As we approach Valentine's Day, I want to show love and appreciation to all of our SSE families. I appreciate the support you give us each and every day as we strive to give all of our SPARKS the school experience that they deserve.

We are a growing campus who is still creating procedures, systems, routines, etc. We fall short at times, yet I appreciate the grace that is shown when we do. This work is extremely hard and we could not do it without each of you.

We are about to celebrate the 100th day of school this week and we are grateful that we've had the past 100 school days to grow our student's brains and to partner with each of you. If you have not yet had a parent-teacher conference with your child's teacher, please be sure to message the teacher on ClassDojo to schedule a time to meet and discuss your child's current performance.

As we enter into a new week, and beyond, it is my hope to see more students present at school every day. We have just a couple of weeks left before we identify students that have had 4 or fewer absences since we returned from Winter Break, in which SPARKS will be attending an exclusive trip to the Houston Rodeo on March 1st!

Influencing Excellence 👑,

Andrea Citchen, Principal

Please check out our calendar below for all our events. If you have any questions reach out to our front office or your student's teacher.

Click on the image above to download the PDF of the calendar in English and Spanish.

• Monday, Feb. 13 - Thursday, Feb 16 - 2nd and 3rd Grade Tutorials (3 - 4:30PM)
• Tuesday, Feb. 6 - Valentine's Day/ 100th Day of School
• Friday, Feb. 17 - Day of Culture (dress in traditional African attire or in a way that represents your culture)
• Monday, Feb. 20 - Presidents' Day: NO SCHOOL

Last week, we met our daily ADA 2 out of 5 days, earning us two more letters to spell out the word 'COMMUNITY'. That means we are two days closer to our school-wide "TEAM TIME"!

We hope to meet our ADA goal at least 4 out of 5 days this upcoming week. 🤞🏽

Attending school daily is very important! When your child is not at school, they are missing key foundational knowledge. However, we do encourage students to see our Legacy clinic if they are feeling ill. We also encourage families to make appointments for after school, or at least during the end of the school day. Students who are in class at 9:30 a.m. are marked present for the day. If you pick up your child prior to 9:30 a.m., they are unfortunately counted absent. Also, when your student consistently arrives late or leaves early, they continue to miss learning.

We have Attendance Incentives through the end of the school year.

Be sure to check out the flyer below to see how your student can earn a prize. 🏆

Families are now able to upload student absences and excuse notes into Skyward for approval. Please review this video that details the process.

YES Prep Public Schools defines excused absences as absences due to one or more of the following:
• Illness
• Medical/dental-related, including appointments
• Bereavement/Funeral for immediate family members
• Absences related to the legal system
• Religious Observances
• Any other absence that is protected under State or Federal law.

You can also email your excuse note to: zully.flores@yesprep.org

SPARKS and their special guest came dressed to impress to the annual Ties and Tiaras Valentine Dance. Everyone enjoyed the latest hits as requested by little and big SPARKS; the special dance moments with each student's special guest were amazing to see, and we even had a surprise performance from the sibling of our very own 3rd grade SPARK, Zoey Brooks-Guinn.

Thank you to our wonderful Family Engagement committee, volunteers, staff and family that made the event a success!

all funds collected during fundraising will be used toward the purchase of incentives/prizes and off-setting the cost of field trips.

Visit or call the first office the Front Office to order your shirt by February 15th - EXTENDED DEADLINE.

All shirts will be worn on the Day of UNITY - Friday, February 24th.

family projects are optional, but designed to increase family engagement and connect school-to-home learning opportunities.

Students that submitted the Black History Month Family Project by Friday, February 10th have/will receive 25 Dojo Points. We have been learning so much about various black actors and entertainers, musicians and composers, athletes and inventors because of all the hard work SPARKS did to create their projects.

