Eagle Updates
April 26, 2020
Congratulations to Ms. McCracken - an SBISD Teacher of the Year Finalist!
From Mrs. Barry:
It's hard to believe we are heading into May this week. In some ways, it seems like only yesterday that we were preparing for Spring Break. In other ways, it feels like we've been away from each other forever!
In a recent conversation with my family, where I was both bragging on the good things we are doing and lamenting how hard things were, the comment was made "Sometimes you're the windshield; sometimes you're the bug." I thought this was the perfect quote for us during this pandemic!
We've all felt like the bug! We are trying to manage something that no one has ever experienced. We've had to change the way we do our jobs, while helping our students/ children adjust to their new realities. We still have to do all our daily chores and responsibilities, but we cannot socialize, get away, or even participate in a sporting event. Technology doesn't work - or I can't figure it out. Study packets don't arrive when they are supposed to. I'm a Zoom zombie! I'm eating too much and sleeping too little, and my emotions are raw. LIke the bug on windshield, there have been many, many times I've felt squashed! I know I'm not alone, and I know this is normal.
Though there are many times when I feel like the bug, there are just as many - if not more - times that I am the windshield. We are connecting with our students. They are doing great work! In addition, they are doing more learning in real-world settings. We've seen so many students learning new skills, playing games, doing puzzles, and enjoying family time like never before. Our teachers are learning new skills, as well. Refinement occurs DAILY! Though we cannot wait to get back to face-to-face teaching, we're seeing how technology can provide new opportunities for student learning and differentiation. We are purposefully reaching out to each other and sharing gratitude like never before. We are WINNING!
As we continue through this last month or so of school, please know that we are working hard for your children, and we appreciate all the hard work you are putting in!! We did not sign up for this, and sometimes we will be the bug, but I feel like together, we are definitely the windshield! Thank you for all of your support! You are truly appreciated!
Welcome home to MWE!
Mrs. Barry says THANK YOU for all the amazing birthday wishes! Best Day Ever!
Parent Access to ItsLearning
We are excited to officially launch the SBISD itslearning Parent Portal for Meadow Wood families! You can expect the portal to be live and available today.
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:
Career Week Volunteers Needed
Meadow Wood is in need of presenters for their upcoming Career Week. The big difference this year is that presentations will be virtual. The following are details that might help in making your decision.
- MWE Career Week is scheduled for the week of May 18-22.
- Presentations are recorded prior to the event via Flip Grid.
- Complete instructions for using Flip Grid will follow should you decide to volunteer.
- Ideally we would like to offer two presentations per grade level.
- Our hope is to represent as many of the five graduation endorsements as possible (Stem, Business & Industry, Public Service, Arts & Humanities, Multi-Disciplinary Studies) https://tea.texas.gov/sites/default/files/Graduation_Toolkit_Summer2019.pdf
- Teachers will show the videos to classes via Zoom during Career Week.
- You would be welcome to join when classrooms are viewing your presentation.
Please let us know if you are able to participate by Wednesday, April 30. We are here to support you as needed! Please call Pat Waldrop (713.824.4553) with questions.
Thanks for considering this amazing opportunity! We look forward to hearing from you.
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
THIS WEEK!! Virtual Q&A Meetings with Mrs. Barry
Wednesday - April 29
10 a.m. - Pre-K/Kinder
https://zoom.us/j/96733334828?pwd=VE1pSDVZQVZocXZ2OWJlMDQ4a0FIdz09
Meeting ID: 967 3333 4828
Password: 031771
1 p.m. - 3rd Grade
https://zoom.us/j/99138939275?pwd=cEVPUzYxWGNlMWFLUDVRRDNjdWFPUT09
Meeting ID: 991 3893 9275
Password: 030024
2 p.m. - 1st Grade
https://zoom.us/j/95987144166?pwd=MEVtWmdGS0JSZlloRDJSc2RxSTdxZz09
Meeting ID: 959 8714 4166
Password: 003416
Thursday, April 30
10 a.m. - 5th Grade
https://zoom.us/j/95377553768?pwd=V1JhNW1xYjI1V1VSaCtuc0o3Q09QZz09
Meeting ID: 953 7755 3768
Password: 018491
11 a.m. - 2nd Grade
https://zoom.us/j/91774920962?pwd=dEhUT20vQk9VUEozS3NFdHJ1Z2pQdz09
Meeting ID: 917 7492 0962
Password: 006519
12 p.m. - 4th Grade
https://zoom.us/j/95296483171?pwd=SW1nMGdNSXlJd1V5NnNoeCtsUTQwQT09
Meeting ID: 952 9648 3171
Password: 031904
Counselors Connecting with KIDS
Dear boys and girls,
We love seeing you on the Morning Announcements and in your classroom Zoom meetings. It is so fun to hear you share your thoughts, feelings and school work. We can tell that you have been putting forth a lot of effort while learning at home. It shows!
