Eagle Updates
May 3, 2020
In this Issue:
- A Message from Mrs. Barry
- Progress Reports
- Virtual Field Day - May 8th
- Parent Access to ItsLearning
- Registration for 2020-2021
- Counselors' Corner
- Counselors Connecting with Kids
- Title I Information
- CIT Meeting - May 12th
- Virtual Parent Meetings with Mrs. Barry
- Memorial Hermann's Crisis Centers are Open
- Math Enrichment
- This Week's Library Challenge + Blue Willow Challenge
- Morning Announcements
- Don't Forget about Specials
- PTA Meeting - May 6th
- Virtual Talent Show
- 5th Grade Parent Letter - Graduation
- 2020-21 Spirit Wear Sneak Peak
- 2020-21 School Supplies Available for Pre-Order
- Last Chance to Purchase a Yearbook
- Spring Fundraiser Update
District Information
- A Message from Dr. Blaine
- Connecting to Bus Wi-Fi
- Sunday message from Dr. Craft
- Grab and Go Meals
From Mrs. Barry:
If you are like me, you receive hundreds, if not thousands, of emails, texts, and calls in a day. On Sunday, one of those is our Eagle Updates. The intent behind our weekly newsletter is to keep you informed on what is happening at Meadow Wood. In addition to campus events, we also include PTA and community information. With the stay-at-home order and crisis schooling, we've also added district information.
All of this can be incredibly overwhelming; however, this is our major source of providing YOU with the information you need. To help manage this, we've added an "In this Issue" section at the beginning of the newsletter. This will let you see, at a glance, what is included in the week's edition. We hope this will also help you find quick answers when you have questions that you "know you have seen somewhere."
Please reach out if you have any other suggestions for improving our communication during this crazy time. I am so appreciative of all of you!
Welcome home to MWE!
Progress Reports
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dReuDW4QKBU43w81MZxPRhyLIAnt2qME/view
Virtual Field Day
We’re excited to announce that our school community will be participating in the OPEN National Field Day event on Friday, May 8th!
Field Day is an important tradition at our school. It is a significant day for our students and our staff, and we feel that in these incredibly challenging times this national event is a unique way that we can stay connected as a community and support one another in a fun and meaningful way.
Follow the link for all information needed, including an intro letter, equipment list, score card and demonstration videos.
Parent Access to ItsLearning
We are excited to officially launch the SBISD itslearning Parent Portal for Meadow Wood families! The portal is live!
The itslearning Parent Portal is another tool to help deepen the home-school connection with information in four areas: Student Information, Course Overview, Events and Tasks.
Here’s how to access your itslearning parent account:
- Go to http://sbisd.itslearning.com
- Click “Log in with itslearning”
- Enter your Skyward Family Access username and password to log in.
In the itslearning Parent Portal, you’ll be able to:
- View learning plans shared by teachers
- Check student task list with due dates
- Check progress as your student works through the coursework
This short video will help you learn how to navigate the SBISD Parent Portal.
Here are links to two additional resources:
Registration for 2020-21
REGISTRATION DATES/TIMES
Online Registration
Current SBISD students
- Online Enrollment Forms
- Returning students: Register online HERE
- Opens: May 4, 2020
- Closes: Oct. 5, 2020
Students new to SBISD
- Online Enrollment Forms
- New SBISD students: Register online HERE
- Opens: May 4, 2020
- Closes: May 1, 2021
Counselors' Corner
Taking care of your mental health
Recognize your worries. If you are in the middle of reading an article about the virus, you may even pause and say to yourself “there is fear” while taking a deep breath. From this space, you will be better equipped to act out of wise mind, rather than reactive fear.
Plan ahead to use your tools. Good habits and our healthy coping tools tend to go out the window when we need them the most. Make a plan to lean on the things you know work for you. This can be exercise, meditation, talking to friends, or engaging in therapy. Better yet, start doing those things now to put the emotional money in the bank to draw from should things get tougher.
Manage your media consumption. Find reputable sources and limit your media intake. There is a lot more to life than COVID-19.
Focus on the present moment. Focus on this breath, this hour, or breaking down your day into smaller portions can make things more manageable.
Identify what you can control. Write out a list with two columns: Things I can control/Things I can’t control about this situation. This may give you a sense of agency, clarity, and empowerment. It can also inform which steps to take next. (A good activity to do with your kids too!)
