Andrews Elementary
On Wings of Excellence
Dear Andrews Family
It amazes me that we have only one remaining week before first semester concludes and winter break begins – time sure does fly when you are having fun! This past week has been full of activity! Students have been diligently working on their mid-year MAP tests, and our 5th graders sang phenomenally in their choir performance last night. We have several enjoyable events taking place during this upcoming final week of the semester, and I look forward to seeing many of you during the course of these next several days!
Please note that we need for you to send an RSVP to your child’s homeroom teacher by Wednesday (12/16) at noon if you have already completed your volunteer background check and plan to help at your child’s/children’s winter party on Thursday (12/17). It is our desire to make the required check-in process at the office as quick as possible so that you don’t miss a minute of your child’s party. By sending an RSVP to your child’s homeroom teacher no later than Wednesday at noon, we will be able to work ahead of time and therefore expedite the check-in process. Thank you in advance for taking the time to RSVP if you plan to attend!
I also want to take this opportunity to introduce you to a new face in the Andrews office. Ms. Ann Aston, former principal of Murphy Middle School here in PISD, is temporarily serving as the Assistant Principal here at Andrews. She will be here for the next few weeks to fill in the gap until our new Assistant Principal (who will replace Mr. Cantu) is able to join us sometime during the month of January. Thank you in advance for welcoming Ms. Aston to Andrews for this brief period of time.
Now that Ms. Jana Sandall has been approved by the PISD Board of Trustees, I am able to inform you that she will be our new Assistant Principal. She comes to us with both administrative and teaching experience within PISD, and I look forward to her contributions as an important member of our Andrews staff.
As always, thank you for your support as we work together along this educational journey. I hope that you and your family enjoy a wonderful weekend.
Joy Lovell, Principal
Andrews Elementary
Week at a Glance...
Monday, December 14th
Tuesday, December 15th
- Andrews Spelling Bee - 8:00 a.m. (gym)
- NO AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING
Wednesday, December 16th
Thursday, December 17th
- Winter Parties - 1:30 p.m. (in classrooms)
- NO AFTER-SCHOOL TUTORING
Friday, December 18th
- 2nd Nine Week Assemblies - 3rd-5th @ 8:00 a.m.; K-2nd @ 9:30 a.m. (gym)
- Early Release - 12:00 p.m.
Saturday, December 19th & Sunday, December 20th
- PTA spirit event at Delish Bubble Tea (8930 State Highway 121, McKinney, 75070)
Note: We advise that no party treats are sent to school for birthdays on December 17th (winter parties) & December 18th (early release). Since we are wanting to reserve this special moment for our students, we don't want our events to overshadow their special day. Thank you in advance.
After School Programs/Rehearsals
Monday, 12/14:
- NTCC Choir Rehearsal
Tuesday, 12/15:
- 5th Grade Choir Rehearsal
- Beginning/Intermediate Chess Club
Wednesday, 12/16:
- Drama Club
- Math Olympiads
Thursday, 12/17:
- Advanced Chess Club
- CraniaLogix
Delish Bubble Tea to Donate 15% of Proceeds on December 19-20
The next Andrews spirit event will take place at Delish Bubble Tea, 8930 State Highway 121, McKinney, 75070 (next to Subway, facing Custer Road). Stop by on Saturday, Dec. 19, or Sunday, Dec. 20, for a tasty refreshment, and Delish will donate 15% of the proceeds to Andrews PTA.
Winter Parties!
2nd Nine Week Assemblies
No Tutoring
Early Release on Friday, December 18th
MAP Testing Dates: 1st - 5th Grade
Below are all of the testing dates and testing windows.
Winter MAP Testing Windows:
Reading MAP: December 7-17
Language Usage MAP: December 7-17
Science MAP: January 5-15
Request Regarding Fragrances
We have students at Andrews who have severe/life threatening allergies to fragrances, perfumes, and air fresheners. While we cannot guarantee an allergen-free environment, with your help we can attempt to accommodate these students in his/her classroom setting. Therefore, we are requesting that no fragrance products be sent to school with your child at this time. This may include, but is not limited to, hair oil, scented hand sanitizers, scented body sprays or lotions, and perfumes. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us attempt to offer a safe and allergen-free environment.
Safety First
- For students who walk home - Please encourage your children to directly head home after school due to NO adult supervision.
- Students should be walking bikes/scooters upon arrival on school property during BOTH arrival and dismissal times. Thank you!
- If you are in the building during a lockdown drill, please enter the closest room, close the door, turn the lights off and remain out of sight.
- During a fire drill, please exit the building (200 feet away from building) until further notice.
- When coming to obtain your child from school during an emergency, please remember to bring a form of identification for verification purposes (e.g. Driver's License, Dismissal Cards/Tags with child's name, etc.).
Community Feedback
Facilities and Technology Study Task Force Public Hearing
Thursday, December 17, 2015, 6:00 p.m.
Plano Senior High School Doyle Dean Performing Arts Center
2200 Independence Pkwy, Plano, TX 75075
Speaker cards will be required from all who wish to speak at the hearing and will be available beginning at 5:30 p.m. through the end of the meeting.
Additional opportunities for input are available at the regular school board meetings scheduled for January 12 and February 2, 2016, and via district e-mail at askpisd@pisd.edu. For more information on the work of the Facilities and Technology Study Task Force, please visit the Plano ISD website at: http://www.pisd.edu/news/2016bond/index.shtml.
Online Transfer
The On Line Numbering System for SECONDARY transfer requests will be available beginning December 14th at 6:30 am. Parents must log in beginning December 14th to receive a number to hold a place in line for them on the January 4th transfer day. See link below for more information.
Science & Engineering Fair
It is time once again to prepare for Andrews Elementary Science and Engineering Fair. Though participation in this annual event is voluntary, we want to encourage interested students to take advantage of this opportunity to exhibit their knowledge.
Please complete and return the form sent home through your classroom teacher to receive the Science and Engineering Fair Student Handbook. This book has specific information about rules governing the judging of projects.
Andrews Elementary Science and Engineering Fair Projects are due on January 13, 2016. If you have any questions please emailamy.moore@pisd.edu or Meagan.gilleland@pisd.edu.
Jasper Jazz
Jasper Jazz in action: This Saturday watch the Jasper Jazz televised performance on Ch. 8 and see them live at the Plano Christmas Parade!
On TV
Pour a steaming cup of coffee or hot chocolate, turn on the TV and prepare to be dazzled as your watch the televised performance of the award-winning Jasper Jazz as they kick off the Dallas Children’s Health℠ Holiday Parade. The Jazz were specially selected to perform in the opening dance number of the parade so watch for them in Santa costumes at the beginning of the telecast. The parade will be broadcast on WFAA-TV Channel 8 at 10 a.m. this Saturday, Dec. 12 so set your DVR if you can’t catch it that morning. Now in its 28th year, the annual Dallas Children’s Health℠ Holiday Parade marched through the streets of Downtown Dallas last Saturday to ring in the holiday season. And in the spirit of giving back, the Jasper Jazz donated $1,330 to Children’s Health in support of making life better for children.
Live
You can also see the Jasper Jazz live at the Plano Christmas Parade. The parade starts at 9 a.m. this Saturday, Dec. 12 at 15th Street and Independence Pkwy. and ends at Plano Senior High. The Jazz will be the fourth drill team in the lineup. Enjoy the holiday festivities and support this amazing drill team. Go Jazz!