May 24, 2023
Some thoughts for the starting school year
May 24, 2023 - BBE News
Thanks for a great school year!
This is our last Paw Prints of the school year since next week is only two days long. The last day of school is Wednesday, May 31. We had a great year of learning at Bush Elementary. Enjoy your summer break, but don't forget to read every day and continue your learning throughout the summer.
We're excited for next school year and we're busy planning for the 2023-2024 school year! Teachers will start to call families the week of August 21 to welcome them to their classes and share the times for the meet the teacher event to be held tentatively on Thursday, August 24. We will have two sessions based on last names for families to come up to Bush and meet the teacher and see the classroom's location. Also, the school store will be open at each time to buy school supply packs and Bush dress code items including the new year's motto t-shirt. Check out next year's dress code guidelines in the link below.
The first day of school is Monday, August 28. Students may be dropped off starting at 7:20 a.m. The first bell will be at 7:30 a.m. and the tardy bell is at 7:40 a.m. Parents may walk their child(ren) to their classrooms the first two days of school and after that students will walk in by themselves. All students must be in class on Monday, August 28 at 7:30 a.m. to be enrolled for the 2023-2024 school year.
Goodbye to Bush Elementary
Thank you to all members of the Bush family for a wonderful 19 years as principal of the best elementary school! I have so many fond memories of all the great experiences we've shared over the years. Excellence in everything we do has been our standard and I know that will continue!
Please continue to be curious and creative in your thoughts and actions while being kind to all. Strive to be a life-long learner. Please continue your love of reading because we know reading...
- Makes you smart!
- Takes you places!
- Is fun!
Continue to pick up a book and read!
Sincerely,
Theresa Rose
The following 5th grade students have parents who will be graduating from Bush this year. Thank you so much for your support of Bush Elementary throughout your child’s elementary years.
Ms. Larson's Class - Elias A., Vishwas V., Jacob B., Sydney B., Sophia B., Saanvi G., George K., Ari L., Nahla L., Monneli M., Juliana M., Knox N., Arjun S., Nathanael S., Boluwatife S., William S., Mayukha U., Anna Z.
Ms. Pucci's Class - Domonique B., Zyan B., Aya D., Asana F., Eivyn H., Victor B., Nathan K., Nalhia K., Yves P., Taylor P., Alaya P., Bernard T.
Ms. Hillman's Class - Grace A., Evan B., Kaitlyn B., Alan B., Svana D., Rosana H., Jack H., Anderson L., Emelie L., Benjamin M., Aarush M., Neil Q., Joey R., Chloe S., Ben S., Nivetha S., Genaro V., Ahava V., This W., Rustam Y.
Ms. Weir's Class - Romina A., Olivia B., Ja'Mauri B., Nathan C., Joseph E., Crisitian G., Zion J., Jayda M., Kylee M., Rowan N., Diego N., Sofia O., Gabriel P., Ashley R., Luc S., Shashwat T., Eric T., Daniel A.
STAAR Results
All third, fourth, and fifth graders took the STAAR assessment in May and we're all awaiting the State of Texas to release the results. The student results will be available through the Texas Assessment Student Data Portal and not Bush Elementary. Please follow the directions in the link below to access the STAAR scores when they become available. We do not have a specific date when the scores will be posted, so please keep checking the site in the link below.
2023 – 2024 Student Dress Code Guidelines
Recently the SDMC at Bush Elementary updated the student dress code for the 2023 – 2024 school year. Please print and review the attachment as back to school clothing sales start early. If you were at Bush before this school year, you recall that shirts had to be solid colored red, white, or navy polo-style or button up. T-shirts could only be Bush Elementary t-shirts. Also, sweat pants, leggings, jeggings, athletic shorts are not dress code. Shorts, skirts, and jumpers have to be solid colored navy, khaki, or the "Bush plaid". Pants must be solid khaki, navy or blue jeans without embellishments or tears/holes.
Please print or save the dress code guidelines below to be prepared for all back to school sales throughout the summer.
