Eagle Updates
October 3, 2021
Due to the school holiday on Monday, October 11th, the next Eagle Updates will come out on Monday instead of Sunday. Thank you.
In this Issue:
- From Mrs. Barry
- IMPORTANT REMINDER
- Welcome Mary Catherine Hudgins
- Welcome Mr. Yeager
- Parent Night - Literacy at MWE-October 5th
- Odyssey of the Mind-Info Night-October 6th
- Reserved Parking Spaces
- Bike Safety
- Breakfast Daily
- Lost & Found
- Meadow Wood Garden
- Calendar of MWE Events
PTA Corner:
- From the President
- BBQ Buddies
Birthday Marquee – Deadline is October 15
- Opportunities for Involvement
- Reflections Contest
- Redemptions
- Yearbooks on Sale NOW!
- Yearbook Cover Art Contest
From Mrs. Barry:
I'd like to take a few minutes to give a huge SHOUT OUT to our AMAZING paraprofessionals. At Meadow Wood, we have 13 paras that are the hardest working, friendliest, most supportive team ever! Our three front office ladies - Ms. Labiosa, Ms. Snelling, and Ms. Cox - take care of all the daily managerial tasks necessary to keep MWE running smoothly and efficiently. From greeting our guests, to registering children, to securing subs and managing our budgets, Meadow Wood could not operate without these incredible women. They are always looking for ways to support our campus, teachers, and parents!
We also have 10 instructional paras. Our Pre-Kinder/Kinder team consists of Ms. Buchanan, Ms. Rice, Dr. Tabbodi, and Ms. Ona. They work with our littlest of Eagles, assisting the teachers in routines and procedures, as well as taking small groups and working with individual students. (We still need an additional Pre-K para - please contact me if you know someone who would be a great addition to this team!) Ms. Sarkodie and Mr. Yeager (see article below) support Coach Hollmann in the gym. They help ensure that ALL students are able to access our health fitness activities safely. Mr. Beck, Mr. Jones, Ms. Barnes, and Ms. McCall round out our Special Education team. They provide in-class support for students, building relationships while building academics.
In addition to their regularly assigned duties, our paras go above and beyond doing extra things to support MWE. For example, Mr. Beck creates amazing bulletin boards, Ms. Cox leads a staff exercise group, Ms. Rice translates for our Spanish speaking paras, and Ms. Ona takes pictures for and maintains the Kinder Facebook page!
Please help me in thanking our incredible paras! They are truly the backbone of our school!
Life is good at Meadow Wood!
IMPORTANT REMINDER!
We understand that traffic can be an issue. We ask that, if possible, you follow the staggered drop off schedule to help relieve the traffic congestion and ensure students are not tardy.
Please also remember that breakfast is open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:50 a.m. only. Students arriving after 7:50 will not have the opportunity for a school breakfast.
Thank you for your help!
Welcome, Mary Catherine Hudgins!
We are so excited to announce that we have been granted a fourth teacher in 5th grade! Mary Catherine Hudgins, who has been our long term sub in that position, will transition to full-time Language Arts teacher! Here's a little about Ms. Hudgins:
Growing up in Houston, Mary Catherine knew that she always wanted to be a teacher. She attended St. Agnes Academy. After high school, she went on to the University of Texas at Austin where she received a Bachelor's degree in Applied Learning and Development. She has 12 years of experience and has taught in different aspects of education over the years.
Her experience includes: working with The Magic of David Copperfield as a private teacher for three child actors; teaching Computer, 3rd and 4th grades in H.I.S.D.; teaching 7th grade English at St. Francis Episcopal School; working as a Reading Interventionist for Literacy Now; tutoring for Houston Tutorial Association.
Mary Catherine and her husband Steven have twin boys (Harry and George) that are juniors at Strake Jesuit. When Mary Catherine isn't working, she enjoys playing golf, training/running in 1/2 marathons through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, traveling, spending time with her family and, of course, reading! She has enjoyed the warm, friendly atmosphere of the Meadow Wood Elementary community and is looking forward to a great year with 5th grade.
Please join us in giving Ms. Hudgins a huge Eagle welcome!
Welcome, Mr. Yeager!
Hello, my name is Steve Yeager. I was born and raised in San Antonio Texas and just moved to Houston in March of 2021. Before coming to Houston I have had the opportunity to live in 2 beautiful states; Colorado & Florida. As I am a true Texan I came back. I enjoy long bike rides (30 miles or less), cooking and time with my family and friends. I have really enjoyed the biking trails here and being able to explore all of what Houston has to offer. I have a background in Culinary Arts, Hospitality and substitute teaching. I started my journey with Spring Branch ISD this school year at Cedar Brook Elementary as a permanent substitute and am very excited have the opportunity to transition to Meadow Wood Elementary joining the Health and Fitness team. Through my years of substitute teaching I have fallen in love with Health and Fitness, allowing me to work with all the grades and creating a healthy fun habit for our children to stay active.
Parent Night - October 5th - Literacy at MWE
The session will begin at 6 p.m. in the library. We hope to see you there!
Odyssey of the Mind - Info Night - October 6th
Please join us for an OM Info Night Wednesday, October 6 at 6PM in the Meadow Wood cafeteria. Mary Hoffman will join us to tell us all about her experience with OM and we’ll discuss our plans for Odyssey of the Mind at Meadow Wood.
Odyssey of the Mind is a national program where kids are challenged to use teamwork, creativity, and self-confidence working in teams to solve problems. You can read more about the program here: https://www.odysseyofthemind.com
If you are interested in having your child participate or have questions, please contact Lora at: loraushook@gmail.com or (832) 647-7227. Teams will be formed based on grades and interest and will meet after school hours.
Reserved Parking Spaces
Please be mindful of our reserved parking spaces in front of the school. No matter how long or little you plan to stay, please do not park in the spaces that are individually awarded as part of our annual PTA fundraising campaign.
Bike Safety
Please help us keep our bike riders safe!! Recently, a parent witnessed a student nearly getting hit by a car. Thankfully, the driver was paying attention and slammed on his brakes. Memorial Drive is a very busy street with fast drivers. It is imperative that our students walk their bikes across the street AND while on campus. Please remind your child to cross ONLY with the crossing guard and to stay within the crosswalk. Below is an excerpt from our handbook stating the expectations of all our bike riders.
Students biking to school should bring a lock to secure their bicycles while on campus. Bicycle racks are located at the front and back of the school. Once bike riders arrive on MWE school grounds, they must walk their bikes to the rack. Local legislation requires bike helmets for all children under the age of 18. Our crossing guard is on duty at the light at Memorial Drive and Clear Springs from 7:30 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. and 2:55 p.m. - 3:55 p.m. each day.
Breakfast Daily at MWE
All MWE students are welcome to eat breakfast in the cafeteria. This year school breakfast and lunches are free. Please make sure your student has a good breakfast at home OR arrives on time to eat a hearty breakfast here at school. Breakfast is served from 7:30 to 7:50. If you would like your child to eat breakfast at MWE, please ensure he/she is here in time to eat and get to class on time. Thank you for helping our students start the day off right being on time and ready to learn.
Lost & Found
We have a new set up for our Lost & Found. We have racks for hanging clothes set up just outside the cafeteria. (Thank you, PTA!!) There are also some buckets for water bottles and smaller items. Please check this area for your students' items when you are in the building for lunch or volunteering. Please remember to label all your students' items. Thank you!
Meadow Wood Garden
The Meadow Wood Garden is planted with various plants, herbs and flowers! Melissa Melancon (first grader, Sophia) has worked many hours prepping our garden for this school year.
We hope you can take a look at the plants when you are in the building sometime. Contact Melissa if you have time to help us maintain this awesome learning space.
Melissa Melancon
MWE Calendar of Events
Every Thursday is T-2-4 Thursday - wear your college, military or technical school shirt!
Every Friday is Spirit Day! Show your Eagle Pride!
October 4
Watch D.O.G.S. begin
October 5
Parent Night - Literacy at MWE - 6 p.m., Library
October 6
MWE Odyssey of the Mind Informational Meeting - 6 p.m., Cafeteria
October 8
Student Holiday
October 11
Student/Staff Holiday
October 13
Walk to School Day
5th Grade Class Picture
PTA Meeting - 9 a.m., Cafeteria
October 14
Early Dismissal - 12:00 Noon
Parent Conferences
October 15
Early Dismissal - 12:00 Noon
Parent Conferences
Stratford vs. Memorial Game - wear green to support our Spartans!
October 21
Hands on Science - Kinder and 4th Grade
October 22
CARNIVAL
October 25-29
Red Ribbon Week
October 25
Individual Picture Day
October 26
CIT Meeting - 3:30 p.m., Library
October 27
Hands on Science - 5th Grade
October 28
Hands on Science - 3rd Grade
October 29
Pre-K/Kinder Storybook Character Parade - 8:15 a.m., Cafeteria
Come One! Come ALL! To the Meadow Wood Carnival Friday, October 22nd 4-7pm.
It's happening! Our first school event with parents, kids, new families, future Meadow Wood Families. All are welcome. If you haven't attended the carnival in the past, you will want to put the date on your calendar. It is fun for all ages of kids. We will have a rock wall, bungee race, obstacle course, kiddie striker, basketball hoops, cake walk, balloon artist, face painting, mechanical bull, ice cream, BBQ, popcorn, cotton candy, silly string, and much more.
- Online sales are closed. Tickets can be purchased at the event with cash, check, or credit card. This event is ticket based only. Purchasing 1 ticket = $1.
- All tickets purchased during the pre-sales window will be distributed in your child’s Friday folder the day of the carnival. We are NOT doing pick up at the carnival. Please text Heather or Elizabeth if you need special arrangements for your order.
- Please visit https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/Open_Forms to volunteer at the assigned booth of your child’s homeroom. The carnival is organized and run by the PTA, not the school. We need all parents to help to make it a success for our kids.
Questions?
Carnival Chair, Heather Attaway 832-571-8184
Carnival Co-Chair, Elizabeth Shaw 832-316-7247
MWE BBQ BUDDIES
Birthday Marquee – Deadline is October 15th
If you would like to purchase your child a birthday greeting on the marquee, the deadline for the school year is October 15. You can purchase online on MTK: Meadow Wood Elementary PTA - Home Page (membershiptoolkit.com)
Opportunities for Involvement at MWE
Please see the following ways you can jump in and be involved at MWE.
If you are volunteering on campus you MUST complete this background check:
https://volunteer.springbranchisd.com/
MWE Walk to School Day – Wednesday, October 13
Join us for a favorite MWE tradition – our annual walk (or bike!) to school day. We encourage all students, parents, family and friends to walk to school on October 13. This is a great opportunity to bring our community together and enjoy a (hopefully!) beautiful fall morning. Once at school, the PTA provides healthy snacks and waters to get the day started.
MWE Milers
Let’s get moving!
Milers takes place every Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Anyone is welcome to come out at 7:30am before school starts (meet on the MWE playground). We will jog, walk and stretch. We will finish up before the bell at 7:50am. The kids get their energy out, grab a healthy snack, and start their day with some activity. This is for 1st-5th graders but siblings are welcome. If your pre-k or kindergarten student would like to participate, we ask that an adult stay with them. All free for the kids! Parents encouraged to join in.
Come move with us! 🏃🏼♀️🏃🏽🏃♂️
Questions/comments/ideas contact Alli Brickley: 512-571-7400
Library Volunteers
Come volunteer in the library! Sign up for a day and come at your preferred time. Volunteers can work for however long they want, we just ask that you commit to a minimum of 30 minutes that day. Email Mrs. McCracken to let her know your preferred time- kathryn.mccracken@springbranchisd.com. If you have other questions reach out to Jordan.bohrer@gmail.com.
Check out the available times here: https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/80914?d=2021-10-01
School Store is Returning!
MWE School Store is open Wednesday, October 6 from 7:30 - 8:00am across from the library. The 5th Grader Entrepreneurs Club will open the store the first Wednesday of each month for students to shop for pencils, trinkets, and squishy, bouncy, fun items. Everything in the store is under $2.50. Please bring cash and come early to see the new fall treasures!
Have a great week!
Kelly Williams
(504) 756-2440
National PTA Reflections Competition
Meadow Wood PTA is proud to be participating in the 2021-2022 National PTA Reflections competition once again this year. We are excited to welcome entries from our very creative and talented student body. Students of all ages and abilities are able to participate and showcase their own creative works. We highly encourage our Eagles to enter. The theme for this year is "I Will Change the World By..."
Entries due by 11/4/2021. Please check the PTA website for more information. If you have any questions please reach out to Kate Zost Katemzost@gmail.com
Redemptions
As you are thinking of ordering labels for your kids' items, consider using Mabel's Labels. Meadow Wood gets 20% back of all purchases when you "Support a Fundraiser" and type in Meadow Wood Elementary. www.mabelslabels.com
Yearbooks on Sale NOW!
How to order:
● Go to www.balfour.com
● Click “Shop My School” and type in “Meadow Wood Elementary”
● Follow the prompts to order your yearbook.
● OR Scan here →
Save the Date! Deadline to order at the early-bird price ($30.00) is OCTOBER 31, 2021. Price increases on November 1, and will be available until sell-out (but don’t wait!)
GOT PHOTOS? Our MWE Yearbook depends on parent and teacher contributions! Please send photos to MWEYearbook21@gmail.com throughout the year to help us include a variety of photos into the yearbook. Thank you!
5th Grade Parents: You have the option to purchase a 5th grade dedication ad when ordering your yearbook. This will show at the bottom of the page once you have entered your student info. (Click the 1/18 page ad icon) Once you have purchased your book and ad, you will receive an email with instructions to log-in and create your ad. Submission deadline will be in early spring.
Yearbook Cover Art Contest
We are inviting ALL MWE students to enter their drawings for our yearbook cover contest. One winner’s drawing will be selected to be displayed on the front cover of our 2021-2022 yearbook! {All entries will be included in the yearbook}
ALL ENTRIES MUST:
● Include the words “Meadow Wood Elementary”
● Include the year “2021-2022” ● Incorporate this year’s theme: “LIFE IS GOOD AT MEADOW WOOD”
● Include your first and last name on the back of the drawing
SUBMIT ART ON:
● 8.5 x 11 sheet of white paper
● Vertical orientation
TIPS FOR A GREAT ENTRY:
● Use lots of color, including in the background
● MIx up your medium (crayons, watercolors, markers, etc.)
● Use up your entire sheet of paper
● Be creative and have fun with the theme!
Questions? Contact Samantha Colquitt: samantha.s.colquitt@gmail.com or Glenna Vickers: glennavickers@gmail.com All entries must be submitted by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8th to either your teacher or the front office, with the completed form attached below.