Buckalew Buzz
April 29, 2019
Buckalew Elementary School
Buckalew Bears Motto:
"Today I choose to Be Kind, Work Hard, and DO MY BEST!"
Email: donotreply@conroeisd.net
Website: www.buckalew.conroeisd.net
Location: 4909 Alden Bridge Drive, The Woodlands, TX, United States
Phone: 281-465-3400
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuckalewCISD/#
Twitter: @buckalewbears
From the Principal
Happy Monday!
We are currently planning for the 19-20 school year! Please make sure if you have any friends and neighbors with incoming students, that they register sooner than later. Also, if you have any incoming kindergartners, please make sure to follow the instructions below in the Buzz. For all planning purposes, we greatly appreciate those who are able to register early!
We have our last book fair that is buy 1 get 1 free taking place TODAY until Wednesday, our last FREE Playground Celebration coming up after school on Friday May 3rd, and our last spirit night of the year at Five Guys May 9th.
We truly enjoyed talking with our volunteers during our volunteer luncheon on Friday.
We thank you for the amazing support of this wonderful community!
Mrs. Price
Important School-Wide Dates:
Please see your child's teacher communication for grade-level and class-specific events.
April:
29th-1st Scholastic Buy One, Get One Book Fair
May:
3rd- DATE CHANGED-Playground Celebration after school-5pm
7th- 4th Grade Choir Concert, 6pm
9th- Five Guys Spirit Event
13-17th- Closed Campus due to STAAR TESTING
13th- Library Books due
13th- STAAR Math
14th- STAAR Reading
23rd- Paperback book exchange
24th- TWHS Graduation
27th- Holiday
30th- Last Day of School/ Early Release 12:10pm
30th- Kinder Program 8:30am
30th- 4th Grade Graduation 10am
BUY 1 Get 1 FREE Book Fair
Buy 1 Get 1
FREE
Book Fair
Books • Posters • School Supplies
Everything Included!
April 29 – May 1
7:30am to 3:00pm
Shop Before School, During Lunch,
and During Library Time.
Introducing Book Fair eWallet
Give your student a secure, cash-free way to shop the fair. Simply create a free account, preauthorize a spending limit, and have funds immediately available. See additional details on the back!
For more information about the Book Fair and how to set up E-Wallet go to:
http://www.scholastic.com/bf/buckalewelemsch3
Check back between these dates to create your eWallet:
April 15 - May 01
Additional Details
● When you create an eWallet, the amount you select as your student's spending limit will appear as a temporary hold (or pending charge) on your credit card and will be reflected in your available balance. You will only be charged for what is purchased, and after the book fair ends, the hold will expire and the funds will be released back to your credit card.
● Additional funds can be added to the eWallet at any time. You can also cancel funds. Track spending and see all activity in your order history through your MyScholastic account.
● Student eWallets are looked up at the book fair using the student's name, grade, or teacher; eWallets do not have to be printed or presented to a cashier.
● You must create an eWallet for each student; accounts cannot be shared or transferred.
● If any items purchased during the fair are returned, the amount will be credited back to your card. Processing times may vary. Contact your credit card company for specific information regarding your account.
For more information about the Book Fair and how to set up E-Wallet go to:
WE DID IT! Our community made it possible to purchase two new playgrounds and we are forever grateful! Bring the family to play on the new equipment. Enjoy some refreshments under the gazebo. Create wonderful memories from your tremendous giving. Please know we love and appreciate all the support you have given. For safety purposes, please supervise your children at all times throughout the event.
A huge thank you to Hunter Orthodontics for generously sponsoring these events.
19-20 Kindergarten Registration
2019 - 2020 Kindergarten Registration
Online registration for new 2019-2020 Kindergarten students is now active. If you have an incoming kindergartener, please go to http://www.conroeisd.net, Parents/Students tab, Enrollment and Transfers, then select the 'New Student Registration' tab.
Once you create your account, you can begin the enrollment process. When your application is complete and has been submitted, call our front office (281-465-3400) to make your registration appointment.
The following documents are required to complete your child’s enrollment.
