Negley Navigator News

Email: melody.crowther@hayscisd.net
Website: https://www.hayscisd.net/Domain/17
Location: 5940 McNaughton, Kyle, TX, United States
Phone: (512) 268-8501
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NegleyElementarySchool/

The mission at Negley Elementary is for students, teachers, and parents to work together to build a foundation of respectful leaders, lifelong learners, and problem solvers.

Ahoy Navigator Parents!

Welcome Back! Our Navigators are settling in nicely after our short break!

I'm glad we made it through this cold snap and I'm ready to get back to warmer weather! And yes, 60 degrees is warm compared to 35! LOL!

Academically, we will be digging into our curriculum. We have some district assessments throughout the next few weeks that will help us focus down, with laser like precision, to make sure our students are learning the standards. Your child's teacher will be in touch with ways you can support your child's learning.

Please be sure to purchase your child's yearbook NOW in order to get the less expensive rate! We will NOT be able to order more books when we sell out, as we have in the past, so please make that purchase now! Last year we had parents offering to pay 3 times the cost because they didn't buy one during the sales period (and their child was crying and heartbroken because they did not get one.) We CANNOT do that nor can we sell books we don't have! These yearbooks are high quality and well worth the money. I highly encourage you to make the purchase now! See information below.

Stay warm!

Thank you for sharing your sweet little ones with us!

Mrs. Crowther

Negley PTA would like to Thank ALL of the volunteers that helped make the Holiday Shop and Winter Dance successful! We couldn't have done it without you all!

🗓️ Stay tuned for our next general PTA meeting coming in January! Time and date TBD

Get your Negley Swag ordered! We've added long sleeve T-shirt options!

Shout "Happy Birthday" or "Happy Half Birthday" to your kiddo on the brand new marquee? Birthday marquee sign is on sale NOW on the PTA website.

https://www.negleyelementarypta.com/store.html

PTA Contact:
NegleyPTA@gmail.com

PTA Text Announcements:

Text - PTA to 833-531-0029

Follow Us on Social Media for Updates and Announcements

Facebook @Negley Elementary PTA

Instagram @NegleyPTA

Hello awesome Navigator Families,

This week in the library, our youngest readers will enjoy a special Texas 2x2 selection, "Two New Years" by Richard Ho. This beautifully illustrated picture book shares the unique differences and lovely similarities of two meaningful holidays celebrated by one family: Rosh Hashanah in the fall and Lunar New Year in the winter.

🎨 What We’re Learning
Through this story, students will:

• Discover the traditions of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, such as blowing the shofar and sharing sweet foods.
• Explore the customs of Lunar New Year, including vibrant decorations, special foods, and family gatherings.
• Discuss how different celebrations can share common themes like family, reflection, and hope for the year ahead.

Exciting Author Visit: Adrianna Cuevas!

We are thrilled to announce a special event for our 4th and 5th graders. The week of February 10th, 2025, author Adrianna Cuevas will be visiting our school to share her upcoming book, What Fell from the Sky.

Adrianna Cuevas is an award-winning author whose work explores themes of identity, family, and resilience. Her new book, What Fell from the Sky, is a heartwarming story about a young girl discovering the beauty and mystery of the world around her. In this novel, readers will be drawn into a journey of self-discovery, friendship, and the power of nature.

We are excited for this incredible opportunity for our students to connect with an author who shares her passion for storytelling and reading. If you have any questions about the event, feel free to contact the school library.

Thank you for your continued support of our library and for helping foster curiosity and kindness in our students.

Warm wishes,
Amy Horn
Library Media Specialist

Hey Negley! Yearbooks will be on sale through February 21st for $30, then the price will increase to $35 until our deadline has been met.

Here's the link to order:

https://jostensyearbooks.com/?REF=A09801715

And the QR code to Jostens storefront:

Please check the calendar often as it will be updated on a weekly basis.

JANUARY

13: Report cards go out

17: House Huddles - Wear your HOUSE SHIRT!

20: Student/Staff Holiday - MLK Day

22: Negley Spelling Bee

24: WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT!

25: Hays History Day: 9-1 @ Hays HS

31: HOUSE ASSEMBLY - WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT!

