Buckalew Buzz
April 4, 2022
Connect With Us!
Buckalew Bears Motto:
"Today I choose to BE Kind, Work Hard, and Do My BEst!"
Our school hours are officially 8:00-3:10. Students may arrive as early as 7:30.
*disclaimer that items published in this newsletter may change due the COVID-19 pandemic*
Email: contactbuckalew@conroeisd.net
Website: https://buckalew.conroeisd.net/
Location: 4909 Alden Bridge Dr, The Woodlands, TX, USA
Phone: 2814653400
Facebook: www.facebook.com/BuckalewCISD/
Twitter: @buckalewbears
From Mrs. Price
Happy Monday Buckalew Family!
I want to first start off by thanking everyone who came out and supported our annual Buckalew Bash that took place March 26th. The gross total the Bash brought in was a record-breaking $48,000!!! This included all of the silent auction items and our record attendance crowd of over 1700 people! A few special shout outs go to: Carnival Co-Chairs Shelly Alexander and Catherine Boeger, Indoor and Outdoor Entertainment and Concessions Jill Gordley and Lesley Molbert, and Silent Auction Chair Alison Barger. The entire event consisted of over 200 volunteers which included our amazing PTO, TWHS student volunteers, and Buckalew staff and parents. I want to thank everyone who not only came out, but who was able to volunteer to make this such an incredible annual event.
We have an upcoming 2nd grade program and have brought back a free event, BIKE Rodeo, which promotes bike safety on Saturday April 23. See below for details. If you are interested in being involved in our PTO for next year, please reach out to anyone on PTO, as they are currently recruiting membership and leadership positions for next year.
Have a great week,
Jill Price
Upcoming Events (dates may alter or change due to the pandemic)
April
15-Holiday
18- Holiday
23 - Bike Rodeo
28-2nd Grade Program
29 - Summer GT Nominations due
May
6- PTO Meeting
9-13- Campus Closed to Visitors due to testing
10-3rd and 4th Grade STAAR Math
11- 3rd and 4th Grade STAAR Reading
26- Student Last day/ KG Program and 4th Grade Graduation
26- Early Release Day 12:10
August
10 - School resumes
New Student Registration for the 2022-2023 School Year
Begins March 30, 2022
To start the registration process, log on to the CISD District Website: http://www.conroeisd.net
Under the Parents/Students tab select Enrollment & Transfers, then select the
Family Portal 2022-2023 option
Once you create your account you can begin the enrollment process. Please upload as many of the required documents (see below) as you possibly can. After your application is complete and submitted, Mrs. Bull will contact you. Please feel free to email Mrs. Bull (jbull@conroeisd.net) if you have any questions.
The following documents are required to complete your child’s enrollment.
-Your child’s birth certificate
-Your child’s social security card (upload as ‘other document’)
-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 (upload as ‘other document’)
-For grades 1st – 4th: If Possible, please submit withdrawal papers and/or last report card from your previous school.
For more information visit the Buckalew Elementary Website: www.buckalew.conroeisd.net
Spring Cleaning? Buckalew Needs Donated Clothing
Sometimes our students require a clothing change at school due to bathroom accidents, lunch spills or other incidences where their clothes become soiled. The Buckalew Clinic needs clothing donations for this purpose. If you have any gently used clothes, especially shorts and pants, or NEW boys/girls underwear you can donate to the clinic we would greatly appreciate it! A drop box has been set-up in the front foyer for donations.
Also, now is a good time to make sure your student has a change of clothing in their backpack.
Thank you!
Alison Whiddon RN
Parents of students who have received COVID-19 positive results are asked to complete the self-report in the SSO portal:
GT NOMINATIONS FOR SUMMER TESTING – Nominations are Due Friday, April 29, 2022
Second grade students who did not participate in the October 2021 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 May 31 – June 2 from 8:00-11:00. Nomination forms may be returned to your student’s 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade teacher OR to Nicola in the front office. You may also email completed nomination forms to Mrs. Smith tonsmith@conroeisd.net. ALL NOMINATION forms are due NO LATER THAN April 29!
- From Specials -
Bike Rodeo, April 23 2022
We are bringing back a fun and important event for our Buckelew families. This will be a culminating event for our bike safety lessons in Physical Education. The CISD police, TWTS, and other entities will be here to fit bicycle helmets, practice bike safety riding simulations, safety talks, and other fun activities. More information will be sent home via email soon.
2nd Grade Music Program Keepsake T-Shirts
To order a t-shirt, please order online through School Cash by April 13th. You can log in to your School Cash account and find the order page there. If you do not have a School Cash account, please use the link below to set one up. In order to receive a shirt by the evening of the program, this deadline is firm! Thanks for understanding!
https://www.conroeisd.net/department/guidance-counseling/testprepwebstore/
Mrs. Ramirez
Library News
We had a successful Spring book fair! Thanks to all who purchased books. the monies we earn for having a Scholastic book fair went directly to purchasing new books for our library - dozens and dozens of new books have been added these past 2 weeks and more are on the way.
We have a few weeks left before all library books are due. Students must be current on all their library books, no overdue books, in order to check out books these last few weeks. If they have a book that is past due they can not check out a book.
The week of April 18th will be the last week for kinder, 1st and 2nd grade to check out library books. All books for these 3 grades will be due April 29.
May 11th is the last day 3rd and 4th grade students will be able to check out books. Their library books will be due Monday, May 16.
We will be doing an inventory of the library this year and will double check the shelves for lost or overdue books BEFORE we ask you to pay for the book.
Any library books not turned in will be added to School Cash Online so you may easily pay to have the library book replaced.The 99% of the books we purchase for our library are specially bound to withstand multiple checkouts and guaranteed to last over 300 checkouts or they are replaced at no cost. (they are NOT guaranteed if water damage has occurred or pets chewing on the covers). These library books are completely different than the hardcover books you buy on Amazon or at a local bookstore.
The other 1%? These are usually extra copies of Dog Man, Diary of a Wimpy Kid (very popular titles) or extra copies of Texas bluebonnet books we pick up at book fair. We read these till the book falls apart, literally (usually takes about a year) then we make origami bookmarks from the book pages!! I don't ask the kids to pay for these books if they fall apart - sometimes we just need extra copies of "the current hot title" 🙂
- Counselor's Corner -
2022 Sibling Request Placement Considerations
Each year our placement committee tries its best to honor sibling requests. Sibling requests are when a parent asks that his or her younger child have the same grade level teacher as his or her older child. Unfortunately, due to the importance of balanced classes, sibling requests are the only placement considerations we can accept.
If you would like to send a sibling placement request to our placement committee, please fill out the following link by April 25th. Unfortunately, the committee cannot accept emailed or handwritten requests.
April's Character Focus I Can Be an Upstander!
What is an upstander? An upstander is the opposite of a bystander. Upstanders speak up for what's right. They have courage and don't follow a crowd that's acting in a hurtful manner. They speak up for others who have been hurt or can't speak up for themselves. They are not afraid to get help from adults who can make a difference. Upstanders step in and make the world a better place!
CISD Summer Camps
- Information For Ongoing Reference -
Buckalew Bistro Reservations
We are so excited to announce that we are no longer asking parents to make a Bistro reservation, due to CISD Safety Level being reduced from 3 to 2. You are welcome to come into our school without a reservation.
However, please be mindful that our Bistro is a classroom dedicated to parent to have lunch with their child so there are limited chairs and tables available.
- Students lunchtime is 25 minutes. Please allow time to complete the required check-in at the front office prior to your child’s lunchtime.
- Please arrive early to allow you to sign in the front office. Please bring with you, your driver’s license. Without identification, we cannot allow you into the building to have lunch with your child. You will then be given a visitors name badge. This will notify our staff that you have permission to enter the building.
- If anyone other than the parent or legal guardian is coming to have lunch with a student, we will require permission from the parent or legal guardian. Please either send a note with your child in the morning OR email contactbuckalew@conroeisd.net
GRADE ARRIVE AT BISTRO EXIT
KG 11:20 11:50
1st 11:50 12:20
2nd 12:20 12:50
3rd 12:10 12:40
4th 11:40 12:10
Please exit the Bistro promptly when your lunchtime has ended as the next grade level reservations begin immediately. Returning your child to the cafeteria by the above listed time will ensure they have a smooth transition to their next activity, and then visitors will head back to the front office to exit the building.
As we have learned throughout this year, things may change so we appreciate your understanding if we need to return to reservations via Signup Genius.
YMCA
Drop Table
We offer parents the courtesy of a drop table to deliver forgotten items, which is located just inside the entrance foyer. There are pens, paper and tape available for you to use to clearly identify items for your child to collect. We will call the classrooms at 10am to inform all students of items on the drop table. After 10am, kindly email your child's teacher as we are unable to leave the Front Office to deliver items or interrupt the Teacher's instruction.
We will do our very best to make sure your child receives their forgotten item.
Thank you for understanding.
Transportation Change / Early Dismisal
You will be asked to provide photographic identification when collecting your child.
To make transportation changes, please send a note in your child's backpack to the teacher OR email: buckalewtransportation@conroeisd.net prior to 2pm. Any changes submitted after 2pm will not be seen until the following day.
Absences
When your child is absent, please call the school attendance line (281-465-3410) or email Jayne Bull (jbull@conroeisd.net) to explain the reason for their absence. To ensure the accuracy of your child's attendance records, please call, or email each day your child is absent.
Please remember that attendance is recorded 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 doctor's statement that verifies the appointment.
If your child will be out for an extended period, please let us know.
School hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 3:10 p.m. The tardy bell rings at 8:00 a.m. and students will be counted tardy if they are not in their classroom at that time.
Moving House?
In the event you are moving house, please email your new proof of residency document (i.e. a recent gas, water or electric bill/ or your signed and dated Lease or Sales Agreement) to jbull@conroeisd.net. Please also include your chil(ren)s full name and home room(s) teacher(s).
Need A New Car Rider Sign?
Severe Weather Dismissal
No students will be biker/walkers on a Severe Weather Day. Bus and Car riders will remain the same. Administration will use the call our Messenger System to notify parents of a Severe Weather Day. The system does not guarantee immediate contact. If the area is under a severe thunderstorm or tornado warning (not watch) as determined by the weather service, severe weather will be called. Severe thunderstorm or tornado warnings can be located on the local news stations and their websites.
Please ensure that you have your child’s car rider sign visible in the windshield of your car. If someone is collecting your child on your behalf, please email written consent to buckalewtransportation@conroeisd.net. They will need to provide identification when asked.
There is no “Rainy Day Dismissal”.
- PTO Information -
Kroger - Give Back Rewards
Mitchell Intermediate School - PTO Information
Hello Incoming Mitchell Intermediate 5th and 6th Grade Families,
It is that time of year when we are actively recruiting incoming 5th and 6th grade parents who are interested in learning more about PTO at Mitchell. Your talents, skills, and interests are so appreciated! If you are interested or have any questions, please let me know!
Thanks so much for your time and consideration.
Joanna Altimas
Mitchell PTO Parliamentarian jaltimas@gmail.com
Please sign up as a CISD VOLUNTEER
Click the button below to complete the form. You will need your drivers license number;
Library Volunteers
If you would like to volunteer in the library, please contact our library volunteer coordinator, Rhonda Villasenor at libraryvolunteer.buckalew@gmail.com
If you would like to help with our Scholastic book fair, please contact Kerri McWilliams at: kerrimcwilliams@hotmail.com.
CISD Is Hiring!
School Cash Online
We are very excited to announce that Buckalew Elementary will join in with other CISD schools and will be offering School Cash Online, which provides you with the convenience of paying online for school items such as trips, Scholastic Magazine subscriptions, and various activities. We really want to save you time when paying for school expenses, so we can’t wait for you to take advantage of this opportunity. School Cash Online is a great way to pay without the need for cash or checks!
Please follow the link below to register online (it takes less than 5 minutes!) Once you have registered your child, you will be able to see when they have a new item posted online for purchase. You also have the option to be notified whenever your child has a new school expense due, so you don’t have to worry about missing the deadline.
To set up an account and explore the system, please follow the instructions below. We look forward to hearing your feedback!
Register Online:
Step 1: Please click on this link: https://conroeisd.schoolcashonline.com/
Step 2: Register by selecting the “Get Started Now” and following the steps.
Step 3: After you receive the confirmation email, select the “click here” option, log in and add each of your children to your household account.
If you have any questions during the registration process or while shopping online, please select the SUPPORT option in the top right-hand area of the screen or you may contact the parent help desk at 1-866-961-1803 or at http://schoolcashonline.co./Home/Support or see the handout below.
CISD-Foldable-Brochure-English.pdf
Currently, in grades 1st-4th, the classes are utilizing Scholastic News and Storyworks Jr magazine subscriptions to read high interest non-fiction texts and to learn about text features and engaging stories and different genres. We thank you in advance for purchasing this wonderful subscription for your child.
For the first time, Buckalew will be collecting money through School Cash Online vs requesting parents send in a check or cash.
Thank you again for your support in our students.
Active Start and Breakfast
Breakfast is served in our cafeteria from 7:30-7:55 daily. See below for menu.
Water Bottles
Children are encouraged to bring water bottles each day. Please clearly write your child's name on the bottle with permanent marker.
Lost and Found
A friendly reminder to please label all of your child's belongings with first name and last initial or last name. **Water bottles, lunch boxes, hats, and especially outerwear such as hoodies/jackets/sweaters are all great things to label as these items tend to pile up quickly in the Lost and Found, which is located right outside of the gym. We really hope to reunite these lost items with their owners before the break!
If you have any additional questions, please contact Jo Whitten at jojowhitten@me.com or Val Eissler veissler@gmail.com
Lunch Information
We are working with our students on understanding the lunch-buying process. It can be quite confusing for our elementary students. We are currently speaking with our students and explaining to them, if they bring a lunch, they should eat their lunch before going through the line and purchasing the "free" lunch. For some students, they are eating the "free" lunch and then getting a second lunch, which costs $3.85. As we try and navigate each student through the lunch line, every child has a different need, and we never want to deny students from going through the lunch line. We encourage you to communicate with your child your expectations in either: eating the lunch you are providing/packing; buying the "free" lunch only and going through the line one time; or explaining that if they go through the line a second time, their account is charged $3.85. If you are providing a lunch/snack and want your child to take advantage of the "free" lunch, a note would help the staff on duty make sure your child is eating what you expect, as there are different staff on duty each day. We also encourage you to check your child's account, by going to the link below and you can check and monitor your child's purchase history, including the "free" breakfast or lunch, and if necessary put a limit on the account by contacting our cafeteria directly. It is a blessing that all students are provided a "free" breakfast and/lunch again this year, however it does become confusing for our elementary students.
Breakfast
Meal Includes Entree, Fruit, and 1% or Skim Milk Daily
There is no charge for student breakfast meals during the 21-22 school year
Non-Student Meal/2nd Meal $2.60
Lunch
Meal Includes Entree, Vegetable, Fruit and 1% or Skim Milk Daily
There is no charge for student lunch meals during the 21-22 school year
Non-Student Meal/2nd Meal $3.85
Entree A la Carte $2.25
Fruit/ Vegetable/ Juice/ Bread A la Carte $1.10
Milk A la Carte $.90
If your child will be purchasing a second meal or extra items, you may prepay by using My School Bucks. You will find a link to this service, lunch menus, and other helpful information by clicking on the child nutrition resource button below. If you would like to put a cap on your child's spending on your lunch account, then please notify our cafeteria manager by calling 281-465-3467.
If your Child is Absent
Dreambox for Math can be found on your child's "SSO" and is online and can be done at home, without parent support. We recommend no more than 7 lessons a week at home, independently. Parents assisting their child with Dreambox will alter their path and not provide independent pathways for your child.
Reading either with your child, or your child independently reading is one of the best things you can do with your child in their absence from school. Ask comprehension questions: who, what, where, when, why?
The content on the Roadmap to Remaining Open webpages is designed to provide information relevant for the 2021-2022 school year. The details on this page are subject to change as we receive guidance from the Texas Education Agency, Governor’s Office, and State and local officials. Please check back often for the most up-to-date information.
Join our Incredible PTO!
As part of the Buckalew community, all families are invited to join the PTO which meets monthly. We so appreciate our active and generous volunteers who continue to shape the success of Buckalew and strengthen our students’ foundation for learning. We have many volunteer opportunities and need you to continue making Buckalew an outstanding school. Please consider joining the PTO fun. Please follow the Buckalew PTO's social media as they update it regularly!
Transportation
1. Bus rider (eligible if home is 1 mile or further from school) Bus routes are posted online on and you can check the link below in "what bus do I ride". You can also register your child for the bus by clicking the link below.
2. Car Rider Signs. The car rider line will be at the rear of the school and the bus line will be at the front of the school. ALL Parents will receive TWO car rider signs (orange) at Meet the Teacher night. If you have multiple children, you family car rider signs will be found in your youngest child's homeroom. Please display the car rider sign in your front passenger window so our staff can read your card. See below to help you navigate our car rider line if you are new.
3. Day Care. Day care vehicles drop off and pick up students in the front of the school with the buses. If your child will not be riding the day care bus due to an early pick-up or transportation change, please notify the day care so they know your child will not be riding that day.
4. Biker/Walker. Kindergarten students must have a parent/guardian/designated adult present at the Biker Walker doors (under the patio) at dismissal in order to walk or bike home. Our Biker Walkers will exit the school near the bike racks. All other biker/walkers are released at dismissal to ride or walk home independently.
On severe weather dismissal days, students will not walk or bike ride home. If your child is a biker/walker as your primary mode, then you will be a car rider on severe weather days.