Make sure you bring them to your registration appointment:
-Your child’s birth certificate
-Your child’s social security card
-Your child’s complete immunization record (4 yr. boosters are required for enrollment)
-Your proof of residency document (a current gas, water, or electric bill showing name and service address)
-Photo ID of registering parent
-Completed white Emergency Information Card and blue Health Information Form
2019 Bond Referendum Information ~ Be an Informed Voter
Watch Quick You tube videos less than 2 min each here:
- Overall What is Included? Click HERE
- 2019 Bond Referendum: Click HERE
- What is a Bond Referendum? Click HERE
- Growth in CISD: Click HERE
- Tax Rate Impact: Click HERE
- Bond Funds Use: Click HERE
- New Schools: Click HERE
- Conroe HS: Growth and Sustainability: Click Here
- Oak Ridge HS: Growth and Sustainability: Click Here
- Career & Technical Education Facilities: Click Here
- Early Voting and Polling Locations: Click HERE
Early Voting Begins April 22
Early Voting Ends April 30
Election Day Saturday May 4
The Positivity Project Comes to Buckalew!
This year, Buckalew will be joining forces with The Positivity Project to teach our students such character traits as:
- Teamwork
- Perspective
- Bravery
- Gratitude
- Kindness
- Self-Control
- Perseverance
- Enthusiasm
- Forgiveness
- Leadership
Each week, we will be recognizing students from every grade level who exhibit "Paws"itively Awesome Character! Each student is recognized on the announcements, they receive a certificate to take home, a "PAW" with their name on it displayed in the main hallway. Check out this week's winners!
GT NOMINATIONS FOR SUMMER TESTING – Nominations are Due Tuesday, April 30
The window is now open for parent nominations for GT Screening and will continue through April 30. Parents may nominate their student for Summer GT Testing by completing the District Nomination Form, available through any 2nd, 3rd or 4th grade teacher, or by asking Belinda in the front office. Second grade students who did not participate in the October CogAT administration are the only second grade students who are eligible for summer testing. Parents may now nominate, one time per level of test. In other words, students may test once each school year to see if they meet district requirements and /or qualify in other subject areas. GT testing will be held at Bush Elementary on June 4-6 from 8:30-11:00. Nomination forms may be returned to your student’s 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade teacher OR to Belinda in the front office. ALL NOMINATION forms are due NO LATER THAN April 30!
STAAR TESTING DATES and VISITATION/VOLUNTEERS
STAAR TESTING for our students is very important! In order to ensure security and minimize distractions during the testing, visitors and volunteers will not be allowed on campus during our STAAR testing week(s). Please make sure to plan accordingly as this includes no visitation during lunch time. If your child has a birthday on these dates, please choose an alternate date and arrange any plan with the teacher. We will have altered lunch and specials schedules on the following days and all areas and offices, including the bistro will be used as testing areas. Please minimize any changes to dismissal and/or lunches during this time.
Our campus will be closed to all visitors and alternate arrangements should be made during the following dates:
- · The Week of May 13 - 17: 3rd AND 4th Graders will be taking STAAR Math/Reading May 13th and 14th with the possibility of makeups throughout the week.
If you have a 3rd or 4th Grader, please make sure these dates are on your calendar and that you have them in attendance with plenty of rest and a nutritious breakfast each day.
Thank you for your understanding!
Summer School in CISD
Information regarding summer school programs is now available to parents. The CISD homepage has a link located at the top of the page for brochures, registration dates and payment options for both elementary and secondary programs. For your convenience, I have included a link below. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns regarding summer programs.
We Love Our Volunteers
Buckalew Elementary LOVES our volunteers!
It is never too late to start volunteering at our great school. There are plenty of small and large opportunities that can use your help. Contact Tracy K. to help you get involved.
2019-2020 School Supplies
You may order your school supplies for the 2019-2020 school year now through June 16th.
Please go to https://www.educationalproducts.com/shoppacks/ and enter school ID, BUC015.
Online ordering only.
Buckalew branded binder and pencil bag are included in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade packs. This will be the only way to receive these two items as they will not be sold separately.
School supplies will be distributed to your child’s homeroom teacher before Stop and Drop.For questions, please contact Dana Basconi at danabasconi@yahoo.com
Always There Bears!
Congratulations to the following classes for having excellent attendance in the month of April....coming soon:
Kindergarten-
1st Grade-
2nd Grade-
3rd Grade-
4th Grade-
The Buckalew PTO needs YOU!
If you would like to be involved in some of the wonderful programs that go on at Buckalew Elementary we would love your help! The PTO is looking for a few great volunteers to fill some openings for the 2019-2020 school year. If you would be interested in any of the positions listed or need any further information on any position, please contact Jill Gordley via email at jillgordley@gmail.com
President Elect
Carnival Silent Auction Co-Chair
Carnival Outdoor Entertainment Chair
Rewards Chair
Book Fair Co-chair
Yearbook Chair
Yearbook Designer
Yearbook Marketing
Yearbook Photographer
Thank you, I look forward to hearing from you!
