Cat Tracks
Spring Shadows Elementary Wildcats Staff Newsletter
December 16 - 20, 2019
Focused on Literacy
1st Annual Spring Shadows Spelling Bee!
Our Vision
Our Mission
Core Beliefs
- Each student has unique intellectual, emotional, social, and physical qualities.
- We embrace a child’s individual values, interests, and personalities.
- Parents are confident in their child’s social and intellectual educational growth.
- Educators lead their craft by preparing learners in our fast changing world
Principal's Message
I would like to acknowledge the contribution of staff, parents and students to Spring Shadows Elementary in 2019. Walt Disney once said ‘You can dream, create, design and build the most wonderful ideas in the world, but it requires people to make the dream a reality’. This is certainly the case as a principal. The reality is that the learning experiences and projects that have taken place this year could not have happened without a great deal of commitment and support from the staff, parents and students.
This year, as a school we made some pretty big improvements to our school community. Our K-2nd grade teachers studied and implements Teacher's College Writer's Workshop & Phonics. Third-fifth grade teachers implemented TCRWP for Reading and Writing! They are seeing huge gains in their overall student reading abilities. So far, the staff participating in this new curriculum should be applauded for the way in which they have embraced the rewards and challenges of this curriculum and implemented it with positivity and enthusiasm. In addition, Kinder, 2nd, 5th, & SPED have worked positively due to large enrollment in either grade levels or programming. The Specials team has worked flexibly with all changes. We have seen a major decline in student referrals and student misbehaviors. Our instructional framework including good first instruction has been seen over and over again through increased instructional rounds to provide feedback for increased student achievement. Our common assessments continue to see growth across different contents and we are taking our running records to see how much improvement our children continue to make. We even continue providing opportunities to our children by ensuring our children are involved in great programs such as the Spelling Bee and Cycle Houston that rewards children for their academic advancements.
I am privileged to be a part of a school with highly capable and committed teachers and support staff. One of the critical factors of any successful school is the staff. There has never been a time when being a teacher has been more demanding or challenging. To our teachers and support staff, thank-you for your energy, passion and enthusiasm. What a privilege to be able to witness the joy that comes with the understanding or satisfaction of a problem solved, or the wonder of living new adventures through the world of literacy. Our teachers are privileged each day to participate in their student’s academic journey. They recognize and applaud just how hard their students try. They celebrate their students’ achievements whether they be great or small and they share with pride the progress their students make with their learning. Not a week goes by that we are not as a school celebrating the successes of our students, whether these successes be in the classroom, in the library, or in specials.
I look forward to strengthening our relationship and embarking on the journey of the 2020 spring semester together. There are many exciting things set to take place for 2020 such as harvesting the good work we have imparted on our scholars!
When I reflect on my continued time as principal at SSE, of what I consider to be an awesome school, I have many fond memories. The road has had bumps and many challenges along the way. The rewards have far outweighed the challenges. All of the experiences of this year have contributed is some way to ensuring we offer our students the best education. I believe we have a unique place for students to learn through loving and living. Thank-you to all of you that continue to promote SSE in a positive manner.
May you enjoy this beautiful week with love, learning, and joy for sharing the light you were gifted.
Wildcat Love and respect,
Rachel Martinez
Calendar
Monday, December 16
4th Grade Extended Planning
Announcements: Parada
12 Days of Winter: Make up a Christmas Math Problem and Challenge a Friend! (Wear Green or Red!)
- 8:30-9:30 ILT Room 202
- 2:45-4:00 Team Leader Huddle- Virtual
Tuesday, December 17
5th Grade Extended Planning
Announcements: Parada
12 Days of Winter: Connect with a primary or intermediate class and share a Holiday Book together! (Wear Green or Red!)
- No SPIRAL
- Running Records entered into spreadsheet
- 1:00 - 2:00 Choir to Brookdale for Caroling
Wednesday, December 18
PLC Day
Announcements: Parada
12 Days of Winter: Winter Wonderland- Hoping for Snow! Wear White!
- 6:00 am First Run RC2
- Holidays Around the World 3rd-5th Present
- Faculty PLC 2:45-4:00- (Meet in Library for 15 min- Admin Updates; then gift of time for finishing report cards).
Thursday, December 19
PLC Day
Announcements: Klauer
12 Days of Winter: Dress as your favorite Holiday Character!
- Holidays Around the World-K-2nd Present
- 12:00 RC 2 Printed
- 1:00-2:00 Holiday Parties
- 4-6 p.m. Winter Family Fun Night
Friday, December 20
1st Grade Grade Extended Planning
Announcements: Parada
12 Days of Winter: Wear your best holiday Pajamas to School!
- 8:00-9:00 Holiday Sing Along K-2
- 9:00-10:00 Holiday Sing Along 3-5
- 11:30 Early Dismissal
- 1:00-3:00 Staff Lunch Pappasito's
Shout Outs
Cycle Houston
Cycle Houston
Jingle Bell Jog
Donation from Chevron Geophysics Dept.
Blessings!
Perfect Attendance
Spring Shadows Elementary
Email: rachel.martinez@springbranchisd.com
Website: https://cms.springbranchisd.com/sse2/
Location: 9725 Kempwood Drive, Houston, TX, United States
Phone: (713) 251-7100
Twitter: @twitter_rachelmartinez4