October Parent Updates
October 2015
Got Grit?
Got Grit? Angela Lee Duckworth, a former teacher and now psychologist, had a desire and passion to answer this question- What separates successful people from those who are not successful?
Because of her passion and desire to answer this question as it related to her students, she suspended her teaching career and went back to graduate school to perform research in this area.
Through her studies, Duckworth quickly discovered that IQ was not the only difference between her best and her worst performers. Some of her strongest performers didn’t always have a high IQ. She found that what separates successful people from non-successful people is something known as GRIT!
Ms. Duckworth described grit as passion; perseverance to complete long-term goals; and working hard to make a vision a reality. She studied grit and its impact by observing teachers in low-performing schools to determine if they had enough “grit” to have an impact on student performance. Long story short- it’s not always smart people that ultimately find success- it’s those that display will and determination despite their circumstances.
So where does grit come from? Are we born with grit or can we create environments where students become gritty? We don’t know. I believe that grittiness is contagious and educators and parents can work together to create experiences for students where they can display grit. I believe that through positive partnerships we can create a school built on grit.
By teaching our students successful habits- we are also teaching them behaviors and attitudes that will help them face challenges with great courage and resolve. As we build out our leadership development school, we need you to be gritty. You could help us by doing the following:
- Question your child about his learning day and what he is learning in school.
- Pay attention to those things that interest your child and inform your child's teacher of things that interest him.
- Listen closely to your child's passions and provide him/her with opportunities to create experiences in these areas.
- Teach your child to take 100% responsibility their actions and talk about ways to turn them into outstanding opportunities.
Let's give our students an amazing learning experience by showing them that having GRIT pays off!
Your Partner in Education,
Principal Spears
The Reading Challenge
QVE Mission/Vision
Dear Eagle Families,
Over the summer, our team examined the Fort Bend ISD District Mission and Vision Statements to develop our purpose for Quail Valley Elementary. We believe that it is important that everything we do is aligned to our mission statement and that every member of our learning community (including our students and parents) know what we stand for as well as the direction of our GREAT campus.
Below is our mission/vision statements as well as goal statements that clearly define our purpose. We're looking forward to you joining us on this journey!
Mission: Quail Valley Elementary exits to inspire and equip all learners to create innovative solutions to learning by becoming leaders of their own learning.
Vision: Leading and Learning Everyday.
Campus Learning Goal #1: Students will be provided with opportunities to learn beyond the walls of their grade level classrooms (flexible grouping, common learning areas, collaboration experiences for teachers and students).
Campus Learning Goal #2: Teachers will discover innovative, creative solutions to learning in order to meet the diverse needs of individual students.
Campus Learning Goal #3: Teachers and students will monitor and track learning progress as well as strategies to improve overall performance (student data notebook, teacher data notebook, student-led conferences, professional learning communities, common planning time, etc.)
Campus Learning Goal #4: All students will meet grade level or above performance in reaching their reading and math goals.
Campus Learning Goal #5: All Learners will utilize current trends in technology to enhance learning in the classroom and beyond (Facebook, smartphones, Twitter, Edmodo, etc.)
What's Up at QVE?
Monday, October 12th Student Holiday/District Professional Development
Wednesday, October 14th Chick-fil-a Spirit Night with the Enrichment Team
Tuesday, October 22nd Report Cards sent home
Saturday, October 24th Color Run 9:30-11:00
Friday, October 30th Storybook Parade
October 26th - 30 Red Ribbon Week
Wednesday, October 28th Picture Retakes/Class Pictures
Wednesday, October 28th QVE 40th Anniversary Celebration at 4:30 pm in the cafeteria, please RSVP at http://evite.me/wT95w452Ka
*Box Top Contest, October 1- 31st - see information below
RSVP for Our 40th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, October 28th at 4:30
Please view invitation at link below to RSVP for this event.
Looking forward to a wonderful celebration!
