#InfluencingExcellence
Week of February 6th - February 10th
How is it already February? I cannot believe that SPARKS have already completed mid-year testing and are currently setting big goals to achieve by the end of the year. While we are proud of our student's growth, it will take all SPARKS, big and little, to be relentless as we approach the hard work that is ahead. Kindergarten through 3rd grade SPARKS completed NWEA MAP testing with 38% of students meeting their Winter MAP goals. Pre-K SPARKS completed CIRCLE testing with 47% of SPARKS on target for their reading goals, and 72% of SPARKS on target for their math goals. Be sure to talk to your student and their teacher about their progress.
We ask that you partner with us this semester by ensuring your student is at school, on time, daily; reading nightly, practicing academic skills on Imagine Learning (PK-2nd) and Study Island (NEW for 3rd grade this week), and meeting behavior expectations so that EVERY SPARK is able to maximize their time at school. Together, we can ensure that every SSE SPARK is on the path to live a choice-filled life.
Also, the month of February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the accomplishments of Black Americans in every area throughout history. We are honored to share the legacy with our SPARKS and identify our impact on the future. We hope that families will join us this month, as passionate learners and influencers, especially on Black Excellence Night, hosted by SSE.
Influencing Excellence 👑,
Ashley Smith, Assistant Principal
Click on the image above to download the PDF of the calendar in English and Spanish.
This Week:
- Monday, Feb. 6 - Tutorials begin for 2nd and 3rd grade (3 - 4:30PM). MUST have signed parent consent on file
- Feb. 6 - 10 - National School Counseling Week
- Wednesday, Feb. 8 - MANDATORY 3rd Grade Parent Meeting (5 - 6:30PM)
- Wednesday, Feb.8 - Progress Reports LIVE on SKYWARD
- Friday, Feb. 10 - BHM Spirit Dress: Day of EXCELLENCE (wear HBCU gear or any college shirt)
- Saturday, Feb. 11 - 3rd Grade Tutorials (7:30 - 11:30AM)
- Saturday, Feb. 11 - Ties and Tiaras Dance (1 - 3:30PM)
EVERY Minute Counts - Attendance Incentives 💯
Attending school daily is very important! When your child is not at school, they are missing key foundational knowledge. However, we do encourage students to see our Legacy clinic if they are feeling ill. We also encourage families to make appointments for after school, or at least during the end of the school day. Students who are in class at 9:30 a.m. are marked present for the day. If you pick up your child prior to 9:30 a.m., they are unfortunately counted absent. Also, when your student consistently arrives late or leaves early, they continue to miss learning.
We have Attendance Incentives through the end of the school year.
Be sure to check out the flyer below to see how your student can earn a prize. 🏆
Excused Absences & Submission of Notes
YES Prep Public Schools defines excused absences as absences due to one or more of the following:
• Illness
• Medical/dental-related, including appointments
• Bereavement/Funeral for immediate family members
• Absences related to the legal system
• Religious Observances
• Any other absence that is protected under State or Federal law.
You can also email your excuse note to: zully.flores@yesprep.org
Parent University - 3rd Grade Families ONLY
Current Fundraiser
all funds collected during fundraising will be used toward the purchase of incentives/prizes and off-setting the cost of field trips.
SSE BHM Spirit Shirt - On Sale Now!
Visit or call the first office the Front Office to order your shirt by February 10th.
All shirts will be worn on the Day of UNITY - Friday, February 24th.
Family Project of the Month
family projects are optional, but designed to increase family engagement and connect school-to-home learning opportunities.
Black History Month Family Project
Valentine Mailbox Family Project
We look forward to seeing how creative and talented students are. Due by Monday, February 13th. Thanks for all that you do.
Classroom Connections
As we kicked off Black History Month, every day during Classroom Connections, SPARKS will learn about Influential Black Leaders. We invite you to have conversations with your SPARK about the leaders they learn about each day. We have linked the PowerPoint for your at-home extension. The date is listed at the bottom right-hand corner of each page.
