MST Magnet Elementary
Week of December 7th
Welcome Back!
Our theme for the 2015-2016 school year is MST Version 2.0: Uploading Excellence for 20 Years. This year marks our 20th anniversary! MST Magnet Elementary opened in 1995 at the Arapaho building and moved to the present location in 2005 after Richardson Junior High School was closed and repurposed. MST has built a legacy of innovation, creativity, and dedication to student learning that is immeasurable. It is through our partnership with our parents and community towards the devotion to student achievement and our genuine love for MST, that teach year has brought continued success.
Staff Spotlight - Nurse Kim
Hi! I’m Kim Clark, the school nurse at MST Elementary. I have been the school nurse here for the past 3 years. I’ve been a nurse for almost 25 years with all of my time before coming to MST as a nurse in the pediatric intensive care unit. I’m married to Tim Clark, who also works for Richardson ISD, and I have one son, Owen. Owen attends MST Elementary and is in third grade. We have one cat, Kitty, and one dog, The Bagel. My husband and I are both from Ohio and are loyal Ohio State Buckeye fans. When I’m not working, I love to read and do yoga.
Staff Spotlight - Ms. McClendon - Third Grade Teacher
MST is the place to be! I accepted a job at MST 17 years ago and have loved each and every single year! I began as a 4th grade teacher and am currently a 3rd grade teacher. As my students know, I adore my two Shih Tzu¹s, Emma and Winnie. Emma was adopted from a rescue 7 years ago and Winnie joined our home as an adorable puppy almost 2 years ago. I grew up in Tyler and moved to Austin to attend The University of Texas at Austin. Although a disappointing football season this year, I am a Longhorn through and through! I enjoy reading, running, spending time outdoors, and also going to the movies. I love watching my students grow each year, and I am proud to be a part of such an outstanding school!
Staff Spotlight - Mrs. Burrow - ESL Teacher
I graduated from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in Education. I am fortunate enough to have grown up in the Richardson schools and now am able to teach here. After teaching thirteen years in the classroom at Yale Elementary, I now love teaching ESL here. This year is my 23rd year teaching in RISD. I have a stepson who is 29 years old and lives in Addison, my son is 17 and a junior at Pearce and my daughter is 19 and is at Texas A & M. Since I am a foster failure, we now have 5 dogs! Yes, I am a crazy dog mom! Besides spending time with my family and dogs, I love to scrapbook and read.
Parent Climate Survey Now Available!
RISD and MST value your feedback. The RISD Parent Climate Survey is now open. We are asking for your feedback about critical school issues such as academic preparation, student support, parent engagement, safety and behavior, special programs, school and district operations, and school leadership. The survey will take about 20-25 minutes to complete and is mobile smartphone compatible. All responses are confidential. Should you need a paper copy, there are both English and Spanish versions available in our front office.
We highly encourage you to take the time to complete this survey and provide your input. The survey window will close on December 18th. Please use the link below to access the survey. Thank you so much for your continued support!
The Parent Survey Link
Counselor's Corner with Ms. Daniel
Guidance during the month of December will focus on Tattling vs. Reporting (Grades K, 1, & 3, Motivation (Grades 4 & 5), and Inclusiveness (Grade 2).
December 17th: Pre-AP overview for parents
At the PTA Meeting following the choir, band & orchestra performances, there will be a short presentation designed to give parent an overview of the Pre-AP program in junior high. District Pre-AP Parent Night is January 25th.
To see Ms. Daniel’s 6th grade newsletter, go to:
htpps://www.smore.com/54ndf
Pumpkin Run
MST PTA Holiday Store
December 14-18
Check out the Holiday Store during
the school day and extended hours
during the PTA Meeting/Winter Music Festival!
Student Council Encourages Kindness!
For the last two weeks before break, Student Council has initiated a calendar (See below!) to help bring peace, joy, and comfort to everyone around them. We hope you’ll join us in the fun! Just look at each day to see the focus and spread your own cheer as well!
IMPORTANT!
90% Attendance Accounting Rule
A student must be in attendance 90% of the days class is offered in order to receive credit for that grade level. Our attendance time is 9:00 am. Students who accumulate excessive absences during a school year can be considered for retention, as decided by the Principal and Campus Attendance Review Committee.
Tardy Procedures
Students should be in their seats at 8:00 AM each day ready to work. If a student arrives after the 8:00 AM bell, he/she will be counted tardy.
Congratulations to Mrs. Price's class!
MST Art Night Success!
6th Grade College & Career Readiness Event
Spinal Screening
The Texas Legislature has mandated that students in 5th grade shall be screened for abnormal spinal curvature. Scoliosis is a sideways curvature of the spine. Kyphosis is a rounding of the upper back. Adolescents between the ages 10 and 14 are especially vulnerable to scoliosis because of their rapid growth. If detected early, these curves can usually be corrected before extensive treatment is required.
Following the screening, a letter will be sent to the parents of the students whose results indicate the need for further evaluation by a physician or health care provider.
This screening procedure does not replace your child’s need for regular health care and check-ups. If you do not wish to have your child participate in the mandated school district screening process, a physician-signed evaluation must be submitted to the school. If for religious reasons you do not wish your child to be screened, an affidavit of exemption must be submitted to the school nurse prior to the screening date.
You child’s screening at MST is scheduled for 12/14/2015. If you have any questions, please contact Nurse Kim.
Thank You!
Thank you to everyone who brought in peanut butter and canned goods for our Peanut Butter and canned food drives. 526 lbs. of peanut butter and 900 lbs. of canned food was donated to The Network of Community Ministries food pantry. They were very appreciative and will be able to feed many children with the donated food. Way to go, MST!
From the Office:
If you have moved or are moving during the school year, it is very important that you update your information. You must bring in a new proof of residence, a gas, water, or electric bill or an apartment lease, if you live in an apartment. Likewise, if your phone number has changed, please update your emergency card. It is crucial that we have good phone numbers to reach you! Also, ONLY the people listed on the back of the emergency card will be allowed to pick up your child.
Please do not pick up your child from school between 2:30 and 3:00! Our teachers and students are very busy at the end of the day. If you have a late afternoon doctor’s appointment, please pick your child up by 2:30.
Got Paper Bags?
MST Spelling Bee
The school-wide Spelling Bee for grades 4-6 will be held on Monday, December 14th. The school winner will then go on to participate in the district bee.
Monday, Dec 14, 2015, 08:30 AM
MST Magnet
MST Geography Bee
The MST Geography Bee is Tuesday, December 15th!
A mini Geography Bee will be held for each homeroom and the top 2 scorers will be sent to compete in the school bee. The winner from our school will take a test to potentially move forward to the next level. Let's make 2015 a year we have a school winner advance to the state level!
Tuesday, Dec 15, 2015, 08:30 AM
MST Magnet
PTA Meeting & Winter Performances
Thursday, Dec 17, 2015, 06:00 PM
MST Magnet
3rd 6 Week's Assemblies
4-6 9:15-9:45
Parents are welcome to attend!
Friday, Dec 18, 2015, 08:30 AM
MST Magnet
MST Magnet Elementary
Website: http://www.edline.net/pages/MST_Magnet
Location: 450 Abrams Road, Richardson, TX, United States
Phone: 469-593-7300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mstmagnet
Twitter: @mstmagnet