert Band 8/9
• Monday, January 12: Orchestra 7, Chorus 7, Band 7

Winter Fun Night: Student Council’s Winter Fun Night is upon us. The event is from 6 - 7:30 p.m. tomorrow, Friday, December 5. Students have been able to purchase tickets for this evening of games, hot cocoa, music, dancing, and fun during lunches. Today is the last day to purchase tickets – $5 each. I’ll be here tomorrow night, celebrating a successful return from our first full-week vacation. 

News from the Roth Library: Mrs. Leader and Ms. Thomas continue to provide fantastic experiences for our students each month. Please click here to check out their December Newsletter. Here is a sneak peek at what students can participate in this month, as well as a really sweet blurb about November’s “Thankful Sky.”

Hygge is back by popular demand! Roth's biggest and coziest reading event is taking place during the final two weeks of school in December during some Reading and ELA classes! For those unfamiliar, Hygge (pronounced Hyoo-Guh) is a Danish concept celebrating coziness, contentment, and life's simple pleasures. It's about creating a warm, inviting space to unwind, connect, and savor quiet moments – whether with a good book, a cozy treat, or the company of friends. Inspired by this comforting tradition, we are inviting our students to join us in the library for a relaxed, Hygge-filled atmosphere to read and enjoy some treats! Students, you may bring a blanket for this event but it MUST be kept in your locker before and after the event. Check with your teachers to see when your class will be coming to Hygge!

Our Thankful Sky: Sadako Sasaki, a young girl from Hiroshima, began folding paper cranes while hospitalized, inspired by the legend that a thousand cranes could grant a wish. Though she did not finish all one thousand, her cranes became a lasting symbol of hope and peace. This month, our students created every paper crane displayed here and filled them with their wishes and words of thanks. Together, their cranes form a shared symbol of hope, gratitude, and community.

Social-Emotional Learning, December Focus: For the month of December, our SEL focus is on the skill of being socially aware. This means students are working on noticing how others feel, understanding different perspectives, and making choices that help everyone feel included. This skill connects directly to being respectful, treating classmates, staff, and our community with kindness, listening carefully, and valuing differences. When students practice social awareness and respect, they help create a safer and more positive place to learn. Families are encouraged to partner with us by modeling respectful communication at home and reminding students that their words and actions make a real impact every day. At Roth Junior High, we will continue to encourage our students to practice regular self-reflection and check-ins. We have a wonderful Mental Health Team that works daily to lift up our students, families, and staff. 

Late Bus Procedure: It is my hope that sharing the following will clarify (and help our students better navigate) the after-school late bus process. To accommodate after-school student clubs, academic study hall, and detention, we have a late bus run that boards around 3:30 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. The after-school buses are not the same as the regularly scheduled arrival and dismissal bus routes. This is because there are far fewer students who stay after school than there are total students enrolled at Roth. On Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays, we have four late buses. Please encourage your child to become involved in our after-school offerings!

Students are responsible for securing a late-bus pass from the faculty member that they stay after school with. Our late buses start boarding at 3:30 p.m. Students should reference the Late-Bus Guide that is displayed in our main entrance area to identify which of the four buses stops in their neighborhood. These are our bus labels for the after-school runs: 

• A, B - #612
• C, E - #697
• D, G - #681
• F - #683

A Roth staff member will make a final boarding announcement prior to releasing the four buses. The buses usually depart by 3:45 p.m. Late-bus dropoff zones are typically in an area that connects several streets in the same neighborhood/area. Our boarding and waiting area is outside of the Main Office. Students should remain in this area if their bus is not on time. Again, I hope that this information helps to clarify the process. I know this is a lot, so if you have specific questions, please email me directly.

Academic Honors, First Marking Period: Congratulations to all of our scholars who earned High Honor, Honor, or Honorable Mention for the first marking period. As a reminder, these academic recognitions are based on the following criteria:

• High Honor Roll: GPA of 94.45% - 100.00% 
• Honor Roll: GPA of 89.45% - 94.44% 
• Honorable Mention: GPA of 84.45% - 89.44% 

For students who joined Roth half-way (or more than half-way) through the first marking period, report card grades of INC (Incomplete) may impact Academic Honors recognition. Families, if you have specific questions about an INC on a report card that have not already been answered by our faculty, feel free to email me directly at ohussain@rhnet.org. 

Click here for our complete list of Honors recipients. 

Roth Junior High Course Selection Process: This is a reminder. After my first year at Roth, I recognize an opportunity to reengage our families when it comes to the course selection process. This process will be my primary share-out at our next Roth Parent Group meeting, on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Families, our school counselors are committed to getting students into the maximum number of courses requested each school year. There will likely continue to be schedule constraints and restrictions; however, it is not too early to be thinking about next year’s selections. Click here for our at-a-glance course guide for the 2026-2027 school year. Students will receive a Course Selection Google Form via email in mid-December. Our counselors will begin scheduling meetings to review these selections in early January. I look forward to sharing more about this important process. 

December Lunch Menu: Click here to view our December lunch menu.

Important District Information:

Local Resources: With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You also may visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access: New York requires school districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet, and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey is accessible through SchoolTool now. 

When you log in to SchoolTool, you will be prompted to respond to several brief questions found in each student's SchoolTool account. This will only take a few minutes and is available through the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app. We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app on your phone, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, Dec. 12. If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate.

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.
• Winter Concert (Chorus 8, Chamber Orchestra, Concert Choir 9, Jazz Band): Monday, December 8; 7 p.m.
• Winter Concert (Concert Orchestra 8/9, Dedicated Voices, Concert Band 8/9): Monday, December 15; 7 p.m.
• Winter Recess: December 22, 2025 - January 2, 2026
• Winter Concert (Grade 7 Orchestra, Chorus, Band): Monday, January 12; 7 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

I am grateful. For our kids. All of them. For our faculty and staff at Roth Junior High. For the partnership and support of our parents, guardians, and families. The days that I am able to remember to prioritize (and practice) gratitude are my best days, in and out of Roth. The days when I am knocked off of that center still provide valuable insight and opportunity to grow. And, for those days, I am also grateful. 

I hope our students are able to get some well earned rest over these next few days. If you are traveling, travel safely. Hard to believe, but it will be December when we return. Three weeks of school – including our Winter Fun Night and two concerts – and then we’ll part ways again for Winter Recess. We will return to a new month, and a new year. Incredible. I am grateful for this tremendous opportunity to contribute to the Roth community. I am committed to doing my part to work with and for our kids. They are worth it. All of them.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Celebrations and Reminders:

Freshmen vs 8th Grade Basketball: The game was safe and competitive. Though our 9th graders earned the win, our 8th grade team did a nice job competing on short notice (and with a noticeable height disadvantage). It was a really fun way to send students home for the Thanksgiving Recess. 

Student Council Winter Fun Night (Reminder): We have several fun opportunities to celebrate our students when we return from Thanksgiving Recess. Students, if you’re looking to have some after-hours fun at Roth Junior High with friends, games, music, and lots of snacks, join us for Winter Fun Night. The event is from 6 - 7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5. Tickets are $5 and will be on sale during lunches through Thursday, December 4. 

Winter Concert Season: Thank you in advance to our fantastic teachers – Mrs. Mate, Mrs. Quinlan, Mr. Kazacos, and Mrs. Herman – for what I know will be three outstanding performances this next month. Concert season has come at last to Roth Junior High. Here is our upcoming schedule (all concerts start promptly at 7 p.m.):

• Monday, December 8: Chorus 8/9, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band
• Monday, December 15: Dedicated Voices, Band 8/9, Orchestra 8/9
• Monday, January 12: Grade 7 Ensembles

Roth families and friends, please remember that our musicians are equal parts nervous and excited to perform. Let’s provide them with an atmosphere and environment that is respectful of the practice, time, and commitment that they have put into performing. Please practice respectful and positive audience expectations. And, outside, please practice safe driving and parking behavior when entering and exiting campus. Let’s celebrate our student performers like the professionals we know they can become. 

As a reminder, Rush-Henrietta is livestreaming all concerts. So if you are unable to attend, you can enjoy the performances online. Concerts will be available for livestreaming by visiting www.rhnet.org/concert.

Academic Honors, First Marking Period: Drumroll please…congratulations to all of our scholars who earned High Honor, Honor, or Honorable Mention for the first marking period. As a reminder, these academic recognitions are based on the following criteria:

• High Honor Roll: GPA of 94.45% - 100.00% 
• Honor Roll: GPA of 89.45% - 94.44% 
• Honorable Mention: GPA of 84.45% - 89.44% 

For students who joined Roth half-way (or more than half-way) through the first marking period, report card grades of INC (Incomplete) may impact Academic Honors recognition. Families, if you have specific questions about an INC on a report card that have not already been answered by our faculty, feel free to email me directly at ohussain@rhnet.org. 

Click here for our complete list of Honors recipients. Again, well done to all of our Roth scholars.

Roth Junior High Course Selection Process: This is a reminder. After my first year at Roth, I recognize an opportunity to reengage our families when it comes to the course selection process. This process will be my primary share-out at our next Roth Parent Group meeting, on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Families, our school counselors are committed to getting students into the maximum number of courses requested each school year. There will likely continue to be schedule constraints and restrictions; however, it is not too early to be thinking about next year’s selections. For now, here is a sample course guide for Roth students. Please note that this is not a finalized list. Students will receive a Course Selection Google Form via email in mid-December. Our counselors will begin scheduling meetings to review these selections in early January. I look forward to sharing more about this important process. 

December Lunch Menu: Click here to view our December lunch menu.

Important District Information:

Local Resources: With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You also may visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access: New York requires school districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet, and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey is accessible through SchoolTool now. 

When you log in to SchoolTool, you will be prompted to respond to several brief questions found in each student's SchoolTool account. This will only take a few minutes and is available through the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app. We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app on your phone, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, Dec. 12. If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate.

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Thanksgiving Recess (No School): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.
• Winter Concert (Chamber, Jazz, Chorus 8/9): Monday, December 8; 7 p.m.
• Winter Concert (Dedicated Voices, Band, Orchestra 8/9): Monday, December 15; 7 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Thursday, November 20, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

There is a beautiful red maple just beyond our bus loop. That tree was full and green when we started back up a few months ago. Just a few weeks ago, its leaves transitioned into a vibrant, crimson red that made a majestic sight against the morning sky. Though it is dropping some of those leaves, the red maple still glows out front. In the darkness of morning and night. We all know what comes next. Frost and ice will encourage the remaining leaves to fall. And, snow. Twelve weeks into our journey, and there has already been so much change. 

Our 7th graders are not new anymore. They have become familiar faces, voices, and names in our halls. Our 8th and 9th graders have settled back into the routines and procedures that we carried over from last school year; and, they have adjusted well to our new policies and practices. Faculty and staff have done the same settling, transitioning, and adjusting. Overall, we are like that red maple out front. Strong and resilient, ready to continue our rise to excellence. 

I am grateful for the community that I inherited when I joined Roth Junior High. I am grateful for how you have embraced some of my ideas, provided constructive feedback at times, and truly been a partner in the work this entire building has committed to do with, for, and by your kids. However you spend this next week, I hope that you and yours are able to enjoy a Happy Thanksgiving. And, please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions, requests, feedback, compliments, or concerns. 

Upcoming Events and Reminders:

Freshmen vs 8th Grade Basketball: You read that correctly. This coming Friday afternoon, November 21, all of our near-600 students will fill the gym to cheer on their 8th and 9th grade peers. The freshmen team will be coached by their assistant principal, Mrs. Kemper. Our 8th graders will be coached by their assistant principal, Mrs. Dolan. In a battle of AP vs AP – and 8th vs 9th – we’re excited to see who comes out victorious. The game will be played during school on Friday. I will share some photos of the game in next week’s news.

Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days: Thank you to all of the families who have reached out over the past two weeks to schedule meetings with our teachers. Our Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days are Monday, November 24 (1-8 p.m.), and Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.) I know that our faculty are looking forward to showcasing the great work so many of our students do on a regular basis; and, to collaborate with you to create support plans to lift up our students who could be doing more. Appointments are still available on a limited basis, and should be made via direct email to the teacher/s requested. 

Student Council Winter Fun Night: It’s not too late for students to buy tickets for our Fun Night. Tickets are $5 and are available during lunches through Thursday, December 4. The event is from 6-7:30 p.m. on Friday, December 5. Students will be able to sing, dance, play, and enjoy snacks in Roth’s halls and common areas as we welcome the winter season. We look forward to another night of Roth fun!

