Hackberry Howl
Vol. 1 No.32
Hackberry 2016-2017
As this school year nears an end, we are looking forward to what next year has in store for us at Hackberry. With heavy hearts we will say goodbye to several staff members as they take on new roles in their lives from retirement, staying home with little ones, or taking on new opportunities in and out of education. We wish each of you leaving HB the very best and will be forever grateful for the impact all of you have made at Hackberry and in the hearts and minds of the children you taught. We hope you never stop howling!
We are very excited about what 2016-2017 has in store for Hackberry Elementary. Our goal is to build leadership capacity and that means developing leadership in every person on our campus. We will be rotating the leadership position every few years in an effort to develop those skills amongst all our staff.
1st Grade-Ashely Measles, Ms. Webber, Ms. Whiddon, Ms. Colon, Ms. Scaife
2nd Grade-Mariza Escamilla, Ms. Masai, Ms. Romig, Ms. Burzynski, Ms. Jasleen
3rd Grade-Richard Mendez, Ms. Hatcher, Ms. Lawley, Open Postion, Open Position
4th Grade-Colleen Miller, Ms. Castilla, Ms. Rizvan, Open Position, Open Position, Open Position
5th Grade-Kimberly Northcutt, Ruth Morales, Ms. Parra, Ms. Solinski, Ms. Sanders, Open Position, Open Position, Open Positon
Specials-Pamela Anderson, Ms. Pierce, Ms. Wagner, Ms. Thomas
Specialist- Dyslexia-Ms. Brodsky, Reading-Ms. Silva, Math/Science-Open Position
SPED-Mr. Myers, Ms. Tegrar
The best is yet to come!
Keep Howling!!!
-SR
Recommended Reading
The Element-Sir Ken Robinson
Sir Ken Robinson’s blockbuster TED talks have become modern cerebral folklore, and for good reason — his insights on education and creativity, neatly delivered in punchy, soundbite-ready packages, are today’s loudest, most succinct rally cry for a much-needed revolution. That’s precisely what he does in The Element: How Finding Your Passion Changes Everything — a passionate celebration for the wide spectrum of human ability and creativity, which current educational models consistently limit and try to fit into predetermined boxes, extricating rather than encouraging young people’s unique abilities and talents. From Paul McCartney to Paulo Coehlo to Vidal Sassoon, Robinson demonstrates the power of properly harnessing innate creativity through fascinating case studies and personal stories, and offers a powerful vision for bringing this respect for natural talent to the world of education.
SPOTLIGHT-Karla Figueroa
Teacher Spotlight of the Week
Name: Karla Figueroa
Birthday: September 4th
Hometown: Little Elm TX
Current Hackberry position: Administrative Assistant
Where did you graduate: Little Elm High School
Who was your favorite teacher and why? My third grade teacher, Mrs. Hays (Woolsey). She is currently still in Little Elm ISD. She always knew the importance of building relationships with her students. I had open-heart during my third grade year. Mrs. Hays was the last person, other than mom and dad, to see me prior to the surgery. She took time to go to the hospital and my house to ensure I did not miss a beat in third grade. This is something I will never forget. She always had a “Whatever It Takes” attitude and really
pushed her students to their very best.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt: I have thought about going to school to become a school counselor.
Do you have children: One handsome little boy, Daniel!
Do you have pets: No
Favorite Color: Pink/Brown
Do you have a favorite Quote or Saying: It is what it is…. Es lo que es….
Where is the farthest place you have ever traveled: Wyoming & Mexico
Favorite food: Mexican food & Pizza
Hobbies or Activities/organizations you are active in: I enjoy cooking, sewing and spending time with my family. I am a volunteer for the Town of Little Elm in different areas.
Accomplishments or Honors you have achieved that you are proud of: Para-Professional of the Year my first year in the district.
AVID STRATEGY OF THE WEEK
Lobo Howls
Karla gives Sylvia Cruz and LeCrecia Robinson for helping me decorate for the Cinco de Mayo luncheon.
Karla gives a screaming howl to Carol and Vanessa for doing whatever it takes on days are short handed!
Karla gives a howl Mr. Castillo, Mr. Swartz and Mr. Richardson for making the fun STAAR video and always making Hackberry a fun place!`
Tom Howls out to Karla Figueroa and Vanessa DelValle for putting together two bulletin boards with college pictures. Brightening up our school.
Tom Howls out to Lecrecia Robinson and Karla Figueroa for helping run the faculty meeting on Tuesday. Thank you for always being willing to lend a hand.
Tom Howls out to Colleen Miller for saving the little ducks and bringing our attention to them in the outdoor learning area.
Tom Howls out to Domenica Phan and Patti Granados for working so hard on the language testing for all the little ones coming in to begin preK and kinder and making sure we get them placed in the appropriate class.
Stephen gives a booming howl to Darilyn and Darcie with their help with STAAR prep!
Stephen gives a loud howl to Vanessa D. for always jumping in and helping wherever she is needed!
Stephen howls to Karla for all her help translating Summer School Docs!
Measles gives a big HOWL to Mrs. Jackson for offering to cover our classes so we could go grab breakfast! We are blessed to have her in our hallway! :)
Ms. Phan gives a huge howl out to our front office staff. This past weekend, I ran into a former student and her dad at the park. Her dad mentioned he misses Hackberry very much because the front office staff knew him on a first-name basis and always made him feel welcomed. His daughter's new school barely acknowledges him. I think that speaks volumes about our front office staff!!!
Ms. Pierce gives a huge howl out to Northcutt and Castillo and their students for letting me "borrow " their kids to work on the big book of awesomeness. ( the kids came up with title ). Together these kids have written a book of multiple stories over 200 pages long. If you've ever sat down to write a paper you know how monumental of a task this is. I offered a (very) few editing suggestions but the work is 100% all theirs. I'm working on getting it to a bindery so a copy can be added to the library. They already have a waiting list. 😀. Lastly, this is much belated but a huge howl out to Mr. Beaty for purchasing a student of his several items from the book fair. The student still comes in weekly to talk to me about how much he loves his books. Also a long overdue howl to Ms. Torrence who purchased a book out of pocket for every single one of her students. I am constantly amazed and proud of the teachers and students I work with at Hackberry.
AVID MONDAY
Helping one of our own!
Mark your Calendar
STAAR
3rd Grade-Math
4th Grade Math
5th Grade Math Re-test
Tuesday, May 10
STAAR
3rd Grade-Reading
4th Grade Reading
5th Grade Reading Re-test
Wednesday, May 11
STAAR
5th Grade-Science
Thursday, May 12
Make-up STAAR
Friday, May 13
4th Grade Field Trip to Austin