31: Kindergarten - Hibernation Day

31: 1st grade Penguin Day Celebration

FEBRUARY

2-7: National Counseling Week

3: One Hundredth Day of School

4: Reading Benchmark Test for students in grades 3-5

7: Buddy Huddle/Negley Good News - WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT

9-14: National Crossing Guard Appreciation Week

11: 5th grade students to visit Barton MS

13: Valentine Parties - ask your child's teacher for the time

13: 1st grade Trollstice

14: NO SCHOOL-STAFF WORK DAY

17: NO SCHOOL - STUDENT/STAFF HOLIDAY: PRESIDENTS' DAY

20: NEGELY Talent Show: 6-7:30 pm - cafeteria

21: House Huddles - WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT!

21: Talent Show: 6 - 7:30 pm - cafeteria

28: House Assembly: WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT

MARCH

3: Read Across America Day

4: Math Benchmark for students in grades 3-5

5: 120th day of School

6: 3rd grade Market Day

7: Buddy Huddle/NGN - WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT!

9: DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS!

12: Field Day - grades 1st and 2nd

13: Field Day - grades 3rd and 4th

14: Field Day - grades 5th, Kinder, PK

14: 1st grade celebrates the 120th day of school

15 - 23: SPRING BREAK!!!!

25: Science Benchmark -

26: District Art Show begins

27: 3rd 9 weeks house party

28: House Assembly - WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT!!

APRIL

3: Book Fair/Fine Arts Night

4: Librarian Appreciation Day

4: BuddyHuddle/NGN: WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT!

8: Kindergarten graduation pictures

11: House huddle - WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT!

15: READING STAAR TEST - 3/4/5

16: READING STAAR MAKEUP TEST - 3/4/5

17: Kinder sigh word egg hunt

18: STUDENT/STAFF HOLIDAY - NO SCHOOL

21: NO SCHOOL - STAFF WORKDAY

22: School Bus Driver Appreciation Day

23: SCIENCE STAAR TEST - 5TH

24: SCIENCE STAAR MAKEUP TEST - 5TH

24: NES Choir Concert

25: House Assembly - WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT!

25: 1st grade Farm Day

29: MATH STAAR - 3/4/5

30: MATH STAAR MAKEUP TEST

30: Poem in my Pocket Day

MAY

2: Buddy Huddle - WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT

5-9: TEACHER AND STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

9: LAST ASSEMBLY OF THE YEAR - WEAR YOUR HOUSE SHIRT

11: Mother's Day

13: 4th 9 weeks House winner party

16: HOUSE CUP CELEBRATION!!!

22: Last day of school for students

23: TEACHER WORK DAY

Daily and timely attendance is important for your child's success. Being present in school helps students thrive and become the best versions of themselves. We encourage you to plan vacations, trips, and appointments during off-school times whenever possible. Your support in this helps us create a strong learning environment for all our students.

Parents/grandparents that want to come in and help teachers/volunteer in the classroom/workroom, MUST go to the Hays website to have a background check run and become a registered VIP Volunteer. You will also need this if you want to chaperone a field trip in the future.

Here’s the link!

https://hays.ezcommunicator.net/edu/hays/ezcomm/VolunteerRegistration.aspx?app=0

We will let you know if your child needs a new badge.

https://hayscisd.revtrak.net/campuses-and-instruction/es/negley-elementary/#/v/NES-Student-Badge-Replacement-1817

$5.00 to replace a House Lanyard or Bus Badge

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gUqRdQDe4X_uVwCeck7MWrt-ke_TAemWT4txgsxQg-g/edit?usp=sharing

We have noticed that we are having an incredibly large amount of students who are being dropped off or showing up at the school early - either the front doors or the car rider doors as early as 6:20 am. Parents - this is not safe! Our staff does not begin their work day until 7:00 am - when the doors open. This is not safe for a variety of reasons:

1. Lack of Supervision:

Without staff present, students are unsupervised, leaving them vulnerable to accidents, injuries, or unsafe behavior.

2. Stranger Danger:

Early arrivals could encounter unauthorized individuals or strangers near the campus, posing a potential security risk.

3. Traffic and Parking Hazards:

Early drop-offs may increase congestion in the parking lot or streets, creating unsafe conditions for pedestrians and vehicles.

