Memorial Parkway Elementary School
Week of December 7, 2020
Parent Update- #MPE2getherWeGrow
For General Information about MPE call 281-237-5850
School Starts at 7:55 am and ends at 3:05 pm
Building Opens at 7:35 (New)
Office Hours are 7:35 am (NEW)- 4:20 pm
From the Principal
We are almost there! We are two weeks away from the end of the first semester, and this year will soon be behind us. Although it has been a year we will never forget, our lives will never be the same. We all have had to be ready for constant changes in everything we do in our daily lives. As soon as we get something learned, everything changes. The word "pivot" has definitely become a constant word in our vocabulary.
I believe this time of constant change and uncertainty reminds me of the research from Carol Dweck and the power of a growth mindset. In her research, she stated people with a growth mindset believe they can change their qualities like IQ, attitudes, and beliefs if they are willing to work hard and put in some effort. She also said people with a fixed mindset believes these qualities are fixed or set in stone.
In times like these, we all have had lots of opportunities to stretch our thinking to adapt to these changing times. This is a great example of a growth mindset. If we change our mindset, we can achieve!
At MPE, we teach our Panthers the value of a growth mindset, we are all learners and it is ok to struggle and even fail. However, we have to keep trying! As parents, it is hard when our children struggle; and, we have to understand the struggle is part of the learning. We can support them by giving them feedback on what they have done wrong. Although, we should not give them the answers. This struggle is a normal part of the learning process, and when you have to keep working at a problem and figure out the answer--Learning has happened!
Every day at the end of our announcements, we remind our Panthers to "Work Hard and Always do your BEST!" Will you work with us and help us build "future ready" learners?
Your Proud Principal,
Dr. Martinez
Check out these great Parent Resources available in English and Spanish!
Happy Birthday to our Panthers for the Week of December 7 -13
Events for the Week of December 7th-11th
- Specials Rotation- MPE Day 1
- College/Technical/Military Shirt Day
- 4th Grade Writing CBA
- Happy Birthday Ms. Genesi and Ms. Uriza
Tuesday - December 8th
- Specials Rotation- MPE Day 2
- Happy Birthday Ms. G. Rivas
Wednesday - December 9th
- Specials Rotation- MPE Day 3
- 2nd Grade Reading CBA
Thursday - December 10th
- Specials Rotation- MPE Day 4
- 4th Grade Reading DLA
- Wear I got you Back or black shirt to supporting putting an end to bullying
Friday - December 11th
- Specials Rotation-MPE Day 5
- 1st Grade Reading Non Fiction CBA
- 3rd Grade Reading Mystery CBA
Events for the Week of December 14th-18th
Monday-December 14th
- Specials Rotation-MPE Day 6
- 4th Grade Science DLA
- 4th Grade Writing DLA
- Specials Rotation-MPE Day 7
- Polar Express Day-Wear Pajamas with tennis shoes (no house shoes or slippers)
- 3rd Grade Reading DLA
Wednesday- December 16th
- Specials Rotation-Panther Day 1
- PTA General Meeting-6:00 pm virtual-more information coming soon
Thursday-December 17th
- Specials Rotation-Panther Day 2
- Wear green for Character Strong trait "Cooperation"
- End of Second 9 Weeks
- Happy Winter Break-No School from December 21st till January 4th, Students return to school on January 5th
PTA Needs your help with Holiday Parties
Hello MPE Families,
This year COVID-19 has really made it hard to have celebrations. The campus is not allowed to accept individual food items from families due to KISD District protocols. However, the PTA is allowed to provide individual wrapped and sealed items for our Panthers. Unfortunately, due to the limited PTA budget, we need your help to ensure every child receives a winter holiday party pack. The PTA will also be providing a craft in each party pack to help make the party pack extra special. The PTA will assemble the packs and deliver them to the school and arrange for a KVA pick-up day.
The link to the Amazon list is below:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/X3AH653WZT1R?ref_=wl_share
Thank you,
Sara Gemmell
PTA President
Talking Books
If your child has not been identified as having a reading disability, please be aware that Katy ISD offers audio books for all students through the following programs:
•Sora eBook/Audiobooks•myON
•Benchmark Universe
•Istation
Contact your child’s teacher for more information about Katy ISD’s audiobook programs.
