Havard Elementary Cowboy News

Happy October! We are almost through the first 9 Weeks, and we appreciate you all for helping make the beginning of the year so successful. It has been a very smooth transition.

This is the first monthly parent newsletter, and we will be communicating monthly events using this format for the rest of the school year. Activities and events will also be on our campus website and calendar. It is going to be a very busy month! If you have any questions about events or activities, please contact the front office.

For any questions or concerns, you can reach me at lappel@galenaparkisd.com, or you can schedule an appointment at 832-386-3710.

Have a wonderful October!

Dr. Lisa Hamblen

Upcoming Observance Dates:

• September 30-October 4: Custodial Appreciation Week
• Oct. 1-31: National School Principals Month
• Oct 1-31: National Breast Cancer Awareness month
• Oct 1-31: Domestic Violence Awareness Month
• Oct 1-31: National Bullying Prevention month
• Oct 1-31: National Depression & Mental health screening month
• Oct 4: World Smile Day
• Oct 6-12: Mental Illness Awareness Week (observed in GPISD 10/7-10/11)
• Oct 6-12: National Fire Prevention Week
  
• Oct. 10: World Mental Health Day
• Oct 16: National boss’s day
• Oct 16: Unity day
• Oct 21-25: National school bus safety week
• Oct 23-31: Red ribbon week (observed in GPISD 10/21-10/25)

As we get further into the school year, we would like to remind you of the importance of good attendance for all students. It is very important for children to be in school as much as possible. Every day a student is absent is a lost opportunity for learning. Too many absences can affect achievement for the absent student. Last year, our attendance was 95.1%. That means our students missed approximately 6 days each. Our goal for this year is 96.1%. This would mean that students miss about 5 days out of the 167 days in the school year. We will be monitoring student attendance closely. We know that you all play an integral role in ensuring your children are present and on time everyday. Lets work together to improve attendance and student success!

• If your student misses school, please send a note to their teacher or email AttendanceHAV@galenaparkisd.com when they return. If they are absent for more than 3 days, a doctor's note may be required.
• Please include the following on excuse notes:
  • your student's name
  • teacher's name and grade
  • date
  • your name
  • reason for absence
  • a number to contact you if there are questions.

Meet the Counselor

Greetings! I am so excited to be the new Counselor at Havard Elementary. I have a B.S in Victim Studies from Sam Houston State University and a M.Ed in School Counseling from Texas Southern University. I am also a Licensed Professional Counselor Associate. This is my 7th year in education and I am so glad to be home in GPISD.

Common reasons to see the counselor

• Help managing emotions like anger or sadness.

• Social skills

• Concerns about bullying or conflict with others

• Struggles with academic motivation

• Coping with changes at home (e.g, divorce, loss)

Referral system

• Students - self referral through counselor mail

• Teachers - Havard Hub google form

• Parents - google form on counselor’s website

Character Education Theme of The Month: Compassion and Tolerance

• Home Activity Suggestions:

• Create a “Tolerance Tree” where each leaf represents a value like kindness, respect, understanding, or patience. As a family, talk about what each value means and how you can show it in your actions.
• Create a “Gratitude Jar” at home where family members can write down things they are thankful for or kind things others have done for them. Each week, gather as a family to read them aloud.

Are you interested in volunteering at Havard or attending a field trip with your child? If so, please complete the GPISD Background Check at the link below. This must be completed and approved before you are eligible to volunteer or participate in any field trips. If you would like to be contacted to volunteer, please complete the Volunteer Interest Form.

#CowboysHAVexcellence

Website: https://www.galenaparkisd.com/Domain/12
Location: 15150 Wallisville Road, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 832-386-3710
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HAVCowboys
Twitter: @GPISDHavardElem