Eagle Updates
January 10, 2021
In this Issue:
- A Message from Mrs. Barry
- Transportation Safety Reminders
- Pre-Kinder Lottery
- Chick-fil-A Spirit Night
- Congratulations-Reflections Participant
- Credit by Exam
- School Choice Window
- Open House-Corner Stone Academy & WAIS
- SFMS Dual Language Virtual Orientation
- MWE Calendar of Events
- From the President
- A Special Thank You to Our Sponsors
- MWE Redemption Program
- Yearbook Photo Submissions
District Information
- A Note from SBISD-Dr. Blain
- Nominations for Teacher of the Year
- We're Hiring!
From Mrs. Barry:
For example, in Kindergarten, there are TEKS for Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies, as well as for Specials (music, health fitness, and art), Technology Applications, and English as a Second Language. The Language Arts TEKS encompass listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking through seven integrated strands of developing and sustaining foundational language skills; comprehension; response; multiple genres; author's purpose and craft; composition; and inquiry and research. In Kindergarten, the language arts TEKS alone contain 84 different skills that teachers are required to teach. That's for ONE subject in KINDERGARTEN.
As students progress in grade levels, the strands remain the same, but the complexity increases. The TEKS state: "Text complexity increases with challenging vocabulary, sophisticated sentence structures, nuanced text features, cognitively demanding content, and subtle relationships among ideas. As skills and knowledge are obtained in each of the seven strands, students will continue to apply earlier standards with greater depth to increasingly complex texts in multiple genres as they become self-directed, critical learners who work collaboratively while continuously using metacognitive skills."
Another question asked is if we really have to follow the TEKS. Why can't we just teach what we want? How will they ever know? Besides our moral and ethical obligation to teach the required TEKS at each grade level, our students are also assessed by the state on the State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test and End of Course exams. This is where the TEKS are tested. Since the TEKS build on each other, we must ensure that we don't neglect any, as this negatively impact the tested grades.
As for cursive - we do introduce cursive to our students (usually in late second or early third grade), but we don't spend tons of time on this, as there are so many other skills that must be covered.
If you would like more information on the TEKS, or would like to view the actual documents, here is the link:
https://tea.texas.gov/academics/curriculum-standards/teks/texas-essential-knowledge-and-skills
Thank you for your continued support, and please reach out if you have any additional questions. We are Growing Great Minds at MWE!
Transportation Safety Reminders
Our number one priority here at Meadow Wood is the safety of our students. With that in mind, we have a few reminders that we really need your help and compliance with.
1) Both cars and people need to share areas of our property. Please note when you are pulling into the school that there is a walk/bike lane for pedestrians traveling east and west right near the marque. We asked that you DO NOT BLOCK that walking /biking area with your car while waiting to enter or exit the Meadow Wood.
Also, in the car rider line, there are a few places that are marked for our students and staff to walk safely from the building to the parking lot. Please make note of that when you pull up for drop-off or pick-up and DO NOT BLOCK these walkways. Again this is for the safety of everyone.
2) It is important for us to correctly identify who is picking up your students. We need you to please carry your green pick-up card if your Pre-K, Kinder, or 1st grade student is a Memorial Walker. We appreciate your attentiveness to this matter.
Thank you,
Mrs. Barry & Ms. Vendetti
Pre-Kinder Lottery
The lottery is for children who live in the home campus attendance area, with priority given to those who have an older sibling attending on the campus for the 2021-2022 school year. After drawing for allotted spaces, any remaining children will be placed on a waiting list.
If selected, parents will come to the home campus to preregister their children anytime between February 1st and February 26th. Parents will be asked to pay the registration fee of $50 at the time of sign up. Parents will officially register their child at MWE beginning April 1st. Tuition is collected on the first of each month in nine installments. Fees are waived for students who are eligible through State criteria.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Snelling at 713-251-6204 or susan.snelling@springbranchisd.com.
