The Panther's Claw
August 26, 2022
A Note From Ms. Dean
First Edition of the 2022-23 School Year
Good Afternoon Parents,
To those of you who are new to the claw--Welcome! Did you know that a group of panthers is called a "claw?" If you didn't then you learned something new today!
I want to start off by again telling you thank you for the support you have given in making the start to this school year amazing! We have set high expectations for our students and teachers and they are stepping up to the challenge!
This week a lot of time was spent on teachers creating good systems in classrooms so instruction runs smoothly moving forward. Myself and Mr. Gibbs walked the Social Studies classes and we were very impressed with what we saw.
Next week we will be taking the Renaissance test in math and ELA and beginning our technology roll-out. We will also be handing out ID's. So, be looking for a Remind regarding next weeks events on Sunday. I know you have gotten A LOT of information from me and I respect that your time is important so my goal is to send out a monthly newsletter and then send out weekly Reminds on Sunday evening or Monday morning.
**Remember, all district information or any legal information that might be sent out from the school will be sent out via SchoolMessenger, not Remind. Please go onto HISD Connect and make sure your information is updated and correct. The computer will only pull from information in Connect.
Sincerely,
MDean
Introducing the Leadership Team via the Brand they created
Jeff Bridgewater--Dean of Instruction
Mr. Bridgewater moved from the 8th grade dean position to the Dean of Instruction position. I(we) are super excited about this move. Under his leadership, our teachers are going to do amazing things!
Benjamin Gibbs--8th grade Dean
Mr. Gibbs comes to us with years of experience from Clifton. He has great ideas and has already set the tone for our 8th grade students. Mr. Gibbs is over 8th grade, our Social Studies Team and he is working with Ms. Martinez and Ms. Ayres to serve our Dual Language students and our Emerging Bilinguals.
Damon McLemore--7th grade Dean
Mr. McLemore joined the team last year so many of you already know him, but Mr. McLemore oversees 7th grade, our Math team and Athletics. We like to keep him busy.
Christian Martinez--6th grade Dean
Ms. Martinez has also been in her position for a few years now so I'm sure if you have been around for a minute you are familiar with her. Ms. Martinez will oversee our Fine Arts program and our Dual Language program. Under her leadership, I believe these programs are going to soar even higher.
Marvella Matias-Segovia--Magnet Coordinator/EB Counselor
I could not be more excited about this promotion. Ms. Matias was a math teacher on campus and really has a heart for our Emerging Bilingual students. This will be the first time our campus has had a counselor specifically for this population of students. In addition, Ms. Matias will serve as our VG Coordinator. She has been concentrating on getting the trainings completed and I know she has already has great ideas for our VG students.
Lauren Ayres--Literacy Specialist
I don't believe I had to even say what Ms. Ayres position was, I believe you can tell by her brand what she does, but in addition to coaching teachers and assisting with the ELA department, Ms. Ayres is our 504 Coordinator and oversees our Intervention classes.
Ms. Kristal--Counselor
Mr. Dote' Williams--SPED Dept Chair
Justin Buren--Instructional Coach
Not branded--Ms. Johnson, Counselor. We will get her next round when I introduce the Tech Team
Schedule Change Requests---See Below
Forms are Due by Monday 8/29
Upcoming Important Dates for the end of August and September
Monday, Aug. 29--Renaissance Testing begins for ELA and Math classes
Thursday, Sept. 1--Parent Information Meeting--Claw Patrol via Zoom 6:00--6:15Monday, Sept. 5--Holiday (No School)
Friday, Sept. 9, Progress Reports
Wednesday, Sept. 14--6th grade Open House, Parent Informational Meeting @ 5:00, Open House @ 6:00
Thursday, Sept. 15--7/8th grade Open House, Parent Informational Meeting @ 5:30, Open House @ 6:00 (This was a typo on the flyer--correct date is 9/15)
Friday, Sept. 16--Pep Rally Schedule--Phoenix House is Outside
Thursday, Sept. 22--Coffee with the Principal (time TBD)---Subject: School Safety
Monday-Wednesday, Sept. 26-28--School Photos. Details and Schedule to follow via Remind
Friday, Sept. 30--End of Grading Cycle