Remember you are not alone. A crisis of this sort can recreate feelings of isolation, paralysis, paranoia, anxiety, depression, loss of boundaries of self, anger, and/or instability. Be compassionate with yourself and others. There is help out there and many mental health providers engage in video and phone sessions.
Remember, your child feeds off your worries, fears, and actions. Take small steps to take care of yourself first.
Counselors Connecting with Kids!
Dear boys and girls,
This week our Community Circle questions are about forgiveness. Do you know what forgiveness means? Think about a time that someone did something hurtful to you. What did it feel like to be angry/sad/resentful towards this person?
Now think about putting lots of big rocks in your backpack and carrying it around all day long! How would it feel to carry your backpack without putting it down? That would be exhausting. Imagine the heavy rocks are like negative feelings. How does it feel to carry these negative feelings around like the big rocks?
Did you know that you can 'let go' of these negative feelings, through forgiveness. Forgiveness is a decision you make. By forgiving someone, you are not saying that what the other person did is okay; but rather, that you have decided not to hold it against him/her. Think about forgiveness as taking the rocks out of the backpack. Forgiveness lightens the load and helps us feel happier.
Sometimes we may be the one that has harmed someone else and we need to ask for forgiveness. Scroll down to the bottom of this newsletter to find the best way to apologize.
Also, be sure to ask your parent or guardian to go to the SBISD digital backpack under the SEL tab to watch this short video about forgiveness.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-aEUjlxOK-Y
We miss you! Stay safe and healthy.
Mrs. Luberger and Ms. WaldropTitle I Information
The documents are:
- An overview of Title I
- MWE's Family and Parent Engagement Policy
- MWE's Community Compact
CIT Meeting - May 12th
- Campus Improvement Plan Review
- Comprehensive Needs Assessment
- Budget Review
- Staffing for 2020-2021
If you wish to attend this virtual meeting, please reach out to Mrs. Barry.
Virtual Parent Meetings with Mrs. Barry
Tuesday, May 12th
4th grade - 9:30 a.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89394135154?pwd=Z2J4VkQ0dkxYTHJ6Mk1hYWFGMXV0UT09
Meeting ID: 893 9413 5154
Password: 0HPsRb
5th grade - 1 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85176942003?pwd=YUEwbjM1UXNFb0ZrcUJPU0VQbTNadz09
Meeting ID: 851 7694 2003
Password: 4PJAgT
Wednesday, May 13th
Pre-K/Kinder - 9:30 a.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88068444462?pwd=amVzdG41eHYyMk82ZmFROVo1aU5GQT09
Meeting ID: 880 6844 4462
Password: 4tNv7p
1st grade - 1 p.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86771054425?pwd=YUd2UGxkUm9aQ3ZHTEkvRDJpY0xHZz09
Meeting ID: 867 7105 4425
Password: 1JvzU4
Thursday, May 14th
2nd grade - 9:30 a.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89688404190?pwd=dGo3V2FhRXFOdGxIc0JjRE1GVFJndz09
Meeting ID: 896 8840 4190
Password: 0vNU8N
3rd grade - 11 a.m.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85700451868?pwd=aUUwb0tJM3U5Qm44MnQ3OHF0eVB0Zz09
Meeting ID: 857 0045 1868
Password: 1pEr5d
Memorial Hermann's Crisis Clinics are Open
Dear friends,
In this unprecedented time, Memorial Hermann remains steadfast in serving the community. Our Mental Health Crisis Clinics are an essential service and are open to serve. If you need assistance, please call ahead and inquire about our clinic hours. Flyers in English and Spanish are below.
Wishing everyone good health. Stay safe!
Math Enrichment
Ms. Unger has her math enrichment itsLearning course ready to roll! She is adding all 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to the course. Every school day, there will be a fun math puzzle, problem, game, or brain teaser with a discussion board for each. Each activity will be live for 48 hours. The focus is on fun and deep thinking. Questions? Email Ms. Unger at lisa.unger@springbranchisd.com
This week's library challenge:
Shout out to 2nd grader William Attaway for taking the library Challenge and making a solar oven! If you have not already done so, check out each weeks library challenge. This is a great way for your child practice using our districts digital resources in a fun and engaging way. Projects and activities where they don’t even realize they are learning!!!