Barack Obama
Obama was the first African American president. He demonstrated that we all can reach our goals. Barack always fought for Americans to be together (united) despite our many differences.
Ruby Bridges
Ruby Bridges was the first African American student in an all-white school. As a first grader, she changed education in the United States for all students to receive a good education.
Langston Hughes
Langston Hughes was one of the greatest poets of the 20th century. By coming from a long line of former slaves, Langston Hughes did whatever it took to become a successful poet and writer.
100th Day of School Information - February 14th
The 100th day of school is an exciting milestone for every elementary classroom. It signifies both the halfway point of the year and an important time for setting new goals and realigning a fresh outlook. We like to say, students are 100 days SMARTER, so we celebrate in a fun way!
Valentine's Day Information - February 14th
- Students may exchange Valentine’s cards during the last part of the school day during class.
- Valentine’s cards that contain a trinket, candy, tattoo, etc… can be passed out; however, please do not send goodie bags for the class. We do not count this day as an official party day.
- No peanut products will be allowed.
- We ask that our students address the “To” recipient part of the card to “my friend,” “my classmate,” or leave it blank to allow quick distribution. They may fill in the “From” portion.
- It is also the 100th day of school. Students may dress as if they are a 100-year-old, wear a 100th day of school shirt, and/or or wear red, pink, or Valentine holiday attire with school-appropriate shoes.
School-Wide ClassDojo Incentive
The next school-wide incentive will be a Bubble Party. Students who earn at least 15 smiles on their behavior tracker (PK - 2nd) and/or 150 dojo points (3rd) from February 6th - March 9th will be invited to participate. Please talk with your SPARK daily about their behavior and choices.
If there are any questions or concerns about your student's behavior, please partner with your student's teacher.
Other positive points may be assigned per class/grade-level.
Student Shout-Outs
- Shout-out to Delvin (3rd grade) for always giving his all and continuing to work hard and do his best. -Mrs. Jodi Williams
- Shout-out to Devyn (3rd grade) for always going above and beyond with her academics and behavior. -Ms. Bevis
Shout-out to Eddy (3rd grade) for being a model student no matter what is going on around him. -Ms. Bevis
Shout-out to Dylan M. (2nd grade) for being relentless during our EOM exam, way to GO! -Ms. Alonzo
- Shout-out to Maya B. (2nd grade) for being relentless during our EOM exam! Way to GO! -Ms. Alonzo
School Counselors' Week
SPARKS Core Value
K is for Kind
Sparks seek opportunities to be kind to each other and know that we must work together to create a joyful community.
Being kind is a skill that we also have to practice just like reading, writing, or math. During the week continue to encourage kind behavior with your SPARK. Here are 5 Tips to Help our Kids Be Kind and Compassionate.
Student Assistance Forms
• Family or student supplies or resources needed for school (i.e., calculator, books, food)
• Student social and emotional concerns
• Student home or family concerns
• Student relationship concerns
• Concerns about harassment, race, or equity.
Dear Parent and/or Guardian,
Screening
Vision, hearing and acanthosis nigricans screenings are still going on. If your child received any of the screenings during one of their doctor’s appointment please provide me with the results so I may update their health record.
Medications
A reminder to ensure the safety of all children, no medications are allowed in school without the authorization for Administration of Medication form completely filled out, signed, and stamped accordingly by physician. This includes and is not limited to daily prescription medications, rescue medications, and all over the counter medications. Students are prohibited from carrying non or prescription medication in school. All medications should be hand-delivered by an adult directly to the clinic/ school nurse with the Physician Order.
Thank you for your cooperation. If you should have any questions regarding your child’s medication or any health concern, please feel free to call the school clinic.
Sincerely,
Beverly Harris, B.S.N., R.N.
Legacy Clinic
Legacy Community Health is here for you and ready to serve the students at Yes Prep Southside Elementary. Our clinic hours are Monday through Thursday 7 AM-415 PM and Friday 7 AM to 3 PM. We are a full-service clinic that can see all students and their siblings under 18 years of age for services ranging from annual check-ups and vaccines to referrals to sick visits. Walk ins and appointments accepted. Please contact our office at 713-814-3337 during regular business hours for more information.
