Morton Ranch Elementary
October 24, 2023
STATE RIDER COUNT on October 25th
Dear Parents/Guardians,
On Wednesday, October 25th, the Katy ISD Transportation Department will be conducting a
State Rider Count for all campuses. The rider count is extremely important to the department, as
it has an impact on funding and it also allows the department to check student eligibility lists.
With verified student eligibility, the department will be able to examine crowded routes more
effectively and in some cases, eliminate trailer buses and overcrowded routes.
Please note that bus drivers will be verifying the name of all student riders, therefore we may experience arrival/departure delays on October 25th.
Thank you for your patience.
Lori Maurer
Principal
Early Voting for the Katy ISD Bond 2023 election is this week!
The 2023 Bond includes 1,200 campus and facility projects, including four new schools, major campus renovations, safety and security improvements, a 1:1 student to device ratio, component replacements such as new chillers, roofs, flooring, as well as technology upgrades, and other projects.
For more information on polling locations, visit the election webpage: https://www.katyisd.org/domain/4308 #KatyISDVotes
PICTURE DAY ON OCTOBER 25TH
Coming soon! We will have class picture day on Wednesday, October 25th. This day will also serve as retake & individual picture day for students that were absent on September 15th.
PROVINE STUDIOS will be photographing classroom group pictures at MRE on Wednesday, October 25th.
- You may purchase one 8x10 photo for $15.00.
- In an effort to facilitate a contactless ordering process, MRE has requested that all picture orders be placed online.
- If you have any questions, please call PROVINE STUDIOS at 713-528-1059.
For RETAKES---this is for students who had their picture taken on September 15th AND would like to exchange the photo package for retakes.
- All orders must be placed online.
- Please do not send payments to the school.
- Return package to exchange for retakes.
If your child was ABSENT on September 15th and need their individual photo taken:
- Go to provinestudios.com
- Pre-pay pictures online.
- Have your student ready to take their individual photo on October 25th.
All flyers will be attached below for you to review at your convenience.
CLASSROOM GROUP PHOTOS
RETAKES AND ABSENTEES
FOTOGRAFÍA DE LA CLASE
Los estudiantes tendrán la oportunidad de volver a tomar su foto.
Consulte el folleto a continuación si su hijo estuvo ausente el 15 de septiembre.
También puede devolver el paquete de fotografías si su hijo tomó fotografías el 15 de septiembre pero le gustaría devolverlas y que su hijo tome una nueva fotografía el 25 de octubre.
MRE BOOK CHARACTER PARADE
KISD Professional Learning Day
Mommies & Mavericks
Get ready for a spooktacular celebration filled with fun, treats, and a dash of Halloween magic!
Join us at Morton Ranch Elementary’s Trunk or Treat event, where families come together for an evening of delightful trick-or-treating, creative decorations, and a festive atmosphere.
Sponsored by the Morton Ranch Elementary PTA, the Trunk or Treat event is a safe and exciting alternative to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating.
This family-friendly gathering brings the community together in a fun-filled environment, perfect for children of all ages to enjoy a memorable Halloween experience.
Please check the PTA page for details!
Save the Date!
November 10th, 2023 at 5:30 p.m. at Morton Ranch Elementary
Please contact info@mavspta.org with any questions you have.
Be sure to check the MRE PTA PAGE for updates as we get closer to the event.
THE MAV MILE GLOW RUN...Coming soon!
Get ready to light up the night and unleash your inner glow at the Mav’s Mile Glow Run! Join us for an electrifying evening of fitness, fun, and a whole lot of glowing excitement. Lace up your sneakers, put on your brightest attire, and get ready to illuminate the track as you participate in this thrilling glow run event.
Sponsored by Morton Ranch Elementary, the Mav’s Mile Glow Run is a unique event that combines fitness, community, and a dazzling display of glow-in-the-dark fun. Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, or simply someone who loves a good glow party, this event is perfect for all ages and fitness levels.
