Eagle Updates
May 17, 2020
Congratulations to Mrs. McCracken - SBISD's Elementary Teacher of the Year!
In this Issue:
- A Message from Mrs. Barry
- Staffing Update - 2020-2021
- Registration for 2020-2021
- Student Materials & Personal Belongings Pick Up - WITH DETAILS!
- #FamilyE3
- Counselors Connecting with Kids
- 2020 Future Spartans Football Position Camp
- Author Visit - Aaron Reynolds
- SFMS Summer Reading List
- PTA Meeting - May 21st
- Yearbook Update
- Virtual Talent Show
- SHS Senior Parade WITH MAP
- 2020-21 Spirit Wear
- 2020-21 School Supplies
- Spring Fundraiser Update
District Information
- Sunday message
- Dinner's On Us
From Mrs. Barry:
Last year, I had the opportunity to attend a lecture by Dr. Rob Evans. He spoke at length about the "enterprise of change." This past week, he gave another speech, focusing specifically on change during times of crisis. Several of his key points resonated with me.
First, Dr. Evans spoke of the unique challenges we are facing right now. We have had to change the way we do business - both work and home - on an incredibly fast timeline. While managing both personal and professional expectations, we've had to learn how to balance when to push and when to back off. Zooming isn't the same as being face-to-face, and it brings with it a new set of challenges and expectations. We are exhausted.
Dr. Evans stressed that what we are up against is not a problem - a problem is something you can fix. Rather, we are facing a dilemma - it's built into life and we cope with it. With a dilemma, we take constructive action, but we have to continue to revisit it...we have to cope and learn as we go.
Next, Dr. Evans addressed several important points for being strong as we continue forward. This dilemma demands flexibility. We must have courage and face our fears. It's okay to acknowledge that we don't have all the answers. We need to ensure we are clear on what is negotiable and what is not, and we need to continue to find ways to connect with others. We must take care of ourselves so we can take care of others.
Dr. Evans ended by talking about planning ahead as we continue into the unknown. Because the future is so uncertain, we are going to continue to be up against this for some time. We must maintain high expectations while being understanding of the different situations facing those around us. We need to cultivate connections and supports - we think better when we are not alone! Reflection is also critical - both for looking for ways to improve and for celebrating what you've done well. Give yourself credit for being willing to keep doing it! And, again, be sure to take care of yourself.
As we come to the last two weeks of the school year, we are faced with many challenges and much uncertainty. The last eight weeks have been hard for all of us, and this is absolutely not the way we wanted to end the school year. We have a lot to figure out; however, I have all the confidence that our amazing community - our TEAM - will make decisions for the very best of our children. That is the Meadow Wood way. It's what we do. Thank you for all your support as we finish the year strong and with purpose!
Welcome home to MWE!
Staffing Update 2020-2021
Courtney McCord, AIM - Mrs. McCord's family is moving to Montana, where she will be a Behavior Intervention Coach in Columbia Falls School District #6. We are thrilled for this opportunity for the McCords, and we all plan to visit them, as their new house is right on the edge of Glacier National Park!
Stephanie Solis -Smith, 3rd grade - Mrs. Solis-Smith will be moving to our neighboring school, Nottingham Elementary, where she will be teaching Kindergarten. We will miss seeing Mrs. Solis-Smith every day but are thrilled she will be nearby! She is very excited to be back in a primary grade!
Debbie Rossi, Nurse - Nurse Rossi has decided to stay at home full time. We've loved sharing her time over the last few years. Though she will be sorely missed, we are honored that Nurse Nicole Gruenberger (medically fragile) will be transitioning into Nurse Rossi's role and job-sharing with Nurse Tyler.
We also have several new staff members joining us for the 2020-2021 school year:
Rheana McCarley - Ms. McCarley is currently teaching in HISD. She will join the Third Grade team.
Taylor Viaclovsky - Ms. Viaclovsky is coming to us from Fort Bend ISD. She will be an added teacher in Second Grade.
Rachel Odom - Mrs. Odom will be back in the classroom after a few years away in an added Fifth Grade position.
Chelsea Venegas - Ms. Venegas is currently in HISD. She will be our new AIM teacher.
Marna Meier - Ms. Meier has been a substitute in SBISD. She will be the new Fifth Grade Digital Lab monitor.
Look for more information on our new hires closer to the start of the new school year.
Registration for 2020-21 is now OPEN!
It is very important that you register your child as early as possible so we can be sure to be appropriately staffed for the upcoming year. Please share this information with your neighbors, as this applies to all new AND returning students.
Please reach out to Ms. Snelling at susan.snelling@springbranchisd.com with any questions.
