Dolphin News You Can Use
Volume 4: November Newsletter
Principal's Message
Hello Dickinson Families!
Happy November! I hope all of your children enjoyed Field Day! I was sad to miss this year, but I know your dolphins were in good hands!
October was a busy month for all of our dolphin students and staff. Here are a few highlights listed below. Please feel free to visit our facebook page if you want to see pictures.
- Students got to participate in their House Reveal.
- Book Character Pumpkins were submitted and shared during library.
- Book Character Dress up day.
- Book Fair
- PTO Trunk or Treat
- Spelling Bee School Winners Announced (More Below)
We will continue to build relationships with one another as we aim high in learning expectations for our students.
I have included our mission and vision statement for those of you who are new to our campus or need a refresher. Last year we revisited it and made a few changes based on staff and community input. We are committed to excellence at Dickinson!
On November 15th, our students will participate in a Thanksgiving feast at lunch. This is a special time where we decorate the cafeteria for the students. I ask that we have no lunch visitors on that day. This is a special time for our dolphins. If your child would like to purchase a Thanksgiving lunch from the cafeteria, please be sure they have money in their account.Otherwise, students may bring a lunch as usual. The Thanksgiving meal was one of my favorite days growing up.
Many parents have shared concerns and provided feedback regarding the district leveling process. I encourage you to apply for the ABC Committee if you want to be considered as being a part of the process. I know that this process brings on many emotions for all of us. Please trust that I am here to work with all of you and I feel grateful to work with some of the best administrators on the Maroon track. I promise your children will be in good hands. The official decision will not be announced until February's board meeting. They will be presenting options that will be shared with the ABC committee to consider at November's board meeting. I want to be as transparent with this process and please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have questions. If I do not know the answer, I will find out.
Thank you to all of the families that donate clothing attire for Common Threads. Please be sure that your donations come in a plastic trash bag. Common Threads is asking for our help with this request in making it easier to transport items. Thank you for your assistance with this matter.
May all of you enjoy the season of November and never forget how thankful I am to work with an amazing group of students, staff, and community!
As a friendly reminder you can follow us on facebook and all past newsletters are housed on our Dickinson Website page.
Kindly,
Channon Almendarez
#dolphinproud
New Information
Please Welcome Meredith Hopkins our newest addition to our staff family!
Special Education Paraprofessional
I am so excited to be a part of the Dickinson family. I am a former Dolphin and graduate of Baylor with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I am working towards my teaching certification and love encouraging students to find their confidence and motivation in education. I love reading, listening to Taylor Swift, and my sweet dog Moose!
November Beanstack Reading Challenges
Literati Book Fair Wrap-Up
THE BENEFITS OF GOOD SCHOOL ATTENDANCE AND ARRIVING ON TIME
Every day a student is absent is a lost opportunity for learning. Too many absences not only can affect achievement for the absent student but also can disrupt learning for the entire class. Many of our learning opportunities include cooperative group learning. Learning is reinforced when academic vocabulary can be used in conversations with each other and the teacher. Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school—and themselves. Start building this habit in elementary school so they learn right away that going to school on time, every day is important. Good attendance will help children do well in high school, college and at work.
We have noticed that several students have earned a tardy the past few weeks. The start of the school year was amazing with little to no tardiness. As per the district handbook, students must be in the building at 7:45am. There is a 30 minute window to arrive so please evaluate if leaving your home 5 minutes earlier would be beneficial. A student's positive start of the day reduces their stress!
If your child is tardy, you must walk them into the front office for them to receive a tardy slip. Thank you!
SAFETY CONCERN
Gifted and Talented Referrals
Due December 15, 2023
To refer a student for the 2024-25 Gifted and Talented Program, you need to fill out an online referral form. The last date to turn in Gifted and Talented referral forms for next year is December 15, 2023.
- Kindergarten students do not need to be referred as every student is screened for the program.
- First grade through fifth grade students already identified as Gifted and Talented do not need to be reassessed.
Testing is done in the spring. You will be notified of the committee's decision around April 2024.
Online link for GT Referral Forms: CLICK HERE
If you have any questions, please contact Staci Hartfiel, GT Facilitator at shartfiel@lcisd.org.
Congratulations to Our Grade Level Spelling Bee Winners!
