Eagle Updates
October 25, 2020
In this Issue:
- A Message from Mrs. Barry
- Red Ribbon Week - Spirit Days
- District Calendar Survey
- Specials Rotation-2nd 9 Weeks
- October 26th-Individual Picture Day
- ZOOM with Parent U!
- November 3rd - A Remote Learning Day
- Should I Refer my Child for GT?
- From the Library
- Staff Spotlights - 4th Grade
- MWE Calendar of Events
- From the President
- Project Study
- The New Playground-See this Video
- MWE Redemption Program
- Yearbooks!
District Information
- We're Hiring!
- Family Survey
From Mrs. Barry:
When I was a little girl, my family took road trip vacations. We drove to California and Florida, to Colorado and even to Wisconsin. These were rarely meandering trips - we had a destination in mind, and we drove, drove, drove until we got there.
I vividly remember being so excited when we left our house. My dad liked to start driving at night - and drive straight through. Though I should have been tired and slept, I was usually too wired to rest. The thoughts of all that we were going to do, the delight of being with my entire family, the novelty of doing something different, the anxiety of not knowing exactly what to expect - all of these things gave me an adrenaline rush like none other!
Midpoint in our road trip, I remember suddenly being tired. I would lose interest in everything and everyone around me. The things that excited me only hours before (like being with my entire family) now got on my nerves. I remember tears, shouting, and maybe even a few temper tantrums! Eventually, we were almost to our destination. The excitement and adrenaline took over again - I was once again animated, happy, laughing, excited, and ready to go and face our new adventure. The cycle continued when we headed home - tired and grumpy as we made our way back, thrilled to be close to home, and so forth.
My experience on family road trips reminds me of a school year, and particularly THIS school year. We started the year excited to get back to some sense of normal, whether virtually or in-person. We anticipated seeing our students, friends, parents, colleagues. We weren't really sure what to expect, but couldn't wait for the adventure! As we continued with the first nine weeks, we hit some bumps and our energy levels dropped. Then came the new nine weeks, and the cycle started all over again! This week, especially, I have seen this cycle in its entirety. It helps to know that this is normal - even in non-COVID years, we see a downward energy trend in October - but it doesn't necessarily make things easier when you are in the moment.
As we go through the rest of this very unique semester, please hold on to the knowledge that this, like a family road trip, will be filled with many ups and downs, highs and lows. The most important thing is that we are going through this together (or, like a t-shirt I recently saw proclaimed "Standing together - 6 feet apart!"), and we are all driving toward the same destination. Together, through it all!
MWE - where we are Growing Great Minds!
Red Ribbon Week - Spirit Days
This week is Red Ribbon Week. Join us in a week of spirit to celebrate our choice to Be Happy. Be Brave. Send pictures to Kathryn.Mccracken@springbranchisd.com to be featured on our morning announcements. We want ALL students to share in the fun! Please remember to follow the school dress code.
Monday: Proud to Be Me!
Wear a favorite outfit to kickoff Red Ribbon Week!
Tuesday: Don’t Worry, Be Happy!
Wear peace signs and/or tie dye.
Wednesday: Team Up to Be Brave!
Wear a favorite sports shirt or jersey.
Thursday: Happiness: it’s contagious!
Spread happiness, not germs!
Write a kind note to a friend/teacher.
Friday: MWE Eagles Rock!
Wear spirit wear OR school colors!
District Calendar Survey
We seek your input on the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 SBISD Academic Calendars.
The SBISD District Improvement Team (DIT), our district calendar committee, developed draft calendars for the 2021-2022 and 2022-2023 school years. The DIT’s work is guided by Calendar Parameters set forth by the SBISD Board of Trustees.
Academic Calendar 2021-2022
Before taking the survey (link below), please
- Review the two calendar options for 2021-2022.
- Review the Calendar Comparison Chart.
Academic Calendar 2022-2023
Before taking the survey (link below), please
- Review the two calendar options for 2022-2023.
- Review the Calendar Comparison Chart.
Specials Rotations-2nd 9 Weeks
Individual Picture Day
ZOOM with Parent U!
