Helms Newsletter #19
January 23rd, 2023
đź—“ UPCOMING DATES:
THIS WEEK (January 23rd - January 29th):
- Monday, January 23rd: Lion Dance for Lunar New Year (Wear Red), Pre-K-2nd, 10:15am (PTA sponsored event)
- Wednesday, January 25th: Opera to Go for Lunar New Year (Wear Red), 3rd-5th, 9am (PTA sponsored event)
- Friday, January 27th: PTA Spirit Shirt Sale (7:15-8am playground)
- Friday, January 27th: Donuts with Dad (8:30-9:00am PreK-1st, 9:10-9:40am 2nd-5th, Cafeteria)
NEXT WEEK (January 30th - February 5th):
- Thursday, February 2nd: Coffee with the Principal 8:30am in cafeteria
- Thursday, February 2nd: Deadline for Phase 1 of HISD School Choice Applications
FUTURE:
- Monday, February 6th: PTA Spirit Night with Crust Pizza, 4pm-10pm (1919 N Shepherd)
- Monday, February 6th: Alley Theatre's Staging+ two week program begins for 1st grade
- Thursday, February 9th: 100th Day of School (dress up)
- Friday, February 10th: Spring Picture Day (free dress)
- Friday, February 10th: Soup-er Bowl (volunteer to bring soup for staff luncheon)
- Wednesday, February 15th: Feb. PTA Meeting, 6pm (cafeteria)
- Monday, February 20th: NO SCHOOL - Teacher Service Day
- Saturday, February 25th: Black History Month Festival with PTA, 10:30am-1:30pm (Helms)
- Everyday: Playground is open to the public after 6:00pm once after school program ends.
- Wetlands Wednesdays 9:00-10:30am - on hold and will resume in March 2023
- Spirit Shirt / College Shirt Fridays
HISD - Gifted and Talented Information - Updates
Remember we are still accepting parent requests for GT testing of students in grades 1st-5th. Last day to submit your request is February 3rd. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Coffey via e-mail at malvar22@houstonisd.org.
Magnet Tours
Social Skills Program - Campus Wide
Our Social Skill for the week is below.
Additional resources to use at home can be found on the website www.projectclass.org.
January Lunch Menu
After School Update - Coaches Needed!
After School is looking for coaches for the Girls on the Run and Boys on the Right Track programs this spring. Teams meet 2x per week for 90 minutes starting mid-Feb thru end of Apr. Contact Nadia at afterschool@helmspta.org with questions and interest.
Hogg Middle School STEAM Night
Alley Theater’s Staging+ Program (Sponsored by the PTA)
CALENDAR DETAILS:
1/23: Lion Dance Celebration (Sponsored by the PTA)
1/25: Opera On the Go (Sponsored by the PTA)
1/27: PTA Spirit Shirt Sale and Donuts with Dads
2/2: February Coffee with the Principal
2/2: Phase 1 Deadline for HISD School Choice Applications
Non-zoned children who are not currently at Helms and students interested in attending middle schools outside of their zoned school may fill out a HISD School Choice application at https://choosehisd.my.site.com/Apply/SiteLanding. The deadline for Phase 1 applications is February 2nd. Existing students will need their student ID number. For assistance with applications, contact the Office of School Choice at 713-556-6734 or Schoolchoice@houstonisd.org.
Additional Resources:
HISD Office of School Choice website.
A map of magnet middle schools is available here.
List of schools offering a dual language option, such as Frank Black Middle School.
HISD Magnet Parents Forum on Facebook
Note: Pre-K students currently at Helms do not need to re-apply through the school choice application. Helms is 1 of only 7 schools in HISD that rolls over the pre-K students into kindergarten. Also, the School Choice Application for 2022-2023 is no longer at HISDChoice.com. Instead, visit: https://choosehisd.my.site.com/Apply/SiteLanding.
Previous School Newsletters & PTA LinkTree
HISD 2022-2023 Academic Calendar
HELPING HELMS:
- Volunteer as a coach for Girls on the Run or Boys on the Right Track. Mid Feb.-April. Contact Nadia at AfterSchool@HelmsPTA.org.
- The Helms PTA After School Program welcomes involvement from our parents. If you have an activity (craft, sport, skill, etc.) that you would like to share with our students, please reach out to Nadia Heffernan, the After School Director at AfterSchool@helmspta.org or at 281-310-1838. Volunteering can be a one-time activity or as often as fits your schedule.
- After school program is looking for creative toys, games and crafts that are no longer feeling the love in your house. Drop off anytime at the school reception marked “After School”.
- Help make letters for the school lockers. Questions? Email Mrs. George-Rios at SGeorgeR@houstonisd.org.
- Click here for teacher wishlists.
Register with VIPS to volunteer on campus
Anyone volunteering for the school during school hours must be VIPS approved for safety reasons. Applicants register, complete an online orientation, and consent to a background check. Volunteers must reapply each year. After completion, look for an email verification from donotreply@raptortech.com confirming your application has been received. Approval process may take 0-5 days.
CONNECT WITH HELMS FAMILIES ONLINE:
HELMS PTA
HELMS ELEMENTARY
“Two Languages, Endless Possibilities”
Principal: Alexander Gonzalez agonza30@houstonisd.org
Assistant Principal: Helen Anguiano helen.anguiano@houstonisd.org
Magnet Coordinator: Julie Hernandez jhernan2@houstonisd.org
Registrar/Attendance Clerk: Patricia Hernandez phernan6@houstonisd.org
Nurse: Debra Engler Debra.Engler@houstonisd.org
Email: agonza30@houstonisd.org
Website: https://www.houstonisd.org/domain/22
Phone: 713.867.5130