While you are at home, please continue practicing the skills we have discussed in our lessons. We would like to challenge you to complete the Bingo Board below by the end of May. By doing one activity a day, you will be practicing kindness, mindfulness and taking care of yourself.
Be safe and remember you are the “I” in Kind!
Mrs. Luberger and Ms. Waldrop
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:
This week's challenge: Elementary friends: explore Epic’s eBooks, read-to-me books, videos, and more! Tell us about what you learned by sharing on social media with the hashtags #SBISD_readers and #SBISDlib.
I also wanted to tell you about a fun new promotion starting at BlueWillow. 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!
What are the teachers doing during social distancing?
Mrs. Cox
Since March 11, 2020, David and I have been in a whirlwind with loosing David’s father at 85 years of age and going right into pandemic mode. It’s all a bit surreal to be honest. At the beginning of the year I decided that becoming proficient in navigating It’s Learning would be a great goal. Little did I know how important that goal would become later in the year. I am enjoying all the things that I have been too busy to do in the school year. I have dusted off my golf clubs and I’m enjoying playing a twilight round or two with David. I miss everyone and can’t wait to laugh for real and in person!
Ms. Keen
I have stayed very busy during this stay at home time! In my free time I help my two kids keep up with their middle school work. To work off all the snacking I have done, I try to work out at least five days a week and am thankful to have my "at home gym" in place. I do Fitness Blender workout videos from YouTube. There's a bunch to choose from so I never get bored. I also will go on runs, walks or hop on my elliptical machine.
Mrs. Taylor
I miss seeing everyone at MWE! Away from school, I have been hanging out with Mason, my cat and exercising lots-running, walking and doing barre videos! I love Zooming with my kids and friends and I’ve even done international Zooms! Take care!
Mrs. Pena
Hi friends!
I miss all of my fourth graders and talking about books with them!! My husband, boys, and I have enjoyed lots of walks and bike rides around our neighborhood. We love being home together but miss work, school, soccer games, and going to Target!
Ms. Vanegas
During my social distancing, I have been checking who has been working on ST Math or IXL. I feel proud and excited when I see that some of you are excelling in some skills or your levels on ST Math are higher. I have been working with programming language because I'm supporting my son in it. Remember to help your parents with chores and keep healthy!
Ms. Rapp
I chase wild animals in my house, take walks and cook 47 meals a day.
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
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/
2020- 21 SPIRIT WEAR SNEAK PEAK!!!
We are super excited to share a SNEAK PEAK 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!
District Information
Elementary Families,
We hope you are doing well. We want to remind you that week six of the digital backpack is now online and ready for you and your family to access. We also wish to share that we will go back to a Drive Thru process to distribute the printed Self Study backpack guides for future weeks. The Drive Thru for weeks seven and eight will be this Friday, May 1, from 8 a.m. – noon, or until all packets are distributed. The pick-up locations will be Don Coleman Coliseum at 1050 Dairy Ashford, Ridgecrest Elementary at 2015 Ridgecrest Drive and a new location – Westwood Elementary at 10595 Hammerly Boulevard. To help expedite our lines, please place the grade levels for which you are picking up on a piece of paper in your windshield, and feel free to pick up for friends and neighbors.
We had hoped that mailing these packets would be a great way to get this information to you, and we apologize for any inconvenience caused as this did not work as well for some of you as we had hoped.
Again, we will have a week 7 and 8 packet pick up this Friday morning at Don Coleman Coliseum, Ridgecrest Elementary and Westwood Elementary.
Our Grab and Go meals continue this week Monday through Thursday at their usual times and locations.
Thank you. Have a great week ahead and take care.