Roth Junior High Course Selection Process: I know. We just started our second quarter, and I’m already writing about next year’s schedule. After my first year at Roth, I recognize an opportunity to reengage our families when it comes to the course selection process. This process will be my primary share-out at our next Roth Parent Group meeting, on Monday, January 5, 2026. There’s another “Wow!” - 2026. 

Families, our school counselors are committed to getting students into the maximum number of courses requested each school year. There will likely continue to be schedule constraints and restrictions; however, it is not too early to be thinking about next year’s selections. For now, here is a sample course guide for Roth students. Please note that this is not a finalized list. Students will receive a Course Selection Google Form via email in mid-December. Our counselors will begin scheduling meetings to review these selections in early January. I will share more information in the coming weeks. 

Winter Athletics: It is not too late to register for Modified winter sports. Rush-Henrietta uses Arbiter Sports as our student-athlete registration portal. To register for a winter sport, please click here. All sports registrations must be completed by Tuesday, November 25, in order for students to participate in Modified sports tryouts beginning Monday, December 1. Families, if you are in need of assistance and/or a translation service provider for registration, please contact our Roth Health Office at (585) 359-5113 or (585) 359-5114. Ms. Littlefair and Mrs. Brock-Watts are happy to help direct you to the appropriate resources.

Important District Information:

Local Resources: With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You also may visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access: New York requires school districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet, and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey is accessible through SchoolTool now. 

When you log in to SchoolTool, you will be prompted to respond to several brief questions found in each student's SchoolTool account. This will only take a few minutes and is available through the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app. We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app on your phone, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, Dec. 12. If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate.

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days (No School): Monday, November 24 (1 - 8 p.m.); and, Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Recess (No School): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Monday, November 17, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

Roth Parent Group: Please consider attending tonight's Parent Group meeting at 6:30 p.m. Our meetings are hybrid, with an in-person (at Roth) and Google Meet option. If you are a user of Facebook, please take time to join our active parent Facebook group at: RH-Roth Parent Group. And, our Parent Group is happy to announce the creation of our new Remind page. Click here to join the Roth Parent Group on the Remind app. 

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Roth Parent Group: Monday, November 17; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days (No School): Monday, November 24 (1 - 8 p.m.); and, Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Recess (No School): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

Gratitude. As we move toward the Thanksgiving holiday, gratitude will be a constant topic of discussion, social media, email, etc. Expressions of gratitude may take many different forms. Especially in this current phase of my career, gratitude has become a common refrain. I am grateful to work in the school district that I have lived in for 16 years. I am grateful to be principal of Roth Junior High, where my wife and I have played tennis on many spring and summer days throughout those 16 years. I am grateful that someone with a name and family background like mine can be given the tremendous opportunity to care for our students, staff, and families. My feeling of gratitude was especially pronounced yesterday. On Veterans Day – especially on Veterans Day – I am thankful for the freedoms, rights, and privileges that I have been able to enjoy as a direct result of the sacrifice and commitment to service of so many brave men and women. To the service men and women in our lives and community (past and present): thank you.

Please continue reading below for some upcoming community events, and some R-H reminders.

Upcoming Community Events: I am grateful for our Rush-Henrietta community. As the falling snow helps the last of our leaves fall, there are a number of school and community events that our students and families can enjoy. Other than the Roth Student Council Fun Night, Rush-Henrietta is not a participant in or sponsor of the community events. Here are just a few; I encourage you to participate in one or more of the many events in our area.

• Haudenosaunee Heritage Celebration (12 - 4 p.m. Sunday, November 16): November is Native American Heritage Month. In recognition of Western New York’s history, the Memorial Art Gallery invites you to their Haudenosaunee Heritage Celebration Day! Enjoy free museum admission, live dances and demonstrations with the Allegany River Seneca Dancers led by Bill Crouse (Seneca, Hawk Clan), storytelling with Ronnie Reitter (Seneca, Wolf Clan), display tables, history, culture, celebration, and more.

• Roth Student Council Fun Night (6 - 7:30 p.m. Friday, December 5): Students, are you interested in some early winter fun with your friends? Please come to our Winter Fun Night. Enjoy snacks, karaoke/ music, games, and hot cocoa. Tickets will be on sale during lunches from Monday, November 17, through Thursday, December 4. We look forward to another night of Roth fun! 

• Holiday, Lights and Magic (6 - 8:30 p.m. Saturday, December 6): The Town of Henrietta invites you to celebrate the holiday season. Events include: caroling; visit with Santa; seasonal crafts and games; petting zoo; story time at the library; magic show at the Senior Center; cookie frosting; DJ; shop with local holiday vendors at the Rec Center, and more.

• Family Night at the University of Rochester (4 - 7 p.m. Saturday, December 13): Click here to learn more about and to register for this fun and educational opportunity for students. Students of all ages will get to see and interact with the science of light! Some of what students will get to participate in and learn about is: balloon popping with lasers; polarization; CO2 laser engraving; thermal imaging; holography, and more.

Roth Parent Group: If you would like to participate in our Parent Group, please consider attending our next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 17. Our meetings are hybrid, with an in-person (at Roth) and Google Meet option. If you are a user of Facebook, please take time to join our active parent Facebook group at: RH-Roth Parent Group. And, our Parent Group is happy to announce the creation of our new Remind page. Click here to join the Roth Parent Group on the Remind app.

Chromebook Reminder: Families, this is an important message that I’m hoping you will all share with our students. Chromebooks have become as important a classroom resource as binders, pens, and pencils. Many of our teachers use Google Classroom, as well as a number of other online resources to organize their instructional materials. On behalf of our library team, I ask that we remind students that these devices should be maintained in the same working condition in which they were distributed. We have had a number of Chromebooks damaged, lost, and/or destroyed already this school year. Responsible Chromebook use and maintenance is an area that we can continue to develop. Intentional destruction or damage is a Code of Conduct violation, and will be handled accordingly. Please help our students remember to take care of these borrowed devices. Thank you, in advance, for your continued support.

Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences: November is here. In just a few weeks, we’ll be hosting families for Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, and learn more about their achievement in select classes. If you have specific questions that are not addressed below, please contact me via email.

Here is the content that was mailed home already:

• Who? Parents and/or Guardians 
• When? Monday, November 24 (1 - 8 p.m.) ; and Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.) 
• Why? Work with teachers to discuss each student’s academic progress, celebrate growth, and identify areas where additional support may be needed. We recommend you prepare with questions and concerns for specific teachers and/or subjects. You may select a Google Meet or in-person meeting. There are limited time slots so please understand you may not be able to meet with all of your student’s teachers. 
• How? To register for Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences, please call the following numbers by Friday, November 14: If your child is in 7th or 8th grade, you will call (585) 359-5120 to schedule your meeting; If your child is in 9th grade, you will call (585) 359-5124 to schedule your meeting.

Important District Information

Local Resources: With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You also may visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Monroe County Youth Risk Behavior Survey: During the week of November 17, Rush-Henrietta Central School District is participating in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) as part of a countywide and district effort to gather information about the health risk behaviors of students in grades 7-12. Questions will be asked about personal safety, nutrition, alcohol and other drug use, physical exercise, mental health, sexual behaviors, and community involvement.  

The survey has been conducted in Monroe County schools every two years since 1992. Information from the survey has assisted school, health, and community organizations to plan services for youth based on local needs. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Please click here for more information, including FAQs and an opt-out form if you prefer your child not participate in the survey.  

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access: Since 2021, the New York State Education Department has required districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet, and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey will be accessible through SchoolTool beginning Thursday, November 20. 

When you log in to SchoolTool after that date, you will be prompted to respond to some brief questions found in each student's account. You won’t be able to access your student’s information, including report cards, until this is completed. If more than one survey is available for your child, please review the version in red. This will only take a few minutes and can be done via the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app. 

If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate. If you have not already completed the survey, you will be prompted to do so when you log in. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, December 12.

Please note: If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text. We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. We appreciate your time and thank you for helping us to fulfill this state requirement.

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for November's lunch menu.

 

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Roth Parent Group: Monday, November 17; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days (No School): Monday, November 24 (1 - 8 p.m.); and, Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Recess (No School): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Friday, November 07, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

It's the last day of the first ten weeks. Last day of the first marking period. I know I've shared this before – I am an English teacher who loves math. We are one-quarter of the way through another school year together. I ask myself – and I ask our assistant principals to do the same: can I run it back three more times, for three more quarters? I'll just speak for myself. Yes. I am willing to commit to the work that it takes to support our students, faculty, and staff as we continue Roth’s rise to excellence. Here are some updates and reminders as we transition into the new marking period.

School-Based Behavioral Leadership, Year-2 Update: We at Roth Junior High are in our second year with School-Based Behavioral Leadership as our model. We have excellent students in our building each and every day. Most of those students do the right things, treat others the right way, and take care of their responsibilities. Overall, student behavior has improved in comparison to the first two months of last year. There is, however, room for continued growth and progress. For our kids, and as a Roth community. The closer we can come together and align around common practices, the speedier I believe that growth and progress will be made. And truly, I believe that when we're putting healthy pressure on students to do the right thing, it is for their benefit. Our next point of emphasis is class tardies. Though we definitely have some classrooms that are very far apart geographically, most of our students are able to successfully navigate their schedule (including locker visits) without being late to class. I am hopeful that we can motivate a shift from most to all. Our students have their best chance to learn when they’re sitting in class, from bell to bell, with our wonderful teachers. 

Please take some time to review our School-Based Behavioral Leadership model and Personal Device Plan with your student/s, as we prepare for the days, weeks, and months ahead.

News from Roth’s Library: Mrs. Leader and Ms. Thomas are at it again! This fantastic library dream team brought many exciting experiences and resources to our students last year, and they’re planning more for this school year. Please check out November’s Library Smore to see what Mrs. Leader and Ms. Thomas have gathered for this important month in which we honor our veterans, and share our gratitude. Here is a fun blurb from last month’s pumpkin painting contest.

Pumpkin Picasso was a huge hit! So much creativity and talent was showcased. Students came to create a pumpkin in the library during their free time. Pumpkins were shared and favorites were voted upon. Our winner was Sijood Al-Rubayie with her Nightmare Before Christmas creation!

Pickup/Dropoff Reminder: As a friendly reminder, please continue to practice safe driving and parking practices during student arrival and pickup. We have plenty of spots in our parking lot, and we ask families to park in one of those spots if the driveway is congested. Please do not park on the grass or sidewalk. Using our parking lot will prevent traffic from backing up to East Henrietta Road, allow for safe entrance/exit of our buses, and make it possible for students to enter vehicles safely.

Chromebooks: Families, this is an important message that I’m hoping you will all share with our students. Chromebooks have become as important a classroom resource as binders, pens, and pencils. Many of our teachers use Google Classroom, as well as a number of other online resources to organize their instructional materials. On behalf of our aforementioned library team, I ask that we remind students that these devices should be maintained in the same working condition in which they were distributed. We have had a number of Chromebooks damaged, lost, and/or destroyed already this school year. As I mentioned in the SBBL blurb above, overall student behavior has improved. And, responsible Chromebook use and maintenance is an area that we can continue to develop. Intentional destruction or damage is a Code of Conduct violation, and will be handled accordingly. Please help our students remember to take care of these borrowed devices. Thank you, in advance, for your continued support.

Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences: November is here. In just a few weeks, we’ll be hosting families for Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, and learn more about their achievement in select classes. If you have specific questions that are not addressed below, please contact me via email.

Here is the content that was mailed home already:

• Who? Parents and/or Guardians 
• When? Monday, November 24 (1 to 8 p.m.) ; and Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) 
• Why? Work with teachers to discuss each student’s academic progress, celebrate growth, and identify areas where additional support may be needed. We recommend you prepare with questions and concerns for specific teachers and/or subjects. You may select a Google Meet or in-person meeting. There are limited time slots so please understand you may not be able to meet with all of your student’s teachers. 
• How? To register for Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences, please call the following numbers by Friday, November 14: If your child is in 7th or 8th grade, you will call (585) 359-5120 to schedule your meeting; If your child is in 9th grade, you will call (585) 359-5124 to schedule your meeting.

Student Council Fun Night: Student Council changed the date of the Fun Night. Originally, it was planned for Friday, October 24. However, it has been moved to Friday, December 5. The Winter Fun Night will include karaoke/music, games, open gym, and much more. The event will run from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Students, are you interested in some early winter fun with your friends? Please come to our Winter Fun Night! Enjoy snacks, karaoke/ music, games, and hot cocoa. Tickets will be on sale during lunches from Monday, November 17, through Thursday, December 4. We look forward to another night of Roth fun!

November’s SEL Focus: As part of our continuing effort to support and develop the social-emotional learning of our students, Roth’s SEL team has the following tips to share around this month’s focus. This November, Roth’s SEL focus is on Relationship Skills and Being Caring. Relationship skills refer to the ability to build healthy connections, show empathy, and work well with others. Being caring relates to listening, helping, and showing kindness in both words and actions. Whether it’s including someone new at lunch or thanking a classmate for their help, small acts of care make a big difference. Families can join in at home by talking about what caring looks like in everyday life – share examples, practice gratitude together, or do a simple act of kindness as a family each week. Let’s make this month one filled with connection and compassion! 

Washington, D.C. Trip Update: Families of 8th graders who are currently signed up (or on the waitlist) for the D.C. trip, please continue reading for a message from your advisors.

Hello D.C. Trip families, this is a reminder about the next payment for the spring trip. 

• Payment Due Date: The next payment is due on Friday, November 21; 
• Balance Sheet: Your child recently received their personal balance sheet. This sheet includes a credit for any fundraising efforts they have participate in; 
• Questions: If you have any questions regarding your child’s balance or the payment process, please reach out directly to Mr. Mallaber or Ms. Flood.

Important District Information

Local Resources: With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You also may visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Monroe County Youth Risk Behavior Survey: During the week of November 17, Rush-Henrietta Central School District is participating in the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) as part of a countywide and district effort to gather information about the health risk behaviors of students in grades 7-12. Questions will be asked about personal safety, nutrition, alcohol and other drug use, physical exercise, mental health, sexual behaviors, and community involvement.  

The survey has been conducted in Monroe County schools every two years since 1992. Information from the survey has assisted school, health, and community organizations to plan services for youth based on local needs. Participation is voluntary and anonymous. Please click here for more information, including FAQs and an opt-out form if you prefer your child not participate in the survey.  

Digital Equity Survey/SchoolTool Access: Since 2021, the New York State Education Department has required districts to gather information regarding home access to the Internet, and what devices students use. This annual Digital Equity Survey will be accessible through SchoolTool beginning Thursday, November 20. 

When you log in to SchoolTool after that date, you will be prompted to respond to some brief questions found in each student's account. You won’t be able to access your student’s information, including report cards, until this is completed. If more than one survey is available for your child, please review the version in red. This will only take a few minutes and can be done via the app or by logging on to the SchoolTool website. We created a document to walk you through the process if you are using the website instead of the app. 

 If you completed the survey last year, please review your responses to verify the information is still accurate. If you have not already completed the survey, you will be prompted to do so when you log in. Please update or complete the survey no later than Friday, December 12.

Please note: If you are using the SchoolTool mobile app, you may see multiple surveys for each student. The required survey will be in red text. We have also created a short video to assist you with a few of your selections while taking the survey. We appreciate your time and thank you for helping us to fulfill this state requirement.

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for November's lunch menu.

 

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Veterans Day (School Closed): Tuesday, November 11
• Roth Parent Group: Monday, November 17; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days (No School): Monday, November 24 (1 - 8 p.m.); and, Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Recess (No School): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Tuesday, November 04, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

We are in the final week of the first marking period. For all Roth Junior High students, this is an excellent time to reflect. Reflect on their academic effort, their behavioral development, and their contribution to the greater Roth community. When I jump on the morning announcements to share about Roth Rising, I ask students to do three things: check in with themselves; check in with the adults at Roth who work daily to support their learning and mental health needs; and, look for opportunities to help others. Together, we can continue to move our students in a positive and healthy direction. Together, we can influence and shape their character and esteem. Together, we can accomplish much more than we can as individuals. That’s our goal at Roth Junior High.

Make a Difference Day Gratitude: Thank you. To the many families who were able to contribute during last week’s Make a Difference Day donations. We were able to nearly triple our intake from last year. All of our donations were sorted, boxed, and dropped off at local food pantries to support our Rush-Henrietta community. It was a cool, breezy Saturday morning, but many Roth students showed that they know what Roth Rising is all about. I feel it also important to note that making a difference does not have to be through donating food or household items. Making a difference can be holding a door, saying “Thank you,” sending a kind note or email, and many other daily actions that make our community a welcoming place. In the many ways that you already do, thank you, Roth families and friends, for making a difference.

 

Local Resources: With the holiday season approaching and the potential for limited federal resources being made available to assist local families, we want to remind our community of several local avenues of support. Students can always take advantage of the free breakfast and lunch options on school days. (We recommend submitting the annual free and reduced lunch forms so R-H can continue to provide an array of services to students and families.) In addition, families can utilize the R-H Kicking Hunger School Food Pantry and additional local food resources. You also may visit this page on our website for a variety of resources available to families.

Academic Honors: We’re in the last week of the first marking period, and students will be checking our Academic Honors display case outside of the Counseling Suite in the next several weeks to see if they have earned one of the three designations. As a reminder, students can earn their place on one of three Academic Honors lists: High Honor Roll; Honor Roll; and, Honorable Mention. Each designation is a formal acknowledgement of the effort and energy put into academics. Here are the criteria for each:

• High Honor Roll: GPA of 94.45% - 100.00% 
• Honor Roll: GPA of 89.45% - 94.44% 
• Honorable Mention: GPA of 84.45% - 89.44% 

GPA (Grade Point Average) is the mathematical average of each student’s grades. To be eligible for Academic Honors, students need to have no failing grades or incompletes (INC). Again, this a timely reminder for families to check SchoolTool on a regular basis.

November’s SEL Focus: As part of our continuing effort to support and develop the social-emotional learning of our students, Roth’s SEL team has the following tips to share around this month’s focus. This November, Roth’s SEL focus is on Relationship Skills and Being Caring. Relationship skills refer to the ability to build healthy connections, show empathy, and work well with others. Being caring relates to listening, helping, and showing kindness in both words and actions. Whether it’s including someone new at lunch or thanking a classmate for their help, small acts of care make a big difference. Families can join in at home by talking about what caring looks like in everyday life – share examples, practice gratitude together, or do a simple act of kindness as a family each week. Let’s make this month one filled with connection and compassion! 

Washington, D.C. Trip Update: Families of 8th graders who are currently signed up (or on the waitlist) for the D.C. trip, please continue reading for a message from your advisors.

Hello D.C. Trip families, this is a reminder about the next payment for the spring trip. 

• Payment Due Date: The next payment is due on Friday, November 21; 
• Balance Sheet: Your child recently received their personal balance sheet. This sheet includes a credit for any fundraising efforts they have participate in; 
• Questions: If you have any questions regarding your child’s balance or the payment process, please reach out directly to Mr. Mallaber or Ms. Flood.

Parent Group Remind: Roth Junior High’s Parent Group already contributed to a memorable and super successful fall dance. Our goal is to develop the partnership between our school and our families throughout the year. If you would like to participate in our Parent Group, please plan on attending our next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 17. If you are a user of Facebook, please take time to join our active parent Facebook group at: RH-Roth Parent Group. And, our Parent Group is happy to announce the creation of our new Remind page. Click here to join the Roth Parent Group on the Remind app.

Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences: November is here. In just a few weeks, we’ll be hosting families for Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences. This is an excellent opportunity to meet your student’s teachers, and learn more about their achievement in select classes. If you have specific questions that are not addressed below, please contact me via email.

Here is the content that was mailed home already:

• Who? Parents and/or Guardians 
• When? Monday, November 24 (1 to 8 p.m.) ; and Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) 
• Why? Work with teachers to discuss each student’s academic progress, celebrate growth, and identify areas where additional support may be needed. We recommend you prepare with questions and concerns for specific teachers and/or subjects. You may select a Google Meet or in-person meeting. There are limited time slots so please understand you may not be able to meet with all of your student’s teachers. 
• How? To register for Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences, please call the following numbers by Friday, November 14: If your child is in 7th or 8th grade, you will call (585) 359-5120 to schedule your meeting; If your child is in 9th grade, you will call (585) 359-5124 to schedule your meeting.

Student Council Fun Night: Student Council changed the date of the Fun Night. Originally, it was planned for Friday, October 24. However, it has been moved to Friday, December 5. The Winter Fun Night will include karaoke/music, games, open gym, and much more. The event will run from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Students, are you interested in some early-winter fun with your friends? Please come to our Winter Fun Night! Enjoy snacks, karaoke/ music, games, and hot cocoa. Tickets will be on sale during lunches from Monday, November 17, through Thursday, December 4. We look forward to another night of Roth fun!

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for November's lunch menu.

 

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Veterans Day (School Closed): Tuesday, November 11
• Roth Parent Group: Monday, November 17; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days (No School): Monday, November 24 (1 - 8 p.m.); and, Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Recess (No School): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

We are in Week 9 at Roth Junior High! For our students, there is still time to finish the first marking period strong. Check grades on SchoolTool and review Google Classroom for missing (or unsubmitted) assignments. If what our kiddos find puts a smile on their faces, celebrate the successful start of a new school year. And, if our kiddos find opportunities to make productive change? Celebrate that, too, because they are beginning the process of self-reflection. 

Please take time this week to check your student’s grades. Email our team if you have any questions or need support navigating the different online programs (SchoolTool, Google Classroom, etc.). And please continue to ask our students questions such as: How are you doing? How do you feel? Have you checked in with the Roth-based adults in your life? Is there anything you can do to lift up your peers? We go together, we grow together.

Our faculty and staff are here to support our students – all of our students – as they continue their development as learners, and as young human beings. I am so proud of the work we have already done this year at Roth. I am also the first to admit that we have practices, relationships, and expectations that can be improved. With you – our Roth families and friends – as our partners, we will continue Roth’s rise to excellence. 

Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Series: Please consider joining our first session at 6:30 p.m. tonight, Tuesday, October 28, in the Roth large conference room. This is an in-person meeting, and an opportunity to connect with other parents and guardians who are doing the best we can to care for our teens. Tonight’s topic is self-esteem. Though there will be a few prompts to get the discussion started, the intent is for each session to be run by, for, and with our family participants. Each session, we will shape our discussion around one topic. We hope to see you this evening.

Halloween Costumes and Guidance: Several students asked about Halloween costumes. Here is what I have been sharing, and what I ask you to review with our students. Students can wear their Halloween costumes so long as the costumes do not violate dress code, do not cover the student’s face, do not include props (or other carry-around items), and/or cause a distraction to the learning environment. Here is an example of what is acceptable. A student has a pirate costume that includes one eye patch, a prop parrot, and a prop sword. The actual dress/outfit is acceptable (including the eye patch), but I ask that the parrot and sword remain home. If you have specific questions, please reach out to me directly. 

DESSA Reminder: On Friday, October 31, all Roth students will take 10-15 minutes in their Social Studies class to complete the DESSA social-emotional wellness screen. The goal is to identify social-emotional skills and competencies that are relative strengths and areas that need additional support, across the entire Roth student body. Here is an example of a question our students might see. During the past four weeks, how often did you think about positive things; ask somebody for feedback; and get along well with different types of people? We know social-emotional skills will play an important role in our students’ wellness and success, both now and in the future. Making good decisions, demonstrating self-control, persisting at challenging tasks, and working well as a member of a group are examples of skills necessary for students to be successful well into adulthood. If you have questions or concerns about the DESSA, please send me an email.

Make a Difference Day, Reminder: One of the surest ways to leave a positive mark is by lifting up our peers, families, and community. I shared at the start of the year that I’d like Roth Junior High students to interpret at least part of Roth Rising as lifting others up. In that spirit, I encourage Roth students and families to make an impact – to make a difference – as we partner with the town of Henrietta for this event. Please continue reading for an excellent volunteer and charity opportunity in partnership with the town.

The town of Henrietta and the Rush-Henrietta Central School District are joining together once again for Make A Difference Day, the annual National Day of Caring. Rush-Henrietta schools will be accepting donations of non-perishable food products and personal care items From Monday, October 27, through Friday, October 31. Please click here for the list of items being collected at the different grade levels.

