Family Notes 24-25

Dear Parents,

We are excited to offer a new opportunity for you to purchase exclusive SWAG for your House! Whether your student is looking to show their pride or support, these items will be a great addition to your collection.

If you're interested, you can browse and purchase through this link: https://store.ronclarkacademy.com/pages/houses

Thank you, Mrs. Citchen, for believing in us, leading with kindness, and making our school a better place. We appreciate you today and every day!" 🏫💐 #YESPrepLeads #PrincipalAppreciation #YESPrepPrincipals #YESPrepLeadership #NationalSchoolPrincipalsDay

Fun Friday was a blast! 🎉 Our 3rd–5th grade students enjoyed bounce houses, games, and snow cones as part of our attendance competition celebration. Check out some of the highlights!

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Beginning the week of May 5th, our Kindergarten through 5th grade students will be required to take the end of year MAP® Growth™ tests from NWEA® on their school-issued computer. Please note your child’s testing day/dates below:

MAP tests are important to teachers because they keep track of progress and growth on grade-level specific skills. The test scores also let teachers know where a student’s strengths are; or, if help might be needed in any specific areas. Teachers will also use this information to help guide individual and group instruction in the classroom next year. There is no need to study for the MAP test. However, there are a few ways that you can help make sure your child is prepared for testing.

It is important to make sure that your child is well rested on school days especially the day of a test. Tired children are less able to pay attention and have the stamina needed to complete their assessment. In addition to getting rest, studies show that students need to eat a healthy breakfast (if he/she eats at home). Breakfast will still be provided for students who eat at school. A healthy body leads to a healthy, active mind. Also, please make sure that your student arrives at school on time. All test sessions will begin promptly at 8AM.

Listed below are some additional ways that you can help:

-Avoid scheduling medical or other appointments during testing time.

-If your child is sick on the day of testing, please keep them home and follow the school’s absence/sick child protocol.

-Ensure your student brings their school issued computer and charger to school, 1 school day prior to their testing date.

-Encourage him/her to try his/her best and see MAP as an opportunity to show what he/she has learned.

We are truly excited to begin focusing on every child’s individual growth and achievement. You will receive your child’s MAP Growth report by the last day of school. If you have any questions, please feel free to message me on ClassDojo.

Your Partners in Testing,

Southside Elementary Instructional Leaders

Make Sure Your Emergency Contacts Are Up to Date!

Now is the perfect time to review and update your contact information in Skyward to ensure we can reach you when needed. Please confirm that at least two approved emergency contacts are listed—these individuals will be authorized to pick up your child if necessary.

Log in to Skyward today to verify your details. If any updates are needed, notify your campus registrar as soon as possible.

For questions or assistance, contact your school’s front office. Thank you for helping us keep our students safe and supported!

---SPANISH---

¡Asegúrese de que sus contactos de emergencia estén actualizados!

Este es el momento perfecto para revisar y actualizar su información de contacto en Skyward para asegurarnos de poder comunicarnos con usted cuando sea necesario. Confirme que haya al menos dos contactos de emergencia aprobados, quienes estarán autorizados para recoger a su hijo si es necesario.

Inicie una sesión en Skyward hoy para verificar sus datos. Si necesita hacer alguna actualización, notifique a la registradora de su escuela lo antes posible.

This is just a quick reminder that students should not have their cell phones on their persons at any time during the school day—this includes recess, lunch, and any time before 3:00 PM. If we see a student with their phone, we will ask them to turn it in.

Enforcement:
1st Offense: Phone is taken and returned at the end of the school day.
2nd Offense: Phone is taken, and a parent will be contacted to pick it up from the school.

How to Support the Learning Process from Home

1. 1. On-time arrival: Promotes following school schedules, classroom expectations and ready for instruction. When students are chronically late, they miss out on breakfast and instruction; potentially causing more stress throughout the day. Breakfast ends and class starts promptly at 7:40.

1. 2. Communication: via Class Dojo, text, emails and phone calls to stay in the know of what is going on. Students perform better when school and home are aligned.

1. 3. Following a nightly routine at home: A consistent schedule at home helps students get in the habit of doing so at school.

2. A nightly routine can include:

• Seated activity time such as homework or task.
• Play time w/limited screen time.
• Dinner
• Shower/Bath
• Bedtime using calming activity such as reading.

1. 4. Limited screen time: Too much time on the phone or tablet can cause obesity, sleep irregularity, chronic neck and back problems, depression, anxiety and lower test scores in children. Monitor what is being watched: Limit social media and shows that depict violence; kids can often mimic actions they see as ways to handle conflict and emotions. Be aware that some shows can be disguised as kid friendly, but are not (Rainbow Friends, Road Blox, Fortnite, etc.)

1. 5. Teach and model: Kids learn from adults. It is important to teach and model how to be kind to others, emotional regulation and safe and effective conflict resolution.

Erin Wallace, Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate

Behavior Support Specialist

Erin Wallace, LPC-A

• April 18th: NO SCHOOL- Holiday for Students and Staff
• April 21-22nd: Book Fair
• April 23rd: 5th Grade Science STAAR Test
• April 24-25th: Book Fair
• April 30th: 3-5th Grade Math STAAR Test

Sparks seek opportunities to be kind to each other knowing that we must work together to create a joyful community.

Each week teachers choose 1 student from their class to receive the Core Value award. Students who receive the Core Value Award, get to Party with the Principal.

Instagram: @yessouthsidees

Create a Class Dojo account and join our school:

https://www.classdojo.com/invite/?s=60e600aa0a7c9a6bfebc90a4

Website: https://southsidees.yesprep.org
Location: 5515 South Loop East Freeway, Suite B, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: (713)924-0486
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yessouthsidees/