Cat Tracks
Spring Shadows Elementary Wildcats Staff Newsletter
November 11 - 15, 2019
Focused on Literacy
Our Vision
Our Mission
Core Beliefs
- Each student has unique intellectual, emotional, social, and physical qualities.
- We embrace a child’s individual values, interests, and personalities.
- Parents are confident in their child’s social and intellectual educational growth.
- Educators lead their craft by preparing learners in our fast changing world
Principal's Message
When was the first time you were intrigued by something you read, captivated by the written word, or plainly fell in love with a good book?
For me, it was early on. Momma Connie used to order me Highlights magazines when I was in Kinder and 1st grade. I loved it when they came in because mom would have my issue in the car seat when she would pick me up from school. She then treated me to a McDonald's Happy Meal as I dove into the issue. I only got 6 issues a year... but I loved those magazines! Later on, in 2nd grade I fell in love with Judy Blume's Tales from a Fourth Grade Nothing. I was so intrigued by Peter and his younger brother Fudge's antics.
Truthfully, I believe my love for reading is what saved me. In intermediate school (5th & 6th grade), I would walk from school to the local public library and check out anywhere from 4-6 books a week. Those are formative naughty years... a lot of influences could have led me who knows where! I was too busy with my nose stuck in those books and it was all for pleasure! I was reading well above my age too. I would check out young adult novels and sometime even adult novels...mostly scary ones. I was very into mystery books during my adolescence. By the time I moved to Houston, I found the perfect class in 8th grade. I was allowed to be a library assistant for one of my periods! So that entire year, I used the Northbrook Middle School library as a tool to adjust from small town to big city life.
Yes, books saved me. No matter what hubbub was happening in my real life... moving, other family drama....I could escape anything by just diving into those books. They took me to far away places. They also expanded my vocabulary. They helped me figure out written language and appreciate how different authors used it to make different points. Then I began testing it out for myself more.
I started journaling in 3rd grade with a Lisa Frank little notebook I purchased at the Scholastic Book Fair. I was excited because it had a whole collection of unicorn and heart stickers. However, that was when I started learning about my own voice, my own opinions, and my own thoughts. Soon, I was writing short poems and short essays that later on became longer essays or chapters.
This week, I challenge you- if you haven't done so already to take time to share your story of how you fell in love with a component of literacy. Share with your children what was your favorite book growing up and why. Kids need to know your stories because they are making their very own convictions with literacy now.
With love, respect, and admiration,
Rachel Martinez
Fall Check-Ins
- Review progress of professional and growth goals.
- Bring in data for every child in your class including PSA Data & Common Assessments, Reading Levels, Grades, MAP Data, or other data deemed for your department.
- Discuss trends for students including strengths and weaknesses according to priority standards taught up to this date.
- Bilingual teachers will begin to formulate testing decisions for LPAC decision making for their students based on data.
- Discuss next steps for you and your class (counseling and extra interventions for both behavioral and academic needs.)
TCRWP: Jepilyn Matthis
- On both days- be on time to C202 to meet with Jepi.
- Bring your TCRWP journal, your running record information (levels), and your conference notes.
- Be ready to ask questions and fully participate in the learning session.
- See attached schedule.
Calendar
Monday, November 11
Kindergarten Extended Planning
Announcements: Mendoza (3)
- Veteran's Day
- Smile Campaign Mtg (Care Team & Principal)
- 8:30-10:00 ILT Mtg
- Rachel @ Catalyst Meeting 12:30-2:00 p.m.
- 2:45-4:00 Team Leader Huddle
Tuesday, November 12
1st Grade Extended Planning
Announcements: Mendoza (3)
- SPIRAL Day
- Rachel @ Principal Mtg & Testing Training
- After School Tutoring
- Girlstart Showcase 3:20-3:50
Wednesday, November 13
2nd Grade Extended Planning
Announcements: Mendoza (3)
- 6:00 am First Run Progress Report 2
- Faculty PLC 2:45-4:00: PBIS
Thursday, November 14
PLC Day
Announcements: Mendoza (3)
- 12:00 Progress Report 2 Printed
- 3rd and Kinder Math Training
- Rachel @ TCRWP Training (Terrace) A.M.
- Cindy @ TCRWP Training (Terrace) P.M.
- After School Tutoring
Friday, November 15
3rd Grade Extended Planning
Announcements: Mendoza (3)
- 3rd Grade Math Common Assessment
- TCRWP- Jepi Mathis K-2nd Grade: Follow Schedule
- Progress Reports Go Home
Shout Outs
Small Group Instruction
Veterans Day- November 11th
Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.
This holiday started as a day to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service and was originally called Armistice Day. It fell on Nov. 11 because that is the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I. However, in 1954, the holiday was changed to "Veterans Day" in order to account for all veterans in all wars.
We celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
Derived from https://www.military.com/veterans-day
Acts of Kindness Month
Ms. Gutierrez rocking the Science Data Conference!
Ms. Gentry leading feedback time during faculty mtg!
Ms. Delgado & Ms. Jankowski leading more dyslexia training!
Ms. Nix making Art fun!
Mr. Anzora helping with pumpkin run!
Ms. Colvin leading feedback time with specials!
Spring Shadows Elementary
Email: rachel.martinez@springbranchisd.com
Website: https://cms.springbranchisd.com/sse2/
Location: 9725 Kempwood Drive, Houston, TX, United States
Phone: (713) 251-7100
Twitter: @twitter_rachelmartinez4