Friday Focus
October 18, 2019
From Mrs. Barry:
Throughout the year, we give a variety of assessments to our students. Here is a brief overview of what we give, as well as the purpose behind each.
- Priority Standards Assessments - PSAs are provided by the district, and serve as a check to see how students are performing on standards that have been taught during a specific time period. They are used to guide instruction. PSAs are taken multiple times throughout the school year, in math, reading, writing, and science. They generally consist of no more than 20 questions and take no longer than one class "period" to complete. PSAs are done in grades 2-5.
- Common Formative Assessments - CFAs are similar to PSAs, as they are a checkpoint of the current content being taught. They are either provided by the district or are created by grade level teams. They are also taken at multiple times throughout the school year. CFAs are done in 1st-5th.
- Running Records - Running Records can be both formal and informal. This is a way to assess student progress by systemically evaluating a student's oral reading and identifying error patterns. These ongoing assessments will help teachers identify strengths and weaknesses to plan specific lessons for their students. All grade levels are required to complete Running Records.
- Measures of Academic Progress - MAP assessments are completed 3 times throughout the year (beginning, middle, and end). · MAP determines students’ instructional level and measures academic growth throughout the school year. MAP tests are taken on the computer in grades 2-5 and iPads K-2. The questions on the tests become more difficult as the students answer correctly and less difficult the when questions are answered incorrectly. MAP tests specifically target what your student already knows and is ready to learn next. Since the questions on the test are aligned with the Spring Branch ISD curriculum, they cover the topics that your child is learning in school. MAP is designed to help personalize your child’s learning.
- Panorama Survey - This survey is conducted twice per year and is designed to gauge student perceptions regarding the school environment. Only students in grades 2-5 participate. Parents are also asked to complete this survey at the end of the school year.
- State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness - The STAAR is the state's testing program and is based on state curriculum standards and core subjects including reading, writing, math, and science. Social Studies is tested after elementary. STAAR tests are designed to measure what students are learning in each grade and whether or not they are ready for the next grade. Third grade students take reading and math, Fourth grade students take reading, math, and writing, and Fifth grade students take reading, math, and science.
- Released STAAR - For students in STAAR tested grades, released exams are given in the spring to gauge student preparedness for the actual STAAR test. Data from these assessments helps to guide instruction and in the development of individualized plans for student success.
- Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System - TELPAS is given to our students whose native language is something other than English and who meet specific criteria regarding English language proficiency. This series of assessments covers listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Eligible students in all grades take this assessment.
All of these assessments, in addition to classroom tests, daily assignments, teacher observations, and more, help us create quality instruction tailored to meet each child's needs. In SBISD, we believe in both the art and science of teaching, and these data points are critical in making sound instructional decisions for your children. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child's teacher or to me! Thank you for all of your support!
A HUGE THANK YOU!
It's Spelling Bee time!
Mrs. Taylor will be heading up our Spelling Bee again this year! It is for students in grades 3-5; participation is optional. Please see important dates below!
October 18th—Class Spelling Lists go home with 3rd, 4th, 5th.
November 12th—Classroom Bees held.
November 14th—Classroom winners (22) receive words for MWE Bee.
December 13th –MWE Bee.
December 16th—MWE winners (2) receive words for SBISD Bee.
January 31st—SBISD Bee held at WAIS.
Welcome, Mr. Barrera!
Welcome, Mrs. Bohan!
We are also pleased to inform you that we have welcomed Mrs. Yufang Bohan to provide additional support for our first grade students and teachers. Mrs. Bohan will be in our classrooms in a long-term capacity to provide one-on-one, small group and other instructional assistance under the guidance of our strong first grade teaching team. Her assistance with first grade's large class sizes is invaluable! Welcome, Mrs. Bohan!
STORYBOOK PUMPKIN CONTEST
Pumpkin Decorating
Celebrate the fall season and your child's love of reading books. Turn a pumpkin into your favorite book character! The library is inviting students to decorate a pumpkin like their favorite book character. It’s easy and fun and hopefully, we can create a pumpkin patch of storybook characters!
Students will view and vote on their favorite pumpkin during their library time. Voting will be based on creativity and resemblance to the character. Prizes will be awarded to the top three pumpkins as voted by the students and faculty.
Contest Rules
1. Grab a pumpkin (real or fake)
2. Decorate & dress your pumpkin to look like a children’s book character. Use props, markers (permanent – work best), paint (acrylic – works best), yarn, paper, fabric, tape, etc. attached with paste, glue or tape.
3. NO CARVED PUMPKINS, PLEASE.
4. Fill out the entry form and drop it off with the pumpkin. Each pumpkin must have a form. Extra forms will be available in the library
5. Be creative and have fun!
Drop Off and Pick Up
Drop Off Pumpkins
7:45 – 8:30 am on Wednesday, Oct. 24th
Pick Up to Take Home
2:30 – 3:30 Wednesday,
Oct. 30th
Please note that pumpkins not picked up at this time may be thrown out.
Red Ribbon Week
THEME: Kindness Makes a Difference, Pass it On
Red Ribbon week is October 28th to November 1st. The focus this year is on kindness, helping others and giving back. With this in mind, we have partnered with the American Heart Association for the Kids Heart Challenge. This event encourages kids to make a difference in the lives of others by raising money for the American Heart Association. Monies raised will help children with heart problems. This is a great opportunity for our Eagles to give back and help those in need.
For each day of the week there will be activities that support our theme of kindness, helping others and giving back. Throughout the week, students will be meeting characters like Nikko and Crush that help promote the challenge.
Parents, please plan ahead to help your child create their Kindness Motto for their t-shirt. T-shirts need to be made at home and worn to school on Friday. This is a great way to repurpose an old t-shirt and create walking kindness billboards all over the school!
Monday, October 28th: Start with Hello: Everyone has a Name
During Community Circle students will share their name and something they know about why they were given that name. (family name etc.) Students will then write their name on the badge that has been provided to them and wear it throughout the day. Everyone is encouraged to greet others by their name when they see them!
Eagles, wear red to kick off the week, wear a smile and say hello.
Tuesday - Kids Heart Challenge Kick Off and Rock Wall Day 1***
Students (1st to 5th) will have the opportunity to climb a rock wall and learn what it means to have a Rock Solid Character.
Wednesday – Rock Wall Day 2***! Rock Your Socks Off!
Eagles, wear crazy socks.
Thursday – Crush it with Kindness!
Help others and do a good deed for someone today.
Friday - Nikko Wants to Know What Your Kindness Motto is?
Students and staff are encouraged to create their own kindness t-shirt with positive messages written on the shirt! Use an old t-shirt and get creative!
***Please note that a permission slip is required to climb the rock wall. Parents please sign and return the permission slip by October 25th.
Please mark your calendar for these important events!
October 22
Priority Standards Assessment - Math (3rd, 4th, 5th); Science (2nd)
October 23
Garden Weeding
Priority Standards Assessment - Reading (3rd); Writing (4th); Science (5th)
Parent Night - MAP Testing Information (5:30 p.m., MWE Library)
October 24
Writers in the Schools (WITS) begins in 3rd grade
October 25
CARNIVAL
October 28-November 1
Red Ribbon
October 29
Heart Challenge Kick Off
Rock Wall
5th Grade Picture
October 30
Rock Wall
Storybook Pumpkins Due!
October 31
Kinder Storybook Parade
Counselors Connection
No Place for Hate
Did you know that Meadow Wood earned the distinction as a No Place for Hate® School for the 2018-19 school year? You probably noticed the banners hanging in the cafeteria that reflect six consecutive years of earning this recognition. The No Place for Hate® initiative helps to create and sustain inclusive school environments where all students have the opportunity to succeed by promoting respect for individual difference. Throughout the year, we focus on intentional, sustained practices that promote respect, empathy, and kindness. A required activity is that students and staff have the opportunity to discuss and sign the Resolution of Respect.
In the fall, Mrs. Luberger and Ms. Waldrop, our counselors, will be conducting classroom guidance lessons in all homerooms explaining the initiative and offering students and teachers the opportunity to sign the Resolution. An additional requirement is that parents and families have the opportunity to sign the Resolution of Respect also.
There is a large poster with the Resolution or Respect in the main hallway by the conference room. This is for parents and guardians to sign. We know that each child is sure to have a sense of commitment and pride when his/her whole family participates in a discussion about respect and signs the Resolution to help our school continue to be a No Place for Hate campus.
We are proud of the concerted efforts of our staff, students, and parents in promoting a safe and caring learning environment, and look forward to your support in gaining this recognition.
For more information please contact Pat Waldrop or Lynne Luberger, Professional School Counselors.
ORDER TODAY! LIMITED SUPPLY! BBQ Buddies Take Home Meals
It’s that time of year again when the MWE BBQ BUDDIES smoke up delicious, slow cooked brisket, pulled pork and sausage meals for pickup at the annual MWE School Carnival, Friday, October 25th from 7-‐8 p.m in the cafeteria. Early pickup can be arranged.
Meals are available on a pre-‐sale basis with limited quantities. The deadline for ordering and remitting payment is Tuesday, October 22rd or when limited quantities have been sold out.
All meals feed approximately 4-‐6 people.
Quantities are limited. Order before they are sold out or Oct. 22!
Please make checks payable to Meadow Wood Elementary PTA or to Purchase Online
SBEF AUCTION GIFT BASKET DONATIONS NEEDED!
All SBISD PTA”s have been asked to donate a gift basket for the upcoming Spring Branch Education Foundation Auction.
Our MWE Basket theme is, "Diva / Princess for the Day!” (dress up clothes, shoes, tiaras – mani/pedi gift cards for 3-4 girls, gift card to a spa party bus, etc).
If you would like to donate $ for this basket, or have new items you’d like to contribute, please contact Kristen.t.carlson@gmail.com
Venmo@Kristen-Carlson-29, or PayPal kristen.t.carlson@gmail.com
ALL Donations are due by October 24th!
Many thanks in advance for your support of SBEF, and MWE!
Box Tops for Education - Fall Deadline approaching soon!
Fall Box Tops are due by November 1st. Please submit any clipped box tops you have by the end of October so they can be turned in by the deadline. Your child can turn these in to their teacher. Also, don't forget to download the Box Tops App if you have not done so yet and start scanning your receipt after each shopping trip.
CARNIVAL!!!
The Meadow Wood Community Carnival is coming up soon and we want everyone to come and enjoy this fun MWE tradition and community event with your families. The theme is “Rock the Big Top.” We will have the usual favorites (e.g., dunk booth, Face Paint by Stormy, confetti eggs, silly string, etc.), some hopefully new favorites (e.g., karaoke, photo booth, MWE Pet Shop, new inflatables, etc.), delicious food, and lots of fun for all ages! The Carnival will be held on October 25th from 4pm - 7:30pm.
WE WILL NEED VOLUNTEERS FROM EACH GRADE TO RUN THE BOOTHS!
Please go to https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/ ,click on MY ACCOUNT, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES and sign up to volunteer for a 1-hour shift!
Project Study
It’s time for the PTA Project Study Program! This program allows any PTA member to apply for funds to enhance the school and/or support student needs. We need parent and teacher committee members to help with the application process. The volunteer time is minimal, anticipating 2 after school meetings (11/6 & 12/4), and some additional time to be arranged according to your individual schedule.
If you are interested in serving on the program committee, please send an email to Holly Saunders at hublerh@hotmail.com. Names will be drawn lottery style, so get your name in the hat now!
If you are interested in submitting a proposal for the committee to review, applications are due November 1st. Requested items include, but are not limited to, teacher and instructional materials, classroom equipment, PTA-sponsored programs. See the MWE PTA website (https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/projectstudy) for details on the program and the application.
REFLECTIONS ART PROGRAM
“Look Within” is the theme for the 2019-2020 PTA Reflections Program.
Create original works of art in as many of the categories as you choose.
Be recognized for your creativity!
- Entry forms, guidelines , and program information are available here: REFLECTIONS
- Submit completed entries to Mrs. McCracken in the library or front office labeled "Reflections"
- Entry Deadline: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 (10/25/19)
- Please email Heather Craig with any questions at: londoncraigs@gmail.com
What Do We Win? Is this a Contest?
- This is not technically a contest. It is truly a program created to give students a forum to explore the arts and expand their interests and talents.
- Students are individually judged on their project and not judged against the other students.
- Participants are judged on theme, the mastery of the medium used, and creativity.
- All entrants will be recognized and celebrated over the school announcements and with a ‘gallery party’ exhibition of their work in the library.
- Ribbons will be awarded to all entrants, with recognition categories of:
Award of Excellence (blue ribbon)
Award of Merit (red ribbon)
Honorable Mention (white ribbon)
- Top entries will be featured in the yearbook.
- Top entries will advance to SBISD Council of PTAs in November for the next level judging with potential to advance to the Texas PTA and National PTA levels.
- Students who place at District and above will also receive special recognition.