Buckalew Buzz

March 21, 2022

Connect With Us!

Buckalew Bears Motto:

"Today I choose to BE Kind, Work Hard, and Do My BEst!"


Our school hours are officially 8:00-3:10. Students may arrive as early as 7:30.


*disclaimer that items published in this newsletter may change due the COVID-19 pandemic*

From Mrs. Price

Happy Monday Buckalew Family!


With the safety of our students and staff in mind, Conroe ISD will be operating with a two-hour delay on Tuesday, March 22. All school start times, bus route times, and employee reporting times are delayed by two hours. The school day will not be extended because of this delay. This decision was made to allow for the worst of the weather to pass before students and staff start making their way to school. Please check your email or the district website for an FAQ with examples on what this means for you.


On an even more exciting note, we have so much to look forward to this week! Our incredible Buckalew Bash Carnival and Silent Auction is underway! Please see information below on tickets to the carnival, how to volunteer, and how to bid on items in the Silent Auction!


This is our biggest Spring Fundraiser of the year and all proceeds will go toward instructional supplies and campus upgrades!


Thank you to our incredible PTO for all of the work taking place to pull this AMAZING event off this week!



Have a great week,

Jill Price

Carnival - March 26, 2022

The Buckalew Bash Carnival will be on Saturday, March 26 from 2:00-5:00 pm. Get your admission wristbands and tickets for the kids' toy raffle & concessions at http://www.BuckalewBearsPTO.com.


Save money and buy your admission bands in advance! All presale admission bands and tickets will be sent home with your student on Thursday so you can fill out raffle tickets in advance. Come play games at the class booths to win prizes, experience many exciting inflatables, ride ponies, visit the game truck & photo booth, eat yummy treats, try your chance in the toy raffle and get to know other Buckalew families! We can't wait to see you there!


All proceeds from the Buckalew Bash Carnival and Silent Auction go directly to help our school!


Do you want to volunteer to help make this event run smoothly? If so, please visit https://www.signupgenius.com/go/508084DAAAE28A0FA7-carnival.

Silent Auction

The Buckalew Bash Carnival and Silent Auction is here! The Online Silent Auction is NOW OPEN! See the amazing items up for bid at http://www.32auctions.com/buckalewauction2022. The auction will close on Thursday, March 24 at 6 pm. Register today to start watching and bidding on your favorite items. Select the heart on any items you want to add to your watchlist. Student VIP experiences, reserved seating and parking for school events, first/second in afternoon car line, incredible class baskets, and amazing business bundles are all included in the auction! Don't miss your chance to win!

2nd Grade Book Drive

2nd Grade is hosting a Book Drive March 21 - April 1. They are collecting books for Books For Development. This organization accepts all new or gently used books (children, adult, fiction, nonfiction, encyclopedias, foreign languages...). They then distribute the books locally and globally. There will be boxes available in the front entry for donations. Thank you for your support of this community outreach project.


Thanks,

Mary Segel

Upcoming Events (dates may alter or change due to the pandemic)

March

25- Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day- wear Green

26- Carnival

31- 4th Grade Program

April

1- PTO Meeting

2-National Autism Awareness Day

15-Holiday

18- Holiday

28-2nd Grade Program

May

6- PTO Meeting

9-13- Campus Closed to Visitors due to testing

10-3rd and 4th Grade STAAR Math

11- 3rd and 4th Grade STAAR Reading

26- Student Last day/ KG Program and 4th Grade Graduation

26- Early Release Day 12:10

August

10 - School resumes

Registration Intention for School Year 2022-2023

Parents and Guardians,


If you have not completed your 2022-2023 Registration Intentions form, please click on the link below. Please complete one form for each child. This allows us to determine our staffing needs for the upcoming school year and accurately predict our enrollment for student placement.


Thank you for your help.


Click Here

Spring Cleaning? Buckalew Needs Donated Clothing

Sometimes our students require a clothing change at school due to bathroom accidents, lunch spills or other incidences where their clothes become soiled. The Buckalew Clinic needs clothing donations for this purpose. If you have any gently used clothes, especially shorts and pants, or NEW boys/girls underwear you can donate to the clinic we would greatly appreciate it! A drop box has been set-up in the front foyer for donations.


Also, now is a good time to make sure your student has a change of clothing in their backpack.


Thank you!

Alison Whiddon RN

Parents of students who have received COVID-19 positive results are asked to complete the self-report in the SSO portal:

YMCA

If you would like to set up a meeting to discuss the history of the YMCA After School care with Mrs. Price, please reach out to schedule an appointment via email:

jlprice@conroeisd.net

- From Specials -

Library News

Buckalew does not charge fines for overdue books, we just want them returned. We do ask that if a book is damaged while checked out to your student, that you cover the cost to replace the book. The books we purchase for our library are special reinforced library binding books designed to withstand hundreds of checkouts; completely different than a hardcover that you would buy at a local bookstore or online.

