Mt Peak Family,

We absolutely loved seeing all the Loved Ones who visited this week! Thank you so much for your patience while waiting for the kids, pictures, and books. You are all such wonderful role models for our students!

A big thank you as well to everyone who supported the book fair. Looking ahead, we’re excited for next week’s Boy Scouts visit during lunch, and don’t forget our PTO meeting on Thursday night where Dr. Belding will present important information on the School Funding Referendum.

We’re only ONE week away from kicking off our Mt Peak Fun Run fundraiser! We’re looking forward to having fun and building community together to reach our fundraising goals.

Get an overview of our fundraiser by clicking HERE!

Here is the Key Information to help you during the fundraiser:

💵Fundraising Goal: $25,000

🎁Fundraising Item: Playground updates, science lab equipment, wall art, and Dino George

🎉Kickoff Date (in school): 09/16/2024

👟Event Date: 09/27/2024

All donations will be collected through the fundraising platform: MyBooster.com

How to Get Started on MyBooster.com:

• Click “Sign Up”

• Enter your School Name

• Enter your Information

• VERY IMPORTANT! Once you sign up, get started by sharing via Facebook, email and text!

Thank you for helping make our fundraiser a success!

Have a great weekend!

Adam Henke

Principal

adam.henke@midlothianisd.org

The winners for the Recycled Space Contest are Emilie in Ms. McVey's class for her spacecraft and Beckett in Ms. Lang's class for his UFO.

Thank you to all those who participated!

We have 12 extra yearbooks from last year that we recently received. The cost is $24 each. They are in the office, first come first serve - NO HOLDS! Cash and exact change only.

Our big buddies read with Ms. Stelter students today and were joined by three amazing therapy dogs. What an exciting and powerful experience for our students and staff!

Football readers were a success!! We shared good things and did the pledges together! Let’s go Panthers!!!

What a fantastic way to start a Friday! We had Midlothian football players and cheerleaders join us to open car doors this morning and helping to greet our students. The football players are going to read to our students and the cheerleaders got to join our annual Friday dance party!

Ray’s class explored relative density this week!

Lunch with Loved Ones Day 1 was amazing! Thanks for coming to join us. We appreciate the support for our wonderful PTO and book fair!

Students in Mrs. Hamblet’s class had fun completing a STEAM challenge in class today! Each group was given a sheet of construction paper that they used to create the longest and strongest paper chain. They had to use trial and error to decide how wide and long to make each strip. Their chain had to be stretched out, without breaking, to show its length. We had a blast!

Thanks to the Midlothian Pantherettes for greeted our students this week!

September is National Hydrocephalus Awareness Month, and Midlothian ISD hopes to raise awareness of this chronic neurological condition.

Often called "water on the brain," over 1 million people, including both children and adults, are currently living with hydrocephalus in the United States. This condition involves an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and a range of symptoms. This month, let's come together to spread awareness, support research, and educate ourselves and others about hydrocephalus

First graders have been learning about empathy and the meaning behind this Capturing Kids’ Hears trait to start our year together. They got to read “You, Me, and Empathy” as well as discuss the meaning of the famous Maya Angelou quote, “Be a Rainbow in Someone Else’s Cloud”. After our discussions, every student had the chance to sit down with their teacher and quote how they could show empathy towards another person, signing a heart post-it as a reminder of their example. Ms. Hanson’s class in blue, Ms. Clary’s class in yellow, Ms. Rogers’ class in pink and Ms. Pearson’s class in orange.

We are excited to share an opportunity to get involved with the school through our Father Figure volunteer group, DOGS. This group steps in to help whenever the need arises, whether it's assisting with the drop-off car line on Friday mornings or giving our staff a break during particularly cold or rainy weather. The commitment is flexible—you don't need to be there every Friday, but when you can participate, the kids and staff truly appreciate it.

We'll also have various opportunities throughout the school year to help out with setting up for school events. It's a great way to make a positive impact, and the kids love seeing the dads and father figures involved.

If you'd like to join, please click [this link] to sign up.

Background Checks

While completing a background check isn't mandatory, it's always a good idea to have one on file in case an event comes up that requires volunteer help inside the school. You can complete the Volunteer Background Check here.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email Mr. Henke at adam.henke@midlothianisd.org.

We would love to see a strong group of men involved at Mt. Peak, so please consider signing up!

Add PTO meeting info here.

Pizza provided for PTO members- please RSVP through the QR code or return this form to school! Scan to register! Must register for pizza to be provided!

Autographed Book Order Form

Janet Stevens & Susan Stevens Crummel

Order Form Due Wednesday, September 11th

Award-winning author/illustrator duo of over 20 children’s books, sisters Janet Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel, will be visiting Mt. Peak Elementary on October 7, 2024. All students will hear Janet and Susan speak in the library during their visit. They will discuss the importance of reading, writing, and storytelling. They will also talk about the creative process of writing and illustrating books. Pre-ordered books will be autographed on the day of the visit. Fill out the order form below and return with your cash/check by Wednesday, September 11th. We are partnering with O’Brien’s Bookshop so that you can pre-order a book and have them autograph it while they’re here!

Pre-ordered books will be autographed on the day of the visit. Fill out this order form and return with your cash/check by Wednesday, September 11th.

**Cash must be exact change (no change given), checks should be made out to O'Brien's Bookshop.

There is an amazing program offered by Midlothian ISD called Destination Imagination.

THIS IS AN INTEREST FORM, YOU WILL RECEIVE PAPER REGISTRATION FORMS LATER.

Is your child creative? Does your child like to tell stories? Do they like to build things? Do YOU want them to be independent thinkers?

If so, then sign up below!

If you’re interested in signing your student up to be on a Rising Stars (K-2) non-competitive team or a competitive team (3-12), please fill out the Google form through the link at the bottom. For more information, check out their YouTube site and challenges below.

https://youtu.be/kiOg7QrpHvs?si=3-zztG594O05WPf_-WHAT IS DI VIDEO? https://youtu.be/fodyilred60?si=djCeueThvy1APDmR-CHALLENGE VIDEO

Please keep in mind that for us to have teams, there must be at least 1 team manager volunteer for each team and an appraiser for the tournament. Please consider volunteering! Below is QR code to the Google form that we would like you to fill out if your student is interested in this program. The deadline for filling out this form is September 11, 2023. PARENT MEETING: We will be having a parent informational meeting at Miller Elementary School in the cafeteria on September 9th, 2024 at 5:30 p.m. If you have any questions, please contact the MISD DI District Coordinators: casey.nelson@midlothianisd.org or kim.moss@midlothianisd.org for more information.

Here is the link to sign up for DI: https://forms.gle/gzbbq2vTmfLEoUWT7

We would love you to follow along during the week for updates of what is happening at Mt Peak. You can follow along on Facebook There is an imposter site. So, please follow the one with a picture of the school in the header.

The Mt Peak mission statement is the Mt Peak family will make a positive difference in the lives we touch by putting children first and challenging everyone to reach their full potential.

Our staff is working so hard for your kids! We would love for you to share the impact they are having on your child or any special information you would like to share. Please fill out this form for us.

Thank you!

Hello! I have now had the opportunity to meet with all grade levels as we discussed the topic of Empathy. Empathy is our first Capturing Kids Hearts character trait that we explore as a campus! I enjoyed hearing from students as to how this trait is important in their everyday lives. In addition, I have challenged students to show at least two acts of empathy either at home or school.

Also, we have a special week coming up the week of September 16 that is celebrated nationally! It is called Start With Hello Week. This week is designed to help us to remember to always show kindness. In addition, students are encouraged to reach out to each other with kindness and a warm welcome as we return for the 2024-2025 school year. I am including the plans for this upcoming week so students can begin to think about what he/she can do to reach out to others!

START WITH HELLO WEEK -

September 16-20, 2024

Monday Sept 16 - Say “Hi” to someone new today to show that we care for everyone!

Wear your MISD proud or favorite Midlothian shirt to school!

Tuesday Sept 17 - Give someone a compliment today and wear your favorite

color to school!

Wednesday Sept 18 - Include others in your groups (breakfast, recess, specials,

etc.) and wear a bright color for your kindness to shine.

Thursday Sept 19 - Make a new friend at recess today or join a new group

on the playground. Wear a kindness shirt to show

that you are a hero of kindness!

Friday Sept 20 - Staff Meeting Day/Student Holiday

Wendy Waldroup

Counselor

What is Empathy?

Empathy is the ability to be aware of, understand, and be sensitive to another person’s feelings. Instead of focusing on how these feelings impact ourselves, empathy motivates us to focus on others and respond with care and compassion.

Why Focus on Empathy?

• Empathy builds a positive classroom culture. Empathy empowers students to learn to understand each other to build trust and safety in the classroom.
• Empathy strengthens community. Empathy helps students strengthen their relationships with classmates, other students and adults at school, and at home.
• Empathy prepares your students to be leaders in their community. The best leaders understand the people they lead and are able to show they care.

Empathy in Action:

• Take a different perspective. When you take a different perspective, you put aside your own feelings and reactions to see the situation through another’s eyes.
• Put aside judgment. Take a pause, and rather than express conclusions about a situation based on what you see, step back and consider other things you may still need to know or understand.
• Communicate that you understand. Instead of giving advice, respond with reflective phrases like, “It sounds like you...” or “I hear that you...” to express that you understand and care.

Mark your calendars! Check back regularly for updates and new events added

Sept 12: 6:00 PM - PTO Meeting, Dr. Belding and Boy Scouts Sign Up

Oct 8: 6:00 PM 6:00 PM 3rd School Performance & PTO meeting

Dec 10: 6:00 PM 5th School Performance & PTO Meeting

Feb 11: PTO Meeting

Mar 6: PTO Meeting

Apr 1: 6:00 PM 1st Grade Performance & PTO Meeting

Apr 17: PTO Auction

May 15: PTO meeting voting for new board members

Midlothian ISD Athletics Hall of Honor is thrilled to announce the second annual Hall of Honor 5K and Fun Run, set to take place on Saturday, September 28, 2024 at Midlothian ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium. This exciting community event celebrates and honors the legacy of outstanding athletes, coaches, teams, and community supporters from Midlothian ISD.

The Fun Run will kick off at 8:00 a.m., followed by the 5K Race at 8:15 a.m. Participants of all ages are encouraged to join in this family-friendly event, whether you’re a seasoned runner or looking for a fun morning out with friends and family.

The Hall of Honor 5K and Fun Run not only promotes health and wellness in our community but also raises funds to support the Midlothian ISD Athletics Hall of Honor Scholarship Fund. Proceeds from the event will help provide scholarships for graduating MISD student-athletes and help promote the annual induction banquet.

Event Details:

- Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024

- Location: Midlothian ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium

- Packet Pick-Up / Day of Registration: 7:00 a.m.

- Fun Run Start Time: 8:00 a.m.

- 5K Start Time: 8:15 a.m.

Participants can register online at www.midlothianhoh.com or on-site on the day of the event. Early registration is encouraged to secure your spot and T-shirt size (Virtual Runner Options are available).

Join us in celebrating the spirit of Midlothian ISD Athletics and honoring those who have made significant contributions to our athletics programs. We invite everyone to lace up their running shoes and be a part of this exciting day!

For more information, to register, or to become a sponsor, please visit www.midlothianhoh.com.

Together, let’s make this year’s Hall of Honor 5K and Fun Run an event to remember!

Per MISD Athletics,

• Families should enter through Gate A.
• Free admission is available only for campus students. Parents are required to purchase a ticket.
• Students can either show their student ID or wear a campus spirit shirt for entry.

• MISD enforces a Clear Bag Policy.

• Please note that outside drinks (including tumblers) and food are not permitted.

A campus administrator will be on duty at Gate A to welcome families and answer any questions that may come up. Thank you! It is going to be a fun season, and I cannot wait to see the kids at the big game!

Mt Peak has a great director and would love to serve you. Register here for after-school childcare.

If you believe you have opted into the text alert feature and are not receiving text messages, go to your Skyward Family Access account and click on “Skylert” to verify your contact information. Update information if needed and allow 24 hours for our systems to recognize your changes. You should begin receiving text alerts and emails.

If you unsubscribed to receiving email notification please complete this form (https://forms.gle/3sUmoWnjT7S7cpx27) to re-activate your email notifications.

All Texas school districts are required by law to distribute information to parents and guardians about the safe storage of firearms. House Bill 3, Section 19 added Section 37.222 to the Texas Education Code, which requires the Texas School Safety Center, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety, to provide information and resources to school districts for the purpose of disseminating the information to parents. The Texas DPS launched a Keep ‘Em Safe Texas website that provides safety resources, materials, and tips for practicing safe gun storage to prevent accidents and keep children safe. Remember, a gun should be stored unloaded in a safe or locked container, with ammunition stored elsewhere. You can learn more and find additional resources from the Texas Department of Public Safety at https://safegunstoragetexas.com.

Below are resources that have been previously shared with parents/students with accessing and logging in to district resources. As we approach mid year we wanted to share them again.

UPDATE this

• 24-25 Quickstart Guide for MISD Students [Grades 4-12]
  
• 24-25 Quickstart Guide for MISD Students [Grade 3]
• 24-25 Quickstart Guide for MISD Students [Grades K-2]
• 24-25 Quickstart Guide for Skyward Family Access
• How to Set Up Parent Canvas Observer Account
  
• 24-25 Student Guide to Canvas in the Classroom

Does your student need MISD school bus transportation? All students must have a current Bus Rider Contract on file for each year. All contracts received by the July 12 deadline will secure route information and transportation for the first week of school. Contracts received after July 12 are being processed on a first come, first served basis and transportation is not guaranteed for the first week of school.

If you have not submitted a contract for your student, please fill one out and return to the Transportation Department by emailing to bus_contracts@midlothianisd.org or by delivering to 601 E. Avenue E, Midlothian. Please remember that your student cannot ride the bus until their contract is processed.

Dear MISD Families,

You may have received this information directly from your campus, but we want to ensure all MISD families know about an update and opportunity from our Child Nutrition Department. Please disregard this message if you have already applied for free/reduced-price school meals for the 2023-24 school year.

Students who participated in the free/reduced-price meals program during the previous school year in Midlothian ISD could continue receiving free/reduced-price meals for the first 30 days of school. This 30-day grace period has now ended, and a new application must be submitted. Students will no longer receive free/reduced-price meals without application approval for the 2023-24 school year.

Please click here to visit the MISD Child Nutrition Department website for more information on school meals and to apply for the free/reduced-price meals program.

If you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach our Child Nutrition Department by emailing mandie.tucker@midlothianisd.org or calling (469) 856-5390.

MISD Communications

Midlothian ISD uses Skyward Family Access for enrollment and to give parents real-time data about their student's grades, attendance, assignments, and more. Alerts can be set to individual preferences and information.

Skyward Family Access: 23-24 Quickstart Guide for Skyward Family Access

September 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th

5201 FM 663

Midlothian, Texas 76065

469-856-6300

https://mtpeak.midlothianisd.org/