Resiliency in Challenging Times
Mental Wellness in a Pandemic
Heather Lambert,
LPC Licensed Professional Counselor with 17 years of experience in education Founder and director of three counseling centers in Pasadena and Sugar Land with over 25 therapists
Thursday, November 5, 2020
6:00 p.m.
Register here: https://tinyurl.com/y564mv4x
Register today for this special learning session!
In the past several months, COVID-19 has changed the world in which we live. The pandemic’s implications on mental health for students and families has been profound. Come learn how to support your children and family during these uncertain times!
This session will bring awareness to:
- The signs and impact of trauma on children
- Ways to process and resolve trauma
- The “Do’s and Don’ts” for trauma informed care
Join us as we dive into these topics and acknowledge the resiliency of our children and the hope for mental wellness in our community.
Visit the SBISD Parent U site for more information and to view our upcoming events!
http://online.springbranchisd.com/parentu/
Questions? SBISD Family E3 Team
November 3rd - A Remote Learning Day
November 3rd is a scheduled remote learning day for all SBISD students. All students will learn from home. This is a regular school day and class periods/learning blocks begin live at their regularly scheduled time. Attendance is taken. Teachers may quickly move students to independent work time to reduce time spent on zoom and allow for greater flexibility in the day. Look for more information from your child's teacher closer to November 3rd.
Important Information for Parents Regarding GT Referrals
The GT Parent Referral Form is now available on-line. This form must be completed and submitted by November 19th. If your child has previously tested and you would like them evaluated again, you are able to submit the referral form for this school year.
https://springbranch.projectgt.org/home/NewGTParentReferral
For questions, please contact kristin.graham@springbranchisd.com or your grade level counselor.
Lynne.luberger@springbranchisd.com (Grades K, 2, and 4)
Patricia.waldrop@springbranchisd.com (Grades 1, 3, and 5)
Staff Spotlights!
Ms. Cox
It is my absolute pleasure to say that I am starting my 6th year at Meadow Wood Elementary. Meadow Wood has a truly special place in my heart.
I am married to David Cox, who is the love of my life and fellow Alabama Crimson Tide football fan. David and I are proud parents of Jacob, Jared, Joe, and Caitlin, who are all
graduates of the University of Alabama.
When we are not traveling around the country visiting our children or going to watch the Crimson Tide play football, we are relaxing at home in Cypress playing golf at Black Horse.
Ms. Pena
Hi Friends!
This is my 14th year in teaching this school year (7th year at MWE!). I have taught bilingual and ESL 3rd and 4th grade. I have a passion for literacy and LOVE reading out loud to my students!
When I am not at school, I’m home in the Cypress area with my husband and our 2 boys who spoil me! You can often find us playing outside or taking our boys back and forth to soccer practices and games.
Our first grader is at Meadow Wood and our 7th grader is at Spring Forest Middle.
Ms. Taylor
Ms. Vanegas
Hello MWE families,
This is my second year in Meadow Wood as a 4th-grade Digital Lab Monitor. Before, I worked as Average Daily Attendance (ADA)/Registrar in Northbrook MS. I have been working in SBISD for four years.
After high school, I left my home country, Nicaragua, to get my bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, and a Master’s Degree in Computer System in Mexico, City. In Mexico, I was a Programming language and Database teacher for 11 years at the University of Cuautitlan Izcalli. Then, I moved with my husband and son to this beautiful and diverse city, Houston.
I love to be in contact with the students, and support them on their assignments. I’m grateful for being part of the Meadow Wood family where we are Growing Great Minds!
Mr. Lopez
My name is Jack, and this is my first year in SBISD serving MWE as a teaching fellow. I was born and raised in Topeka, KS. I'm into old war memoirs, cacti, and Asian food! I moved to Oklahoma for college in 2012, and I recently moved to Houston from the Tulsa area this summer to pursue my teaching certification and Master's degree through Relay Graduate School of Education. You'll find me upstairs working with Mrs. Rapp teaching science or out front loading kiddos in cars after school!
