News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, May 18  Portfolio Picnic, lunch & 5:30; Shrek Rehearsal at Rice
Tuesday, May 19  Portfolio Picnic, lunch; Shrek Rehearsal at Rice; SPARK Community Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20  Portfolio Picnic, lunch; Shrek Rehearsal at Rice
Thursday, May 21  Shrek Dress Rehearsal, 1:00 p.m; Shrek Performance, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 22  Annual Flag Ceremony honoring Matthew Sauer, 7:30 a.m.; Student Coalition Meeting; 5th Gr Growth and Development Talk

Monday, May 25  Memorial Day Holiday
Tuesday, May 26  5th Gr Promotion Ceremony, 6:30
Wednesday, May 27  5th Gr Fun Day @ Roberts
Thursday, May 28  Last Day of School; 5th gr Fieldtrip; Class Year End Parties; Report Cards


I can't believe the end of the school year is upon us!  The next two weeks are going to be busy!  Watch for schedule updates.


Portfolio Picnic

The weather forecast is looking better for tomorrow, but the grounds are very wet.  We have never had a rain out on portfolio picnic before, so hopefully we’ll be able to dodge the showers this year too.  We have lunch and evening picnics scheduled for Monday, or you may have chosen to attend lunch picnics on Tuesday or Wednesday.  

If it is not raining, but too wet for the front lawn, the covered area and outdoor stage will be available. We also have the dismissal areas that are paved, or you may also use the picnic areas by 4^th grade, 3^rd, and the decks.   

The evening option is the easiest to make sure everyone is dry.  We can make the cafe and hallways available for picnics if it is raining Monday evening.  Fingers crossed for dry lunch periods!

It will help Reception to know when you are coming, so please communciate with your teacher if you plan to change your picnic time or day.   

IOWA Results
Students in grades 1-5 recently took the IOWA Achievement Test.  It generally takes 6-8 weeks to receive student results.  We expect to receive the results in late June or early July. We will put them in the mail as soon as possible.  Please update your mailing address with the school office if you move over the summer.

Intent to Return
I want to thank those of you who have graciously returned the Intent form with all the required documents.  We have only 80 children left to hear from!  Another reminder letter will go in the Tuesday folder this week for families who have not made us aware of their plans.  If you plan to enroll at another school, please return the form with that information noted.  It will help us plan for next year, and will alert us that another school will be requesting records.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, May 11
Tuesday, May 12  5th gr STAAR Retest
Wednesday, May 13  3rd gr Field Trip; Kinder Portfolio Picnic, 5:00-6:00; Kinder Promotion Ceremony, 6:15 p.m.
Thursday, May 14  SDMC Meeting, 3:30 p.m.; Barnes & Noble Book Fair,4:30-7:30 p.m.
Friday, May 15 Library Books Due

Monday, May 18  Portfolio Picnic, lunch & 5:30; Shrek Rehearsal at Rice; Kinder Piano Recital
Tuesday, May 19  Portfolio Picnic, lunch; Shrek Rehearsal at Rice; SPARK Community Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 20  Portfolio Picnic, lunch; Shrek Rehearsal at Rice
Thursday, May 21  Shrek Dress Rehearsal, 1:00 p.m; Shrek Performance, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, May 22

Monday, May 25  Memorial Day Holiday


Happy Mother's Day
I hope that everyone enjoyed the holiday!  

Library Inventory-Books Due Friday
As the end of the school year quickly approaches, we will begin our annual library inventory. Please help your child gather library books and return them to school this week.  On Friday, children with books outstanding will receive an overdue notice.  The notice will tell you what to pay if the book is missing, but we prefer that you find the book.  Replacing books is not easy.  Thank you in advance for helping us take good care of our collection!

Your Voice Survey
Please take time to complete the Your Voice survey received in last week's Tuesday folder. Participation is important!  Return the paper copy in the envelope provided, or use the unique identification code on the survey to complete the online form.


Portfolio Picnic is right around the corner! Watch for communication from your child's teacher.  This is an event not to be missed.    