An additional family project for February is to help your child create a Valentine's mailbox. This can be any type of box, bag, container, etc. that will hold cards during your child's valentine exchange (please keep in mind that your student's name must be legible on the outside of their mailbox). Be creative, have fun, and use whatever materials you would like. Don't forget to leave a slit for cards and a way for your child to get his/her cards out of the container.

We look forward to seeing how creative and talented students are. Due by Monday, February 13th. Thanks for all that you do.

Every 6 - 8 weeks, we focus on a SPARKS value as a school. Students learn about the value and are encouraged to exhibit the behaviors of the value. Teachers select students weekly to celebrate at grade-level huddles each Thursday. At the conclusion of the 6-8 weeks, all students that earned the value award, from each grade-level, are invited to 'Party with the Principal". This past week, over 80 students were recognized for being RELENTLESS. Check out the Student Support Counselor Corner to read more about our current value - KIND!

The 100th day of school is an exciting milestone for every elementary classroom. It signifies both the halfway point of the year and an important time for setting new goals and realigning a fresh outlook. We like to say, students are 100 days SMARTER, so we celebrate in a fun way!

• Students may exchange Valentine’s cards during the last part of the school day during class.
• Valentine’s cards that contain a trinket, candy, tattoo, etc… can be passed out; however, please do not send goodie bags for the class. We do not count this day as an official party day.
• No peanut products will be allowed.
• We ask that our students address the “To” recipient part of the card to “my friend,” “my classmate,” or leave it blank to allow quick distribution. They may fill in the “From” portion.
• It is also the 100th day of school. Students may dress as if they are a 100-year-old, wear a 100th day of school shirt, and/or or wear red, pink, or Valentine holiday attire with school-appropriate shoes.

As we kicked off Black History Month, every day during Classroom Connections, SPARKS will learn about Influential Black Leaders. We invite you to have conversations with your SPARK about the leaders they learn about each day. We have linked the PowerPoint for your at-home extension. The date is listed at the bottom right-hand corner of each page.

ClassDojo is the point reward system that we utilize school-wide to track and reward positive behaviors. Students earn points by demonstrating behaviors aligned to the core values. To encourage positive behaviors, students are being challenged to consider their choices by being reflective, engaging in restorative practices and working toward earning the end-of-month incentive. On February 3rd, students that earned at least 12 smiles on their behavior tracker (PK - 2nd) and/or 120 dojo points (3rd) from January 4th - February 3rd, were able to attend the school-wide GLOW party for glowing behavior. Check out how excited SPARKS were to celebrate and even see their siblings in a fun space.

The next school-wide incentive will be a Bubble Party on Thursday, March 9th. Students who earn at least 15 smiles on their behavior tracker (PK - 2nd) and/or 150 dojo points (3rd) from February 6th - March 9th will be invited to participate. Please talk with your SPARK daily about their behavior and choices.

If there are any questions or concerns about your student's behavior, please partner with your student's teacher.

Other positive points may be assigned per class/grade-level.

Last week was School Counselors' Week. Thank you again Ms. Earthman for all that you do for our SPARKS and their families.

Erin Wallace

Being Aware of What Effects Students’ Behavior and Mental Health

The negative aspects of social media

Multiple studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, self-harm, and even suicidal thoughts.

Social media may promote negative experiences such as:

• Inadequacy about your life or appearance.

• Fear of missing out (FOMO) and social media addiction.

• Isolation.

• Depression and anxiety.

• Cyberbullying.

• Self-absorption.

The negative aspects to exposure to violence in movies/video games

Studies have revealed that violent media exposure causes increased aggressive thoughts, angry feelings, physiologic arousal, hostile appraisals, aggressive behavior, and desensitization to violence and decreases prosocial behavior (eg, helping others) and empathy.

Screen violence can cause children to:

• Become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others.

• Be more fearful of the world around them.

• Be more likely to behave in aggressive or harmful ways toward themselves or others.

