Spicewood Elementary School Dear families and community members,
The first day of school was wonderful. My staff and I are extremely thankful for everything our PTA, parent volunteers and community members did to make the first day of school special- students loved the Welcome Back banner! Last week Ms. Cruz and I were able to visit many classrooms, and loved seeing teachers and students in the process of building their positive learning communities. Already our youngest students are exemplifying behaviors of an IB student! We are certainly looking forward to an incredible week!
CELEBRATIONS
Spicewood Elementary Assistant Principal: I am very excited to announce that we have finally hired an assistant principal! Many of you have had the pleasure of meeting her, but for those who haven’t, I wanted to formally introduce Ms. Erika Cruz.
Ms. Cruz has 3 years of administrative experience and most recently served as an assistant principal in Pflugerville ISD. Before becoming an administrator, Ms. Cruz was a proud teacher in Pre-K, Kinder, 2nd, and 3rd grade. She received a Bachelor’s Degree from UT Austin and Master’s Degree from Texas State University. Ms. Cruz has 6 year old son, Jules, who she enjoys spending all of her free time with. He is also very excited to join Spicewood as a 1st grader this year.
“Coming to Spicewood Elementary feels like coming home. The wonderful traditions, strong community, and high academic expectations align perfectly with my beliefs as an educator. I look forward to serving with you in moving the campus vision forward!”
IB PYP 101
(This portion of Ms. Page’s newsletter is contributed by Mrs. Vance, our PYP Coordinator.)
THIS WEEKS NEWS
Arrival
Parents are allowed to walk students to their classrooms the remainder of this week. Beginning August 27, parents are asked to drop students off at the front entrance of the school.
Dismissal Process
We realize dismissal has been extremely difficult. Please know our first priority is to keep students safe. We have spent some time reflecting on our current dismissal procedures and have tried to identify some things that might help us as we continue to work to implement a safe, orderly and efficient dismissal process:
- Parents are encouraged to drive through the queue at the front of the school to pick up students. Upon your arrival, your child’s name will be called and he/she will be escorted to your vehicle. This will alleviate a considerable amount of congestion and confusion in front of the school.
- If you are planning to walk to the pick up area, please be patient as my staff members direct you. They are sincerely trying to help and their goal is the same as yours- to get you to your child as quickly and safely as possible.
- Please do not park and/or leave your vehicle in the queue.
- Please do not park in ‘No Parking’ zones.
- Please cross at designated cross walks only.
On our end, we will be reaching out to other elementary schools similar to ours and observing their dismissal process. We will also consider the constructive feedback we have received from parents.Together we will be able to come up with a dismissal process that it is safe and just as positive as our morning arrivals have been! I am hoping to share a final dismissal process in next week’s Principal’s Update. Thank you for your patience.
2018-2019 Chess Club
The first chess club meeting for registered new students is Friday Aug 24, 6:35am in the school library. http://www.spicewoodchess.org/
(PTA) Parent Teacher Association
Spicewood PTA is excited to launch our brand new website-www.spicewoodpta.com! Please visit today to join PTA and/or purchase a school t-shirt! Thank you for your continued support!
IB Information & PTA Meeting
Our first PTA meeting is on Thursday, August 30th following Ms. Vance’s Introduction to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program (PYP) presentation at 6pm. Please join us to learn more about the Spicewood PTA and our plans for the year!
Adventure Dash
Adventure Dash is coming back to Spicewood! We will kick off the fundraiser on Wednesday, August 29th and host the Fun Run – Dash Day! – on Friday, September 7th. Adventure Dash is a fun-filled week in which students participate in daily fitness lessons during their PE times and then they are able to challenge themselves to complete the obstacle course on Dash Day. More information on Adventure Dash can be found on our PTA website and we will be sending home fliers in your child’s Friday folders.
From The School Nurse
Medication Procedures: Please keep an Epi-Pen at the clinic if your child has food allergies or anaphylactic reactions. You can download the form from the nurse’s website– click nurse, click medication administration form. Please follow the protocol of Medication Procedures, you will find it on the back of Medication Administration Form.
Vision & Hearing Screening will be next Thursday, Aug 23rd, Friday & Aug 24th Please remind your child to wear eyeglasses/contacts. If you want to volunteer during Vision and Hearing Screening, please contact the nurse. We need parent volunteers.
Extra clothing: Please keep extra clothing in your child’s backpack. The clinic doesn’t carry extra clothing. Parents are responsible for their children’s clothing in case of soiling.
If you have any concern related to your children’s health, please contact the nurse.
Thank you so much!
Nurse Sam
DATES TO REMEMBER
Thursday, August 30
6:00PM PYP Information Night & General Meeting PTA Meeting
Friday, August 31- Friday, September 7
Adventure Dash Run Fundraiser
Monday, September 3
Labor Day – No School
Thursday, September 6
Spicewood Open House
5:00-5:30PM Kinder & 1st Grade
5:30-6:00PM 2nd & 3rd Grade
6:00-6:30PM 4th & 5th Grade
5:00-6:00PM Specials, Spanish (In the Library)
5:00-6:00PM Be sure to stop by the Inquiry Lab and see what we’ve done with our Innovative School Grant!
Friday, August 31- Friday, September 7
Adventure Dash Run Fundraiser
Wednesday, September 19
7:00AM-7:40AM Breakfast with Dads
All dads and father figures are invited to join us for Breakfast with Dads on the cafeteria!
I hope you have a wonderful week!
Teyan Page
Proud Principal