Principal Allen's Weekly Newsletter
April 20, 2020
Dear Spicewood Elementary Parents
None of us ever expected the 2019-2020 school year to look this way. Although I knew it was a possibility we would not return to finish the school year, I remained hopeful. Like many of you, I am still saddened by Friday's announcement, but understand that the safety of our students, teachers and community is of the utmost importance.
Now that we know that school closures will extend through the end of the school year, my leadership team and I will begin planning end of year procedures with the guidance of our district. I will certainly keep you in the loop as end of year plans and procedures are finalized.
Beginning this week, the Spicewood Leadership team will be recording and sharing announcements for the week. This is another way we hope to connect with our students and help fill your homes with Panther Pride! Each week the announcements will be shared in the slide decks students receive and in the newsletter. My leadership team and I hope students enjoy it.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Allen
#SpicewoodStrong
Important Announcements
Parent Input Form
The process of building class lists and assigning teachers will begin in May. As always, we welcome your input. Due to school closures, we have opted to use an electronic form. The link for 2020-2021 Parent Input Form will be shared in next week’s newsletter.
Required Enrollment Form for 2020-2021
If you student is returning to Spicewood for the 2020-2021 school year. We must have an enrollment form submitted for every student. Please complete the Spicewood Elementary Enrollment Form for 2020-2021 here.
Slide Decks
RRISD has allowed at home learning activities to be released at 12 on Sunday afternoons. I hope this will give you more time to navigate the slides and plan how to best support your student.
Spicewood Elementary's Virtual Activities & Events
** Let's stay connected through virtual activities**
Recording of Pledges & Weekly Announcements
2020 Student Talent Show
For the first time in history, our student council planned to host a talent show in May. I am so proud of our student council for being determined to make this happen by hosting a virtual student talent show! Please watch a very important announcement from them! A note from the Spicewood Student Council.
Talent Show Guidelines: Videos need to be kept under 2 minutes. If your child is interested in participating please send the video to the following teacher by May 4th:
K-1 Students: Mrs. Klovert
2-3 Students: Ms. Jensen
4-5 Students: Ms. Wambsgans
Teachers will gather all the recorded talent videos to create one campus wide "show" that will be shared out through the newsletter, the schools social media, and student slide decks.
By submitting a video you are consenting to having your child participate and their video shared with the Spicewood Community.
Sharing the Planet Week
In honor of Earth Day Wednesday, April 22nd we will be having our "Sharing the Planet Week" this week! We encourage our students to take action and share on Twitter @SpicewoodPYP and #SharingThePlanetSWES!
Notes From Mrs. Oates
I have received many emails about how can I best support my child with the IB framework from home. First I would say take a deep breath, you're doing are great job!
There are a couple of articles that I've recently read that helped me and shared many tips for supporting inquiry at home. One thing they shared was the importance of play and how it helps to develop student's approaches to learning skills. Playing games such as chess or doing puzzles helps develop thinking skills as well as social skills. Also, you can encourage your student to delve deeper into personal inquiries they may have about the world around them. Below are two articles I found as a parent and educator to be very helpful and hope you do as well.
Virtual Exhibition for 5th Grade Students
I'm so excited to be on this journey with our 5th graders, teachers, and the Spicewood Learning Community as we take a step in a new direction with a virtual exhibition. First, I want to say that I'm so proud of these 5th graders for taking a risk and trying something completely new for everyone, we are here for YOU! I wanted to be sure to share the video that was sent out earlier in the year after the exhibition information night, although timelines have changed the idea of exhibition is the same, students will be inquiring about something they're passionate about and thinking of a way to take action.In addition, I am sharing the slide deck your student will be receiving today. I want to remind you as stated from the IB "while the exhibition is expected to culminate in a final product or experience, VALUE is placed upon the exhibition learning process and journey". I look forward to going on this journey together!
Helpful Attachments
Spicewood Elementary Vision Statement:
Spicewood aspires to be a caring community of innovative, globally minded citizens who take action.
Spicewood aspira a ser una comunidad solidaria de ciudadanos innovadores y de mentalidad global que actúen.