Please share this information with your neighbors who do not have Eagles in our nest yet!
Chick-fil-A Spirit Night is back-Wednesday, January 27th 3:00-8:00pm
Congratulations Colin Craig-Reflections Music Composition!
Exams for Acceleration and Credit By Exam
SBISD offers both Exams for Acceleration and Credit by Exam.
Exams for Acceleration (EA) offer students in grades 1-8 the opportunity to advance one grade level by scoring 80% or higher in each of the four required subject areas. Students desiring to advance one grade level will need the signature of their parent/guardian as well as the building principal or designee. Student performance data must be included with the application. Testing is free for all enrolled SBISD students. Kindergarten students are not eligible for testing until the summer prior to the first grade year.
Courses required for acceleration:
Grade Level Math
Grade Level Social Studies
Grade Level Science
Grade Level Language Arts
Study Guides for EA and CBE assessments may be found at the following link. Some exams require reading of novels (ELA), participation logs (PE), or portfolios (Art); those requirements are listed in the study guides. https://highschool.utexas.edu/cbe_study_guides
Credit by Exam (CBE) offers students the opportunity to gain course credit in the subject area(s) being tested. Students who wish to take a Languages Other Than English (LOTE) exam must have completed 7th Grade. CBEs may be taken with or without prior instruction, and testing is free for all enrolled SBISD students. Fall and Spring exams are administered at the student's home campus; summer exams are administered at a location to be announced.
High School courses are tested by semester and most have two semesters. When high school course credit is earned through Credit by Exam, the course and the score of the test are posted to the student’s transcript. However, the score will not impact the student’s Grade Point Average.
For more information, see flyer below or contact Ms. Luberger at lynne.luberger@springbranchsd.com.
School Choice Window
SBISD offers students and their family a wide range of school choices and is committed to preparing students for college and career opportunities after completing high school.
- Choice School Application Window is from Monday, November 9, 2020 through Friday, January 22, 2021.
- The Choice School website is www.springbranchisd.com/choice.
- The complete timeline for Choice is attached.
Open House for Cornerstone Academy & Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS)
English
January 19th-6:00pm
Spanish
January 20th-6:00pm
All
SFMS Dual Language Virtual Orientation
MWE Calendar of Events
Please note: Every Thursday is T-2-4 Thursday and every Friday is MWE Spirit Day!
January 13
PTA Meeting - 9 a.m.
See Zoom link below!
January 14
CIT Meeting
January 18
Student/Staff Holiday
January 27
Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night
From the President
Dear MWE Families,
On Friday, the PTA was thrilled to present first grade teacher extraordinaire, Ms. Mortola, with our School Bell Award! She was recognized by multiple parents from this year and last who spoke about how she consistently goes above and beyond for each of her students. She sees the best in each student and as someone who has recently covered her class while subbing, I can say personally that she has instilled so much respect for the room and class in her students that it is seen and felt even when she is not there. We are so lucky to have so many amazing teachers and other faculty members at MWE, and are always happy to recognize them.
Please join us at our January General PTA Meeting this Wednesday at 9 AM via zoom with the information as follows:
Meeting ID: 856 05101604
Passcode: 834940
We are beginning to look at filling up our slate of PTA officers for next year. We will form a nominating committee at the meeting on Wednesday who will be reaching out to potential volunteers. We have many positions that will be open, and we would love to have you help!! Feel free to email me at President@meadowwoodpta.com if you are interested in any position or would like more information.
We have made the executive decision to cancel our in-person fundraiser in the spring, but will still be hosting an online auction, so stay tuned for information about that. There will be parties for grade levels, particular teachers, reserved parking spots, and more up for grabs.
