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The Lion's Roar
December 2023
A Message from Mr. Mitchell
December tends to be a very busy month! The cold weather moves in as we try to fit in many tasks, projects and events before ending the 2023 school year. As we approach the final weeks of our first academic semester, it can be difficult for student to keep the "pedal to the metal" on their learning. They are excited about the holidays, school events, time with friends and family over the holidays, and just the pure joy that comes with this time of year. I often remind my staff that these can be challenging weeks for our learners as they are focused on many other things. We will work hard each day and keep our focus on learning right up to the final day before winter break. We appreciate you helping at home as well by encouraging your children to work hard and be attentive as they focus on their learning. Thank you in advance for your support.
12 Days of Holiday Spirit
We are getting in the holiday spirit here at SJW! 'Twas the 12 days before Winter Break and all through our school, the dress code will deviate a bit from the rules! See the dress up calendar below.
*Participation is optional for students.
PTA Meeting
Please join us for our first General PTA Meeting of the year on Wednesday, December 13, 2023 at 5:30 pm. You will have a chance to meet the PTA Board and learn more about how you can get involved, and ask any questions you may have about the first semester of the school year. We hope to see you there!
December 21st is our last day of school before Winter Break and we are certain that the next couple of weeks will fly by quickly! During the break we hope that you take time to relax and spend quality time with family. We look forward to seeing you back in January with classes resuming on January 9th. We would like to wish all our our families a very happy holiday season and an even happier New Year. See you in 2024!
Be sure to read the newsletter in its entirety as we have some very important information to share with you.
With warm regards,
Mr. Lemond Mitchell
Principal, Shirley J. Williamson Elementary
🔔 Bell Schedule 🔔
PK- 5th Grade
7:35 AM -3:15 PM
Tardy Bell
7:35 AM
*Parents must walk the student in.
Dismissal
3:15 PM
📆 Campus Calendar 📆
Reporting an Absence
Parents are highly encouraged to email parents or doctor's note about your child's absence to AttendanceWILL@galenaparkisd.com
Be sure to include the following:
1. Student name
2. Date(s) of absences
3. Specific reason for the absence
4. Parent/guardian Signature
5. Parent/guardian phone number
6. Date note was written
Additionally, notes should be submitted no later than 3 school days after the student's absence. Only the first five parent notes will excuse the absence, according to the GPISD Student Handbook (p. 3). If you have any questions, please contact our Data Specialist, Ms. Sapp at 832-386-4004.
Transportation
Parents will not be allowed to walk up and pick up a student from the door at dismissal. Early pick up ends at 2:30 PM daily. We ask for patience as this is the first month of school and students will be learning new car tag numbers.
Bus Riders
Please check your bus route number on the Galena Park ISD transportation site. School personnel does not assign a student a bus route. Please communicate with the office by 2:30 pm if the students need a transportation change.
Walkers
Walking is reserved for students who reside in the subdivision surrounding the campus. Pre-K & Kinder students will only be released if with a sibling or if parent meets student. Thank you for helping us to keep students safe at dismissal.
Car Riders
Morning Drop Off-
- We ask that students be dropped off along the circle ramp to ensure the safety of all students.
Afternoon Pick Up-
- All car riders need a tag with a school assigned number for dismissal. An ID check is required if you do not have car tag at the time of pick up. Siblings will have the same car tag number if living in the same home. Practice car tag numbers with students. This will speed up the process.
Students should not be dropped off or picked up in the staff parking lot. This is for your safety. All parents must remain in their car and utilized the designated areas to safely drop- off and pick-up students. Thank you in advance for complying with our procedures. These procedures are in place to keep our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the office.
Theme Days
Fridays are Spirit Days or College Day at SJW and students are encouraged to wear a spirit shirt or a college/university shirt.
Stay tuned for other special days when students can dress up or celebrate!
Student Grades
Student Birthdays at SJW
We know celebrating a birthday is very special, and we want to welcome you to send store bought cupcakes or goodie bags with your child or drop them off to the front office staff before 2:00 pm. The teacher will pass out the treats after 2 pm to the students in the class. Please get with the teacher about the number of students in the class.