Bear Necessities
McReynolds Middle School Newsletter for Parents and Students
August 16, 2024
McReynolds Mission Statement
McReynolds Vision Statement
McReynolds Core Values
Excellence is Expected
Resiliency is Learned
Collaboration is Welcomed
Integrity is Honored
Community is Necessary
Manifesting Academic Results & Victories for Every Learner
Congrats on a GREAT FIRST WEEK!
Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this message finds you well and that your family is settling into the new school year smoothly! We’ve had an exciting and productive first week at MAGICAL & MARVELOUS McReynolds and I wanted to take a moment to share how pleased we are with the students’ enthusiasm and engagement.
As we dive into the school year, I’d like to offer a few friendly reminders to help ensure a smooth and successful experience for everyone:
Instructional Time: Our students have been busy engaging in their new curriculum, and it’s important that they continue to make the most of their instructional time. Please ensure that students arrive on time each day so they can start their learning promptly. Timely arrival helps them fully participate in the day’s activities and sets a positive tone for their educational experience. Instruction begins at 8:30 please have students in the building by 8:10 so that they have time to transition and get prepared for the day.
Car Rider Expectations: For the safety and efficiency of our car rider line, we ask that you follow the designated procedures. Please pull all the way forward in the drop-off and pick-up line and remain in your vehicle. This helps us keep the flow of traffic smooth and ensures that all students are safely and quickly on their way. All car riders should be picked up in the car rider lane. Please do not park in front of the campus on Market as the area is needed for our Special Education Transportation Buses.
Uniforms: Our school uniform policy is in place to promote a sense of community and focus on learning. Please make sure your child is dressed in the appropriate uniform each day. If you have any questions about the uniform requirements or need assistance, feel free to reach out to us. We have several sponsors who will assist in helping students with uniform requirements.
- All students must wear Khaki uniform pants/shorts (must not be at least 2 inches above the knee /skirts must not be at least 2 inches above the knee)
- 6th Grade -Black collared shirts, 7th Grade - Gray collared shirts, 8th - Maroon collared shirts
- NO Hoodies or Jackets with Hoods allowed
Thank you for your support and cooperation in these matters. Working together, we can create an environment where every student thrives. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office.
Here’s to a MARVELOUS school year ahead!
Warm regards,
Principal Caesar
Chastity.caesar@houstonisd.org
713-671-3650
August Dates
12 - First Day of School
16 - District Celebration for Growth/Achievement
19 - Marvel Monday - Students may wear a superhero shirt/Marvel T-shirt with school appropriate jeans (NO Rips, Tears, Sagging, Tights, Jeggings)
20 - NWEA Reading Assessment - No Visitors/No early pick up
21 - NWEA Math Assessment - No Visitors/ No early pick up
22 - NWEA Science Assessment - No Visitors/No early pick up
September Dates
2- No School - Labor Day
3- No Classes - Staff Professional Development Day
5 - Open House starting 5:00p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
19 - Volleyball at McReynolds vs Rice 6:00/7:00 p.m.
27 - Report Cards go home
Campus Hours
Campus Rules
Counselor's Corner
Marvel Monday August 19th 2024
Altruistic August
GT Testing
Nurse's Corner
Dear Magical McReynolds Family,
This is Nurse Norvell!! I am excited to inform you we will be hosting another Free Immunization Clinic on August 23, 2024; first come, first served. Our priority is for students who are behind and our new 7th graders who need to have their TDAP and Meningococcal vaccine completed. If you are interested in your child participating without you having to be there, you must complete the consent form which we will have at the front desk for you to fill out, or print out (see below) and return to the campus. If you are not able to come to the school, please request one by emailing Nurse Norvell at Fabiola.Norvell@houstonisd.org. Thank you!
You may also email updated immunizations to Fabiola.Norvell@houstonisd.org. Please include your students' name, identification number (student S#), and date of birth.
Thank you!
Mobile Clinic
Arrival and Dismissal
Arrival
ALL STUDENTS arriving prior to the start of instruction ( 6:30 - 8:15) will enter through the side gate ( ZINDLER ST/ Courtyard area) and walk up to the first stairs to the cafeteria. Students will not enter through the FRONT DOOR of the school prior to 8:15.