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
May 4-8  Teacher Appreciation Week
Monday, May 4  IOWA Testing, gr 1-5
Tuesday, May 5  IOWA Testing, gr 1-5
Wednesday, May 6  IOWA Testing, gr 1-5; Kinder Rehearsal, Cafe, p.m.
Thursday, May 7  IOWA Testing, gr 1-5; Kinder Field Trip (Warner, Miller, Punch); Kinder Rehearsal, Cafe, p.m.; Greenbriar Reconstruction Public Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
Friday, May 8  IOWA Testing, gr 1-5; Kinder Field Trip (Waterman, Bowman, May); Kinder Rehearsal, Cafe, p.m.
Saturday, May 9  Roberts 1.5 Foot Race

Monday, May 11
Tuesday, May 12  5th gr STAAR Retest
Wednesday, May 13  3rd gr Field Trip; Kinder Portfolio Picnic, 5:00-6:00; Kinder Promotion Ceremony, 6:15 p.m.
Thursday, May 14  SDMC Meeting, 3:30 p.m.; Barnes & Noble Book Fair,4:40-7:30 p.m.
Kinder Rehearsal, Cafe, p.m.
Friday, May 15 

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!  


IOWA Testing This Week
Students in grades 1-5 will be administered the IOWA Achievement test all week.  Students will begin testing each morning, and testing should finish around noon.  Please make every effort to have your child well-rested and on time each day.  If your child misses testing, we may not be able to administer a make-up session, and this could impact applications for magnet schools and gifted and talented identification.

Traffic Alert
Offshore Technology Convention (OTC) in town this week!  As always, this will increase traffic around Roberts in the morning and late afternoon.  

Teacher of the Year Fan Favorite
Well, duh? Of course Chase May is our vote for Fan Favorite.  Vote early and vote often!
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/YFSZ6RK

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, April 27  
Tuesday, April 28  Progress Reports; 4th gr Fieldtrip; IB Art Show, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29  Student Coalition Meeting, 11:45; 
Thursday, April 30
Friday, May 1  PTO Meeting, 8:10 a.m.
Saturday, May 2  Carnival

May 4-8  Teacher Appreciation Week
Monday, May 4  IOWA Testing, gr 1-5
Tuesday, May 5  IOWA Testing, gr 1-5
Wednesday, May 6  IOWA Testing, gr 1-5
Thursday, May 7  IOWA Testing, gr 1-5; Kinder Field Trip (Warner, Miller, Punch)
Friday, May 8  IOWA Testing, gr 1-5; Kinder Field Trip (Waterman, Bowman, May)
Saturday, May 9  Roberts 1.5 Foot Race


Your Voice Survey-Opens May 1
Watch for information in the Tuesday Folder next week about the District-wide Your Voice survey. Please take the time to offer your feedback on the work we are doing at Roberts. Participation rate is one way the District measures our effectiveness, so please make your voice heard! 

You will receive one survey for each school you have a child enrolled in this current school year.  The one you receive in the Tuesday folder is only survey related to Roberts Elementary.  Each survey has a code that can be used to complete the survey online, or you may complete the paper survey provided.  The unique code is to ensure you complete the survey only once for Roberts Elementary.  Please do not return the paper survey to school.  To maintain the integrity of the survey, we cannot accept it.

You can learn more at http://www.houstonisd.org/YourVoice 

SAVE THE DATE
Kinder 
Wednesday, 5/13  5:00-6:00 p.m

Grades 1-5 
Monday, 5/18  Lunch or Evening
Tuesday, 5/19  Lunch
Wednesday, 5/20  Lunch

Spotlight on IB:

What is Portfolio Picnic?

Parent-teacher conferences have been a standard practice, and the primary means of communication between school and home for decades.  Many educators, however, know the benefits of incorporating student-led conferences in that communication loop.  Student-led conferences are one way we can support students in developing ownership over their learning, and support the development of reflection as a learning practice. 

Teachers are preparing students for the student-led conferences that will be held through a Portfolio Picnic during the week of May 18th.  Each person has a role in the student-led conference.  For the student, the job is to lead the review and discussion of the work in their portfolio.  The parent’s role is to listen and review the work, and then participate in the reflection questions.  If your child gets stuck during the conference, here are a few questions that may help:

· Which pieces reflect one of your strengths?

· What challenges do you have in this subject?

· What are you most proud of?

This is also a time for students to set individualized learning goals for next year.  This is a time for parents to listen and coach, but not set goals for the student.

This year parents will have several options to accommodate your work schedule.  For children in grades 1-5, we are offering three days during the child’s lunch period, as well as Monday evening, May 18th.  Kindergarten Portfolio Picnic is schedule just prior to the promotion ceremony on May 13th, from 5:00-6:00 p.m.

For both daytime and evening Portfolio Picnics, we invite you to bring a blanket and picnic meal to celebrate the conference.  It is a special time for your child, and I hope it will be a special time for you.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, April 20   STAAR Testing - 5th Math
Tuesday, April 21   STAAR Testing - 3rd, 4th Math
Wednesday, April 22   STAAR Testing - 3rd & 4th Reading, 5th Science
Thursday, April 23   2nd gr Fieldtrip; SDMC, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, April 24   Father Daughter Dance (ticketed event)

Monday, April 27  
Tuesday, April 28  Progress Reports; 4th gr Fieldtrip; IB Art Show, 6:00-7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 29  Student Coalition Meeting, 11:45; 
Thursday, April 30
Friday, May 1  PTO Meeting, 8:10 a.m.
Saturday, May 2  Carnival

Testing This Week
Our 3rd-5th graders will be taking state exams this week.  See the schedule above.  Here are a few things to remember:

• Get a good night's sleep and have a hearty breakfast.
• Don't try to cram, these tests are meant to see what your child has learned throughout the year.  Last minute, late night study sessions may increase worry.
• Tests will begin immediately after announcements.  Students may not enter the classroom after testing has begun.  Please plan accordingly to avoid begin tardy.
• If you notice anxiety, let your child's teacher know so that he or she may help relieve the worry.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, April 13  
Tuesday, April 14  5th gr Goes to Camp
Wednesday, April 15  
Thursday, April 16  5th gr Returns
Friday, April 17  Staff Appreciation Luncheon; Kids Night Out, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, April 20
Tuesday, April 21   STAAR Testing - 3rd, 4th & 5th Math
Wednesday, April 22   STAAR Testing - 3rd & 4th Reading, 5th Science
Thursday, April 23   2nd gr Fieldtrip
Friday, April 24   Father Daughter Dance (ticketed event)


Save the Date 
IB Art Show - Tuesday, April 28th, 6:00 pm
Roberts Carnival - Saturday, May 2



Teacher Requests

As you may know, one of the District's core initiatives within the Strategic Direction is to ensure a highly effective teacher is in every classroom.  The Roberts Community is so incredibly lucky to have a campus full of highly effective teachers.  There is no teacher on our campus that struggles to offer sound instruction, and a well-developed structure of support exists for teachers new to our campus. 

With that in mind, please let me share with you my thoughts on the often pursued “teacher request”.  I strongly believe requesting teachers builds a culture of favored and disfavored teachers that is toxic to a school community.   Often these impressions of teacher effectiveness are anchored by false opinions and rumors.  We do not accept teacher requests.  I will continue to stand firm on that and request that you honor it as well.

So, how will we make class assignments?  The teachers and administration will work to build strong groups of children that make sense together.  We will consider personality, behavior, academics and social development.  After groups have been formed, I will assign those groups to teachers. 

If you would like to share special characteristics that should be considered, you are welcome to submit that in writing to me.  You may do that by email or by leaving a letter in the office for me to review between now and the last day of school. 

Please let me thank you in advance for working within the system.  Your trust in our faculty is greatly appreciated.


Theatre Guild
As we gear up for our final production, Shrek, The Musical, we are still looking for volunteers to help with costumes.  This week our team will be working everyday, Monday-Friday from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. You don't need any special skills.  We need help with sewing, cutting and ironing.  Just drop in!

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, April 6  Student Coalition Meeting, 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 7
Wednesday, April 8
Thursday, April 9  Kinder Music Performance, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 10  PTO Meeting, 8:10 a.m.

Monday, April 13  Tuesday, April 14  5th gr Goes to Camp
Wednesday, April 15  
Thursday, April 16  5th gr Returns; SDMC Meeting, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, April 17  Staff Appreciation Luncheon; Kids Night Out, 6:30 p.m.


SPARK School Park Program
Great news!  We were notified on Friday that we have been selected by SPARK School Park Program to help us update our playground and community greenspace.  SPARK, founded in 1983 by Eleanor Tinsley, works with schools to develop school playgrounds into community parks.  

A team of school and community people will be working on the design and fundraising.  Last week, students and teachers were able to give input on what they want for the new playground.  Watch for more information!

Library Upgrades
Over the last three years we have made annual investments in improving and updating our library.  Together with the PTO, we invested $13,500 last year, and will add another $10,000-$15,000 this year.  

As we make plans for this year's library purchase, we must make decisions about whether or not to invest in additional ebooks, or if the entire amount should be used for hardbound books. 

Second grade is learning about decision making, and I had the opportunity to share with them the many hard decisions that go into our school budget and the allocation for resources. I have tasked them with researching ebook vs. hardbound book, and they will write persuasive letters to help me in making that decision.  

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, March 30  STAAR Testing-4th gr Writing, Day 1
Tuesday, March 31  No morning tutorials; STAAR Testing-4th gr Writing, Day 2 & 5th gr Reading 
Wednesday, April 1
Thursday, April 2  
Friday, April 3  Spring Holiday-No School

Monday, April 6  Student Coalition Meeting, 11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, April 7
Wednesday, April 8
Thursday, April 9  Kinder Music Performance, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, April 10  PTO Meeting, 8:10 a.m.

Tuesday, April 14-16  5th gr Camp


Big Thanks!
We had such a great weekend!  Rice Baseball Bash was so much fun, and the Community Night was a huge success!  Thanks to the many volunteers that made these events possible, and thanks to those of you who came out and enjoyed the events.

Theatre Guild
We are looking for those who wish to get involved in supporting our theatre program as we prepare for the 5th grade production of Shrek, The Musical.  Any level of skill is welcome! We are looking for people that know how to sew for some easy alterations, and those who have mastered glue.  Email Ms. Ballard if you can spare any time to help out at home or at school.

Intent to Return
By now you should have received the Intent to Return form in the mail.  Please return the original form, along with the required documents to ensure your child is placed in a class for the 2015-16 school year.  If you intend not to return, please send the form and let us know where your child will attend school so that we can prepare school records and the year end withdrawal papers.

Please remember, residency is defined as the only place you live.  Renting an apartment in zone, while living in a home with a homestead in another location, is not residency within the zone.  Families found attempting to establish residency with an apartment lease, while living outside the zone, will not be enrolled for the new school year.  We will work with you to ensure your child can finish this school year and has a smooth transition to the school in your actual attendance zone.  Please contact me if this applies to your family.

News From Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, March 23  Return to School
Tuesday, March 24
Wednesday, March 25  Jr. NTB Competition
Thursday, March 26  Kinder Registration, 8:30-10:30 a.m.; SDMC Meeting, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, March 27  Kinder Registration, 8:30-10:30 a.m.; Rice Baseball Bash
Saturday, March 28  Spring Community Night, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, March 30  STAAR Testing-4th gr Writing, Day 1
Tuesday, March 31  STAAR Testing-4th gr Writing, Day 2 & 5th gr Reading
Wednesday, April 1
Thursday, April 2  
Friday, April 3  Spring Holiday-No School


Community Events This Week!
This week we have two great opportunities to come together as a community.  Join us Friday night at the Rice baseball game.  Roberts students will throw out the first pitch and we will have a children's play area. Tickets can be ordered through the Tuesday folder or at Reception, and will be available at the RE Will Call table before the game on Friday.

Saturday night is our Spring Community Night.  This is a free event and is always a great time for all.  Bring your blanket or outdoor chairs,  and join us for the movie Nanny McPhee. There will be free food and free popcorn, and you will have the option of purchasing candy and drinks from our 5th graders to benefit their year-end celebrations. The movie will begin at dusk.  


STAAR Testing
With State testing just around the corner for our 3rd, 4th and 5th graders, we often get questions from parents about how they can help.  Your child and his teacher are hard at work preparing to ensure Robert's students feel confident and are successful.  

You can help reduce test anxiety on the day of test.  Try these:

• Make sure your child is well-rested and gets a good night's sleep.
• Make sure your child has a healthy start with a good breakfast.  Avoid foods that are high in sugar or might upset the stomach.
• Don't offer a cram session the night before the test.  This will only increase anxiety.
• Encourage your child to read all questions carefully, and encourage doing "best work".  

Road Construction/Traffic
I drove the neighborhood yesterday and I am happy to report they are almost finished with the road repaving around Roberts.  That should relieve some of the traffic ails many of you have endured.  I have also asked faculty to be on duty at 7:35 for supervision. Please make every effort to have your child at school before the 7:55 a.m. bell rings to give them the best start each day.

