Eagle Updates
December 6, 2020
In this Issue:
- A Message from Mrs. Barry
- #MaskUp & Other Health Reminders
- Virtual Student Picture Day & Picture Re-takes
- Let's Celebrate-Themed Dress Up Days
- Houston Public Library Season's Readings
- MWE No Place For Hate Award
- Virtual Holiday Sing-A-Long
- Yearbook Contest Winner!
- Reminder-Morning Drop Off
- School Choice Window
- MWE Calendar of Events
- From the President
- School Bell Award
- MWE Redemption Program
- Have you Bought Your Yearbook?
District Information
- We're Hiring!
- Superintendent's Message - for Distance Learners
- Superintendent's Message - for In-Person Learners
From Mrs. Barry:
So how can you help at home? The easiest task is practicing math facts. Though we want our students to understand WHY 3 x 3 = 9, we also want fluency in their responses. So whether it is practicing addition, subtraction or multiplication through flash cards, games, or computer applications, strengthening this skill is important. If your child has a strategy for a math fact, but it’s not yet automatic, find ways to build on that strategy until the automaticity increases rather than focusing on just speed. Games (even simple board games that involve rolling dice and adding their values) are a low-stress way to build fact fluency.
It's also important to show how math works in every day life. From fractions in a recipe, to geometry when building something, to calculating "percentages off" at a sale, students need to see how the math they learn in school is applicable in every day life. You can ask your students to show YOU how to "do the math," acting as the teacher.
Finally, we want our students to "play" with math. You can solve the weekly puzzles Ms. Unger gives on the MWE Math Facebook page or allow your child to explore other math problems that interest them. Have discussions about the WHY behind the calculations. More than just solving the problem, true math comprehension comes when they understand why the math works.
More than anything, please refrain from saying, "you are bad at math" or "you are not a math person". We want our students to understand that life entails all subjects, and with practice, patience, and hard-work, they can be an expert at anything!
Thank you for your continued support! MWE - Where we are Growing Great Minds!
#MaskUp
Just a reminder that masks are required on school property. This is for students and adults, alike! Please help us by modeling mask-wearing when you come up to school. Thank you for your support in this matter!
Also, PLEASE be sure to wash your child's mask frequently!
The health screener can be accessed here.
Thank you, in-person families, for taking care of this daily!
Virtual Student Picture Day and Re-takes
Monday, December 14th is picture day for our virtual students. We are asking that you come to Meadow Wood at the following times:
- 8:30 - Kinder and 1st grade
- 9:00 - 2nd and 3rd grades
- 10:00 - 4th and 5th grades
Parents should come to the bus ramp – Ms. Shirley will let you in! Please be sure to wear a mask - it will be removed for the actual picture.
This is also re-take day for students who were absent or who's pictures did not come out. (You must return your original package to receive full credit.) Packages are available to be ordered online ONLY at the following link:
https://inter-state.com/FlyerEntry using code 52978Y.
If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Shirley Labiosa at 713-251-6209.
Let's Celebrate!
Monday, December 14th
What's a tree without a topper? Adorn yourself with your favorite hat or headband, as well as additional shiny accessories, to celebrate the season!
Tuesday, December 15th
When Santa's in Texas, he wears a cowboy hat and boots! Join us for a Ho-Ho-Ho down by wearing your favorite western attire.
Wednesday, December 16th
Everyone's favorite tradition - the Ugly Sweater! Let's see your best...I mean, worst!
Thursday, December 17th
Winter Wonderland is the theme today! Whites, blues, snowflakes, ski wear, fur....a beautiful sight for sure!
Friday, December 18th
If bah-humbug is your thing, wear green - GRINCH green!
Or, get ready for a good winter’s nap by wearing school appropriate pajamas.
Go for the gusto and combine BOTH!Season's Reading with HLP!
1. Visit houstonlibrary.beanstack.org
2. Click the “Register an Individual or Family” button and follow the prompts.
3. Log in anytime to track your reading and virtual program** participation.
4. Unlock virtual badges by logging 20 minutes a day, participating in virtual programs, and reaching your reading goal. Everything you read counts!***
*Prizes available while supplies last.
**Some activities require registration; check our online calendar at www.houstonlibrary.org for details.
***Audiobooks, comic books, magazines, and more — it all counts as reading!
Congratulations, MWE!
Meadow Wood has earned the distinction as a No Place for Hate® School for the ninth consecutive year. The No Place for Hate® initiative helps to create and sustain inclusive school environments where all students feel valued and have the opportunity to succeed by promoting respect for individual difference. Throughout the year, schools must focus on intentional, sustained practices that promote respect, empathy, and kindness. We are proud of the concerted efforts of our staff, students, and families in promoting a safe and caring learning environment, which allowed us to earn the No Place for Hate® recognition.
