Roosevelt Elementary School

Congratulations Mrs. Hodkiewicz! Best of luck in your retirement!💙

Please join us in congratulating Colette Hodkiewicz, fifth-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, on her retirement! Her career in the School District of Janesville spanned 26 years!

Before joining the SDJ, Colette earned her bachelor's degree in elementary education from UW-Whitewater. She also worked as a substitute teacher prior to joining SDJ full-time.

"Working in SDJ was a truly rewarding career," she said. "I had the privilege of collaborating with dedicated educators for the past 26 years who shared a genuine passion for student growth and were always willing to support one another. Every day brought opportunities to connect with people who genuinely cared about making a difference and creating positive change.

"What stood out most was the overall culture of care and commitment -- a shared belief in lifting one another up and celebrating our collective strengths -- with students always at the heart of that care. The meaningful, professional conversations; the collaborative spirit, and the positive energy throughout the community made it a special place to contribute to education. This experience deepened my commitment to the work and reminded me of its profound importance.

Congratulations, Colette, and thank you for your years of dedicated service. We hope you find retirement equally fulfilling!

Congratulations on your retirement Mr. Halverson! We hope you enjoy it!💙

Please join us in congratulating Jeff Halverson, second-grade teacher at Roosevelt Elementary School, on his retirement! His career in the School District of Janesville spanned 34 years!

Before joining the SDJ, Jeff earned his bachelor's degree in education from UW-Whitewater. Prior to spending his last three years at Roosevelt Elementary, he spent 31 years teaching at Jefferson Elementary School.

"I loved working with students, parents and staff members," he said. "I forged many lifelong friendships with colleagues I've worked with over the years.

"It feels unreal I'm retiring. I have many memories of my very first year of teaching in 1992. Boy, does time fly!"

Congratulations, Jeff, and thank you for your years of dedicated service. We hope you find retirement equally fulfilling!

We will miss Mrs. Biege next year! Enjoy your much deserved retirement!💙

Please join us in congratulating Karen Biege, innovation specialist at Roosevelt Elementary School, on her retirement! Her career in the School District of Janesville spanned 30 years!

Before joining the SDJ, Karen earned her bachelor's degree from UW-Stevens Point, later obtaining her Master's degree in curriculum and instruction from National Louis University. Before joining the SDJ, she served the Wisconsin Rapids School District as a substitute for one year.

"My journey has been defined by meaningful relationships, lifelong friendships and a testament to the power of community, collaboration and shared commitment to student success, and family support," she said. " Making such strong connections has reminded me daily of why I chose this profession and has sustained me through the inevitable challenges of teaching.

"My love for all students and families I have served remains unwavering. I have cherished every moment to shape young learners, and the connections and love of learning we share will always remain favorite memories and moments in my life. My greatest joy has been witnessing the spark of discovery in students' eyes, knowing that I played even a small role in igniting their love of learning. To all of my former students, please know you matter and you made a positive difference in my life -- and I will be forever grateful to you."

Congratulations, Karen, and thank you for your years of dedicated service. We hope you find retirement equally fulfilling!

🎓✨ ONCE A ROUGH RIDER, ALWAYS A ROUGH RIDER! ✨🎓

What an absolutely incredible day at Roosevelt Elementary! Yesterday, the halls were filled with nostalgia, pride, and even some tears (the good kind!) as the Craig High School Class of 2026 returned for their official Graduation Walk. 💙
Both past and present came together in the most beautiful way. Our former Rough Riders, who once walked these exact same hallways as little kids, joined us today for one final hurrah before they take on the world.

What an exciting afternoon it was!⚡
📣 Current students lined the halls, cheering at the top of their lungs.
✋ High-fives were flying everywhere.
🎨 Students proudly held their handmade posters and signs.

It was a true family affair as younger siblings beamed with pride and former teachers got to hug the students they taught years ago. This very special day is a beautiful reminder of the rich history, deep roots, and tight-knit community we have here at Roosevelt Elementary.

Congratulations to the Class of 2026! We are so proud of who you were, who you are, and who you are becoming. 🦅

Looking forward to the sings at Roosevelt today and tomorrow! The students have all worked really hard to put on a great show. Thank you to Miss Parker for all you do at Roosevelt. After you enjoy the programs, stop on by the Activity room for the BOGO Scholastic Book Fair to stock up on books for your summer reading.

2026 Summer School Information!

Summer School Dates to Remember:

Monday, March 30th - Registration went live (families can create their accounts and register their child(ren))
Monday, April 6th - Course enrollment opens at 4:30 p.m.
Monday, June 15th - First day of summer school
Friday, July 3rd - NO SCHOOL
Friday, July 10th - Last day of summer school

* The summer school registration link is live and ready for families to create their accounts! Here is the link in case you need it:
https://registrationcenter.net/janesville/home/index.php

* Course enrollment will begin promptly at 4:30 p.m. on MONDAY, APRIL 6th, so you will want to have your account created before then to save time.

* In order to register your child for summer school, you will need to find their local student I.D. number in your Infinite Campus account.

* The Roosevelt course options are attached in the picture. If your child is a 5th grader, you would use the same registration link to create your account and register your child, but your child will be attending summer school at the middle school they will be going to in the fall.

* Handbooks with all course descriptions are available online (School District of Janesville website).

One of our favorite traditions!

Hey ... wait a minute ... WE KNOW THOSE GUYS!!!!

There was a big surprise awaiting students and staff at Roosevelt Elementary School when the April/May 2026 edition of Our Wisconsin Magazine was recently released. On the magazine's back cover is a photo that prominently featured the school's phy ed teachers Eric Gunderson and Gannon Rand.

Along with the photo was a short story about the schools annual staff/student softball game that pits teachers against fifth-graders at the school.

The photo was submitted to On Wisconsin by retiring Roosevelt teacher Jeff Halverson, who doubles as an AMAZING photographer at Jeff Halverson Photography, LLC.

In a brief story accompanying the photo, Halverson notes the game, which Gunderson began 20 years ago, takes place the last week of each school year.

"The entire school looks on and cheers for the participating students and teachers. The fifth-graders love competing against staff and really give it their all.

"It builds school culture and camaraderie between students and staff. It gets kids out of the classroom getting fresh air, too. It's such a nice vibe to end the year and something we look forward to each spring. Kids will always remember this day."

Truth. Especially now that they have a great photo to remind them! Great work, Mr. Gunderson and Mr. Rand, and thanks for the incredible photo, Mr. Halverson!



In an accompanying story, Halverson said

From our outstanding PTA!

Tonight the students in Mrs. Jenson's 3rd Grade Challenge class and their familes participated in a Cardboard Box Adventure Night. Students came to construct with cardboard. Look at all the creativity going on in the gym! There were houses, castles, boats, tunnels and secret passages, fortresses, and more! Thank you to Mrs. Biege and Mrs. Jenson for hosting a creative family night for families!

We've had so much fun seeing our families come in and enjoy donuts before school the past 2 days!
Thanks for coming and spending your morning with us(and Teddy)!🍩