MWE Calendar of Events
Please note: Every Thursday is T-2-4 Thursday and every Friday is MWE Spirit Day!
October 26 - 30
Red Ribbon Week - see each day for Spirit Day themes
October 26
Individual Pictures
Wear a favorite outfit to kick off Red Ribbon Week!
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 4th grade Science
October 27
Wear peace signs and/or tie dye.
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 3rd grade Math
October 28
Wear a favorite sports shirt or team jersey.
October 29
Spread happiness, not germs! Write a kind note to a friend/teacher.
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 5th grade Science
CIT Meeting - 2:30 p.m. via Zoom
October 30
Kinder Storybook Character Day
Wear spirit wear OR school colors.
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 3rd grade Science
November 3
Virtual Learning Day - no students on campus
November 11
General PTA Meeting - 9:00 a.m. via Zoom
November 12
Parent Night - 6:30 p.m. via Zoom
November 16-20
GenTX Week
November 20
Progress Reports Go Home
November 23 - 27
Thanksgiving Holidays
From the President
Hi Meadow Wood Family!
I hope you are all doing well. Please read below for upcoming events at school--our VP of Programs, Leah Seewald, has some great, thoughtful activities coming up for Red Ribbon Week! While things, as always, look different this year, our board is working hard to keep some of our events and traditions alive, and this is a great one.
I also encourage you to check out the information on our Project Study Program. This is sponsored by the PTA and is a dedicated fund that pays for projects that are requested to help the school. These projects can be requested by parents or teachers, so touch base with your child's teacher to see if there is something you can request for their class!
As always, we appreciate your support.
Take Care,
Catie Winegar
PTA President
Project Study
It’s time for the PTA Project Study Program! This program allows any PTA member to apply for funds to enhance the school and/or support student needs. We need parent and teacher committee members to help with the application process. The volunteer time is minimal, anticipating 2 after school Zoom meetings, and will consist of reviewing applications and interviewing the applicants.
If you are interested in serving on the program committee, please send an email to Nicole Knutsen at nicole281@yahoo.com. Names will be drawn lottery style, so get your name in the hat now!
If you are interested in submitting a proposal for the committee to review, applications are due November 20th. Requested items include, but are not limited to, teacher and instructional materials, classroom equipment, PTA-sponsored programs. See the MWE PTA website (https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/projectstudy) for details on the program and the application.
The New Playground -District Video
MWE Redemption Programs
We have many programs that bring “free money” to our school. Please review the following programs and see how you can participate!
1. Box Tops for Education
Don’t forget, Box Tops are digital now! Download the Box Tops
Mobile app to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase.
No more clipping or sending Box tops to school.
2. Kroger
Register your Kroger plus card online at
www.krogercommunityrewards.com. You have to re-
enroll every year. Create or log in to your account and
enter MWE’s number (81657).
3. Randalls
Fill out the Good Neighbor Program form and indicate MWE as
your charity (1082). MWE earns 1% of your purchases.
www.randalls.com/shopstores/good-neighborhood.page
4. Amazon Smile
We all shop on Amazon! Register your account with
Amazon Smile to earn money for MWE. Go to
www.smile.amazon.com and login to your account.
Select “Pick your own charitable organization”; type
Meadow Wood Elementary. DO NOT click on the “select
and start shopping” button-this will choose the charity
that is up there at the time. Choose “PTA Texas Congress 5056
Meadow Wood Elementary-Houston TX”. Make all purchase
through Amazon Smile. You can also turn it on in the App under
settings and then programs.
5. Josephine’s Day Spa
They donate back 10% to the charity of your choice.
Family Survey
Dear SBISD Families,
We want your feedback!
We appreciate and acknowledge your support and cooperation as we launched the 2020-21 school year for both in-person and distance learners. As we begin the new grading period, we want your feedback on the first nine weeks experience for your children and your family.
Please take a few minutes to complete the First Nine Weeks Family Survey.
As parents and guardians, you play a critical role in the school success of your child. Now, more than ever, your opinion matters and will help us continue to learn, refine and adjust, where feasible, amidst this most unusual school year.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools