Principal's News
October 31, 2008

      WOW! It Was EXTREME!!

We hope you were able to join us last Saturday for our PTA Fall Carnival. It was a blast! The dunking booth was in constant use, food was being consumed by the hungry, and games were played at booths all over the driveway. We had a great turnout and we appreciate everyone’s support of this major fund raiser. This is only one of the many ways our PTA supports all students’ learning and development by contributing funding raised through these special events for additional school projects and programs offered to students during the school day throughout the year.

       Dads were cooking up tons of sausage dogs, hot dogs, popcorn, and nachos. Moms organized booths and kept them running. The work involved in putting on such an event is phenomenal and the PTA committee in charge did a great job! A special thanks to Mrs. Putnik and all the parents who helped get it organized, supplied, and running smoothly. It was AWESOME!

 THANKS FOR MEETING WITH US

This week was the “official” week of Parent Report Card Conferences in SBISD. Teachers requested these conferences in order to answer parent questions about student progress to date, what goals the teacher has set for their child, and what the different sections of the report card really indicate.

         We understand that taking off work can be difficult; so many conferences were scheduled before or after the school day. If you were not able to attend a conference, teachers can conduct a phone conference with you instead. However it happens, our goal is to keep you informed about what’s going on at school and how your child is doing. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions now or in the fut

ABSENCES & TARDIES

There are several mandatory state and school board policies that govern students’ absences from school and tardies during the school week.  The following information is on page H-2 from the district’s Elementary Student/Parent Handbook for 2008-2009. Although each child received a copy as part of their first-day-of-the-school-year packet of information and forms in August, it’s sometimes hard to lay your hand on something received in the past. Here’s a handy reference to that information:

Texas state law, as well as SBISD school board policy, identifies several types of absences.

Excused Absences:

• §              Child’s illness

• §              Serious illness of a family member

• §              Funeral of a family member

• §              Health-related services for a student

• §              Announced bad weather closings

• §              Quarantine

• §              Court-related activities

• §              Religious holy days – students must present a note
                 from the parent/guardian

  Unexcused Absences:

• §              Vacation

• §              Ski trip

• §              Family reunion

• §              Any type of pleasure trip

• §              Truancy

• §              Parent oversleeps/student oversleeps

• §              Missed school bus

 In order to determine if a student’s tardiness or absence is excused or unexcused, a note is needed which includes:

1. 1.     Date(s) of tardiness / absence

2. 2.     Cause of tardiness/absence

3. 3.     Signature of parent/guardian

The note is to be taken to the attendance clerk in the main office on the day of his/her return to school. If a note is NOT received within two (2) school days of the student’s return, the student’s absence is entered into the attendance system as unexcused.

          Tardies are a disruption of classroom instruction and the educational process. Excessive tardies (10 or more) will result in a referral to the Truancy Reduction Increased Attendance Team in SBISD. This referral is automatically done by the computerized attendance system.

 A student cannot experience success academically if he/she is not in attendance every day and on time in order to receive instruction. Please do everything possible to ensure that your child is in school daily and on time.

MAKING THE DIFFERENCE

Mentors can make a big difference in a child’s life! It isn’t complicated - you just have to care and be willing to spend as little as 30 minutes a week during the school day as an adult role model and friend.! Students ask to be in the program, receive training in how to visit with a mentor, and are kids who are “on the brink of success” for whom the extra attention paid by a caring adult can make the difference in their lives.

        Mentors commit for one school year and visit their student weekly at school for 30-40 minutes. They will receive training prior to beginning service and  commit to send the teacher an email to let the student know when they must miss a weekly visit. They play a board game, share a laugh, throw a ball, be a friend and maybe just listen during their visit with their student.        
         Getting involved in a child’s life to make a difference only takes two steps. Complete the online SBISD volunteer registration and mentor application forms at www.springbranchisd.com and contact SBISD Community Relations at 713.464.1511, ext. 2286 or email at partner@springbranch isd.com. Make a difference!