Kirk Elementary
Tiger Tales 11.8.22
School Information
Email: Kirk@cfisd.net
Website: https://www.cfisd.net/Kirk
Location: 12421 Tanner Road, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713-849-8250
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KirkElementary/
Twitter: @KirkElementary
Principal's Corner
As we head into a season of giving thanks, I want to tell each of you how thankful I am for the Kirk community. You all play a vital role in the lives of our Kirk students. Thank you for all that you do. I hope that you can each take a moment over the next few weeks to reflect on all of the things that you are thankful for.
Katie Ford
Principal
PBIS
Our Mighty Tigers are doing an amazing job showing what it looks like and sounds like at Kirk by following our Kirk Matrices.
Your student can check how much Kirk Cash they have earned through my.cfisd.net. This is a great way to review how things are going throughout their day. They have so many opportunities throughout the building to earn Kirk Cash. Our staff is equipped with the PBIS Rewards app and eager to give Kirk Cash to those displaying positive behavior expectations.
This is the November shopping calendar for our students. This is when they use Kirk Cash and shop in the Kirk Store through PBIS Rewards.
BOTB
For the months of November and December, our Mighty Tigers are learning about the character trait Gratitude. Our students will learn what it means to show gratitude and express gratitude.
Below you can view the presentations that the students will view in their classrooms.
PK-2, Bringing Out The Best
3-5, Bringing Out The Best
This is a brief video you can also view with your Mighty Tiger that explains Gratitude.
This is a wonderful opportunity to talk to your Mighty Tiger about how they show Gratitude at school and how they can show it at home.
Notice to Parents
As a parent of a student at a campus receiving Title I funds, federal law allows you to ask for information about the certification, college major, and advanced degrees of your child’s teacher(s). You also have the right to request information about the qualifications of a teacher aide or paraprofessional providing direct services to your child. If you would like to receive this information, you may contact the Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. Human Resources Department at 281-897-4099.
School Messenger: Text Message Sign Up
The directions for adding text messages to your School Messenger account are in the link below. All parents need to update their School Messenger Information:
Mustangs for the Military Service Project
Our Kirk Tigers will be Bringing Out the Best by showing our gratitude to military service personnel this holiday season. We will accomplish this by contributing to Cypress Ranch High School’s Mustangs for the Military service project from November 28 to December 16. Students and staff will be asked to donate specific items per grade level that will be sorted into care packages and mailed to soldiers that are currently deployed all over the world.
Items will include: Non-perishable snacks, Non-liquid drinks, Sweets, Entertainment Items, Batteries, Toiletries, and Baby Wipes. Students that are not able to donate items will be encouraged to write/draw notes to the soldiers. Further information will be sent out by your child’s classroom teacher.
PK/ECSE/Life Skills: Baby Wipes
Kindergarten: Puzzles (not higher than 100 piece), Crosswords, Word Search, Sudoku, Playing Cards, Mechanical Pencils
1st Grade: Disposable Razors, Q-tips, Germ-X, Toothbrush, Toothpaste Floss, Solid Deodorant
2nd Grade: Nuts, Protein Bars, Granola Bars, Dried Fruit, Chips
3rd Grade: Water Flavoring Packets, Instant Coffee, Tea Bags, Hot Chocolate Mix
4th Grade: Candy (NO chocolate), Gum, Individually Wrapped Cookies
5th Grade: Batteries AA, AAA, C
For additional questions, please contact the counselors.
General Information
November Calendar
student of the month for the character trait of Integrity
William Ortez Blanco
Daniela Salmeron
Michelle Arredondo
Ethan Evans
Neymar Lopez
Pamela Guzman
Paola Sanchez
Ulises Guzman
Grade Level Students of the Month
October character trait - Integrity
Library Corner
Tigers!
We have started checking out books! 3rd-5th grade sorted random items to show that the books in the library are sorted and organized in a particular way. 1st & 2nd grade put cards in alphabetical order. Then, they received an author and had to find a book the author published. This helped them understand that our fiction books are in alphabetical order by author's last name. The best part was that students were able to sit and enjoy our new furniture and read their library books.
