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Women's History Month
March 2024
From the Eagles Nest
Dear Doral Families,
As the gentle breeze of spring sweeps through our days, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we've shared this school year. Spring invites us to embrace renewal and new beginnings, mirroring the fresh enthusiasm and energy our students bring to their classrooms each day. Their willingness to tackle challenges with curiosity and determination is truly inspiring.
At Doral, we understand the importance of fostering an environment where every student feels supported, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential. As partners in your children's education, your unwavering support and collaboration have been instrumental in nurturing their growth and success.
As we approach the end of this school year, let's continue to cherish every moment of this journey together. Let's celebrate the milestones achieved and embrace the opportunities that lie ahead. Together, we can inspire our students to finish the year strong, remaining committed to their goals and aspirations.
I invite you to share your love for Doral with other families in our community. Your positive experiences and heartfelt recommendations are invaluable as we strive to grow and strengthen our school family. Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating your children. It is a responsibility we hold dear, and we are honored to be a part of their academic and personal development.
Wishing you all a season filled with warmth, joy, and the beauty of new beginnings.
Mrs. DeSousa
Let's get ready for Women's History Month!
Find resources for communicating to students the many ways women and girls have fought for a more just world through the power of their voices.
Enjoy! 🗣 🎤🪧✍🏽
Resources for Women's History Month
Two Resources for Supporting Girls to Succeed
Calendar & Upcoming March Events
Dates and Times
March 4th: Class Picture Day( wear unforms) & Doral Founders Day
March 4th-8th: Dr Seuss Week (see below)
- Scholastic Book Fair https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/doralacademybuda2
March 6th- 24th: TELPAS Testing window K-6th
March 5th: Kinder Round UP 4pm-5pm
March 6th: School Wellness Committee Meeting 5pm to 5:45pm in Library
March 7th: STEM Night 6pm-7pm
March 8th: Early Release 12pm
March 11th to 15th: Spring Break
March 20th: Parent Night STAAR 5pm-6pm
March 21st: Basketball Scrimmage
March 25th: Soccer Scrimmage
March 28th: Honor Roll & STAAR Spirit Rally
March 29th: NO SCHOOL Good Friday
March 31st: Easter Sunday
Re-Enrollment is Now Open! 🍎🎓✏️📏🏫
Eagle Families!
Re-enrollment is now OPEN for current families Kindergarten-8th grade for the 2024/2025 school year! 🏫🎒✏️
Don't miss your chance to secure your student's spot!
Re-enrollment will be done on Parent Portal:
https://portals13.ascendertx.com/ParentPortal/login?distid=105804
Onsite help will be available in the main office Mondays to Fridays from 8:30am to 1:30pm to provide personalized assistance.
If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Ms. Arriaga at iarriaga@doralacademytx.com or 512-436-3881 ext. 103
Kinder ROUND UP
March 05, 2024 @ 4pm-5pm
Student must be 5 or turn 5 before September 01.
Safety First! From Ms. Garza 🚧✋🛑
Arrival Procedures
Doral Academy is a Hands Free Zone while driving on campus
School Speed Limit on Fire Cracker Dr- 20 MPH
School Speed Limit on Campus- 5 MPH
School Hours for Students are 7:25 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
School Office Hours are 7:15 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Arrival
Parents should enter the south gate and follow the L around to the north gate. Please do not BLOCK the gate prior to 7:25am to allow for teacher entry. No student should enter the side door into the building prior to 7:25 a.m. as there is no supervision for his or her safety until after that time. Students may enter the building at 7:25 a.m. It is very important for all students to come to school on time every day. Students should be in their seats and ready to learn by 8:00 a.m. Parents are encouraged to let children enter the school building independently.
A crossing guard is stationed at the crosswalk from 7:25 am - 7:50 am. Please be aware of our crossing guard, Ms. Donaldson when she is crossing students/parents.