4. Exposure to Environmental Risks:

Students waiting outside may face harsh weather conditions, such as extreme heat, cold, or rain, which could harm their well-being.

5. Opportunity for Misbehavior:

Unsupervised students might engage in unsafe activities, such as running into traffic, rough play, or conflicts with peers.

The only students who are allowed in as faculty members come in are Safety Patrol or House Leaders.

Please do not drop your students off and leave them unsupervised before the school is open.

Parents - thank you for being more mindful as you are driving your child to school! Let's keep it up. Hopefully, this is the one last item to address: PLEASE SLOW DOWN (SLOWER THAN THE 20 MPH LIMIT) WHEN APPROACHING A CROSSWALK! KEEP YOUR EYE ON THE CROSSING GUARD! Ms. Taylor was almost hit by a van as she was in the crosswalk this week! Mr. Vanatter has also had close calls in the past.

We understand that student drop off is" a pain" due to the amount of traffic and the small neighborhood roads we all drive to get to Negley. Rushing through or being impatient is not going to help the reality of the situation, only hinder it. Honking at the cars in front of you will not make the traffic go faster. Cursing or giving the "South Austin salute" is not going to get you there any faster and you've just ruined someone's day. My guess is that it really doesn't make you feel any better either.

Ms. Taylor and Mr. Vanatter, our amazing crossing guards, are providing a service for our campus - one that is CRITICAL for our Negley students in getting to school safely. They are paid a very small salary and they STAY because they LOVE our Negley families! Please be KIND to them, and keep them safe too by driving slowly through the school zone.

Many of our Negley drivers do a fantastic job of being safe on a daily basis. You know who you are. Please keep it up! We see you and you are appreciated.

So let's be nice to each other. We are all in the same BOAT together as we NAVIGATE the traffic around Negley. WE can do better - our children deserve it!

We've had several close calls involving cars and pedestrians over the past few weeks. I'd like to take a moment to remind our parents and guardians about the importance of safe driving especially in our school zone. The safety of our students is our top priority, and we need your help to ensure that everyone can arrive and leave school safely each day.

Please keep the following guidelines in mind when driving near the school:

1. Slow Down : Observe the speed limit in the school zone, especially during drop-off and pick-up times.

2. No Phones: Avoid using mobile phones while driving. Keeping your attention on the road ensures that both pedestrians and other drivers are safe.

3. Crosswalks: Always stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, and be patient with students and crossing guards helping children cross the street. BE KIND to our crossing guards! Their job is to keep our students safe.

4. Don't Jaywalk! Yes, jaywalking is illegal in Texas:

• Definition

  Jaywalking is crossing the street outside of a designated crosswalk or where you are not supposed to cross.

• Penalties

  A jaywalking citation in Texas can cost up to $200, and you may also be required to perform community service if you're crossing a highway.

• Exceptions

  There are some exceptions to the jaywalking law, such as in emergency situations, or if you're directing traffic or working in a construction zone.

• Right-of-way

  Pedestrians only have the right-of-way when crossing at a pedestrian crossing.

• Pedestrian safety

  Pedestrians should always prioritize safety, and some tips include using crosswalks, waiting for the walk signal, and looking both ways before crossing.

Pedestrians who are hit while jaywalking are likely to be found at fault for the accident. However, Texas has a modified comparative negligence system, so you may still be able to receive compensation if you can prove the driver shares some responsibility.

5. Parking: Only park in designated areas. The front lot is closed from 7:00 - 7:30 am. Once it opens, please enter SLOWLY and watch for students who are crossing the office crosswalk.

6. Follow School Staff Directions: Our staff is present to manage the flow of traffic and ensure the safety of our students. Please respect and follow their directions.

7. Plan for Extra Time: Give yourself plenty of time during drop-off and pick-up. Rushed driving can lead to dangerous situations. If your child is already tardy, they will not get there any sooner if you are speeding through the circle drive.

We encourage all parents to talk to their child about pedestrian safety and being aware of their surroundings while crossing streets or walking near traffic. By working together, we can make our school zone a safer place for everyone.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safety.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we continue to prioritize the safety of our students, staff, and families, we would like to remind everyone of the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, especially when operating golf carts in and around school zones.

With many families choosing golf carts as a convenient means of transportation, it is essential that we all work together to ensure the safety of everyone in our school community.

Please take note of the following safety reminders:

1. Observe Speed Limits: School zones have strict speed limits, and this applies to golf carts as well. Please drive slowly and cautiously at all times.

2. Yield to Pedestrians: Students and staff may be crossing the road or walking near school entrances. Always stop for pedestrians and be prepared for sudden stops.

3. Proper Licensing and Age Requirements: Ensure that the driver of the golf cart is properly licensed and meets the legal age requirements for operating a golf cart. No underage driving is permitted. In Texas, you must be at least 16 years old and have completed a golf cart safety course to drive a street-legal golf cart.

4. Stay on Approved Roads and Paths: Golf carts should only be driven on roads and paths that are designated for their use. Please avoid driving on sidewalks, grass, or any areas that are not approved for golf cart traffic. Our "golf cart zone" is the road beside Rocking Horse. You may park along the road and have your child exit onto the sidewalk and then cross at the crosswalk, or you may pull up to the other side of the crosswalk and have your child exit onto the sidewalk by the garden gate. Golf carts should not park in the grass on the school building side of this area. Golf carts may only enter the circle drive area after 7:30 am to drop off a student who is tardy.

5. Stay Vigilant and Minimize Distractions: Like any vehicle, it is important to stay focused while operating a golf cart. Avoid distractions such as cell phone use, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Our shared responsibility is to keep the school environment safe for everyone, and by following these simple guidelines, we can help prevent accidents and injuries. Thank you for being respectful to our school employees who are working these areas to keep our families safe. Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safety.

Parents must purchase a new one for $5.00. Preferably on Revtrak on the Negley website, or $5.00 cash. This is for House Lanyard Badges AND Bus SmartTags. Teachers will be contacting you if your child needs a new badge.

Here is the link if needed:

https://hayscisd.revtrak.net/campuses-and-instruction/es/negley-elementary/#/v/NES-Student-Badge-Replacement-1817

If you arrive after 3:15, please come to the front office to pick up your child.

Please remember that ANYTIME you come to school to join your child (other than just dropping off your child at the beginning of the day) you MUST check in at the front office and get your Raptor sticker. To receive a sticker, you must present a photo ID regardless if this is your first time or thousandth time to check in to the school. This is for student safety and for us to know who is on our campus at all times. Thank you for being nice to the front office staff as they enforce this safety measure.

This does not apply to evening activities - just the school day.

https://www.hayscisd.net/Page/16541

Click here for the student dress code in English and Spanish.

From our Student Services Director, Brian Dawson:

We are seeing students bring their toy weapons to school. Specifically, toy guns and lasers. They have not used them as a threat toward anyone. However, these items can cause fear with the current time we are living in.

A replica of a weapon, such as a toy gun, is not a weapon. However, a student can receive both campus consequences for bringing the item(s) to campus, on a bus, or a school-sponsored event. If the item is thought to be or represented as a real weapon, a student could go to our District Alternative Education Program.

In our student code of conduct, it states:

Possession of Prohibited Items

Students shall not possess or use:

• Fireworks of any kind, smoke or stink bombs, or any other pyrotechnic device;
• A razor, box cutter, chain, or any other object used in a way that threatens or inflicts bodily injury to another person;
• A “look-alike” weapon that is intended to be used as a weapon or could reasonably be perceived as a weapon;
• An air gun or BB gun;
• Ammunition;
• A hand instrument designed to cut or stab another by being thrown;
• A firearm silencer or suppressor;
• A location-restricted knife;
• A club;
• A firearm;
• A firearm silencer or suppressor;
• A stun gun;
• Knuckles;
• A pocket knife or any other small knife;
• Mace or pepper spray;
• Pornographic material;
• Tobacco products, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and any component, part, or accessory for an e-cigarette device (HB 114 requires mandatory placement in a DAEP for any offenses related to e-cigarettes);
• Matches or a lighter;
• A laser pointer, unless it is for an approved use; or
• Any articles not generally considered to be weapons, including school supplies, when the principal or designee determines that a danger exists.