Students will eat breakfast in the cafeteria and will be released at 8:15 to their respective classrooms.
There will be one car rider line for students to enter/exit safely. Students should be on the passenger side of the car so that it is easy for them to exit the car. Please watch for guidance from Staff members that are assisting with traffic.
The Entry gate to the courtyard will be closed promptly at 8:15 a.m. Students who are not in the building by 8:15 a.m. will need to go to the front of the building to enter through the front office. Students arriving after 8:30 will need a PARENT/GUARDIAN to sign them in at the front office. Student will be counted TARDY if they are not in their 1st period classroom at 8:30 a.m.
Dismissal
Walkers will be released first from the building through the dismissal exit ( Courtyard). Students will be walked to the intersection of Zindler and Market. Students will be instructed to stay on the side walk and part in the direction of their destination at the intersection.
If there is a train on the track at dismissal ALL WALKERS WILL BE HELD IN THE CAFETERIA until it is safe to release. Students may receive disciplinary consequences for failure to comply with adult directives. Please know that this measure is put into place for the SAFETY of your child.
Car Riders - will be released after clearing the way of all walkers to Zindler. Please be patient as we will be working to make sure that all students are safe at dismissal. Please do not park on the street in front of the school or near the Post Office. Please use the Car Rider Line for all car pickups.
3 A's Focus for the 24-25 School Year
Academics, Attendance and Attitude
Academics
Excellence is expected. Students should be engaged in their daily learning and should take the opportunity to excel in all classes. Students will be provided tutorials, and interventions daily to be successful throughout the school year. Before school and After school tutorials will begin in September.
Expectations in the classroom
Students are expected to engage in all classroom activities which may include but is not limited to turn and talk ( students will turn and talk with a classmate or group about their learning), Whiteboard activity (students utilize a whiteboard to answer their questions), Response Card (students write their responses in complete sentences on a response card and share out), Think-Pair-Share (students will have think time, pair up with a partner and then share out). Students are not allowed to OPT-OUT, it is an expectation that they participate in each activity throughout the instructional period.
Attendance Matters
In an effort for all students to receive quality instruction please make sure that students are on time and are in class for every period. EVERY PERIOD COUNTS towards daily attendance.
Attitude
McReynolds is a Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS) Campus. This is a framework we have in place to be proactive to behaviors and reward students for following school wide and classroom expectations. We want all Bears to show their ROAR PRIDE each and every day!
McReynolds is a restorative campus and we utilize strategies to help students understand their actions and students will receive appropriate consequences for their actions ( see student code of conduct/student handbook).
Immunizations & Physicals for ALL INTERESTED ATHLETES
Parental Involvement
Calling all Parents/Guardians
We need you! We are in the process of forming a PTO for the campus and would love for you all to participate no matter how small or how big. WE NEED YOU. Please reach out to to Mrs. Yolanda Aguilar at yolandaaguilar29@gmail.com if you are interested in helping to kick start the PTO here at McReynolds.
Shared Decision Making Committee
The Shared Decision Making Committee (SDMC) is an advisory group to the school principal except for approval of campus staff development. The principal will consult the SDMC in matters relating to the school educational program, but the principal has the final authority in all decisions.
The SDMC will meet quarterly throughout the school year. The dates will be provided at a later time. Most meetings will be hosted on the campus afterschool. The committee shall include at least two parents of students currently enrolled in the district.
If you are interested in serving as the parent liaison for the SDMC committee please submit your name and contact information to Principal Caesar at Chastity.caesar@houstonisd.org.
STEM/Magnet After School Courses
Click the picture to sign up!!!
Parent Portal HISD CONNECT
Fundraising for Bears
24 -25 School Year Calendar
Prohibited Items
Food and Drinks
Students are prohibited to have food/drinks in the hallway and/or classroom. Students should keep all food and drinks in a lunch-kit or backpack. If items are outside of the backpack or lunch kit the items will be confiscated and not returned. NO GLASS containers. Students should bring individual sized food items, FAMILY SIZED/PARTY SIZE items will be confiscated and not returned. Students are allowed to bring CLEAR WATER BOTTLES ONLY!
Cell Phone Policy
Telecommunications Policy
Students are prohibited from using all telecommunication devices such as, but not limited to cellular phones, nintendo switch, Ipads, etc. Such devices must not be visible and must remain turned off during the school day. A student in violation of these rules will have the device confiscated.
1st - Offense - Phone will be confiscated and student will pick up at the end of day
2nd Offense - Phone will be confiscated and released to the Parent/Guardian at the end of the day
3rd Offense or more - $15.00 Administrative fee paid to school and phone returned to Parent/ Guardian
Dress Code for 24 -25 School Year
Dress Code
At McReynolds Middle School we do REQUIRE ALL STUDENTS to be in uniform. If students are out of dress code parents will be contacted to bring/provide the appropriate clothing needed for the student. Students who have continuous dress code infractions will have consequences per the code of conduct/student handbook. If you are in need of support for uniforms please fill out the form here.
Uniform Assistance
If you are in need of support for uniforms please fill out the form here. We have several avenues/sponsors to help support our students in providing uniforms.
24- 25 School Supply List
Thank you to our Sponsors!!
We want to thank both of our Sponsors for supporting our students and providing School supplies, donations to help kick off the school year. We thank you for all that you do!
The Zachary McMillian Foundation : https://www.zacharymcmillianfoundation.org/contact
Union Pacific: https://www.up.com/index.htm
Student Code of Conduct
HISD Commitments Parental engagement is critical to creating a collaborative community which supports and advocates an equitable learning environment. The Parent/Student Handbook is key to building positive and effective relationships between students, parents, and the district by clearly stating the expectations, guidelines, and procedures for Houston ISD. We request all students and parents to become familiar with this handbook and use it as a general reference guide for information and guidance during this school year. Please read the handbook thoroughly.
If you have questions, contact your campus principal. Of note, the Student Code of Conduct (SCC) is a separate resource and can be obtained either on the district website or at your campus.
The SCC provides comprehensive information regarding the following:
• HISD behavior management expectations
• Description of prohibited conduct
• Disciplinary options, methods, and consequences for preventing and addressing student misconduct
• Behavior framework
• The district process for administering disciplinary consequences.
This handbook remains in effect during summer school and at all school-related events and activities outside the school year until an updated version becomes effective for the next school year. If there is a conflict between the SCC and the Parent/Student Handbook, the terms of the SCC will govern.
VAPE/Prohibited Items
Texas House Bill 114 - All students caught vaping or in possession of any type of component of a vape regardless of the substance on school property or during school related activities will result in district assigned consequences.
VAPE = DAEP
Students in possession of Illegal items will receive appropriate consequences per campus/district policy.
CEP Free Breakfast and Lunch Program
Houston Independent School District will provide free breakfast and lunch to students in the Community Eligibility Provision Program (CEP) for the 2024-2025 school year, but all parents/caregivers will still need to fill out a new socioeconomic form (SIF) which is available at the front desk.
All enrolled McReynolds students will receive free breakfast and free lunch. Students may bring their lunch must be in a lunch kit or backpack. No glass containers allowed. No food may be eaten in the classrooms.
Student Physicals
All students interested in UIL Sports or Activities (Dance, Band) needing a sports physical for the 2024-2025 school can receive one from a medical physician on 8/14/24 from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.. for $25 in the gym. Physical forms are available in the cafeteria for students to pick up and take home for parents to complete and bring back as soon as possible.
