Texan Strong
Family Newsletter
Dec. 15, 2024
Issue #20
CORREA'S CORNER
Happy Sunday!
As we approach the final week before the holiday break, I want to express my gratitude for your continued partnership and support this semester. Your involvement has played a vital role in helping our students grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
This last week is a time for reflection, celebration, and focus, and we ask for your help in ensuring it’s successful for every student. Here’s how you can support your child during this important time:
-
Stay Engaged with Learning:
- Encourage your child to remain focused on their studies this week. Teachers are wrapping up key lessons and activities that will set the stage for a strong start in the new year.
- Check in on assignments, grades, and any upcoming deadlines by logging into HAC. Reach out to teachers if you have questions or concerns.
-
Attendance Matters:
- Every day this week is essential. Students benefit from being present and engaged right up until the break.
- Please ensure your child arrives on time, ready to learn, and stays for the full school day.
-
Behavior and Responsibility:
- This week can be exciting, but maintaining routines is critical. Reinforce the importance of following classroom and school expectations.
- Encourage your child to reflect on their accomplishments and set personal goals for the remainder of the school year.
-
Celebrate Growth:
- Take time to talk with your child about what they’ve learned and achieved so far this semester. Whether it’s mastering a tough concept, building new friendships, or growing in confidence, every step forward is worth celebrating.
- Set goals with your child for the new semester, so their successes can continue to grow.
Our campus will also be marking this final week with some special activities and opportunities to reflect on the semester.
Please continue to check our calendar on our Neff website, so you can keep up-to-date on things happening on our campus, and feel free to call us at 210-397-4100.
Thank you for your continued partnership and dedication to your child’s success. Together, we can ensure this week is productive, meaningful, and a positive conclusion to a fantastic semester.
💙 Mrs. Correa
#NeffStars #shiningbright
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
Here's What's Happening Next Week
12/16 Lifetouch Retakes
Music Groups perform @ SA Zoo
12/17 All Pro Dads mtg. 8 am
Texan Salvation Army Kettle Bell @ Walmart 4-6 pm
12/18 GBB: Neff vs. Stinson (7th @ Stinson/8th @ NSG) 5 pm
Orchestra Concert @ Holmes 6 pm
12/19 Polar Express in Library
PTA Candy Grams
BBB: Neff vs. Stinson (7th @ Stinson/8th @ NSG) 5 pm
12/20 Polar Express in Library
PTA Candy Grams
Grades due
No Referral Party
CAMPUS EXPECTATIONS
PAT NEFF TARDY POLICY
Tardies start counting this week, so please talk to your children about being on time to ALL their classes. They have 4 minutes every passing period which is plenty of time to go to the restroom, say hi to their friends and walk with purpose to their next class. Please review the policy below so you are aware of consequences for excessive tardies.
We have also implemented Tardy Roundup which is separate from our regular tardy policy. Throughout the year we will call random tardy roundups which means teachers close their doors when the tardy bell rings. At that time students who are still in the hallway will receive an automatic after school dhall for the next day. Parents will receive a call via School Messenger informing them of all the details.
PAT NEFF ACADEMIC COACHING
It's time for our students to start taking advantage of our Academic Coaching this year. Teachers will be available every day, except Tuesday and Friday afternoon to help your children in any of their classes. Please look at the schedule below and talk to your children about the benefits of attending because this is where they will be able to get help on classwork, homework, and/or retrieve credit in high school credit classes. Make sure they don't wait until the last minute!!
PEOPLE TO KNOW
TEXAN COUNSELING TEAM
Ms. Vela - Last names A-Hen
priscilla.vela@nisd.net 210-397-4126
Ms. Adkins - Last names Her-R
michele.adkins@nisd.net 210-397-4127
Ms. Aguero - Head Counselor - Last names S-Z
adriana.aguero@nisd.net 210-397-4125
TEXAN ADMINISTRATIVE TEAM
yvonne.correa@nisd.net 210-397-4110
Ms. Heim - Academic Dean
theresa.heim@nisd.net 210-397-4122
Mrs. San Roman- Associate Principal - 8th grade administrator
laura-i.sanroman@nisd.net 210-397-4115
Mr. Castellanos - Asst. Principal - 6th grade administrator
joseph.castellanos@nisd.net 210-397-4117
Mr. Garcia - Asst. Principal Sub. - 7th grade administrator
oswaldo.garcia@nisd.net 210-397-4116
TITLE I AND FAMILY ENGAGEMENT CORNER
Don't forget to reach out to our Family and Community Engagement Liaison, Mr. Villa, if you are needing additional resources/support to help your child be more successful at Pat Neff.
For more information regarding family services please contact:
Bryant Villa
Family and Community Engagement Liaison
Parent University Series
We're excited to share the flier for our Parent University Series! These workshops and events are designed to empower parents with tools and knowledge to support their children's success.
Please take a look at the flier below for more information.
JOIN PTA TODAY
RESOURCES & INFORMATION
HOW DO I HELP MY CHILD LEARN AT HOME?
Family History Timeline
Objective:
Encourage students and families to explore their family history, discuss important milestones, and create a shared timeline that highlights key events and traditions.
Materials Needed:
- Paper or poster board
- Markers, crayons, or colored pencils
- Family photos (optional)
- A ruler (optional, for drawing straight lines)
Instructions for Families:
-
Discuss Family History:
Sit down together and talk about major events in your family’s history. Consider topics such as:- Birthdates of family members
- Important family milestones (e.g., moving to a new home, starting school, special vacations)
- Cultural or religious traditions celebrated by your family
-
Choose Key Events:
As a family, decide which events to include on the timeline. You can include as many or as few as you’d like—this is your family’s story! -
Create the Timeline:
- Draw a horizontal line across the paper or poster board.
- Mark the timeline with the selected events, including the year and a brief description.
- Add drawings, symbols, or family photos to make the timeline colorful and personal.
-
Discuss the Importance of Each Event:
While working on the timeline, talk about why each event is meaningful and how it shaped your family. Encourage students to ask questions and share what they’ve learned.
- Include historical events from your community, country, or world that overlap with your family’s timeline.
- Create a "future" section to include goals or dreams your family has for the coming years.
This activity is a great way for students to connect their personal history to broader social studies concepts, and it provides a meaningful opportunity for families to bond.
15 DAYS OF TEXAN CHRISTMAS
Take a look at our calendar below and encourage your children to participate in our annual 15 Days of Christmas. We'd love to see them in their festive attire as we celebrate the season. There will also be some games/activities throughout the month. 🎄
NJHS & STUDENT LEADERS DOING GOOD THINGS
Our amazing NJHS members and student leaders wrapped gifts for a great cause. We love how they are doing good in our community this holiday season. 💙
BACKGROUND CHECK INFORMATION
Please take time to complete the background check located below, in case you ever want to take the time to volunteer, eat with your child, shadow your child, chaperone a field trip, and/or be a guest speaker.
FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram: @nisdpatneff
Facebook: Pat Neff Middle School-Northside ISD