- Counselor's Corner -

I'm Mrs. Points, your school counselor. With each Buzz, I will have resources to support the social and emotional learning of our students. If your family has a specific need you would like to contact me about, please don't hesitate to email me at kpoints@conroeisd.net.

Join Lunch Bunch Counselling Groups

New counseling groups are forming this month and will begin meeting the week of April 4th. Each group meets once a week for five weeks during lunch. The deadline to sign-up is Thursday, March 31st.


Group topics include dealing with BIG emotions (fear, anger, frustration, sadness), having a growth mindset, coping skills, and character traits such as perseverance, honesty, kindness, and gratitude. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to email me at kpoints@conroeisd.net.


If you are interested in having your child join us, please fill out the below link:


Click Here

2022 Sibling Request Placement Considerations

Each year our placement committee tries its best to honor sibling requests. Sibling requests are when a parent asks that his or her younger child have the same grade level teacher as his or her older child. Unfortunately, due to the importance of balanced classes, sibling requests are the only placement considerations we can accept.

If you would like to send a sibling placement request to our placement committee, please fill out the following link by April 25th. Unfortunately, the committee cannot accept emailed or handwritten requests.

Click Here

March Character Focus - I Can Make Wise Decisions!

Check out this parent article Helping Kids Make Decisions by Gia Miller and the Child Mind Institute.


https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeTMIHyuoi5DpFEl6b4ljpK1hDAUUzAWSVrHg5A5CZF7PyXAw/viewform

- Information For Ongoing Reference -

Buckalew Bistro Reservations

We are so excited to announce that we are no longer asking parents to make a Bistro reservation, due to CISD Safety Level being reduced from 3 to 2. You are welcome to come into our school without a reservation.


However, please be mindful that our Bistro is a classroom dedicated to parent to have lunch with their child so there are limited chairs and tables available.


  • Students lunchtime is 25 minutes. Please allow time to complete the required check-in at the front office prior to your child’s lunchtime.
  • Please arrive early to allow you to sign in the front office. Please bring with you, your driver’s license. Without identification, we cannot allow you into the building to have lunch with your child. You will then be given a visitors name badge. This will notify our staff that you have permission to enter the building.
  • If anyone other than the parent or legal guardian is coming to have lunch with a student, we will require permission from the parent or legal guardian. Please either send a note with your child in the morning OR email contactbuckalew@conroeisd.net

  • GRADE ARRIVE AT BISTRO EXIT

    KG 11:20 11:50

    1st 11:50 12:20

    2nd 12:20 12:50

    3rd 12:10 12:40

    4th 11:40 12:10


    Please exit the Bistro promptly when your lunchtime has ended as the next grade level reservations begin immediately. Returning your child to the cafeteria by the above listed time will ensure they have a smooth transition to their next activity, and then visitors will head back to the front office to exit the building.


    As we have learned throughout this year, things may change so we appreciate your understanding if we need to return to reservations via Signup Genius.

Drop Table

We offer parents the courtesy of a drop table to deliver forgotten items, which is located just inside the entrance foyer. There are pens, paper and tape available for you to use to clearly identify items for your child to collect. We will call the classrooms at 10am to inform all students of items on the drop table. After 10am, kindly email your child's teacher as we are unable to leave the Front Office to deliver items or interrupt the Teacher's instruction.


We will do our very best to make sure your child receives their forgotten item.


Thank you for understanding.

Transportation Change / Early Dismisal

Just a friendly reminder to make any and all transportation changes, and if necessary in-person early student pick-ups prior to 2pm. Our goal is to dismiss students safely each day. After 2pm it becomes difficult to make changes in a timely and safe manner.


You will be asked to provide photographic identification when collecting your child.


To make transportation changes, please send a note in your child's backpack to the teacher OR email: buckalewtransportation@conroeisd.net prior to 2pm. Any changes submitted after 2pm will not be seen until the following day.

Absences

When your child is absent, please call the school attendance line (281-465-3410) or email Jayne Bull (jbull@conroeisd.net) to explain the reason for their absence. To ensure the accuracy of your child's attendance records, please call, or email each day your child is absent.


Please remember that attendance is recorded at 9:00 a.m. each day. If your child is absent at 9:00 a.m. due to a doctor’s appointment, he/she will be counted present if you bring your child back to school on the same day with a doctor's statement that verifies the appointment.

If your child will be out for an extended period, please let us know.


School hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. The tardy bell rings at 8:00 a.m. and students will be counted tardy if they are not in their classroom at that time.

