Powell Publisher
August 28, 2020
A Note From Mrs. Mathe
One of my favorite inspirational authors, Jon Gordon, often gives me reminders that we have the power to control our thoughts and how we handle difficult situations. This year at Powell, our staff theme is, "Be the change you want to see in the world". We kicked off this year with the story "The Coffee Bean". Jon Gordon says, "In 2020 it feels like we're living in a pot of boiling water. When placed in the pot an Egg is hardened. A Carrot is weakened. Don't be like either. Instead be like a Coffee Bean. It transforms the water into coffee. You have the power inside you to transform your environment. Be the change."
It is easy to become overwhelmed with all the changes, things that may feel out of control and stressful situations that contribute to our "pot of boiling water". But instead, at Powell, we choose to be like the Coffee Bean. We want to transform our Powell school community by choosing to look for the positive in every situation.
Be the Coffee Bean.
Writing a TAE
- Log in to Parent Access.
- Click on communication.
- Choose Staff/Teacher excellence from the drop down menu.
- Select the employee to receive recognition from the drop down menu.
- Click create TAE.
- Click any of the pre-populated choices that apply.
- Type any additional comments in the Additional Comment box.
- Click the box labeled Create Teachers Achieving Excellence button.
- Done!
Upcoming Dates
Ramp Up to School Plan (for those that have selected In-Person Instruction)
- August 31 (adjusted due to Hurricane Laura) Welcome Kinder and 1st grade students
- August 31- Grades 2-4 last name beginning with A-C (this day ONLY)
- September 1- Grades 2-4 last name beginning with D-J (this day ONLY)
- September 2- Grades 2-4 last name beginning with K-Q (this day ONLY)
- September 3- Grades 2-4 last name beginning with R-Z (this day ONLY)
September 7th: Labor Day- No School
September 8th: In-Person instruction begins
September 16th: Read for a Better Life
Student COVID Screening
Our parents are valued partners in our Roadmap to Reopening Plan. In addition to wearing cloth face coverings, social distancing, washing hands, and regular cleaning and disinfecting of frequently touched surfaces, an essential element in helping slow the spread of COVID-19 at school is each parent’s commitment to screening their child daily for symptoms. Parents are also asked to keep any student exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19 at home and to notify the campus. Below is a copy of the current screening process which outlines the symptoms. Please review the information and be sure to keep your child at home if he/she is exhibiting any of the symptoms described
Please note that all campuses are closed to visitors at this time to help stop the spread of COVID-19. If you must visit a campus, we ask that you screen yourself prior to leaving your home. All visitors that come on a campus/facility will be required to use the Access Intercom system or call the front office from their vehicle. Once the reception area identifies the person and their need to be on campus, they will be allowed in the building. All visitors will be required to sign in using the visitor program. Each visitor will be asked the screening questions. If a “yes” response is given to one of the questions, the visitor will be asked to leave the campus immediately.
Parent/teacher conferences, ARDS, 504 meetings etc. will be held virtually or by telephone when possible.
Thank you for helping to keep our school community safe.
District Chromebooks and iPads
Water Bottles
Please send a water bottle with your child daily. We ask that the bottle has a pop top, spill proof type lid. Only water is permitted in these bottles for use during class time.
Extreme Weather Dismissal
STUDENT BAR CODES ON PARENT ACCESS
Grades 2-4: Transportation for Face to Face Students
2nd, 3rd and 4th grade face to face students will begin reporting to campus next week. In a typical school year, teachers would collect your child's afternoon transportation information at meet the teacher. Since we were unable to host this event in person this year, we are sending out the Google Form below to collect this information. Please complete the Google Form as soon as possible indicating how your child will go home the first day of school next week during the ramp up and then every day after that.
A Note from Nurse Wiles- COVID Notifications
If your child was in close contact with the positive individual, you will be notified by the school administration or nursing staff and further instructions will be given regarding a possible quarantine.
Spirit Wear- TODAY IS THE LAST DAY FOR ORDERING
TWHS Feeder Spirit Wear
https://conroeisd.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/20436/195/False/True
Technology Help
Canvas Technology Tips
Setting Canvas Parent Notifications
Video showing how to update parent Canvas settings
How to look at Canvas as an Observer/Parent
Conroe ISD also has a Technology Help Desk to assist teachers, students, parents, and guardians with Canvas, Seesaw, Parent Access, or Student Access. If you need help with your child's log in information, please contact Powell. The Help Desk is available weekdays beginning Monday, August 10, from 7:30 AM until 9:00 PM. You may reach the Help Desk by emailing help@conroeisd.net or calling 936-709-7658. (email is preferred)
Canvas users can also click the 'Help' button prior to logging in for assistance.
Changes to Instructional Setting
Our plan as of right now is to send out a survey to our families about 2 weeks prior to the end of the first nine weeks. This will be your opportunity to let us know if you plan to start sending your child to school, or if you want to switch them to virtual learning. We will use the survey results to re-evaluate our campus placements and make adjustments to reflect the new numbers of students requesting in-person instruction.
If you have an extenuating circumstance that requires a change in instructional setting before the end of the first nine weeks, please contact the school to discuss your situation.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work through this new way of "doing school". Please know that all decisions made on campus are in the best interest of the students.
PTO News
Powell PTO Membership Drive
Welcome Back Powell Panther Parents! We are excited to have you join us in the PTO this upcoming school year! We have started our Membership Drive this week and are looking forward to all the fun things we plan to do this school year!
Memberships are $25 per family and this year, they come with one school spirit mask! Additional masks can be purchased for $5 - but hurry, there are limited quantities!
PTO Website
Yearbook Pictures
Our Mission
Powell Elementary School is committed to creating an environment that promotes academic excellence, and a love for learning. Our goal is to build relationships that empower students, and develop responsible, patriotic citizens, and confident leaders.
Email: emathe@conroeisd.net
Website: powell.conroeisd.net
Location: 7332 Cochrans Crossing Drive, Spring, TX, USA
Phone: 936-709-1700
Twitter: @PowellCISD
CISD Non-Discrimination statement
The Conroe Independent School District (District) as an equal opportunity educational provider and employer does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, or disability in educational programs or activities that it operates or in employment matters. The District is required by Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act, as well as Board policy not to discriminate in such a manner.
For information about Title IX rights or Section 504/ADA rights, contact the Title IX Coordinator or the Section 504/ADA coordinator at 3205 W. Davis, Conroe, TX 77304; (936) 709-7752.