The Martin Memo

Happy Friday! This weekend, Martin will host the district elementary UIL contest. We wish our contestants the best of luck!

There have been a few near accidents as cars are leaving our parking lots onto Louisiana. Please slow down in the parking lot and as you are exiting. And remember, school zones are hands-free zones. Please put your cell phones down for the time you are in our school zone. This is for the safety of everyone.

Sallye Norris

Principal

Martin Elementary

Mrs. Wagoner could use your help! She needs toilet paper and paper towel rolls. Please collect and send to the STEAM lab.

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Under Title 25, Part 1, Chapter 37 of the Texas Administrative Code: A spinal exam is required for all children attending public and private schools, to detect abnormal curvature of the spine. Girls will be tested at age 10 (or in the spring semester of 5th grade) and at age 12 (or in the spring semester of 7th grade). Children are screened once at age 13 or 14 (in the spring semester of 8th grade). A student may be exempt from the mandatory spinal evaluation if the parent/guardian submits an affidavit of exemption to the school nurse prior to the on-campus evaluation. The assessment is simple and will be administered by the campus nurse. The school nurse will look at your child's back as he or she stands up and leans forward.

Important recommendations:

• Girls must wear a thin t-shirt or sports bra or two-piece swimsuit blouse under their shirt on the day of the test.

• If girls are wearing a sports bra or two-piece swimsuit under their shirt, it is recommended that they remove their shirt for the check-up.

• Boys and girls will be screened separately and one at a time with complete privacy.

The spine evaluation will take place the week of February 10-13. If you wish to exempt your student, you MUST inform your school nurse by providing the following signed document by February 10.

Affidavit for Exemption for Spinal Screening

The Texas Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes in Children is a legislated program developed, coordinated, and administered by the University of Texas Pan American Border Health (BHO) Office. The program evaluates children who may be at high risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Our school nurses will screen students for the marker of acanthosis nigricans (AN), a skin condition that indicates high insulin levels. This is done by visually examining the skin on the back of your neck. This evaluation is required by Texas law in grades 1, 3, 5, and 7. The screening of AN will take place during the week of February 10-13. Children who are positively identified with the marker undergo additional assessments of body mass index (BMI), BMI percentile, and blood pressure. Referrals are issued to the parent/guardian of these children, alerting each parent/guardian of their child’s risk factors and encouraging further evaluation from a health professional. Becoming aware of and understanding what the risk factors suggest can help stimulate the changes necessary to prevent or delay future health problems for children at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes and other conditions. If you would like to exempt your child from AN screening, you MUST notify your school nurse by the week of February 10 in writing.

If you have any further questions, please contact your school nurse.

On February 13, classes will have a VALENTINE'S EXCHANGE.

Students are welcome to bring Valentine's cards for their classmates. PTA room moms will be arranging a treat for each student. This is not a designated party day and therefore parents will not be able to attend.

Have you ever wondered how many birds visit your backyard? Now’s your chance to find out and be part of a global citizen science project!

The Great Backyard Bird Count takes place every February, and it’s super easy to get involved. All you need to do is:

1. Count the birds you see in your yard, balcony, or nearby park for just 15 minutes each day.

2. Submit your sightings online at birdcount.org.

3. Watch the magic unfold as you contribute to real-time bird population data!

It’s fun for the whole family, and you might just spot some species you’ve never noticed before. Plus, it’s a great way to connect with nature and make a difference for bird conservation.

Get started: Head to birdcount.org to learn more and sign up!
When: February 14-17, 2025

#GreatBackyardBirdCount #BirdWatching #BirdCount2025 #NatureLovers #CitizenScience

Kids Heart Challenge is right around the corner at Martin Elementary and will kick off on Monday, January 27th during specials classes!

Get a head start today by downloading the app (iOS/Android) or signing up on our school page using the link below:

http://www2.heart.org/site/TR?fr_id=11259&pg=company&company_id=490181

Plus, grab a SNEAK PEEK of our quacktastic Heart Hero Team to begin learning their messages and practice implementing their heart-healthy habits!

TELPAS, the required testing for ESL students will be on:

March 4: 4th and 5th Grade ESL Students

March 5: 2nd and 3rd Grade ESL Students

March 6: 2nd-5th ESL Students

The annual Daddy/Daughter Dance, which is hosted by Celina Women's Club Fidelis Inter Se, will be held on Saturday, February 8th, at O'Dell Elementary School. Tickets can be pre-purchased online, or dads can pay at the door with cash or Venmo. Click on this link OR scan the QR code for registration and payment information:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1_uPHTovoe9uhTTHAF1y6Yv23jX3dyimLwJEP-3Don-w/preview

Questions? Please contact Karen Stogner at karenstogner@celinaisd.com

In accordance with the Student Handbook, all personal electronic devices must be turned off during the instructional day. This includes cell phones and smart watches. The policy can be found in the Student Handbook starting on page 54.

100% of our staff have already joined PTA. Can we get 100% parent participation as well. Joining PTA DOES NOT require a time commitment. You can do as little as join or as much volunteering as you'd like. PLEASE join today!

https://txpta.my.salesforce-sites.com/JoinPTA

Martin Elementary is a Box Tops school! That means that families in our community earn cash to give back to our school when they purchase Box Tops products. Simply download the Box Tops app on your phone, sign up to support MARTIN ELEMENTARY and start earning for our school today!

Lunch visitors, here's a few things to remember:

• Check-in at the front office and obtain a visitor sticker. Wear the sticker during. your visit.
• Please sit at the designated visitor tables with your child. The courtyard tables can also be used.
• Students are not allowed to invite friends to sit at the visitor table.
• Parents may bring lunch for their child only. The sharing of food with other students is prohibited.
• Taking pictures or video of other students is prohibited.
• When students begin to clean up, it's time for your student to return to their table and for parents to be on their way. Please return directly to the office to turn in your badge before leaving. Parents should not walk their child back to class.

1/28: Middle School Counselors visiting with 5th graders (8:30)

2/14 and 17: Student Holiday

2/19: Sonic Spirit Night

2/27: The Masked Singer: Martin Edition (5-7pm)

3/13: Class and Individual Spring Photos

3/13: Open House

3/17-21: Spring Break

4/16: ELAR STAAR Test (3rd-5th)

4:24: Science STAAR Test (5th)

4/30: Math STAAR (3rd-5th)

Email: martinelem@celinaisd.com
Website: https://www.celinaisd.com/o/mes
Location: 2905 North Louisiana Drive, Celina, TX, USA
Phone: 469-742-9107
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091283684478&mibextid=LQQJ4d