This week’s challenge: Explore Lightbox! Tell us what you learned by sharing on social media with the hashtags #SBISD_readers and #SBISDLib
https://sites.google.com/springbranchisd.com/sbisdlibraryresources/home?authuser=0
I also wanted to tell you about a fun new promotion starting at Blue Willow. As an incentive for kids of all ages (yes, grown-ups too!), we're encouraging people to read at least 20 minutes a day for 15 consecutive days. Once they do, they can submit their tally to Blue Willow as an entry to win one of ten $10 gift cards. The flyer with more information is below!
Morning Announcements!
We would love to start each day seeing all of you! We will have morning announcements LIVE on Zoom at 9am. Tune in daily to do pledge, birthdays, songs, read alouds and exercises. This is a great way to start your day and see your friends and teachers.
Also - please video your child saying the pledge and send to Mrs. McCracken at kathryn.mccracken@springbranchisd.com for a chance to be on morning announcements!
We look forward to seeing you!
Don't forget about Specials!
Specials activities can be accessed through ItsLearning or through the links below:
HEALTH FITNESS
Coach Hollmann is Here to Help: https://www.facebook.com/CoachHollmann/
ART
Join us Monday on Zoom for Art Club! We will have a short art lesson you can do at home! Bring paper and markers! Can’t Wait to see you Monday at 4!
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85314315181?pwd=VUk0bkh3R0N5RGhMek9BZ1IxMzNkZz09
Meeting ID: 853 1431 5181
Password: 001171
Mrs. Waggenspack's Art Room: www.facebook.com/Mrs-Waggenspacks-Art-Room-349020198819258/
Or check out her blog at www.elementaryartfun.blogspot.com.
MUSIC
Music at Meadow Wood: https://www.facebook.com/musicmwe/
PTA Meeting - May 6th
Our next PTA Meeting will be held through Zoom. Please join us virtually on May 6th at noon.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89128546805?pwd=LzJyV0czZWNFY3BsU2ludHptOHA3UT09
Meeting ID: 891 2854 6805
Password: 0hbYBt
We will be voting on the 2020-21 slate of officers, changes to our bylaws, and our 2020-21 budget.
The slate of officers for the 2020-21 Meadow Wood PTA:
President-Catie Winegar
VP Ways and Means-Jenny Trahan
VP Programs-Leah Seawald
VP/MTK-Dinah Bray
Secretary-Kathy Lane
Treasurer-Kelly Williams
Membership-Rachel London
Parliamentarian- Keisha Barnes
Thank you so much to the PTA Nominating Committee
Kathy Lane
Kellie Northington
Rachel London
Letter to 5th Grade Parents:
Dear 5th Grade Parents,
We hope this finds you safe and well. Despite all of the challenges we are facing, we think it is very important that we still recognize our 5th graders and all of their hard work and accomplishments while at MWE. We are trying very hard to keep as many of the 5th grade traditions as possible.
Graduation was originally planned for May 27th, and we would still like to have a graduation “ceremony” on that day (think virtual, drive-thru, etc.). We have met with the 5th grade team, graduation co-chairs, along with Mrs. Barry and Ms. Vendetti, who are in touch with the district and other principals about what to do for graduation. The district will need to approve all graduation activities. As more details are hammered out and approved, they will be passed along. In the meantime, please see below for a few updates.
POOL PARTY -
We have tentatively rescheduled the 5th grade pool party for MONDAY, AUGUST 10th at NFC. It will be held in the late afternoon. Obviously, social distancing restrictions will have to be lifted and approval will be needed from NFC, but we are hopeful they will get to celebrate before starting middle school. Be on the lookout for more information over the coming weeks/months.
PICTURES -
Historically, an important part of the graduation celebration has been the Baby Picture Bulletin Board outside the cafeteria area at MWE, and the pictures were also used in the Graduation Slideshow. We would still like to put together a virtual slide show to be sent to all 5th grade families. We are asking for 3 digital photographs of your child: one baby picture, one picture from younger elementary days and one current picture. Please upload your pictures to https://mweclassof2020.shutterfly.com/ and add an album. Name the album your child’s name. If you are unable to do this, you can email these pictures to Amanda Candler at acandler@gmail.com. Please have all of your pictures uploaded by MONDAY, MAY 11th!
ART COVER CONTEST -
Every year 5th graders submit original art to be considered for the cover of the graduation program. This year, the winning art will be the first slide of the slideshow. If your child would like to participate, please submit a picture of your artwork on an 8x10 piece of paper to Ms. Keen Elizabeth.Keen@springbranchisd.com by FRIDAY, MAY 15th.
DONATIONS -
Lastly, as in years past, in order to cover the costs associated with graduation festivities, we are asking 5th grade parents for monetary donations. All donations will happily be accepted; however, a minimum of $10-20 per family would be greatly appreciated. In addition to the celebration costs, we will also be presenting administrators and 5th grade teachers with a small gift, (not meant to take the place of an end of year teacher gift) as well as leave our Class of 2020 Legacy Gift. Once we have finalized the collection, we will be able to determine the details of the gifts, pool party budget, etc. Please send your contributions to Jennifer Dolan via Venmo @Jennifer-Dolan14343 or drop off your cash/check in the box by the front door at 14343 Kellywood Lane. (Please don’t use the mail slot.) Please send in your contributions by MONDAY, MAY 11th!
Thank you for all of your support. Again, more details will be made available as soon as we receive them. Given our short time frame (one month!), we wanted to get this communication to you ASAP. Please look for additional information soon.
Have a great day and enjoy this time with your child(ren), 5th grade graduation team
2020- 21 SPIRIT WEAR SNEAK PEEK!!!
We are super excited to share a SNEAK PEEK of MWE's 2020-2021 Spirit Wear! We hope you LOVE the vintage Varsity and throw-back design. There are mix and match pieces for both you and our little Eagles to show school spirit.
Please know that all MWE Spirit Wear is going to be sold via pre-sale efforts and can be purchased on-line at Membership Took Kit beginning April 24th throughout May. Sales will close Monday, June 1st. This will ensure all items arrive by school start in the Fall. Also, PTA LOVES being able to gift a FREE t-shirt to both students and staff, take a look at the designs. These shirts will be given out the first week of school.
We are so excited to return to Meadow Wood in the Fall! Let's show some spirit, purchase next week when everything goes LIVE!
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me- Christian Thompson
2020-21 School Supplies now available for PRE-ORDER!
Only a few yearbooks are still available! Get yours before they are GONE!!!
Spring Fundraiser Update
Due to public health concerns, we had to cancel our spring fundraiser, Bugs and Bids on the Bayou. Thank you to Melanie White, Gabby Gallerano, and Lindsey O’Conor for all of the time and effort they put forth in planning this fundraiser. A big thanks also goes out to the many families and teachers who had volunteered to host parties. The decision to cancel was not easy.
The event was scheduled for this weekend and we are all disappointed that we can’t gather to raise money for our great school. The success of the Meadow Wood PTA has always been tied to your steadfast support. Your financial gifts and countless volunteer hours are what make programs, extra field trips, playground equipment, and much more possible at our school.
We understand that circumstances have changed for many of us, however, if you had planned to contribute to our spring fundraiser and are still willing and able, we have another option for you. You may make a direct donation to our school through the Eagle Excellence Fund.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to celebrating with you on the other side of this virus. Hang in there, Meadow Wood Families, we are in this together!
From Dr. Blaine:
Dear SBISD Families, Students, Colleagues and Community Members,
I hope this message finds you all healthy, well and safe. All of us are continuing to respond to the ongoing uncertainties of this pandemic and its impacts that permeate through literally every aspect of our lives. Some days are definitely easier than others!
WiFi Buses
We are excited to announce that we now have WiFi-equipped buses stationed at key strategic locations around the district to provide internet access for our students who may have limited or no internet service at home. Between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., students can drive or walk to the vicinity of the bus to access the filtered WiFi service. (With social distancing, of course!)
Today was our first day to roll out the service at strategic locations at or near our comprehensive high schools and at our partner site at Spring Spirit. Next week, we will add this service at or near our middle schools and key district instructional facilities.
School leaders are communicating specifics to their school communities. We know that internet access is a barrier for a number of our families, and we hope this new service proves beneficial as our students continue learning online.