Though the food and personal care item donations are part of “Make a Difference Day,” another major aspect is actual volunteer work. Volunteer opportunities are from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 1. There are several ways that interested students and families can volunteer to give back to our community on this specific date, including: raking leaves; organizing food donations; community clean-up; and much more. For more information and the volunteer application, please click here. 

Student Council Collection for Make a Difference Day: This week, Roth Student Council is hosting a donation collection to support Make a Difference Day. This is a fun competition to see which class can collect the most items to help our community. Please see this list of items being collected. Here’s how our students – and their Period 1 classes – can participate and earn bragging rights:

• Get a Box: Each 1st-period class will receive a box to collect donated items.
• Collect Items: Bring in items for donation (be sure to check what is being collected!).
• Report Your Total: 1st-period teachers complete a quick Google Form each day with their name and the total count of items collected.
• Check the Leaderboard: We will announce the current leaderboard daily on the afternoon announcements.

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for October’s lunch menu.

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: Self-Esteem: Tuesday, October 28; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• School Pictures (Make-up Day): Thursday, October 30
• Make a Difference Day: Saturday, November 1
• Veterans Day (School Closed): Tuesday, November 11
• Roth Parent Group: Monday, November 17; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days (No School): Monday, November 24 (1 - 8 p.m.); and, Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Recess (No School): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

I shared a lot of information yesterday and I have a few more timely news items to share below. Please continue reading to learn about some upcoming events and opportunities to contribute at/to Roth Junior High.

Roth Musical (Mary Poppins, Jr.): Though our school musical is not until the end of January 2026, it’s already time for interested students to start prepping for auditions. Students interested in being cast in this year's musical, Mary Poppins, Jr., should plan to attend the workshop this Thursday after school from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Immediately following is a required parent meeting in the auditorium to review the audition process and rules and expectations. This meeting should be finished by 5:20 p.m., if we start on time. Contact Pam Quinlan for questions.

Student Council Collection for Make a Difference Day: Next week, Roth Student Council is hosting a donation collection to support Make a Difference Day. This is a fun competition to see which class can collect the most items to help our community.

How to Participate and Win:

1. Get a Box: Each 1st-period class will receive a box to collect donated items.
2. Collect Items: Bring in items for donation (be sure to check what is being collected!)
3. Report Your Total: 1st-period teachers complete a quick Google Form each day with their name and the total count of items collected.
4. Check the Leaderboard: We will announce the current leaderboard daily on the afternoon announcements.

Items for Collection: 

• Mac and Cheese (7.25oz box)
• Canned/Boxed Potatoes
• Packs of Ramen (not cups)
• Hearty/Chunky soups
• Canned Chicken/Tuna
• Cereal (approx. 12oz box) Pasta (1lb size)
• Juice (24 to 48oz)
• Laundry Soap (approx. 50oz). 

The Prize: The 1st-period class that collects the most items by the end of the week will win donuts on Monday, November 3.

Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Series: Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series is intended to provide interested parents/guardians an opportunity to learn from and network with other adult stakeholders who are working to develop our youth. Our kids will inherit this space, and we believe it is important for us to come together to ask questions, share what works, and explore what research (both experience and statistics) has to say about motivating today’s teens. Parents and guardians who are willing to share ideas and suggestions with each other are invited to attend our first meeting. The topic for our first meeting is: self esteem. We will meet in the large conference room at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28. The goal of this series is to give families an opportunity to participate in a monthly panel discussion about relevant (and important) teenage topics. There will be prompts to open the discussion, but this is intended to be an open meeting where all parents/guardians can share and participate. We hope to see you there!

Parent Group Reminder: Roth Junior High’s Parent Group already contributed to a memorable and super successful fall dance. Our goal is to develop the partnership between our school and our families throughout the year. If you would like to participate in our Parent Group, please plan on attending our next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 17. If you are a user of Facebook, please take time to join our active parent Facebook group at RH-Roth Parent Group. And, our Parent Group is happy to announce the creation of our new Remind page. Click here to join the Roth Parent Group on the Remind app.

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for October’s lunch menu.

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: Self-Esteem: Tuesday, October 28; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• School Pictures (Make-up Day): Thursday, October 30
• Make a Difference Day: Saturday, November 1
• Veterans Day (School Closed): Tuesday, November 11
• Roth Parent Group: Monday, November 17; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days (No School): Monday, November 24 (1 - 8 p.m.); and, Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Recess (No School): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

We’ve had a few cool, wet, and dark morning starts to this week. Our eighth week with students. Students have three weeks to go in our first quarter. As I have mentioned in previous weeks, it is important to nudge/remind our students to check their grades, initiate proactive conversations with their teachers, and reflect on the habits that are working (as well as those that are not). Together, we can do our part to support each and every one of Roth Junior High’s students. 

And, while students are hitting the books (and Chromebooks) and prepping for upcoming exams, I’d like to highlight some upcoming exciting opportunities to learn, have fun, and give back.

RIT STEP (Science and Technology Entry Program): I am excited to announce that our partnership with Rochester Institute of Technology via their STEP program is coming back to Roth. After-school tutoring will be available for students who participate in the STEP program. Kierra McInnis will be facilitating our student workshops. We are grateful to have her continue this fantastic after-school partnership, especially for our science, technology, engineering, and math-interested students. Some STEP programming is only available for students who are registered through RIT. For registration information (including the STEP application), students should visit Kierra McInnis in the Roth Library. 

Students who are interested in the design and engineering that goes into developing theme parks should consider Behind the Theme Park Thrills, which starts on Thursday, October 23. In these sessions, students will: design layout, track, and vehicle type; develop the theme – name, logo, and color scheme; build a themed model section and create a PowerPoint; and, showcase student designs via a final presentation.

Students who are interested in the impact Artificial Intelligence is already having on research and media should sign up for Artificial Intelligence versus Real Media Challenge. This session will be held Tuesday, October 28, in the Roth library. Think you can spot what's real and what's AI? Join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you'll test your skills, learn how AI works, and uncover the secrets behind fake content online! Please click below to learn more about upcoming opportunities. Students: register, and have a friend do the same!

• Behind the Theme Park Thrills: starts Thursday, October 23
• Artificial Intelligence versus Real Media Challenge: Tuesday, October 28
• RIT STEP Tutoring: Wednesdays from 6 - 8 p.m.

Spooky Science Day at University of Rochester: Here is another fun event provided by one of our neighboring universities. The Society of Physics Students at the University of Rochester is hosting its annual Spooky Science Day event from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 25. This event includes hands-on science demos, crafts, games, costumes, and most importantly, free candy and treats!

Several different campus clubs will have stations with activities such as balloon rocket races, electricity experiments, baking soda volcanoes, coding/video games, robotic arms, and more. The graduate students have also set up a House of Illusions, which is a haunted house and attached exhibit allowing everyone to see and then try out classic Halloween illusions themselves, and learn about the science behind them! Spooky Science Day is a free event that will be held from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. on Saturday, October 25, on the University of Rochester Campus in Munnerlyn Atrium, Georgen Hall (480 Intercampus Dr). We hope to see you there! Click here to learn more.

Make a Difference Day: One of the surest ways to leave a positive mark is by lifting up our peers, families, and community. I shared at the start of the year that I’d like Roth Junior High students to interpret at least part of Roth Rising as lifting others up. In that spirit, I encourage Roth students and families to make an impact – to make a difference – as we partner with the town of Henrietta for this event. Please continue reading for an excellent volunteer and charity opportunity in partnership with the town.

The town of Henrietta and the Rush-Henrietta Central School District are joining together once again for Make A Difference Day, the annual National Day of Caring. Rush-Henrietta schools will be accepting donations of non-perishable food products and personal care items From Monday, October 27, through Friday, October 31. Please click here for the list of items being collected at the different grade levels.

Though the food and personal care item donations are part of “Make a Difference Day,” another major aspect is actual volunteer work. Volunteer opportunities are from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 1. There are several ways that interested students and families can volunteer to give back to our community on this specific date, including: raking leaves; organizing food donations; community clean-up; and much more. For more information and the volunteer application, please click here. 

The town of Henrietta also has an upcoming Halloween event that our students are invited to. Click here to learn more about Halloween at Tinker Nature Park, from 6 - 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 25.

DESSA Social-Emotional Screener: For the second consecutive year, Rush-Henrietta is using the DESSA universal screener to help prioritize the mental health of our students. The district’s goal is to have 80 percent of students take part in this process twice each school year - once in October and March. All we ask is that you answer simple questions with honesty. Here is an example of a question you might see. During the past four weeks, how often did you: think about positive things; ask somebody for feedback; get along well with different types of people?

Roth Junior High students will be taking the DESSA screener in their Social Studies classes on Friday, October 31.

We know social-emotional skills will play an important role in your success, both now and in the future. Making good decisions, demonstrating self-control, persisting at challenging tasks, and working well as a member of a group are examples of skills necessary for students to be successful well into adulthood. 

This activity is voluntary, but we believe it will be beneficial to all of our students, as individuals and as a group. If you have questions or wish to opt-out, please contact me via email at ohussain@rhnet.org.

Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Series: Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series is intended to provide interested parents/guardians an opportunity to learn from and network with other adult stakeholders who are working to develop our youth. Our kids will inherit this space, and we believe it is important for us to come together to ask questions, share what works, and explore what research (both experience and statistics) has to say about motivating today’s teens. Parents and guardians who are willing to share ideas and suggestions with each other are invited to attend our first meeting. The topic for our first meeting is: self esteem. We will meet in the large conference room at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28. The goal of this series is to give families an opportunity to participate in a monthly panel discussion about relevant (and important) teenage topics. There will be prompts to open the discussion, but this is intended to be an open meeting where all parents/guardians can share and participate. We hope to see you there!

Student Council Fun Night (Update): Student Council has decided to change the date of the Fun Night. Originally, it was planned for Friday, October 24. However, we are moving it to Friday, December 5. The Winter Fun Night will include karaoke/music, games, open gym, and much more. The event will run from 6 - 7:30 p.m., and tickets will be available starting two weeks before the Fun Night. More information will be available in November.

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for October’s lunch menu.

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: Self-Esteem: Tuesday, October 28; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• School Pictures (Make-up Day): Thursday, October 30
• Make a Difference Day: Saturday, November 1
• Veterans Day (School Closed): Tuesday, November 11
• Roth Parent Group: Monday, November 17; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days (No School): Monday, November 24 (1 - 8 p.m.); and, Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Recess (No School): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Friday, October 17, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

Seven weeks in the books! We already have plenty to celebrate at Roth Junior High, as well as plenty to reflect and improve on in the weeks to come. It is the human condition. And, I believe it is our charge as educators and families to help our students grow into great human beings. 

Students have three weeks remaining in our first marking period. By now, it is my hope that families are familiar with how to access student grades, assignments, and contact information for teachers. We are committed to developing our students into more independent versions of themselves, but we realize there is still a level of guidance and support that Junior High kids need. As we enter the weekend and prepare for Week 8, here are three questions that I ask our students to reflect on daily: 

• What am I doing to check-in with myself?
• What am I doing to check-in with my teachers?
• What am I doing to help others around me? 

Together, I believe we can rise to excellence. We are on our way!

Updates and Reminders:

Thank You to Our Parent Group:  I’d like to share a tremendous shout-out, stampede of applause, and THANK YOU to our Roth Junior High Parent Group. With its help, we were able to host 350 students in our gym for our Homecoming Dance last week. Students had plenty of snacks, drinks, and good music to dance the night away. All of that was made possible thanks to our parents, guardians and families, who donated food and their time. We appreciate our Roth families! If you would like to join our Parent Group, please plan on attending our next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, November 17. If you are a user of Facebook, please take time to join our active parent Facebook group at RH-Roth Parent Group.

Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Series: Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series is intended to provide interested parents/guardians an opportunity to learn from and network with other adult stakeholders who are working to develop our youth. Our kids will inherit this space, and we believe it is important for us to come together to ask questions, share what works, and explore what research (both experience and statistics) has to say about motivating today’s teens. Parents and guardians who are willing to share ideas and suggestions with each other are invited to attend our first meeting. The topic for our first meeting is: self esteem. We will meet in the large conference room at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28. The goal of this series is to give families an opportunity to participate in a monthly panel discussion about relevant (and important) teenage topics. There will be prompts to open the discussion, but this is intended to be an open meeting where all parents/guardians can share and participate. We hope to see you there!

Student Council Fun Night (Update): Student Council has decided to change the date of the Fun Night. Originally, it was planned for Friday, October 24. However, we are moving it to Friday, December 5. The Winter Fun Night will include karaoke/music, games, open gym, and much more. The event will run from 6 - 7:30 p.m., and tickets will be available starting two weeks before the Fun Night. More information will be available in November.

Make a Difference Day: One of the surest ways to leave a positive mark is by lifting up our peers, families, and community. I shared at the start of the year that I’d like Roth Junior High students to interpret at least part of Roth Rising as lifting others up. In that spirit, I encourage Roth students and families to make an impact – to make a difference – as we partner with the town of Henrietta for this event. Please continue reading for an excellent volunteer and charity opportunity in partnership with the town.

The town of Henrietta and the Rush-Henrietta Central School District are joining together once again for Make A Difference Day, the annual National Day of Caring. Rush-Henrietta schools will be accepting donations of non-perishable food products and personal care items From Monday, October 27, through Friday, October 31. Please click here for the list of items being collected at the different grade levels.

Though the food and personal care item donations are part of “Make a Difference Day,” another major aspect is actual volunteer work. Volunteer opportunities are from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, November 1. There are several ways that interested students and families can volunteer to give back to our community on this specific date, including: raking leaves; organizing food donations; community clean-up; and much more. For more information and the volunteer application, please click here. 

Roth Junior High Yearbooks: Roth Junior High yearbooks are available to pre-order now at a 10% discount until Friday, October 31. This deadline was extended due to popular demand. To purchase and customize your yearbook, go to: www.treering.com/validate, and enter the passcode: 101556133544541.

Customize your 2 free pages:

• Add photos from your computer, Facebook, Instagram, Google Drive & more.
• Answer fun Memory Questions to help remember the year.
• The 2 Custom Pages are FREE and are printed ONLY in your book. Want more pages? Each additional 2 pages are just $1.98.

Rush-Henrietta Paraprofessional Job Fair: Rush-Henrietta is looking to add new members to our team. If you are interested in working in our schools, attend our Paraprofessional Job Fair! The fair is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, October 20, at the Transportation and Operations Center, 1133 Lehigh Station Road. Click here for more information.

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for October’s lunch menu.

 

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: Self-Esteem: Tuesday, October 28; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• School Pictures (Make-up Day): Thursday, October 30
• Veterans Day (School Closed): Tuesday, November 11
• Roth Parent Group: Monday, November 17; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conference Days (No School): Monday, November 24 (1 - 8 p.m.); and, Tuesday, November 25 (8 a.m. - 3 p.m.)
• Thanksgiving Recess (No School): Wednesday, November 26 - Friday, November 28
• Student Council Winter Fun Night: Friday, December 5; 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

Thank you for your patience. Here is my news from Monday. Our system was down, so I apologize for the delay...

I’m still riding the momentum from last Friday’s pep assembly. Our students were respectful, engaged, and adequately hyped for the event. It is such a pleasure and joy to watch students and the adults that regularly work with them interact in some fun, light-hearted competition. And though our varsity football team experienced their only loss of the season, the week felt like a win at Roth Junior High. 

Homecoming Dance (Fall Ball): Our first dance of the school year is just a few short days away. The Fall Ball is in our big gym, from 6:30 - 8 p.m. on Thursday, October 9. I am so excited to celebrate the first six weeks with our students and staff on Thursday night. Tickets are $10, and will be on sale during lunches this week. Guest forms for 7th-9th graders who do not attend Roth can be found in our assistant principals’ offices. Guest forms are due Thursday morning. As a reminder, this dance is intended to be casual in theme and dress. Save the gowns and tuxedos for prom. Feel free to dress as casually (or as nicely) as you would like. Though this is a fall-themed dance, we ask that students not wear Halloween costumes. Thank you, and let’s make it a night to remember. 

Roth JHS Student Clubs: This is our first week for clubs and intramurals. Intramurals are an excellent opportunity for students to engage in safe physical activity before the school day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I am so grateful to our Physical Education teachers for providing this weekly opportunity to our students. Additionally, our after-school clubs will have their first meetings over the next few weeks. Some clubs meet once monthly, while others meet more frequently. Click here to learn more about Roth’s club offerings. Students should listen to (or read) our daily announcements for more specific meeting details.

Roth SEL October Focus: Throughout the month of October, we invite students, staff, and families to turn their attention to two powerful social‑emotional learning traits: self‑management and trustworthiness. We encourage everyone to practice self‑management by staying organized, managing impulses, and persistently working toward goals even when challenges arise. When students plan their assignments, pause before reacting in frustration, or break large tasks into smaller steps, they are strengthening that muscle of self-management. Alongside that, we are spotlighting trustworthiness. When a student follows through on commitments, takes responsibility for mistakes, or treats classmates with integrity, it builds a climate of trust across the school. Together, these traits help nurture a caring, responsible, and resilient community. Together, let’s continue Roth’s rise to excellence by developing our self-management skillset and trustworthiness.

Washington, D.C. Trip Update: Please read below for an important update from our D.C. Trip advisors, Ms. Flood and Mr. Mallaber.

Attention 8th-grade Parents/Guardians: 

The 90 spots on the Washington, D.C. trip are full, and we have started a waitlist. If your child is on the waitlist, we will not cash any check or money order until/unless they are added to the trip. 

The coupon book fundraising is still going on. This sale ends on Wednesday, October 22.

Please continue to remind your child that to stay on the trip, they need to remember…

• Behavior and attendance in school are a significant focus between now and the trip;
• Students who consistently violate school expectations, Code of Conduct, or attendance policies risk being removed from the trip roster;
• Removed students will be replaced by students who are on the waitlist;
• The review and final decision will be made by Roth's administrative team, along with Ms. Flood and Mr. Mallaber.

Please reach out with any questions.

Rush-Henrietta Paraprofessional Job Fair: Rush-Henrietta CSD is looking to add new members to our team. If you are interested in working in schools, please consider attending our Paraprofessional Job Fair. The fair is from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Monday, October 20, at the Transportation and Operations Center. Click here for more information.

Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Series: Parents and guardians of Roth Junior High students who are willing to share ideas and suggestions with each other are invited to attend our first meeting. The topic for our first meeting is self esteem. We will meet in the large conference room at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28. The goal of this series is to give families an opportunity to participate in a monthly panel discussion about relevant (and important) teenage topics. We hope to see you there.

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for October’s lunch menu.

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Roth Homecoming Dance: Thursday, October 9; 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• School Closed (Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day): Friday, October 10 - Monday, October 13
• Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: Self-Esteem: Tuesday, October 28; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Student Council Fall Fun Night: Friday, October 24; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• School Pictures (Make-up Day): Thursday, October 30

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Sunday, September 28, 2025

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

Four weeks are in the books, and next week we move into week five. I shared with our faculty this morning – and with our students over the announcements as well – that the five-week mark has always been an important reflection point early in the school year. It’s a natural opportunity for us as educators to reflect on our own practice and also to remind our students about how they should be showing up each day: ready to learn and ready to give their best effort.

Last year, I wrote about the importance of checking in with our students on a regular basis. For me, the five-week mark is a great time to pause and ask: How are you doing? How do you feel about the effort you’re putting into school each day? How do you feel about the way you’re showing up – in your interactions with adults, with peers, and with yourself? How do you feel about your self-advocacy? Are you making daily choices to lift others up and take care of the people around you?

There are lots of variations to these questions, but the goal is the same: to help our students reflect on what we’re trying to do at Roth this year – grow as human beings.

Next week, especially as we celebrate Homecoming – and as our 7th graders experience their very first Roth Pep Assembly alongside our 8th and 9th graders – I think it’s the perfect opportunity for us, both at home and in classrooms, to check in with students. Review their grades in SchoolTool, reach out to teachers or counselors if you have questions, and encourage your student not only to show up prepared to be their best selves, but also to seek out ways to help others. It has been a really strong start to the school year here at Roth Junior High School, and I’m looking forward to keeping the momentum going.

Student Device Policy and Backpacks: Just a reminder: Roth Junior High School students should be storing their personal devices – including smartphones, smartwatches, internet-enabled headphones, and earbuds – in their lockers at all times during the school day.

Additionally, students are asked to put their full-size backpacks in their lockers. We want our students to really learn how to organize, prioritize, and navigate their schedule in a way that encourages visiting lockers to grab what they need for a couple of periods at a time, rather than carrying bulky bags all day. So far, this has led to a noticeable reduction in how much space is taken up in our cafeteria and hallways, though we still have some work to do. Some students have needed more than one reminder, and that’s okay – reminding is part of our work as educators. We have patience, we care deeply, and we know that with your support we can continue to help our students adjust. Thank you for your continued support as we encourage each and every one of our students to contribute to Roth’s rise to excellence.

Homecoming Spirit Week and Pep Assembly: Next week is an exciting one at Roth Junior High and across the Rush-Henrietta Central School District as we celebrate Homecoming! We have a full menu of athletic competitions, leading up to Friday night’s 6 p.m. Varsity football game against Pittsford. Click here to view next week’s athletics schedule. Dress-up Days are a major part of the Homecoming tradition. Here is the flyer for Roth’s Spirit Days. We are aligned with several other R-H schools, with the exception of one day that we changed to celebrate one of our dearest staff members. 

Please remind our students that Homecoming is about celebrating, and it’s also about continuing to be a part of what makes Roth special. On Friday, we’ll follow a modified schedule with shortened class periods, and the day will conclude with a schoolwide Pep Assembly in the gymnasium. Students will be able to sign up for some fun grade-level competitions throughout the week. It’s going to be a lot of fun – full of cheering, laughter, and school spirit. Based on student and family feedback, we’ve also purchased earplugs for students who are sensitive to loud noise. This way, everyone can enjoy the event comfortably while still being part of the energy and excitement. Earplugs will be available in our Main Office. It’s going to be a wonderful week, and I’m looking forward to celebrating with our students, families, and staff. 

Homecoming Dance (Fall Ball): Though it is the week after all of our other Homecoming festivities, Roth’s Homecoming Dance is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 9. This first dance of the year is open to Roth Junior High students who are in academic, attendance, and disciplinary good-standing. Tickets are $10 each, and will be sold during lunches that same week. Students are encouraged to dress casually for this event – no need to go shopping for a fancy tux or dress. We look forward to dancing the night away as the autumn leaves fall!

Washington, D.C. Trip: Here is the presentation from our D.C. Trip meeting last week. Please continue reading for an important update from club advisors, Ms. Flood and Mr. Mallaber, about our 8th Grade D.C. Trip next May. 

The 90 spots on the Washington D.C. trip are filling up fast. Please remember, both the blue and yellow paperwork, along with a $100 deposit are needed to secure your spot. If you are fundraising and plan to use the funds towards the $100 deposit, please notify Ms. Flood or Mr. Mallaber by sending in the funds raised, even if you are not finished selling yet. 

Once the 90 seats are full, we will start a waiting list. If your student ends up on the waitlist, we will not cash any check until/unless a spot opens up. We can send it back home if you would like. Please also remember:

• Behavior and attendance in school are a significant focus between now and the trip;
• Students who consistently violate school expectations, Code of Conduct, or attendance policies risk being removed from the trip roster;
• Remove students will be replaced by students who are on the waitlist;
• The review and final decision will be made by Roth's administrative team, along with Ms. Flood and Mr. Mallaber.

In short, students must demonstrate that they can consistently follow all school rules and attendance policies to secure their spot on the trip.

Roth JHS Student Clubs: This is a reminder. Our student clubs are almost ready to rock and roll. Late buses run on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays after school. The late run leaves Roth between 3:30 - 3:45 p.m. Whether you’re interested in building Legos, rocking out to karaoke, crocheting like a boss, or baking delicious treats, you’ll find a club that meets your preferences. Here are this year’s approved student clubs. Club meetings will begin in October, and students should stay tuned to morning announcements and their school email for meeting times and updates. I will share more information, including meeting patterns and club advisors next week.

Snowsports Club Announcement: Please continue reading for an important message from our Snowsports Club advisor, Eric Prinzi. 

Hello Families! We are excited to be running the Roth Snowsports Club again this year. Roth Snowsports Club is for anyone interested in skiing or snowboarding this winter. All are welcome – from experienced skiers and snowboarders to first-timers! We take six trips to Bristol Mountain on Tuesday evenings in January and February.  Students should listen to the announcements for registration information. One important note:  Bristol Mountain does offer a scholarship to help with the cost of the lift tickets, rentals, and lessons. If this is something you are interested in, please be sure to contact the club supervisor (Eric Prinzi - eprinzi@rhnet.org) as soon as possible. The application is due on Monday, October 20. The application takes a few days to complete, so please do not wait until the last possible moment. We hope to see you on the slopes!