HPD and HISD Police are assisting with ensuring drivers are following traffic laws in the area.  Here are a few tips to ensure you are adhering to traffic laws:

• It is illegal to let passengers out of vehicles on Greenbriar.  
• Please adhere to the posted speed and watch out for pedestrians.  
• Do not attempt to use the center turn lane on Greenbriar as a north bound traffic lane.
• Parking along the fire lane in the Circle Drive is strictly prohibited.  There is a $300 fine when ticketed for doing so.

Early Withdrawals

Please know that students withdrawing prior to the end of the school year will not receive a final report card, and will need to re-enroll for the new school year if the plan is to return for the 2015-16 school year.  We cannot hold spots for students who withdraw early.  We strongly encourage planning travel so that children are able to complete the full school year and are not withdrawn early.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, March 9  
Tuesday, March 10    Kindergarten Round-up Information Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11  School Tour, 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, March 12  1st gr Program, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 13  Hat Day-5th gr Fundraiser

March 16-20  Spring Break

Monday, March 23  Return to School
Tuesday, March 24
Wednesday, March 25
Thursday, March 26  Kinder Registration, 8:30-10:30 a.m.; SDMC Meeting, 3:30 p.m.
Friday, March 27  Kinder Registration, 8:30-10:30 a.m.; Rice Baseball Bash
Saturday, March 28  Spring Community Night


Big Thanks, PADRES!
Our PADRES (Dad's club) worked all day Saturday to replace the existing covered dismissal area, in preparation for the expansion that will occur over Spring Break.  This took a lot of heavy lifting, but saved us a tremendous amount of money.  Thanks!


Intent to Return/Proof of Residency
In the coming weeks you will receive a letter from Roberts asking about your plans for next year.  This will help us plan as we complete our preliminary budget for the upcoming school year.  We do this every spring, and appreciate your quick response. 

You will be asked to provide several documents to serve as proof of residency in the zone, or in HISD if you are attending on a Magnet Transfer.  No student will be placed in a class for next year without new proof of residency.  All families are asked to provide the following documents:

• Current utility bills including Electricity, Gas, Water and Telephone/Cell phone bill showing residential service with name and address of residents; and
• Harris County Appraisal District (HCAD) statement showing Homestead Exemption for current year; or 
• Lease Agreement (if applicable) If you are currently leasing a home or apartment please bring the entire typed lease agreement. All lease agreements are subject to verification. Also required is a receipt showing your current month's paid rent or the back and front copy of your cancelled check from your financial institution.  You will be expected to provide a new lease agreement when the current lease expires.

If you enrolled as a zoned student and have moved, no longer living in the Roberts attendance zone, your child will be allowed to finish the school year at Roberts.  We will help you arrange enrollment in your new zoned school for the 2015-16 school year.  Any student currently enrolled who now lives outside of the Houston Independent School District (i.e. Fort Bend, Humble, Alief, Pearland) will be withdraw per HISD Board Policy.

Residency is defined as the one and only place a student lives and sleeps every night. Renting an apartment in the zone while continuing to carry a homestead exemption and live in a home outside of the attendance zone is not an established residence in the zone.  If you find yourself in this position, please contact me as soon as possible to discuss your situation. Families who provide false information are in violation of Texas law as noted:

(h)  In addition to the penalty provided by Section 37.10, Penal Code, a person who knowingly falsifies information on a form required for enrollment of a student in a school district is liable to the district if the student is not eligible for enrollment in the district but is enrolled on the basis of the false information.  The person is liable, for the period during which the ineligible student is enrolled, for the greater of:

(1)  the maximum tuition fee the district may charge under Section 25.038;  or

(2)  the amount the district has budgeted for each student as maintenance and operating expenses.

Our recent increase in zoned enrollment does not allow us to offer new transfers.  To ensure space availability for students who live in the Roberts attendance zone an HISD Police Officer will be making home visits to verify residency when the provided documents are not sufficient to prove residency.

Traffic Safety

I have been contacted almost daily by neighbors, parents and teachers who are witnessing very dangerous situations around campus.  

• It is extremely dangerous to stop your car in moving traffic and let passengers exit the vehicle in the street.  This is happening almost daily on Swift Blvd and Greenbriar.
• It is extremely dangerous to allow your child to cross in the middle of the block. Children should cross only at crosswalks, and preferably with the help of our crossing guards.
• Honking, exceeding the school speed limit and cutting in front of other cars because you are late is unacceptable.  Please make every effort to leave your home early enough to get your child to Roberts before the 7:55 bell.  You should expect that traffic is ALWAYS heavy in our area.
• Please do not park in or block driveways.  Our neighbors will call the Constable and you will be ticketed or towed.