YEARBOOK NEWS
The yearbook has been submitted to Jostens! They have told us to expect delivery before the long weekend in May!
THANK YOU Classroom Photographers and parents for submitting photos!! We sure appreciate your help!
With many thanks,
2018-2019 Buckalew Yearbook Committee
++++++++ IN EVERY BUZZ +++++++++
Need Translation of the BUZZ?
Did you know you can scroll to the bottom of this newsletter and a bar will appear at the bottom. You will be able to translate your newsletter to your desired language. Check it out!
Buckalew Visitors and Volunteers
Safety is our top concern, and surveillance cameras are placed at all doors and in the hallways of our school. Each camera records all activity. All outside doors are locked including the front doors. Please be sure to have your driver’s license with you during every visit to the campus.
Upon arrival, please see the receptionist for a visitor’s tag. The receptionist will ask for your driver’s license. It will be scanned using a system that is connected to the database that provides an alert of any person who may jeopardize the safety of our campus. If no such alert is discovered, the receptionist will then electronically permit entrance into the building.
Each time you enter the school, please remember to bring your license. The nametag given to you on each visit will show the date and the purpose of your visit. Please know that every visitor must have a name tag, and anyone without it will be stopped. Even though this is time consuming, it is essential to our children’s safety. For your child’s protection, parents and visitors are not allowed to go to their child’s classroom to pick him or her up during or at the end of the day. All check out is through the front office. Please allow students to walk to classrooms independently in the mornings and to go to the designated areas for dismissal in the afternoons.
If you need to pick up your student, you will be asked for your driver’s license. Students will only be released to parents with ID, unless we have written correspondence or an email to brobinson@conroeisd.net with identifying information on who will be picking up the student.
If you plan to be in the building during the school day at any time during the school year, please fill out the volunteer application on the CISD website: https://apps.conroeisd.net/volunteer/. This must be done yearly and will be necessary in order to volunteer in any position on campus.
Attendance is Important
In the event your child will be absent from school, please call the attendance line at 281-465-3410. To insure the accuracy of your child’s ‘excused’ and ‘unexcused’ absences, please call the attendance line EACH DAY your child is absent.
Following an absence, please send a note explaining the reason for your child’s absence. If your child will be out for an extended period of time, please let his/her teacher know, as well as our attendance clerk.
School hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. The tardy bell rings at 8:00 and students will be counted tardy if they are not in their classroom at that time. Attendance is taken at 9:00 a.m. each day. If your child is absent at 9:00 a.m. due to a doctor’s appointment, he/she will be counted present if you bring your child back to school on the same day with a doctors statement that verifies the appointment.
When students are absent, they are expected to make up all worked missed. Students will have the same number of days to complete assignments, as they were absent. The student handbook states that make up work cannot be given in advance of absences.
Please avoid scheduling vacations while school is in session. State law requires that children miss no more than 10% (18 days) of the school year. If a child misses more than 10%, they do not have the required attendance to be promoted to the next grade.
Additionally, Attendance is a major component of our state’s accountability system. Our attendance percentage is factored into every measure of our accountability, which impacts our school ranking.
Regular attendance is very important. Every day is packed with valuable instruction that cannot be reproduced at home. Attending school regularly has a huge effect on your child’s academic success, and success later in life. Parents play a key role in setting an example as to the importance of regular attendance and arriving to school on time.
Please feel free to direct all questions or concerns to Jayne Bull at 281-465-3410 or jbull@conroeisd.net.
Student Handbook
Give the Gift of a TAE "Teacher's Achieving Excellence"
Log Into "Parent Access" by clicking:
and click on the "Teachers/Staff Excellence" Tab.
Feel free to type your own message and send any staff a positive message!
Wear any day to show your Buckalew Pride!
Work-Hard Wednesday Shirt!
Active-Tee
Calling All Bears!! Big-Bear, Little-Bear Program
We are excited to start our new program for the 2018 - 19 school year called Big Bear/Little Bear. This program is for new families entering Buckalew to be placed with a veteran Buckalew family. If you are new to the area or new to Buckalew, please contact Mrs. Lozinak and she will connect you with a "Big Bear" family who will help you navigate for an easy family-friendly Buckalew start.
Heather Lozinak: havillano@yahoo.com or 402-661-0547.
PTO DOES THAT!
Our PTO believes in the students, staff, and families at Buckalew. By becoming a PTO member you have the voting power to affect the enrichment and lives of our students. Also, by contributing to our fundraisers, you are making all kinds of quality programs and events available to ALL of our students! Become a PTO member for $25 and see how your PTO dollars are benefiting your child.
http://buckalewspiritstore.com/product/buckalew-elementary-pto-membership/
Click to see what's going on in Buckalew's PTO!
The purpose of the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is to:
(a) promote the welfare of children at Buckalew
(b) to foster cooperation between parents and teachers in the education of children at Buckalew
(c) to unite school and community efforts in securing for all children the best education
(d) to engage in fundraising activities for the educational and recreational benefit of Buckalew, its children, teachers, and staff as determined by the PTO and in accordance with the PTO by-laws.
KROGER CARD
A new school year is about to start and that means it is time to link or re-link your Kroger Plus Card with the Buckle Elementary PTO barcode.
Even if you have signed up before, you have to renew each August! Just register online at www.krogercommunityrewards.com Once you register, every dollar you spend at Kroger means money for Buckalew-even those lattes at Starbucks!
Please clip and save your Box Tops. Our first collection drive will start October 1st.
Thank you for supporting Buckalew by participating in Kroger Community Rewards and Box Tops for Education!
2018-19 AND 2019-20 School Calendar
We appreciate your support of public education and the value of attendance. Because of YOU and our amazing staff, Buckalew continues to rank among the best in the state and we are very proud of that and want it to continue!
TRANSPORTATION CHANGES
Parents just a reminder to send all transportation changes to school with your child in their backpack. E-mail changes are for emergency changes only and must be made before 2:00 p.m. Please note weather is not considered an emergency. For emergencies only, e-mail brobinson@conroeisd.net and make sure you get a confirmation that your change was received. Classroom teachers do not always check emails throughout the day or may even be absent and that request would not be received in time. If you have sent a note with your child it is not necessary to e-mail the note to the front office. Thank you.
Safety Reminders from our Police Department:
- Please remember to remind your children NOT to cross until the crossing guards are at their posts in the morning. The building is not open until 7:30.
- Please remember if you are in your car, to wait for the crossing guards not only to cross the children, but for the crossing guards themselves to make it back to the sidewalk.
- Please remember to stay off your cell phones when driving in school zones.
- Please remember their are NO DOGS allowed on school property. This is for your personal liability and the safety of all of our students.
- Please remember there are no U-Turns in front of the school.
- Lakeside Park- if you are dropping your kids off or picking them up from Lakeside Park please park your vehicle to do so. It becomes a safety issue to just drive up and let your kids out or have them get in without parking. Please use our car line in the back of Buckalew if you want just drop off your child.
Parent Access Login
Canvas Login
Lunch Information:
A Full Price student meal is $2.85 and for a 2nd meal is $3.55. “Extras” range from $.50-$2.00.
Did you know you can put limits on your child’s account? You can limit your child to one complete lunch so your child is getting the complete lunch on the menu.
You can also limit your daily expenditures or snack choices or ala carte by calling our cafeteria at 281-465-3467.
Lost and Found
Be sure to label your child’s belongings that they bring to school (jackets, sweaters, water bottles, etc.). Lost and Found fills up quickly with the cold weather. Lost and Found is located outside of the school gym.
For specific questions, please contact Kalyn McQuain at kalyn@mcquainagency.com.
Amazon Smile~ You shop. Amazon gives.
Select Buckalew Elementary School as your charity!
What is AmazonSmile?
AmazonSmile is a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop at smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the exact same low prices, vast selection and convenient shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organizationHow do I shop at AmazonSmile?
To shop at AmazonSmile simply go to smile.amazon.com from the web browser on your computer or mobile device. You may also want to add a bookmark to smile.amazon.com to make it even easier to return and start your shopping at AmazonSmile.How do I select a charitable organization to support when shopping on AmazonSmile?
On your first visit to AmazonSmile smile.amazon.com, you need to select a charitable organization to receive donations from eligible purchases before you begin shopping. We will remember your selection, and then every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.ExxonMobil Grants
Calling all ExxonMobil employees, their spouses, children or retired employees.
You can help Buckalew Elementary receive a grant by doing what you love, volunteering. ExxonMobil Volunteer Involvement Program is a program that encourages its people to get involved within their community. It is as simple as doing what you are already doing, volunteering. By volunteering at our various school events (IE: Library, Carnival, workroom helper etc.) you can earn Buckalew a sizable grant. All we need is your 20 hours of individual or team (not to be combined) volunteer hours recorded. If you are interested in this program, please email Tracy Kumin at volunteers@buckalewbearspto.com
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The Conroe Independent School District (District) as an equal opportunity educational provider and employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner. For information about Title IX rights or Section 504/ADA rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA coordinator at 3205 W. Davis, Conroe, TX 77304; (936) 709-7752.