See the flyer(s) below for specific upcoming events. Additional details can often be found on ClassDojo.
Student Technology Use Policy - REMINDER
Students, when using YES Prep Devices, and services provided internally, or services provided by third parties must follow all student codes of conduct as referenced in the student handbook. Students will also be in violation of this policy if the use of technology is not in accordance with state and federal laws.
PRIVACY
Students shall understand that files, services, and devices provided by and managed by the school are not private. There is no expectation of privacy when students use the school district’s network, devices, and services, and anything they do can be viewed by the administration at any time.
Computers are property of the campus and district and are to be used for instructional purposes only. Please check your students' computers for anything that could be in violation of the student handbook.
If you have any questions about this policy, you may reach out to Ms. Hogg, our Director of Campus Operations or Mrs.Citchen.
Car Rider Morning Drop-Off Information
Morning Arrival Drop-Off:
Drop-off is ONLY at the front of the school and designated cones. You MAY NOT go straight down the side of the building once entering the parking lot, and you may not drop off at the side of the building, or the back of the school. There is no adult supervision in any of these areas, and it is very dangerous.
Entering in the side of the school interrupts the flow of the buses and is prohibited. There is a sign that states, DO NOT ENTER.
Once in the front driveway of the school, pull up to the next numbered cone or person located on the sidewalk. Parents should be ready to let children out of the car as soon as you stop. Use of your cell phone is prohibited. Please help keep all students safe and do not use your phone in the drop-off line.
Students should be ready to exit the car. They should have their backpacks, lunches, etc., and exit quickly out of the driver side of the vehicle. Students should not get out of the car on the right side and walk around the car. This is very dangerous.
Assigned staff members direct students walking path and may assist the younger students to the entrance, as needed.
As soon as your child is safely out of the car, pull forward and exit the line to your right.
Follow the traffic flow pattern by keeping straight pass the trash dumpster on your right and through the gates, unless authorized to turn left for a secondary sibling. You will circle the back of the stand-alone building (Home Office) and exit the front gates.
**After 7:25AM all parents must park and walk their student into the building as staff are no longer on arrival duty. **
Early Release Information
Car Rider Dismissal Information
Parents MUST have the designated car tag visible at ALL TIMES. Keep the sign out and visible until you have picked up your child. This helps the adults load the correct child in the car. Cars without the car tag will have to park and go into the front office to be cleared before taking their child. ** Parents must wait until the dismissal process is complete **
We utilize a number system for afternoon pick-up. Your student(s) are assigned a number, which is on your card. Numbers are called/queued based on pick-up line order. Siblings should all have the same number. Please help your child memorize their car rider number. **Skipping the line disrupts the traffic flow and will result in a delay in picking up your student**
Your child will be waiting at/walking to a numbered cone or by a staff member. Make sure you pull up so that your driver car door is next to the cone.
Students should get in quickly and be seated. Please teach your child to quickly secure the seatbelt so you can pull forward/exit right and keep the line moving. If your child needs assistance with their seatbelt, please pull forward past the front of the line, pull over to the side, and buckle them there, so we may continue loading students. Please also refrain from engaging in extended conversations with staff on duty as their priority is student safety.
Students should be able to get in on the side by the sidewalk. We do not allow students to cross over traffic to get in on the opposite side.
Once your child is in the car, you may pull into the right side of the drive and bypass other cars that are still loading, and safely exit the pick-up area. Only authorized vehicles are allowed to turn left for a secondary sibling. All other vehicles must keep straight to circle the stand-alone building (Home Office)
Car Rider Traffic Flow
Change in Transportation
Dress Code Policy
About Us
Instagram: @yessouthsidees
Create a Class Dojo account and join our school:
https://www.classdojo.com/invite/?s=60e600aa0a7c9a6bfebc90a4
Email: Tiffany.Hogg@yesprep.org
Website: https://southsidees.yesprep.org
Location: 5515 South Loop East Freeway, Suite B, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: (713)924-5300
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yessouthsidees/