Rattlin' Rattler
April'18 Edition
A Message From the Principal
Our Festival of Nations brought together 21 nations from around the world and more than 200 passports were passed out to students/families visiting different countries; together we experienced different cultures and cuisines. What a wonderful experience and a huge success!
It is hard to believe that we have begun the last nine weeks of school. TELPAS testing was just completed and now moving on to the next group of assessments. We continue to focus on providing a quality education for each child and ensure our third, fourth, and fifth graders are prepared to master the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Because of this, we are using every possible moment for instruction.
STAAR TESTING WILL BE AS FOLLOWS:
TUESDAY, APRIL 10 ***CLOSED CAMPUS***
4th grade/ Writing
5th grade/Math
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11
5th grade/Reading
Please make sure your child gets a good night sleep and eats a healthy breakfast. We encourage you to schedule any doctor and/or dentist appointments for after school hours those days. Thank you for understanding the importance of your child’s time at school.
*PTA Mtng/NISD Bond Presentation Please join us in the cafeteria at 6 pm on Thursday, April 12. Representatives from the district will be here to tell us all about the upcoming NISD bond election. We look forward to seeing you there; 1st grade will be performing afterward.
At the end of this month and during the first part of May, we will begin forming classes and building class lists for the 2018-19 school year. We think about each child academically and consider their social and emotional growth as well. The class lists are then reviewed by the special education campus coordinator, counselors and members of our specialist team. We take into consideration many variables when building the classes and we do our best to keep the classes as evenly balanced as possible keeping the needs of all students as our main focus. For these reasons, we will not be accepting letters requesting a particular teacher. We appreciate your understanding of this policy and your continued support of our fabulous school.
Let’s Keep Moving Forward!
Yours in education,
Mrs. Francesca L. Neal
Principal
After school Programs
We have so many after school activities here at Raba. One of the afterschool clubs we have is the Magic Tree House. Ms. McGehee and her students enjoy a book from the series, then do group discussions and hands-on activities.
The Northside Learning Tree. This after-school program offers opportunities for children to access academic enrichment, social, and recreational experiences in an after school environment that is safe and supervised. It is run by the Community Education Department, known for its long history of providing quality programming for children. The Learning Tree program is designed to meet the needs of children and support the goals and objectives of both Northside and the Texas Education Agency. The Learning Tree program provides academic and enrichment activities, enhanced self -motivation, social skills, and improved study skills. They also strive to engage families by offering events in a variety of topics such as communication, parenting skills and nutrition. Joseph Marquez and his staff do an outstanding job here at Raba. For more information visit their website at:
or call 210-397-8108
Kinder Round-Up
2018 NEF 5K Run/Walk & Family Wellness Fair
When: Saturday, May 5@ O'Conner High School
Registration
$25 – Individual* (11 years & up)
$60 – Group* (Must be 4 people)
***Deadlines: Name on bib (April 2) / Early registration (April 13)***
$25 – Sleepwalker* (Sleep in, support NEF)
$5 – Helotes Cornyval Festival Ticket
(Free festival admission for children 12 & under.)
Register online at: www.nisd.net/nef/5k
From The Reader Leader Mrs. Gass
Readers Make Leaders!
April 12th is D.E.A.R. Day.
D.E.A.R. stands for "Drop Everything and Read," a national celebration of reading designed to remind families to make reading a priority activity in their lives.
Research has shown that students who read for pleasure, even struggling readers will gain benefits. Students that read 20 to 30 minutes a day will increase knowledge in these areas:
*Reading comprehension is improved;
*Students writing style improves;
*Vocabulary improves; and
*Spelling and control of grammar improve.
Here is a website that has Reading Tips for Kinder – 3rd grade. http://www.readingrockets.org/article/reading-tips-parents-multiple-languages
This website will offer parents reading tips in eleven languages and for children with disabilities.
So D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything And Read) with your children!
Box Top For Education
Raba's Annual Fiesta Field Day
When: Thursday, April 26, 2018
Fiesta Raba will be packed with fun, festive music, games and hopefully lots of good weather.
We suggest that your child wear cool, comfortable clothes, and tennis shoes on field day. (shorts for girls, no dresses or sandals please). Sunscreen and a hat may come in handy. Your child is welcome to bring water or other drinks in plastic containers only. NO GLASS containers will be allowed on the field.
*Grades K-2 will be before lunch from 8:30-11:00.
*Grades 3-5 will have their fun after lunch from 11:30-2:15.
If your child gets his/her lunch from the cafeteria, it will be a picnic lunch.
We are looking forward to a fun, "fiesta" festive day.
Wear purple on April 13 in honor of military children
From the Vice Principal
Several of our students have been chosen to receive a Positive Office Referrals. Teachers choose a student from their class who they believe deserves extra recognition. Mrs. Neal and I announce the students on the announcements on the last day of the week and students come down to see us and receive their ice-cream reward. Congratulations to those students!
Just a few reminders:
Breakfast hours are from 7:00am-7:40am. Cafeteria doors will close at 7:40am. Students who arrive after 7:40 am will not be able to get breakfast. To ensure that your child eats breakfast please make sure your child is here early enough. However, if your child rides the bus and the bus is late, those children can eat breakfast.
STEM Education at Our School!
With this money, our 1st grade students are going to be able to experience Challenge Island right here on campus!
This is an enrichment program that exposes kids to STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art & math) education in a fun-filled, hands-on, memorable way. 21st century learning skills are emphasized and stressed in all Challenge Island activities. Students are given the freedom to drive their own learning outcomes. Students divide into tribes and work collaboratively to ensure the success of the group. Students learn that all tribe members have different strengths and that each member brings value to the group.
This experience provides positive social interactions for all and teaches students how to work together to accomplish a common goal.
Thank you Mrs. Griego!
Word from the Nurse
Parents, please keep emergency phone numbers up to date.
PK parents, if you have an updated shot record please give me a copy.
Thank You,
Nurse Keri