If you are not familiar with our traffic recommendations or drop-off and pick-up procedures, please refer to the Family Handbook posted on our website.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, March 2  
Tuesday, March 3    NTB Competition
Wednesday, March 4  Spring Picture Day
Thursday, March 5  
Friday, March 6  PTO Meeting, 8:10 a.m.

Monday, March 9  
Tuesday, March 10    Kindergarten Round-up Information Meeting, 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, March 11  School Tour, 9:00 a.m.
Thursday, March 12  1st gr Program, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, March 13  Hat Day-5th gr Fundraiser

March 16-20  Spring Break


School Auction
Big thanks to everyone!  Saturday night was a huge success!  A special thanks to our Auction Chairpersons, Liz Singleton, Julie McFarland, Meredith Beebe, and Valerie Tompson, as well as the many volunteers who made the night possible.  Great music, great food, great friends of Roberts!

Our annual auction is a significant PTO fundraiser that ensures classrooms have new technology and support materials, and that our teachers are provided with important professional development to enhance our IB program.  When we work together great things are possible!


2015-16 Kindergarten Early Registration
On Tuesday, March 10th at 6:00 p.m. we will host a meeting to provide information about our Kindergarten Early Registration process for the upcoming school year. Prospective parents will tour the campus and will learn more about the program.  We will discuss the required documentation and the process for registration.  Families with incoming Kindergarten students should attend.

Invite your neighbors to learn more about Roberts and the registration process!


Spring Picture Day
This week we will take class and individual pictures.  If you have not already turned in your order, please send that back to school tomorrow.  Order forms were in last week's Tuesday folder.  



Road Construction Update
Over the weekend, crews began working on Swift Blvd. and School Street.  The road is passable, but has been textured for the new road surface to be put down.  We expect the road to remain open throughout the week, but please watch for updates through School Messenger.

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, 2/23  

Tuesday, 2/24

Wednesday, 2/25  Early Dismissal, 12:30 pm, Parent Conferences
Thursday, 2/26  3rd gr Production of 101 Dalmatians, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 2/27  Go Texan Day
Saturday, 2/28  Roberts Auction (adult only, ticketed event)

Monday, March 2
Tuesday, March 3    NTB Competition
Wednesday, March 4  Spring Picture Day
Thursday, March 5  
Friday, March 6  PTO Meeting, 8:10 a.m.


3rd grade production:
101 Dalmatians
This week our 3rd graders will perform Disney's 101 Dalmatians.  The show begins Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Audience members will be asked to wait to enter until sound check is complete. The house will open at 6:15.  If you need wheelchair seating, please contact Ms. Ballard in advance by email at jballard@houstonisd.org

You will receive a schedule and costuming information in the Tuesday folder. All costumes are being provided and must be returned after the production.

Early dismissal, Wednesday, 2/25
This Wednesday we will dismiss early at 12:30 p.m., and the afternoon is designated for Parent Conferences.  Here are a few tips for a productive parent and teacher conference:

1. Think about and write down questions in advance. If you think your child's teacher might need some time to gather information to answer your questions, send the questions in advance so the teacher may prepare.
2. Ask you child's teacher to clarify anything you don't understand.
3. Hearing good things about your child feels good. Hearing your child may be struggling with something at school may hurt. If you begin to feel hurt or defensive, take a moment to communicate that with the teacher, and look for a way to work together to help your child be more successful. No one is perfect in every way, and sometimes school is hard.
4. Assume good intentions. No one teaches because it is easy. It is hard work, and we have an incredible teaching staff. They are here to partner with you, and they care as much about your child's success as you do.

Go Texan Day!
On Friday we will celebrate Go Texan Day! Go Texan Day is a day to celebrate as the rodeo pulls into town.  Children are invited to wear their favorite go Texan gear, jeans, boots and a western shirt. 

