Pioneer Press

Happy January!! This week got a little chilly, but luckily we were able to make it through the week without cancelling school. Our students and staff jumped right back into the swing of things and we are ready for Middle of the Year (MOY) testing in iReady next week. IReady will give each student tutorial pathways to work on independently to hone their skills, and is aligned to grade level TEKS and STAAR. We are excited to see how much improvement there has been since BOY testing, and to celebrate with our community!

The Waves of Pages reading program is back! This is an optional reading challenge put on by Schlitterbahn. Every student that reads for 600 minutes between now and February 14th will receive a free Schlitterbahn ticket!!! Tickets are valid opening day - June 30th and then again August 11 - closing day. Blue reading logs were sent home with kiddos but if you need an extra they are in the Tuesday folder and the PSE library website.

I am sharing some protocols and information, as well as resources for inclement weather in RRISD. I wanted to make sure we are all "in the know" when it comes to inclement weather (both expected and unexpected), so that if you receive communication from RRISD or from me, you understand the protocols and processes.

1. Here are the RRISD Inclement Weather Protocols. This is how decisions are made by RRISD around school cancellations and late starts.

2. Morning Arrival/Drop-Off: At PSE, if the "feels like" temperature is 32 degrees or below, students arriving before 7:15 will be directed inside to wait in the cafeteria until 7:15 to remain warm. (They will then be dismissed to go to classrooms at 7:15.) We will NOT have safety patrols if the "feels like" temperature is 32 degrees or less outside, so please have your child exit the vehicle on the curb side of the car. (We do not have enough adults to assist with car doors due to other duties at that time so kiddos will have to let themselves out of their cars.)

3. Cold Weather Caution: When temperature or wind chill (which is lower than the actual temperature) is from 40° F to 30° F

• At PSE, if the"feels like" temperature is 32 degrees or below, we will remain inside for recess.

4. Cold Weather Warning: When temperature or wind chill is from 30° F to 20° F, - Staying indoors for Recess and PE is required. Outdoor UIL events/activities shall adhere to Athletics Guidelines and Fine Arts Guidelines.

5. Cold Weather Termination of Outdoor Activities: When the temperature or wind chill reaches below 20° F, staying indoors is required.

• Minimal/only required outside exposure if absolutely needed.

School Day Early Dismissal - If RRISD were to announce to dismiss classes early:

• Elementary and Middle School - We w are required to keep walkers and bikers indoors until parents can pick them up or verify with parents to send students home, acknowledging someone is home to let them in.

Each year we attend a Texas Stars Hockey Game on the Sunday of MLK weekend for a PSE Spirit Night. This year that is January 19. It is the only 5:00 pm game on their schedule, and we're off of school to celebrate MLK the following day. Our PE curriculum allows us to teach hockey skills the week before and after the game, which is super exciting and fun for ALL! The link for tickets is HERE, and is in the Tuesday folder. The QR code is easy to use, and we are aiming to be the highest selling group for the third year in a row. Let's go PSE; we've got this!

Do you know an extraordinary Round Rock ISD employee who deserves recognition? Send a R.R.O.A.R (link below). Sending a R.R.O.A.R. is a simple gesture to recognize those who demonstrate outstanding actions that positively impact our school District.

https://hr.roundrockisd.org/recognition/

Please CLICK HERE for Mr. Bennet's Music Notes newsletter.

Thank you to PTO and to our community for the yummy treats and gift cards for each staff member before the break. You spoiled us rotten, and we are so appreciative of your kindness. THANK YOU!!

Second quarter report cards go home today! Please check your child's backpack for their report card today (1/10) and be sure to discuss their accomplishments with them. :)

Hi (Future) Ranger Families,

We will officially begin our elementary to middle school transition activities for incoming 6th graders in January. In the meantime, we wanted to share this Elementary to DMS Timeline with important dates and links. The timeline will be updated as new information comes. We also have a Ranger Roundup Landing Page that families can visit for information.

Permission slips, flyers, etc. will be shared once we get closer to the dates, however, we especially want to make you aware of the 01/28/2025 Incoming 6th Grade Family Night on our campus from 5:30-6:30. Family night is where you will be able to meet staff members and ask any questions you may have about electives, campus norms, etc. We look forward to meeting you then!

Ranger Pride. RECOGNIZE.

Sincerely,

The Deerpark Middle School Team

January 10: Report Cards for second nine weeks go home

January 13-24: Mid-Year Assessment window (grade level testing dates will vary)

January 17: No lunch visitors- monthly movie day in the lunchroom

January 19: Texas Stars Hockey Game (Cosmic Chorale is also performing at the game)

January 20: MLK Day (No School- RRISD is closed)

January 20: P Terry's PTO Spirit Night from 4-10 pm (13770 N Hwy 183, Austin, TX 78750)

January 21: Second grade weather assembly

January 28: Incoming 6th Grade Family Night at Deerpark (5:30-6:30 pm)

January 29: Staff Development Day (No student attendance)

February 17: RRISD Closed- no school

February 18: Spring Pictures (class)

Principal: Sjoukje Brown, x4204

Asst. Principal: Tanya Richardson x4205

Main Office: Laura Wessels, x4299

Registrar/Attendance: Kathy Stephenson, x4202

Office Specialist: Shemeka Riley-Fairconeture, x4201

Counselor: Karen Collins, x4203

Nurse: Bethany Taylor, x4206

Ms. Brown, Proud PSE Principal