Cat Tracks
Spring Shadows Elementary Wildcats Staff Newsletter
July 2018 Back to School Update
Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships
Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships
Reach 2018 (Opportunity Culture)
Science Academy
Opportunity Culture Texas
Opportunity Culture Texas
ISTE Conference In Chicago!
Team Wildcats at ISTE
Washington D.C.
Abydos Training
Abydos
SBISD Homegrown Institute
SBISD Homegrown Institute
SBISD Homegrown Institute
SBISD Homegrown Institute
Our Vision
Our Mission
Core Beliefs
- Each student has unique intellectual, emotional, social, and physical qualities.
- We embrace a child’s individual values, interests, and personalities.
- Parents are confident in their child’s social and intellectual educational growth.
- Educators lead their craft by preparing learners in our fast changing world
Principal's Message
Dear Wildcats,
I am very hopeful you are squeezing in time for yourself and family! For my vacation, after presenting in San Antonio for Opportunity Culture and Leveraging Leadership competencies, I decided to take a little Texas Tour to various locations across our state. After directing summer school, Cindy enjoyed a nice break in San Antonio! We can't wait to hear about your summer time when we return.
I also want to take this time to thank all our staff for their thirst and self-efficacy to continue the learner's journey.
We have had everything from folks attending Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships, Reach 2018 (Opportunity Culture), ISTE 2018, Region 4 Math and Literacy Academies, Level Up Trainings (SBISD), to most recently Reading Institutes for K-5!
*whew* That's definitely university style learning! Way to Go! WHY? It's for ourselves and the generations of students you will impact!
Thank you so much for attending the SBISD Homegrown Institute (K-2) or ABYDOS Reading (3-5) training for yourself to prepare for the school year. It is clearly evident your dedication for student success is top priority!
We are almost in the home stretch for welcoming students back to school! So here are some updates!
Friendly reminders for K-2: - Please take your SBISD Units of Study and peruse your units by pre-reading material now that you have the chance! If you were unable to attend the Homegrown Institute because of a conflict, please make sure to stop by the school and pick up your units of study so you can start previewing your material.
Your classroom libraries have arrived! Remember- we will have a labeling party on August 2 from 1:00-4:00. If you have a conflict with that time, please arrange to come earlier if you can to start working on that but notify us so that we can have your labels ready for you. Also, remember to pick up your library cart and book tubs.
If you require additional supplies or materials to implement K-2 Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop, please collaborate as a team and send your order to Rachel Berryman so she can order these for you.
New Teachers: If you have an opportunity to visit your classrooms prior, please take a note of what you have and not have in your classrooms. We have re-arranged and moved rooms around, so some of you may not have the needed furniture: We will provide: 1 teacher desk, 1 kidney table, 1 filing cabinet, 1 activeboard, 1 document camera, 1 docking station (for your personal computer), and the amount of desks and chairs for your assigned classroom. You should also have a gently used classroom library. There are many textbooks and resources you will check out from the textbook clerk or the instructional support specialist or librarian. There is butcher paper and some borders in the teacher workroom for your use as well. We are open to flexible room arrangements, therefore you may envision your classroom. However, ensure that as you design your classroom that you fully engage all content areas/and students into your space.
Surplus Warehouse: If you want to peruse the surplus warehouse for additional furniture, it will be open starting on August 9th from 1-4 p.m. every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the Month.
Classrooms: Please excuse the maintenance folks as they are still finishing work orders requested.
Unit Plans and Lesson Plans: Here is a friendly reminder that we are using Understanding by Design Unit Planning and The Better Learning Through Structured Teaching Gradual Release Model (you will receive a hard copy of this book in your welcome back bag) from now on. You will receive very specific guidelines for Unit Planning and Lesson Planning. If you are wanting to get a head start, I strongly suggest you review the book Understanding by Design, as well as the Lesson Plan Template for the Gradual Release Model from the book prior to designing your lessons for 2018-2019. (We have scheduled monthly staff PLCs on the 1st Wednesday to support UbD Unit Planning and Gradual Release Model.)
Staffing: We are currently almost 100% staffed. We are hiring a Dean of Students! Mrs. Rodriguez has accepted a district specialist position in Cy-Fair ISD and we wish her the best as she continues her professional growth at the next level! If you or someone you know is interested in this position- please go to the Human Resources website and apply for the position. Preferred Candidate must have a Master's Degree in Administration and have TTESS certification (or ability to attain it.)
Please enjoy the remaining days of your summer! See you very soon on August 1st or August 6th!
Wildcat Love and respect,
Rachel Martinez
Unleash your unstoppable self! Awais (hubby) and I did at Palo Duro Canyon!
Spring Shadows Elementary
Email: rachel.martinez@springbranchisd.com
Website: https://cms.springbranchisd.com/sse2/
Location: 9725 Kempwood Drive, Houston, TX, United States
Phone: (713) 251-7100
Twitter: @twitter_rachelmartinez4