Character Strong - Purposeful People - Trait of the Month for December - Cooperation
From Our School Counselor-Ms. Paez
Hello MPE Parents and Students,
I hope this finds you healthy and safe at home. I am sending resources that can be helpful for all. Please review those resources, which you can also find in the Katy ISD website.
Services for Students Experiencing Homelessness:
If you have lost housing due to economic hardship, complete the Student Residency Questionnaire to determine if you are eligible for services through the McKinney-Vento Act. Email the completed form to SRQ@katyisd.org and the District Homeless Liaison will contact you to discuss eligibility. More information on this act is available here and on the District webpage at http://www.katyisd.org/dept/fpef/Pages/Homeless.aspx.
I am available from Monday-Friday from 7:30-3:30.
Feeling Stressed and Need Someone to Talk to?
The MHSL is not a crisis line, but a help line designed to support families and individuals who may be experiencing mental health stress related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In addition to a listening ear, the Mental Health Support Line will provide callers with access to mental health support, guidance, and will connect callers to agency and community resources as needed. Individuals can access a Mental Health Professional Monday through Friday, 9:00 am-5:00 pm, by calling 713-558-3777. The Mental Health Support Line is offered at no cost in English and Spanish.
http://www.katyisd.org/campus/MPE/Documents/MHSL%20Flyer_Rev2%20copy.pdf
Alejandra Páez
MPE Counselor
Phone (281) 237-5898
Phone (281) 829-8685
From our School Librarian - Ms. Palestina
Hi, everyone!
I’m Ms. Palestina, the new librarian! I’ve been working at MPE for the past 10 years and I’m excited see you all in the library very soon! But first…some important information:
- Bring your iPad or Chromebook with charger to school everyday.
- If you don’t have a device click here: Device Request Form.
Here is our latest Library Newsletter https://www.smore.com/pbg6a
Thank you for your patience!
Ms. Palestina
281-237-4658
From the Nurse
Greetings from the Clinic!
Illness prevention:
- Handwashing (soap and water is best; hand sanitizer is second best)
- Cover your cough/sneeze
- STAY HOME IF YOU ARE SICK (fever > 100F, vomiting, diarrhea)
Please report all absences to the attendance clerk. A parent note must accompany child's return to school. A doctor's note is required for absences of 5 consecutive days or more.
Be on the lookout for Notification of Immunizations forms which are sent home/emailed at the end of each month for vaccines due the following month.
If your child has recently turned 4 years old, please send the proof of immunizations to the clinic. Most students need additional vaccines before going to kindergarten.
Immunization records can be submitted via fax, email or by sending a copy to school with your student.
Please keep the campus nurse update on any changes to your student's medical information and keep your contact information updated with the registrar.
Please send an extra set of clothing (including socks, underwear, and shoes) in your child's backpack.
Information on medication administration at school, forms for medication administration at school, immunization requirements, and other up to date health service department information can be found on the Katy ISD website Health Services Page.
Helpful Number to Have on Hand-Poison Control Centers – 1-800-222-1222
Flow Chart - Can my child go to school?
Contact Information:
Brandy Zammit-Guidroz, M.S.N., R.N.
brandylzammitguidroz@katyisd.org
p: 281-237-5875 f: 281-644-1561
Janett Rubio De Asaad, C. A.
janettrubiodeasaad@katyisd.org
281-237-1419
Need to Pay for a Lost ID?
If your child has lost their school ID, parents can purchase a new ID for the students with the Katy ISD Pay N Go application. We are not accepting cash payments at this time.
ALL payments have to be submitted through Pay and Go. Just sign into Pay and Go, find our school name and select the form.
Free Meals to All Katy ISD Students starting on Monday, September 21st
Free Meals Starting September 21st
Through an extended waiver from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), Katy ISD is providing free meals to all students beginning, Monday, September 21. On-campus and virtual students can receive breakfast and lunch at no cost through Dec. 31, or pending available funds through USDA and TDA.
All students are eligible for one breakfast and one lunch per day per federal guidance. For example, if the student eats breakfast and lunch at school, the student is not eligible to pick up meals at the Grab ‘N Go sites.
On-Campus Students
Students attending on-campus instruction are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch at no cost beginning Sept. 21.
Parents may add funds to their student’s meal account for a la carte purchases and in preparation for when the USDA waiver ends in their student’s Pay N’ Go Account.
Once this waiver expires, the District will switch back to the School Lunch and Breakfast Program. Free and reduced meal applications must still be submitted for the 2020-2021 school year to determine benefits after the waiver ends. Visit schoolcafe.com/KatyISD to apply online.
Katy Virtual Academy Students
Free curbside meals, breakfast and lunch, are available to students participating in virtual learning, as well as children 18 and under, who are not enrolled in Katy ISD.
Participants are able to pick up breakfast and lunch meals, curbside from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Meals are packaged to be heated and eaten at home. Meals are to be picked up a day prior to the intended use. A breakfast and lunch picked up on Tuesday evening, for example, would be consumed Wednesday morning/ afternoon. Pick up is available at these sites:
- Morton Ranch HS
- Mayde Creek HS
- Cinco Ranch HS
Please remember, the Texas Department of Agriculture policy now requires parents picking up meals without a child present to present documentation for each child. (Accepted documentation is official letter/email/electronic school application, student report card, student ID card, attendance records with student’s names, or a birth certificate. Only one form is required.) You can find your Student’s ID number in the Home Access Center, by selecting the ‘Registration’ icon. Under Demographics, you will see your student’s ID displayed. Click here for more information.
Additional KVA Information
- KVA Menus:
- KVA Heating Instructions for Meal Items:
- KVA Menu Nutritionals:
- Allergen Chart
Food Safety:
The Katy ISD Nutrition and Food Service Department is here to ensure every child continues to have access to safe, nutritious school meals whether that child is attending Katy Virtual Academy or attending school in-person. School meals play an important role in fueling healthy minds and bodies. For more information on school meal safety click on this link: Safe, Nutritious School Meals: Something You Can Count on for 2020-21
Meal Payment Information:
Payment for meals is encouraged to be cashless through the Pay N' Go App.
Cash and checks for meal payment will be accepted curbside and change will be deposited on the student’s account.
Students’ positive and negative cafeteria account balances from last year have rolled forward to the current school year.
What Makes a Meal?
The federal Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010 requires students paying the set meal price to take menu components that meet the meal pattern. The meal pattern consists of FIVE components: meat/meat alternate, grain, fruit, vegetable and milk.
If the minimum number of components for each meal are not chosen by the student, a la carte charges will be charged.
Breakfast:
● Must choose at least three of the four offered items to make a meal.
● Must choose one fruit or a juice as one of the items to receive the meal price.
Lunch:
● Must choose at least three of the five offered components to make a meal.
● Must choose at least a half cup of fruit or vegetable to receive the meal price.
Regarding Student Meal Account Balances
If your student(s) will be returning in August to Katy ISD, their current cafeteria balance will roll forward to next school year.
Has your family experienced a change in economic status?
You may qualify for meal benefits! Click Meal Applications to apply today.
Katy ISD Library Resources
Let's Stay Connected!
MPE Facebook
MPE Twitter
MPE Instagram
MPE Campus WebSite
PTA Facebook
About Us
Established: 1978
School Mascot: Panthers - "Parkway Panther"
School Colors: Black and Gold
MPE fosters an environment where individual differences are accepted and valued. The school houses various district-wide special programs including ECSE, Bilingual Education, Two-way Immersion Program and the Auditory Impaired Program. Due to the nature of the various special language programs at MPE we often have been referred to as the first Trilingual Campus in Katy ISD.
Email: doreenAmartinez@katyisd.org
Website: http://www.katyisd.org/campus/mpe
Location: 21603 Park Tree Lane, Katy, TX, USA
Phone: (281) 237-5850
Facebook: facebook.com/MPElementarySchool
Twitter: @MPElemSchool