News from Mrs. Graves

MORE THAN 50,000 PAGE VIEWS ON THE PRINCIPAL'S PAGE!

Upcoming Events
Monday, 12/1  
Tuesday, 12/2  Progress Reports
Wednesday, 12/3  School Tour, 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, 12/4  Author Visit, 3rd & 4th gr; 2nd grade Performance, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 12/5   Iowa Testing, Kinder; PTO Meeting, 8:10 a.m.; NTB Book Talk, 11:30-12:30

Monday, 12/8  Iowa Testing, Kinder
Tuesday, 12/9  Iowa testing, Kinder
Wednesday, 12/10  Iowa Testing, Kinder
Thursday, 12/11  Iowa Testing, Kinder; Spelling Pre-Bee, 7:15 a.m.
Friday, 12/12  Iowa Testing, Kinder; NTB Book Talk, 11:30-12:30;  Faculty Caroling, 6:30 p.m.


Iowa Assessment
Iowa Assessment is a national, norm-referenced achievement test, measuring your child's performance relative to the performance of other children across the nation. The Iowa Assessment contains approximately 10 subtests measuring achievement in the core content areas. You can learn more about the Iowa Assessment at Riverside Publishing 

The test is generally administered over the course of a week, with most testing concluding before lunch.  Kinder students will be administered the Iowa Assessment beginning Friday of this week, through Friday, December 12.  Students in Grades 1-5 will be administered the Iowa Assessment in May. 

The Iowa Assessment is really not something that can be studied for in advance.  The content on the test is general knowledge and application of information.  Teachers have been working with your children to help them understand the format of testing.  The purpose of administering this test to Kinder students is to set a baseline for performance.

Kinder parents should check with the child's teacher if your child has an appointment scheduled this week.  We may not be able to offer make-ups if your child misses testing.  


Have You Moved?
If you have moved (or expect to move) out of the Roberts attendance zone, you may want to complete a Magnet Application.  Students living outside of our school zone, attending without a Magnet transfer, will be withdrawn at the end of the school year.  The only way to stay at Roberts if you live outside of the school zone is to have an approved Magnet transfer.

If you no longer live at the address on file with us, bring new proof of residency to the main office as soon as possible. 

School Funding

Are you interested in learning more about how schools are funded in HISD?  I will be sharing information about school funding in a multi-part series in upcoming editions of The Principal's Page.  Stay tuned...

Save The Dates
Thursday, 12/4, 6:30 p.m.         2nd grade Winter Show - Flakes
Friday, 12/12, 6:30 p.m.             Faculty Caroling
Monday, 12/15, 8:15 a.m.           3rd gr Holiday Market
Tuesday, 12/16, 8:15 a.m.           3rd gr Holiday Market
Wednesday, 12/17, 8:30 p.m.    5th gr Community Exhibition
Friday, 12/19                                 Class Holiday Parties

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events

Monday, 11/24  Student Coalition Meeting
Tuesday, 11/25  PJ Day Fundraiser; NO AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Wednesday, 11/26  Thanksgiving Holiday
Thursday, 11/27  Thanksgiving Holiday
Friday, 11/28   Thanksgiving Holiday

Monday, 12/1  
Tuesday, 12/2  Progress Reports
Wednesday, 12/3  School Tour, 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, 12/4  Author Visit; 2nd grade Performance, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 12/5   PTO Meeting, 8:10 a.m.; NTB Book Talk, 11:30-12:30


Magnet Program Status
I know many of you have questions about the status of our Magnet Program, and I want to get you the information you need.  

What is the problem?  Magnet Programs are required to maintain at least 20% enrollment outside of the attendance zone.  Prior to this school year, we have been able to meet that requirement while not exceeding our state mandated class size of 22:1.  This school year our zoned enrollment has increased substantially, with approximately 75 more students than we had last year.  This increase in zoned enrollment (and no additional classrooms) has increased our class size beyond the state student to teacher ratio of 22:1, not allowing us to meet the 20% requirement.  Roberts Fine Arts Magnet was placed on probation after our appeal was denied.

What does "probation" mean?  Nothing changes to our program this school year.  We will continue to provide the magnet program, and students on magnet transfers will continue to be eligible for transportation.  Next fall the district will re-evaluate our enrollment.  If we meet the 20% out of zone enrollment the probation will be lifted.  If we do not meet the required 20% the district will slate our magnet program for closure.

What happens if the program is slated for closure?  If the program is slated for closure, we will no longer be able to accept students on magnet transfers.  Current magnet students will be allowed to stay at Roberts through 5th grade, but transportation will no longer be available the following school year.

What is the timeline?
Year 1, 2014-15  Probation Status
Year 2, 2015-16  Slated for Closure
Year 3, 2016-17  50% Funding/Loss of Transportation/No New Magnet Transfers
Year 4, 2017-18  No Magnet Funds

How would loss of funding impact Roberts? The Fine Arts Magnet Program currently receives just under $350,000 each year.  The funding loss will be difficult to absorb if our enrollment declines, however a recent demographers study anticipates our zoned enrollment to continue to increase over the next few years.  If this holds true, a large part of the funding gap can be closed.  

What does this mean for younger siblings of current magnet students?  Siblings of current magnet students do receive priority in the lottery process.  Schools are allowed to give 25% of expected magnet spots to siblings.  If there are additional siblings, they will be placed at the top of the magnet wait list.  This will be used for admission decisions for the 2015-16 school year.  If the magnet program is slated for closure next fall, no magnet spots will be available for the 2016-17 school year.  Siblings can be considered for other types of transfers if space is available.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, 11/17 
Tuesday, 11/18  Picture Retakes; K & 5 CogAt Testing; Fall Book Fair; NTB Reading Day; 3rd Gr Musical Auditions, 3:30-5:30
Wednesday, 11/19  Fall Book Fair; Early Dismissal, 12:30
Thursday, 11/20  Fall Book Fair; SDMC, 3:30 p.m.; Family Night at the Book Fair, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, 11/21   NTB Book Talk, 11:30-12:30

Saturday, 11/22  Fall Community Night, 6:00 p.m.

Monday, 11/24  Student Coalition Meeting
Tuesday, 11/25  PJ Day Fundraiser
Wednesday, 11/26  Thanksgiving Holiday
Thursday, 11/27  Thanksgiving Holiday
Friday, 11/28   Thanksgiving Holiday

Thursday, 12/4  2nd grade Performance, 6:30 p.m.


What is CogAT?
The CogAT, or Cognitive Abilities Test, will be administered this week to all Kinder and 5th grade students.  The CogAT is a nonverbal abilities assessment, and is used as part of the matrix for identifying students for Gifted and Talented.  

Please make sure your children are well rested, have a good breakfast and arrive at school on time next week.  


Spotlight on IB
What is Exhibition?
an excerpt from Exhibition Guidelines

Introduction
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) exhibition represents a significant event in the life of a PYP school and student, synthesizing the essential elements of the PYP and sharing them with the whole school community.  As a culminating experience it is an opportunity for students to exhibit the attributes of the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile that have been developing throughout their engagement with the PYP.

In the students' final year of the PYP, which occurs in some schools at age 10-11 and in others at age 11-12, there are five unity of inquiry and the exhibition... Students are required to engage in a collaborative, transdisciplinary inquiry process that involves them in identifying, investigating and offering solutions to real-life issues or problems. 

Purpose
The PYP exhibition has a number of key purposes:

• for students to engage in an in-depth, collaborative inquiry;
• to provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate independence and responsibility for their own learning;
• to provide students with an opportunity to explore multiple perspectives;
• for students to synthesize and apply their learning of previous years and to reflect upon their journey through the PYP;
• to provide an authentic process for assessing student understanding;
• to demonstrate how students can take action as a result of their learning;
• to unite the students, teachers, parents and other members of the school community in a collaborative experience that incorporates the essential elements of the PYP; and
• to celebrate the transition of learners from primary to middle/secondary education.

RE Exhibition

This year our Exhibition is part of the transdisciplinary theme, "How We Express Ourselves". Integrating our study of natural resources and the environment, with our study of forms of expression, was the perfect way to marry our IB Programme of Inquiry with our Fine Arts Program.  

Our 5th graders recently finished an in-depth study of problems associated with human use of natural resources, considering the multiple perspectives.  After small groups worked together to research various aspects of these global issues, each homeroom created an essay combining the information.

Last week the students began exploring the ways people have expressed themselves through time with regard to other conflicts and issues.  Students were exposed to various art forms, specifically drama, visual arts such as painting and sculpture, film, poetry, lyrics and books. For example, students were introduced to songs inspired by Medgar Evers, books written to educate about environmental issues such as The Lorax and The Giving Tree, and the art of Pablo Picasso, influenced by his response to civil war.   

With the help of visiting artists such as Charles Washington, local recycled artist, a local writer, an actor, visual artist, and a filmmaker, students were able to explore a variety of art forms to help them find a way to express their feelings about the global issue they researched and find connections between the problem they want to focus on and the forms of expression.

Central Idea:  People express themselves through the arts and in so doing, influence the world.

Please join us for our Community Exhibition on 

Wednesday, December 17th at 6:30 p.m.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, 11/10  
Tuesday, 11/11  NTB Reading Day; 1st gr Field Trip; K-1 Parent Literacy Night, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 11/12   4th grade Production of Disney's Jungle Book Kids, 6:30 p.m. 
Thursday, 11/13  
Friday, 11/14   NTB Book Talk, 11:30-12:30

Saturday, 11/15  Fall Community Night, 6:00 p.m.

Monday, 11/17 
Tuesday, 11/18  Fall Book Fair; NTB Reading Day; 3rd Gr Musical Auditions, 3:30-5:30
Wednesday, 11/19  Fall Book Fair; Early Dismissal, 12:30
Thursday, 11/20  Fall Book Fair; SDMC, 3:30 p.m.; Family Night at the Book Fair, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, 11/21   NTB Book Talk, 11:30-12:30


K-1 Parent Literacy Night
Join us on Tuesday night to learn more about how you can help your Kindergarten or First Grade student learn to read.  Information went home in last week's Tuesday folder, or pick up a form at Reception.  Please RSVP.

School Wide Coat Drive

Please take a few minutes this week to clean out those closets and bring gently used children's coats to benefit the children at HISD's Crespo Elementary.  You can drop off your donations at Reception, or drop them off in the boxes in the foyer near the mosaic.

Big Thanks

Our Family Day of Service was a great success!  Families came together to sort, count and pack books for economically disadvantaged students attending 32 HISD elementary schools. Books Fairs are set up each May at the designated campuses, and children are able to choose 6-8 books to begin their own library.  You can still support the work at Books Between Kids. Visit their website to learn more.  www.booksbetweenkids.org 

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Magnet Awareness Week, 11/3-11/7
Monday, 11/3  School Tours, 9:00 & 1:00
Tuesday, 11/4  Election Day; NTB Reading Day; Report Cards Home
Wednesday, 11/5  School Tours, 9:00 & 1:00
Thursday, 11/6  School Tours, 9:00 & 1:00
Friday, 11/7  PTO Meeting, 8:10, Cafe; Finnegan Counseling Group Parent Ed, 9:00 a.m.; School Tours, 9:00 & 1:00; NTB Book Talk, 11:30-12:30; Jungle Book Rehearsal, 1:30-3:00

Saturday, 11/8  RE Family Day of Service at Books Between Kids (sign up on our website)

Monday, 11/10  School Tours, 9:00 & 1:00
Tuesday, 11/11  NTB Reading Day; 1st gr Field Trip; K-1 Parent Literacy Night, 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, 11/12   4th grade Production of Disney's Jungle Book Kids, 6:30 p.m. 
Thursday, 11/13  
Friday, 11/14   NTB Book Talk, 11:30-12:30

Saturday, 11/15  Fall Community Night

RE Family Service Day - Saturday, Nov. 8
We invite you to come together as a family and school community to help us work to get books into the homes of the children of Houston.  Just commit to a 2 hour shift, from 8:30-10:30, 10:30-12:30 or 12:30-2:30 on Saturday, November 8th.  We will sort and pack books, getting them ready for delivery to children attending the Houston Independent School District who need books for their own bookshelves at home.

Find the sign-up link on the Roberts website!


Magnet Application Time

If you have a child in 5th grade, you may want to apply for admission to a Middle School Magnet Program. If you have a child currently attending Roberts on a Magnet transfer and have a younger child who will be entering kindergarten in the fall, you will need to apply within the first phase. 


The online application system opened over the weekend.  The deadline to apply for a magnet program in Phase I is December 19, 2014.  Most schools will not have space available after Phase I.



Enrollment and Residency

Many times families move during a school year and are interested in staying at Roberts. The only way to stay at Roberts if you have moved out of the school attendance zone is to apply for a magnet transfer.  Magnet Transfers are granted by lottery, when space is available in the specific grade level.  The deadline to do that is December 19th.  No applications received after December 19th will be reviewed.

The question that often arises during enrollment relates to residency.  Residency is what qualifies you as an “in-zone” student.  So, what is residency?  Generally it is referred to as where you live and sleep every night, but there are more detailed and specific criteria.  

1. Does the parent/guardian who establishes residency own, rent or lease a home, condominium, apartment or living quarters within the attendance zone?

2. Does the family have furniture and personal effects in the attendance zone with no furniture or personal effects at a previous residence?

3. Does the parent/guardian receive personal mail in the attendance zone?

4. Are the parents/guardians registered to vote in the attendance zone?

5. Does the parent/guardian regularly live in the attendance zone and plan to live there indefinitely?  Have all licensed drivers in the household complied with DPS regulations for changing address?

Renting an apartment, but not living there does not qualify as residency.  If you own a home outside of the Roberts attendance zone, and maintain a homestead exemption on that home, it is considered your primary residence, and you do not qualify as an in-zone student.  Your only option for remaining at Roberts is to apply for a magnet transfer.

If you have moved, please bring a copy of your new electric bill to the main office.  We will assist you in changing your address so that you may apply for a magnet transfer for the upcoming school year.  

Please be advised, transfers are approved only if space is available.