Hackberry Howl
Vol. 2 No. 25
House Bill 1333
Something to pay attention to in Texas Legislative Session...
Rep. Jason Isaac rolled out House Bill 1333 this week with a goal to move the focus of public education away from standardized testing, and back to the classroom.
“We have these independent school districts, we need to give them the authority and the dollars for them to go out and source the test themselves, not from one provider. Let’s open up the market, let’s create competition. The prices will decrease,” said Isaac.
The four reforms in the bill include:
- Allowing school districts to select alternative test providers
- Reducing the number of tests
- Removing STAAR scores from teacher evaluations
- Reducing the weight of STAAR scores in A-F ratings
“This is going to take the emphasis and the dollars away from tests and put it in the classroom with our educators and our students, and that’s where it needs to be,” said Isaac.
Let's hope these bills get passed!
Instructional Strategy of the Week
Teacher Spotlight-Melissa Rizvan
What is your name? Melissa Rizvan
What is your position at Hackberry Elementary? 4th Grade ELAR/SS
How many years have you been with Little Elm ISD? 12 Years
What college did you attend? What are your degrees? The University of Texas at Dallas, B.A. in Psychology
Hometown? Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Do you have children? Zachary, 8
Do you have pets? No
What is your favorite color? Purple
What is your favorite quote or saying? "I am not a teacher, but an awakener." -Robert Frost
Where is the farthest you have traveled? Alaska or France
What organizations are you involved in? AVID Committee
Recommended Reading
The Positive Dog-Jon Gordon
We all have two dogs inside of us. One dog is positive, happy, optimistic, and hopeful. The other dog is negative, mad, sad, pessimistic, and fearful. These two dogs often fight inside us, but guess who wins the fight? The one you feed the most. So begins the story about a negative mutt named Matt and a big dog named Bubba who teaches him how to feed himself with positivity each day and in the process Matt transforms his own life and the shelter they call home.
The Positive Dog is an inspiring, heartwarming story that not only reveals the strategies and benefits of being positive but also an essential truth for humans: Being positive doesn't just make you better. It makes everyone around you better.
Quote of the Week!
Article of the week:
Howl Outs!
Ms. Sanders gives a huge howl to Miss Northcutt for setting up star Saturday.
Ms. Sanders gives a howl to the kindergarten team, they definitely energized the 100th day of school with their lovely parade.
Mrs. Zaidi for the Principal who takes time to go to every class as an old man. Howls for the Vice Principal who takes the time to ask each staff member what they want to drink and to the ladies in the front , all 4, who keep on their smiles and keep you laughing.
Pam Howls to the kinder team for putting together a really cute parade for the 100 days of school!
Swartz Howls out to Mr. Richardson for arranging the food truck and the AWESOME Sonic Drinks! Thank you
Swartz Howls out to Ms. Morales, Ms. Warren, and Ms. Karla for their extra hours this week preparing for the talent show.
Swartz Howls out to Ms. Northcutt, Ms. Brodsky, Ms. Wood, and Mr. Richardson for organizing STAAR Saturdays!
Measles howls to Richardson for planning & organizing our food orders for Friday!
Measles howls to wood for sharing her chicken knowledge!
Sylvia Howls to the Vanessa Lay, Carol and Karla for all of the support that they provide to the entire staff.
Erin Howwwwls to Kindergarten!!! Awesome, Adorable 100 day parade!!!
Whiddon HOWLS to her first grade team for giving me my FIRST birthday celebration at school EVER! I have a summer birthday, but we celebrated with cookies and snacks ;) They are the sweetest!!!
Hackberry Calendar
-TELPAS-ALL DAY FACULTY
Tuesday, February 7
Fire Drill-9am (If weather permits)
Wednesday, February 8
Nancy Burzynski-Baby Shower
Thursday, February 9
Link Training -K-1
Map Training-Richardson, Phan, and Northcutt out all day
Science Benchmark-No Clubs
Friday, February 10
Saturday, February 11
-STAAR SATURDAY
7:30-11:00