Parents and Families Newsletter

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Dear Parents and Families,

Each school year, parents need to make decisions about their child’s education. Our Back to School Issue will share information to help you make decisions about how to best support your child as they prepare for the new school year. We will address some basic information about registration, program selection, and course selection which were topics requested in our survey. Be sure to add your questions or suggestions by completing the survey! We value your input.

Sales Tax Holiday Aug. 11 - 13, 2023

Mark your calendars! This year’s sales tax holiday begins Friday, August 11, and goes through midnight Sunday, August 13, 2023. Most clothing, footwear, school supplies and backpacks (under $100) will be available for tax-free purchase on that weekend. Click on the links below for a list of qualifying items:

Clothing and Footwear: During the sales tax holiday, you can buy most footwear and clothing (items priced less than $100) tax-free. You do not need to give the seller an exemption certificate. The exemption applies to each eligible item sold for less than $100, and there is no limit to the number of qualifying items you can buy.

For example, if you buy two shirts for $80 each, each shirt qualifies for the exemption because each is less than $100, even though the total purchase price is $160.

List of Clothing, Footwear, and Other Items

School Supplies: Only specific school supplies sold for less than $100 qualify for the exemption, and an exemption certificate is not required.

List of School Supplies

Backpacks: During the sales tax holiday, student backpacks sold for less than $100 are exempt from tax. The exemption includes backpacks with wheels and messenger bags. You can buy up to 10 backpacks tax-free at one time without giving an exemption certificate to the seller.

For more information, please visit Sales Tax Holiday

New enrollment for the Texas Tuition Promise Fund Starts September 1st

College is one of the best investments you can make for your child. It’s also one of the most expensive, but if you start early by developing and contributing to a comprehensive college savings program, you will be well on your way to providing your child with the educational experience of a lifetime.

Texans may enroll in the plan at any time between Sept. 1 and Feb. 28 (Feb. 29 in leap years). Enrollment for children younger than 1 year of age extends through July 31.

For more information, visit the Texas Tuition Promise Fund website.

Whether your child is entering kindergarten or high school, a returning student or new student, every school requires registration to be completed before classes begin. Each school uses different forms, but the information is generally the same. Here are some documents you will need to register your child:

Photo ID (driver’s license or military ID, etc.) of person registering child
Proof of residence (utility bill, phone bill, or rental/lease agreement, etc.)
Child’s Birth Certificate or other proof of child’s identity and age
Child’s Social Security card, if available (preferred, but not required)
Child’s immunization record (up-to-date immunization record)
Recent academic records if moving to a new school (report card, withdrawal form, transcript, etc.)

To find the school near you, use this school locator tool by entering your address.

Question 1: How is Spanish reading taught to my child, and how is math taught?

The following information is in response to questions from our survey. Please feel free to add your questions or suggestions by completing the survey.

Instructional Programs for Emergent Bilingual Students

There are six state-approved program models used to support emergent bilingual students across Texas. The graphic below shows that there are four instructional models that fall under bilingual programs and two that fall under ESL programs. Your school counselor will be able to explain which model your child’s school offers.

As you begin to think about the next courses for your high school student, the Advanced Placement Program® (AP) might be something you are considering. AP classes enable willing and academically prepared students to pursue college-level studies while still in high school. The program consists of college-level courses developed by the AP Program that high schools can choose to offer, and corresponding exams that are administered once a year.

AP courses are challenging because they are college-level courses, but the benefits of taking AP courses include standing out on college applications and earning college credit and/or skipping introductory courses in college. Talk to your high school counselor to decide if AP courses are right for your child. Visit our student resources page for more tips on preparing for high school and college.

Another option is to take Dual Credit courses in high school. These courses provide college and high school credit for courses taken in high school. They are more rigorous than regular high school classes, but provide students with college credit when completed successfully. Here are some dual credit frequently asked questions.

Students waiting for class

There are three things a parent can do to help your child transition from a flexible summer schedule to full days at school.

Practice the schedule. Start practicing the school schedule early so your child won’t be asleep in class when school starts.
Check your child’s school website to learn important information about school supplies, dress code/school uniform, and meet the teacher/open house events.
Visit or call your child’s school to make sure all paperwork is complete for registration.

The last of the “8 Types of Self-Care” is Practical Self-Care, and it includes much of what we have shared with you regarding preparing for the upcoming school year. Practical self-care is about maintaining peace of mind in all situations by being prepared. One idea might be to collect all your child’s school paperwork in one folder or envelope for easy use when it’s needed.

Schoolhouse clipart

Back To School

A smooth transition from summer to fall is easy to achieve if you do your homework before school starts. Check to make sure your child is registered, has enrolled in the correct classes, and has some basic school supplies to ease nerves on the first day of school. Check your school’s website for supply lists and dress codes that you can shop for on the tax-free weekend. If you have questions about your child’s courses, reach out to your school counselor.

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