The Eagle Call
February 2016
Happy Second Semester!
As we move into the second semester, I am so excited to see the growth of each of our students. Each month, all of our students take an online reading assessment through Istation, we score a sample of their writing, and we take campus common assessments to determine their ability to apply mathematical skills. Every three weeks, teachers meet to discuss their students and determine their growth. If a student isn't growing, we collaborate and plan to see how we can help them. It doesn't matter if they are the highest performing student or one who is struggling most; our mantra is "all students grow". As a parent myself, this is exciting. That is the purpose of school, to make sure all students grow!
Not only do we meet as the staff to discuss students' needs, but your child's teacher also meets with your child individually. They discuss where they are, where they need to be, and if they are growing or not. This past week, when we had school board members and a team from Huffines Middle School touring, I got to watch one of our 4th graders explain to them his data/goal setting folder. I was so proud as he shared his growth over the year and how he sets his goals. The really exciting thing is that it isn't just older students who do this. Our Kindergarteners have been working to do the same thing since August. Our PK students are even working to look at if they are growing! I share this because I do believe that your children are experiencing a rarity in education. They have some amazing teachers committed to their growth each and every month!
I encourage you to ask your child about their goal folder. Ask them what their goals are for reading, writing, and math and how they are working to improve. It is really cool to listen to them take ownership in their learning. I know as an elementary student, I didn't understand my own academic progress as well as our students here at Degan! It is also exciting to know that Huffines is taking an interest so that we can provide consistency and support for our students as they transition to middle school. I know they are investigating "No Excuses University" and I am looking forward to strong partnerships in the years to come!
We are so excited to share in this journey with you to provide your child with the best education. Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or suggestions as we work to continually improve this experience for your family!
Sincerely,
Mrs. Stuart
Colleges are Rethinking Costs of College!
Don't forget these important dates!
February:
February 1st-5th National School Counselor's Week: Thank you, Mrs. Blevins!
February 3rd- Sonic Night
February 4th-Think College Thursday
February 5th-Club Friday 5th/Kinder
February 9th-Think College Tuesday this week!
February 10th-Spring Pictures
February 11th-Valentine's Parties 2 pm
February 12th-Club Friday 4th/2nd
February 15th-Professional Learning Day for Teachers/No School for Students
February 16th-Zoe's Fundraiser Night
February 18th-Think College Thursday
PTA Meeting and Kinder Performance
February 19th-Club Friday 3rd/1st
February 25th-Think College Thursday
February 26th-Club Friday 5th/Kinder
And these dates in Early March
March 2nd-Sonic Night/Book Character Day
March 3rd-Engagement Night
March 4th-Think College Thursday
March 5th-Club Friday 4th/2nd
March 6th-13th Spring Break
A monthly calendar is sent in the 1st Newsday Tuesday of the month. Weekly updates and reminders are sent each Tuesday.
Essential Eagle "Need to Knows": Set High Goals for Attendance in 2016! (When You Miss School...You Miss Out!)
As we enter the spring semester, it is critical to remember district attendance policies:
- Your child must attend 90 percent of school days to receive credit for the year. Failure to do so may result in having to attend summer school or being retained (even with passing grades).
- If you are going to be out for a preplanned event (not illness or doctor's appointment), you must request approval for an excused absence before the absence. This form is available on our website or through Mrs. Casarez. (only five preplanned absences can be approved per year, grades must be passing, and these absences cannot put the student above 10 percent absences).
- According to district policy, only three days per semester can be excused for illness based on parent notes. Otherwise, you must have a doctor's note for it to be excused.
- Excused absences are required for makeup work.
- Only three excused absences are allowed to be considered for Take Flight and SOAR. (No unexcused absences).
- If you have a transfer to attend Degan, you must comply with attendance policies, maintain passing grades, and refrain from discipline issues to keep your transfer status.
Tardies Count!
However, other grade levels have taken the lead for the 3rd Nine Weeks. It will be exciting to see who wins! Remember, 'Tardies Count' and being on time has its rewards!
Students must be in their classes ready to learn at 7:50 a.m. each day or they must get a tardy pass from the office.
Just a few reminders to make it a smooth experience for all:
- If you are the room mom, please make sure you get your communication to parents approved through the office.
- If you are planning to attend parties, RSVP through the office so we can preprint a badge and decrease your wait time.
- Room Parents can enter rooms at 1:30 to being setting up.
- Parties begin at 2 p.m. All parents attending parties, but not volunteering may enter at that time.
- Please remember that if you are serving as a volunteer, you should not bring younger children with you to the party.
- While you may bring a younger sibling if you are not volunteer and helping with the party, please make sure you are supervising the younger child and not expecting them to participate so that we can ensure a quality party experience for students.
- If you have questions, please don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher or the Degan Office.
Don't forget your college shirts every Thursday and Degan spirit wear every Friday (if you don't have a Degan shirt, wear GREEN)!
This Week's Eagle Essential Skill and Nine Week's Foundational Character Trait
All of these are great life skills and continue to support our 2nd Nine Weeks Character Trait of Caring and Service. Doing these things correctly demonstrates respect for those around you.
Didn't Make it to Watch DOGS or MOD Squad Sign Ups?
Degan Office Staff
We are here to help with any needs or questions you may have. Stop by or call: 469-713-5967
Kyle Smith, Asst. Principal
Shelley Blevins, Counselor
Jill Fuller, Nurse
Chandra Ayres, Secretary
Kelly Casarez, Attendance Clerk
Megan Espinoza, Office Clerk
Kim Teamer, Data Clerk
Office Hours 7:15 a.m. -3:30 p.m.
For assistance/questions outside these times, please call 469-713-5967 and leave a message, someone will get back with you shortly.
See more information about NEU here!
We will be using Brainology to help teach our kids growth mindset this year in 3-5. PK-2 will use GEM (Growing Early Mindsets!)
Click here for all things Degan!
We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to be educated in a way that prepares them for college. When schools exhibit a culture of universal achievement by believing in students, they collaborate around that belief. During collaboration, they align their standards as a team. As teams align standards, they need to assess the standards and manage the data. Then, and only then, can they pursue meaningful interventions with their students.
Degan Elementary
Email: stuartv@lisd.net
Website: http://degan.lisd.net/
Location: 1680 College Parkway, Lewisville, TX, United States
Phone: 469-713-5967
Facebook: facebook.com/deganes
Twitter: @deganelementary