

Cougar Roaring News
March 2024
Our Mission....
At Crain Elementary, we inspire lifelong learners who positively contribute to our multicultural community through rigorous blended learning and strong relationships in a safe and nurturing environment.
As we count down to the STAAR assessments, we want to encourage your child to be present and ready for success! Regular attendance helps them stay connected to lessons, practice important skills, and get the support they need to feel confident. Every day in class is an opportunity to grow, and your childโs presence makes all the difference. Letโs work together to ensure they are fully prepared and excited for the upcoming assessments. We appreciate your partnership in making this a successful time for your child!
TESTING
To comply with state and local policies, we must always maintain a secure testing environment. Visitors are not allowed in secure testing areas, including hallways, cafeteria, or other areas where students who are testing may be located. Therefore, no visitors will be admitted on campus on upcoming 3rd-5th Math Benchmark and TELPAS Assessment Dates.
Crain will be closed to visitors from March 4 - March 7, 2025.
Student-Led Parent-Teacher Conferences
Itโs that time of year again to schedule Student-Led Conferences! During these conferences, your child will share what theyโve been learning and how theyโre doing in school. Itโs a great way for them to reflect on their progress and for you to stay connected to their education.
You must come to the student-led conference to receive your child's report card.
CONGRATULATIONS to Crain Elementaryโs TOP 5 Students
Each year, VISD elementary campuses award the top 5 fifth graders based on their GPA for the fall semester of their 5th grade year. The following students are the Crain Top 5 fifth graders:
#1 Guadalupe Montoya
#2 - Jonathan Hernandez
#3 - Anthony Martinez
#4 - Abigail Espino
#5 - Jimena Ramirez
The VISD Growing in Genius Award is based on the VISD Portrait of Excellence. These students exemplify the following characteristics: Communicate Effectively, Think Critically, Embrace Challenges, Values Relationships, Desires to Learn & Understand, and Assumes Responsibility. The three students selected for that award were:
Loraine Bautista
Julian Lara
Julieta Ramirez
CONGRATULATIONS to Crain's Staff Excellence Award Recipients
Teacher of the Year
We are pleased to recognize Teresa Gallego as Teacher of the Year. Ms. Gallego demonstrates excellence in teaching, outstanding leadership, and a deep commitment to fostering growth in both students and colleagues. Ms. Gallego is highly regarded by peers and is described as a teacher who is always ready to serve her students. She is consistently a step ahead, searching for rigorous materials and innovative ways to grow her students. A true team player, Ms. Gallego is someone who works collaboratively to provide the best learning experiences for her students. She seeks and accepts feedback, takes ownership of student learning, and does a fantastic job of collaborating with her colleagues. As one peer put it, "She is a rock star!" Her leadership, passion, and dedication to excellence are truly inspiring.
Rising Star
Our Rising Star award goes to Pamela Erskine! In just her first two years in the classroom, Mrs. Erskine has already demonstrated an exceptional level of drive, passion, and commitment to the teaching profession. She consistently goes above and beyond to engage her students, fostering an environment where learning is both challenging and enjoyable. Mrs. Erskine is a natural leader, always eager to collaborate with her colleagues and take on new opportunities for growth. She is a role model for both her students and peers, and we are confident that her career will continue to flourish. We canโt wait to see all the amazing things she will accomplish in the years to come!
Impact Award
The Impact Award recognizes a support staff member who goes above and beyond in serving students and supporting colleagues. This yearโs recipient is Ruth Ann Munoz! Mrs. Munoz consistently goes above and beyond in providing exceptional service and showing a deep commitment to both our students and staff, making a profound difference every day! She is always willing to do whatever it takes, goes out of her way to ensure everyone feels welcome, and maintains a positive attitude no matter the challenge. Her unwavering dedication and kindness truly make her an invaluable member of our team.
Celebrating Read Across America
click to enlarge
haga clic para ampliar
๐ข ๐๐ญ๐ฎ๐๐๐ง๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐ข๐จ๐ซ๐ข๐ญ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ ๐ข๐ฌ๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง ๐ข๐ฌ ๐๐ข๐ ๐ก๐ญ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฎ๐ง๐ ๐ญ๐ก๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ง๐๐ซ!๐ข
Parents/guardians, registration is approaching soon, and emails must be corrected by March 4th in order for you to receive their snap codes for 25-26 registration. You should have received a yellow slip from your child's teacher to validate your email. Please update/verify and return as soon as possible. Stay informed and ready for the upcoming school year!
Priority Registration APRIL 1st - April 30th
๐ฅ A Note from the Nurse
Cold Weather Health Tips
Stay Hydrated
Even in colder weather, it's crucial to stay hydrated. Drink water regularly, as the cold temperatures, dry air, and indoor heating can contribute to dehydration. Donโt like water? Sipping on warm drinks like herbal teas and enjoying nourishing soups can also be comforting and contribute to overall well-being. Try foods with high water content like cucumbers and oranges.
Dry skin can be a sign of dehydration. Remember to nourish your skin to prevent dryness and itching. Wash hands with moisturizing soap and warm water as hot water can strip away natural oils. Use moisturizers to keep your skin hydrated. Helping your child to apply lotions after bathing will improve skin condition. Have ChapStick or Vaseline available to apply to lips daily or more often to prevent cracking and bleeding. Students may keep ChapStick in their book bags or pockets and use it throughout the day.
Winter Nosebleeds
If your child suffers from cold weather nosebleeds it may be from the dry air. Try using a cold air humidifier at night. Saline nose drops or petroleum jelly may help too. If severe, consult your pediatrician.
Physical Activity Indoors
Physical activity is important, even when it's cold outside. Consider indoor exercises and activities to keep everyone moving during the winter months. Some ideas for home workouts are doing circuits with jumping jacks, squats, push-ups, lunges, and crunches or even computer fitness games. Other indoor activities include dancing, stair climbing, housework like vacuuming and sweeping, mall walking, bowling, roller skating, yoga or other fun group classes at your local gym, studio, or community center.
Dress Appropriately
Proper clothing is key to staying warm and healthy during cold weather. Hats and gloves help prevent heat loss from the head and hands, which are particularly vulnerable to cold exposure. Dress in layers to stay comfortable both indoors and outdoors.
PRE-K/KINDER OPPORTUNITY
Parent Opportunities
The VISD Connections is excited to host its Parent University series, designed to provide parents and guardians with the tools, resources, and knowledge to better support their childrenโs education, development, and well-being.
These FREE sessions offer expert guidance on key parenting topics and practical strategies to help families thrive. Mark your calendars for these upcoming opportunities.
All sessions will be hosted at VISD Connections 3002 East North Street, Suite J, Victoria, Texas 77901.
To secure your spot, please register by calling VISD Connections at 361-788-9909 or CLICKING HERE
๐ธOrder Your Yearbook๐ธ
Summer Opportunity
๐ Important Dates
- March 14th - April 4 Report cards conference window
- April 7 - Board of Excellence Awards @ FAC (by invitation only)
- April 9 - Kindergarten Graduation Pictures
- April 14 - May 9 - Pre-K CLI/Kinder TX-KEA Assessment Window
- April 15 - 3rd-5th Reading STAAR (closed campus)
- April 18 - NO SCHOOL: Good Friday
- April 21 - NO SCHOOL: Happy Easter
- April 23 - 5th grade Science STAAR (closed campus)
- April 29 - 3rd-5th Math STAAR (closed campus)
- April 30 - Progress Reports sent home
- May 5 - 9 - Teacher Appreciation Week
- May 26 - NO SCHOOL: Memorial Day
- May 29 - Last Day of School: Early Release