December Newsletter 2021
Go Bobcats!
SSG Manuel R. Puentes Middle School
Email: mcastr13@sisd.net
Website: www.sisd.net
Phone: (915) 937-9200
Twitter: @Puentes_MS
Bobcat Parents,
It is hard to believe that we are reaching the end of the 1st semester. Scholars, please make sure that you give your 100% effort to your academics. I know this year has not been easy for you. We still do not know the total toll the last two years have taken on you both academically and socially emotionally. Still, I know that you are surrounded by the best educators and staff in the business. They love you like you are their own. Please make no mistake that your educators are working hard to ensure you will achieve success every day. Scholars, please check in with your educators on your progress and be prepared every day to learn with your fully charged laptop.
One more reason to celebrate is that we now have COVID shots available for all school-aged scholars who would like to get vaccinated. This is excellent news, Bobcat community. There is a link below where you can find out about the opportunities SISD has to get vaccinated.
December is a month that brings hope for what the new year will bring, and I am hopeful that we can see the light at the end of the tunnel with this pandemic. I am also extremely grateful to continue to serve as the principal of this outstanding community.
May these holidays bring blessing and hope to you and your family.
Happy Holidays
Mrs. Castro
Vaccine Availability for our Scholars 5-11 years old
Dear Parent/Guardian,
Team SISD and Puentes Middle School are committed to ensuring all students and staff are safe and healthy. We would like to let you know that SISD, in partnership with Immunize El Paso, will be providing COVID-19 vaccinations for 5- to 11-year-olds please click on our link below for more information on COVID-19 opportunities in SISD, please visit www.sisd.net/COVID19vaccine.
Parents must be present for children to receive the vaccine. You may pre-register at https://go.izep.org/kids.
Thank you for your continued trust and support of Puentes Middle School and Team SISD.
Sincerely,
Monica Castro
Principal
Parents Please fill out the Impact Aid Survey on Tyler 360
Parents please go into the Parent Portal on Tyler SIS 360 and complete a ver shout Impact Aid Survey. Due to our high military population, this aid does help bring in funds to use for our scholars. If you have any questions please reach out to Ann Darnell adarne@sisd.net
Thank you for your support.
Community Meeting to Give Input for New Superintendent
Dear Team SISD,
At a Special Board Meeting on Wednesday, September 29, the Socorro ISD Board of Trustees selected JG Consulting to serve as the firm to lead the superintendent search process.
The Socorro ISD Board is committed to a transparent process that encourages feedback from everyone in the community. As part of this process, the Board is seeking input on the qualities the community would like to see in the next superintendent. Parents, staff, students, and community members can share their input through the survey below:
The community also is invited to share its input at three in-person town hall meetings. The meetings will be:
- 6 p.m. Dec. 7 in the cafeteria at Socorro High School, 10150 Alameda Ave.
- 6 p.m. Dec. 8 in the theater at Montwood High School, 12000 Montwood Dr.
- 6 p.m. Dec. 9 in the board room at District Service Center, 12440 Rojas. Dr.
You can learn more about and follow the selection process at www.sisd.net/superintendentsearch.
We look forward to your input and participation in the Socorro ISD superintendent search process. Thank you for your continued trust and support of Team SISD!
Socorro Independent School District
Mandatory HB4545 Hours Needed PLEASE READ
Parents,
I just wanted to update you on the mandatory hours your scholar(s) will need to move to the next grade level. The state of Texas looked at whichever summative test your child took in the 2020-2021 school year or the beginning of the year assessment if they did not take an assessment at the end of last year to determine if they need accelerated instructional hours. The state has said no one can opt-out of these hours but has not given much more guidance beyond that directive. Below is how your scholars' hours are being determined.
6th graders
If they are now in 6th grade and were not successful in math, reading, or science, they will owe 30 hours for each assessment they did not receive a passing score. Therefore a 6th grader could have to attend 90 hours of accelerated tutoring. Their educators and administrators have already reached out to you to explain the process and what must be done. If you could not attend the Accelerated Learning Committee meetings, please call Mrs. Estrada at 937-9203 or email her at vestra10@sisd.net to make an appointment.
7th graders
If they are now in 7th grade and were not successful in math or reading, they will owe 30 hours for each assessment they did not receive a passing score. Therefore a 7th grader could have to attend 60 hours of accelerated tutoring. Their educators and administrator have already reached out to you through a handout and waiver that needs to be signed. These documents will allow educators to be able to tutor them during their class period. If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Duffy at 937-9210 or email her at sduffy@sisd.net.
8th graders
If they are now in 8th grade and were not successful in math, reading, or writing, they will owe 30 hours for math but only owe 30 hours for reading and writing if they were unsuccessful on either of those assessments. Therefore, an 8th grader could have to attend 60 hours of accelerated tutoring. Their educators and administrator have already reached out to you through a handout and waiver that needs to be signed. These documents will allow educators to be able to tutor them during their class period. If you have any questions, please call Mrs. Gardner at 937-9204 or email her at sduffy@sisd.net.
Scholars at the Career Showcase
Celebrate Our Veterans
Ambassadors Welcoming Our New Scholars
2021-2022 A&B Student Calendar
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Socorro ISD has developed a list of questions and answers to openly share information and proactively answer questions regarding students and employees returning to school and work for the 2021-2022 school year. We know our stakeholders have many questions, and we will do our best to answer all in a timely manner, but we ask for your patience as our team continues to work through the many issues that must be addressed. Rest assured that we will update this list and communicate with you often as information becomes available and as we seek additional guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas Education Agency (TEA) and local health and government officials.
https://www.sisd.net/Page/70742
SISD also knows and respects the concerns on mask mandates. Please find FAQs at the link below: