Bell Bulletin
Special Events Edition - March 21, 2017
Campus Closed to Visitors Next Week & STAAR Testing
Bell Bobcat Families,
As you know, March 28th and March 29th our students will be taking the statewide STAAR assessment.
Tuesday, March 28 4th grade Writing STAAR & 5th grade Math STAAR
Wednesday, March 29 5th grade Reading STAAR
There are a few things we want to go over to ensure your child’s best success on these tests.
In an effort to minimize distractions and keep a secure testing environment, the campus will be closed to all visitors from March 28-March 30 (testing days including make-up testing). This includes volunteers and eating in the lunchroom for all grades, kindergarten through 5th grade. Please make sure your children have a lunch packed in the morning or know to eat from the cafeteria line these days. Lunch times are rearranged on testing days.
Your child’s attendance on the STAAR testing days is crucial. Please avoid any scheduled appointments or early dismissals on these days.
We are requesting that if your child is testing, please have them eat a healthy breakfast on these days. Students will not be given time as a class for a snack break during the test. This will ensure that all students have ample time to complete their test during the 4-hour window.
Per TEA, students are NOT permitted to have cell phones or personal electronic devices during STAAR testing as the devices can disrupt the testing environment and be used to compromise the security and confidentiality of the test. To ensure this TEA mandate, the procedures for Bell Elementary will be as follows: We are requesting that all students leave cell phones and personal electronic devices at home on test days. Any cell phones or personal electronic devices brought to school on STAAR test days must be turned off and stored in the student’s backpack. All visible devices will be collected by the teacher, labeled with the student name, and turned off for the duration of the test. They will be returned at the end of the test day.
Please have your child dress comfortably; preferably in layers so that they can self-regulate their own comfort level in the testing rooms. If your child takes medications at home, please make sure that they have taken it prior to coming to school. Students who normally take medication at school will still do so, however it is your responsibility to make sure that they have sufficient medication left in the nurse’s office. Students who wear glasses should bring them to school in order to perform their best and to avoid the school having to call you so that you can bring them.
Lastly, we want your child to do well and take his or her time on the test, but please remember that this is a timed test. Please make sure your child gets a good night’s rest and eats a healthy breakfast.
Thank you for your support!
Lauren Shapiro
Principal
Picture Day is Thursday!
Bobcat Bash Is This Friday From 5:30-8:30!
How can you be prepared for Bobcat Bash this Friday (5:30-8:30), you ask? Great question! You wouldn't want to be unprepared for the event of the season...
1. Buy tickets! The best way to get more for your money is to buy now! Tickets cost 25 cents each. Games cost 1-4 tickets each. If you buy $20 worth of tickets during pre-sale (now), you will get 10 tickets free! What a bargain! Send cash or check to Bell Elementary PTA with your child (or bring it to front office). Make sure the envelope has your child's name and teacher's name on it so tickets can be returned to the right person!
2. Bobcat Bash is outside! Make sure to bring sunscreen, hat, glasses, etc!
3. Bell parking lots are being used for games! Parking will be at Braswell High School. Make sure you are in comfy shoes for the walk!
4. Bring cash with you so you can enjoy food from the food trucks that will be on site. A portion of the proceeds comes back to Bell!
5. Bring cash or check with you if you wish to participate in the silent auction for wonderfully themed baskets of goodies! The silent auction will close at 7:35 PM, and winners will be announced at the DJ station at that time. So exciting!
6. We will have a lot of people sharing a few bathrooms! Make sure to potty before you come! :)
7. Don't forget your camera!
8. Tickets will be sold at the event as well. Cash, check, or charge!
If the forecast remains the same, we are hoping the rain will be cleared out by 10 AM. But, as you know, this is Texas, so we have a Plan B. In the event of bad weather, Bobcat Bash will be moved indoors at Bell Elementary.
Want to help out? Please consider volunteering for an hour slot - you do not have to volunteer for the whole 3 hours!
We love to put on great events and fundraisers for our kiddos, and we also *LOVE* our volunteers who dedicate their time to making these events great! We have two opportunities for you to volunteer for our Bobcat Bash coming up this Friday.
Opportunity #1: Volunteer for Non-Game Stations
We need volunteers for our petting zoo, dunk tank, train, and obstacle course. If you would like to volunteer, click this link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0445aba92ea6fd0-bobcat1
Opportunity #2: Volunteer for Game Stations
Most of our game stations have been filled, but we still have lots of openings for the last shift of the night (7:30 - 8:30 PM). Please consider volunteering for one of these shifts. Here's the link: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0445aba92ea6fd0-bobcat
As always, we appreciate the volunteers, teachers, parents, staff, and many others who come together to make these events fun and memorable for all of our kids.
We look forward to seeing you on Friday!
Do You Have an Incoming Kindergartner Next Year?
Are You Connected?
Join Bell Elementary's Facebook Page to receive special updates and reminders!
https://www.facebook.com/catherinebellelemschool/
Or search "Catherine Coleman Bell Elementary" and LIKE the page
Support Bell PTA and receive information from their Facebook page!
https://www.facebook.com/KeepCalmAndVolunteer/?fref=ts
Or search "Bell Elementary PTA" and LIKE the page
Not a PTA member yet? It's not too late! Stop by the office and we can get you set up!
Dates To Remember
March 23rd: School Spring Pictures + Class Pictures - Dress to Impress!
Kitten Kamp Story Time & Guidance Lesson (incoming Kinder students) 9:00-9:40
March 24th: PTA Presents Bobcat Bash
5:30-8:30 PM @ Bell Elementary
March 25th: Bell 5th Grade Honor Choir Performance
Denton High School, 3:00-4:00 PM
March 28th: STAAR Testing - Campus Closed to Visitors
4th Grade Writing STAAR
5th Grade Math STAAR
March 29th: STAAR Testing - Campus Closed to Visitors
5th Grade Reading STAAR
April 4th: Chick-fil-A Spirit Day
6 AM - 10 PM, Cross Roads location
Visit Chick-fil-A for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! A percentage of the proceeds will be given to Bell Elementary. Tell them you are from Bell when you order!
April 14th: Bad Weather Make-Up Day
If no school closings due to inclement weather, we will have no school today!
April 17th: Bad Weather Make-Up Day
If no school closings due to inclement weather, we will have no school today!
April 19th: 5th 6 weeks Report Card
Report Cards coming home today!
April 19th: General PTA Meeting
6:00 PM - Bell Cafeteria
April 24th - April 26th: 5th Grade Science Camp
May 1st - May 5th: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 1st: Last Day to Order Yearbooks!
May 2nd: Chick-fil-A Spirit Day
6 AM - 10 PM, Cross Roads location
Visit Chick-fil-A for breakfast, lunch, or dinner! A percentage of the proceeds will be given to Bell Elementary. Tell them you are from Bell when you order!
May 8th: STAAR Testing - Campus Closed to Visitors
3rd Grade & 4th Grade Math STAAR
5th Grade Math Re-Test
May 9th: STAAR Testing - Campus Closed to Visitors
3rd Grade & 4th Grade Reading STAAR
5th Grade Reading Re-Test
May 10th: STAAR Testing - Campus Closed to Visitors
5th Grade Science STAAR
May 29th: Memorial Day
No School
May 31st or June 1st: End of Year Classroom Parties
Teachers will be sending home information specific to their classroom.
June 1st: Last Day of School
Report Cards Go Home Today
Dismissal at 12:00 PM
Catherine Coleman Bell Elementary
Email: bellnotes@dentonisd.org
Website: http://www.dentonisd.org/belles
Location: 601 Villa Paloma Boulevard, Little Elm, TX, United States
Phone: (972) 347-7200
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/catherinebellelemschool/