Norris News!
A weekly update from campus...
February 12, 2016
Let's talk about technology for a minute. When I think back to when I was in school, we kids thought it was pretty cool when our teachers used the overhead with Vis-A-Vis markers. And, to go to the library and look up something on microfilm was even better! Anyone out there remember that?
So, when the first cell phones came out (and buddy, they were HUGE), we thought we were really progressive as a society. Flash forward to 2016. The technology that is available today is mind blowing. And, our students knowledge of the technology is even more mind boggling.
In the fast pace that we are going and with the growth of technology ever increasing, it is important that we keep pace in teaching our children the different technological options they have. I have to say, our teachers are doing an excellent job of incorporating this into their lessons.
I was honored last week to be taught a new technology skill by kindergarten. They taught me about Google Hangouts. No judgement, please. Maybe you have been using this for a while, but I have not. It is the neatest thing! The kindergartners are studying about community helpers and their impact within the community and they interviewed me about being a principal. Guess what? They interviewed me via Google Hangout. It was such a great way for us all to quickly communicate as grade level classes and to gain information.
It's events such as those that get us as a faculty to thinking about how we can incorporate Google Hangout into other aspects on our campus. We were thinking that we could use it to build community with some of you at work who are experts in your fields. We could help students make real life connections about what we are learning here at school with actual things going on outside of our campus. Or, maybe we could use it to learn alongside other students from different companies. The possibilities are limitless.
If you have an idea about it or any technology concept, I'd like to hear it.
In an age where we hear that students are spending too much time with screens, let's think about it differently and figure out how to use that to their advantage. Ready, set...think....
Also, if you would like to learn more about technology and the impact it has on our students, make sure the attend the "Media Madness" program presented by the PTA on Thursday, February 18th at 6:30 pm.
Enjoy your weekend!
Ashelyn
Norris Super Stars....
Ice Skating Super Star
Grappling Super Star...
Eating Around the Rainbow
Dear Ms. Abney,
Thank you so much for inviting us into your cafeteria today. The kids seemed to really enjoy “Eating Around the Rainbow” and we were delighted to talk with your students and share our enthusiasm for eating a variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. We were really impressed with how adventurous many of your students were, they wiped us out of fresh kale!! We really appreciate the support we received at your campus as we could not have pulled off this great event without you and the help of your staff and volunteers.
Kindest Regards,
Gillian & Melinda
5th Graders Tour Maus and Roach Middle Schools
Library Volunteers Needed!
STAAR Information
- NO VISITORS will be allowed on campus for any grade level on STAAR Simulation or Testing dates, including the whole week of May 9-13.
- Please have your students to school on time on these dates, as testing begins in the morning.
STAAR Dates
- February 11th: STAAR Simulation - 4th Writing; 5th Reading
- March 16th: STAAR Simulation - 3rd & 4th Reading
- March 29th: STAAR Test - 4th Writing; 5th Math
- March 30th: STAAR Test - 5th Reading
- May 9th: STAAR Test - 3rd & 4th Math
- May 10th: STAAR Test - 3rd & 4th Reading
- May 11th: STAAR Test - 5th Science
Upcoming Events
February 15: No School for Students
February 18: Spring Picture Day
February 18: Media Madness Program @ 6:30 pm
February 25: Author Visit - Cammie McGovern (3rd-5th)
February 25: General PTA Meeting & 1st Grade Performance @ 6:30 pm
February 29: 21 Day Challenge - Parent Survey Begins (must complete for credit!)
February 29-March 4: Spring Book Fair
March 1: "Feeling Groovy" Dress-Up Day for the Book Fair
March 3: Grandparents/Special Visitor Day for Lunch/Book Fair shopping
March 3: Family Fit Night/Evening Book Fair @ 6:00 pm
Norris Jump Rope Club
1st, 2nd and 3rd grade Jump Rope Club is FULL. They meet on WEDNESDAY.
PLEASE REMEMBER:
- Drop off NO EARLIER than 7:15. There is no supervision until 7:15. We would prefer you drop off at the back of the school next to the playground (carpool drop off) instead of dropping off in the front of school.
- Keep the dates for reference on the original sign – up/info sheet. There are days throughout this semester that we will not have it due to events and testing on campus.
If you have any questions, please email: burleigd@friscoisd.org
PTA News
Family Fitness Night
Our Family Fitness Night is scheduled for Thursday, March 3rd from 6:00 - 7:30 pm. The Norris PTA is looking for Norris parents who may have a health-related business or fitness specialty to include in our Family Fitness Night. If you are interested in being involved in our Family Fitness Night, please email barbjohns38@gmail.com for more information.
Let’s make our first Family Fitness Night a smashing success! Thank you for your consideration.
We are feelin' groovy because it's Book Fair time! Norris Elementary Spring Book Fair will be far-out when it fills our library with Peace, Love and Books starting February 29! Our Scholastic Book Fair is a reading event that brings the books the kids want to read right into our school. It is a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. Please make plans to visit our Book Fair from February 29 - March 4, and be a great part of shaping your child's reading habits and making purchases that will
benefit our school!!
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Thursday 7:30 am - 3:30 pm
Friday - 7:30 am - 1:30 pm
If you are unable to attend the Book Fair in person, we invite you to visit our online Fair, which is available from February 29 through March 13 - http://bookfairs.scholastic.com/homepage/norriselementary1! All orders placed through the Online Fair will be shipped to Norris Elementary and delivered to your student through their teacher. We will be having some very special, groovy days that week to help us all get excited about the Book Fair!
March 1 is Feelin' Groovy Dress-Up Day where our students, teachers, and Book Fair volunteers and visitors are encouraged to wear their grooviest, most far-out clothes to school! (Please ensure that all attire follows the school dress code!)
March 3 is Grandparent/Special Visitor Day where grandparents (or any special family members) are invited to eat lunch with their student(s) and shop the Book Fair together!
March 3 is also Family Fitness Night, and the Book Fair will be open from 6:00 to 7:30 pm for shopping!
Questions regarding this event may be directed to bookfair@norrispta.org. We look forward to seeing you and your family at our Spring Book Fair!
Community Partners:
KROGER COMMUNITY REWARDS RAFFLE
WIN a night at the MOVIES!
1. Ensure your family and friends have linked their Kroger Plus cards to NORRIS ELEMENTARY PTA (https://www.kroger.com/communityrewards).
2. Shop at Kroger.
3. Make a “raffle ticket” by tearing off the bottom of your Kroger receipts showing:
2015-2016 Kroger Community Rewards
You are contributing to
NORRIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PTA
4. Clearly write your first and last name, your grade and your teacher’s name on the “raffle ticket” in CAPITAL LETTERS.
5. Drop your “raffle ticket” in the raffle box in the school office.
Raffle tickets will be accepted from January 15, 2016 through February 29, 2016. The drawing will take place on March 1, 2016.