We will continue our efforts this year with the support of our PTA, Student Council, staff, student body, and families. Be watching in the near future for ways that families can support our efforts!
Join us for some family holiday fun! Put on your festive PJs, and get ready to bake some cookies, sing, draw, and maybe even win a prize! It will be a lot of fun as a family and MWE community!
Save the date for 6:00 PM on Wednesday, December 16th, 2020
Join Zoom Meeting
https://springbranchisd.zoom.us/j/92775590530?pwd=Sk9sckNiYW1WWUJJeVIyNCs5RmxwQT09
Meeting ID: 927 7559 0530
Passcode: 673445
To bake cookies with Mrs. Camey, you will need to make sure that you have all of the ingredients listed on the ingredients list as well as the items needed for baking. Cookie baking will begin at 6pm.
For Mrs. Waggenspack's draw along you will need paper and a pencil.
If you want to be entered in the gift basket prize drawing, don't forget that you need to enter to win by filling out the google form!
Yearbook Contest Winner!
Our winner is Claire Barta in 5th grade. We can’t wait to see her colorful art work and positivity displayed on our yearbook cover. Way to look on the bright side Claire!
Reminder - Morning Drop Off
School Choice Window
SBISD offers students and their family a wide range of school choices and is committed to preparing students for college and career opportunities after completing high school.
- Choice School Application Window is from Monday, November 9, 2020 through Friday, January 22, 2021.
- The Choice School website is www.springbranchisd.com/choice.
- The complete timeline for Choice is attached.
MWE Calendar of Events
Please note: Every Thursday is T-2-4 Thursday and every Friday is MWE Spirit Day!
December 8
PSAs - 2nd Math; 4th Math; 5th Science
December 9
General PTA meeting
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86748774788?pwd=byt4S3FFQmk1TElsTENuMGVmNFdMZz09
Meeting ID: 867 4877 4788
Passcode: 878070
December 10
PSAs - 4th Science; 5th Math
December 14
Theme: Tree-Topper
Individual Pictures - Distance Learning students and In-person retakes
PSA - 3rd Science
December 15
Theme: Santa's Ho Ho Ho down
PSA - 3rd Math
December 16
Theme: Ugly Sweater
MWE Holiday Sing-Along - Virtual Edition
December 17
Theme: Winter Wonderland
1st Grade Snow Day
4th Grade Nutcracker Day
December 18
Theme: Grinch Green and/or Pajamas
Pre-K Rudolph Day
Kinder Grinch Day
2nd Grade Polar Express Day
3rd Grade Grinch Day
5th Grade Holidays Around the World Day
Class Parties
Please note: This is NOT an early release day.
December 21 - January 4
Student Holidays
January 5
First day of Spring Semester!
From the President
Hi MWE families,
As the winter break approaches, please consider participating in two collections for MWE staff members!
1. We are carrying on the tradition of collecting money for gift cards to thank our administrators, receptionists, staff and teachers that don’t have “homeroom” classes (approximately 30 staff members). We would like to recognize them and thank them for their commitment to all of our MWE children this holiday season.
Please send funds via Venmo to @Jenny-Trahan Please call or text Jenny Trahan with any questions 713-248-3665 or if you need an alternate way to donate.
Be sure to include “MWE STAFF” in the memo of your donation, along with how you want your family name on the card! A card with participating families’ names, and gift card will be distributed to staff on Thursday, December 17th.
2. Please note this is separate from the typical “front desk collection” for Custodians, cafeteria and crossing guards! We would also like to thank these individuals for their hard work and dedication to MWE.
Catie Winegar is going to take up this collection since visitors are not going into the school. Her Venmo is @Catherine-Winegar and email address for any questions is catie.kelleher@gmail.com
Please provide your contributions no later than Tuesday, December 15th.
We appreciate your support!
On top of that, please see below about information on the School Bell Award that is coming up to honor a staff member who has gone over and above-as we know there are many of them this year in particular!
An upcoming fundraiser we are excited to announce is a Pop-Up with The Chicken Salad Chick, so stay tuned for more information on that!
Take Care,
Catie Winegar
MWE PTA President
School Bell Award
Each year, the SBISD Council of PTAs presents its School Bell Award to an outstanding SBISD Staff Member (teacher, administrator, counselor, specialist, etc.) who promotes the objectives of the PTA and is an advocate for all children. What are the objectives of the PTA, you might ask? Briefly, they are ensuring that every child's potential becomes his/her reality, promoting the welfare of our Eagles in home, school and community, as well as promoting greater cooperation between parents and teachers to enhance the educational well-being of our students.
If you know of any staff member who goes above and beyond for our students and who has had a tremendous impact on the school community, please nominate them. Feel free to enlist the help of students for your nominations. Recent recipients include Tabitha Pena, Ami Rapp, Lynne Luberger, Rhonda DeLeon, Natalie Waggenspack, Jessica Leonard and Laura Weber.
Kindly send the name of your nominee and a description as to why you think they should win the School Bell Award to Keisha Barnes at ksbarnes@gmail.com. Please submit your nominations by Tuesday, December 15th. We look forward to reading them. Our nominee will attend the Founder’s Day Banquet hosted by SBISD council of PTAs in February.
MWE Redemption Programs
We have many programs that bring “free money” to our school. Please review the following programs and see how you can participate!
1. Box Tops for Education
Don’t forget, Box Tops are digital now! Download the Box Tops
Mobile app to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase.
No more clipping or sending Box tops to school.
2. Kroger
Register your Kroger plus card online at
www.krogercommunityrewards.com. You have to re-
enroll every year. Create or log in to your account and
enter MWE’s number (81657).
3. Randalls
Fill out the Good Neighbor Program form and indicate MWE as
your charity (1082). MWE earns 1% of your purchases.
www.randalls.com/shopstores/good-neighborhood.page
4. Amazon Smile
We all shop on Amazon! Register your account with
Amazon Smile to earn money for MWE. Go to
www.smile.amazon.com and login to your account.
Select “Pick your own charitable organization”; type
Meadow Wood Elementary. DO NOT click on the “select
and start shopping” button-this will choose the charity
that is up there at the time. Choose “PTA Texas Congress 5056
Meadow Wood Elementary-Houston TX”. Make all purchase
through Amazon Smile. You can also turn it on in the App under
settings and then programs.
5. Josephine’s Day Spa
They donate back 10% to the charity of your choice.
Superintendent's Message - for Distance Learners
Dear Families of Distance Learners,
As we approach the Winter Break and the end of the second nine weeks, I write to share important information about attendance and engagement for distance learners. Attendance is key to your child’s success in school; failure to attend and engage in classes will dramatically impact your child’s academic achievements.
As a reminder, SBISD is strictly enforcing attendance and engagement. Principals are monitoring student achievement closely and students currently on an Academic Support Plan or an Attendance Intervention Plan, with inadequate progress, may be required to return to in-person learning on January 5, 2021.
Please encourage your child’s regular virtual classroom attendance for the duration of the entire class for every class, every day. If your family has unusual circumstance or needs additional supports to ensure your child’s success, please reach out to your child’s teacher or principal.
Learn more about the process to require individual students to return to in-person learning here.
Check for your student’s success by:
- Regularly monitoring grades and attendance in Skyward Family Access
- Keeping up with progress through the ItsLearning Parent Portal
Your children are very important to us, and their academic growth and social and emotional well-being are our priorities. We appreciate your partnership to ensure their success!
Other Reminders and Updates:
- We’re happy to announce that all SBISD students will be able to enjoy school meals at no cost for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year due to the extension of the no-cost meals program by USDA. If you have any questions, please contact the Child Nutrition Services office.
- To continue our tradition of bringing holiday music to our communities, all SBISD Fine Arts Winter Concerts will be available online! Dates and links to the concerts can be viewed on the Fine Arts webpage. The password for each video link is winter.
Have a great weekend!
Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Superintendent's Message - for In-Person Learners
Dear Families of In-Person Learners,
As we approach the Winter Break and the end of the second nine weeks, I write to share important information and updates for the coming weeks.
- We’re happy to announce that all SBISD students will be able to enjoy school meals at no cost for the rest of the 2020-2021 school year due to the extension of the no-cost meals program by USDA. If you have any questions, please contact the Child Nutrition Services office.
- To continue our tradition of bringing holiday music to our communities, all SBISD Fine Arts Winter Concerts will be available online! Dates and links to the concerts can be viewed on the Fine Arts webpage. The password for each video link is winter.
- With two weeks remaining before break, I encourage all families to continue checking on your student’s grades and attendance in Skyward Family Access and academic progress through the ItsLearning Parent Portal.
- Please continue to do your part supporting in-school learning through this pandemic by:
- Completing required daily health screeners,
- Wearing masks and face shields, and,
- Making smart choices about parties, social gatherings and other off-campus events that may heighten the risk of COVID-19 spreading to and within our schools.
Your children are very important to us and we appreciate your partnership to ensure their health, safety and success!
Have a great weekend,
Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools