The Weekly Update #4
July 17th, 2023
Mahanay Stars!
It is an honor to introduce myself as the new principal of Mahanay Elementary and to join this extraordinary school community. I hope this letter finds you enjoying the rejuvenating days of summer and that you and your children are looking forward to beginning a wonderful school year together in August. I can assure you that I share in this school community’s commitment to caring for your children each and every day while providing them with a world-class learning environment.
Over the past 19 years in education, I’ve served in various capacities such as a teacher, interventionist, specialist, and assistant principal. The 2023-24 school year starts my 16th as an educator in Alief. In addition to being a dedicated educator, I've been married to my husband, Jessie, for ten wonderful years. I also have an inquisitive son, Jessie II, that is seven years old and an outgoing daughter, Cadence, that is four.
I believe one of the most important roles in leadership is to serve others. I look forward to using my years of experience to serve the students, staff and community of Mahanay Elementary. There’s an African Proverb that states, “It takes a village to raise a child.” Collectively, we have a responsibility to ensure that every child has a successful and fulfilling experience while attending Mahanay Elementary. Through close partnerships and teamwork with all stakeholders, I am confident that we can achieve this goal as one team with one dream.
With my goal of continuing the tradition of excellence here at Mahanay Elementary School, I am committed to always exploring new ways to meet the needs of all students and to more effectively communicate with parents and community members. I will be meeting with parents, students, and staff throughout the year to identify specific goals in the areas of student achievement, school climate, and parent communication. I'd like to personally invite you to meet me at an upcoming event, Popcorn Day with the Principal. The event will take place on Sunday, August 6th from 12- 3p.m. Feel free to bring the entire family. In addition to meeting me, we will have a backpack giveaway, food, games and much more. I look forward to meeting you and your children.
In closing, I heartily welcome your partnership, conversation and positive input throughout this year. Let us always keep our students the primary focus of our work. I look forward to celebrating our collective successes during the 2023-24 school year.
Enjoy the remaining days of summer!
Sincerely,
Aisha M. Johnson, Principal
Mahanay Elementary School
aisha.morrisonjohnson@aliefisd.net
281 983-8355.
Popcorn with the Principal
Meet and Greet
Important Information
First Day of School - August 9th doors open at 7:15 a.m.
Families will be able to walk students to class on
Wednesday, August 9th and Thursday. August 10th
School Supply List
Please scan the QR code to access the school supply list.
Dress Code 2023-24
Please make sure your child comes to school in dress code daily.
- Any solid color collared shirts
- Pants or knee-length shorts (khaki, navy, or blue jeans)
- Leggings may not be worn unless they are worn under a skirt or dress.
- Dresses and skirts must be knee-length (Khaki or navy)
- Wednesdays are college shirt day! Wear the college shirt of your choice!
- Mahanay School Shirts can be worn any day of the week.
- Jeans may be worn with a Mahanay School Shirt any day of the week
- Shoes: Close-toed shoes- No Crocs
- Our students run and play a lot at recess and PE, and we want them to be safe.
If your child comes to school out of the dress code, we will give you a call and ask you to bring the appropriate attire.
Attendance Matters!
Our goal this year is to ensure that every student attends school regularly.
Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life.
We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But, we also know that when students miss too much school— regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically. Your child is less likely to succeed if he or she is chronically absent—which means missing 18 or more days over the course of an entire school year. Research shows:
- Children chronically absent in kindergarten and 1st grade are much less likely to read at grade level by the end of 3rd grade.
- By 6th grade, chronic absence is a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.
- By 9th grade good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th grade test scores.
Absences can add up quickly. A child is chronically absent if he or she misses just two days every month!!
Going to school regularly matters!
We don’t want your child to fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your child attends school every day and arrives on time. Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:
1) Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.
2) Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.
3) Ensure your children go to school every day unless they are truly sick
4) Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.
5) Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.
6) Develop back up plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.
Things to remember about attendance procedures at our school:
1) School starts at 7:55 a.m.—students who are not in class at this time are considered tardy. Students who are 30 or more minutes tardy, will be considered as a “POD30”, which is a part-of-day attendance violation.
2) The official attendance time to determine if a student is absent or present for the day is 10:00 a.m., students must be on campus at this time.
3) Dismissal is at 3:20 p.m.—students may not be released after 2:35 p.m. because dismissal procedures will have already started.
4) Students who are picked up before dismissal time will be considered as an “early leave”, which is a part-of-day attendance violation.
5) Excuse notes for absences must be returned no later than 3 days after returning to school.
6) Only 10 parent excuse notes will be allowed per year, without extenuating circumstances.
Let us know how we can best support you and your children so that they can show up for school on time every day. We want your child to be successful in school! If you have any questions or need more information please contact your child’s school.