Monster Mash - presented by Miller Career & Technology Center
FREE CANDY
FREE ADMISSION
STUDENTS CAN TRICK OR TREAT
ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT
PARKING WILL BE AT RHODES STADIUM, ENTER THROUGH THE EAST DOORS
ADDRESS:
MILLER CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER
1734 KATYLAND DR
KATY, TX 77493
KATY ISD POLICE DEPARTMENT- Safe Disposal Event
Got Drugs?
Turn in your unused or expired medication for safe disposal on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Katy ISD Law Enforcement Center located at:
20370 Franz Rd
Katy, TX 77449
For more information: Contact Captain Ivan B. Belson at 281-237-4039 or by sending an e-mail at ivanbnelson@katyisd.org
For more information, please visit www.dea.gov
Katy High School Performing Arts Center: Santa Meet & Greet
Come out to the Katy Theatre Black Box on Saturday, November 11th from 10:00 -12:30 for our annual Santa Meet & Greet!
Our Thespians will have crafts, snacks, and lots of fun ready for you, not to mention getting to see the big guy himself, Santa! Tickets available for pre-purchase or at the door.
ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT/GUARDIAN.
Katy Theatre c/o Katy High School 6331 Hwy Blvd. Katy, TX 77494
281.237.6700 Katy High School Main Office
281.237.1936 Katy Theatre Department Office Line (Direct)
We are learning all about KINDNESS here at MRE!
Have you seen our kindness tree?
Each "leaf" was created by one of our Mavs. Our students identified ways WE show kindness at school, at home, and in the community. Be sure to take a look at their drawings and writing!
Our tree keeps growing and growing!
Updates from Art
Students are busy creating art for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Art Competition.
Ms.VanPelt & Ms.Allen
Updates from P.E.
Your child has P.E. class every other day at MRE
Please make sure they wear the appropriate shoes (rubber soles, closed-toed, and closed heel).
Crocs, sandals, and boots are not safe while in P.E.
Updates from Music
Students at MRE develop music literacy through creative expression as they sing, play, read, write and move. Through creative performance, students are provided the opportunity to perform a variety of repertoire from different musical periods both vocally and instrumentally. Understanding music’s role in history, analyzing and evaluating their own music and the music of other artists becomes part of the examination process fostered in the music classroom.
Attention parents of students in Stampede or Coral Ensemble: Fee is due soon!
Dear 4th Grade Families,
It is our pleasure to present We Love Our Veterans. This performance includes ALL 4th graders at MRE.
We will have 2 performances: Thursday, November 9 @ 10:20 (students only) and @5:30 pm (open to the public).
Every 4th grader will be performing in our celebration as they have been using class time to learn the music and choreography. Songs that are learned and performed are aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) requirements for 4th grade.
Students will need to purchase a SOLID red, white or blue shirt for the musical. You will be able to find them very inexpensively at Hobby Lobby, Walmart or stores of the like. They may NOT have any writing or pictures on the them. Students will wear these shirts on performance day with blue jeans (no rips or tears) and closed toe shoes (no crocs or sandals please).
There will also be extra speaking, singing and dancing roles available. Students must feel comfortable memorizing lines, singing by themselves in front of the audience and having energy. Please make sure you discuss the commitment your child is making to the production and the entire 4th Grade class before returning the extra role form. If your child would like to be considered for an extra role, please fill out the EXTRA ROLE form attached and return no later than October 27th.
Examples of extra roles are listed below: Speaking Part Solo Singing Group Singing If your student is interested in extra roles, please fill out the form that was sent home and return it to MRS. MILLER by October 27th. Practice will begin on that day.
If you should have any questions, please feel free to contact the Music Teachers, Laura Miller or Rebecca Osawa.
We are excited to have musicals back on campus and can’t wait for you to see what your students have been working on.
Musically Yours, Laura Miller & Rebecca Osawa
Important Links for Volunteers
Mommies & Mavericks is a volunteer event for moms, aunts, grandmas, etc.
Teachers provide projects that volunteers can work on during their time in our LGI.
Volunteers often help with cutting, laminating, counting, sorting, etc!
Snacks will be provided. You can stay the entire time, or choose a smaller slot time to come help.
Please remember to bring your ID and Raptor in at the front office.
Check your calendars and sign up for a date using the links below!