Thank you all for supporting the PTA,
Take care,
Catie Winegar
Congratulations to our School Bell Award Nominee
The MWE PTA is pleased to announce that first grade teacher Ms. Kristine Mortola is our School Bell Award nominee for the year. Ms. Mortola is an outstanding teacher who promotes the objectives of the PTA. She consistently goes above and beyond to ensure that each child's potential becomes his or her reality. Ms. Mortola is an advocate for all students, and we are thrilled to recognize her for her hard work and commitment to providing the best educational experience for all students. Ms. Mortola, along with other district nominees, will be honored at the SBISD Council of PTAs Founder’s Day Banquet. Congratulations, Ms. Kristine Mortola
General PTA Meeting Wed, Jan 13th at 9:00am-Zoom Info
Time: Jan 13, 2021 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85605101604?pwd=SGpOampidlNVekpwdlVXNkZIbEVhZz09
Meeting ID: 856 0510 1604
Passcode: 834940
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,85605101604#,,,,*834940# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,85605101604#,,,,*834940# US (Tacoma)
Dial by your location
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
+1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Washington D.C)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 646 558 8656 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 856 0510 1604
Passcode: 834940
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcA27USl9m
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS
CLICK HERE TO SEE ALL OF OUR SPONSORS
MWE Redemption Programs
We have many programs that bring “free money” to our school. Please review the following programs and see how you can participate!
1. Box Tops for Education
Don’t forget, Box Tops are digital now! Download the Box Tops
Mobile app to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase.
No more clipping or sending Box tops to school.
2. Kroger
Register your Kroger plus card online at
www.krogercommunityrewards.com. You have to re-
enroll every year. Create or log in to your account and
enter MWE’s number (81657).
3. Randalls
Fill out the Good Neighbor Program form and indicate MWE as
your charity (1082). MWE earns 1% of your purchases.
www.randalls.com/shopstores/good-neighborhood.page
4. Amazon Smile
We all shop on Amazon! Register your account with
Amazon Smile to earn money for MWE. Go to
www.smile.amazon.com and login to your account.
Select “Pick your own charitable organization”; type
Meadow Wood Elementary. DO NOT click on the “select
and start shopping” button-this will choose the charity
that is up there at the time. Choose “PTA Texas Congress 5056
Meadow Wood Elementary-Houston TX”. Make all purchase
through Amazon Smile. You can also turn it on in the App under
settings and then programs.
5. Josephine’s Day Spa
They donate back 10% to the charity of your choice.
A Message From the Superintendent
Dear SBISD Families,
We’ve had a wonderful first week back for students and staff and a great start to the second semester. Please be sure to watch the video message for important information about our priorities and focus for the upcoming months!
Here are updates and reminders for the week ahead:
SBISD Choice Application closes Jan. 22
SBISD offers students and families a range of school choices. We are committed to preparing all students to achieve our T-2-4 goal and successfully complete a technical certification, military service or a 2-year or 4-year degree. Choice options include Two-Way Dual Language, Charter (Westchester Academy for International Studies, Cornerstone Academy, KIPP Courage and YES Prep at Northbrook middle & high schools) and International Baccalaureate programs. View the full timeline on the SBISD website. The Choice Application closes Jan. 22. Learn more and apply.
Nominate your favorite teacher
Spring Branch ISD is home to amazing teachers! The SBISD Teacher of the Year Award recognizes and honors our most superlative educators worthy of regional, state and national recognition. Submit your nomination today. The deadline to nominate is Jan. 15.
8th graders and above
Be on the lookout next week for course catalogs as well as virtual tours showcasing each high school campus, their administration and points of pride! You will receive further information on this next week from your campus principal.
We must continue to work together
As we begin the second half of the school year, I want to reiterate the importance of each and every member of the SBISD Family working together to protect each other, our campuses and our community. From completing the daily health screener and wearing your masks, to practicing physical distancing when possible, good hygiene and hand washing, I know you will rise to the occasion to set an example for others. Keep in mind the importance of kindness and respecting the privacy of our fellow students, staff and families. We trust in and are counting on all families and staff to be honest in reporting COVID-19 related test-positive cases and exposures. This is imperative to keeping our schools open and safe.
Have a great weekend,
Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools