Eagle Updates
October 11, 2020
REMINDER - No school on Monday, October 12, 2020!!!
In this Issue:
- A Message from Mrs. Barry
- Dismissal Reminder!
- T-2-4 Thursdays
- Clothes Needed!
- Purposeful People - Purposeful Families - Character Strong
- From the Library
- Kids Heart Challenge-Results
- Staff Spotlights - 2nd Grade
- Technology Office Hours
- MWE One-pager (General Information)
- MWE Calendar of Events
- From the President
- Family Point Fundraiser
- The New Playground
- MWE Redemption Program
- Adopt A Teacher Boo Bags
- Yearbook Cover Contest
- Join the PTA Today!
- Create a Membership Toolkit account
- Eagle Excellence Fund
- Yearbooks!
District Information
- Superintendent's Message
From Mrs. Barry:
Next week, parent conferences will take place to review the first nine weeks report card. It is important that our communication lines are open to ensure the best possible outcome for our Eagles. We are partners in your child's success, and working together will achieve great results! If you are concerned about something specific, be sure to share that with your child's teacher. In fact, you may want to share your thoughts in advance to give the teacher time to seek out resources or additional support.
Unsure what to ask? Here are some questions you might consider:
- What do you see as my child’s strengths?
- What do you think are the academic challenges for my child?
- How is my child doing socially?
- Is my child on grade level for reading? What about math, science and writing?
- How is my child doing when navigating the digital platform/independent work required in a virtual setting?
- What can I do at home to support what you’re doing in the classroom?
The collaborative spirit and collective greatness obtained through parent conferences is critical in making sure we are doing the absolute best for our students. Thank you for your support in this endeavor.
MWE - where we are Growing Great Minds!
Dismissal Reminder
Also, we ask that you not park on the road on Memorial Green. This makes it very difficult for our buses to navigate the narrow road and creates the potential for accidents. If your child is a walker, and you must meet them at school, we ask that you walk. If you have to drive, you may park in the front parking lot. Please be sure you exit your car and cross the drive to meet them. Remember to wear a mask when you are on campus!
We ask all of this for the safety of your children! We understand it might be an inconvenience, but we want to be sure that we are following all procedures we can to eliminate accidents! Thank you for your cooperation!
T-2-4 Thursdays
Spring Branch T-2-4 is guiding our district teachers, schools and leadership as they work together in shaping the future of education for the benefit of students, area families, and the larger community. Spring Branch T-2-4 states that every SBISD graduate will attain a technical certificate, military training, or a two-year or four-year degree. SBISD's T-2-goal is to increase the number of students achieving T-2-4 from 44% to 72% by 2022.
To support this district goal, Meadow Wood will have T-2-4 Thursdays, where our students are encouraged to wear college, military, or technical school shirts. Please join us in celebrating our students' futures!
Clothes Needed!
Purposeful People - Purposeful Families - Character Strong
Each month, in our community circles and guidance lessons, we focus on a different character trait. This month we’re talking about the virtue of Courage - to help our children be courageous and learn to conquer things that frighten or scare them. Children need reassurance that fear is one of our feelings and to help them understand that it’s okay to feel afraid. Courage isn’t fearlessness, but instead our ability to choose the right thing even when we are scared! The definition we will be talking about is:
Courage is to choose what is good, right, and kind even when it is hard or scary.
CONVERSATION STARTERS for GRADES K-2:
- Talk with your child about what used to frighten you as a child. Be open about how you courageously worked to overcome that fear. Talk about who helped you or what strategy helped you along the way.
- Talk about the things that frighten you as an adult today. Open up an honest conversation about how you work intentionally to show Courage often.
- Make a list over dinner about who are the people in your network that show Courage. How can you tell that they have Courage? Why is it important that they show Courage? How might their example help make your Courage stronger?
CONVERSATION STARTERS for GRADES 3-5:
- When we talk about tackling things that frighten or scare us, it’s important that we validate fear as one of the many feelings that we experience. Talk with your child about what scared you as you were growing up. Maybe it’s a fear of the dark? Or heights? Maybe it’s a fear of snakes?
- Maybe it’s a fear of not meeting someone’s expectations? How did you overcome those fears and/or show Courage in the face of those fears?
- What scares you today as a parent or guardian? How about as an adult? How do you muster the Courage to be brave despite those fears?
- Share a story about a time that you overcame a fear or practiced Courage. What or who helped you? How did you feel before, during and after? What did you learn from the experience? How did it change you?
QUESTIONS YOU COULD ASK for GRADES K-2:
- What is something that scares you? What do you imagine might happen if you do that thing? Who might encourage you to try it? What could someone do to help you?
- Think back to a time when you showed or witnessed great Courage. What happened? How
- did it feel?
- What are some strategies that have helped you feel calm even when you’re being asked to be
- brave? What have you learned in class about how to stay courageous even when it’s hard?
QUESTIONS YOU COULD ASK for GRADES 3-5:
- What does Courage mean to you? Do you see yourself as courageous? Why or why not?
- Talk about a time that you’ve needed to show Courage. What was that experience like?
- Talk about a time when you’ve witnessed Courage. How did that feel? What did it look like?
- When have you wished for more Courage?
- Who is your role model or example of Courage? Why?
For activities that you can do at home to support the trait of COURAGE, as well as additional resources, please see the documents below.
From the Library
News from the Houston Public Libraries:
While our buildings may not be open, we wanted to let you know that we DO have curbside services available to pick up holds at Robinson, Jungman and Hillendahl Libraries, among others. I also want to remind parents of some of the resources we have on our website. We have Brainfuse, Overdrive, Axis 360, Tumblebooks, and even a resource page called Parent & Homeschool Resources. Finally, if your students or staff are looking for some fun (but still educational) things to do, we have Craft, STEM, and story time videos being posted on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/houstonlibrary and check out our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/houstonlibrary
Kids Heart Challenge
Meadow Wood Family
I am beyond proud of our school. We ended the Kids Heart Challenge raising over $13,000!!. That is double from any previous year! I am thankful that our students were able to make the personal connection with Darin and I know he and his family are grateful for the love and support he has received. We blew past our goal which means myself, Mrs. Barry, Ms. Vendetti and Coach Montano will be getting slimed! Any student who raised $100 or more will be included as well as 10 students from a random drawing. We will live stream the fun so everyone gets to see. Stay tuned for the time and date in the near future.
Great job MWE!
~ Coach Hollmann
Staff Spotlights!
Ms. Allen
My name is Andrea Allen, and I am a 2nd grade teacher at MWE. I began my teaching career in 3rd grade in private school and then made the switch to Kindergarten where I taught in HISD. After homeschooling my 3 children part-time for 9 years, I returned to the classroom, and this is my second year in 2nd grade at MWE. I have been blessed with three precious boys. Caleb is 15, Toby is 12, and Spencer is 9. Spencer is a 4th grader at Meadow Wood this year. I enjoy doing anything outside, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. I am so thankful to be a part of the Meadow Wood family, and it is a joy to see your children each day.
Mrs. Pierce
Hi Meadow Wood Families!
I grew up in Houston and graduated from Memorial High School. I have lived in Spring Branch my whole life. I received my BA in Multidisciplinary Studies from Texas Lutheran University. I taught my first 7 years in Katy ISD. Then I moved to SBISD. This is my 15th year teaching, and I have taught kinder through 4th grade. I have been married for 6 years. I have 2 kids, Caroline-5 and Thomas-3. I love to do puzzles, ride horses, and spend time with my family.
Ms. Stone
Ms. Tankersley
Howdy Meadow Wood!!
My name is Skyler Tankersley and this is my 3rd year teaching at MWE. I taught Kindergarten in 2018 and am now on my second year of teaching 2nd grade. I currently live in Houston, but I grew up in Kemah and went to school in CCISD. I am a graduate of Texas A&M University, WHOOP! I did my student teaching in Spring Branch and quickly fell in love with the culture and community. I love Meadow Wood and could not imagine myself anywhere else! I come from a long line of educators and Aggies and have always known teaching was the profession for me. In my free time, I love to do puzzles, read, ride my bike, travel and spending quality time with friends and family. I know this is going to be another great year and I cannot wait to see what is in store for us!
Mrs. Viaclovsky (Mrs. V)
Hello MWE!
I am Mrs. Viaclovsky (you can call me Mrs. V). This is my sixth year teaching, but first year in Spring Branch. I have taught 3rd grade and 1st grade. I graduated from Texas A&M University-WHOOP!
I enjoy running, crafting, cooking, shopping and spending time with my family and friends. My husband and I have a fur baby named Tuff.
I am so excited for this school year and very grateful to be a part of the Meadow Wood family!
Technology Office Hours
MWE One-pager (General Information)
MWE Calendar of Events
Please note: Every Thursday is T-2-4 Thursday and every Friday is MWE Spirit Day!
October 12
STUDENT HOLIDAY
October 14
Walk to School Day
Spirit Wear Pop Up Sale
General PTA Meeting - 9:00 a.m. via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://springbranchisd.zoom.us/j/94993540207?pwd=VVQyVUp3WkZCd1ROVzVua0V6cTlEZz09
Meeting ID: 949 9354 0207
Passcode: 508817
October 15
Parent Q&A: Second Nine Weeks - 6 p.m. via Zoom
Join Zoom Meeting
https://springbranchisd.zoom.us/j/93303349117?pwd=OFJTRW1DMXNuSUFINVhOc01KNE10UT09
Meeting ID: 933 0334 9117
Passcode: 676129
October 19
Second Nine Weeks Begins!
October 21
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 2nd grade Math
October 22
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 5th grade Math
October 23
GREEN OUT DAY for Stratford Homecoming
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 4th grade Math
October 26 - 30
Red Ribbon Week
October 26
Individual Pictures
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 4th grade Science
October 27
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 3rd grade Math
October 28
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 2nd grade Science
October 29
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 5th grade Science
CIT Meeting - 2:30 p.m. via Zoom
October 30
Kinder Storybook Character Day
Priority Standards Assessment (PSA) - 3rd grade Science
From the President:
Hello Eagle Parents!
I hope you are all enjoying the fall weather we have finally welcomed! A few updates from the PTA include the following:
* Marquee: The last day to purchase a birthday marquee shoutout is on October 15th. You can purchase this through the Membership Toolkit site--https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/ or the app.
*Our Vintage Spirit Wear sale will be at drop off (7:30-8 am) and pick up (2:45-3:05) on Friday, October 9th. We will have limited quantities of spirit wear from this year and previous years, all marked down significantly. It will be cash only, so please mark your calendars for that!
*Please go into the Membership Toolkit webpage or app and update the teacher your children have this year. Our system changes the grade but not the teacher.
*HELP WANTED! We are still looking for a Reflections Chair, so please contact me at president@meadowwoodpta.com if you are interested.
*Our next general PTA meeting will be on Wednesday, October 14th at 9 AM. Please be on the lookout for the Remind with the Zoom login information.
*Do not forget about our Eagle Excellence fund! It is our fall check writing campaign and every dollar goes directly to our PTA! You can donate via MTK.
*Sponsorship for the school year is up and running! If you are interested in being a sponsor for MWE, please see the updated information on our webpage, listed above.
As always, we thank you all for your support of PTA and our school. As a representative for parents, I want to send a special thank you to all of the teachers and staff who are making sure that our students are getting the very best, whether they are face to face or virtual. I know that teachers are professionals at pivoting and improvising throughout the day, but there is so much being asked of them right now, and they are doing it all with a smile. We love our teachers and staff and send them our endless respect and gratitude!!!
Thanks and stay well,
Catie Winegar
PTA President
Family Point Fundraiser
FamilyPoint has a new fundraiser this year. They were unable to hold their fall luncheon due to Covid, and like so many charities in our area, they are struggling to raise funds at a time when the needs of the people they serve are increasing. Help them through their Halloween Hunt!
This will be a fun and safe Halloween event!
There are 2 ways for people to connect:
1. Register a Team - up to 5 people can enter as a team. They will receive a bag with the long list of items, candy, and a team sign. They have 2 hours to search for items. Each item they find/take a picture with is worth 1 point. The team with the most points wins a prize. Also, the sites will be competing and the site with the most points wins a yard decoration set. The time limit adds excitement and the list will force you to get creative. A team can also choose to enter the costume competition to win a prize.
2. Host a start location - Each start location can choose how to elaborate on the scavenger hunt. They can have food trucks, music, games- anything they think will be fun and welcoming to neighbors. A business, neighborhood, church- anyone can host a start location. FPR will provide all the parts and prizes, even volunteers, for the scavenger hunt.
All the rules and registrations for the event are at:
The New Playground
MWE Redemption Programs
We have many programs that bring “free money” to our school. Please review the following programs and see how you can participate!
1. Box Tops for Education
Don’t forget, Box Tops are digital now! Download the Box Tops
Mobile app to scan your store receipt within 14 days of purchase.
No more clipping or sending Box tops to school.
2. Kroger
Register your Kroger plus card online at
www.krogercommunityrewards.com. You have to re-
enroll every year. Create or log in to your account and
enter MWE’s number (81657).
3. Randalls
Fill out the Good Neighbor Program form and indicate MWE as
your charity (1082). MWE earns 1% of your purchases.
www.randalls.com/shopstores/good-neighborhood.page
4. Amazon Smile
We all shop on Amazon! Register your account with
Amazon Smile to earn money for MWE. Go to
www.smile.amazon.com and login to your account.
Select “Pick your own charitable organization”; type
Meadow Wood Elementary. DO NOT click on the “select
and start shopping” button-this will choose the charity
that is up there at the time. Choose “PTA Texas Congress 5056
Meadow Wood Elementary-Houston TX”. Make all purchase
through Amazon Smile. You can also turn it on in the App under
settings and then programs.
5. Josephine’s Day Spa
They donate back 10% to the charity of your choice.
Yearbook Cover 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 2020-2021 yearbook!
ALL ENTRIES MUST:
Include the words “Meadow Wood Elementary”
Include the year “2020-2021”
Incorporate this year’s theme: “LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE”
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
All entries must be submitted by FRIDAY, OCT. 16th to either your teacher or the front office.
Please access the form below to attach to your child's entry:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1NAylnWcOvBJLnHjDc5SmHYb9oZCvytHq21TlT_SWva4/edit
Join the PTA Today!
Your PTA dollars connect you to the organization and the school and helps make programs, events, and other student/teacher support possible.
Joining is easy! You can download the Membership Toolkit app on your device, or go to https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com and sign up. Thank you for your support!
Create a Membership Toolkit account
You must complete this if you would like to be included in the online directory. There will not be a printed directory.
https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/login
This will allow you to access:
1. PTA Membership Forms
2. Student Directory
3. Spirit Wear Sales
4. Volunteer Opportunities and Signups
5. PTA Communication
6. Eagle Excellence Family Donation Forms
7. Birthday Marquee Message Purchase
8. Yearbook Order forms
9. … and more!
If you are a returning family and/or already have an account, please log into your account and update your contact information as well as your student(s) current year teacher.Eagle Excellence Fund Raffle Winners
Thank you to all those who donated $1000 to be entered into the raffle for the parking spots.
Parking winners: Lauren & James Miller and Kristi & Jared McCurley.
Thanks to all who donated $250 or more to be entered into the Principal and Assistant Principal for a Day raffle.
Principal winner: Paige Donnell
AP winner: Jamie & Nathan Kelley
We are at around 75% of our $15,000 goal so a special thanks to all of those who have donated. If you haven't donated please consider donating to the Eagle Excellence Fund. Donations can be made on the PTA website. https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/
Yearbooks!
Superintendent's Message
Dear SBISD Families,
Thank you for another awesome week! Here are some important reminders and information for you.
Reminders
- Monday, Oct. 12, is a student holiday. No Grab & Go Meals will be served. Meal service will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
- Nov. 3, Election Day, is a remote learning day for all students. Students will learn virtually from home, and teachers and staff will report to school. We will distribute Grab & Go Meals for all students (Distance & In-Person) on Monday, Nov. 2, at the 10 pickup locations.
- If your student is a Distance Learner and needs to be on campus for testing or any other reason, you must complete their Health Screener prior to their arrival on campus. In-Person Learners should continue to fill out their Health Screener daily. Collectively, this is our first defense to protect against COVID-19 in our schools.
- Adhere to good public health practices outside of school. Wear a mask, maintain physical distance in public settings, and avoid large gatherings. This season, a flu vaccine is more important than ever and lessens everyone’s chance of exposure to the flu. For more information, visit the CDC webpage on Flu Vaccines.
- Visit the SBISD webpages for In-Person and Distance Learners each week for the most up-to-date information, reminders and quick links to forms, resources and documents.
- SBISD In-Person Learners webpage
- SBISD Distance Learners webpage
Gratitude
This past Monday was World Teachers’ Day, which annually celebrates every teacher for all that they do. The theme this year was “Teachers: Leading in crisis, reimagining the future,” and I cannot think of a better way to describe the work being put in to make this year a successful one. SBISD teachers are at the heart of ensuring an excellent educational experience for Every Child, and I am so proud of how they have demonstrated leadership and innovation with strength and resilience.
I encourage you to reach out to your child’s teacher and drop a note of appreciation or thanks. Now, more than ever, it is important to acknowledge the efforts of each and every person playing a role in redefining our new normal: students, parents, campus staff and, of course, our phenomenal teachers!
Wishing you and your family a great weekend.
With appreciation,
Jennifer Blaine, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools