Friday Focus
Week of March 27 - March 31
Our Mission is to provide the personalized support needed for every student to grow and reach their personal best, taking into account the unique academic, social and emotional needs of each child.
Yearbook Deadline
Yearbook deadline is fast approaching! The last day to order a yearbook online is April 1st and last day to order a shout out is March 27th.
Visit: http://shop.balfour.com/smi74023/catalog/category/view/s/your-yearbook/id/312793/
If you can't remember if you already ordered contact Dawn Muehr at dawn.muehr@gardline.com
Lost and Found
We have quite a large collection of items in our lost and found. Please check the lost and found when you come to school to visit.
We will also have our collection of lost and found items on tables across from the cafeteria when you come to school for parent conferences on April 6th and 7th. Please come by and check to see if your child has any items in our lost and found.
We will donate the items at the end of May, if they are not claimed by anyone.
March 28th and 29th
Thank you for your cooperation.
STAAR F.A.Q.
Q: What does STAAR stand for?
A: STAAR stands for State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness.
Q: What grades take the STAAR test?
A: 3rd-5th graders take this assessment. Students in middle school also take these tests. In high school, students take state end-of-course tests in some subjects (English I and II, algebra I, biology, and US History), but they do not take STAAR tests.
Q: What subjects are actually tested and what do the tests look like?
A: Grades 3-5 all take STAAR reading and math tests. The reading test involves students reading passages and answering questions. The math test requires students to read problems (mostly story problems) and solve them. There are few, if any, questions that are just straight math problems that do not require reading and thinking. 4th grade takes the STAAR writing test, which involves writing an essay as well as testing correct grammar through multiple choice questions. 5th graders take a science test that is designed to test the science knowledge they have accumulated throughout elementary school.
Q: When are the tests?
March 28--4th grade writing, 5th grade math
March 29--5th grade reading
May 8--3rd and 4th grade math
May 9--3rd and 4th grade reading
May 10--5th grade science
Q: What if my child doesn't pass the STAAR test?
A: If a 3rd or 4th grader does not meet the satisfactory standard, we will take this information into account as we continue to work with him or her. It is not required for a 3rd or 4th grader to meet the standard on the STAAR to be promoted to the next grade level. If a 5th grader does not meet the satisfactory standard on the reading or math test, he or she will receive intensive instruction and will have 2 more opportunities to take the test. If any of our students fall into this category, we communicate with parents so that everyone is clear on the course of action.
Q: Is the school's rating determined by the STAAR test results?
A: The performance of students on the STAAR test is one of the factors that combine to be a part of our school report card grade, and our rating from the State of Texas.
Q: How long does the STAAR take?
A: The tests are designed to be completed in two hours, but students have a maximum of four hours. For special situations, students can have extended time beyond the four hours.
Q: What if my child is absent on the day he is supposed to take the STAAR?
A: If a student is absent on a day scheduled for a STAAR exam, and returns during the STAAR testing week, the test must be taken when the student returns. If the student does not return during the STAAR testing week, the student will not make up the test. If a 5th grader misses the STAAR reading or math test and doesn't make it up during the testing week, the test(s) must be taken during the second and/or third administration of the test later in the year. This does not apply to the science test.
Q: What if my child has a question while taking the STAAR test?
A: Teachers are only able to answer questions about directions. They cannot assist with the questions. Third grade students are allowed to ask to have words or phrases read to them on the math test.
Q: What preparation do we need to do at home for the STAAR test?
A: The best preparation for the STAAR is for students to simply be good, conscientious students all year long. There is no need for outside studying or test prep. Our good, solid instruction prepares our students for success on the STAAR.
Q: How do the teachers prepare the students for the STAAR test?
A: We make sure our students know what to expect on the STAAR, but we try to not raise their level of anxiety. We provide them with opportunities to practice, so they are familiar with test taking strategies and mechanics (such as bubbling in their answers, etc.).
If you have other questions about the STAAR, please do not hesitate to contact me (Ms. Redd) directly. I'm always happy to answer any and all questions.
IMPORTANT DATES
Spiral - Every Friday through May 19th
March 28 and 29th
- STAAR Testing - no visitors, please
April 4
- CSHAC meeting after school (3:00)
- 3rd grade parent meeting (5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
April 6 & 7
- Early dismissal at noon
April 11
- MWE Night at Chick FilA
April 12
- School Store (7:30 a.m.)
- National School Librarian Day
April 14
- School Holiday for Staff and Students
April 17
- NATIONAL SCHOOL VOLUNTEER WEEK
- 4th grade Field Trip
April 17
- Earth Day Celebration during recess
April 26
- National Administrative Professionals Day
April 28
- College Shirts
- Hands on Science, 2nd grade
- Progress Reports go home
May 1
- TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK
May 2
- Student Council Meeting after school
May 3
- School Store (7:30 a.m.)
May 4th
- 5th grade Field Trip
May 5
- National School Hero Day
- Cinco de Mayo
May 6
- Running for the Arts and Artfest
- STAAR Testing (no visitors, please)
May 10
- National School Nurse Day
May 11
- Field Day
May 12
- Hands on Science, 2nd grade
May 15
- BOOK FAIR
May 18
- 5th grade Field Trip
May 23 & 24
- Choir Festival @ Spring Forest
May 25
- 3rd grade Field Trip
- 5th grade Pool Party
May 29
- SCHOOL HOLIDAY FOR STUDENTS AND STAFF
May 31
- 5th grade Graduation @ Spring Forest
June 1
- Early Dismissal @ noon
- Report Cards go home
- Last day of school for students
June 2
- Teacher Workday
June 8
- Principal's Coffee (6:00 p.m.)
June 9
- Principal's Coffee (8:00 a.m.)
June 12, 13, 14, 15
- 5th grade SSI Summer School (Hosting MWE, TWE, NHE 5th graders)
June 20 and 21
- STAAR testing (no visitors, please)
June 30
- School closes for the summer
- School reopens (Principal, Admin and ADA only)
Meadow Wood Elementary
Email: pamela.redd@springbranchisd.com
Website: mwe.springbranchisd.com
Location: 14230 Memorial Drive, Houston, TX, United States
Phone: 713-251-6200
Facebook: facebook.com/meadowwoodelementarysbisd
Twitter: @reddprincipal