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, 2/16  
Tuesday, 2/17
Wednesday, 2/18  District Spelling Bee; Kinder & 1st gr Fieldtrip
Thursday, 2/19  SDMC Meeting; Community Meeting, Pershing Middle School, 6:00 p.m.
Friday 2/20

Monday, 2/23  
Tuesday, 2/24

Wednesday, 2/25  Early Dismissal, 12:30 pm, Parent Conferences
Thursday, 2/26  3rd gr Production of 101 Dalmatians, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 2/27  Go Texan Day
Saturday, 2/28  Roberts Auction (adult only, ticketed event)

Wednesday, March 4  Spring Picture Day


What's the Difference Between Stanford, IOWA and STAAR?
Parents often have questions about the major assessments their children will take each year. For many years the district has administered Stanford 10, a norm-referenced achievement test.  This year, for the first time, we will administer IOWA to all elementary students as the replacement norm-reference test.  Norm-reference tests are written to show spread in academic achievement, and helps school administration and parents see how children are performing as compared to students across the country.  A percentile rank of 50 shows that a child is performing at an equal level to the average student across the U.S.  Students performing above the 70th percentile are performing above average, and children performing below the 30th percentile are performing significantly lower than the average. In HISD, Kindergarten students are administered the IOWA in December, and 1st-5th graders will take this assessment in May.

STAAR is the acronym for the state exam administered to 3-5 graders at the elementary level to see if the child is meeting minimum standards of performance.  This test is identified as a criterion reference assessment, meaning it only tests the objectives defined for each grade level to be taught to mastery.  In other words, it doesn't have a spread of questions that tests above and below grade levels items.  Third graders will take Reading and Math, 4th graders will take Reading, Writing and Math, and 5th graders will take Reading, Math and Science in April.   


New Math Standards
For the first time, our students will be tested on the new Math standards, some of which were previously considered 6th and 7th grade math standards.  

Under the new math standards, process is a focus, when traditional instruction focused more on product.  Students are being held accountable for non-traditional algorithms, something most parents are not familiar with.  If you find yourself scratching your head to help with homework, please feel very comfortable to stop and write a note to the teacher. Traditional algorithms are important, but students in Texas and in much of the country's public schools, are expected to know a variety of strategies for multiplication and division.  

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, 2/9 
Tuesday, 2/10  
Wednesday, 2/11  State of the Schools Address, 12:30
Thursday, 2/12  4th gr Austin Trip
Friday 2/13

Monday, 2/16  
Tuesday, 2/17
Wednesday, 2/18  District Spelling Bee
Thursday, 2/19  SDMC Meeting; Community Meeting, Pershing Middle School, 6:00 p.m.
Friday 2/20

Wednesday, 2/25  Early Dismissal, 12:30 pm
Thursday, 2/26  3rd gr Production of 101 Dalmatians, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, 2/28  Roberts Auction (adult only, ticketed event)


New Fruit & Veggie Bar
Our 5th grade Girl Scouts worked closely with the HISD Food Services Department to get new fruit and veggie options for our Cafe.  Beginning Monday, students will have more options for fresh fruits and vegetables as a part of the tray lunch, or available as a la carte items.  Options will include oranges, green apples, golden delicious apples, pears, cauliflower, cherry tomatoes and bell peppers.  The fresh fruit and veggie station is available on a trial basis.  


Community Meeting
Next week, on Thursday, February 19th, HISD officials will be hosting a meeting to discuss area overcrowding issues for residents in the Roberts, Twain and West University school zones.  The meeting will take place at Pershing Middle School, beginning at 6:00 p.m.  

State of the Schools Address

On Wednesday, February 11th at 12:30 p.m., Dr. Terry Grier, Houston ISD Superintendent, will be a providing an update and vision for Houston ISD schools.  You may follow along live on the HISD website at www.houstonisd.org or follow @HoustonISD on Twitter.

Reading Goals

Teachers finished mid-year reading assessments in January.  Did your child meet her mid-year reading goal?  How is he progressing toward the year-end reading goal.  Ask your child about her progress.

News From Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, 2/2 
Tuesday, 2/3  100th Day of School; 3rd gr Field Trip; Progress Reports go home
Wednesday, 2/4  School Tour, 9:00 am
Thursday, 2/5
Friday 2/6  PTO Meeting, 8:10 a.m.; Grief and Loss Parent Ed, 9:00 a.m.

Monday, 2/9 
Tuesday, 2/10  
Wednesday, 2/11  
Thursday, 2/12  4th gr Austin Trip
Friday 2/13


Wednesday, 2/25  Early Dismissal, 12:30 pm



Are you a registered volunteer?
To chaperone a field trip, or assist in the school, you must complete this process.  It takes 1-2 weeks, so please help us by taking care of it as soon as possible.  Here is how:

How can I become a VIPS?All volunteers must register online and pass a criminal background check before they can participate as a volunteer. Please follow the steps below to become a VIPS:

Step 1:	Register online at www.houstonisd.org/vipslogin.
Step 2:	Once you have registered, you must go in person to the school of interest and show proof of identification.
Step 3:	Identification information will go into our database for processing by the Volunteer Coordinator at each campus.
Step 4:	The criminal history background check can take 2-3 weeks to complete.
Step 5:	Once you are CLEARED to volunteer, you are eligible to volunteer throughout HISD.

What type of identification is accepted?
● Texas Driver’s License
● Official Passport
● Texas Identification Card
● Official U. S. Military ID
● Driver’s License (issued by any state in the U.S.)
● Matricula Consular
● Identification Card (issued by any state in the U.S.)
● Resident Alien Card

News from Mrs. Graves

Upcoming Events
Monday, 1/26 Student Coalition Meeting
Tuesday, 1/27
Wednesday, 1/28  Early Dismissal, 12:30 - Professional Development
Thursday, 1/29
Friday 1/30 

Monday, 2/2 Student Coalition Meeting
Tuesday, 2/3  100th Day of School; 3rd gr Field Trip; Progress Reports go home
Wednesday, 2/4  
Thursday, 2/5
Friday 2/6  PTO Meeting, 8:10 a.m.; Grief and Loss Parent Ed, 9:00 a.m.


District Response to Overcrowding
Over the next few weeks I will be meeting with District officials to learn more about their ideas for easing some of our crowding issues.  At this time, they are not pursuing changes to our attendance zone.  Reducing the number of magnet transfers will help, and I have requested an additional portable building with two classrooms for next year to support the higher number of kinder and 1st grade students.  

As I know more, I will communicate that to you and share it with our SDMC.   If you have any questions, please feel free to email me.  I will do my best to get good answers for you.


Spotlight on IB:
What is a Transdisciplinary Program?

An excerpt from The Primary Years Programme: A basis for practice...

The PYP acknowledges the importance of particular subject areas: language; mathematics; social studies; science; arts; personal, social and physical education.

...However, the PYP also recognizes that educating students in a set of isolated subject areas, while necessary, is not sufficient.  Of equal importance is the need to acquire skills in context, and to explore content that is relevant to students and transcends the boundaries of the traditional subjects. “To be truly educated, a student must also make connections across the disciplines, discover ways to integrate the separate subjects, ultimately relate what they learn to life” (Boyer 1995: 82).  Ernest Boyer proposed that students explore a set of themes representing shared human experiences such as “Response to the Aesthetic” and “Membership in Groups”.  He referred to these as “Core Commonalities”.  In the PYP, this idea of human commonalities shares the transdisciplinary themes.  Each transdisciplinary theme is accompanied by the extended description that explains what students will be inquiring into under this theme. 

An excerpt from Developing a Transdisciplinary Programme of Inquiry…

The programme of inquiry is a matrix made up of the six transdisciplinary themes running vertically, and the age groups running horizontally.  Organizing the curriculum around the six transdisciplinary themes contextualizes the learning for students.  It enables them to experience a balance of subject-specific knowledge, concepts and skills in order to develop an understanding of the transdisciplinary themes.

The Six Transdisciplinary Themes

Who we are—An inquiry into the nature of the self; beliefs and values; personal, physical, mental, social and spiritual health; human relationships including families, friends, communities, and cultures; rights and responsibilities; what it means to be human.

Where we are in place and time—An inquiry into orientation in place and time; personal histories; homes and journeys; the discoveries, explorations and migrations of humankind; the relationships between and the interconnectedness of individuals and civilizations, from local and global perspectives.

How the world works—An inquiry into the natural world and its laws; the interaction between the natural world (physical and biological) and human societies; how humans use their understanding of the scientific principles; the impact of scientific and technological advances on society and on the environment.

How we express ourselves– An inquiry into the ways in which we discover and express ideas, feelings, nature, culture, beliefs and values; the ways in which we reflect on, extend and enjoy our creativity; our appreciation of the aesthetic.

How we organize ourselves– An inquiry into the interconnectedness of human-made systems and communities; the structure and function of organizations; societal decision-making; economic activities and their impact on humankind and the environment.

Sharing the planet– An inquiry into rights and responsibilities in the struggle to share finite resources with other people and with other living things; communities and the relationships within and between them; access to equal opportunities; peace and conflict resolution.