Eagle Updates
February 23, 2020
Congratulations, Mrs. McCracken!
From Mrs. Barry:
Friday is Go Texan Day, in celebration of the upcoming Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. How many of you are HLSR volunteers? We have several staff members on committees, including Coach Hollmann and myself, so maybe we will see you out there! Did you know that over 33,000 volunteers make this event happen?? Volunteering is an incredibly important part of my life. With HLSR, I love that I am able to combine many of my passions – children, education, rodeo/stockshows, and Houston – into a service opportunity.
For me, this ties beautifully into our Random of Acts of Kindness emphasis. Giving back to others, without personal gain, is a trait we hope to instill in our Eagles. We see this constantly throughout the school day - students helping others, befriending others, celebrating others. It might be as simple as smiling at a peer when they are down or playing with a new friend at recess. It might be cleaning up without being asked or cheering when someone else is successful. I also see this in our incredible community. When there is a need, our MWE families come together to meet it. I am so grateful to be a part of this "larger than life" community!
As you visit the rodeo this year, please celebrate and support all those amazing volunteers out there! Be sure to have your children wear their western gear on Friday, and join us for "cowboy" style fun! Yeehaw!
Welcome home to MWE!
THANK YOU!
A special thank you to everyone who contributed to the food drive. Thanks to your generosity, our school was able to donate over 400 pounds of food to the Houston Food Bank. Your act of kindness will help provide meals for many Houston families.
Survey Says...
This ongoing article will address topics, questions, and concerns that were put forth in the survey. Each week, one item will be discussed. This week, the topic is enrollment and staffing.
A question was asked as to why we didn't hire additional teachers prior to the school year beginning in those grade levels that are large and could potentially grow. I'd like to highlight the process we go through each year to determine our staffing needs, as well as address how we are keeping an eye on our larger (anticipated) grades.
First, SBISD staffs classrooms at 24:1 in Kindergarten through 4th grade. The 5th grade ratio is 27:1. Each year, generally in January/February, we are given our enrollment and staffing projections from the district. Using a complex formula, taking into account previous trends, and looking at local issues that may impact our enrollment, we are given a projection of both how many students we will have in each grade level AND how many teachers we will need to meet the above ratios. As the principal, I review the numbers to see if they correspond with what we feel is accurate. If I feel a change is needed, I am able to discuss this with our Human Resources Department and ask for a review.
Our district takes fiscal responsibility very seriously. To that end, staffing is monitored very closely. When school begins, the above ratios are scrutinzed, and teachers are adjusted as needed. Sometimes this means hiring a new teacher, sometimes this means hiring a support person (as we did in 1st grade with Mrs. Bohan), and sometimes this means a teacher moves from a campus with lower than anticipated enrollment to a campus with higher (as happened with Mrs. Solis-Smith in 3rd grade).
For the upcoming 2020-2021 school year, we are adding an additional teacher in both 2nd and 5th grades. In addition, I am closely monitoring incoming students, especially in Kinder and First Grade. This is why we sent home various forms on Friday (see below) - we need this information to lead discussions with the district on our enrollment!
What can you do? PLEASE fill out and return the forms promptly! If you know of neighbors who will be joining our MWE family next year, please provide them with the forms or have them reach out to us so we can solidify a better student count.
I hope this helps you understand the staffing process that we go through. If you have any further questions, please reach out!
Information Needed!
Friday, these forms were sent home with your child. PLEASE help us plan for next year by filling these out and returning them.
- Staying/Moving Form - this will ask about your CURRENT student's plans for next year (i.e., will you be returning to MWE or will you be moving to a different school).
- New Eagle Form - this will ask for information regarding NEW students who will be enrolling at MWE next year. Though this generally targets Kinder students, we would love for you to also share this with your neighbors who may be joining us next year.
- Parent Input Form - this is to help us make decisions on class placement. We want to hear about the characteristics that best describe your child. However, we ask that you do not request a specific teacher.
In addition to these forms, we ask that you PLEASE take the time to take a quick parent survey using the link below, if you have not already done so. It should take less than 10 minutes to complete, but provides us with invaluable information as we continue through this school year and on to the next.
Parent Night - February 26th
- 3rd grade STAAR - This session will provide an overview of the math and reading STAAR tests taken in third grade. Third grade teachers will discuss test format, strategies for success and there will be a "make and take" to support learning at home based on individual student strengths and weaknesses.
- Technology at MWE - Back by popular demand! Our librarian, Mrs. McCracken, will review the apps and programs used in classrooms at MWE, explaining their purpose and how to access them from home.
- Test Anxiety - Presented by our counselors, Mrs. Luberger and Ms. Waldrop, this session will address anxiety in children, especially that related to testing situations.
You will be able to choose 2 sessions. Times for the sessions will be 5:30 - 6:15 and 6:15 - 7:00. We hope to see you there!
CIT 2020-2021
- Jason Saunders, Parent
- David Candler, Parent
- Holly Saunders, Parent
- Rachel Rankin, Professional Staff
- Erin Kolpek,Teacher
- Kristine Mortola, Teacher
- Amy Pierce, Teacher
These wonderful volunteers will be joining these other team members:
- Pam Townsend, Parent
- Leah Seewald, Parent
- Jason Means, Parent
- Lori Dismukes, Teacher
- Stephanie Hruzek, Community Representative
We are still in need of a Business Representative. If you know someone (not a current parent) that might be interested, please let Mrs. Barry know!
