Grizzly Gazette- 5/9/2022
May 9, 2022
STAAR Testing Edition
We had a successful three days of STAAR testing last week as 8th graders took Science & Social Studies and students enrolled in Algebra I took their STAAR EOC. This week all students will take STAAR Math and STAAR Reading so we are continuing with our STAAR testing environment protocols. Please help us emphasize the importance of STAAR testing with your student(s) as this is when they should be taking their time, putting forth their very best effort, and using strategies they've been using and practicing in class.
Please note the below STAAR Testing Protocols article for quick tips and procedures we'll have in place all week. Though students only test Tuesday/Wednesday, other students will be make-up testing on the other days and administrators will be either preparing for testing or preparing tests to ship back for scoring.
Let's help our students shine on STAAR this week!
- Tue, May 10- STAAR Math (all grades)
- Wed, May 11- STAAR Reading (all grades)
- Mon, May 16- PTO Meeting + Principal Coffee Talk
2022 STAAR Testing Protocols
The following protocols will be in place to ensure a safe and orderly testing environment. Even when not all grade levels are testing, there will be a number of classrooms and spaces used for testing which requires us to ensure a secure testing environment.
- No lunch deliveries
- No visitors
- Snacks- though some snacks will be provided, students may bring a light snack that would not cause a disruption to the testing environment
- (no cheetos/takis or snacks with messy crumbs. Good example: cracker pack, granola bar, or pretzels).
- Early pick-up- if your student is taking a STAAR test, they should get four hours to take that test and should not be picked up from school during the testing window.
- Backpacks- we will be encouraging students to not bring their backpack on their assigned testing days. They may bring a book to read following testing.
- Cell Phones/ Smartwatches- all student electronic devices (internet capable) will be taken up from students while they test and they will sign an Electronic Device Policy Oath. They will get their device back after testing has finished for that day.
- STAAR Electronic Device Policy- if a student fails to turn in their electronic device, their STAAR test could be voided (not scored). This would also coincide with a disciplinary consequence as electronic devices during testing are strictly prohibited.
We appreciate your flexibility, patience, and understanding during STAAR testing as every WBMS staff member is utilized to ensure a safe and secure testing environment.
Resources
(Houston ISD) STAAR Assessments Middle School
STAAR Testing Information for Parents
As we returned to in-person instruction this school year, the Texas Education Agency (TEA) passed HB 4545 which enacted different STAAR testing requirements. This bill reshaped how student's test scores are used as it also requires different interventions based upon student's performance. This school year, we took student's 2021 STAAR scores or (if they didn't take it) their TEA-BOY test scores to determine Accelerated Learning supports (interventions).
Because these details and information can be overwhelming, I want to provide you with STAAR resources to help navigate conversations with your student. Previously, students in grades 5 & 8 had to pass their STAAR test to be promoted as they were given three opportunities to test.
- Now, if a student (grades 3-8) does not pass (meet approaches grade-level) standard, they must be provided with 30 hours of Accelerated Learning Tutorials (interventions) in each subject they fail to meet standard.
- If a student in grades 5 or 8 does not pass (meet approaches grade-level) a STAAR test, the campus must establish an accelerated learning committee to develop an individual educational plan for the student and monitor progress.
STAAR Parent Resources
HB 4545 Frequently Asked Questions (updated 04/2022)
Accelerated Learning Resources
Understanding your child's STAAR score
STAAR Score Reports
A student's STAAR score is broken up into 4 reporting categories:
- Masters Grade Level (Passing)
- Meets Grade Level (Passing)
- Approaches Grade Level (Passing)
- Did Not Meet Grade Level (Not Passing)
7th / 8th Grades Course Selection- This Week
Sixth & Seventh grade students will have been presented with their 2022-2023 Course Selection Materials by the end of the day Monday*. The video presentation has been posted to our WBMS Course Selection website, along with the Course Selection cards, and Course Descriptions. Current 6th & 7th Grade Parents will be sent information in an email that includes the below link. Students will come home with hard copy Course Selection Cards that they will turn back into their Social Studies teacher.
West Briar Course Selection 2022-2023 Page
- Click either the 7th grade or 8th grade side bar subpage.
Course Selection Cards will be due: May 13!
*We apologize that some students did not receive their Course Selection Cards last week due to substitutes not handing them out. We've since corrected the situation, and will ensure they go out Monday.
2021-2022 Title I Family Engagement Survey
Thank you for taking the time to complete the 2021–2022, HISD Title I, Part A Parent and Family Engagement Survey. The purpose of this annual survey is to see how well your child’s school partners with you and encourages your family’s engagement in your child’s education. The survey should take approximately 10 minutes to complete. Your feedback is anonymous.
Survey must be completed on or before May 20, 2022!
Complete using the below link:
Or...use the QR Code Below
Power Up & Canvas: 2022-2023 School Year
We are very excited to announce that next school year West Briar will a Power Up campus and HISD will begin using CANVAS as it's learning management system. Power Up is a One-to-One Laptop program that has been fully implemented at HISD High Schools and is now expanding to Middle Schools. The goal of Power Up is to provide access to a digital device, so that students can become producers and evaluators of knowledge, not just consumers. Having access (with school-issued Chromebooks), will allow students to locate, evaluate, and interpret information, as well as collaborate with others to engage in authentic, real-world tasks.
- More information about Power Up can be found here: HISD Power UP & West Briar will be hosting an informational night prior to the 2022-2023 school year.
In addition to becoming a Power Up campus, HISD will begin utilizing CANVAS as an instructional base for learning in and out of the classroom. This means that the HUB will be replaced by Canvas.
- More information about the transition to Canvas can be found here: Canvas for Parents (this includes a Canvas Parent App)
COVID-19 PCR Testing- has concluded
***Update****
There will no longer by COVID-19 PCR Testing at West Briar MS.
Westside High School: Basketball Summer Camp
Yearbooks on Sale
The 2021-2022 West Briar MS Yearbook is officially on sale! Use the digital link below to go to Jostens West Briar Yearbook page. Click on "Order my yearbooks." Cost: $30
Who do I contact?
Attendance: Mr. Anderson- compassion.anderson@houstonisd.org
Registration/Enrollment- Ms. Lamar- llamar@houstonisd.org
Nurse: Nurse Vu- phuong.vu@houstonisd.org
Special Education Secretary: Ms. Aguilera- joana.aguilera@houstonisd.org
6th Grade House Secretary: Ms. Rodriguez- laura.rodriguezgarcia@houstonisd.org
7th Grade House Secretary: Ms. Young- syoung1@houstonisd.org
8th Grade House Secretary: Ms. Bass- vbass2@houstonisd.org
Social Worker: Ms. Taylor- madison.taylor@houstonisd.org
West Briar