Student Holiday - May 29
Monday, May 29 is a student holiday. Students return to school on Tuesday, May 30, at 7:30 a.m.
Last Day of School - Wednesday, May 31 from 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
The students' last day of school is Wednesday, May 31. Students must be in attendance through this date to receive an end of year report card showing promotion status for next school year.
Student Items Left Behind or Not Picked Up
Any student materials or items not taken home or picked will be discarded on Thursday, June 8 at 4:00 p.m. We need to clean up the office and campus as we prepare for the start of the 2023 - 2024 school year.
Safety Requirement Reminder
Just as a reminder, every adult entering the building must have a government issued photo identification in hand to be scanned for a security check.
Save the Date: PK, K, and 5th Grade Promotion Ceremonies
PK, K, and 5th Grade Promotion Ceremonies will be held on Wednesday, May 31. Please note the start times for these events.
- 12:00 p.m. PK & K Promotion Ceremonies in the classrooms
- 1:30 p.m. Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony in the Multi-Purpose Room
K Play, Friday, May 26, Fast Pass
The kindergarten play is being put on again tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., there will be limited seating available as there will be two grade levels viewing the play at the same time. The final play performance on Friday, May 26, at 9:00 a.m. is for parents only. It will be very crowded, so we ask only 2 adults per student attend. Even with all the chairs set up in the multi-purpose room, it will still be a full room. Due to limited space, please leave strollers at home as well.
Parents can sign up for the “Fast Pass tomorrow, Thursday, May 25, from 9:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. daily. Parents need to bring an original government issued photo identification for the total of 2 family members that will be attending this final play performance. Parents may bring a copy of the government issued photo identification for the other person being registered on the Fast Pass. You will then receive a "Kindergarten Play Fast Pass" that will be used to enter the Multi-Purpose room from the bus lane starting at 8:45 a.m. on Friday, May 26. Parents must have the Fast Pass in their hands to enter and all people listed on the pass must be present to enter at the same time.
If parents do not bring their Fast Pass, they will have to enter via the front office and show their government issued photo identification to be scanned and to enter the building. Parents who do not sign up in advance for the Fast Pass will need to stand in line the day of the performance to have their government issued photo identifications scanned.
PK & K Promotion Ceremonies Fast Pass - May 31
The PK and K Promotion Ceremonies will be held on Wednesday, May 31 at 12:00 p.m.
Parents can sign up for the “Fast Pass - PK & K Promotion Ceremonies” from Thursday, May 25 – Tuesday, May 30, from 9:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. daily. Parents need to bring an original government issued photo identification for the total of 3 family members that will attend the PK or K Promotion Ceremony. Parents may bring a copy of the government issued photo identification for the other persons being registered on the Fast Pass. You will then receive a "PK & K Promotion Ceremony Fast Pass" that will be used to enter Bush Elementary from the carpool lane doors starting at 11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, May 31. Parents must have the Fast Pass in their hands to enter and all people listed on the pass must be present to enter at the same time. Since it will be very crowded in the classrooms for these events, please leave all strollers at home.
If parents do not bring their Fast Pass, they will have to enter via the front office and show their government issued photo identification to be scanned and to enter the building. Parents who do not sign up in advance for the Fast Pass will have to stand in line the day of the performance to have their government issued photo identifications scanned.
Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony Fast Pass - May 31
The Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony will be held on Wednesday, May 31 at 1:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose room. Parents can sign up for the “Fast Pass - Fifth Grade Promotion Ceremony” starting Tuesday, May 23 – Tuesday, May 30, from 9:15 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. daily. Parents need to bring an original government issued photo identification for the family members that will be attending. Parents may bring a copy of the government issued photo identification for the other persons being registered on the Fast Pass. There is no limit to the number of family members, however, the Multi-Purpose Room can only hold so many people and we know every parent wants to attend so please be mindful of seating capacities. You will then receive a "Fifth Grade Promotion Fast Pass" that will be used to enter the Multi-Purpose room from the bus lane starting at 1:15 p.m. on Wednesday, May 31. Parents must have the Fast Pass in their hands to enter and all people listed on the pass must be present to enter at the same time.