Popular movies/shows among elementary students:

• Wednesday

• Squid Game

• Stranger Things

Popular video games among elementary students:

• Call of Duty

• Grand Theft Auto

• Fortnite

• Roblox

Monitoring your child’s exposure and screen time:

You can monitor your child's screen time with third-party apps like Qustodio, Norton Family, or Net Nanny. Another option is to use the built-in parental controls on your devices. iOS has Screen Time, and Android has Family Link.

Sparks seek opportunities to be kind to each other and know that we must work together to create a joyful community.

Being kind is a skill that we also have to practice just like reading, writing, or math. During the week continue to encourage kind behavior with your SPARK. Here are 5 Tips to Help our Kids Be Kind and Compassionate.

We know that you may have some needs that arise as a parent, or guardian. You can receive direct help by submitting a “Student Assistance Form” or, a SAF. To communicate any support needs you may have, please click on the SAF link on the district website or use the QR code below. The campus Student Support Counselor will follow up with you to determine the best way to get your need met. SAFs can be submitted for:

• Urgent family concerns
• Family or student supplies or resources needed for school (i.e., calculator, books, food)
• Student social and emotional concerns
• Student home or family concerns
• Student relationship concerns
• Concerns about harassment, race, or equity.

Dear Parent and/or Guardian,

Screening

Vision, hearing and acanthosis nigricans screenings are still going on. If your child received any of the screenings during one of their doctor’s appointment please provide me with the results so I may update their health record.

Medications

A reminder to ensure the safety of all children, no medications are allowed in school without the authorization for Administration of Medication form completely filled out, signed, and stamped accordingly by physician. This includes and is not limited to daily prescription medications, rescue medications, and all over the counter medications. Students are prohibited from carrying non or prescription medication in school. All medications should be hand-delivered by an adult directly to the clinic/ school nurse with the Physician Order.

Thank you for your cooperation. If you should have any questions regarding your child’s medication or any health concern, please feel free to call the school clinic.

Sincerely,

Beverly Harris, B.S.N., R.N.

(From L to R in photo: Nicole Gonzalez, Medical Assistant, Joanna Thielman, Therapist and Jania Dudley, Physician Assistant.)

Legacy Community Health is here for you and ready to serve the students at Yes Prep Southside Elementary. Our clinic hours are Monday through Thursday 7 AM-415 PM and Friday 7 AM to 3 PM. We are a full-service clinic that can see all students and their siblings under 18 years of age for services ranging from annual check-ups and vaccines to referrals to sick visits. Walk ins and appointments accepted. Please contact our office at 713-814-3337 during regular business hours for more information.

See the flyer(s) below for specific upcoming events. Additional details can often be found on ClassDojo.

YES Prep offers 1:1 technology for all students in grades K – 12. The Technology Use Policy has been developed to guide the appropriate use of technology by students and parents. Use of the technology provided by YES is a privilege in order to maintain the privilege, families must follow this policy.

Students, when using YES Prep Devices, and services provided internally, or services provided by third parties must follow all student codes of conduct as referenced in the student handbook. Students will also be in violation of this policy if the use of technology is not in accordance with state and federal laws.

PRIVACY

Students shall understand that files, services, and devices provided by and managed by the school are not private. There is no expectation of privacy when students use the school district’s network, devices, and services, and anything they do can be viewed by the administration at any time.

Computers are property of the campus and district and are to be used for instructional purposes only. Please check your students' computers for anything that could be in violation of the student handbook.

If you have any questions about this policy, you may reach out to Ms. Hogg, our Director of Campus Operations or Mrs.Citchen.

Following the procedures below will ensure students are dropped off safely, and in a timely manner.

Morning Arrival Drop-Off:
Drop-off is ONLY at the front of the school and designated cones. You MAY NOT go straight down the side of the building once entering the parking lot, and you may not drop off at the side of the building, or the back of the school. There is no adult supervision in any of these areas, and it is very dangerous.

