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The Lion's Roar
November 2023
A Message from Mr. Mitchell
I hope you and your family are doing well and enjoying this beautiful fall weather. It is hard to believe we are already in our thirteenth week of school. I have been able to see first-hand the amazing activities, instruction and connections that your child is participating in during my classroom visits. My team and I are looking forward to visiting each classroom many times throughout the year and learning how we can better support our students and teachers.
A huge thank you to all the parents and community members who came out to the Fall Festival. It was a lot of fun! A big THANK YOU to our sponsors, PTA, and committee members for making this event a success.
We are excited to host our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on Friday, November 17, 2023. Registration is a three step process.
First, parents/guests will need to RSVP by November 15th at noon using the link.
Secondly, if you have not had your ID scanned in the Raptor system, please stop by the front office. Without this step, we are unable to preprint your visitor badge. You will be directed to the front office to get your ID scanned.
Lastly, any adult wishing to purchase a lunch for the luncheon will need to purchase a ticket via RevTrak. Online ticket sales will end Monday, November 6th. Lunches can still be purchased directly from the cafeteria on the day of the event (no bills larger than $5.00).
*There will be no parent lunch on Monday, November 13th due to the luncheon on the 17th.
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.
School begins promptly at 7:35 am each day. If your child is late to school he/she must be accompanied by an adult into the office to be signed in for the day. This policy is in place for the safety of your student. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Students are expected to follow the dress code policy. A copy of the dress code can be found below. Also, students must have a clear or mesh backpack.
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
🦁 Our Lions at Work 🦁
Our Pre-K students are perfecting their letters.
Second grade students experiment with different pitches based on the amount of water in the glass.
First grade students use the interactive panel during stations.
📆 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.