Navigator Newsletter

Navigator Families,

As cooler temperatures roll in, we hope students enjoyed their 4-day break and shorter school week. Next week will be a normal 5-day week.

We have some important updates for your to review below:

-"NO BADGE, NO RIDE SAFETY POLICY" - EFFECTIVE NOV. 13 (urgent info for bus riders)

-Thanksgiving Family Lunch - Nov. 21st - (Nov. 14th lunch cancelled--Pre-registration info for Nov. 21st below)

-Book Fair starts next week (Parents invited to shop with students Mon. 11/11 12pm-4pm)

-2nd Grade Veterans Day Program

-Spring ISD Spanish Spelling Bee - Sat. Nov. 9th

-Spring HS Princess Day Fundraiser - Sat. Nov. 9th

-School Choice Applications for 5th graders + Roberson MS info

-Thanksgiving Food Drive (donate non-perishable food items to win a class prize!)

-Penguin Patch Student Holiday Gift Shop - Dec. 9th-13th (sign up to help below)

-Northgate Crossing Winter Wonderland Dance hosted by PTO - Dec. 13th

-STAAR Parent Information Session - Nov. 13th

-Spring ISD Children with Autism information session - Nov. 13th

-Spring ISD Military Night - Nov. 13th

-English Spelling Bee

-Spring ISD Literacy Event - Dec. 13th

-Parent Birthday Lunch visits (details for visits throughout the year)

-Spring ISD Mobile Food Market (Free Food Distribution)

-Spring ISD Fall Performances Showcase

...and more!

From Spring ISD Transportation:

We are committed to student safety, and starting November 13, all students will be required to have their ID badge to ride the bus. This new policy, “No Badge, No Ride,” ensures students can securely badge on and off the bus, giving parents peace of mind through the Smart Tag app.

Click here for more information (also see fliers and video below).

https://www.springisd.org/o/sisd/page/smart-tag

Questions? Please contact Spring ISD Transportation.

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From Northgate Crossing:

Parents, please help to ensure your students are keeping up with their ID. If an ID is lost, please contact the front desk immediately to arrange a replacement, or Transportation may deny them access to the bus. Per district policy, re-printing an ID will cost $5 in exact change.

Northgate Parents,

Thursday Nov. 21st is Northgate Crossing’s Family Thanksgiving Lunch! We originally planned separate events on the 14th (grandparents) and 21st (any family members). Unfortunately we had to revise this to one event (cancelling the 14th) due to logistical limitations that arose; we apologize for any inconvenience. Please review guidelines and pre-registration info below for our luncheon on Thursday Nov. 21st.

Nov. 21st Family Thanksgiving Luncheon Guidelines:

• Two guests per student allowed—provide names/birthdates on pre-registration form so we can pre-print your guest tags, and be prepared to show photo ID.

• No Strollers due to space limitations + No extra children beyond 2-guest allotment
• Special Thanksgiving food plates may be purchased for adults or children in the lunch line for $6 cash (exact change only--no credit cards accepted)
• We request that you let your student stay in school after lunch so they can complete their instruction

MODIFIED LUNCH SCHEDULE FOR THUR. 11/21 ONLY (arrive at front office at least 15 minutes early):

9:45am-10:30am: PreK + Kinder + ECSE

10:35am-11:20am: 1st Grade

11:25am-12:10pm: 2nd Grade + 3rd Grade group 1 (only Mrs. Guerrero + Mrs. Escandon classes)

12:15pm-1:00pm: 4th Grade + 3rd Grade group 2 (only Mrs. Stephenson + Mrs. Lago + Mrs. Zardes classes)

1:05pm-1:50pm: 5th Grade

PRE-REGISTRATION:

Look for the paper pre-registration form that is being sent home with your student Monday; forms are due by Fri. Nov. 15th

Get excited...it's time for the BOOK FAIR! Parents are invited to come shop with students on Monday, 11/11 only, from 12pm to 4pm (just check in at the front office).

The book fair will run all week Nov. 11-15th, with students being able to visit during their LAMP class time. Students can bring money to school (please help your student keep cash safe and protected) or parents can pre-load funds into an online "eWallet." Visit this website for more details:

www.scholastic.com/bf/northgatecrossingelemschool

From our music teacher Mrs. Clark:

2nd Grade Parents/Guardians,

The 2nd grade students have been working very hard the last several weeks in preparation for our Veteran’s Day program, scheduled for Monday, November 11th at 9am in the gym. There will only be this daytime performance during the school day.

We would like to invite you or anyone you may know who has served or is currently serving in our military to this special performance.

The dress for the performance will be either a red, white or blue shirt, and jeans or black/khaki pants.

We are so excited to celebrate our veterans. Please let me know if you have any questions.

Heather Clark

Northgate Crossing Elementary

Music Teacher

hclark@springisd.org

Our 5th grader Olbin Pineda Sanchez will be competing in the district Spanish Spelling bee tomorrow. Wish him luck! All are welcome to attend.

From Spring High School H.O.S.A. (Health Occupations of America) student president:

We’re hosting a fundraising event - The Princess Day for kids ages 3 to 12 on November 9th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. It is a fun experience to engage young students and raise funds for our chapter’s activities. Thank you for your support!

Spring ISD offers both choice and program opportunities for students. The goal is to ensure families can find the best fit for their student, whether it’s taking part in a specialty program at their neighborhood campus or applying to one of the district’s schools of choice.

The opportunities to explore different interests and careers are extensive and distinguish Spring ISD as a district of choice with no limits on what students can achieve.

With students at the center of everything we do, we want our families to have options as they look for the right fit for their child. No matter what school your child attends, our mission is always the same: Provide an excellent education that prepares students for lifelong success – in college, career and/or the military.

Learn more about our schools of choice below. Please note, families can apply to multiple schools using a single online application.

Visit this website:

https://choosespring.org/school-choice/

Roberson Middle School would like to share some information for families of 5th graders. A Roberson representative gave a special presentation to 5th graders on Fri. 11/8.

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Roberson Middle School Recruitment Website Link -Everything that parents need to know about Roberson can be found here. It even has the School of Choice button which will access the page where parents can click "Apply":

https://roberson.springisd.org/o/rms/page/rms-school-of-choice-recruitment

Main Schools of Choice Page (where the "Apply" button is)

https://choosespring.org/school-choice

When applying, parents must click at the top to create an account if they do not already have one. There is also a "Video" at the top where they can get instructions.

Roberson Middle School will not start looking at any data until after January 10. Then it takes us 2-3 weeks to make final decisions about if their child will move on to the next phase. Thus, parents, should not receive emails from us about that decision until the last week in January. We may, however, send emails earlier if we are missing information or see errors in their application. So, it is best that they check their emails a few times a week from about January 13 until the end of the process.

-Tami Branch, Roberson Middle School (TamiG@springisd.org)

Northgate Crossing is partnering with Spring Community Church for our annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. The class from each grade level who donates the most items will win a prize! See the list on the flier below of non-perishable food-items to bring. Students can simply turn in food items to their teacher, and can begin bringing them starting this Monday! Items will be collected through the week of Nov. 15th. Food will be distributed Nov. 24th at 2615 Ciderwood.

PTO'S Popular Penguin Patch Gift Shop returns! Student will be able to bring money to purchase small gifts for themselves and their loved ones during the week of Dec. 9th-13th. If you would to volunteer to help work a shift at the store and help the kids, please email PTO: ncespto1@gmail.com

PTO is hosting a Winter Wonderland Dance for all students and their families. Mark your calendar for the evening of Friday December 13th, and stay tuned for more information! If you would like to help organize or work the event, please contact PTO: ncespto1@gmail.com

What's the smartest insect? The spelling bee!

The English Spelling Bee is coming soon! Before the break student's received a list of grade appropriate words so that they can study over the fall break and beyond.

Also going home is the permission slip to sign for the school Spelling Bee that takes place in December (week of Dec. 2nd-6th, exact date TBD).

For any questions please contact Mrs. Sckhade: aschkade@springisd.org

-Parents are now allowed to visit their child for lunch on the student's birthday (or birthday "week")

-We know many birthdays fall on weekends, or that parents may not be able to visit on the exact day due to work, so we just ask that you visit within one-week of the birthday (before or after).

-Check in at the front office and let them know your student

-Students with winter break or spring break birthdays may have parents visit the week before or after.

-Students with summer birthdays (after the end of school) may have parents visit anytime in May for lunch.

-Lunch visits are limited to two guests per student (which includes any other children)

Dear Spring ISD Families,

As we prioritize the health and safety of all our students, we want to remind you of the importance of keeping your child at home if they are feeling unwell. To help you navigate when to keep your child at home and when it's safe to return to school, we’ve attached two flyers (in English and Spanish) with specific scenarios and guidelines.

Please review these materials carefully to ensure a safe and healthy school environment for everyone. Thank you for your continued partnership in keeping our schools safe.

-Spring ISD Nursing and Health Service

You can download the PDF versions here:

https://www.springisd.org/documents/printable-calendars/662033

Visit this website, and see flyers and video below for more information:

https://www.springisd.org/o/sisd/page/smart-tag

SMART ID Tag Replacement UPDATE: :

Each student receives a free smart tag at the beginning of the year. Once a student has their ID, if the student loses/misplaces their ID and needs a replacement, it will be $5 for the new card (the price covers the card, printing, sleeve, and lanyard). All payments will need to be in cash (exact change) and the student or the parent can pay the office and receive a receipt (students should not be giving any money to their teachers). For questions contact sruiz14@springisd.org

Parents,

It is important for us to communicate with you, but we unfortunately cannot always accommodate "walk-in" meeting requests. If you would like to meet with any principals, administrators, teachers, the counselor, other staff, etc., please make sure to contact us in advance to schedule a meeting so that we can best serve you. Thank you for understanding.

Immunization – Please make sure your Navigators are up to date on their immunizations. Your child will not be placed on a class roster if they lack the necessary immunizations. If you are unsure about what immunizations your child needs, Texas Department of State Health Services requirements has an updated list you can check:

https://www.dshs.texas.gov/immunizations/school/requirements

o To find immunization locations near you, please visit the Harris Health System site (https://www.harrishealth.org/) or call 713-873-TOTS (713-873-8687)

o If your child has all the required immunizations, please make sure our registrar, Karla Zelaya (kzelayar@springisd.org) has a copy of the documentation.

Registration – Parents of returning students may continue updating student information using the email that was sent to the primary guardian. All parent information, such as phone numbers, emergency contact information, and working emails need to be current and updated.

o If your Navigators attended Northgate Crossing Elementary school on an affidavit, you must complete a new affidavit for the 2024-2025 school year. If you have a lease agreement, you must attach a current lease to the returning student registration.

Attendance – Students need to attend school on a timely, regular basis. Students who often arrive late or leave early often have gaps in their learning. Our daily attendance goal is 98% or greater. When we meet this goal, our campus receives additional funding, and an accountability distinction. We have monthly campus-based perfect attendance incentives planned for students who have perfect attendance.

Visitors – All visitors to Northgate Crossing are required to check in at the front office and provide a valid government-issued picture ID. Once you provide an ID, a visitor's badge will be issues and you will be able to enter the building or check a student out for the day.

Volunteer form/background check – Parents and guardians may be invited to campus activities to observe, participate, and volunteer. A volunteer form and background check are required for activities throughout the year, such as classroom parties and volunteer opportunities. Please complete the form as soon as possible to allow time for processing:

https://www.springisd.org/page/volunteers-in-public-schools/

Drop-off/Pick-up procedures

o School doors open at 7:35am and the tardy bell rings at 8:05. Students dropped off after 8:05 will need to be checked in by a parent of guardian. Breakfast ends at 8:05pm.

o Students may be picked up early until 2:30pm. If you need to make a transportation change, you must come in person with a valid government issued picture ID or email sruiz14@springisd.org before 2:30pm.

Car Riders

▪ If your child is in grades Pk-1, you will drop off and pick up your child on site B (the parking lot for the gym and cafeteria.)

▪ If your child is in grades 2-5, you will drop off and pick up your child on side A (the parking lot in front of the building.)

▪ If you have children in multiple grades, they will be with the youngest child on the corresponding side for dismissal.

▪ During the car-rider dismissal, parents must remain in their vehicles.

Bus Riders

▪ Buses will pick students up in parking lot B, in front of the cafeteria and gym. Buses arrive between 3:15 and 3:25.

Walkers

▪ Students who walk home may be picked up at the designated parent pick-up in front of the PK playground. PK to 2nd grade students will not be allowed to leave campus on their own--they will only be released to a guardian or parent.

DISMISSAL NOTICE FOR PARENTS OF "WALKER" STUDENTS

We have had some dismissal issues with parents of our "walker" students parking in the side B parking lot (bus area) and walking across the busy parking lot to pick up their walker student from the PreK area. This creates a safety issue and interferes with dismissal. Any parents needing to enter the building during dismissal should use the main office entrance (side A) Otherwise you can contact the front office to change your student's transportation to "car rider" instead of "walker" and wait in the car rider line at dismissal (Side A for 3rd-5th, Side B for PreK-2nd). Thank you for understanding.

23437 Northgate Crossing Blvd.

Spring, TX 77373

Phone: 281-891-8780

Fax: 281-891-8781

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