Safety Week: As part of our continuing efforts to make schools as safe as possible for all students and staff, the Rush-Henrietta Central School District will hold safety drills during the week of Monday, September 29 - Friday, October 3. These drills are designed to practice and assess emergency response procedures. During this week, the buildings will practice evacuation, medical emergency, and lockdown emergency response procedures. The Rush-Henrietta Central School District works year-round to refine its safety and emergency response practices. These activities help us be as prepared as possible in the event of an actual emergency. Thank you for your patience and support as we complete these important drills.

Raising Today’s Youth: Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series is intended to provide interested parents/guardians an opportunity to learn from and network with other adult stakeholders who are working to develop our youth. Our kids will inherit this space, and we believe it is important for us to come together to ask questions and share ideas for connecting with our teens. Our first meeting will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28. The meeting will be in-person, at Roth. The topic for our first meeting is self-esteem.  

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for October’s lunch menu.

 

Thank you, for everything that you do, to contribute to Roth's rise to excellence. Feel free to contact me via e-mail if you have any questions and/or comments.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Homecoming Spirit Week: Monday, September 29 - Friday, October 3
• Roth Homecoming Dance: Thursday, October 9; 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• School Closed (Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples' Day): Friday, October 10 - Monday, October 13
• Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: Self-Esteem: Tuesday, October 28; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Student Council Fall Fun Night: Friday, October 24; 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• School Pictures (Make-up Day): Thursday, October 30

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

Welcome to fall. Though this late-summer warmth has not yet lifted, it is officially the season of falling (and raking) leaves, pumpkin-spiced everything, apple cider, and flannels. Week four at Roth Junior High has plenty of exciting news and opportunities to share. 

In an effort to give students some of the structured (and unstructured) free time that research shows many do not regularly access, we have been going outside for the last 10 minutes of lunch. It’s very much a work in progress, as we navigate the walk to our back fields, and getting back inside on time for classes. I’m proud of how our students have accepted and demonstrated gratitude for this opportunity. We’ll continue to find ways to provide students the type of interactions and play that have largely been replaced by online platforms and devices. And, we thank you for your continued support.

Here’s more of what we have coming up as the days get shorter and the nights get cooler. 

Chromebook Reminder: Over these first four weeks, we have experienced a large volume of students requesting loaner Chromebooks from our Library. Oftentimes, students say they forgot their device at home. Please help us keep our students in class (and prepared) by reminding them to charge their school-issued Chromebook each night, and to bring it to school each day.  

Roth JHS Student Clubs: All Roth students are invited to consider joining excited faculty/staff advisors for various after-school clubs. Whether you’re interested in building Legos, rocking out to Swiftie karaoke, crocheting like a boss, or baking delicious treats, you’ll find a club that meets your preferences. Though we are in the final stages of approving this year’s clubs, here is a list from last year to help reference (and prepare for) what we offer. Once clubs are up and running, students can sign up outside of the club advisor’s classroom to attend. Students should stay tuned to our morning announcements for meeting times and/or cancellations. 

Washington, D.C. Trip Info: After last week’s Open House, families of 8th graders were invited to learn about our annual Washington, D.C. trip. Whether or not you were able to attend that informational session, you can access the presentation here. If you did not attend and would like to learn more, please have your student stop by Ms. Flood or Mr. Mallaber’s room this week.

SEL Reminder: This month’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) focus is on self-awareness and being ready to learn. Students are learning to recognize their own emotions, thoughts, and strengths, which helps them make better choices and build confidence. We’re also encouraging habits that support being ready to learn, such as: getting organized, managing time, and setting both personal and academic goals. By developing these skills, students are better prepared to engage in learning, and succeed both in and out of the classroom.

Roth Rising, You Belong Here: Families, please know that consistent attendance gives us the best opportunity to support your child’s learning, problem-solve challenges, and build relationships that matter. Our SEL team will be sharing some additional resources and articles about attendance throughout the year. There really is no substitute for classroom instruction, and our teachers are eager to work with every student on their rosters. Our school counselors and social workers are fantastic at their jobs. Feel free to contact any member of our team if you have questions, ideas, or concerns about your child’s attendance. 

• Patricia Prinzi (pprinzi@rhnet.org), 7th Grade Counselor
• Rozetta LaPlaca (rlaplaca@rhnet.org), 8th Grade Counselor
• Robin Hernandez (rhernandez@rhnet.org), 9th Grade Counselor
• Melissa Sewruk (msewruk@rhnet.org), Social Worker
• Patrick Maney (pmaney@rhnet.org), Social Worker

Here are a few resources from Monroe County for any families who are looking for additional support in getting our students to school: Monroe County Family Support Center; Youth and Family Peer Support. 

Raising Today’s Youth: Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series is intended to provide interested parents/guardians an opportunity to learn from and network with other adult stakeholders who are working to develop our youth. Our kids will inherit this space, and we believe it is important for us to come together to ask questions and share ideas for connecting with our teens. Our first meeting will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28. The topic for our first meeting is self-esteem. 

Homecoming Dance (Fall Ball): Roth’s Homecoming Dance is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 9. This first dance of the year is open to Roth Junior High students who are in academic, attendance, and disciplinary good-standing. Tickets are $10 each, and will be sold during lunches that same week. Students are encouraged to dress casually for this event – no need to go shopping for a fancy tux or dress. We look forward to dancing the night away as the autumn leaves fall!

Safety Week: As part of our continuing efforts to make schools as safe as possible for all students and staff, the Rush-Henrietta Central School District will hold safety drills during the week of Monday, September 29 - Friday, October 3. These drills are designed to practice and assess emergency response procedures. During this week, the buildings will practice evacuation, medical emergency, and lockdown emergency response procedures. The Rush-Henrietta Central School District works year-round to refine its safety and emergency response practices. These activities help us be as prepared as possible in the event of an actual emergency. Thank you for your patience and support as we complete these important drills.

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for September’s lunches. 

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Homecoming Spirit Week: Monday, September 29 - Friday, October 3
• Roth Homecoming Dance: Thursday, October 9; 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: Self-Esteem: Tuesday, October 28; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

We had a very busy week at Roth Junior High, and across the district. Open Houses. Athletic events each and every afternoon/evening. It was excellent to see our campus buzzing with activity during our Block Party on Wednesday evening. We certainly have many more events to share with our community throughout the year, including our late-October Roth Rising Family Series event. Thank you for doing your part to support our students’ rise to excellence.

Roth Open House Block Party: Thank you so much, families, faculty, staff, and students, for making our 2025 Roth Open House a fantastic experience. The turnout was incredible – parking stretched all the way down to East Henrietta Road. And, I’m grateful for the patience and safety everyone showed while entering and exiting campus. That same patience and care is exactly what I’ve been thankful for during morning arrival and afternoon dismissal.

I hope families had the chance to meet at least some of your student’s teachers and get a glimpse into the learning ahead this year. As always, if you have questions or would like to connect further, please reach out directly to classroom teachers, school counselors, or anyone on the leadership team. We’re here to partner with you.

A Message from our SEL Team: This September, our Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) focus is on self-awareness and being ready to learn. Students are learning to recognize their own emotions, thoughts, and strengths, which helps them make better choices and build confidence. We’re also encouraging habits that support being ready to learn such as getting organized, managing time, and setting both personal and academic goals. By developing these skills, students are better prepared to engage in learning and succeed both in and out of the classroom. As an RHCSD family it will be helpful to find time to talk to your student or students about their progress, as well as their plans for the future and what they may need to achieve it.

Parent Group Partnership: A special thank you to our Roth Parent Group, for not only having a presence at Open House, but for already jumping in with energy, ideas, and support for our students this school year. One of the first exciting opportunities they’ve helped bring to life is our Homecoming Fall Ball Dance (detail below). Thank you, Roth Parent Group. We’re excited for the year of partnership ahead.

Homecoming Dance (Fall Ball): Roth’s Homecoming Dance is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, October 9. This first dance of the year is open to Roth Junior High students who are in academic, attendance, and disciplinary good-standing. Tickets are $10 each, and will be sold during lunches that same week. We look forward to dancing the night away as the autumn leaves fall!

Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: The more I think about this new program, the more excited I am about it. Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series is intended to provide interested parents/guardians an opportunity to learn from and network with other adult stakeholders who are working to develop our youth. Our kids will inherit this space, and we believe it is important for us to come together to ask questions, share what works, and explore what research (experience and statistics) has to say about motivating today’s teens. Our first meeting will be from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, October 28. The topic for our first meeting is self-esteem. 

Roth Rising, You Belong Here: We’re wrapping up our third week at Roth, and I have to share how heart-filling it’s been to see our students each morning. Walking the halls, making good choices, helping one another, and being good human beings. Of course, some are still finding their way with a little redirection, but that’s part of what Roth Rising is all about. Growing together and lifting each other up as a community.

That said, we do have students that we don’t see as regularly as we’d like. Now is the perfect time to remind each other about the importance of on-time, daily attendance. As a classroom teacher, I always believed students had their best chance at learning when they were present. Asking questions, engaging in lessons, and learning alongside their peers. There really is no substitute for classroom instruction, and our teachers are eager to work with every student on their rosters. Our school counselors and social workers are fantastic at their jobs. Feel free to contact any member of our team if you have questions, ideas, or concerns about your child’s attendance. 

• Patricia Prinzi (pprinzi@rhnet.org), 7th Grade Counselor
• Rozetta LaPlaca (rlaplaca@rhnet.org), 8th Grade Counselor
• Robin Hernandez (rhernandez@rhnet.org), 9th Grade Counselor
• Melissa Sewruk (msewruk@rhnet.org), Social Worker
• Patrick Maney (pmaney@rhnet.org), Social Worker

Here are a few resources from Monroe County for any families who are looking for additional support in getting our students to school: Monroe County Family Support Center; Youth and Family Peer Support. 

Families, please know that consistent attendance gives us the best opportunity to support your child’s learning, problem-solve challenges, and build relationships that matter. Our SEL team will be sharing some additional resources and articles about attendance, and we encourage you to reach out to school counselors, social workers, or any member of the leadership team if we can help. Together, we can make sure every student knows: Roth Rising means you belong here.

Roth Junior High Yearbooks: Another Yearbook plug. Roth Junior High yearbooks are available to pre-order now at a 10% discount until Tuesday, September 30. To purchase and customize your yearbook, go to: www.treering.com/validate, and enter the passcode: 101556133544541.

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for September’s lunches. 

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Homecoming Spirit Week: Monday, September 29 - Friday, October 3
• Roth Homecoming Dance: Thursday, October 9; 6:30 to 8 p.m.
• Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: Self-Esteem: Tuesday, October 29; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

As we prepare for another full week of teaching and learning at Roth Junior High, I hope everyone was able to enjoy some of the beautiful weather this past weekend had to offer. Much of what follows was shared on Friday, but here’s to just-in-case. Thank you, Roth families and friends, for being a part of Roth’s rise to excellence.

Parent Group (Monday, 9/15, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.): Roth Junior High’s Parent Group will have its first meeting tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m. This first meeting will be hybrid (in-person and online), with a Google Meet (video) option to join. If you are a user of Facebook, please take time to join our active parent Facebook group at RH-Roth Parent Group. Topics for our first meeting will include: volunteering at Roth events; planning for our Fall Ball (Homecoming Dance); and, our new parent/guardian offering, Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series.

Open House (Wednesday 9/17, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.): Families who are both new and familiar with Roth Junior High faculty and staff are invited to meet your student’s teachers at our Open House Block Party. We will have teachers organized by department in our bus loop. There will be music, yard games, and engaging activities to make the event an enjoyable experience for all. This is not intended for Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences, so please keep that in mind when attending. Open House is Wednesday, September 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

D.C. Trip Info Night (Wednesday, 9/17, 7:30 to 8 p.m.): Any interested parents/guardians of 8th graders are invited to attend an informational meeting about next spring’s Washington D.C. trip. Advisors Jill Flood and Tom Mallaber will present important information for interested families. The Washington D.C. trip info session starts at 7:30 p.m. in our auditorium. The D.C. trip is more than just a few days out of town. It gives students an opportunity to visit museums, parks, buildings, and sites that tell the story of our nation’s past, present, and future. Ms. Flood and Mr. Mallaber will share a sample itinerary, a timeline, procedures, expectations, and estimated cost. They will also remind students (and families) that final D.C. trip attendance is based on administrator approval.

