What's Buzzing at the Heights
Week 5: Aug. 29 - Sept. 2, 2022
Message from the Principal
Dear Hornet Families,
Wow! It is hard to believe that we have completed 20 days of INSTRUCTION! We are so thankful for your assistance as we have established strong systems to keep our scholars safe and focused on learning. We have established systems for arrival/dismissal, transitions in the building (PE, lunch), DEAR Time (Drop Everything and READ), instruction & safety.
We thank you for your continued support to arrive on time and ensure your child is healthy and ready to learn. At arrival time, if your child can open the vehicle door, PLEASE have them START to UNLOAD from the BASKETBALL COURTS to the CROSSWALK. We will still guide our PK all the way to the cafeteria. We just need the support to help move the traffice quickly and get everyone to their destination.
This past week, we had 3 WatchDog Dads on duty! It is an incredible start to the year when we have such fantastic support! We thank Mr. Flores, Mr. Redfearn and Mr. Archer for serve as our EYES and EARS while we take care of business! We ENCOURAGE all dads to sign up and help us with keeping an eye on safe and focus on learning!
On Monday, August 29, we will host our August TeamSISD All-Star Ceremony. Your child's teacher will inform you via ClassDojo when your child is being honored. We encourage you to attend this in-person ceremony. Times are listed on the image below. Scholars can wear their Sunday best.
On Friday, September 2, we do have Picture Day in UNIFORM. Please communicate with their classroom teacher as to the color of shirt to use. If the scholars want to change into a spirit shirt after their photo, they can do so. Thank you!
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Gifted & Talented.
We started a PULL-OUT program with our GT scholars where they are served on Monday through Thursday by our amazing Kinder teachers. The scholars are working on project based learning and collaborating. We are trying something new and learning as we go. We will continue to tweak and see how we can serve our scholars best.
At this time, we do not have a GT Coordinator. If you have any GT questions, please contact me (email: jhanse@sisd.net) and I will get your the information. Thank you!
Arrival & Dismissal.
Arrival and Dismissal will be our greatest challenges. Please be patient and kind. We will have all staff on duty to assist and create a system that is safe and efficient.
Our parking lot is CLOSED during arrival and dismissal as we don't have enough parking spaces to support traffice in the parking lot. We do ask everyone to use the curbside service.
Help us with the scholars in 1st through 5th grade that can open the vehicle door and exit on their own. Our scholars are confident and ready to help. From the basketball courts to the cross walk, they can open the doors and exit on their own.
During Arrival and Dimissal, we ask that you not use your cell phone and help us move traffic efficiently through the parking lot. ALL traffic will have to EXIT to the RIGHT.
Birthday Snacks.
We ask parents to please refrain from bringing in cupcake trays. If you would like for your child to share a treat, it must be a treat individually packaged by the manufacturer. We can't accept any cupcake trays as someone would have to pass them out. Candy bags, individually wrapped snacks are allowed. We are here to answer questions. Call or email Ms. Hansen and we can help to clarify. We appreciate you!
Water Bottles.
Please continue to send your children with water bottles. This will help them stay safe. They can refill them in from the water fountains.
Attendance.
Attendance in vital to our scholars success. Every day gone from school, they lose 7 hours of skills, strategies and support for learning. Help us by keeping your children healthy.
If your child is ABSENT, we must have a doctor's note or a personal note explaining why they were absent upon their arrival. For doctor's appointments, take your child to appointment, but bring them back with a doctor's note the same day and it will be counted as present.
SEL Lessons.
Our counselors, Ms. Salazar and Ms. Valdez have prepared Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons for our scholars and teachers. We will work daily to support their needs as we re-connect and help them adjust to life's daily challenges. Let's all practice patience, kindness and empathy as we all do our very best!
Breakfast in the Classroom.
Our district will continue to provide breakfast in the classroom for ALL scholars. Breakfast in the Classroom, BIC, will be served daily from 7:30 AM to 7:45 AM. Please be on time to take advantage of the most important meal of the day.
Change of Clothes.
Please send a change of clothing for scholars in PK, Kinder and 1st graders. In a ziplock bag, place a shirt, short, undergarmet and socks. We will use these when the children have an accident. You will be notified. Please check your child's backpack daily.
Spirit Shirts.
School spirit shirts are on sale in the office daily from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Shirts are $10.00 each. Please bring exact cash. No credit cards are accepted.
Online Meal Application.
This year, CNS will be charging for lunch. Therefore, we encourage all families to complete the online meal application. Even if you do not qualify, we ask you to complete the application. Be sure to include all your children that pertain to SISD.
We only have 30 families to go! Woo hoo! Those 30 families will get a text/email by noon today.
Lunch prices for the 2022-2023 school year for grades Pre-K through fifth (PK-5) will be $2.10 and $2.45 for grades sixth through 12th. Students may qualify for free or reduced-price meals. The reduced price for lunch is 40 cents.
Website: https://www.myschoolapps.com/Application
Add Zip Code: 79928, Campus: Horizon Heights ES
Paying for School Lunch
For families that are paying for school lunch, you will need to set up an account and manage it at the following website: https://www.myschoolbucks.com/ver2/login/postlogin.action
Please make sure your child has money in their account.
Safety.
The builing will be cleaned throughout the day in high traffic areas to ensure safety. We will have hand sanitizing stations at all classrooms, restrooms, cafeteria and playground. If you wish for your child to wear a mask, please send them with a mask that fits them comfortably. We will have masks on campus for scholars that are in need.
We appreciate your continued support as we work together to build capacity in our scholars. Thank you for your collaboration and communication.
Let's make our 5th week of school a great one! Together, we are better!
Respectfully,
Jenifer Hansen
Proud Principal of Horizon Heights ES
Office Number: 915-937-7402
Email: jhanse@sisd.net
WatchDog Dad Mr. Flores
WatchDog Dad Mr. Redfearn
WatchDog Dad Mr. Archer
Horizon Heights ES Earns an "A" from TEA
New Arrival Time
PopCorn Fundraiser for TEACHERS
WE need your HELP!
Due to COVID we have held very few fundraisers for teachers. This year, knowing that we have SUPERSTAR teachers, we would love to treat them to an A-Rated meal.
Please help us by participating in the Popcorn Fundraiser to support our teachers!
Here is the link to purchase or make a donation:
https://www.instaraise.com/horizonheightselementary/popcorn2022#products
If you own a BUSINESS and would like to help SPONSOR or DONATE to our A-Rated Meal on October 17, 2022, please contact our Parent Liaison, Ms. Aurura Guerrero.
We have a partnership that will help our school and your business. Our TEACHERS deserve the BEST!
Aurora Guerrero, email: agutie24@sisd.net, or phone: 915-937-7400
Family Literacy Night Fun
Counselors' Corner...
August 25, 2022
Dear Parents,
This year we have been asked to obtain parent consent for the following prevention lessons:
- Anti-victimization (this lesson includes discussion about stranger danger, good touch bad touch, always staying with a group, and telling a trusted adult.)
- Cyber Safety (this lesson includes a discussion on how to stay safe when using the internet)
- Bullying Prevention (lesson discusses how to self-advocate when someone is bothering you frequently, David’s Law)
- Human Trafficking (Lesson discusses safe and unsafe situations i.e. safe adults to speak with, safe places to be, & basic, age-apporpriate information)
- Coping Skills/Self-Help/Self-Care (Suicide Prevention) (This lesson emphasizes knowing how to stay healthy and take care of and cope with emotions.)
*All lessons offer very basic age-appropriate information.
The district is required by state law to notify you and obtain your consent for or denial of (opt-out) your child’s participation in age-appropriate prevention lessons on dating violence (grades 7-12), family violence, human trafficking, and child abuse.
Under state law, parents must provide consent for students to be able to participate in these lessons. Students will not be allowed to participate unless we receive consent. Under Texas law, you may exempt your child from participating in any part of the district’s prevention lessons regarding dating violence (grades 7-12), family violence, human trafficking, and child abuse.
We ask for your support to RETURN permission slips so our COUNSELORS may begin their lessons. If you have any questions, please reach out to our counselors via email/call to get clarification.
Mrs. Salazar, Counselor, email: asalaz12@sisd.net, 937-7421​
Mrs. Valdez, Counselor, email: bvalde@sisd.net, 937-7420
**Permission Slip attached at end of smore newsletter for download.**
Importance of Attendance
Be sure your child is present each day they are healthy.
The state of Texas holds administators and parents accountable for attending school daily. At 5 absences, I will ask that you hold a meeting with me to ensure we are working together to educate your child.
Please help support our teachers by brining in your children ready to learn. We thank you for making attendance a priority.
It is vital to submit a NOTE, from the doctor or a personal note, for EVERY absence to explain why the child missed school.
For PK and Kinder, once your child begins school, they are held accountable for Texas Attendance laws.
NOTE: Warning Letters go out on Monday. Please read your email. All scholars with 3 or more unexcused absences will receive a letter. PLEASE turn in notes to the office or online.
Family Literacy Night Fun
Attendance, Week 4
This week's attendance percentages as as follows:
- PreKinder: 93.10% to 91.43%
- Kinder: 94.96% to 94.96%
- 1st Grade: 94.03% to 95.32%
- 2nd Grade: 92.23% to 95.86% (Way to go 2nd Grade!)
- 3rd Grade: 92.91% to 95.28%
- 4th Grade: 94.87% to 95.13%
- 5th Grade: 95.71% to 96.23% (Super job 5th Grade!)
Total for Horizon Heights, Week 4: 95.07%; Year to Date (YTD): 95.54% (we are 1st in the district). TeamSISD: 94.25%.
Stay healthy and make it count! Be at school daily! We will have a great year Hornets!
Classess with Perfect Attendance
The following classes have FREE DRESS on Wednesday:
- Kinder, Ms. Lazarin & Ms. Tenison's Class
We will ask that our PK still wear their RED shirt as this is a safety protocol to know that an adult must be with them. Thank you!
Stay healthy! We can do this Hornets!
Reporting Absences
Reporting Absences
If you need to report an absence, our PEIMS Clerk will be able to assist you. Our team will be receiving the email to help assist you. I will forward all of your messages to the classroom teachers so they are aware of the absence.
Email: attendancehorizonheights@sisd.net
Please include as much detail as possible:
- Child's name
- Grade
- Teacher
- Student ID
- Reason for the absence
All notes will be collected via this email as well. Be sure to include details in the note as the child returns to class.
This year, the district will not quarantine scholars. We will treat COVID like the flu. Be sure to get a note from the doctor to return to school. With a doctor's note, these absences will be excused absences and still accumulate towards loss of credit.
If they have a doctor’s note, it must be included in the email as an attachment.
You can also go to this email address to get the attendance note to submit:
Scholastic Book Fair, Coming Soon...
The Scholastic Book Fair is Coming!
September 6-9 &
September 12-14, 2022
Horizon Heights School Library
See the Book Fair Homepage for details and to set up an E-Wallet cash free payment for your scholars!
Thank you for supporting our school!
Readers Become Leaders!
What to Do When Children are Ill?
SISD Schools are required to follow current isolation protocols which applies to individuals who have symptoms and/or test positive/negative for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status. They should isolate for a minimum of 5 days and may end isolation if:
Individuals that test NEGATIVE for COVID-19 and may have another illness unrelated to COVID may return to school if.
- After 24 hours WITHOUT fever and or the use of fever reducing medication.
- Show improvement of symptoms.
- And this concern is not related to COVID-19
Individuals that test POSITIVE for COVID-19 and are symptomatic may return to school if.
- After a minimum of a 5-day isolation and meets the following criteria.
(a) After 24 hours WITHOUT fever and or the use of fever reducing medication.
(b) Show improvement of symptoms.
Students may return to campus if the above applies.
It is strongly recommended for the student or staff member to wear a mask for an additional 5-days after their release from isolation from COVID-19 Disease
Individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 but do not have symptoms
- Should isolate for a minimum of 5 days from the date of the first positive COVID-19 test.
- It is highly recommended that individuals wear a mask for an additional 5-days when returning from isolation.
Use ESWIPE only when you have had a positive COVID Exam (home or medical facility)
Volunteers Needed
School Uniforms
Pre-Kinder students:
- Red polo tops only
- Khaki or blue pants/shorts/skirts
Kinder -5th Grade Students:
- Hunter green, navy blue or white polos
- Khaki or blue pants/shorts/skirts
The school uniform does NOT have to have the school name or logo.
Monday: TeamSISD day (gray shirts, can be purchased from District) with jeans/slacks
Thursday: College Day (attire from your favorite college) with jeans/slacks
Friday: Spirit Day (spirit shirts from our school, will be on Wednesdays afterschool, till 4 PM) with jeans
We encourage our Horents to participate in HoCo Activities!
Eastlake HoCo Parade, Wed., Sept. 7, 5 PM
Athletic Schedule for Eastlake Feeder Games
Tweets of the Week...
Team Members Ready to Assist
Here is a list of phone numbers, emails and the team members that will assist you with any questions you may have:
Horizon Heights Office 937-7400​
- Any questions or concerns
Mrs. Hansen, Principal, email: jhanse@sisd.net, 937-7402
Mrs. Carrillo, Assistant Principal, email: ecarri@sisd.net, 937-7403​
Ms. E. Gamez, Assistant Principal, egamez04@sisd.net, 937-7427​
Mrs. Salazar, Counselor, email: asalaz12@sisd.net, 937-7421​
Mrs. Valdez, Counselor, email: bvalde@sisd.net, 937-7420
Ms. Ortega, Librarian, email: sorteg@sisd.net, 937-7414
School Nurse
Time: 7:15 AM to 3:15 PM
Phone: 915-937-7407
Email: crojas06@sisd.net
SEL: Altruistic AUGUST
Self-Care for Scholars
Self-Care for Scholars
Parent Training Sessions
Parental Support for Academics
Read & Hear Stories as a Family...
Administrators' Contact Information
Jenifer Hansen, Principal
Email: jhanse@sisd.net
Office Phone: 915-937-7402
Edith Carrillo, Assistant Principal
Email: ecarri@sisd.net
Office Phone: 915-937-7403
Elida Gamez, Assistant Principal
Email: egamez04@sisd.net
Office Phone: 915-937-7427
As always, we are honored to work with each of you! Do not hesitate to ask any question which you have about the new school year!
Calendar of Events
Calendar of Events
Here is a calendar of events that will take place at our school for our scholars. Mark your calendars at home and let's make it a great year!
Week 5, Monday, August 29:
- 5th Week of School
- TeamSISD All-Star Ceremony
- Wear TeamSISD shirt & jeans
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- PreKinder BOY Circle Assessment Begins
- Kinder Reading Assessment Begins
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Reading Assessment
- Wear your favorite college shirt & jeans
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- Picture Day in School Uniform (communicate with teacher about color)
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Reading Assessment
- Wear a school spirit shirt & jeans
Week 6, Monday, Sept. 5:
- No school as we honor LABOR DAY
- National Substitute Week
- 6th Week of School
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- 6th Week Checkpoints for All
- PreKinder BOY Circle Assessment Continues
- Kinder Reading Assessment Continues
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Reading Assessment
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- 6th Week Checkpoints for All
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Reading Assessment
- Eastlake HS Homecoming Parade, 5 PM
- Parade starts in our Parking Lot
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- 6th Week Checkpoints for All
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Reading Assessment
- Wear your favorite college shirt & jeans
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- 6th Week Checkpoints for All
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Reading Assessment
- Wear a school spirit shirt & jeans
- Grades due for 6 Weeks, turn in all assignments
Saturday, Sept. 10:
- Saturday Learning Camp, 8 AM to 11 AM
Week 7, Monday, Sept. 12:
- 7th Week of School
- Grandparents Day, Walk Day during child's PE time
- PreKinder BOY Circle Assessment Continues
- Kinder Reading Assessment Continues
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Math Assessment
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Math Assessment
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Math Assessment
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Math Assessment
- Wear your favorite college shirt & jeans
- Dot Day: Wear Dots on your shirt/socks
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- 1st-3rd BOY iStation Math Assessment
- Wear a school spirit shirt & jeans
Week 8, Monday, Sept. 19:
- 8th Week of School
- PreKinder BOY Circle Assessment Continues
- Kinder Reading Assessment Continues
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- SISD School Board Meeting, 6 PM
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- Wear your favorite college shirt & jeans
- Peter Piper Pizza Family Night, 11 AM to 9 PM, Free Dress Pass
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- Wear a school spirit shirt & jeans
- Grades due for 6 Weeks, turn in all assignments
Week 9, Monday, Sept. 26:
- 9th Week of School
- 9 Week Checkpoint Tests for all
- September TeamSISD All-Star Cermony
- PreKinder BOY Circle Assessment Continues
- Kinder Reading Assessment Continues
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- 9 Week Checkpoint Tests for all
- SISD School Board Meeting, 6 PM
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- Career Day, Part I
- 9 Week Checkpoint Tests for all
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- Career Day, Part II
- 9 Week Checkpoint Tests for all
- Wear your favorite college shirt & jeans
- Peter Piper Pizza Family Night, 11 AM to 9 PM, Free Dress Pass
- Bring your favorite book to read each day
- 9 Week Checkpoint Tests for all
- Fall Picture Retake (in uniform)
- Wear a school spirit shirt & jeans
- Grades due for 6 Weeks, turn in all assignments
Fall Intersession Tutoring:
Monday, October 3 through Friday, October 7, 2022
8:00 AM to 11:00 AM
- Permissions will be distributed this week
- All scholars with low attendance will be invited to regain credit
- All scholars struggling academically will be invited to practice to proficiency
Fall Intersession Break:
Monday, October 3 through Friday, October 14, 2022
Eastlake Feeder Schools
https://www.smore.com/1akh6-eastlake-high-school
Col. John O. Ensor MS, Mr. Stephen Fernandez:
https://www.smore.com/2mxdh-ensor-eagle-news
Desert Wind School, Ms. Leticia Terrazas:
Ben Narbuth ES: Mr. Fernando Miranda:
Dr. Sue Shook ES: Ms. Cristina Chavira:
Mission Ridge ES: Mr. Jesus Mendez:
Jenifer J. Hansen
Email: jhanse@sisd.net
Website: https://www.sisd.net/horizonheightses
Location: 13601 Ryderwood Avenue, Horizon City, TX, USA
Phone: (915) 308-6570
Twitter: @HHeights_ES