Entering in the side of the school interrupts the flow of the buses and is prohibited. There is a sign that states, DO NOT ENTER.

Once in the front driveway of the school, pull up to the next numbered cone or person located on the sidewalk. Parents should be ready to let children out of the car as soon as you stop. Use of your cell phone is prohibited. Please help keep all students safe and do not use your phone in the drop-off line.

Students should be ready to exit the car. They should have their backpacks, lunches, etc., and exit quickly out of the driver side of the vehicle. Students should not get out of the car on the right side and walk around the car. This is very dangerous.

Assigned staff members direct students walking path and may assist the younger students to the entrance, as needed.

As soon as your child is safely out of the car, pull forward and exit the line to your right.

Follow the traffic flow pattern by keeping straight pass the trash dumpster on your right and through the gates, unless authorized to turn left for a secondary sibling. You will circle the back of the stand-alone building (Home Office) and exit the front gates.

**After 7:25AM all parents must park and walk their student into the building as staff are no longer on arrival duty. **

Early release of students should not be requested after 2:00, unless it is an emergency. This allows our office staff to focus on maintaining a calm and orderly dismissal of our bus riders, car riders, and daycare riders. In the event a student must be checked out early from the school day, parents are asked to come to the main office to sign out the child, who will be called from the classroom. Parents, or previously approved parent designees, are required to present picture identification when picking up children. The front office will not dismiss any students during dismissal for an early release, unless pre-authorized.

Car rider pick-up is only at the front of the school. Parents must stay in their car and in line. Parents may not park in the lot and walk across to get their child unless approved by the administration. This can delay loading and picking up other students and is not safe.

Parents MUST have the designated car tag visible at ALL TIMES. Keep the sign out and visible until you have picked up your child. This helps the adults load the correct child in the car. Cars without the car tag will have to park and go into the front office to be cleared before taking their child. ** Parents must wait until the dismissal process is complete **

We utilize a number system for afternoon pick-up. Your student(s) are assigned a number, which is on your card. Numbers are called/queued based on pick-up line order. Siblings should all have the same number. Please help your child memorize their car rider number. **Skipping the line disrupts the traffic flow and will result in a delay in picking up your student**

Your child will be waiting at/walking to a numbered cone or by a staff member. Make sure you pull up so that your driver car door is next to the cone.

Students should get in quickly and be seated. Please teach your child to quickly secure the seatbelt so you can pull forward/exit right and keep the line moving. If your child needs assistance with their seatbelt, please pull forward past the front of the line, pull over to the side, and buckle them there, so we may continue loading students. Please also refrain from engaging in extended conversations with staff on duty as their priority is student safety.

Students should be able to get in on the side by the sidewalk. We do not allow students to cross over traffic to get in on the opposite side.

Once your child is in the car, you may pull into the right side of the drive and bypass other cars that are still loading, and safely exit the pick-up area. Only authorized vehicles are allowed to turn left for a secondary sibling. All other vehicles must keep straight to circle the stand-alone building (Home Office)

Please see below for the car rider line flow. Cars should enter the first opened gates from S. Loop E., pass the first lane of parked cars on the right and drive down the middle lane only. Cars should not cut into line from S. Loop E. And cars should not drive down the first lane (it is a holding lane for middle and high school families). Once the line extends down the feeder, please do not block traffic by sitting at the driveways of the businesses nearby. Please be patient in the car rider line and follow the correct traffic flow, as we have many SPARKs that need to arrive and dismiss safely.

Transportation changes must be received by 12:00 p.m. We are not able to guarantee changes made after 12:00 p.m. Any change in transportation arrangements for any student requires a phone call to the office. You may also send a ClassDojo message to your child’s teacher, however, it is not effective until the front office receives a call from the parent. We ask that you not email the change since there may be times that a teacher is not in attendance or does not have a chance to read their email during the school day. Transportation changes emailed to the front office clerks are also not allowed.

Click the images below to see the dress code policy.