Cougar Connection
December 2023
DECEMBER FAMILY CALENDAR
PBIS SUCCESS!
At Keith Elementary, we use Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to promote strong behavior, academics, social growth, and mental health. PBIS is an evidence-based framework that includes development of a consistent school-wide language for support as well as a focus on praising the positives. You may have seen your child come home with Cougar Cash. This is a part of our PBIS program, but it is also so much more! At Keith, our consistent, school-wide system of PBIS starts with our matrix (ROAR). To learn a bit more about PBIS, check out our new PBIS newsletter and matrix below!
PBIS Success!
Spelling Bee
Keith Elementary Spelling Bee: Tuesday, December 12th promptly @ 9:00 am in the Keith Cafeteria:
Please arrive at 8:45 am to scan your driver’s license to receive access into the cafeteria if you plan on watching your child participate in the Keith Spelling Bee. No pictures or video recordings will be allowed during the live spelling performance. Picture opportunities will be after the Bee. Siblings (school-age children, including elementary, middle, and high school students) may not attend due to district policy.
On Friday, November 17th, students who qualified for the Keith Spelling Bee, received a permission letter from their homeroom teacher to be signed and returned to school.
Cy-Fair ISD District Spelling Bee: Tuesday, January 30, 2024, 5:00 pm at the Center:
More information will be released as the date approaches for our Keith Spelling Bee Champion and Runner-Up.
Please direct Spelling Bee questions to Mrs.Mosher and Mrs. Parlevliet. We are happy to help! Good luck to all of our participating Keith Cougars!
Sincerely,
S. Mosher
K. Parlevliet
Reading Support Teachers at Keith Elementary
Counselors Corner
Hello Keith Families,
The end of the second semester is fast approaching. Our guidance lessons and small groups are in full swing. All classes in all grades meet with the counselors for guidance lessons one to two times per month. Small Groups meet with the counselors during lunch for 6 days over the course of a few weeks. Small group participation is by recommendation and parent permission only. Please reach out to your grade-level counselor if you would like to request your child participate in a small group.
Jodi Evridge (Grades K, 2, 4) jodi.evridge@cfisd.net 281-21301750 X2
Lisa Sudtelgte (Grades PK, 1, 3, 5) Lisa.Sudtelgte@cfisd.net 281-213-1750 X1
Counselor Tips
Prepare your Kids for the Holiday Season
Holidays can be an emotional roller coaster for our kids. They are so excited about presents and vacations, but they may also feel anxious about being around large crowds, traveling, or having their routine turned upside down.
Use a family calendar to help your kids adjust to the changing schedule. Kids feel much more comfortable when they can visually see upcoming changes to their routines. Try to keep bedtime and your routine as normal as you can, when possible.
Set expectations for your kids at holiday get-togethers. When preparing for a family gathering, review the expectations for your child’s behavior. Practice using manners and greeting family members before the event. Remind your child of the rules of where they are allowed to play and what they can play with. It helps to have a “kid area” with age-appropriate toys for the children. It can also help to bring some familiar healthy foods for your child to eat at family events. Adding some familiar favorites to their plate may help your child feel more comfortable to try new dishes.
May you make many wonderful family memories this holiday season!
Counselor Guidance Lessons
In December during guidance we will talk about generosity and the importance of giving for all grade levels.
Small Groups
In small groups we are covering topics of friendship, emotion regulation, social skills, family changes, anxiety, and self-esteem. We also have lunch bunches ongoing for grades 1st -5th. For Lunch Bunch, your child voluntarily signs up to have lunch with the counselor and several other student’s from their grade level. We love getting to meet with the kids!
Gifted and Talented Information
To have your child tested for the Horizons Gifted Program, complete the online acknowledgment, which includes the characteristics of a gifted child, permission to test, and permission for services. To access these items, go to the Home Access Center (HAC) parent portal and use the Gifted and Talented link. You must request Spring GT testing through HAC by Thursday, November 30, with no exceptions. If the deadline is missed, your child must wait until the next school year to be tested. GT testing will take place early in Spring 2024.
ALL kindergarten students will be assessed for the Horizons Gifted Program in Spring 2024. Parents of kindergarten students DO NOT need to complete the GT forms in the Home Access Center.
For more information about the CFISD Gifted Program, visit this link.
To learn how to request GT testing for your child, visit this link.
If you have any additional questions about GT testing or the GT program, please email Lisa.Sudtelgte@cfisd.net
.
Credit by Exam Information
Students in grades K-5 will have four opportunities during the school year to use “credit-by-exam” (CBE) to accelerate to the next grade level. Students will only have one opportunity to test for each grade level considered.
November (Oct. 1 - Dec. 31) - Campus, placement made the following school year
February (Jan. 1 - March 31) - Campus, placement made the following school year
June (April 1 - June 30, 2024) - Brautigam Center, placement made in August 2024
July (July 1 - Sept. 30, 2024) - Brautigam Center, placement made in August 2024
Students who earn 80% or better on each component of the credit-by-exam will qualify to advance one grade. Only one grade level may be “skipped” each year. No retests will be given.
If you are interested in getting more information about credit-by-exam, please contact Lisa.Sudtelgte@cfisd.net
Keith Elementary
20550 Fairfield Green Dr.
Cypress, Texas 77433
281-213-1744
Visit us on Facebook
Visit us on Twitter/X at @CFISDKeith and #ThisIsKeith