The Leopard Tale
October-2020
Principal's Points
Attendance Reminders for All Learners
- Our school hours are from 8:45 am – 4:10 pm. All students, regardless of their instructional method, are required to attend all classes throughout their daily instructional schedule.
- It is important for all students to arrive/join all classes on time each day. Any student who is not in class or joining on time virtually as an active participant will be marked absent.
- CFISD Connect students must attend and remain in the live Zoom class meeting with their video on until they are dismissed to a breakout room or independent practice by their teacher in order to receive credit for being present in class. Students are also required to complete all the daily assignments and submit them through Schoology to earn a grade for the class. Zoom expectations have been shared with all students.
- If an in-class student is not feeling well or showing any COVID symptoms, they need to stay home. They will then need to log into my.cfisd.net, go into Schoology, and attend the Zoom video class meeting to be counted present for the day.
Staff Absences
Throughout the year, if your child’s teacher is absent, Connect students will be provided a Zoom link to another Andre’ teacher’s Zoom class. Likewise, all in-person learners will be assigned another in-person class to attend. During this time of substitute staff member shortage, our amazing Andre’ staff is prepared to meet the needs of all students joining their classes. All health and safety protocols will continue to be practiced, ensuring the health and safety of our learning community.
Zoom Breakout rooms
Breakout rooms are a feature in Zoom that allow for smaller group learning. Teachers are required to assign students to breakout rooms when assessing reading levels or checking for student’s independent understanding of instructional material. Teachers also utilize breakout rooms for small group discussion or guided reading/math groups. The breakout room feature mirrors the small group instruction that would happen in the classroom.
Learning Choice (CFISD Connect vs. In-Class Learning at Andre’)
- The window to select a new learning option closed on Sunday, October 4th. Please understand that we are not be able to grant a change in instruction at this time. Once a learning option has been selected, you must continue with that choice for the entire grading period. Staffing decisions, health and safety protocols, and even class and teacher assignments are all determined based on learning method chosen.
- · Changes to learning method will take place on November 9th. We are unable to make changes before this time. You will receive additional information if your child’s class or teacher will change for the second quarter. Every attempt will be made to keep student schedules the same; however, in order to provide appropriate health and safety protocols, some changes may be necessary.
Grades
Teachers have shared a variety of ways for students to submit assignments on Schoology. If you are having technical difficulty, communicate with your child's teacher so a plan can be made. Please understand that submitted grades in the evening may not be calculated in averages for progress reports mid quarter. Students will have ample time to improve overall averages before final grades are due at the end of the grading quarter.
Technology Devices
Technology will continue to be an important tool for both CFISD Connect and in-class Leopards. All devices/hotspots are being distributed in a tiered phase process. When your device is ready for checkout, you will receive communication about that process.
Welcome Back Leopards
News from the Nurse
Hello Andre’ Leopards!
I am Ursula Staten, your School Nurse. I am looking forward to working with you during this unique school year. I used the word unique, because there will be many new protocols and procedures in place that may be a little different from previous school years. This will not take away from students receiving the best school-based healthcare and education possible.
Important Health-Related Information
· All students (grades PK-12) must wear face masks on buses, in hallways, and in common areas. Face masks will be provided for students if needed.
· Face masks are defined to include non-medical and medical grade disposable face masks and cloth face coverings (over the nose and mouth) that meet the same protection standards as non-medical grade face masks. Additionally, face masks with exhalation valves (vents that allow air to be exhaled through a hole in the material) may only be worn in combination with full-face shields.
Parents must screen students daily (prior to entering a school bus or school) for the following signs and symptoms of COVID-19:
Are you experiencing any of the following in a way that is not normal to you?
o Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.00 F
o Loss of taste or smell
o Cough
o Difficulty breathing
o Shortness of breath
o Fatigue
o Headache
o Chills
o Sore throat
o Congestion or runny nose
o Shaking or exaggerated shivering
o Significant muscle pain or ache
o Diarrhea
o Nausea or vomiting
o Have you had known close contact with a person who is suspected, presumptive or lab confirmed with COVID-19 within the last 14 days?
- Students must stay home if they answer “yes” to any of the above. Students may transition temporarily to the CFISD Connect remote learning option during this period with the ability to keep up with instruction and meet attendance requirements.
- Students who show symptoms of COVID-19 at school will be evaluated by the nurse. The nurse will determine whether that child can remain at school.
- Before a student may return to school, established criteria must be met as stated in the “Students Return to School Protocol” on the district website.
Feel free to reach out to me for any health-related questions or concerns. You can reach me by phone at 281-463-5505 or by email at ursula.staten@cfisd.net.
Healthfully Yours,
Ursula Staten BSN, RN
School Nurse
Title I
At the beginning of the school year, parents of students attending a campus receiving Title I funds must be notified that they may request information regarding professional qualifications of your child’s classroom teachers.
The federal law requires the school district to provide you this information in a timely manner if you request it. Specifically, you have the right to request the following information about each of your child’s classroom teachers:
· teacher certificate and licensure for the grades and subject taught;
· college major or information regarding advanced degrees; and
· qualifications of teacher aides or similar paraprofessionals who provide services to a child.
If you would like to receive this information, you may contact the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD Human Resources Department at 281-897-4099.
News You Need to Know
Fall Portrait Day
Current Face to Face students will be photographed for our yearbook on Wednesday, October 16th. Be sure to have your child wear something colorful on Portrait day, and avoiding white clothing. Lifetouch order forms will be sent home this week. Order forms must be turned in, or an online order needs to be processed, on or before October 14th.
Students returning to Face to Face instruction for the 2nd 9 weeks will be photographed on November 18th. All Connect students not returning to campus for the 2nd 9 weeks, will receive information soon about Fall portrait options.
Free and Reduced Lunch Information
Curbside Meals
Cy-Fair Nutrition Services will provide breakfast and lunch at no cost to ALL children 18 years and younger, beginning September 8. Meals will be at no cost through December 31 pending funding availability in accordance with USDA regulations.
Students who attend school on campus will receive breakfast and lunch at no charge each day at the campus where they attend. These students are not eligible to receive Curbside CONNECT meals. Receiving the same meal at multiple campuses on the same day is not permitted.
All children 18 years and younger who are not attending school on campus may receive Curbside CONNECT grab and go meals. Children do not need to be enrolled in school or of school age. Children are not required to be present to receive meals, but parents/guardians MUST have an approved form of ID for each of their children to receive meals.
Curbside CONNECT Meals:
Meals will be available for curbside pick-up every Tuesday and Thursday from 4-6 p.m. at the following sites:
- Elementary: Bane, Bang, Emmott, Hancock, Reed, Willbern
- Middle: Anthony, Aragon, Arnold, Bleyl, Campbell, Cook, Dean, Goodson, Hopper, Kahla, Labay, Salyards, Spillane, Thornton, Truitt, Watkins
- High: Bridgeland, Cy Creek, Cy-Fair, Cy Falls, Cy Lakes, Cy Park, Cy Ranch, Cy Ridge, Cy Springs, Cy Woods, Jersey Village, Langham Creek
Curbside Meal service with children present
- Stay in line in your vehicle.
- Staff member will ask which kind of milk you prefer (White, Chocolate or Soy).
- The meals will be placed on a cart.
- You will get out of your vehicle to retrieve the meals from the cart or you may have your trunk open for the meals to be placed in the rear of your vehicle.
- You will receive 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on Tuesday (intended for Wednesday and Thursday meals); and 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches on Thursday (intended for Friday, Monday and Tuesday meals) for each child present.
- Please do not get out of line and walk up to receive your meals. You will be instructed to return to your vehicle and get in line.
Curbside Meal service without children present
- Stay in line in your vehicle.
- Please hold up each child’s school issued ID card(s). If you do not have a student ID, please keep your window up and hold up to your window one of the following documents for verification:
- Student School ID
- Student Birth Certificate
- Student Report Card or Confirmation of Student Registration
- Staff member will ask which kind of milk you prefer (White, Chocolate or Soy).
- The meals will be placed on a cart.
- You will get out of your vehicle to retrieve the meals from the cart or you may have your trunk open for the meals to be placed in the rear of your vehicle.
- You will receive 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches on Tuesday (intended for Wednesday and Thursday meals); and 3 breakfasts and 3 lunches on Thursday (intended for Friday, Monday and Tuesday meals) for each child.
- Please do not get out of line and walk up to receive your meals. You will be instructed to return to your vehicle and get in line.
Club Rewind
Counselors' Corner
No Place for Hate
Hello, Leopards! Andre’ has been a No Place for Hate Campus for the past 7 years! This year we’re sending you a link to sign the Resolution of Respect Pledge digitally! Please read and discuss as a family and then sign. We appreciate you helping keep Andre’ No Place for Hate. https://forms.gle/fivj78BVyRhdUnUTA
Horizons Program
The window for requesting testing for your child for the district Horizons (Gifted & Talented) program is now open. We will be taking requests for testing until Monday, November 30. Request testing now and avoid the holiday rush!! It’s simple to do….send an email with (1) your child’s first/last name, (2) current grade level, and (3) home room teacher’s name, stating that you would like your child to participate in testing. Direct all of your email requests to Brian Finnerty at brian.finnerty@cfisd.net.
All testing will take place between January 8 and February 12, 2021. There will be a new online format this year. In the past, we have given paper and pencil versions of this assessment. Students who are utilizing CFISD Connect will be scheduled to come into the building for online testing. Our face to face students will be taking the assessment during the school day as well. All of our safety protocols will be in place during testing, and more information will be provided closer to the testing date.
There is a flyer attached to this month’s newsletter regarding Horizons testing.
Help Wanted
At this time, Andre’ plans on participating in Dierker’s Champs baseball league in the Spring. We have a few dedicated staff members who are willing to be assistant coaches and have coached in previous seasons. We are seeking a caring individual (preferably a parent/guardian of a student who attends Andre’) who would like to fulfill the role of lead manager. We are also open to having more than one manager if two parents want to share the responsibility. This has been a rewarding and worthwhile endeavor for both children and coaches, and I would be happy to discuss it with you further. Please contact Brian Finnerty at 281 463-5548 or email him at brian.finnerty@cfisd.net.
