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The Lion's Roar
October 2023
October will be a busy month for our lions! We have our first round of district testing in grades 2nd-5th grade, Red Ribbon Week, Custodial Appreciation Week, Book Character Parade, Book Fair, and our highly anticipated Fall Festival.
On Thursday, October 5, 2023, we will welcome all fathers and father figures for breakfast starting at 7:00am. Male figures are allowed to walk their student to class before 7:35. All guests are asked to be out of the building by 7:45 so instruction can begin. We look forward to seeing you!
PTA is collecting pre-orders for spirit shirts starting October 16th. Order forms are located in the front office. All money is due Friday, October 27, 2023.
Our second tutorial session will run from October 16- November 2nd. Permissions slips will go home the week of October 2nd and need to be returned as soon as possible. If you have any questions regarding tutorials, please contact your child's teacher.
In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are hosting a community walk. If you are interested in participating, complete the form by October 17th.
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 🦁
2nd Grade students are learning about matter.
1st Grade students use the Indi robot to code.
5th Grade students explore the Sphero Bolt.
📆 Campus Calendar 📆
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15-October 15 (every Wednesday)
Breast Cancer Awareness
Fall Festival
Festival de Otoño
Parent and Family Engagement Survey
Galena Park ISD is seeking feedback, suggestions and opinions regarding parent and family involvement. Please only fill out one survey per school. The results of this survey will be used in planning more effective parent involvement programs and activities at your child’s school.
📕 Specials News 📕
Pumpkin Book Character Contest
SJW Annual Book Character Pumpkin Contest is back! This is a fun way to let students get creative and decorate a pumpkin to resemble one of their favorite book characters. Click the link above for contest details. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Abrau at vabrau@galenaparkisd.com.
Scholastic Book Fair- October 26-Nov. 3
This is a great opportunity for students to add books to their home collection and further their love of reading. All purchases benefit our school.
Storybook Character Parade- October 27th
Join us for our annual book character parade! All Pre-K through 5th grade students are encouraged to come to school dressed as a character from their favorite book. Parents are welcome to attend.
Ms. Cocom, Art Teacher, invites you to join an online art gallery where parents and family members can view art online, leave comments and order keepsakes featuring the artwork. Click the link above to sign up. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to Ms. Cocom at jcocom@galenaparkisd.com.
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.