Instructions for Drop Off
Parents should follow the following procedures when dropping off his or her child(ren):
- The teachers on duty will direct the flow of traffic and the drop off zone.
- Cones are placed to show 2 drop off lanes.
- Students should not exit the vehicle unless an adult comes up to the car door.
- Parents should follow the direction of teachers on duty in pulling up to the drop off zone.
- Parents should not exit their vehicle. The teachers on duty will open car doors for students.
- The teachers on duty will not unbuckle seat belts.
- Parents should wait to be directed to move forward and/or continue after your child has exited the car.
- There will be no idling and/or parking in the drop off lanes. If you need to enter the school with your child(ren), please park in the front of the school. Please DO NOT park along the FIRE LANE.
STAAR Testing is just around the corner!!!
Information about STAAR
STAAR testing for 3rd to 7th graders are coming up in mid- April! Parent notification letters and calendars will be sent home this week.
Here are the Texas STAAR test requirements for all public schools:
Nurturing Success: A Parent's Guide to STAAR Test Prep
As parents, our role in our children's educational journey is more than just providing support – it's about understanding the human side of test preparation. In this blurb, we'll explore heartfelt strategies to help your child effectively use released STAAR tests, fostering a positive and compassionate approach to this part of their academic adventure.
Unveiling the Released Tests: Embracing the Learning Journey
Released STAAR tests hold stories of growth and learning. Begin by sitting down with your child, and exploring the test blueprint together. Break it down in a way that feels like an adventure – a shared exploration into the world of testing. (STAAR Released Test Questions | Texas Education Agency)
Learning from Experience: The Power of Understanding Strengths and Weaknesses
Encourage your child to take a full-length STAAR test in a cozy, comfortable setting. Treat it as an experience, not just an exam. Afterward, share a moment to discuss what felt challenging and what felt like a breeze. This helps identify their unique strengths and areas that deserve a bit more attention.
Thematic Study Sessions: Tailoring Learning to Personal Passions
Rather than turning study sessions into a routine, infuse them with a touch of personal passion. If your child loves stories, weave in literature; if they enjoy hands-on activities, bring in real-world applications. This thematic approach not only makes learning more enjoyable but also personalizes the journey.
Embracing Mistakes: Turning Challenges into Growth Opportunities
Released tests come with stories – not just correct answers but the journey of understanding. When your child makes a mistake, don't just correct it; explore it together. Understand the why behind the errors, turning them into stepping stones for growth.
Test Time Play: Building Skills in a Joyful Environment
Simulate test conditions, but make it a playful experience. Create a cozy "test time corner" with snacks and encouragement. Turn it into a game where the goal is not just answering questions but having fun while doing it. Laughter and learning often go hand in hand.
Online Adventures: Infusing Tech with Heart
Explore online resources as if embarking on a digital adventure. Think of it as a journey of discovery rather than a chore. Online platforms offer interactive quizzes, video tutorials, and games – making learning feel more like a captivating exploration.
Building Confidence: Encouragement in Every Step
Celebrate the small victories – those moments of understanding, the "aha" expressions, and the perseverance shown. Your encouragement creates a support system that extends beyond test preparation, building confidence in every step of the learning journey.
The Power of Togetherness: Shared Stories and Shared Growth
Encourage your child to share their learning stories with friends or family. Learning becomes richer when it's a shared experience. Create an environment where questions are welcomed, and everyone contributes to each other's growth.
Released STAAR tests are not just about assessments; they are chapters in a story of growth and learning. Embrace the uniqueness of their learning style, celebrate their progress, and together, turn STAAR preparation into a chapter of their educational adventure filled with warmth and understanding.
Clubs and Program Updates
March Updates
Writing Club: Mrs. Burns 📓
The Brilliant Scribblers Writing Club is finishing up February's issue. It will include Teacher and Student features, Must Reads, Weather articles and more. We are also including some additional 6 word stories. The Writing Club has now completed 3 issues for this school year.