Moving House?

In the event you are moving house, please email your new proof of residency document (i.e. a recent gas, water or electric bill/ or your signed and dated Lease or Sales Agreement) to jbull@conroeisd.net. Please also include your chil(ren)s full name and home room(s) teacher(s).

Need A New Car Rider Sign?

Please email contactbuckalew@conroeisd.net with your child(ren)s full name(s), homeroom teacher and grade.

Severe Weather Dismissal

No students will be biker/walkers on a Severe Weather Day. Bus and Car riders will remain the same. Administration will use the call our Messenger System to notify parents of a Severe Weather Day. The system does not guarantee immediate contact. If the area is under a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning (not watch) as determined by the weather service, severe weather will be called. Severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings can be located on the local news stations and their websites.


Please ensure that you have your child’s car rider sign visible in the windshield of your car. If someone is collecting your child on your behalf, please email written consent to buckalewtransportation@conroeisd.net. They will need to provide identification when asked.


There is no “Rainy Day Dismissal”.

- PTO Information -

Kroger - Give Back Rewards

Please consider linking your Kroger Rewards Card to Buckalew. Every time you shop at Kroger, you will be earning money for Buckalew!

Mitchell Intermediate School - PTO Information

Hello Incoming Mitchell Intermediate 5th and 6th Grade Families,


It is that time of year when we are actively recruiting incoming 5th and 6th grade parents who are interested in learning more about PTO at Mitchell. Your talents, skills, and interests are so appreciated! If you are interested or have any questions, please let me know!

Thanks so much for your time and consideration.


Joanna Altimas

Mitchell PTO Parliamentarian jaltimas@gmail.com

TWHS Highstepper Clinic

Please sign up as a CISD VOLUNTEER

We ask EVERY PERSON entering Buckalew to be approved as a CISD volunteer. This is for the safety of all students, as a background check is carried out.


Click the button below to complete the form. You will need your drivers license number;

Library Volunteers

If you would like to volunteer in the library, please contact our library volunteer coordinator, Rhonda Villasenor at libraryvolunteer.buckalew@gmail.com


If you would like to help with our Scholastic book fair, please contact Kerri McWilliams at: kerrimcwilliams@hotmail.com.

CISD Is Hiring!

Conroe ISD has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2021 honor by the Houston Chronicle Top Workplaces program. Awards are based solely on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey which uniquely measures 15 culture drivers that are critical to the success of any organization, including alignment, execution, and connection.


Click here to apply

School Cash Online

We are very excited to announce that Buckalew Elementary will join in with other CISD schools and will be offering School Cash Online, which provides you with the convenience of paying online for school items such as trips, Scholastic Magazine subscriptions, and various activities. We really want to save you time when paying for school expenses, so we can’t wait for you to take advantage of this opportunity. School Cash Online is a great way to pay without the need for cash or checks!


Please follow the link below to register online (it takes less than 5 minutes!) Once you have registered your child, you will be able to see when they have a new item posted online for purchase. You also have the option to be notified whenever your child has a new school expense due, so you don’t have to worry about missing the deadline.


To set up an account and explore the system, please follow the instructions below. We look forward to hearing your feedback!


Register Online:

Step 1: Please click on this link: https://conroeisd.schoolcashonline.com/

Step 2: Register by selecting the “Get Started Now” and following the steps.

Step 3: After you receive the confirmation email, select the “click here” option, log in and add each of your children to your household account.


If you have any questions during the registration process or while shopping online, please select the SUPPORT option in the top right-hand area of the screen or you may contact the parent help desk at 1-866-961-1803 or at http://schoolcashonline.co./Home/Support or see the handout below.

CISD-Foldable-Brochure-English.pdf


Currently, in grades 1st-4th, the classes are utilizing Scholastic News and Storyworks Jr magazine subscriptions to read high interest non-fiction texts and to learn about text features and engaging stories and different genres. We thank you in advance for purchasing this wonderful subscription for your child.


For the first time, Buckalew will be collecting money through School Cash Online vs requesting parents send in a check or cash.


Thank you again for your support in our students.

Active Start and Breakfast

Active Start is a before school "free play" for students arriving at school from 7:30-7:45. Weather-permitting, students go to the k-2 playground prior to the start of school. Students arriving after 7:45 will go straight to homerooms.


Breakfast is served in our cafeteria from 7:30-7:55 daily. See below for menu.

Water Bottles

Children are encouraged to bring water bottles each day. Please clearly write your child's name on the bottle with permanent marker.

Lost and Found

A friendly reminder to please label all of your child's belongings with first name and last initial or last name. **Water bottles, lunch boxes, hats, and especially outerwear such as hoodies/jackets/sweaters are all great things to label as these items tend to pile up quickly in the Lost and Found, which is located right outside of the gym. We really hope to reunite these lost items with their owners before the break!