Your Partner in Education,
The QVE Family
Color Run Fundraiser Submission Deadline Extended to Monday, October 5th
The submission deadline for fundraiser order forms and money has been extended to Monday, October 5th. In order for our school to receive credit for items your child(ren) has sold or pledges he/she has received, the form and money must be turned in by this date. Please see the attached flyer for more information and instruction on how to participate.
Our school relies heavily on money earned through these annual fundraisers to purchase classroom supplies, including technology and Smartboards, fund annual field trips, and contribute to school projects such as the QVE garden and learning tree. Without your support these activities would not be possible, so thank you in advance!
If you have any questions about this fundraiser, please contact Laura Goodley at vangood06@yahoo.com or 562.396.6876.
Kind regards,
QVE PTO
Early Dismissal for Students This Friday at 12:10
Our first early dismissal day is October the 9th. With the new dismissal time being 12:10 we will be providing lunch for our students. Lunch will be prepared as a sack lunch.
Happy Birthday to the Following Staff Members!
10/5 Ms. Blevins, 2nd Grade
10/5 Mr. Garcia, Custodial Manager
10/11 Ms. Hall, EA
10/16 Ms. Yelling, Extended Day Supervisor
10/15 Ms. Scott, Music
10/30 Ms Berry, 1st Grade
Congrats Ms. Hubbard, 3rd Grade!
Congrats Ms. Kelley!
Congrats Ms. Moragne, 2nd Grade!
QVE PTO Surprise 4 Teachers with Sugar Shindig Tickets!
On Friday, October 2nd, 4 lucky teachers were surprised with a visit from our QVE Prize Patrol! QVE PTO donated 4 tickets for staff member to attend the FBISD Education Foundation Sugar Shindig. PTO performed a random drawing selecting the names of 4 staff members.
So what is the Sugar Shindig? I thought you’d never ask! The Sugar Shindig is fundraising event sponsored by The Fort Bend Education Foundation. This is an opportunity for us to show our QVE spirit as we get together for live music, dancing, food, and fun! The event will be held on Friday, October 9th from 6:30 pm until 11:30 pm and the school with the most participants will be featured on marketing materials for next year and will have Dr. Dupre grill out for staff members on their campus!
The Fort Bend Education Foundation provides opportunities to enrich and enhance the quality of education for all FBISD students through its grant programs. Last year, QVE Teachers and Staff were awarded over $5000 from the Foundation to support innovation teacher ideas! Because of this Foundation, we now have appropriate resources and equipment to hatch baby chicks as our students observe and learn about the life cycle; we can provide our students with hands-on learning opportunities in math/science with the addition of our Outdoor Science Classroom; and we have added an ELA/Writing Laboratory to support the district curriculum by providing flexible learning areas within our school.
Our Prize Patrol, made up of administrators, PTO, and teacher leaders made their way down hallways with noise makes, cheers, and celebrations knocking on teachers doors and surprising them with a Sugar Shindig Ticket!
So Congratulations to the following teachers/staff members:
Ms. Jennifer Pena, CCC/Counselor/Nurse Aide
Ms. Margaret Yoo, 5th Grade ELA/SS
Ms. Cindy Hubbard, 3rd Grade, ELA/SS
Ms. Alyssa Kelly, 2nd Grade
Thanks to all our teachers who purchased tickets to this event and to our wonderful PTO for their generous donation! And a special thanks to Ms. McKinnon, Ms. Rodriguez, Ms. Campbell who donated tickets to a staff member! QVE ROCKS!
QVE Annual Storybook Parade
Quail Valley elementary Students and Staff will bring their favorite STORYBOOK character to life! On Friday, October 30th, we are going to celebrate books by giving our students the opportunity to participate in a book character parade. At 2:30, students and teachers will line the main hallway to wave and cheer as the participants walk by.
There is no need to purchase anything, instead, be creative by making your own hats, ears or clothes the character would wear. In order to be in the parade, students must follow the listed guidelines:
· Students must either carry the book or make a large nametag so we will know which storybook the character is from.
· No witches, goblins, pumpkin or other inappropriate Halloween type costumes are allowed (vampire teeth, etc.). Parents will be called to bring their child appropriate clothing.
· This form must be returned to your child’s teacher by Friday, October 23rd.
We ask that you dress your child as a book character. There are so many amazing books; Make one come to life!
Please sign and return your form to your child’s teacher indicating which storybook character your child will be. All characters must be approved. Your child’s teacher will contact you if the character/costume is not appropriate.
Forms will be sent home in Wednesday Folders.
For more information contact Ms. Portugal, Reading Specialist
Parent-Student-Teacher Conferences - Friday, October 9th
Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled for Friday, October 9th from 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm. As a leadership development school we are teaching our student's habits that will lead to success in school and in life. The Parent-Student -Teacher Collaboration sessions are a great way to provide students with an opportunity to ensure that all voices are considered as we plan for success. Formally known as parent-teacher conferences, the Parent-Student-Teacher Collaboration Session will allow all members to take an active role in the learning process.
It is important that parents and students feel connected and involved in their learning, especially when critical decisions are being made to support student needs.
Below are the roles of all members:
· Provides time for student to talk about his/her progress using data notebooks.
· Acts as a facilitator between student and parent as they set goals for success.
· Advises parents on ways they can help their child at home.
· Provides time for student to share his progress and ways parents/teacher can support him with finding success.
· Make sure more positive messages are shared with parents
*There may be parts of the meeting that the student may not need to be present, especially when talking about matters that can impact the child’s self-esteem. Teachers should ask students step outside while these matters are discussed.
Student
· Use previous assessment or data notebooks to communicate his/her progress to parent.
· Advise parent and teacher of ways they can support at home and school.
· Identify at least one goal for the 2015-2016 school year.
Parents
· Listen to students as they describe their progress.
· Pose questions for clarification and ways they can support.
· Ask teacher clarifying questions whenever there is information that is not clear.
· Bring pen and writing pad to record notes that will help you help your child be more successful.
· Ask teacher and student for tips on ways to support child at home.
We believe that if we are "proactive" and "begin with the end in mind" we can help our students pursue futures beyond what they can imagine!
For more information contact your child's homeroom teacher.
10 Reasons to Join QVE PTO
10. It’s a great way to meet families with children the same age as your own.
9. You will become a greater part of your child’s early learning
experiences.
8. To help raise money for a great cause—your child’s
education!
7. Get to know the teachers of QVE and understand their needs and ideas.
6. It’s a great opportunity to hear from Ms. Spears to learn about new and exciting events at QVE.
5. You can create, plan, and execute fun events for the whole
family!
4. It’s an opportunity for you to sit and discuss ideas for children with other like-minded adults.
3. You can use your talents and skills to help QVE exceed in our learning goals.
2. Experience the feeling of self-worth through volunteering your time and seeing your efforts pay off in the smile of your children and their friends.
and the number 1 reason to join the QVE PTO is……..
WE NEED YOU to help us accomplish our campus goals!
Interested? Contact Hillary Hunter, PTO President, at 281-634-5040 for more information.
Meet QVE 2015-2016 Student Council Officers
Olivia M., President; Harrison H., Vice President; and Christian R., Secretary
Principal Connections Coming In November!
As a way to strengthen our school-home connection, we will host Principal Connection Sessions starting in November. The first Thursday of each month starting at 5:30 pm- 6:30 pm you are invited to meet with Ms. Spears and selected specialists in the library as they share information related to topics of interest such as:
- Future of QVE
- Helping your child become a better reader
- Helping your child with math
- Discipline/Behavior Management
- Understanding STAAR
- Middle School Tranistion
- GT/Special Programs
More information will be coming home soon, we look forward to a wonderful partnership!
Join Us on Social Media!
Follow us on Facebook - go to Quail Valley Elementary Eagles and click "LIKE." Rate our page and tell us how much you like it!
To join Twitter- Our twitter handle is QuailValleyES
Follow us on PTO Facebook - go to Quail Valley Elementary PTO
Don't miss out! Follow us today!
Here are just a few things you may have missed!
Thank-you
I want to take a moment and thank you for all you do to make QVE the best place to learn and discover.
Sincerely,
Principal Spears and the QVE Family