Your Librarian,
Mrs. Gallegos
Primary Practices
Veterans Day is a day to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This year, Veterans Day is Friday, November 11. As a family, you can watch a video about Veterans Day by clicking here or go to: https://bit.ly/VeteransDay_PrimaryKirk. Afterwards, consider going to https://www.operationgratitude.com/give/ where you can learn ways to give back to veterans with something as simple as writing a letter.
Our Thanksgiving Holiday Break is Monday, November 21-Friday, November 25. Click here for some fun activities you can do with your family over the break. Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving! We are thankful for many things, but especially for our Kirk Tigers!
Adventures in Mathematics
Second grade is finishing their unit on addition and subtraction of whole numbers up to 120. Students can practice this skill by using playing cards to add and subtract numbers. Another skill that is crucial to subtraction is regrouping. You can support your student by practicing subtraction problems where they have to regroup from the larger place value.
Third grade is diving into perimeter. Students are expected to understand that perimeter is the distance around the rim of the object. They are refining their measuring skills using rulers to get accurate measurements of each side length. If you have a ruler at home, students can practice making accurate measurements of rectangles and squares, starting at the 0 on the ruler.
Fourth grade is applying their division skills in the classroom using the standard algorithm. For students who are not ready to move to this skill are using base ten blocks to create the number and separate into equal groups. Take a look at the Progression of Division video to see how to use base ten blocks at home.
Fifth grade is beginning to apply their knowledge of multiplication to decimals. Students are expected to analyze models and solve number sentences with whole numbers and decimals. Before moving to the algorithm, students experience the multiplication using base ten blocks and creating their own models. Check out this video to see an example of creating models with multiplying whole numbers and decimals
Science Scholars
Second grade is learning about types of energy such as mechanical, light and sound. Students are expected to differentiate between the three types and identify examples of them in the real world. Pull back cars, and wind up toys are examples of mechanical energy. Flashlights and cellphones are an example of light energy. Finally, instruments are great examples of sound because they show the vibrations that sound energy create.
Third grade students are starting their unit on Earth Science. In this unit students will learn about characteristics of soil, rapid changes the earth experiences like hurricanes and volcanoes. They will also be learning about conservation and how important it is to conserve our planet.
Fourth grade students are learning about the different types of energy. Mechanical, sound, thermal, light and electrical are all examples of energy. Students can see examples of these types in the real world. Here is a video of students exploring M.E.L.T.S.
Fifth grade is beginning their Weather and Astronomy unit. In this unit students will learn about weather vs climate, Earth’s rotation and the importance of the sun in the water cycle.
Loving Literacy
Veterans Day is a day to honor military veterans of the United States Armed Forces. This year, Veterans Day is Friday, November 11. As a family, you can watch a video about Veterans Day by clicking here. Afterwards, your student could read about Veterans Day on PebbleGo found in the library resources on my.cfisd.net. Your student could also go to https://www.operationgratitude.com/give/ and learn about ways to give back to veterans with something as simple as writing a letter.
Click here for some fun activities you can do with your family over the break.
tiger Technobytes
Information/Reminders about Chromebooks
A Chromebook is checked out to each CFISD student for daily use within our classrooms. Through ClassLink (my.cfisd.net), our students have access to their schoolwork (Schoology) and various District approved online resources.
Additional information about our Chromebook:
A Chromebook with an attached protective case and a charger are checked out to each student. Some students have the older Chromebook without a case. If they have a Chromebook with a case, then they are to leave the case on.
Each Chromebook has a student identification sticker on the front and a District asset tag on the back. DO NOT remove these stickers. If a Chromebook needs to be returned for any reason, these stickers help us insure it is linked to the correct student’s account.
Chargers are to remain at home, unless the teacher has instructed your student differently. Chromebooks should be charged at home and come to school fully charged.
Students should not place stickers or draw on any part of the Chromebook. Remember it is a device loaned to students by CFISD.
Students log onto their Chromebook using their Google ID and password. This information will be provided by your child’s teacher. Please keep it in a safe place at home.
If a password needs to be changed, go to stugo.cfisd.net on any device and follow the directions to change their password.
If a student has an issue with their Chromebook (lost/cracked screen, missing keys, not working), he/she will need to create a Happy Fox ticket through their ClassLink (my.cfisd.net) account by logging in with their Google ID/password. Remember, if the device is intentionally damaged, a replacement charge will be assessed through SchoolCash.
If a student leaves CFISD, all devices MUST be returned to the campus—Chromebook, protective case, charger, and hot spot (if assigned). A charge will be assessed for any items not returned.
If a student leaves Kirk and transfers to another CFISD school, the device will go with them to their new school.
Nurse’s Corner
Unfortunately, it is the start of flu season. Flu can cause children under 4 years old to get very sick. Everyone ages 6 months and older should get annual flu shots. The best time to get the flu vaccine is before October 31st, but kids can get a flu shot at any time during flu season. Parents and Older Adults need their flu vaccine too.
Symptoms of the flu include: a sudden fever (usually above 100.4°F or 38°C), chills, headache, body aches, feeling tired, sore throat, dry, hacking cough, stuffy, runny nose, or some children may throw up (vomit) and have loose stools (diarrhea).
Please keep your child home if they are experiencing any of the above symptoms. They cannot return to school until they are fever free without medications for 24 hours.
Counselor Corner
Did you know: Research suggests that 20 minutes of uninterrupted, quality time with your child is more valuable than hours spent together multi-tasking. This short burst of focused time together builds your connection and makes your child feel valued, important, and loved. So if you are crunched on time during the week (or even the weekends), consider blocking out 20 solid minutes of one-on-one time with your children. Ideas for activities include reading together, going for a walk or to the park, having a dance party or sing-along, playing a board game or working on a puzzle. The possibilities are endless!
What’s happening in Large Group?
Musical Magic
The Veterans Day Program will be November 11th at 8:40, please join us in honoring our Veterans.
The choir is diligently working on our Nutcracker Performance. The performance is scheduled for December 14th.
All students are creating rhythm patterns in music including Kindergarten.
Ms. Craig
PE
Hello Kirk Tigers! This month we will focus on practicing and developing our cooperative and strategy skills. Also, hopefully the weather will be on our side so we can enjoy a couple of days outdoors. Hope you’ll enjoy the Thanksgiving break, but remember to stay active and moving so we can get stronger, healthier and fit!
Coach Mati
Art
Hello Kirk Artists! Kinder and 1st grades have been creating autumn themed art, while older grades are creating landscape masterpieces. Students are continuing to show the Elements of Art while working on their Rodeo Art pieces for a chance to enter the state-wide contest.
Ms. Kranson
PTO
Leave the cooking to Jason’s Deli on Saturday, November 12th! Come by the Copperfield location (7010 SH 6 N) anytime between 11 am and 9 pm. Dine in and be sure to mention you're supporting Kirk Elementary or place your order online to pickup instead using the QR code on the flyer. Thank you!
Parent Volunteer Opportunity
Our 3rd and 5th graders will be going on the Nature Trails Field Trip in February. To ensure it is a blast, we need parent volunteers who are trained by the CFISD Science Resource Center (SRC) to chaperone and participate in the fun! There is only ONE more training date left for the year, NOVEMBER 14th, 10:00 a.m to 11:30 a.m. We need 7 parent volunteers for each grade. You don't have to be a 3rd or 5th grade parent to volunteer, but it is a great opportunity to have fun with your student! See you there!!
Field trip details: The grades are separated in half for two days. One half will be going on February 2nd and the other half on February 3rd.
Click here for all the details about the SRC training for the year and the Nature Trails field trip at the bottom of page 2.