If you have any additional questions, please contact Jo Whitten at jojowhitten@me.com or Val Eissler veissler@gmail.com

Lunch Information

We are working with our students on understanding the lunch-buying process. It can be quite confusing for our elementary students. We are currently speaking with our students and explaining to them, if they bring a lunch, they should eat their lunch before going through the line and purchasing the "free" lunch. For some students, they are eating the "free" lunch and then getting a second lunch, which costs $3.85. As we try and navigate each student through the lunch line, every child has a different need, and we never want to deny students from going through the lunch line. We encourage you to communicate with your child your expectations in either: eating the lunch you are providing/packing; buying the "free" lunch only and going through the line one time; or explaining that if they go through the line a second time, their account is charged $3.85. If you are providing a lunch/snack and want your child to take advantage of the "free" lunch, a note would help the staff on duty make sure your child is eating what you expect, as there are different staff on duty each day. We also encourage you to check your child's account, by going to the link below and you can check and monitor your child's purchase history, including the "free" breakfast or lunch, and if necessary put a limit on the account by contacting our cafeteria directly. It is a blessing that all students are provided a "free" breakfast and/lunch again this year, however it does become confusing for our elementary students.


Breakfast


Meal Includes Entree, Fruit, and 1% or Skim Milk Daily

There is no charge for student breakfast meals during the 21-22 school year

Non-Student Meal/2nd Meal $2.60

Lunch


Meal Includes Entree, Vegetable, Fruit and 1% or Skim Milk Daily

There is no charge for student lunch meals during the 21-22 school year

Non-Student Meal/2nd Meal $3.85

Entree A la Carte $2.25

Fruit/ Vegetable/ Juice/ Bread A la Carte $1.10

Milk A la Carte $.90


If your child will be purchasing a second meal or extra items, you may prepay by using My School Bucks. You will find a link to this service, lunch menus, and other helpful information by clicking on the child nutrition resource button below. If you would like to put a cap on your child's spending on your lunch account, then please notify our cafeteria manager by calling 281-465-3467.

Meal Application

MySchoolApps is the fast and secure way to apply for free and reduced meals online. Click GET STARTED to find out if your District participates.

If your Child is Absent

Here are some quick links below to help you access content for your child.


Dreambox for Math can be found on your child's "SSO" and is online and can be done at home, without parent support. We recommend no more than 7 lessons a week at home, independently. Parents assisting their child with Dreambox will alter their path and not provide independent pathways for your child.


Reading either with your child, or your child independently reading is one of the best things you can do with your child in their absence from school. Ask comprehension questions: who, what, where, when, why?

The content on the Roadmap to Remaining Open webpages is designed to provide information relevant for the 2021-2022 school year. The details on this page are subject to change as we receive guidance from the Texas Education Agency, Governor’s Office, and State and local officials. Please check back often for the most up-to-date information.

Join our Incredible PTO!

As part of the Buckalew community, all families are invited to join the PTO which meets monthly. We so appreciate our active and generous volunteers who continue to shape the success of Buckalew and strengthen our students’ foundation for learning. We have many volunteer opportunities and need you to continue making Buckalew an outstanding school. Please consider joining the PTO fun. Please follow the Buckalew PTO's social media as they update it regularly!

Transportation

1. Bus rider (eligible if home is 1 mile or further from school) Bus routes are posted online on and you can check the link below in "what bus do I ride". You can also register your child for the bus by clicking the link below.


2. Car Rider Signs. The car rider line will be at the rear of the school and the bus line will be at the front of the school. ALL Parents will receive TWO car rider signs (orange) at Meet the Teacher night. If you have multiple children, you family car rider signs will be found in your youngest child's homeroom. Please display the car rider sign in your front passenger window so our staff can read your card. See below to help you navigate our car rider line if you are new.


3. Day Care. Day care vehicles drop off and pick up students in the front of the school with the buses. If your child will not be riding the day care bus due to an early pick-up or transportation change, please notify the day care so they know your child will not be riding that day.


4. Biker/Walker. Kindergarten students must have a parent/guardian/designated adult present at the Biker Walker doors (under the patio) at dismissal in order to walk or bike home. Our Biker Walkers will exit the school near the bike racks. All other biker/walkers are released at dismissal to ride or walk home independently.


On severe weather dismissal days, students will not walk or bike ride home. If your child is a biker/walker as your primary mode, then you will be a car rider on severe weather days.

Buckalew Student Addendum

PDF to help you navigate Buckalew-specific dates, procedures, and information. Please note that all information in the Addendum is subject to change due to Covid 19.
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