3rd Grade: Claire Jenkins, Luke Knutson, Bradley Church, & Cade Sanchez
4th Grade: Kaden Freeman, Avery Oliver, Hadley Pennington, Dominic Vita & Lucas Snyder
5th Grade: Ishan Reddy, Lucy McDavitt, Muhammad Suleman, Dan Pham & Elliott Ryan
They will advance to compete in the School Spelling Bee on Dec. 8th. Family members of the Spelling Bee participants are welcome to attend the event. There will be a small reception in the Science Lab following the conclusion of the Bee.
FREE DRESS WEEK
Morgan Meihaus
Farewell
Third Grade Team
Repeated Information
Safety Video
Our fence is completed. I am currently working with maintenance and operations to get some signage with hours and expectations during non-school hours.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR RON CLARK HOUSE SPONSORS!
Chess Club 3rd-5th Graders
Birthday Book Club Information
Please click the images below if you are interested in participating in the 2023-2024 Birthday Book Club. Purchases may be made until March 21, 2024. Thank you for supporting our library!
Flyers went home during the week of September 25, 2023.
Parent Standards of Conduct
Need help with viewing the 2022-2023 STAAR Results? Click the handout below.
Library Information and Reminders
Please remember that library books must be returned weekly in order for your child to check out additional books. Students also have the option to renew their book/s, if they are not finished reading them.
New this year - Book Bag: All library books are required to be stored in a 2 gallon plastic bag. On your child's first library checkout, they received their Book Bag. Please ensure your child uses this bag to help minimize water bottle and lunch kit mishaps, as these are the main causes of many non-repairable forms of damage to library books. Our goal is to decrease the number of library fines our Dolphins pay. Your child will receive a new Book Bag at the beginning of the second semester.
Beanstack Reading Challenges - How-To for Families to Log Reading Minutes
Safety
Standard Response Protocol (SRP)
SMART Tags / ID Badge
The Smart Tag is used to ride the school bus, check out library books and purchase a tray in the cafeteria. We need parents to assist us with making sure students have their badges available each school day. Work with your child's homeroom teacher as to the procedures followed in the classrooms.
It is significantly important to register your child's Smart Tag in the system which provides a great deal of additional information should your student ride the bus. Click on this link to learn more about this process: https://www.lcisd.org/departments/support-services/transportation/smart-tag-information
This link has videos on how to:
- Create a Parent Portal Account
- Create Additional Parent Portal Accounts
- Setup Phone Notifications
KINDERGARTEN PARENTS: If your student is going to ride the bus, parents are required to register their name and any other person's name (adult and/or older sibling) who have access to assist your child getting off the bus. Every person listed having this permission must have an ID on them to show the bus driver at the bus stop for your child to get off of the bus. If that person does not have their ID at the bus stop, the child will be brought back to campus to check out the student from campus.
FAQ'S:
Are SMART tag ID badges required to ride the bus?
Yes, in order to foster increased student safety and security as well as to provide a more efficient process of loading and unloading our buses, SMART tag ID badges will be required for all riders. Additionally, in order to minimize the manual review of students who misplace or forget SMART tag ID badges at home or school, those students possessing SMART tag ID badges will be allowed to board the bus first.
Lamar Students are issued Smart Tag ID cards with an electronic chip Smart sensor (please do not modify the ID cards, or place holes in the card). The student name is printed on the front of the card, and there is no student information stored on the card.
Will students be eligible to ride the bus if they lose or forget their SMART tag ID Card?
Yes. If a student does not have their smart tag at the bus, the driver must personally log them in. This is more time consuming than students tagging in and can delay a route causing anxiety or late buses down the line. This is the reason why those not having their tags are loaded and unloaded last. Manually logging in is time consuming and the compliant students should not be held up.
What are the consequences of not having your Smart Tag?
Elementary: If a student does not have his/her Smart Tag ID badge for five (5) consecutive days, the Lamar CISD Transportation Department will contact the school/campus or parent to request that a Smart Tag replacement card be purchased. Replacement cards can be requested through the campus office or via the Lamar CISD Transportation website https://lcisd.org/departments/support-services/transportation. There is a $5.00 fee to replace Smart Tag cards. Replacement cards include the Smart Tag and clear plastic sleeve. A lanyard, badge reel, or zip tie are not included.
When a student receives the maximum number of warnings allowed by the school, the student may be subject to disciplinary action which may include the suspension of transportation service.
How do I link my students together on the SMART Tag Parent Portal?
Once you have registered, you will have the option to add multiple students within the Parent Portal.
Are notifications through SMART tag available?
Yes, electronic notifications (text alerts) are available through SMART tag. The parent must be registered for the Parent Portal and the option for notifications to be turned on. There is no cost to parents to utilize the SMART tag Parent Portal. The portal may be accessed directly at https://www.parent.smart-tag.net
Will parents receive a notification when their child gets on/off the bus?
Yes. The parent must be registered for the Parent Portal to receive an alert/notification. SMART tag will deliver an electronic notification (text) approximately 10-15 minutes prior to pick-up and drop-off.
Can parents view their child’s bus route?
Yes. Parents will be able to track their child’s bus once his/her student swipes his/her SMART tag ID badge upon boarding the bus. Bus activity/tracking will remain active until the child swipes his/her SMART tag ID badge to get off the bus. Please note, parents must be registered to use the Parent Portal to view bus activity.
Can a parent see when his/her child gets on/off the bus?
Yes. The parent can view a student’s ridership activity for the entire school year. If the parent wants to review the daily history, it will take a minute from loading/unloading the bus for SMART tag to update its records due to network connectivity. Parents should be aware it may take longer if there is a poor signal or the network provider is experiencing a delay/latency issue out of Lamar CISD’s control.
Is the information regarding a student’s bus location in real time or is it delayed?
There may be a one-minute delay to process the exchange of information between the SMART tag tablet mounted on each bus and the SMART tag main server.
How does SMART tag benefit transportation departments and school administrators?
SMART tag not only provides immediate information regarding which students are on which bus, it also automates a number of reporting functions for transportation department personnel such as state headcount and mileage reports. SMART tag also provides efficient communication between the transportation department and parents.
How does SMART tag benefit drivers?
SMART tag provides the driver a student profile with a photo ID. The system enables the drivers to perform their duties more efficiently and effectively while improving overall safety and security. It also automates seating charts, maintenance requests, and other critical documentation.
How does SMART tag benefit parents?
The SMART Parent Web Portal is designed to enhance communication between the transportation department and the parents of student riders. SMART tag provides parents with improved security and leading-edge technology designed to keep students safe.
LCISD Elementary Student Handbook / District Code of Conduct
https://www.lcisd.org/departments/academics/elementary-education
HIGHLIGHTS
Technology Devices
Personal Technology Lamar CISD believes that appropriate use of students’ technology devices enhances our students’ education. Students may be asked to bring their own device to school. This includes but is not limited to: cell phones, smart phones, iPods, iPads, electronic tablets, and laptop computers. Students may use devices in class at the teacher’s discretion. Students must follow teacher, campus, and district rules and guidelines for use.
(Campus Guideline: All electronic devices stated above, including Smart Watches, must remain in the student's backpack turned off during the instructional day unless the teacher allows the student to use the device for an assignment.)
Vapes / e-cigarettes
During the last Texas Legislative session, a law was passed making it illegal for a student to be in possession of a vape / e-cigarette at school events or on campus. If a student is in found of possession of such items violating the district code of conduct, there is a mandatory placement at ALC. (Page 113 Elementary Student Handbook)
Possession Of Prohibited Items Students shall not possess or use:
(For a complete list of prohibited items see page 99 of the LCISD Elementary Handbook)
- fireworks of any kind, smoke or stink bombs, or any other pyrotechnic device
- razor, box cutter, chain, or any other object used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily injury to another person
- “look-alike” weapon
- air gun or BB gun, firearm, stun gun
- a pocketknife or any other small knife
- mace or pepper spray
(Parents, please discuss this with your child and check your student's backpacks or pockets every once in a while. Students have shared that on the weekends they go fishing or hunting where they use a pocket knife. We simply do not want a pocket knife left in a pocket or back pack from a fun weekend trip inadvertently. If you look on page 113, there's mandatory placement to ALC if these items are brought on campus.)
Compulsory Attendance Law
Excused Absences for Compulsory Attendance
State law allows exemptions to the compulsory attendance requirements for several types of absences if the student makes up all work. The District shall excuse a student from attending school for the following purposes:
- Religious holy days
- Required court appearances
- Activities related to obtaining United States citizenship
- Health-Care Appointments*
- For students in the conservatorship (custody) of the state
- TAPS at Military Funeral
- Parent, Stepparent, or Legal Guardian who is an active-duty member of the uniformed services leaves for active duty
- Personal Illness**
- Death/Funeral of an Immediate Family Member
- Quarantine Absences for a student who is required to quarantine will be excused with written documentation from a medical physician or the school nurse.
*Documented health-care appointments for the student or a child of the student, including absences related to autism services shall be excused, if the student returns to school on the same day of the appointment and brings a note from the health-care provider. A consultation over the phone or via video (telemedicine) is considered an appointment with a health care professional. However, an appointment with a school nurse does not count as an appointment with a health care professional.
**When a student is absent from school due to personal illness, the student upon return, or within 5 days of returning to school, must submit a note signed by a parent giving the date(s) and describing the reason for the absence.
Unexcused Absences
If an absence does not meet the criteria for an excused absence, the absence will be considered unexcused for attendance accounting purposes. Examples of unexcused absences includes, but are not limited to the following:
- Any absence without required documentation.
- Family trips/vacations, reunions, weddings, parent business trips.
- Non-school sponsored activities.
- Private lesson or tutoring.
- Religious retreats, camps, mission trips, and individual rites other than a religious holy Day.
- Non-enrollment days – These are days that a student is not in school due to transferring to another LCISD campus or alternative placement.
ABSENT NOTES:
Parent notes may be sent by email but must come from a parent’s verified email account. The note or email must be sent to the campus attendance clerk. Excuse notes turned in after 5 days are subject to approval by the campus principal. An excessive number of absences will be referred to the Campus Attendance Review Committee (ARC). If a student is absent 5 consecutive school days or more, a doctor’s note is required within 5 days of the student’s return to school for the absence to be excused.
MAKE-UP WORK:
It is critical for students to work with teachers when they return from an absent from school so that assignments can be completed.
Dickinson Dress Code
The culture of Dickinson Elementary includes a partnership with our community. Last year, our parents volunteered hundreds of hours to support our students and staff. We value our partnership as together we educate our dolphins. This year all volunteers are required to register as a volunteer. This includes PTO Board Members, work room volunteers, Watch Dog Dad volunteers, room parents, field day volunteers, library volunteers, and the list continues! Please visit this website to begin the process:
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the front office at 832-223-1400.
Thank you for giving the gift of time for the success of our campus! What you value, you give your time to! - Channon Almendarez
2023-2024 / 2024-2025 Instructional Calendar (2 year adoption)
Federal Report Card
Dickinson Elementary is sharing the below information about the district and your child’s campus with you as part of its obligations under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA).
Federal Report Cards for the state, the district, and each of the district’s campuses are now available on the district’s website at this link: https://www.lcisd.org/departments/academics/raa/performance-reports-and-legal-postings or are also available on the Texas Education Agency’s website at: https://tea.texas.gov/finance-and-grants/grants/essa-program/federal-report-card. A detailed description of these reports is enclosed.
If you have difficulty accessing the information from the website, hard copies of the reports can be requested from the district or campus office. If you have questions about the information, please contact Joanne Bromonsky or the Lamar CISD Research, Assessment, & Accountability Office at 832-223-0138.
The federal report card is located below for your reference.
2023-2024 Dickinson Elementary PTO Board
We had a wonderfully successful Trunk or Treat last month! We sold over 300 wrist bands and profited approximately $18K for our school!! Thank you all so much for coming out and supporting our school and the wonderful students and community we have at Dickinson Elementary! We have a special holiday fundraiser with Kendra Scott (the Sugar Land location or online) coming up on Sunday, December 10th from 3-5. The online code will be active for 24 hours. More details to follow. Be sure to keep an eye out on our Dickinson PTO Instagram and Facebook pages!!
- Nov. 2: Field Day
- Nov. 3: House Day Spirit Wear
- Nov. 13 - Nov. 17: Free Dress Week (Form must be returned.)
- Nov. 14: LCISD Board Meeting at 6:30 (You can view it online via the LCISD website.)
- Nov. 15: Student Thanksgiving Luncheon in the Cafeteria (No lunch visitors please.)
- Nov. 17: Early Release
- Nov. 20 - Nov. 24: Thanksgiving Break
- Nov. 27: Individual Picture Retakes