Eagle Updates
March 1, 2020
Go Texan Day activities have been rescheduled for Friday, March 6th!
From Mrs. Barry:
Can you believe it's already March? Even with our crazy Texas weather, we are starting to see everything blossom - trees, flowers, and our students!
Every morning, and usually several times throughout the day, Ms. Vendetti and I walk the building, stopping to take a look in every classroom. The learning and engagement we see is amazing! This past week, a Pre-K student came to my office to read me a book he had mastered, a third grade student bent my ear talking about Yohaku math puzzles, and I had the opportunity to view 5th grade research projects for Black History Month. I received a shout out from a teacher about a student who bought her a cookie from the cafeteria, our Board Members and Congresswoman Fletcher sent kudos regarding the behavior and attentiveness of our first and second graders, and incoming Kinder parents gave rave reviews about Kinder Roundup.
Though we have quite a few things to continue to work on here at Meadow Wood, I am so encouraged by all of the incredible things that are happening. I often find myself jumping to "fix" the next problem or "check off" the next item on my list. The coming of spring reminds me to take time to savor the blossoms!! I hope you will join me in doing the same!
Welcome home to MWE!
Go Texan Day!
YEEHAW!!
We are so excited for our rescheduled Go Texan Day! Please have your buckaroos wear their Cowboy Get-ups to celebrate this Houston tradition.
Parents are welcome to attend the grade level events - see schedule below.
Saddle up for a great day of fun!
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
9-9:30
2nd grade Performance for parents
9:35-10:05
2nd Grade Activities in Specials
10:10-11:00
Pre-K/Kinder Activities in Specials
11:05-11:55
1st Grade Activities in Specials
12:25-1:15
3rd Grade Activities in Specials
1:15-2:05
4th Grade Activities in Specials
1:15-2:45
Pre-K/Kinder Rodeo on Playground
2:05-2:55
5th Grade Activities in Specials
Survey Says...
Spring Branch ISD has Grading Expectations for both Elementary and Secondary Schools. The complete Grading Expectations guide and exhibits can be found at the link at the end of this article. This guide outlines all grading processes and procedures as approved by the school board, and it gives information on assessments, reporting, promotion and retention, and more.
One specific area of question on the parent survey involved the number and weighting of grades. This differs by grade level and content area. Here is a brief summary of the weighting, number, and type of grades in each content area:
Language Arts
1st Grade:
- Reading - 40% (minimum of 4 grades - oral reading assessment, comprehension assessment, observation of comprehension in group discussion, reading response)
- Writing - 40% (minimum of 3 grades - 1 unprompted composition, 2 on writer's craft)
- Spelling - 10% (1 cumulative grade - combined average of spelling assessments and transfer of spelling knowledge to written work)
- Oral Language - 10% (1 cumulative grade - speaking clearly using conventions of language)
Grades 2 - 5:
- Reading - 40% (minimum of 5 grades - oral reading assessment, 2 comprehension assessments, observation of comprehension in group discussion, reading response)
- Writing - 40% (minimum of 4 grades - on-demand composition, writing focused on craft, observation to assess understanding of writing process, collection of student responses)
- Spelling - 10% (1 cumulative grade - combined average of spelling assessments and transfer of spelling knowledge to written work)
- Oral Language - 10% (1 cumulative grade - ability to communicate effectively after reading or writing)
Math
Grades 1 - 5:
- Concept Development - 30% (minimum of 3 grades - observations, in class independent work, checkpoints, station products, other evidence of learning)
- Concept Literacy - 20% (minimum of 3 grades - fluency, journal reflections, written responses to concepts)
- Concept Mastery - 50% (minimum of 3 grades - unit progress checks, in-class projects)
Science
Grades 1 - 5:
- Concept Development - 30% (minimum of 3 grades - observations, in class independent work, checkpoints, station products, labs, other evidence of learning)
- Concept Literacy - 20% (minimum of 3 grades - fluency, journal reflections, written responses to concepts)
- Concept Mastery - 50% (minimum of 3 grades - unit progress checks, in-class projects)
Social Studies
Grades 1 - 5:
- Concept Development - 50% (minimum of 3 grades - in class independent work, checkpoints, station products, collaborative skills, other evidence of learning)
- Concept Literacy - 20% (minimum of 2 grades - journal reflections)
- Concept Mastery - 30% (minimum of 2 grades - formal assessments, in-class projects)
In addition to the core content areas, Art, Music, and Health Fitness also have guidelines and requirements for grading. Specials uses E, S, N, and U to indicate achievement. Explanations for each of these can be found in the full grading expectations. For Pre-K and Kinder, a checklist of skills is used.
