Mighty Cub Newsletter
Welcome Back to School Edition
Welcome Back!
I am excited about the new chapter we are about to write. This year will mark the beginning of our District of Innovation initiative. We will remain steadfast to the commitments we began last year as we enter dual stages of refinement of existing processes and structures, as well as, implementation of new practices to enhance student learning. While we refine the way we collaborate, make decisions, and solve problems together, we will be putting a strong focus on student engagement, SIOP strategies and differentiation.
Change is essential for growth, having said that, change is difficult. In order to overcome the uneasiness that comes with change, we must be able to have a growth mind-set and be able to support each other with positive attitudes. I am committed to doing what is best for our students and to support you, so that you can do your job and provide your students the best education available.
I am proud to work alongside you and admire your passion and dedication to our students. I know that we are on the right track and we must stay the course and continue to grow. I look forward to seeing you soon. Enjoy every moment of your remaining vacation. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Let us make 2017-2018 the best year yet!!
Respectfully,
David Lopez
Alief Middle School, Principal
Classroom Set-Up
New Floor
Completion date is Aug. 10 and it will need to cure out by Aug. 16.
New Gym
Completion date is middle of September.
Colorful Library
Back to School Information
- Alief U Sessions - sessions will be from July 31 to August 4.
Tuesday, August 8
- New Staff Meeting and Lunch 9:00 am to 12:00 pm in the library. All new staff needs to attend this meeting.
Wednesday, August 9
- First day for all staff - All staff will report to the cafeteria at 8:00 am for breakfast
- You will receive your agenda for the rest of the week.
Saturday, August 12
- Building will be open from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.
Wednesday, August 16
- First day of school!!
Please call us if you have questions or need more information. The AMS front office number is 281-983-8422. We look forward to seeing you and hope you enjoy the last few days of summer vacation!
David, Gus, Naeem, & Sherri
#PurposePassionPride
SMART Tag Campus
Our students will be given a "bus card" which they will use to ride the bus after school and for late runs. The card will have the student's ID and will be able to track when the student gets on the bus and when/where the student gets off the bus. There are three portals, Admin, Campus and Parent. We will provide our students with the tags and replacements will cost students $5.00.
Field Trips:
- Must be requested 2-4 weeks ahead of time
- Wednesday field trips must be back by 12:30 pm on PLC days (except UIL)
SLO - Student Learning Objectives
You can watch a short overview video here: https://texasslo.org/Videos
STOIC
This was the theme at the National Safe and Civil Schools Conference. Throughout the year, you will hear me talk about the STOIC model in reference to understanding our roles and responsibilities in supervising common area settings and situations, such as hallways and arrival, dismissal, as well as enforcing school-wide policies such as dress code, inappropriate language and electronics use. The overall goal is staff unity, with everyone on the same page.
STOIC stands for:
S - Structure for success
T - Teach expectations with clarity
O - Observe and supervise
I - Interact positively
C - Correct fluently
I will work closely with the Above and Beyond Committee to ensure we follow the STOIC framework.
Electronic Device Policy
What it will look like:
- It will look very similar to our arrival and dismissal procedures. Students are able to use their devices while they are sitting at a table. They will not be able to have their device out while waiting in line or while standing.
- Students will put away their device before exiting the cafeteria.
- If a table (class) gets too loud, disruptive, we will temporarily take away electronic privilege.
- If a student is constantly getting up and does not follow our directives, he or she will temporarily lose electronic privilege.
Why we made the decision:
- The cafeteria is a difficult common area to manage and monitor. We listened to your concerns about the amount of movement in the cafeteria and the noise level. We hope this change will help us manage this common area more effectively.