An Invitation for Third Grade Parents
This school year is flying by. Your child will be in 4th grade before you know it. The fourth grade teachers invite you to come see what 4th grade is like -- live and in action!
4th grade will host self-guided tours of the classrooms during the school day on March 3rd and March 4th. You are welcome to come see how the students transition between classes and preview how each class is organized.
We want this to be a positive experience for parents and current 4th grade students so we have a limited number of spots for each time slot. Please create a separate sign up for each adult that is coming. Teachers will be teaching and students will be working. This will not be a time for lots of questions (but write them down because we want to answer them). It is designed as a tour. We will have handouts of things to look for. You may not see perfection that day. Please remember that this is real life in action.
We will also hold a Q&A session on March 5th, at 5:30 p.m., after you've had a chance to tour the classrooms. You are welcome to attend tours, the question/answer session, or both. Please pick the components that best fit your needs.
Please check Remind for a link to the sign up or use the link below.
Pre-K/Kinder Rodeo - TIME CHANGE!!
On Friday, February 28th from 1:15 - 2:45 p.m., we are having the Pre-K and Kindergarten Rodeo. It will take place on the grassy area of the playground. This special event will just be for Pre-K and Kinder and separate from the Go Texan activities that will take place in the gym.
Each child will need to make a “stick horse” at home. Directions to make the horse were sent home by the Kinder team.
Families are more than welcome to come join the fun!
NO VISITOR DATES!
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
Due to campus testing, there will be several dates when visitors (i.e., mentors, volunteers, Watch D.O.G.S., lunch guests, etc.) will NOT be able to visit MWE. Thank you for your understanding as we create the most secure testing environment for our students.
STAAR RELEASE:
Tuesday, March 10th: STAAR Release 3rd and 4th grade Math.
Wednesday, March 11th: STAAR Release 3rd and 4th grade Reading.
Tuesday, March 24th: STAAR Release 5th grade Science.
STAAR:
Tuesday, April 7th: STAAR 4th grade Writing and 5th grade Math.
Wednesday, April 8th: STAAR 5th grade Reading.
Tuesday, May 12th: STAAR 3rd/4th grade Math and 5th Retake Math.
Wednesday, May 13th: STAAR 3rd/4th grade Reading and 5th Retake Reading.
Thursday, May 14th: STAAR 5th grade Science.
Parent U focusing on Special Education and Learning Differences
Don’t miss the first-ever, conference style Parent U event focused on special education and learning differences! Select from over 15 presentations provided by experts from SBISD and the Houston area. Presentations available in English and Spanish.
SBISD Parent U: Special Education and Learning Differences
(Targeting PreK-12 grade parents)
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Academy of Choice - 9016-A Westview Dr, 77055
8:15 – 8:50 am – Registration
9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Learning Sessions
Topics include:
Child behavior, speech and language development, academic achievement, supporting children at home, knowing your rights, anxiety, dyslexia, financial planning, transitioning outside of school, community resources, and many more!
Register Here - https://conta.cc/39xFWxh
Questions? FamilyE3@springbranchisd.com or 713-251-2286.
Please mark your calendar for these important events!
February 25
Hands on Science - 3rd grade
February 26
Garden Weeding
Hands on Science - Kinder
Parent Night (5:30 p.m. - Library) - Details above!
February 27
Hands on Science - 1st Grade
Choir Festival (at Cornerstone)
February 28
Go Texan Day
Yee Haw Performance by 2nd Grade (9:00 a.m. - Cafeteria)
Pre-K/Kinder Rodeo (1:15 - 2:45 p.m. - NOTE TIME CHANGE!)
March 3
Field Trip - 1st grade (Main Street Theatre)
3rd grade parents "tour" 4th grade
March 4
School Store
Hands on Science - 2nd grade
Field Trip - 5th grade (Symphony)
3rd grade parents "tour" 4th grade
March 5
Third Grade Parent Night: 4th transition (5:30 p.m. - Library)
March 10
STAAR Release - 3rd & 4th math
Please, no visitors today!
March 11
STAAR Release - 3rd & 4th reading
Please, no visitors today!
CIT Meeting (3:30 - Library)
March 12
5th grade Track Meet
Math/Science Night
March 13
Lunch with MWE Leaders
March 16 - 20
Spring Break
March 24
STAAR Release - 5th Science
Please, no visitors today!
March 25
PTA Meeting
Garden Weeding
CSHAC Meeting
Parent Night: Middle School 101
March 26
Hands on Science - 1st grade
March 27
Career Day
Sponsor Spotlight!
Allegiance Bank is a valued supporter of MWE. Please show your love and appreciation by visiting Allegiance Bank for your banking needs. Thank you to Mr. Jason Sykora, Meadow Wood parent and Allegiance Bank representative.
“At Allegiance, we’re not just a bank. We’re a family composed of the most extraordinary and experienced bankers in the industry who serve our communities and each other “The Allegiance Way.” Our team is here to guide you to the full-service banking solutions you need to meet your business and personal goals.”
Math/Science Night
On Thursday, March 12th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Meadow Wood will host a Math/Science Night.
Our Math/Science Night is designed to give students and families an opportunity to explore and learn in a hands-on environment. There will be games and experiments that cover different aspects of math and science.
To make this evening a success, we need your help. Volunteers are needed to help students with the experiments and games on the night of the event. You do not need to have a math or science background or have a vast knowledge of either subjects. You will know beforehand the experiment or game that you will be supervising. Volunteers are also needed to help prepare the experiments before the night of the event.
If you are able to volunteer, please contact Keisha Barnes at ksbarnes@gmail.com.