Guidelines for Car Riders
In an effort to continue to improve the efficiency and safety of our car rider line, we would like to take this opportunity to review guidelines for car riders.
Morning Arrival:
Encourage your child to be prepared to quickly exit your vehicle as you stop.
Children should always exit your vehicle on the passenger side. This is a huge safety concern for us.
Please adjust car seats so your children can exit/enter on the passenger side.
When the vehicle in front of you begins unloading, you should also begin to unload.
Please remain in the line and wait for the cars in front of you to exit.
During arrival, for safety reasons, parents may not drop children in the parking lot or walk them to the front door.
Afternoon Dismissal:
Hang the car tag in the car each day when you come to pick up your child.
Tags should not be removed until the child has been loaded into the car.
Parents will procede through parent drive and follow the directions of MRE staff members.
During dismissal, for safety reasons, parents may not pick up children at the front door.
Please refrain from using your cell phone in the school zone AT ALL TIMES. This is for the safety of all children and it is a state law.
We understand the safety of your child is important (car seat, booster seat, seat belt, etc.), however, please do not get out of your car while in the car loading zone to buckle in your child. Please pull up to the designated cone, turn your hazard lights on, and quickly and safely buckle in your child.
Please stay calm and wait your turn.
In the absence of the school generated car rider tag, parents must park and come inside the office with a picture ID to receive a new card and check out their child.
Refer to the map (posted below) for the car rider routes for all grade levels.
Please refrain from entering the bus loading zone during arrival and dismissal!
NO PHOTOS OR VIDEO ALLOWED DURING YOUR LUNCH VISIT IN THE CAFETERIA. THANK YOU!
CLINIC/HEALTH INFORMATION
REMINDER THAT ALL STUDENTS AT MRE SHOULD HAVE A CHANGE OF CLOTHES
Our clinic needs your help! All students at MRE need a change of clothes in their backpack. We want to minimize the amount of instruction that students miss when an accident occurs. Students should be able to change clothes in the clinic and return to class. However, students are often waiting in the clinic for a change of clothes, resulting in the loss of instruction.
Students often need a change of clothes for nosebleeds, food/drink accidents, sickness, etc.
Please see the example below.
Thanks!
Clinic
YMCA After School Program at MRE
YMCA After School programs are more than child care. They offer structured activities that are age appropriate while encouraging a fun and active way to extend learning from the classroom. Housed in MORTON RANCH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, children learn skills for their future like building confidence and social awareness with a comprehensive curriculum that covers STEM, literacy, arts & humanities, social and emotional well-being, physical fitness, empathy, service learning and more.
Click the flyer below for more information.
MAVS MATRIX 2023-2024
Check out our new MAVS MATRIX!
M- I will make good decisions
A- I will act responsibly
V- I will value hard work (with appropriate voice levels)
S- I will show kindness
*our students recite MAVS expectations during morning announcements!
We review behavior expectations for various locations throughout the school: cafeteria, hallway, bus, restrooms, playground and classroom settings.
We will continue to share the matrix with students and families so that we can use common language such as voice levels, "space bubbles" and the MAVS acronym. We hope this will help students, teachers, and parents reinforce positive behavior on the Ranch!
BELL SCHEDULE (Horario de campana)
Returning families-have you completed the annual update for your child?
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) school nutrition program known as the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) enables all students at CEP eligible campuses to receive FREE breakfast and lunch meals throughout the 2022-23 school year. MRE is one of the Katy ISD campuses that have met USDA eligibility for the CEP free meals program for the 2023-2024 school year! All MRE students are eligible to receive free breakfast and lunch each day.
While families at CEP campuses no longer have to apply for Free and Reduced lunch, it is critical that EVERY family completes the annual update, so the campus will continue to qualify for free meals and so that applicable fees may be waived (more at the secondary level). Parents/Guardians with families that are returning to MRE will receive messages reminding them to complete the update.
Yearbooks are delivered to the school at a later time in the Spring.
Morton Ranch Elementary
Website: https://www.katyisd.org/campus/MRE/Pages/default.aspx
Location: 2502 North Mason Road, Katy, TX, USA
Phone: 281-234-0330
Twitter (X): @MREMavs