Spring CUBING Club: Mrs. Mican
Starting this Thursday Feb 29, 2024
Time: 3:45 ends at 4:45
When do we meet? Every other Thursday (April 12, April 26, May 10, May 24)
Cubes are provided. Grade level 4th – 7th only.
$10 Entry Fee
4H Club: Ms. Piche
Help Doral Grow our Poultry Program!
Phase 1: Coop & Run Build
Everything is prefabricated for assembly. We will be assembling the metal run and covering it in ¼ inch hardware cloth. The wooden coop will be painted before we assemble it later. Please, bring your own working gloves.
Optional: Bring heavy scissors, wire cutters, mallet.
Kids are welcome, but you are responsible for supervising and ensuring safety on the work site.
Sunday, March 3, 2024
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
back of Doral Academy
Gifted and Talented Program: Ms. Piche
Nominations Run March 4-13
Watch ClassDojo and School Announcements for more information!
Special Education Update
Progress Reports- From Mrs. Lawson
3rd quarter progress reports for the special education department will be sent home with students the week of March 18th. Be on the lookout and please reach out if you have any questions 🙂
Counselor's Corner
Restorative Practice with Ms Eyhorn
Restorative practice is a proactive way of working WITH people, not doing things TO them, not doing things FOR them and NOT being neglectful and doing nothing at all (Wachtel and McCold, 2001, p.117). They seek to increase the opportunities for dialogue at every level. It's a great way to resolve conflict by focusing on repairing the harm that has been done. Please visit the following link if you are interested in more about it.
• Restorative Practices Made Simple: Families as Partners
o Families as Partners is a video series dedicated to empowering parents with the tools needed for effective communication and restorative practices at home. This series is designed to align home environments with the restorative approaches taught in schools, ensuring a consistent and supportive experience for children. It focuses on providing parents with resources and strategies to foster better understanding and relationships with their children, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between families and educational institutions. To learn more and view the series visit https://tea.texas.gov/rdp-families-as-partners .
Thank you so much for celebrating the National School Counselors week. I felt so special and loved.
March's SEL Theme is Patience
From Ms. Burns, SEL Coordinator
Patience: Waiting until later for what you want now. I can wait.
Patience is waiting for something or someone. It is accepting delay without
getting angry or upset.
Sesame Street video on Patience: https://youtu.be/qgeuCgODgv4
Article: https://www.edutopia.org/blog/patience-ainissa-ramirez
Video on Marshmallow Experiment https://youtu.be/QX_oy9614HQ
Marshmallow experiment for the younger kids:
Put out 1 marshmallow for each child. Say to the children they can eat their
marshmallow now, or wait until the story/game/activity/chore has finished. If they wait,
they will get 2 marshmallows to eat!
Growing Rock Candy Experiment: (Kids must be patient for this experiment):
Option 1: https://sciencing.com/how-to-make-rock-candy-at-school-12748643.html
Option 2: https://www.sciencebuddies.org/stem-activities/rock-candy
Fun Facts about patience:
● When Thomas Edison invented the lightbulb, it took him over 1,000 tries!
● It took the Wright Brothers 6 years to invent the airplane!
● It took another 6 years to send a man to the moon!
● It takes between 150 and 300 days to travel from Earth to Mars!
If the great inventors of our time did not have patience and self control, you would likely
not be reading this right now. In fact, you might be living in a cave or tent somewhere.
You would have no electricity, no car, no school and almost certainly no internet!
Doral PTSA Announcements
Member Drive
Membership Drive 2/27-3/7 - Have your student join PTSA from until March 7th. March 8th, student members will have earned an ice cream party.
STEM Speaker
March 4th - Students will enjoy college young women coming to present on topics in STEM fields of study.
March 7th- PTSA Booth at STEM Night
Presentation!
March 27th - Students will enjoy a presentation from BK Bones
CHIPOTLE April Fundraiser!
February Staff of the Month!
Congratulations, Ms. Russian! 😀
Thank you for all that you do.