Core Value for the Month: INTEGRITY
During the month of October, school counselors will be conducting classroom guidance lessons related to integrity. As a staff, we will reinforce that value throughout the month. We have attached a family newsletter (English and Spanish versions) for you to look at with your family.
Words From the Library
Have you ever read a digital book? Now is your chance! You can access an abundance of eBooks through the Andre’ Library. Below are videos walking you through the process. Students will need to log in with their student ID number (s#) and password. Some of the sites have passwords too, so watch the videos to find out what they are.
Have fun exploring! And let me know what you think! Happy digital reading!
Your Andre' Librarian,
Demo Video for Sora eBooks
(3rd-5th) https://www.wevideo.com/view/1839571767
Sora site: https://soraapp.com/welcome
Demo Video for Capstone Interactive eBooks
(PK-5th grade) https://www.wevideo.com/view/1829128105
Capstone site: https://www.mycapstonelibrary.com/login/
Notes from the front desk
Lunch Visitors
Due to new health protocols, we will not have lunch visitors or deliveries.
Absences
If your child is absent, please send a note on the first day of your child’s return to school stating the reason for the absence. Thank you.
Transportation Changes
If a child’s end-of-day transportation changes, the parent/guardian must send a note with the date, necessary changes and parent/guardian signature. If a note is not received, the usual method of transportation will be followed.
For safety purposes, no changes will be made after 3:45 P.M., and PHONE CALLS or E-MAILS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED.
Early Departure
If you need to pick up your child prior to 3:45, please send a note in the morning, with the reason for leaving, as well as the name of the person who will be picking up your child. This person must have an ID that matches the name you provide for us to release your child. We will not dismiss your child from class until you arrive. You are welcome to call from the parking lot to let us know that you have arrived so that your child can begin walking to the front office, but you will also need to meet us at the front door with your ID, where we will deliver your child to you. Again, the ID must match the name of the person you provided in your note that you sent with your child.
Student Council
Did you know that Andre’ receives 10₵ for every General Mills Box Tops for Education we collect? Please remember to scan your receipts for Box Tops from participating products. See the flyer below for information on how to download the app and scan receipts.
If each student turns in 10 box tops, our school will earn over $1,100! Wow!
PTO
Hello Andre’ Families!
Thank you to all who have become members and ordered your Spirit Shirts! We now have an online store to share! This new website has lots of great things to offer. Once you are registered, we can send you volunteer information.
Go to www.AndrePTO.MembershipToolkit.com to register and order the PTO Membership Bundle and extra Spirit Shirts! Once completed, the order will be delivered to the school.
If you have turned in an order form, please check your email for the link that was sent out and follow the link above to register and pay.
Big Kahuna - Our first fall Fundraiser is here!
Make sure to check your email for the link to Big Kahuna! We have sent the packets home with the in-person kids. For the online students, the email has the link to the packet paperwork. Once you have registered online you can share the catalog with friends and family.
We have great prizes, and the HedgeHogz Collectibles will be available when our students turn in their completed tickets.
For online students, call 281-463-5500 to schedule an appointment to turn in your tickets and pick up the HedgeHogz collectible!
There will be a friendly competition between all classes and grade levels. Check out the flyer in the packet for the details.
Selling Website: www.bigkahunaprime.com
Your school ID to register online is 4034
Important fundraiser dates:
Start Date: 9/30
End Date: 10/16
PTO Needs YOU!
We are looking for a 1st Vice President of Membership/VIPS Coordinator to join our Board. This person will oversee PTO Membership, coordinate virtual and in-person volunteer events with the school and use the new website, Membership Toolkit, to share the information with the volunteers.
PTO Contact Information:
Facebook: Andre’ Elementary PTO – like and share our page to get the most up to date information for the school year!
Twitter: @AndreElemPTO
Email: AndreLeopardPTO@gmail.com
Help Andre’ Earn “Free Money”
My Coke Rewards: https://us.coca-cola.com/give/schools/
When you make a Coca-Cola purchase, you simply enter the product codes on the website and we get a donation from Coca-Cola.
Amazon Smile: http://smile.amazon.com/ch/56-2612718
Amazon donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases to Andre’ PTO. Please be sure to add Andre’ PTO as your charity.
Kroger Plus: www.krogercommunityrewards.com
Add Andre’ Elementary PTO Inc as your community rewards organization under “My Account.” You will need to confirm your selection if you have signed up previously.
Mark your calendar
10/13- Wear College Shirts/Colors
10/14- Fall Portrait Day
10/20- Virtual Parent Night
10/23- No Place for Hate Activity
10/26-10/30- Red Ribbon Week
10/30- Pink Out Day
10/26-11/20- Virtual Parent Conferences
About Us
Email: andre@cfisd.net
Website: andre.cfisd.net/en/
Location: 8111 Fry Road, Cypress, TX, USA
Phone: 281-463-5500
Facebook: facebook.com/cfisdandre/
Twitter: @cfisdandre