School Pictures: Picture day(s) is around the corner. Roth Junior High students will have their 2025-2026 picture taken during their Physical Education class on Thursday 9/18 or Friday 9/19. Our P.E. classes run on an every-other-day cycle, so students will have their pictures taken on their assigned P.E. day. Please click here for the order form from our vendor, CL!X. Click here for more information.

i-Ready Assessment: This is a reminder that our 7th and 8th graders will be doing our first round of i-Ready assessment/screening over the next several days. i-Ready helps us get to know our students and what they know and don't know so we can help them on their learning path. It is an adaptive assessment that adjusts questions based on student responses. Each question a student receives is based on their answer to the previous question. For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield marginally easier ones. This is not to give your child a score or grade but to determine how to best support their learning. To learn more about i-Ready, visit the i-Ready page on our district website. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your students' learning! 

Homecoming Dance (Fall Ball): Roth’s Homecoming Dance is Thursday, October 9, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This first dance of the year is open to Roth Junior High students who are in academic, attendance, and disciplinary good-standing. Tickets are $10 each, and will be sold during lunches that same week. We look forward to dancing the night away as the autumn leaves fall!

Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: The more I think about this new program, the more excited I am about it. Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series is intended to provide interested parents/guardians an opportunity to learn from and network with other adult stakeholders who are working to develop our youth. Our kids will inherit this space, and we believe it is important for us to come together to ask questions, share what works, and explore what research (experience and statistics) has to say about motivating today’s teens. I will share the date of our first meeting in this series after next week’s Parent Group meeting.

Roth Junior High Yearbooks: It’s not too early to secure your yearbook! Roth Junior High yearbooks are available to pre-order now at a 10% discount until Tuesday, September 30. To purchase and customize your yearbook, go to: www.treering.com/validate, and enter the passcode: 101556133544541.

Roth Junior High Student Clubs: We have many returning and new clubs ready to announce next week. Stay tuned for my Friday E-News to learn what clubs Roth students will be able to select from this school year.

Roth Lunch Menu: Here is the link for September’s lunches. 

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Roth Parent Group - Monday, September 15; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Roth Open House (Block Party) - Wednesday, September 17; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Washington, DC Info Meeting - Wednesday, September 17; 7:30 to 8 p.m.
• School Pictures - Thursday, September 18; Friday, September 19
• Homecoming Spirit Week - Monday, September 29 - Friday, October 3
• Roth Homecoming Dance - Thursday, October 9; 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

It has been such a great first two weeks at Roth Junior High. As much as I enjoy the extra sleep, lighter work days, and time outdoors that come with summer vacation…I thoroughly enjoy seeing our students and staff come together each and every day. The morning sky has been gorgeous. Our buses have been able to drop students off (and pick them up) each day without traffic in our bus loop. We owe a tremendous “Thank you!” to all of our families for keeping our campus driveways clear and safe. 

By now, the great work of teaching and learning is happening in all of our spaces. I shared the phrase Roth 360 with our students during last week’s assemblies. Roth 360 is about showing respect and care to every person we encounter at each degree. Roth 360 is about treating every space in our building as a learning space. I will reference Roth 360 throughout the year, and hope that we can achieve a common understanding of acting with integrity, responsibility, and safety in all of our encounters. Thank you, for trusting us with your kids.

Parent Group (Monday, 9/16, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.): Roth Junior High’s Parent Group will have its first meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 15. The first meeting will be in-person, with a Google Meet (video) option to join. If you are a user of Facebook, please take time to join our active parent Facebook group at RH-Roth Parent Group. Topics for our first meeting will include: volunteering at Roth events; planning for our Fall Ball (Homecoming Dance); and, our new parent/guardian offering, Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series.

Open House (Wednesday 9/17, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.): I am hopeful that the weather forecast holds up, because it looks like our Open House is going to be on a beautiful late-summer evening. Families who are both new and familiar with Roth Junior High faculty and staff are invited to meet your student’s teachers at our Open House Block Party. We will have teachers organized by department in our bus loop. There will be music, yard games, and engaging activities to make the event an enjoyable experience for all. This is not intended for Parent/Guardian-Teacher Conferences, so please keep that in mind when attending. Open House is on Wednesday, September 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

D.C. Trip Info Night (Weds. 9/17, 7:30 - 8 p.m.): Any interested parents/guardians of 8th graders are invited to attend an informational meeting about next spring’s Washington D.C. trip. Advisors Jill Flood and Tom Mallaber will present important information for interested families. The Washington D.C. trip info session starts at 7:30 p.m. in our auditorium. The D.C. trip is more than just a few days out of town. It gives students an opportunity to visit museums, parks, buildings, and sites that tell the story of our nation’s past, present, and future. Ms. Flood and Mr. Mallaber will share a sample itinerary, a timeline, procedures, expectations, and estimated cost. They will also remind students (and families) that final D.C. trip attendance is based on administrator approval.

School Pictures: Picture day/s is around the corner. Roth Junior High students will have their 2025-2026 picture taken during their Physical Education class on Thursday 9/17 or Friday 9/18. Our P.E. classes run on an every-other-day cycle, so students will have their pictures taken on their assigned P.E. day. Please click here for the order form from our vendor, CL!X. Click here for more information.

i-Ready Assessment: Last year, Rush-Henrietta onboarded a universal screener for students in grades 7 and 8 in Mathematics and English Language Arts. This universal screener, i-Ready, helps us get to know your students and what they know and don't know so we can help them on their learning path! i-Ready is an adaptive assessment that adjusts questions based on student responses. Each question a student receives is based on their answer to the previous question. For example, a series of correct answers will result in slightly harder questions, while a series of incorrect answers will yield marginally easier ones. This is not to give your child a score or grade but to determine how to best support their learning.

Roth Junior High 7th and 8th graders will be doing their i-Ready testing this week in both Math and ELA classes. We look forward to sharing i-Ready information with you throughout the year. To learn more about i-Ready, visit the iReady page on our district website. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your students' learning! 

Homecoming Dance (Fall Ball): Homecoming is such a fun and exciting time of the year for school spirit and athletics. Though the official Homecoming Varsity Football game is Friday, October 3, against Pittsford, Roth’s Homecoming Dance is Thursday, October 9, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This first dance of the year is open to Roth Junior High students who are in academic, attendance, and disciplinary good-standing. Tickets are $10 each, and will be sold during lunches that same week. We look forward to dancing the night away as the autumn leaves fall!

Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series: The more I think about this new program, the more excited I am about it. Raising Today’s Youth, A Roth Rising Family Series is intended to provide interested parents/guardians an opportunity to learn from and network with other adult stakeholders who are working to develop our youth. Our kids will inherit this space, and we believe it is important for us to come together to ask questions, share what works, and explore what research (experience and statistics) has to say about motivating today’s teens. I will share the date of our first meeting in this series after next week’s Parent Group meeting.

Roth Junior High Yearbooks: It’s not too early to secure your yearbook! Roth Junior High yearbooks are available to pre-order now at a 10% discount until Tuesday, September 30. Customize your two free pages:

• Add photos from your computer, Facebook, Instagram, Google Drive & more
• Answer fun Memory Questions to help remember the year
• The two Custom Pages are FREE and are printed ONLY in your book – Want more pages? Each additional two pages are just $1.98

To purchase and customize your yearbook, go to: www.treering.com/validate, and enter the passcode: 101556133544541.

Roth Junior High Student Clubs: Whether it is through athletics or extracurricular clubs, research shows that students who participate and engage in afterschool activities enjoy a more positive experience than their peers who do not. I have always encouraged club participation for all students. This afterschool time gives students and staff an opportunity to connect as social beings with similar interests. Roth Student Clubs are in the final stages of being approved. We will share our final club list next week. Most clubs meet monthly; however, some meet more frequently and offer additional opportunities for students to stay connected after school. 

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Roth Parent Group - Monday, September 15; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Roth Open House (Block Party) - Wednesday, September 17; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Washington, DC Info Meeting - Wednesday, September 17; 7:30 to 8 p.m.
• School Pictures - Thursday, September 18; Friday, September 19
• Homecoming Spirit Week - Monday, September 29 - Friday, October 3
• Roth Homecoming Dance - Thursday, October 9; 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Thank you for supporting our students' rise to excellence!

Sincerely,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

We are three days into the new school year. Students are learning how to open and use their lockers. Our faculty and staff have been in the halls during passing time to support students as they learn their new schedules and transition from summer mode to school mode. It has been a combined effort, and I could not be more grateful for the team that we have at Roth Junior High. 

As a reminder, all students need to use their lockers this year to store cell phones, tablets, and other internet-capable devices. For more information about devices and expectations, please visit Rush-Henrietta’s FAQs page. As I have mentioned in previous E-News, this policy should not be a surprise to Roth students. Our policy last year was for devices to be off and away, in lockers. This year, we have the additional component of aligning with the statewide expectation.

I will echo my fellow principals in stating that I believe this is the right move for our students. Junior high is an especially important time for students to maximize their brain potential. The science and findings behind the impact heavy device usage has on teen brains is alarming. I want our students to learn while they are in our classrooms, offices, and common areas. It has been such a treat to see our students rise to meet the revised expectations this past week, and I look forward to where we continue to go – as a team; as a community.

Roth Personal Device Support Plan: At the end of today’s school day, each grade level participated in an assembly in our auditorium. During the assembly, we reminded students of our Personal Device Support Plan. Please note that our plan is in line with Rush-Henrietta district guidelines and state guidelines. And, as I mentioned earlier this week, I believe our students have been well primed to unplug to connect. Please review our Personal Device Support Plan with your student so we can continue to work together to support Roth’s rise to excellence.

Open House (& Washington D.C. Trip Info) Night: Families who are both new and familiar with Roth Junior High faculty and staff are invited to meet your student’s teachers at our Open House Block Party. We will have teachers organized by department in our bus loop. There will be music, yard games, and engaging activities to make the event an enjoyable experience for all. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be moved into our gym. Open House is on Wednesday, September 17, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

On the same night, any interested parents/guardians of 8th graders are invited to attend an informational meeting about next spring’s Washington D.C. trip. Advisors Jill Flood and Tom Mallaber will present important information for interested families. The Washington D.C. trip info session starts at 7:30 p.m. in our auditorium. (I attended the D.C. trip last year; it was one of the coolest experiences of my life). 

Roth Parent Group: Roth Junior High’s Parent Group will have its first meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 15. The first meeting will be in-person, with a Google Meet (video) option to join. If you are a user of Facebook, please take time to join our active parent Facebook group at RH-Roth Parent Group. We look forward to supporting and celebrating our students together.

Homecoming Dance: We are excited to provide an early celebratory opportunity for Roth Junior High students this year. Homecoming is such a fun and exciting time of the year for school spirit and athletics. Though the official Homecoming Varsity Football game is Friday, October 3, against Pittsford, Roth’s Homecoming Dance is  Thursday, October 9, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This first dance of the year is open to Roth Junior High students who are in academic, attendance, and disciplinary good-standing. Tickets are $10 each, and will be sold during lunches the week before. We look forward to dancing the night away as the autumn leaves fall!

Student Dropoff and Pickup Reminders: Thank you for helping to keep our bus loop safe and clear this week. As a reminder, our bus loop is closed to morning traffic from 6:40 to 7:10 a.m. to ensure school buses are able to transport safely. We have a designated drop-off area (and appropriate signage) to keep our bus loop clear during that 30-minute window. Families should use the designated drop-off area each morning so our buses can enter and exit the loop safely. Similarly, I would like to remind all families who pick their students up after school to help keep our campus and bus loop accessible for our buses. When you enter campus for after-school pick-up, please drive all the way to the designated pick-up area. If there is already a line at the pick-up location, please find a spot in our parking lot to avoid backing our school buses up to East Henrietta Road.

Roth Junior High Yearbooks: It’s not too early to secure your yearbook! Roth Junior High yearbooks are available to pre-order now at a 10% discount until Tuesday, September 30. Customize your two free pages:

• Add photos from your computer, Facebook, Instagram, Google Drive & more
• Answer fun Memory Questions to help remember the year
• The two Custom Pages are FREE and are printed ONLY in your book – Want more pages? Each additional two pages are just $1.98

To purchase and customize your yearbook, go to: www.treering.com/validate, and enter the passcode: 101556133544541.

Science Update: This year, science instruction will align with the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS), which reflect a major shift in how students learn science. These standards emphasize hands-on investigation, problem-solving, and real-world application by engaging students in three integrated dimensions of learning: scientific practices, core disciplinary ideas, and crosscutting concepts. Rather than memorizing facts, students will explore natural phenomena, ask questions, build models, and communicate evidence-based explanations. This approach better prepares learners for the demands of a dynamic world and future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

We recognize that this shift represents a new and more rigorous way of learning science—one that may feel unfamiliar or challenging at times. Students will be asked to think deeply, engage in complex tasks, and explain their reasoning more than they may have in the past. Success will require a strong partnership between teachers, students, and families. With open communication and a shared commitment, we can ensure that every student develops into a confident and capable science learner. If you have any questions, contact R-H Director of Science Eric Windover at ewindover@rhnet.org.

Upcoming Events and Dates:

• Roth Parent Group - Monday, September 15; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Roth Open House (Block Party) - Wednesday, September 17; 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
• Washington, DC Info Meeting - Wednesday, September 17; 7:30 to 8 p.m.
• School Pictures - Thursday, September 18; Friday, September 19
• Homecoming Spirit Week - Monday, September 29 - Friday, October 3
• Roth Homecoming Dance - Thursday, October 9; 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Here's to a great Week 2!

Best, 

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

The season is upon us: back to school. It has been incredibly fulfilling to see and hear students in our building these past two weeks. I have been able to meet (and fist bump) many new and familiar faces. There is a palpable energy and excitement about the building. Roth’s rise is ready to continue.

Opening Day: As a reminder, all students should report to either the auditorium or cafeteria before staff dismiss to lockers and first period classes. Typically, we release students from those spaces seven to eight minutes before first period. Students are asked to select one of those two locations, and remain in that space until released before our first morning bell. We will have posters in the main hall directing students (by name) to their first period class.

Families who drop students off each morning should use our designated (and clearly marked) student drop-off area. This will help us keep our bus loop clear, and help our buses run on time and safely each morning. We ask families to avoid using the bus loop from 6:40 to 7:10 a.m. each morning. Thank you in advance.

Locker Reminder: Students are still able to bring backpacks to Roth Junior High. They do, however, need to store their backpacks in lockers for the school day. As I have shared in previous posts, smaller bags, totes, clutches (and similar carriers) are permitted for class-to-class use. Additionally, student personal devices (including phones, smart watches, airpods, wireless headphones, and more) must also be stored in lockers for the duration of the bell-to-bell school day. Students and families have been in to practice opening lockers and walking student schedules – I believe we are on the right path toward distraction-free learning. 

On behalf of our building maintenance team, I would like to thank families for limiting the use of contact paper in our lockers. Though the paper certainly looks cute, it is extremely difficult to remove; and, if put over any of the internal locking mechanisms, can cause damage. Please continue to limit the use of decorative contact paper.

Meet the Principal: Thank you to the families who attended Wednesday night’s Meet the Principal event. Here are the slides from the night. Whenever I get a chance to welcome students and families to Roth, I do so in hopes of developing collaborative, reciprocal, and productive relationships – all with the goal of encouraging our students to be (and bring) their best selves. Roth is on the rise, because of you. 

School Counselors: If you have any questions about schedules or student support, please feel free to reach out to our wonderful school counselors:

• Patricia Prinzi (pprinzi@rhnet.org) for Grade 7
• Rozetta LaPlaca (rlaplaca@rhnet.org) for Grade 8 
• Robin Hernandez (rhernandez@rhnet.org) for Grade 9

Roth Junior High Yearbooks: It’s not too early to secure your yearbook! Roth Junior High yearbooks are available to pre-order now at a 10% discount until Tuesday, September 30. Customize your two free pages:

• Add photos from your computer, Facebook, Instagram, Google Drive & more
• Answer fun Memory Questions to help remember the year
• The two Custom Pages are FREE and are printed ONLY in your book – Want more pages? Each additional two pages are just $1.98

To purchase and customize your yearbook, go to: www.treering.com/validate, and enter the passcode: 101556133544541.

Science Update: This year, science instruction will align with the New York State P-12 Science Learning Standards (NYSSLS), which reflect a major shift in how students learn science. These standards emphasize hands-on investigation, problem-solving, and real-world application by engaging students in three integrated dimensions of learning: scientific practices, core disciplinary ideas, and crosscutting concepts. Rather than memorizing facts, students will explore natural phenomena, ask questions, build models, and communicate evidence-based explanations. This approach better prepares learners for the demands of a dynamic world and future careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).

We recognize that this shift represents a new and more rigorous way of learning science—one that may feel unfamiliar or challenging at times. Students will be asked to think deeply, engage in complex tasks, and explain their reasoning more than they may have in the past. Success will require a strong partnership between teachers, students, and families. With open communication and a shared commitment, we can ensure that every student develops into a confident and capable science learner. If you have any questions, contact R-H Director of Science Eric Windover at ewindover@rhnet.org.

Roth Parent Group: Roth Junior High’s Parent Group works with school leaders to bring the Roth community together for various events throughout the school year. Roth Parent Group meets every other month, with our first meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 15. The first meeting will be in-person, with a Google Meet (video) option to join. If you are a user of Facebook, please take time to join our active parent Facebook group at RH-Roth Parent Group. We look forward to supporting and celebrating our students together.

Student Dropoff and Pickup Reminders: As we approach the start of the new school year, I’d like to remind families who dropoff and pickup their students of our safety and traffic protocols. 

Our bus loop is closed to morning traffic from 6:40 - 7:10 a.m. each morning, to ensure school buses are able to transport safely. We have a designated drop-off area (and appropriate signage) to keep our bus loop clear during that 30-minute window. Families should use the designated drop-off area each morning so that our buses can enter and exit the loop safely. We appreciate your cooperation. 

Similarly, I would like to remind all families who pick their students up after school to help keep our campus and bus loop accessible for our buses. When you enter campus for after-school pick-up, please drive all the way to the designated pick-up area. Again, we want our students to enter and exit school safely. And our buses need your cooperation to help do their part. 

Important Dates:

• First Day of School - Tuesday, September 2
• Roth Parent Group - Monday, September 15; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Roth Open House (Block Party) - Wednesday, September 17; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Washington, DC Info Meeting - Wednesday, September 17; 7:30 - 8 p.m.
• School Pictures - Thursday, September 18; Friday, September 19

Here's to a great start to the 2025-2026 school year!

Best,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal

Hello Roth Families and Friends,

It’s almost time. We had our WEB ninth grade leaders in the building today, getting ready to welcome our incoming seventh graders. As a reminder, our WEB Orientation for seventh graders is from 9 - 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 28. 

Counselors were in this week doing their very best to balance schedule requests with available course offerings. Our assistant principals have been working on activities and lessons for our Opening Days. I am so grateful for the team that we have here at Roth Junior High. To our families and friends: your kids have some fantastic educators waiting to welcome them through our front doors Tuesday, September 2. 

As the cooling temps and back-to-school commercials remind us that summer is coming to its expected end, I’d like to share a message of hope. Last year, I came upon a beautiful definition of “love” that I believe applies to the work that we do by, with, and for our kids. Love is willing the good for another. I can get down with that simple, yet, eloquent definition. Roth Junior High is home to over 100 adults who love what we do, and love who we do it for. It is my hope that students feel at home when they come through those doors. 

Here are some important reminders, and upcoming events. See you all soon.

Deck Roth’s Halls: Kudos to our students and families who helped make this event a success. And, kudos to our two assistant principals, Jess Dolan and Heather Kemper, for putting their artistic chops to the test. Here are a few before and afters of our newest murals.

Schedules Go Live: Student schedules are posted to SchoolTool today, Friday, August 22. As I wrote above, our counselors have been creatively and diligently working to sort the puzzle pieces in ways that provide students and faculty with as smooth a school year as possible. I’d like to re-share what I wrote last week: Each spring, students meet with their counselors to review and select courses for the following school year. We use student course requests to build the next year’s schedule, doing our very best to satisfy all student requests. There are likely going to be students who get everything that they requested. There will just as likely be some students who are not scheduled into all of their requests, based on a variety of factors. Please reach out with any schedule-related questions the week after the release. Our counselors and leadership team will do our very best to answer the questions that we can, as we continue to support our students’ rise to excellence. 

Here are our wonderful school counselors:

• Patricia Prinzi for Grade 7
• Rozetta LaPlaca for Grade 8 
• Robin Hernandez for Grade 9

Campus Visits & Locker Practice: Roth students are invited to walk Roth’s halls, learn their schedule route, and practice using our combination locks. The following times are intended for students (and families) to do just that. If you are hoping to meet with an administrator or a counselor, please call our main office to schedule an appointment. Here are our Open Campus dates and times:

• Friday, September 22: 12 - 3 p.m.
• Monday, August 25: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, August 26: 1 - 7 p.m.
• Friday, August 29: 8 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Backpack and Personal Device Policy: This is a reminder. Students at Roth Junior High will be expected to store backpacks in their lockers during the school day. This decision is made with student safety in mind. Our hallways, cafeteria, common spaces, and classrooms can become very crowded, and backpacks contribute to the congestion. This change is important to ensure a smooth flow of foot traffic. Though student backpacks should be stored in lockers, students will be able to carry smaller bags such as small crossbody bags, drawstring bags, and small purses/totes. The idea is for students to still be able to carry essential personal items. 

Additionally, I’d like to highlight the importance of our existing Roth Junior High cell phone policy. Roth Junior High students are expected to store their personal devices (including cell phones, tablets, wifi-enabled earbuds, smartwatches, and any other internet-capable device) in their school lockers. Our policy is in line with district and state expectations, and we truly hope to emphasize the benefits of a device-free school experience for our youth. Students must store their cell phones in their lockers from the start of the first period until the end of the school day, which does mean that Roth Junior High students need to use their lockers. We understand that families provide phones for many reasons, but we believe this policy is vital for creating a focused, respectful, and safe learning environment. 

Meet the Principal (Transfer/New Students): On Wednesday, August 27, I will be hosting an introductory meeting for families who are new to Roth Junior High. This event is intended for incoming seventh-grade families, and families who just transferred in. The event will be held in Roth’s auditorium, from 7 - 8 p.m. I look forward to meeting many of you that evening, and I look forward to working with and for your kids these next several years.

7th Grade Summer Orientation (WEB): On Thursday, August 28, our seventh graders will be invited to Roth Junior High to participate in a student-led orientation. WEB Orientation is from 9 - 11 a.m. Families should plan on dropping off and picking up, as this event is intended for students. 

Roth Student Supply List: Please reference this list for both general and specific supply requests.

Roth Parent Group: Roth Junior High’s Parent Group works with school leaders to bring the Roth community together for various events throughout the school year. Roth Parent Group meets every other month, with our first meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, September 15. The first meeting will be in-person, with a Google Meet (video) option to join. If you are a user of Facebook, please take time to join our active parent Facebook group at RH-Roth Parent Group. We look forward to supporting and celebrating our students together.

Student Dropoff and Pickup Reminders: As we approach the start of the new school year, I’d like to remind families who dropoff and pickup their students of our safety and traffic protocols. 

Our bus loop is closed to morning traffic from 6:40 - 7:10 a.m. each morning, to ensure school buses are able to transport safely. We have a designated drop-off area (and appropriate signage) to keep our bus loop clear during that 30-minute window. Families should use the designated drop-off area each morning so that our buses can enter and exit the loop safely. We appreciate your cooperation. 

Similarly, I would like to remind all families who pick their students up after school to help keep our campus and bus loop accessible for our buses. When you enter campus for after-school pick-up, please drive all the way to the designated pick-up area. Again, we want our students to enter and exit school safely. And our buses need your cooperation to help do their part. 

Important Dates:

• Meet the Principal - Wednesday, August 27; 7 - 8 p.m.
• WEB 7th Grade Orientation - Thursday, August 28; 9 - 11 a.m. 
• First Day of School - Tuesday, September 2
• Roth Parent Group - Monday, September 15; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Roth Open House (Block Party) - Wednesday, September 17; 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.
• Washington, DC Info Meeting - Wednesday, September 17; 7:30 - 8 p.m.
• School Pictures - Thursday, September 18; Friday, September 19

Here's to a great start to the 2025-2026 school year!

Best,

 

Omar Hussain
Principal