Spicewood Elementary School Dear Families and Community,
As we enter the week before Spring Break, I want to remind you to check the lost and found for items your child may have forgotten or misplaced. Over the break, unclaimed items will be donated. There are so many amazing events happening during the next couple of months! To be sure you don’t miss them, see the Dates to Remember at the end of my newsletter.
CELEBRATIONS
Students Recognized at RRISD Reflections Showcase Ceremony
Reflections is a nationally acclaimed student recognition PTA program to encourage artistic creativity in visual arts, photography, film production, music, composition, literature, dance and choreography. Congratulations to eight of our Spicewood students that went on to be recognized at the RRISD Reflections Showcase Ceremony in the following categories:
Photography: Judith A.
Literature: Ayaan M., Claire L., Romita S.
Visual Arts: Yunseo C., Jiwon K., Reesha M., Yonnie Y
Congratulations Panthers!
PYP 101
This section is contributed by our PYP Coordinator, Jessica Vance.
Our Exhibition mentor meetings began last Friday. These frequent meetings provide our 5th grade students with an opportunity to collaborate with their peers as they dive into their research and receive support and guidance from teachers, staff, and other experts in our community. In addition to supporting student projects, these mentor meetings provide a valuable space for students to reflect on their time in the PYP program and apply the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their time in the program.
The first mentor meeting focused on one of the PYP essential elements, action. With their mentor groups, students discuss the different types of action (direct, indirect, advocacy, research) one can take, inspiration for action, in addition to initial ideas students are thinking about towards taking action in solving one of the United Nation Global Goals. We’re so excited to see the inquiry and action unfold as students continue to investigate their personal passions and interests.
This week our students will meet with their mentors again focusing their conversations towards creative expression and the impact that can have on a action and the community. Stay tuned!
THIS WEEK’S NEWS
Claiming Lost and Found Items
Looking for a lost jacket, coat, or water bottle? Before heading off for Spring Break, come find your lost items. Tables will be set up in the hallway by the Teacher Workroom on Wednesday after school through Friday end of lunch. All items NOT claimed will be donated.
Exhibition Process Update for Parents of 5th grade students
Over the next couple of weeks, I would like to keep all parents informed of what their students have been working on as they move through the inquiry process and prepare for exhibition.
Today students will have Mentor meeting #2. Over the course of this week, students will continue to research and find answers/connections to lines of inquiry. Students will also focus on action planning and collaboration.
Panther Pride
Coming soon! Our first online school store. There will be so many items available to show your Panther Pride! Also, look in your students Friday folder for details about designing our Spicewood Hoodie for this year. This store is a fundraiser for 4th grade to go to Outdoor School, so let’s support our Panthers!
PTA Meeting
Our next general membership meeting and PTA elections for next year’s Executive Board will take place on Thursday, March 14th at 6pm in the Spicewood library. Please join us for this very important meeting!
Our PTA nominees for next year’s Executive Board are:
President: Courtney Stockard
President-Elect: Liz Chudej
Vice President of Communications: Rebecca Grimaldi
Vice President of Membership: Natalie Dean
Vice President of Programs: Shivani Langer-Save
Vice President of Fundraising: **OPEN**
Vice President of Educational Competitions & Clubs: Resh Basu
Vice President of Service & Outreach: Cliff Coats
Secretary: Melissa Hadlock
Treasurer: Payal Agarwal
We still need a willing volunteer for the position of Vice President of Fundraising. If you are interested or would like more information about what the position entails, please email Erin Oliver at spicewoodpresident@gmail.com.
Teacher Appreciation and Birthday Lunches
The next Birthday celebrations will be on April 3, and May 15. Thank you for your help as we celebrate our wonderful teachers! Save the dates for the following teacher appreciation on March 7 – Kindergarten, April 11 – 2nd grade. Feel free to contact Lindsey Callegari lindsey.callegari@gmail.com and Zita Naik .zita.naik@gmail.com with any questions.
Morning with Mom
We count ourselves LUCKY and want to invite mom’s, grandmothers, aunts and any lady that has been a special part of your child’s life to say thank you for your daily support. There will be photo booths, magical decorations, and memories made while enjoying a light breakfast with your special student. Please rsvp here https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showRSVPSignUp/10c0f44a5ad2aa5fe3-morning.
Spicewood’s Spring Carnival
Spicewood’s Spring Carnival will be held on Friday, April 12th from 4-8pm. We will have food trucks, inflatables, a rock wall, petting zoo, carnival games, cake walk, and face painting! This is an event you do not want to miss and is fun for the whole family. Please help us run the indoor games and outdoor inflatables by signing up for a one hour shift.
Spirit Night
Save the date for the a Spirit Night on April 23rd! The location will be determined at a later date. This will be a 4th Grade Fundraisers for Outdoor School next year. Our last Spirit Night will be May 14th at Phil’s Ice house and kindergarten teachers will be in attendance.
DATES TO REMEMBER
Wednesday, March 13
9:00AM – 2:00PM Kindergarten Round Up
Wednesday, March 14
6:00PM PTA Meeting
Monday, March 18- Friday, March 22
Spring Break – No School
Wednesday, March 27
8:00AM – 9:00AM Coffee with Principal (for Parents of incoming kindergarten students)
Thursday, March 28
5:00PM Gallery Night
Friday, March 29
7:00AM – 7:30AM Morning with Mom
Tuesday, April 9
8:00 – 12:00 STAAR 5th Math & STAAR 4th Writing
Wednesday, April 10
8:00 – 12:00 STAAR 5th Reading
Friday, April 12
4:00PM – 8:00PM Spring Carnival
Have a great week!
Proud Principal
Teyan Page