If parents do not bring their Fast Pass, they will have to enter via the front office and show their government issued photo identification to be scanned and to enter the building. Parents who do not sign up in advance for the Fast Pass will have to stand in line the day of the performance to have their government issued photo identifications scanned.
Lost and Found Jackets and Sweaters
We have many many jackets here in our lost and found. If you child has lost a jacket or sweater here at school, please feel free to stop by the office to sign in and look for the items. We have moved them up to the front to make it easier. The Lost and Found clothing will be out on tables through May 31. All remaining jackets will be donated to charity over the summer break.
Wraparound Resource room needs help!
Wraparound is looking for donations of shelves and clothing racks, and volunteers to help organize. If you have a donation or would like to volunteer to help organize the room, please email Ms. Quevedo at maria.quevedo@houstonisd.org.
Nurse Guider's Corner - Student Medications
If your child has medication in the nurse’s office, please pick up your child’s medication(s) before the last day of school, Wednesday, May 31, by 2:00 p.m.
Students are not permitted to pick up or transport medications to/from school.
If you are unable to pick up your child's medication, please email Nurse Guider dguider@houstonisd.org to make arrangements.
2023-2024 Registration Dates
Registration will take place in-person at Bush Elementary. All adults entering the building must have a driver's license or government issued photo ID such as a passport. Please make sure you bring all required registration documents listed on the Registration Check List.
*All dates and times are subject to change.*
Grades 1 – 5 Only
8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. each day listed below.
June 2
June 6
June 7
Grades K – 5
8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. each day listed below.
June 26
June 27
Grades K – 5
8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. each day listed below.
August 15
August 16
August 17
August 22
August 24
Please see the Registration Check List below for the original items to bring to registration. We must have hard copies of the items and not images on a phone.
SEL w/Ms. Jones
Is your child counting the days to summer break? Even with all the excitement of the school year ending, this transition (like all transitions) can be a tricky one. Kids have to adjust to new routines, less structure, and time apart from some of their friends.
If your child has a hard time with transitions, try:
✨ Scheduling play dates with school friends or ways to meet new friends
✨ Maintaining some structure, even if it’s looser than during the school year
✨ Enjoying quality time together as a family
It’s also helpful to create a bridge between the school year and summer vacation. Take time to look back on and celebrate the school year as it comes to an end.
This week's Printable:
“2023 End of School Year Interview” By Big Life Journal
It can help your child reflect on their academic, social, and emotional growth in a fun and engaging way.
Handbook Highlights
Safe Morning Arrival
We're seeing some very unsafe and dangerous behaviors by parents during morning arrival.
- Parents walking through the small parking lot and then between the cars in the active carpool lane.
- Parents stopping their car on Westerloch Drive to let out their child in an active lane of traffic.
- Parents not using the sidewalks and crosswalks to get to school.
The carpool lane and Westerloch Drive are very busy in the morning. Please be a good role model for your child and all others watching you by taking a few extra minutes to be safe.
Dress Code Reminders
Please make sure your child is following Bush Elementary's dress code guidelines. Bush Elementary's colors are red, navy, and white. Khaki pants, shorts, and skirts may also be worn. If a jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt are worn in the building throughout the day, then those items must follow dress code. Please also remember that only the Bush plaid may be worn, other plaids are not part of our dress code.
We're seeing many students wearing jeans with purposeful holes and/or tears and these type of jeans are not part of dress code. Only jeans that are a plain blue may be worn. Also, sweatpants or athletic pants are not part of the Bush dress code.
Finally, students must wear shoes that are safe for school with closed toes and closed heals. Crocs and sandals are not appropriate shoes for school and are not part of our dress code.
Please contact our Wrap Around Specialist, Maria Quevedo, if you're in need of dress code items. maria.quevedo@houstonisd.org
Parents and Birthday Treats
The Teacher Assistants are responsible for supervising the students in the cafeteria during lunch time. The Teacher Assistants are asking for parents' help in keeping the cafeteria calm and safe. Parents must follow these guidelines when visiting at lunch to pass out a birthday treat to their child's homeroom class and have lunch with their child.
- Only hand out the birthday treat to the students in your child’s homeroom class at the last 5 minutes of your child’s lunch.
- Birthday goodie bags are not handed out at lunch.
- Do not hand out any extra treats to any students in other classes.
- Only take your child (no other students may go) to eat at the hallway birthday table or at the courtyard table and understand that you will not be able to eat lunch in the cafeteria.
- Do not take pictures or videos in the cafeteria during lunch.
Parents not following these guidelines directly affects student behaviors in the cafeteria.
💡 SPECTACULAR SCIENCE 💡
The Spectacular Science Word for the week of May 22 is photosynthesis.
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🐾 Bobcat Birthdays 🐾
Ms. Rose would like to wish a very special birthday to:
Citlali V. who turned 10 years old on May 22 and is a fourth grader in Ms. King's class.
Caden V. who turned 10 years old on May 22 and is a fourth grader in Ms. Jones' class.
Tanvi M. who turned 10 years old on May 23 and is a fourth grader in Ms. King's class.
Hazel L. who turns 7 years old on May 25 and is a first grader in Ms. Brown's class.
Oluwabukunmi A. who turns 7 years old on May 25 and is a first grader in Ms. Urrea's class.
Rayna B. who turns 10 years old on May 26 and is a fourth grader in Ms. Garza's class.
Saiyini A. who turns 5 years old on May 26 and is a pre-kindergartner in Ms. Locus's class.
Penelope G. who turns 8 years old on May 29 and is a second grader in Ms. Hodge's class.
Logan C. who turns 7 years old on June 7 and is a first grader in Ms. Mi's class.
Alexia D. who turns 9 years old on June 5 and is a third grader in Ms. Mayces' class.
Garvish K. who turns 8 years old on June 14 and is a fifth grader in Ms. Larson's class.
Ayaansh P. who turns 6 years old on June 16 and is a kindergartner in Ms. Bracken's class.
Elias A. who turns 11 years on June 14 and is a fifth grader in Ms. Larson's class.
Samantha E. who turns 8 years old on June 22 and is a second grader in Ms. Hodge's class.
Pia Z. who turns 7 years old on July 3 and is a first grader in Ms. Urrea's class.
Eugenia Z. who turns 7 years old on July 3 and is a first grader in Ms. Simone's class.
Benjamin M. who turns 11 years old on July 7 and is a fifth grader in Ms. Hillman's class.
Hannah E. who turns 10 years old on July 16 and is a fourth grader in Ms. Rodriguez's class.
Kaitlyn B. who turns 11 years old on July 19 and is a fifth grader in Ms. Hillman's class.
Evan B. who turns 11 years old on July 31 and is a fifth grader in Ms. Hillman's class.
Happy Birthday and Welcome to the Bush Birthday Book Club!
Community Resources
Summer Program Resources
Parents, please review the following programs for the summertime. Wraparound has been doing research to find the best prices and even free programs for our students. Hope these resources help!
SwimWise is a series of FREE learn to swim classes offered for all ages and skill levels.
Register here https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/houstonparks/home?onlineSiteId=0&from_original_cui=true
Houston Public Library’s Camp STREAM At Camp STREAM, youth engage with their peers and learn from experts in the fields of Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Arts, and Math while strengthening social skills and energizing imaginations. Camp STREAM will be offered in both in-person and virtual formats this year. This program is generously sponsored by the Houston Public Library Foundation and the Powell Foundation.
Apply on May 1 at 11AM EST at https://campstream.houstonlibrary.org/
The Houston Parks and Recreation Department provides programming and recreational opportunities for youth ages 4-18. The youth program is available year-round through the Department’s Community Centers.
Information here https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/youthsports-recreation.html
YMCA Summer Day Camp Ages 5-15 | Multiple Houston locations. Offered at locations around the Houston area, YMCA Summer Day Camp allows your child to get out and get active. Activities may include sports and outdoor games, creative and performing arts, archery, engineering, and nature exploration.
Registration here https://ymcahouston.org/programs/childcare-and-camps/registration
Little Beakers Camps Ages 3-13 | Multiple Houston locations. With up to 12 different science themes to select from, kids touch on an array of topics through hands-on science activities including rockets, glowing volcanoes, reactions, fossils & minerals, polymers, ice-cream science, forensic science, edible molecules, physics, planets, microbiology and much more.
Registration here https://katymemorial.littlebeakers.com/camps
PTO's Corner
Moving Day Helpers Needed
Calling all parents and guardians– we need your help on Thursday, June 1st, to assist with the 5th grade’s big move inside the BBE main building! Volunteers will be assisting teachers with packing, moving, and unpacking boxes, desks, shelves, etc.
Please sign up for a shift HERE.
For safety reasons, only high school aged children with documented volunteer hour requirements to fulfill will be allowed to help– no Bush or West Briar students will be permitted to assist.
Volunteers should bring any dollies, wagons, etc. that would be useful, please!
Yearbook Distribution
If you purchased a 2022-23 yearbook before March 24th,
it will be distributed to your child(ren)’s classroom beginning this week!
Prepare for the 2023-2024 School Year
If you are attending BBE next year, get a head start!
- Pre-register for dismissal tags
- Purchase school supplies
- Go to www.BBEpto.com
Dismissal tags are required for ALL students. If you pre register, you will be able to pick them up at the Meet the Teacher in August. School supplies will be delivered to your student's new classroom in the fall. If you have a new K or PK student attending in the fall, you must register them as a student on your account page before purchasing supplies for them.
Register a new student HERE.
2023-2024 PTO Board Open Positions
There is only one position open on our Board for the next school year, and we need YOU!
Fundraising Events Chairperson(s) - Organizes at least two fundraising events (ideally, one in the Fall, one in the Spring) that bring the BBE community together and promote school spirit.
This role is supported by and reports to a Director who will supervise and assist as needed.
If you are interested in the above position, or would like more information, please contact presidentbbepto@gmail.com
Birthday Book Club
Join the Birthday Book Club and make your student’s day extra special! Your student will receive a personal birthday greeting from Ms. Rose during the morning announcements, and have their name printed in the weekly Paw Prints newsletter, in a book for the library, AND on the electronic marquee during the week of their birthday.
If your student will next celebrate their birthday in the 2023-2024 school year, please wait until then to purchase your BBC membership.
Subscribe to the PTO Events Calendar through iCal or Google
For any questions related to PTO please contact Amy Gnau, presidentbbepto@gmail.com
School Store
The School Store is closing until August!
School store apparel and uniform sales are closing for the remainder of the school year. You can still purchase School Supplies for the 2023-24 school year through June 1st. Shop www.BBEpto.com.
Be sure to follow @bbepto on Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates when we get new stock!
School Store On-the-Go
The School Store is open for students to shop on Friday for 1st Grade, Kinder and Pre-K students.
We offer pens, pencils, erasers, fidgets and more. Prices range from $0.10- $4. Please send money with your student on the correct week if they would like to shop. See below for the schedule.
5/26 - 1st Grade, Kinder and Pre-K
Please contact mybushstore@gmail.com with any questions about the School Store.
PTO Events and Outreach Survey
Please help us to continue improving the volunteer support that we give our students, school and teachers, by completing this quick survey. If you complete the survey you can choose to be entered in a drawing for a $25 gift card! This survey will close on May 26th
Subscribe to the PTO Events Calendar through iCal or Google
For any questions related to PTO please contact Amy Gnau, presidentbbepto@gmail.com
Who do I Contact?
FOR RESOURCES AND COMMUNITY OUTREACH -
Wraparound - Maria Quevedo
(P) 281-368-2150 (ext. 275250)
FOR ATTENDANCE -
Registrar - Adriana Rosales
(P) 281-368-2150 (ext. 275104)