When looking at your children's grades in Skyward Family Access, you should see the "category" for each assignment. The above percentages are automatically calculated to produce the final progress report or report card grade.
This is just a very brief overview of the elementary grading expectations. For more information, please check out the link below or contact Mrs. Barry or your child's teacher.
https://www.springbranchisd.com/studentsfamilies/course-catalog/grading-expectations
Information Needed!
Last Friday, these forms were sent home with your child. PLEASE help us plan for next year by filling these out and returning them. Also, PLEASE share the New Eagle Form (yellow 1/2 sheet) with your neighbors - this helps us getting a more accurate count before the school year begins!
- Staying/Moving Form - this will ask about your CURRENT student's plans for next year (i.e., will you be returning to MWE or will you be moving to a different school).
- New Eagle Form - this will ask for information regarding NEW students who will be enrolling at MWE next year. Though this generally targets Kinder students, we would love for you to also share this with your neighbors who may be joining us next year.
- Parent Input Form - this is to help us make decisions on class placement. We want to hear about the characteristics that best describe your child. However, we ask that you do not request a specific teacher.
In addition to these forms, we ask that you PLEASE take the time to take a quick parent survey using the link below, if you have not already done so. It should take less than 10 minutes to complete, but provides us with invaluable information as we continue through this school year and on to the next.
An Invitation for Third Grade Parents
This school year is flying by. Your child will be in 4th grade before you know it. The fourth grade teachers invite you to come see what 4th grade is like -- live and in action!
4th grade will host self-guided tours of the classrooms during the school day on March 3rd and March 4th. You are welcome to come see how the students transition between classes and preview how each class is organized.
We want this to be a positive experience for parents and current 4th grade students so we have a limited number of spots for each time slot. Please create a separate sign up for each adult that is coming. Teachers will be teaching and students will be working. This will not be a time for lots of questions (but write them down because we want to answer them). It is designed as a tour. We will have handouts of things to look for. You may not see perfection that day. Please remember that this is real life in action.
We will also hold a Q&A session on March 5th, at 5:30 p.m., after you've had a chance to tour the classrooms. You are welcome to attend tours, the question/answer session, or both. Please pick the components that best fit your needs.
Please check Remind for a link to the sign up or use the link below.
NO VISITOR DATES!
PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS!!
Due to campus testing, there will be several dates when visitors (i.e., mentors, volunteers, Watch D.O.G.S., lunch guests, etc.) will NOT be able to visit MWE. Thank you for your understanding as we create the most secure testing environment for our students.
STAAR RELEASE:
Tuesday, March 10th: STAAR Release 3rd and 4th grade Math.
Wednesday, March 11th: STAAR Release 3rd and 4th grade Reading.
Tuesday, March 24th: STAAR Release 5th grade Science.
STAAR:
Tuesday, April 7th: STAAR 4th grade Writing and 5th grade Math.
Wednesday, April 8th: STAAR 5th grade Reading.
Tuesday, May 12th: STAAR 3rd/4th grade Math and 5th Retake Math.
Wednesday, May 13th: STAAR 3rd/4th grade Reading and 5th Retake Reading.