Current SBISD students
- Online Enrollment Forms
- Returning students: Register online HERE
Students new to SBISD
- Online Enrollment Forms
- New SBISD students: Register online HERE
Student Materials & Personal Belongings Pick Up
Thursday - May 21st
➔ What to Drop-Off
◆ Books from the library, the teachers classroom or our literacy library
◆ Any other materials you have at home that belong to the school.
➔ How to Prepare it for Drop-off
◆ If you know the difference -
● Put classroom library books and materials in a plastic bag (grocery bag) and securely close it
● Put library books in a DIFFERENT plastic bag (grocery bag) and securely close it
● LABEL ALL BAGS so we will know where they go - either by teacher name, library or elsewhere. We will have black permanent markers if you forget
➔ What to do Before you Come
◆ Notice when and where your pick up spot is.
● Please try to follow your last name time slot as we try to limit backup on Memorial Dr.
● PreK, Kinder, 1st and 2nd are in the front carpool line. 3rd, 4th and 5th are in the bus ramp.
● If you would like to pick up multiple students' bags at one time you must email your child’s teacher by 12:00pm Wednesday, May 20th. The bags will be placed with the oldest child’s teacher.
◆ On a large piece of paper, in BIG, BOLD letters, write the names and grade levels of your children to help the staff locate and bring your items to you
◆ We will not have a restroom available so everyone go before you get in the car.
➔ What you do When you get to MWE
◆ Go to the correct line
Please see the schedule and map below. We can't wait to see you!
#FamilyE3
It’s normal to feel stressed during these unprecedented times. A new #FamilyE3 video will share how you can support your child and find joy. Submit your questions or a story to inspire others in the midst of uncertain times by May 15 - https://conta.cc/2yKaa3r. Access the video on May 22 - http://bit.ly/2WVM6CK
Counselors Connecting with Kids
Dear boys and girls,
As we are winding down this school year, we would like you to take some time to think about this school year and celebrate all the wonderful moments. Here are a few suggestions you can work on now or save some for those long, hot summer days!
1. Write a letter. You can write a letter to yourself about all the things you have learned this year and how you have grown. Write a letter to your teacher and let him/her know all the things you enjoyed about the year.
Another idea is to write a letter to other students in your class and tell them things you like about them. Ask your parents if they can help you mail it to them or deliver it.
2. Create a Memory Book. Include pages such as:
- My favorite activity this year was….
- A special memory I have is….
- Something I did this year that I am very proud of is….
- Draw a picture of your favorite place in the classroom.
- Something I loved about this grade is…
3. Make a “NOW I CAN!” chart for your bedroom. Keep adding to it as you learn new things.
4. Create an autobiography. Include the following pages:
- All About Me page
- Family
- School Life (favorite subjects, special projects, programs, talents)
- Hobbies/Interests
- Future Hopes and Dreams
5. Create a Letter of Advice to upcoming students for the following school year. Give them advice about how to be the best students, give them a heads up about the rules and procedures. Share with them what to look forward to. Give suggestions on how to get along with the teacher.
We are looking forward to seeing all of you this week as you drive by to pick up your materials. It will be so much fun to see your smiling faces again!
Mrs. Luberger and Ms. Waldrop
2020 Future Spartans Football Positions Camp
Hey Guys,
This is Coach Rankin, Campus Athletic Director/Head Football Coach at Stratford. Our football program is looking forward to hosting our annual Future Spartans Football Camp in July, pending clearance to return to campus.
The 2020 Future Spartans Football Positions Camp is a two day camp for 3rd-6th graders. Campers must live in the Stratford HS attendance zone. The camp will focus on techniques and drills specific to positions on offense and defense. Campers will also be exposed to some of the pride, history, and tradition of Stratford High School. The camp cost is $30. Due to this summer’s uncertainty, we will not collect any money until the first day of camp. Scholarships are available!
Thank you and I hope you guys are doing well!
Coach Rankin
Author visit - Aaron Reynolds
Hi MWE Families,
We are grateful to partner once again with Blue Willow Bookshop to bring the illustrious Aaron Reynolds, author of The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter for a virtual author/illustrator visit on May 21st at 1:00 p.m. on Zoom.
Here are the details:
- Register to attend: https://forms.gle/Bb4ed6emP5NQ3gRa6
- After registering, attendees will get confirmation email
- The Zoom link will not be sent out until the morning of the visit (this is to assure the safety and security of our students and the author)
- Students can submit questions before the visit using this link: https://forms.gle/EdeGDVuCUMEDQiHf6
- If you would like to order you very own copy of The Incredibly Dead Pets of Rex Dexter, use this link: https://www.bluewillowbookshop.com/virtual-visit-aaron-reynolds
The amazing thing about Zoom meetings is that they can happen anywhere. While I realize this author’s visit is in-between student pick up, I still hope that you all can join the group before you get in line or even while you are waiting in line for pick up. Visits are usually only 30 minutes long.
Please email me if you have any questions Kathryn.mccracken@springbranchisd.com
Thank you and Happy Reading!
SFMS Summer Reading List
PTA Meeting - May 21st
Meadow Wood Family and Staff,
We will be introducing the new Executive Board and giving updates to help make sure you have all of the information you need for the end of this year. Spread the word to new families as well, as we will be going over information such as school supplies, spirit wear, and Membership Toolkit.
Zoom information for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84783725136?pwd=MXNZVDVkaWFUUk9mYXpBaDhnbzJKUT09
Meeting ID: 847 8372 5136
Password: 8Q2uP8
Yearbook Update
We do not currently have an exact delivery date for our yearbooks. We received information this week that Balfour’s plant in Dallas reopens May 18th by order of the Dallas County Judge. Once they can resume production, they will produce our yearbooks in the order in which it was received. Our books are scheduled to ship on June 11th, and we will continue to keep the MWE community updated on delivery plans!
Thank you!!
MWE's Virtual Talent Show
We are excited to announce our first ever MWE Virtual Talent Show including an Art Gallery!
While school may be cancelled, our fun can’t be stopped! All MWE students are invited to participate. Let’s be creative with the use of technology to share your talent. We would love to showcase talents that are uplifting and encouraging! Please take a moment to review the information below. Deadline for video, art, and permission slip submission is May 22nd! Please send all inquiries to mwetalentshow2020@gmail.com
1. Please Read Talent Show Rules
2. Use the Step by Step Guide to upload your permission slip.*
3. Use the Step by Step Guide to upload your videos and pictures for the Virtual Talent Show
4. Tune in on May 27th to see your talent!!
*It is very important to save your permission slip as TeacherName.Grade.StudentName
2020-2021 SPIRIT WEAR - BUY NOW!
MWE Parents- Don't forget to buy your MWE Spirit Wear! This is sold on a pre-sale basis only. Sales will close Monday, June 1st. So, please don't delay...ORDER TODAY!
Most popular items are- ALL the tie-dye, dri-fit, and scrunchies. And don't forget a yard sign to show MWE pride! We are all so excited to return to school next year...do it in MWE style!
Order Here-
https://meadowwoodpta.membershiptoolkit.com/login
If you have any questions, please reach out to Christian Thompson (713) 249-6533.
2020-2021 School Supplies - Deadline to order is July 1st!
We know it is hard to believe but there will be a 1st Day of school next year. Why not cross “Back to School shopping” off of your to do list? It is much easier to get your school supplies this way versus heading to a local store with a long list to check off.
Visit www.1stdayschoolsupplies.com and you are just a few clicks away from getting everything you need for next year!!! It is super easy... Click, pay, done! Plus, while you’re on the site getting your supplies, look at their great selection of Vera Bradley, JanSport, and Under Armour accessories!
Spring Fundraiser Update
Due to public health concerns, we had to cancel our spring fundraiser, Bugs and Bids on the Bayou. Thank you to Melanie White, Gabby Gallerano, and Lindsey O’Conor for all of the time and effort they put forth in planning this fundraiser. A big thanks also goes out to the many families and teachers who had volunteered to host parties. The decision to cancel was not easy.
The event was scheduled for this weekend and we are all disappointed that we can’t gather to raise money for our great school. The success of the Meadow Wood PTA has always been tied to your steadfast support. Your financial gifts and countless volunteer hours are what make programs, extra field trips, playground equipment, and much more possible at our school.
We understand that circumstances have changed for many of us, however, if you had planned to contribute to our spring fundraiser and are still willing and able, we have another option for you. You may make a direct donation to our school through the Eagle Excellence Fund.
Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to celebrating with you on the other side of this virus. Hang in there, Meadow Wood Families, we are in this together!
Sunday Message:
Dear SBISD Families,
We want and need your thoughts!
Please take our very brief SBISD Family Survey to help us understand what the past two months of learning from home have been like for you and your family, how we could have better supported you, and what we could do better should distance learning be required in the future.
Click HERE to take the SBISD survey now.
Elementary and Middle School Families
As we close out the last two weeks of school, weeks 9 and 10 of the Digital Backpack are combined and now online. These two weeks are designed as “choice boards” with opportunities for your students to enjoy learning instructional content in new and fun ways.
Grab and Go Meals Continue –Note one location change
Our Grab and Go Meals continue. Due to construction beginning at Spring Forest Middle School, that site has moved next door to Meadow Wood Elementary. All other times and locations remain the same. Click here for more information.
We thank you for all of your support and wish for you a healthy and safe week ahead.