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  • Family Notes
SEE Sparks Family Notes Week of March 20th- March 24th

Please check out our calendar below for all our events. If you have any questions reach out to our front office or your student's teacher.

  • March 20th - 24th : Scholastic Book Fair
  • March 21st: TELPAS R&W 3rd Grade
  • March 22nd : TELPAS R&W3 rd Grade Make-Ups
  • March 23rd: TELPAS R&W 4th Grade
  • March 23rd : Family Reading Night
  • March 24th : TELPAS R&W 4th Grade Make-Ups
  • Tutorials M-TH 3:00PM- 4:30 PM ; Saturday 3/25  7:30 AM- 11:30 AM
  • March 31st-: No School for Students

SEECalendar2023updated.pdf

First page of the PDF file: SEECalendar2023updated

Click on the image above to download the PDF of the calendar in English and Spanish. Physical copies will be sent home in your student's Homework folder. Extra copies are available at the front office.

 

 

Dear Sparks Families,

Today we had the opportunity to share some time and learn more about our Resident Principal Mr. McMahan and our Assistant Principal Ms. Tomei, during our Coffee with the Principal. If you did not have the opportunity to join us this time, you will have more opportunities to connect with them during future meetings.

We want to remind you that there will be no school for students on Friday March 10th, 2023 and our Spring Break is from March 13th- March 17th . We hope you enjoy this time, whether you choose to relax at home or if you have any activities planned.

We want to share some great resources with you for this weekend and during Spring break of some activities for you to enjoy with your Families. Please click the links below to learn more:

https://houston.momcollective.com/family-friendly

https://houston.momcollective.com/houston-spring-break-guide/

We hope you and your Sparks have a great break!

Suyapa Gomez

Executive Assistant / Family Engagement Ambassador

 

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Dear Families,

Thank you for your continued partnership as we have worked together to holistically develop our SPARKS. My interactions with you all have always enriched me and daily smiles, hugs, and conversations with students have brought me unexplainable joy.

After almost three school years as the YES Prep Southeast Elementary Director of Campus Operations, it is bittersweet to share with you that I will be leaving my role at YES Prep. My last day will be Tuesday, March 21st. I consider it an honor and a privilege to have been entrusted each day with your students.

I know many families reach out to me regarding a variety of issues. Please see below for information on who to contact after my departure:

Thank you,

Ms. Conley

Director of Campus Operations

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From Mr. McMahan and Mrs. Rios,

The work of the Director of Campus Operations is invaluable to ensuring our campus runs safely and effectively. We want to thank Mrs. Conley for her heart and passion in making sure our SPARKS have a consistent and safe environment every day. Should you need any operational support, you can reach out to any of the above mentioned staff and we will support you. Thank you again Mrs. Conley and you will always be a SPARK!

Mr. McMahan

Resident Principal

 

 

 

Student Drop Off Safety

Please ensure when you are dropping off your student at the front office that you exit your vehicle and walk your student to the door. If you would prefer not to exit your vehicle, students will need to be dropped off via the car rider line between 7:00 – 7:24 am. If we notice a student continuously walking to the front by themselves, we will be reaching out to discuss the matter.

 

Volunteer Guidelines

Suyapa Gomez- Family Engagement Ambassador

Parents/ Guardians throughout the year we will have great volunteering opportunities. Please review the following guidelines:

  • Volunteering Opportunities will be posted in ClassDojo and in this section of our Newsletter.
  • To be considered for volunteering you will be required to submit a registration form. Those links will be provided as opportunities become available.
  •  A background check is Required. The link will be shared with you if you have been selected to volunteer.
  • Although we would love to accommodate everyone, sometimes we have a tremendous number of people interested. Please note volunteers are selected on a first come first served basis.
  • Please direct questions or concerns to our Family Fellow – Leslie Rodriguez, via email at leslief.rodriguez@yesprep.org

Current Volunteer Opportunities

We have an ongoing opportunity to help our teachers, we need volunteers daily. You may select the days and times you can volunteer on our registration form. Volunteers can support creating instructional materials such as making copies, laminating, cutting, creating folders, flash card, etc.  You will not be able to volunteer inside classrooms. Please follow this link to register.

https://forms.office.com/r/cJQ294CczG

 

Classroom Connections

For Class Connection this week we covered Lesson 4.3 - Cooperating. Students had an opportunity to discuss teamwork skills and pair up on a collaborative construction activity. 

 

SEL Learning

Problem Solving Unit 4

Dear Parent, Guardian, or Caretaker,

We are starting a unit on Problem Solving from Harmony SEL, our social and emotional learning program. Throughout this unit, students will learn to resolve interpersonal conflict, develop cooperation skills, and practice self-regulation.

Identifying Problems and Solving Problems are skills that help children resolve day-to-day conflicts and lay the foundation for healthy behavior throughout their lives. In this unit, students will practice recognizing different perspectives and working together to find fair solutions. As a class, we will focus on the four steps of problem-solving:

1. STOP and calm down.

2. TALK to understand the problem.

3. THINK of possible solutions.

4. TRY a solution and see how it works for everyone.

Cooperating and Being Considerate both create opportunities for children to teach and learn from one another. By practicing teamwork skills and developing strategies for self-regulation, students will find compatible ways to collaborate while respecting each other's individuality.

An important part of this program is for students to continue discussing and practicing concepts outside the classroom. I’m hoping you can reinforce at home what we are learning in class. Ask your child about these concepts!

Thank you for your involvement. Please contact me if you have any questions about the Harmony program.

Sincerely,

Eunice Arzate, SSC

 

Home-to-School Connections: Home Activities

Problem Solving Unit 4

Your child is learning about Problem Solving with Harmony SEL, our social and emotional learning program. The ideas below will reinforce what we are learning in school—there are activities to play, topics to discuss, and behaviors to role-model. These are all designed to fit into your daily routine and provide opportunities to further connect with your child.

 

Identifying Problems

  • Talk with your child about the first two steps to solving a problem (Stop, Talk).
  • Encourage your child to use calming strategies when upset or overexcited.
  • Strategies include taking deep breaths, counting slowly, thinking of something beautiful, hugging a stuffed animal.
  • Take opportunities, when reading stories or watching videos that involve a conflict or difference of opinion, to guide your child in recognizing each person’s perspective and using words to label the problem. This gives children practice in developing empathy and identifying problems in situations in which they are not involved and possibly already feeling upset.
  • She is angry because her little brother tore up her homework, but he really likes to rip and crunch paper. It seems like the problem in this story is that when she leaves her homework on the table, her little brother can get it and ruin it.

 

Solving Problems

  • Talk with your child about the last two steps to solving a problem (Think, Try).
  • Ask your child what it means to compromise.
  • While reading stories or watching television that involve a conflict or a difference of opinion, take opportunities to pause and ask your child to think of as many possible solutions to the problem as he or she can. Guide your child in thinking about the consequences of these possibilities for each person involved.
  • If they decided to play “restaurant” in the loft, most of the kids would be happy, but what about the child who is afraid to climb up to the loft? What would he do?

 

Cooperating

  • Ask your child to think of things that are important to do when working together.
  • Include everyone, listen and cooperate, and use kind words.
  • Talk with your child about the ways your family cooperates with one another (making dinner, washing the car, or putting together a puzzle) and discuss how much fun it can be to work together and how everyone helps to get the job completed.
  • Tell your child when you notice him or her using teamwork skills and point out how it is helpful.
  • I saw how carefully you were listening to Grandma explain how to pat the soil down around the plant, and the garden looks great after all your hard work today!

 

Being Considerate

  • Ask your child what it means to “have the ziggles” and how to turn them up or down.
  • Having the “ziggles” means being very excited.
  • Play games that help your child practice self-regulation, or purposely change their behavior.
  • Alternate between counting to 10 very quickly and then very slowly.
  • Play loud music and dance excitedly, and then begin to dance more slowly as you turn down the volume.
  • Brainstorm with your child to create a special signal, such as palms facing up/down to indicate “turn it up” or “turn it down,” that can provide a gentle reminder to adjust behavior and help him or her practice doing this.
  • Tell your child when you notice him or her intentionally calming down and discuss how that feels.

An important part of this program is for students to continue discussing and practicing concepts outside the classroom. Thank you for your involvement in reinforcing at home what is being taught in class!

 

Core Values of the Month

Our core values for this month are Achiever and Passionate.

Teaching our SPARKS about our core values is very important. SPARKS will learn about the core values of Achiever and Passionate through the books that were selected to reinforce these values. These Lessons are covered during social studies time.

 

 

Student Assistance Forms

We know that you may have some needs that arise as a parent, or guardian. You can receive direct help by submitting a “Student Assistance Form” or, a SAF. To communicate any support needs you may have, please click on the SAF link on the district website or use the QR code below. The campus Student Support Counselor will follow up with you to determine the best way to get your need met. SAFs can be submitted for:

  • Urgent family concerns
  • Family or student supplies or resources needed for school (i.e., calculator, books, food)
  • Student social and emotional concerns
  • Student home or family concerns
  • Student relationship concerns
  • Concerns about harassment, race, or equity.

 

Lost Device Policy

We have noticed an increase in the number of students saying they lost their devices or chargers. As a reminder there is a $350 charge for lost devices and chargers and a $50 charge for lost chargers. This information can also be found in the Student Technology Device Use Agreement.

 

Privacy  

Students shall understand that files, services, and devices provided by and managed by the school are not private. There is no expectation of privacy when students use the school district’s network, devices, and services, and anything they do can be viewed by the administration at any time.  

Computers are property of the campus and district and are to be used for instructional purposes only. Please check your students' computers for anything that could be in violation of the student handbook.

If you have any questions about this policy, you may reach out to Ms. Conley our Director of Campus Operations or Principal Rios.

 

Student Technology Use Policy -REMINDER

YES Prep offers 1:1 technology for all students in grades K – 12. The Technology Use Policy has been developed to guide the appropriate use of technology by students and parents. Use of the technology provided by YES is a privilege in order to maintain the privilege, families must follow this policy.  

Students, when using YES Prep Devices, and services provided internally, or services provided by third parties must follow all student codes of conduct as referenced in the student handbook. Students will also be in violation of this policy if the use of technology is not in accordance with state and federal laws.    

Privacy  

Students shall understand that files, services, and devices provided by and managed by the school are not private. There is no expectation of privacy when students use the school district’s network, devices, and services, and anything they do can be viewed by the administration at any time.  

Computers are property of the campus and district and are to be used for instructional purposes only. Please check your students' computers for anything that could be in violation of the student handbook.

If you have any questions about this policy, you may reach out to Ms. Conley our Director of Campus Operations or Ms. Rios.

 

Still Accepting 2023-2024 Student Applications

Although the lottery has closed, we are still accepting applications for the 23-24 school year. We will be offering Pre-K4 – 5th grade next school year. Make sure to complete an application for any siblings you would like to attend our school next year and spread the word to others! You can access the application at southeastes.yesprep.org/SayYES

Please note, we are using a new platform this year so you will need to use the new link and you will be required to create a new login. The website listed above also contains links to videos to support with creating an account and filling out an application.

 

Every Minute Counts

Families every minute counts when it comes to growing our Sparks and ensuring they are achieving at their fullest potential. We want to maximize the minutes students are in school and we need your help to do so. Students need to be in school every day possible. We understand that illness is not within your control; however, we want to make sure our Sparks all the other days. Also, when your student consistently arrives late or leaves early, they are missing key foundational knowledge.

 

Handicap Parking

Please do not park in the reserved handicap parking at the front of the school if you do not have a placard or license plate that allows you to do so. This includes morning drop off and afternoon dismissal. You may receive a citation from law enforcement if you are found parking in one of the spots.

 

 

Excused Absences & Submission of Notes

Families are now able to upload student absences and excuse notes into Skyward for approval. Please review this video that details the process.

YES Prep Public Schools defines excused absences as absences due to one or more of the following:

  • Illness
  • Medical/dental-related, including appointments
  • Bereavement/Funeral for immediate family members
  • Absences related to the legal system
  • Religious Observances
  • Any other absence that is protected under State or Federal law.

 

Student Attendance Reminders

Parents, please be reminded that our goal is to have all students in school each and every day. To make this a reality we need the support of our parents and families. Students arriving after 7:30 are considered tardy and need to check in at the front desk. Please contact the front office at 713-842-5555 if your student is going to be absent.

To remain in compliance with our district, please note the following:

 A student's absence will be considered excused if a student provides physical or electronic documentation within 48 hours of absence indicating the student’s full name, and dates missed and is signed by a guardian or doctor mentioning any of the following reasons below and only if the absence meets the criteria defined under the excused absence section of our handbook.

 Upon return to school, a student absent for more than three (3) consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student’s extended absence from school. Students are only permitted 3 handwritten notes within a six-week grading period that meet the criteria.

 

Family Student Lunches

 

We are excited to announce we will be resuming our Family and Student Lunches. Each Friday, parents have the opportunity to eat lunch in our school cafeteria with their student.

We will allow two families per classroom to sign up. All spaces are first come, first served.


How can I sign up?
• Beginning, Tuesday, January 17 at 9:00 am, you can call the front office (713-842-5555) to reserve a space. Reservations will only be accepted via a phone call to the front office.
• The Wednesday before your scheduled date, you will receive a message via ClassDojo outlining the procedures and expectations.

What if I am not able to make it for my scheduled time?
• We ask that you call us to cancel at least 24 hours in advance. In the event there are multiple cancellations or no shows, you will lose your ability to reserve a spot.

Who can I bring with me?
• We are only allowing 1 adult and 1 small child.
• If you have multiple students that attend our school, you will need to sign up for each student separately.

Can I bring outside food for my student?
• Yes, you can. You can only give it to your student, it cannot be shared with other students.

What dates are available?
• March 24, 2023
• March 31, 2023
• April 14, 2023

If you have any additional questions, please contact the front office.

 

 

SAVE THE DATE

Scholastic Book Fair

 

  • Hours:
    Students PreK - 4th :
    Open Mon. 3/20 , Wed. 3/22 & Fri. 3/24 during school hours

    Parents/Guardians:
    -Tuesday 3/21 open at 7:45 am- 8:05 am & 3:45 pm - 5:00 pm
    -Thursday 3/23 open at 7:45 am- 8:05 am & during Family Reading night 4:45 pm - 6:00 pm

 

Field Day on May 26, 2023.

To prioritize the safety of our Sparks please note this event is only for Students and will not be open to families. Field Day requires all hands-on deck support from Staff and Volunteers in order to provide a safe environment.

We are very grateful to those who registered. Communication will be sent out soon on the next steps for volunteers.

 

Math & Reading Olympics- April 22,2023

 
More details to be disclosed after Spring Break.
 
 
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