Thursday, May 14th: STAAR 5th grade Science.
Parent U focusing on Special Education and Learning Differences
Don’t miss the first-ever, conference style Parent U event focused on special education and learning differences! Select from over 15 presentations provided by experts from SBISD and the Houston area. Presentations available in English and Spanish.
SBISD Parent U: Special Education and Learning Differences
(Targeting PreK-12 grade parents)
Saturday, March 28, 2020
Academy of Choice - 9016-A Westview Dr, 77055
8:15 – 8:50 am – Registration
9:00 am – 12:00 pm – Learning Sessions
Topics include:
Child behavior, speech and language development, academic achievement, supporting children at home, knowing your rights, anxiety, dyslexia, financial planning, transitioning outside of school, community resources, and many more!
Register Here - https://conta.cc/39xFWxh
Questions? FamilyE3@springbranchisd.com or 713-251-2286.
Credit By Exam
Questions? Contact Mrs. Luberger or Ms. Waldrop!
Please mark your calendar for these important events!
March 3
Field Trip - 1st grade (Main Street Theatre)
3rd grade parents "tour" 4th grade
March 4
School Store
Field Trip - 2nd grade (Rodeo)
Field Trip - 5th grade (Symphony)
3rd grade parents "tour" 4th grade
March 5
Third Grade Parent Night: 4th transition (5:30 p.m. - Library)
March 6
Rescheduled Go Texan Day (see above for schedule)
March 10
STAAR Release - 3rd & 4th math
Please, no visitors today!
March 11
STAAR Release - 3rd & 4th reading
Please, no visitors today!
CIT Meeting (3:30 - Library)
March 12
5th grade Track Meet
Math/Science Night (5 p.m.)
March 13
Lunch with MWE Leaders (11 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Multipurpose Room)
March 16 - 20
Spring Break
March 24
STAAR Release - 5th Science
Please, no visitors today!
March 25
PTA Meeting (9:00 a.m.)
Garden Weeding
CSHAC Meeting
Parent Night: Middle School 101 (5:30 p.m. - Library)
March 26
Hands on Science - 1st grade
March 27
Career Day
Sponsor Spotlight!
Karen Martin & Patty Jackson are valued supporters of MWE. Please show your love and appreciation by using Karen & Patty with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Gary Greene for your real estate needs. Thank you to Mrs. Martin & Mrs. Jackson, longtime Nottingham Forest residents and Better Homes / Gary Greene realtors.
Earth Day - Wednesday, April 22nd
Repurpose our Recycles
We are repurposing ordinary items into something new. Please have your child(ren) bring the item(s) below to school before Friday April 17th, so I have time to prep them. They should be placed in the Earth Day boxes located by the front office and cafeteria. The activity will take place during your child(ren)’s scheduled recess. Volunteers can sign up to help using the Membership app under Signups, then Earth Day.
Supplies needed:
BOXES:
- Cereal, granola, chip, cracker, girl scout cookies, etc. broken down
- metal (spaghetti jars, baby food, pickle jars, topo chico, etc.)
- plastic (marker, tape inside ring, milk, juice, yogurt pouch, smoothies, sauces, coffee tubs, oatmeal tubs, soda bottles, etc.)
Please contact Jamie Kelley jujulyons@yahoo.com with any questions. Thank you for your support.
Math/Science Night
On Thursday, March 12th from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Meadow Wood will host a Math/Science Night.
Our Math/Science Night is designed to give students and families an opportunity to explore and learn in a hands-on environment. There will be games and experiments that cover different aspects of math and science.
To make this evening a success, we need your help. Volunteers are needed to help students with the experiments and games on the night of the event. You do not need to have a math or science background or have a vast knowledge of either subjects. You will know beforehand the experiment or game that you will be supervising. Volunteers are also needed to help prepare the experiments before the night of the event.
If you are able to volunteer, please contact Keisha Barnes at ksbarnes@gmail.com.