Mott News
4/2
From the Principal
School Closures
Based on a recent extension of Governor Abbott's Executive Order, all Pflugerville ISD campuses will remain closed through May 1. This is a very fluid situation, and we are receiving continuous updates from health authorities. Additional school closures after May 1 have not been decided at this time, but we will inform parents as soon as any decisions are made. As we learn more from our governing agencies, we will also share more information.
Extend Grace
This is the message that we are receiving from our superintendent and other district administrators daily. I want to make sure that you hear this message as well. Distance learning is new to all of us, and we are having to figure it out as we go. Something I want parents to know: The district is not expecting teachers to take grades until the week of April 13! The purpose of this week and next is to get the ball rolling and determine what distance learning plan works for each family. They realize that it will take some time, thus they are not expecting grades to be taken right now.
- Extend grace to yourselves, parents. You are juggling many things right now. We don't expect you to master multiple online learning platforms in a day. If some assignments did not get done, it is okay.This is just the first week. We will work together to figure it out.
- Extend grace to teachers. They have not all mastered online learning platforms either. This is a whole new way of teaching and will take some time for them to become proficient.
- Extend grace to students. Structure and consistency is always beneficial to children, and their whole routine has been thrown off! Work on establishing a structure for learning within your home. Reach out if you need support.
- Extend grade to the district. District staff are working very hard to find ways to support families. With over 25,000 students, it takes a lot of coordination, effort and time to coordinate any new district wide initiatives and changes. And we need changes due to our current situation.
Administrators are Dividing and Conquering
Mott Families, we appreciate all the support and encouraging words we have received as we roll out distance learning. Nothing can replace face to face interactions with our young owls but we are excited to see them be delighted to continue to learn and achieve greatness under these unprecedented circumstances. With that being said we still have over 1100+ kids (we're still enrolling new owls daily) and 100 staff to communicate via email with daily. Our administrative team has decided to divided and conquer so we can make sure everyone is taken care of in a timely manner. See below our new communication guide (this will help you get your questions and concerns to the correct administrator):
Adrian Tristan - PreK, all Dual Language classes, special areas and intervention
Sarah Boyle - Kinder through 2nd, and Sp.Ed.
Tammy Rebecek - 3rd through 5th grade
If you reply to the Mott News, please include your child's name and grade in your reply. We will then forward your email to the appropriate administrator.
Help your neighbors stay informed
We have many email addresses and families that are on this email list, however, if you hear that someone is not receiving my emails or district emails, please send their email address and name to me at tammy.rebecek@pfisd.net . Spread the word! The more informed we are, the better!
Educating with Zoom
As we start educating with Zoom, we want to share some rules with you and give you the opportunity to exclude your student from live interactions. All meetings will be held under district- established guidelines.
Click this link to see more details and fill out the form
Opt-Out Form link in English:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc1bCQTOcL_7l_PtISFQfj-S25Xd7Xk54xT-unC2VlM6RO4zA/viewform
Opt-Out Form link in Español
Parent Advice for Monitoring Technology
Monitor, monitor, monitor your children's access using phones and computers during these next couple of weeks and beyond. Adults outside of education, with bad intentions, may be using this unprecedented online access to communicate with children. Students will also be reaching out to one another to connect during these uncertain times and we are not available to assist in monitoring these interactions and conflicts that arise.
Suggestions for safe usage:
- You should be able to access your child's technology at any time.
- Check their last post, Tik Tok upload, Instagram dms and text, etc..., frequently.
- Check their stored photos
- Have online access in an open space such as the kitchen or living room - if a bedroom is the only option, the door should be open, and make the rounds frequently to check on their activity.
Sending a student into a closed bedroom for hours with an unsupervised laptop or cell phone can be very dangerous for children. Let us know how we can help!
Mott Elementary Now Has Two Counselors!
Hello from your Mighty Mott School Counselors! We hope that you and your family are becoming more adjusted to new routines and online learning. Our teachers, staff, and administrators have done a phenomenal job getting the online curriculum up and running!
Did you notice that there is an "s" on the end of the word "Counselors?!" We are extremely fortunate to welcome Karen Reyes to our Mott family as our additional counselor! She joined us on March 23, and has already been immensely helpful to our staff and community. She comes to us with many years of experience and insight. We are so excited to have her join us!
In addition to reaching out to you through the Morning Announcements, we have attached a list of resources that you and your family may find helpful. We are also available through email at karen.reyes@pfisd.net and reagan.portillo@pfisd.net to help support you and your children. Please let us know how we can help. We look forward to hearing from you!
Introduction Letter From Mrs. Reyes
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OsC51W5SDGKbQjFgLlvCRAvNeFENx9BDH-f6o_W5Mvg/edit?usp=sharing
Student Social/Emotional Learning Resources
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-MnOT1x65JyFtIHaS8LgEUjyeJTdePtZhzvt2KFgsAQ/edit
Special Areas Menus
The Special Area Menus that are coming from me and the teachers are meant to be choices for your child. You do not have to complete all of them. Pick from any area as often as you would like. These are meant to be fun for your child and easy to accomplish at home. If you do not have all the supplies needed for a project, no worries! Just choose another item.
Some were having difficulty downloading the .pdf documents attached for the menus, so I am linking google docs below.
1st Grade Specials Menu Week 1
2nd Grade Specials Menu Week 1
3rd Grade Specials Menu Week 1
Bright Bytes Survey
We are partnering with BrightBytes, an educational research organization, to learn more about you and your students’ technology access and use for learning.
The goal of this project is to gather data on technology access, skills, and your school’s technology environment, in order to understand the connection between technology use and student achievement.
Our data collection window is set to run from March 30 - May 27, 2020.
There is one designed for students, and one designed for parents.
Your questionnaire links are listed below:
Your participation and support is important to us and will make the difference between having a complete understanding of our school’s technology use versus a limited one.
Zaxby's
Breakfast, Lunch, & NOW DINNER
Trouble Picking Up Food or Packets From Food Distribution Locations?
If you know of someone else who might be having difficulty going to pick up the food or paper based learning, please let us know as well.
Electronic Device Access
If your student does not have access to an electronic device or Internet, please use one of the links below to apply for technology assistance.
Morning Announcements on the Mott Facebook Page
Art to Remember
Hi families and friends,
Our school is participating in a creative fundraiser with Art to Remember that allows you to purchase keepsake products customized with your child’s art. There are over 50 products and many are less than $15. These make great gifts and a percentage of every purchase goes right back to our school. Click on the link below and enter the online order code shown on your child’s order form or to search for your child’s artwork. Then, have fun shopping!
Pre-K & Kinder Registration
Based on current events, PreKindergarten and Kindergarten registration will not be held as originally scheduled for April 14-16. Registration for these grade levels will be rescheduled at a later date.
We encourage families to monitor the PfISD website, Facebook, and Twitter for updates.
Canceled Events
- Awards Assemblies
- Mott Orchestra Field Trip - Apr. 9
- PreK & Kinder Registration - Apr. 14, 15, 16
- 5th Grade FIeld Trip- Apr. 15
- STAAR Testing
- Gifted & Talented Showcase
All scheduled activities related to Pflugerville ISD schools are cancelled during the school closure. This also includes all district and campus events and competitions.
Brighten Everyone's Day
Mott Elementary School
Remember to Wash Your Hands
Free Online Reading Resource to Use at Home
PebbleGo on Clever
Go to PfISD.net>student tab>clever or click on this link.The login is your student’s “s” number and password. Most students have this memorized by this point. If not, reach out to your child's teacher.
Mystery Science
Free Home Access for Students to ABC Mouse, Adventure Academy & Reading IQ During School Closures
Age of learning is providing free resources while our campus is closed. All three programs can be used on tablets, computers, and smartphones. Click on the link below and follow the instructions.
https://www.ageoflearning.com/school_closure_pdf/ParentLetter_AofL_SCHOOL7581.pdf
Character and Fitness Videos at Home
We hope this resource serves not only as a helpful diversion while the kids are home, but also as an opportunity for families to engage in character-building conversations while also staying active at home.
http://www.boosterthoncharacter.com
(Access Code: home)
* There’s no cost to register
* 75 + streaming videos with character topics and fitness exercises (PBIS, SEL, STEAM, etc.)