MPVA Weekly Update

January 29 - 2 ,2024

Dear Parents,

Last week HISD announced school ratings and a list of schools that would become part of the New Education Schools (NES) model. A daily recurring question since then has been, "Will Meyerland be an NES school next year?" The answer is no, we will not. I have also been asked, "If Meyerland is not an NES school, why are you incorporating NES strategies?"

One of the initiatives introduced this year to all HISD schools, not just NES, were Multiple Response Strategies (MRS). These strategies are meant to drive student engagement up and to have students participate in better learning discussions with their peers and with their teachers. Many times, these discussion strategies are also paired with a writing prompt in which students first put their thoughts down on paper before they engage in a discussion. I have seen first hand how this has helped students provide better answers to questions, and through discussion with their peers, have a better understanding of what is being taught. These strategies are what educators call "best teaching practices". They are universal to all schools, not just to those that are NES.

I know that there has been a lot of discussion and some confusion around the NES model.. One thing that I have to keep reminding myself amidst all the discussions had around NES schools is that the intent is to help close achievement gaps that do exist. There is no denying that many students are not at grade level proficiency across the United States, Texas, Houston, and HISD. This includes MPVA. We have kids too that struggle and have gaps in their learning, gaps that widened during the pandemic. This is true of all schools. Given this, I do believe that the spirit of the NES model is to address these learning gaps with urgency and to help our kids grow academically. While we can debate what model works best for helping students, what is not debatable anymore is that something different needed to be done.

Last Friday we had current and incoming MPVA parents attend a "Coffee with the Principal" meeting. (I want to thank everyone that came. I was honestly shocked when I saw how many parents had packed into our library!) I had the pleasure of engaging everyone present with an MRS strategy - a Table Talk. Once I turned a question over to everyone for discussion, the energy and the conversation in the room skyrocketed. It also then contributed to the great conversations and discussions that ensured for close to two hours. This is the same type of energy and discussion we strive for in our classrooms every day.

Even though we are not an NES school this year and will not be one next year, what we do know is that we need to continue to evolve our teaching strategies and approaches to teaching, assessment, and learning. Every year our kids come in with different needs and increasingly diverse ways of learning. This is why we will continue to try new approaches when applicable, and continue to use best teaching practices that are tried and true. All the work educators put in is difficult at best and can feel overwhelming at worst. However, it is also extremely rewarding when we see the growth in our students and know that we made a positive impact on their academic growth, personal development, and on their journey through adolescence. That is something every educator can take pride in.

Thank you all for your support of our school and of everyone inside of it. We depend on all of you to help us help your students. Together, we will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our shared children.

Respectfully,

Mr. Sarabia

Academics are the mind of our school. Athletics are the heart of our school. Arts are the soul of our school. #WeAreMPVA

MPVA Updates

Visitors Window

Just a friendly reminder that, in an effort to avoid classroom disruptions, we kindly request that parents refrain from dropping off lunch, including outside food such as Chick-fil-A, McDonald's and etc. at the Visitor's Window during school hours. We encourage you to send your students with their lunches in the mornings or allow them to participate in the free HISD hot lunch provided in the cafeteria.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in creating a smooth learning environment.

MPVA Library

Don't miss award winning author and illustrator duo Lisa Yee and Dan Santat! Click here for more information.

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MPVA Fine Arts

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US Navy Band Concert

On February 2nd, the United States Navy Band from Washington D.C is visiting MPVA for an in-school concert. This concert will be open to our students and MVPA Band parents. We are also inviting students/directors from neighboring band programs.

It is an honor to have been selected to host this concert and we look forward to this exciting event!

Art

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Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo Art Contest

Congratulations to Locke Beavers, Macie Simecek, Mia Nguyen, and Stella Williams who participated in the Houston Livestock & Rodeo Art Show. Their pieces made it past the HISD level competition and into the finals for the HLS&R School Art Contest. We are thrilled to announce the results for the middle school category:

1. Locke Beavers - BEST IN SHOW; "Freedom"

2. Macie Simecek - GOLD MEDAL; "Squak Bach"

3. Stella Williams - HLS& R FINALIST; "Barrel Race"

4. Mia Nguyen - HLS& R FINALIST; "Pony Ride"

We also want to congratulate Paulina Martinez-Lozano who was awarded a BLUE RIBBON for her piece, "Rodeo Dreams", in the preliminary HISD art contest.

It is difficult to believe at times that these are middle school students producing this level of quality and excellence. We are extremely proud of our young artists and look forward to seeing more of their work in the future! #WeAreMPVA

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"Freedom"

Artist - Locke Beavers

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"Squak Bach"

Artist - Macie Simecek

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"Barrel Race"

Artist - Stella Williams

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"Pony Ride"

Artist - Mia Nguyen

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"Rodeo Dreams"

Artist - Paulina Martinez-Lozano

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Best in Show and Gold Medal Awards Presentation

Creative Writing

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Guitar

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HSPVA Guitar Program

We have exciting news for our parents and students interested in continuing to study in the field of the guitar - HSPVA is starting a guitar program! It will start very small (6 students, all 9th graders), and they will increase to around 18-24 total by adding 5 or 6 students each successive year.

Students will spend 3 hours on specific guitar instruction every other day, for four academic school years, and will be required to present adjudicated Senior Recitals, like any other music student.

Guitar instruction is one of the thriving District music areas in HISD and HSPVA is committed to continuing to support fine arts endeavors.

Audition requirements will be posted soon on the HSPVA website.

Broadcast Journalism

MPVA Athletics

Register My Athlete

If your child is interested in participating or trying out for any UIL sport that Meyerland Middle School offers, then the following must be completed:

The student must be registered through RMA (Register My Athlete)
- Link to RMA: https://www.registermyathlete.com/
- Link to Video Instructions for RMA:
  - https://youtu.be/5rbBXZaGgq0
- Link to RMA Step-by-Step Instructions:
All student-athletes must be cleared through RMA before they can try out, practice, or participate in any UIL sport.

FROM THE PTO

MPVA Spirit in January

We've got SPIRIT, yes we do, we've got SPIRIT, how 'bout you? Join us for MPVA Spirit Night at Escalante's in Meyerland Plaza, 590 Beechnut Street, on Tuesday January 30th between 11a and 9p. How many tacos can YOU eat?

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MPVA Adult's Night Out

The PTO is organizing an MPVA Adults Night Out at the 401 in Bellaire, 6700 Ferris St. Suite 150, on Monday January 29th at 6pm. Come to hang out, mingle, and nosh with fellow Greyhound guardians!

Magnet Tours

MAGNET TOURS are still happening on Thursdays, and volunteers are needed at 1p. Our magnet team makes it super easy to help - sign up here or email magnetrelations@mpvapto.com: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040548AFA728A75-44753323-magnet?fbclid=IwAR1MUWf1h0Qvn6WDXv2y17Y2KMo__o6t31SwDKA3u-1jx3qGTTUokHHXR9E_aem_AZ3H89edGWOtOJO6xfQOdvWEvUaxZQLI8YrvmeQC4NVyTmuTgGKs4RnAOVaUPAOGUyM#/

8th Grade Parents

The School Choice portal is now open, and we know many are figuring out where your children will attend high school. If you have questions about the process, much can be learned by following the HISD Magnet Parents Forum on Facebook. The new donation portal for 8th grade events is being finalized and will be shared out shortly, along with dates of all activities. Please note that all money given online in support of 8th Grade Events will go through the PTO website, NOT SchoolPay.

School Store

Those MPVA sweatshirts and fleece jackets have come in handy with this latest weather! Need any extra? Anything purchased from the MPVA PTO SCHOOL STORE is delivered during SPARK on the following Monday: https://mpva.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/7241

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New Sweatshirt Design (Purple)

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New Sweatshirt Design (Grey)

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Back by Popular Demand - Black MPVA Crest T-Shirt

Morning & After-Care Registration

Registration for Morning and After-Care for the 2023-2024 school year can be found at https://mpva.membershiptoolkit.com/aftercare-2023-page1. Once all fees and four (4) registration documents are received and processed, a confirmation email with QR and Remind app codes are sent out. Students cannot be accepted to care without these.

This year’s rate is a $180 flat fee per month that includes both morning and after care (there is no a la carte pricing), there is a $75 registration fee, and a $75 drop in rate (after the third drop in the account will automatically convert to monthly). Questions about the program may be directed to treasurer@mpvapto.com.

Join the PTO

Register to be a member of the PTO (it’s free) to get official parent communication and buy uniforms via the school store at: https://MPVA.membershiptoolkit.com