Statement on Grading Guidelines
On April 7, I announced SBISD’s Adjusted Grading Guidelines, effective April 14 through the end of the school year. Many parents have sent messages of thanks for how we have approached this unprecedented time in support of our students. Some high school parents have reached out with requests that we think differently about some aspects of these guidelines.
In response, we have spent considerable time reviewing our guidelines and those of our surrounding districts. Yesterday, we released a statement affirming that our Adjusted Grading Guidelines will stand. You may view our statement here.
Hats off Stratford Playhouse
Congratulations to the Stratford Playhouse whose spring musical, The Drowsy Chaperone, won five prestigious Tommy Tune Awards last night! Accolades include Best Musical, Best Supporting Actor, Best Ensemble, Best Costume Design, and Best Direction. Read more about these awards, presented by Theatre Under the Stars here.
Looking Ahead
While we continue to focus in the here and now to ensure we sustain strong teaching and learning, we also are focused on the future. For example, teams of SBISD campus and district leaders have been busy in the past week considering what summer opportunities might look like. As we do not yet have guidance from health and government officials as to what school districts will and will not be able to do for summer and beyond, we are leveraging our Limitless Curiosity to plan for various scenarios, so we will be ready no matter what.
I am engaged in weekly conversations with local, regional, and state leaders in and beyond education. We also participate in weekly superintendent Zoom conversations with the Texas Education Agency Commissioner to hear the very latest guidance and resources available. All of these conversations focus on identifying the supports, safeguards, structures, logistics and guidelines that will be necessary to reopen safely when the time is right.
Take Care of Yourselves
As this all continues, with all the emotions this unprecedented health situation brings along with it, please take time to take care of yourselves. Even if it’s just five minutes to take a walk, read a book, or do something you enjoy, be sure to do so! None of us can take care of those we love if we don’t take care of ourselves, too. Check out our parenting resources, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your school counselor or Communities in Schools colleague if you are struggling, need help accessing community resources, or just need someone to talk with. We are here for you!
Gratitude
Despite the challenges, the seemingly endless Zooms, and balancing work and family all happening in the same place and time, I continue to be amazed at the resiliency of our students and staff, the creativity of our teachers and leaders, the supportive nature of our families, and the generosity and giving spirit of our community. I am so grateful to each of you, and wish you continued health and wellness. Together, we will get through this! Together, we are better.
Wi-Fi on Buses
How Do I Connect to Wi-Fi on the bus?
Connecting to the SBISD-Bus network should be done in the same manner as connecting to a home network from any device. Use the following credentials with portable router, when on bus #29, #53, #161 or #90:
Network (SSID): SBISD-Bus
Password: sbisdbuswifi
I’m having an issue connecting to Wi-Fi on the bus. What should I do?
If a user cannot connect to SBISD-Bus network, follow the troubleshooting steps below:
- Verify SBISD-Bus is selected as the network option. Ensure the correct password (sbisdbuswifi) then reconnect.
- Reboot user device and repeat step 1.
- Contact the Help Desk by email, 251tech@springbranchisd.com, or phone 713-251-TECH (8324) Monday – Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. and Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
From Dr. Craft:
Good Afternoon, SBISD Families!
We are pleased to confirm that Week 7 Digital Backpack information is now available online on the SBISD website.
Elementary families - please be reminded that there are great art and music resources and curriculum under the Fine Arts link! Please also reach out to your principal if you were not able to pick up the week 7 and 8 instructional packet this past Friday and still need to receive one. We do have some extra packets at this time.
Grab and Go Meals update
We are pleased to announce two new sites for Grab and Go Meals beginning this coming week! Woodview Elementary (9749 Cedardale Drive, 77055) and Shadow Oaks Elementary (1335 Shadowdale, 77043) will be additional sites for Grab and Go Meals starting Monday, May 4, 2020.
View more information about sites and times for Grab and Go Meals here.
#ThankATeacher - Applaud yourself!
The week ahead is National Teacher Appreciation Week. Please join me in thanking our teachers across SBISD for all they do for our students every day and, especially, for how they have worked to adjust to online learning amidst our current health crisis. Share how you celebrate your teacher! #ThankATeacher on social media and share your messages of appreciation with us.
Please also accept our thanks for you! As parents, you are our students’ first teachers. At this time, especially, we so appreciate everything you are doing to support your child’s learning. We hope you will continue to reach out to your child’s teacher or principal should you need help or support.