Introduction of Staff
6th Grade AP
7th Grade AP
8th Grade AP
Special Departments
Counselor: Mrs. Ruby Surratt - Ruby.Surratt1@houstonisd.org
Special Education Department Chair: Mrs. Shana McGee - Shana.McGee@houstonisd.org
Bilingual Interventionist: Mrs. Ashley Shelton - Ashley.Shelton@houstonisd.org
Bilingual Interventionist: Mrs. Sylvia Okpon - Sylvia.Okpon@houstonisd.org
Nurse: Mrs. Fabiola Norvell - Fabiola.Norvell@houstonisd.org
Office Manager: Mrs. Gricelda Villareal - Gvillar4@houstonisd.org
Assistant Office Manager/Registrar: Ms. Jaihdy ValdezUribe - jaihdy.valdezuribe@houstonisd.org
Assistant Office Manager/Registrar: Ms. Tiye Taylor - Tiye.Taylor@houstonisd.org
Copy Clerk: Mrs. Diana Sepulveda - Diana.Sepulveda@houstonisd.org
Special Education Programs
SLL - Ed Coleman - Ed.coleman@houstonisd.org
Special Education Paraprofessional: Mr. Walter Sanders - Walter.Sanders@houstonisd.org
Special Education Paraprofessional: Mrs. Brook Taylor - Brook.Taylor@houstonisd.org
SLC - Mrs. Michaela Burton - Michaela.Burton@houstonisd.org
Special Education Paraprofessional: Mr. Jerone Williams - Jerone.Williams@houstonisd.org
BSC - Mr. Gary Alexander -Gary.Alexander@houstonisd.org
Special Education Paraprofessional: Mrs. Briunna Barclay - Briunna.barclay@houstonisd.org
6th Grade Team
ELA: Ms. Jalisa Nelvis - Jalisa.Nelvis@houstonisd.org
Math: Ms. Shajuana Fries - Shajuana.Fries@houstonisd.org
AOT/SS: Ms. Kandice Melchor - Kandice.Melchor@houstonisd.org
Science: Ms. Melanie Henderson - Melanie.Henderson@houstonisd.org
Learning Coach: Mr. Luis Salazar - Luis.salazar@houstonisd.org
Special Education Co-Teacher - Mr. Cornell Weber - Cornell.Weber@houstonisd.org
7th Grade Team
ELA: Ms. Taylor Truehill - Taylor.Truehill@houstonisd.org
Math: Mr. Michael Smith - Michael.Smith3@houstonisd.org
AOT/SS: Mr. Jermarcus Jones - Jermarcus.Jones@houstonisd.org
Science: Mr. Morgan Lomax - Morgan.Lomax@houstonisd.org
Learning Coach: Mrs.Tanya Costilla - Tanya.Costilla@houstonisd.org
Special Education Co-Teacher: Mr. Glenton Beadle - Glenton.Beadle@houstonisd.org
8th Grade Team
ELA: Mrs. Elo Olalekan - Elo.Olalekan@houstonisd.org
ELA/AOT: Mrs. Donisha Taylor - Donisha.Taylor@houstonisd.org
AOT/SS: Mrs. Shanice Evans - Shanice.Evans@houstonisd.org
Social Studies: Mrs. Rebecca Sterner - Rebecca.Sterner@houstonisd.org
Science: Mrs. Tanika Sikes - Tanika.Sikes@houstonisd.org
Math: Mrs. Jessica Chavez - Jessica.Lasker@houstonisd.org
Math/Science: Mrs. Chantay Crawford - Chantay.Crawford@houstonisd.org
Learning Coach: Mr. Christopher Ridgway - Christopher.Ridgway@houstonisd.org
Special Education Co-Teacher: Mrs. Megan Graham - Megan.Graham@houstonisd.org
Electives
Theater: Mrs. Regina Evans - Revansjo@houstonisd.org
Band: Mr. Richard Harris - Richard.Harris2@houstonisd.org
Physical Education: Mr. Javari Liggins -Javari.Liggins@houstonisd.org
Teacher Apprentices
Teacher Apprentice: Mrs. Ebony Moore - Ebony.Moore@houstonisd.org
Special Education Teacher Apprentice: Mr. Robert Nash - Robert.nash@houstonisd.org
First week of HIGH QUALITY INSTRUCTION
7th and 8th Grade DYAD TRIP
Eligibility:
- Must not be suspended at any time during the school year
- Must not miss more than 3 days in the school year
Family and Community Engagement
District Parent Resources
Past Newsletters
August 2: https://secure.smore.com/n/h9m0p
August 11: https://secure.smore.com/n/u3s7a
August 16: https://secure.smore.com/n/jv6s9
John L. McReynolds
Website: https://www.houstonisd.org/mcreynolds
Location: 5910 Market Street, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 713-671-3650
Twitter: @McReynolds_HISD
Principal at McReynolds Middle School in Houston Independent School District