Panda News
November 29, 2021
Connect with Us!
Email: sshetzer@houstonisd.org
Website: https://www.houstonisd.org/pershing
Location: 3838 Blue Bonnet Boulevard, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: (713) 295-5240
Twitter: @PershingPandas
Welcome to the Panda News!
I hope that everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving Break and that you were able to spend time with family and friends. I know I enjoyed every bit of my break, especially the cooler temperatures.
We have a busy next couple of weeks as we head into Winter Break. Students will be taking District Level Assessments the week of December 6th and December 13th. The District Level Assessments cover the material taught from the beginning of year to now. Teachers are able to tell students what content will be covered on the test; however, they have not seen the test themselves so they cannot create an exact review sheet. The DLA will count as a test grade for students.
Next Monday, December 6, is picture make-up day. For assistance with school pictures, please reach out to Ms. Van den Bossche at crisabella.vandenbossche@houstonisd.org
Students interested in joining Pershing's UIL Team are invited to attend an interest meeting in Room 126 after school tomorrow, November 30. Students and parents who have any questions may reach out to Ms. Fogarty at nfogarty@houstonisd.org.
Have a great week Pandas!
Steven Shetzer, Principal
Week @ A Glance
December 1
- JJP Swim Practice Meet @ JJP
December 2
- Winter Choir Concert @ 5:30 & 7:00
December 6
- School Picture Make-up Day
December 8
- Band Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
- JJP Swim Meet v. West Briar @JJP (4 p.m.)
December 9
- Band Concert @ 6:00 p.m.
Homeroom Changes & Accelerated Learning
HB4545 requires us to track all students who require accelerated learning. It also requires that students be in groups of no more than 3 per 1 teacher, unless a waiver is signed. If you have not already done so, please log into HISD Connect and indicate if you waive the 3:1 requirement. This will allow us to provide the instruction in larger groups and finish the 30 hours in a timely manner.
More information will be sent out regarding accelerated learning in the coming weeks. For now, if you have any questions, please contact your child's counselor.
Student Dress Code Change
- Jeans must be blue or black (no other colors allowed)
- Jeans must sit at the waist and not sag. Students should wear a belt if their jeans are too big.
- Jeans must be free of holes and rips that show skin. Jeans with patches are ok.
Please remind your student that the final decision about jeans rests on whether they follow the rules or not.
Also, we need your help. Students are not allowed to wear joggers, stretch pants, pajama bottoms, or sweatpants to school. Please remind your student of this rule.
And as always, grade level shirts and sweatshirts are required.
PTO Meeting
Get Your Yearbook!
Need Assistance?
- Where can I find contact information for my child's teacher? Our website directory is an excellent place to find our faculty and staff email addresses.
- How can I monitor my child's grades? HISD Connect Parent Portal is the spot! Click here for information on setting up an HISD Connect Parent Portal account.
- I have a question, but I'm not sure who to reach out to for an answer. If you have a question, you can reach out to your child's Homeroom teacher, Counselor, or Assistant Principal for assistance.
- I need to schedule a meeting with a teacher, what do I do? Please email the teacher(s) you wish to meet with and allow them 24 hours to respond. Teachers are provided with a planning period each day, so they will send you those times to schedule a meeting. You can also call the main office at 713-295-5240 and leave a message for the teacher.
- I feel disconnected now that my child is in middle school. How can I get involved? This is easy. Join the PTO and attend the regularly scheduled meetings. We also recommend you attend the sporting events, fine arts performances, and PTO events throughout the year.
Student Information Verification
Can we talk?
Therefore, we are asking that you have serious conversations with your children about the inappropriate nature of using this language as not only is it inappropriate, but could have escalated consequences such as sexual harassment and others that would possibly lead to getting law enforcement involved.
We all know this is a difficult age for students, but access to social media and inappropriate websites has been made easier with cell phones. This is a reminder that Pershing has a no cell phone policy from 8:20 - 4:00 p.m. each day. Students who are caught with their phone out, whether it is in use or not, may have it confiscated and a parent must pay the $15 fee.
Thank you for your assistance with this serious matter.
Wellness Wednesdays
- What Makes a Friend
- I've Got Your Back
- Talk It Out
- Battle the Bullies
The lessons take 40-50 minutes each and include a mini-lesson, to be delivered by the Counselors via MS TEAMS, and then an activity that teachers will facilitate.
This week's lesson is "Battle the Bullies." We encourage you to speak with your child about this lesson when they get home on Wednesday night.
Contact Information
Steven Shetzer, Principal
Carrie Curtis, 6th Grade Assistant Principal
Maria Jackson, 6th/7th Grade Assistant Principal
Tyesha Beller, 7th Grade Assistant Principal
Alberto Fernandez, 8th Grade Assistant Principal
Amy Ford, 8th Grade Assistant Principal
Grisury Candelaria, Magnet Coordinator
Campus Support Team
Sherman Parker, 6th Grade Counselor
Enitsha Allen-Cooper, 7th Grade Counselor
Sara Graur, 8th Grade Counselor
Alesha Rushing, Wraparound Specialist
Jolynn Vallejo, CIS Social Worker