Mt. Peak Family,

We have so many exciting things happening at Mt. Peak! First, don’t forget that the final presentation on school funding is on October 17th. Dr. Belding will provide all the information you need to make an informed decision, so please attend if you have the time.

Our students continue to learn about Hispanic Heritage through engaging classroom activities, and we’ve kicked off the Empty Bowls project—an exciting opportunity to see how our school can bless the community. We also had an amazing 4th-grade field trip to Austin, where the students represented Mt. Peak with pride and did an outstanding job everywhere we went.

Additionally, our 3rd graders put on a wonderful performance, showcasing their acting, singing, and instrumental talents—what a talented group of students! Also please check out the CKH section of the newsletter for the sweetest example of our young leaders.

As we look ahead, we’re excited for the long weekend with a student holiday on Monday and Tuesday. While students enjoy their break, teachers and staff will be hard at work on Tuesday to prepare for more great learning when everyone returns on Wednesday.

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!

Adam Henke

Principal

adam.henke@midlothianisd.org

Sept 15 - Oct 15 - Hispanic Heritage Month

October is Persons with Disabilities History & Awareness Month (Dyslexia Awareness Month)

October is Bullying Prevention Month

Oct 14: Student/Staff Holiday

Oct 14: MEF Golf Tournament

Oct 14 - 18: Digital Citizenship Week

Oct 14 - 18: National School Lunch Week

Oct 14 - 18: Texas Native Plant Week

Oct 15: Student Holiday/Professional Learning Day for Teachers

Oct 17: Final Presentation on School Funding Presentation

Oct 18: Fall PTO Carnival

Oct 21 - 25: National School Bus Safety Week

Oct 22: Student Council Training @ The Mile

Oct 24: Picture Retake Day

Oct 25: PTO Spirit Store

Oct 25: Mt Peak Night @ MHS Football vs Tyler - Pink Out

Oct 28 - Nov 1: Red Ribbon Week

Oct 29: Special Olympic Bowling (Red Bird Lanes)

Oct 31: Fall Party

November is National Native American/ American Indian & Alaska Native Heritage Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

Nov 1: Student Holiday/Teacher Work Day

Nov 3: Father of Texas Day

Nov 8: National STEM Day/ STEAM Day

Nov 11: Veterans Day

Nov 11: 2nd Grade Veterans Day Performance (During school only)

Nov 15: ILS and ABLE Field Trip Reflection for Paws Ranch in Midlothian

Nov 18: Mt Peak Student Council Lead Pledges at Board Meeting @ 6:30

Henke/Peterman Present at Board Meeting

Thank you for sharing your amazing kids with us! This is just one of the many ways they pour into us as much as we do into them. When I returned from the 4th-grade field trip, I found this sweet note taped to my door—it lifted my spirits (and they were already high from such a great trip!). I encourage you to take a moment and affirm someone today—it can make all the difference!

Learn how the same tax rate as last year can generate $4.7M for the MISD operating budget

There’s still time to attend a School Funding Election 101 session with Superintendent Dr. David Belding. If voters approve the proposition, the overall tax rate will remain the same as last year. That same tax rate will generate an additional $4.7 million in local and state funding for the operating budget. Join us on Oct. 17 to learn more.

WHAT: School Funding Election Overview

WHEN: October 17 at 6:00 p.m.

WHERE: MISD Administration Building:

Can’t Attend the Oct. 17 Presentation?

Two videos are also available for on-demand viewing, a short overview of the School Funding Election proposition and the full video presentation of Dr. Belding explaining the Golden Penny proposition. Use the links below to view the videos and additional resources.

School Funding Election Ballot Explainer

School Funding Election Videos

School Funding Election Handout

In 3rd grade we have been learning about Hispanic Heritage Month, students made amate bark paintings using brown paper bags, where they can depict traditional Mexican imagery like animals, flowers, or village scenes with bright colors, mimicking the authentic bark paper art style, often incorporating a textured look by crumpling the paper.

Our 4th graders had an incredible field trip to the State Capitol in Austin! The students explored the Capitol Visitor Center and learned about Texas history before heading over to Inner Space Caverns for an exciting adventure. They had the chance to mine for minerals and explore the stunning caverns, making for a day full of discovery and learning. The kids were amazing throughout the entire trip, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of our fantastic parent volunteers, who ensured everything ran smoothly. It was truly a memorable experience for all!

Kindergarten celebrated the Letter Tt in style Friday with tie-dye, ties, tutus and tiaras.

PreK is proud to be MISD!

This week was Fire Prevention/Safety Week. The Midlothian Fire Fighters visited our campus Wednesday and taught our students all about Fire Safety and even gave a tour of the fire truck!! We are so thankful for the Midlothian Fire Fighters and all they do for our community!!!

Mrs. Fleischman's class is MISD Proud!

3rd grade rocked their performance Pumpkin Bones. Way to go!

Ms. Day’s class is MISD Proud!!

Mrs. Stelter’s class is #MISDproud.

Monday, students had the opportunity to meet authors Susan Stevens Crummel and Janet Stevens.

They shared a few of their stories and how they took small ideas into best selling books. Students also collaborated with them to come up with one of a kind artwork that will be displayed in the library.

These talented sisters have collaborated on multiple best-selling books, including Jackalope, Little Good Wolf, The Donkey Egg, The Little Red Pen, Cook-a-Doodle-Doo! and so many others.

Janet Stevens won a Caldecott Honor Award for her humorous illustrations in Tops & Bottoms. She has illustrated many engaging and comical children's book favorites, including And the Dish Ran Away with the Spoon, Epossumondas, Cook-a-Doodle-Doo! and others. She lives in Boulder, Colorado.

Susan Stevens Crummel and her sister, illustrator Janet Stevens, have published a number of picture books together. She lives in Fort Worth.

Hello Families!

Last year, the first-grade students had a project for the CKH characteristic of "teamwork" that was a great success for the Manna House holiday initiative. We partnered with our fantastic art teacher, Mrs. Cobb, and each student made and decorated a pinch bowl for the empty bowls project. Their parents donated an amount of their choice for their child's creation, and we raised over $900 to give to Manna House. Sissy Franklin, Director of Manna House Midlothian, came to visit the first graders and talk to them about how their teamwork and community services was going to bless others. It was a great experience for all involved and we want to do this again, but with all grade levels!

We went to PTO and told them about our plans for the campus and how this CKH community service project would be a campus wide initiative this year, so they graciously purchased all of the air-dry clay and paint that Mrs. Cobb needs to help execute this project for our students (pretty cool, huh)! Mrs. Cobb will start the project with the students the week of October 7th. The teachers are assisting by showing this video to your students and discuss the project from the announcement below. Fliers will also be given to each student to take home and give to their parents;

There will be a form for parents to fill out, when it is time for donations. We will start collecting donations throughout the latter of October and into November. Please know that ANY cash donation is accepted and appreciated, we are not having a minimum or maximum amount required.

The students had a great time last year, learning about the project to creating and meeting with Manna House to get a glimpse of how their teamwork can make a difference in their community. I can't wait to see their creations and the impact these artists have for those in need this holiday season!

Mrs. Hanson

1st Grade Teacher

CKH Process Champion

MPE’s annual carnival is next Friday and we can’t WAIT! This flyer was sent home for presale tickets. You can also purchase tickets at the event for $1/each. Links in comments on Facebook for tickets, donations, and volunteers! Click the picture to get to comments!

Parents, you play a crucial role in your child's education. Creating healthy daily habits of attending school can make a difference in your child's success later in life. By working together, we can create a supportive environment that promotes consistent attendance and fosters a positive learning experience for your child. Check out our MISD Attendance Matters newsletter for attendance tips and positive steps you can take to help your child be successful.

School pictures are ready! To order, log in to your account on mylifetouch.com or create an account using your student's student ID number. Your ID number can be found in Skyward. All families can also log on and order a FREE Digital SmileSafe card. More about the Smile safe program here.

We are excited to share an opportunity to get involved with the school through our Father Figure volunteer group, DOGS. This group steps in to help whenever the need arises, whether it's assisting with the drop-off car line on Friday mornings or giving our staff a break during particularly cold or rainy weather. The commitment is flexible—you don't need to be there every Friday, but when you can participate, the kids and staff truly appreciate it.

We'll also have various opportunities throughout the school year to help out with setting up for school events. It's a great way to make a positive impact, and the kids love seeing the dads and father figures involved.

If you'd like to join, please click [this link] to sign up.

Background Checks

While completing a background check isn't mandatory, it's always a good idea to have one on file in case an event comes up that requires volunteer help inside the school. You can complete the Volunteer Background Check here.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email Mr. Henke at adam.henke@midlothianisd.org.

We would love to see a strong group of men involved at Mt. Peak, so please consider signing up!

We would love you to follow along during the week for updates of what is happening at Mt Peak. You can follow along on Facebook There is an imposter site. So, please follow the one with a picture of the school in the header.

The Mt Peak mission statement is the Mt Peak family will make a positive difference in the lives we touch by putting children first and challenging everyone to reach their full potential.

Our staff is working so hard for your kids! We would love for you to share the impact they are having on your child or any special information you would like to share. Please fill out this form for us.

Thank you!

What a great week we have had at the Peak this week! Third grade students did an amazing job of presenting their Fall program on Tuesday with the use of their voices, musical instruments, costumes, and great smiles! Thank you Mrs. Hazelton, third grade teachers, and all third grade students.

In a few weeks, we will be recognizing Red Ribbon Week. This is a week held nationally in which we recognize the importance of making healthy choices each day. I am including a flyer below in which students can dress according to each theme! Please make sure that all dress is appropriate for school. Thanks so much for your help and support each day!

Wendy Waldroup

Wendy Waldroup

Counselor

The CKH ambassador, affirmer and rater are called “The Pineapple Squad” in Ms. Day’s room. They get together to help discuss their thoughts of affirmations and ratings for the class. This was the absolute cutest meeting to discuss their thoughts before they told the class.

What does it mean to Self-Direct?

Self-Direction is the ability and learned skill to cast a vision of future goals and then take intentional steps toward who, where, and what we want to be. Instead of focusing on things to control or avoid, we emphasize our responsibility to make positive choices related to our emotions, attitudes, and actions.

Why focus on Self-Direction?

• Self-Direction strengthens relationships. Self-Direction helps to grow social skills and develop meaningful, positive relationships with others.
• Self-Direction teaches personal responsibility. Learning to Self-Direct teaches students to take responsibility for their own actions.
• Self-Direction helps us to regulate emotions: Self-Direction empowers students to regulate their impulses and emotional responses to situations and circumstances in their life.

Self-Direction in Action:

• Practice goal setting and action planning. When we establish goals and develop action plans, we learn to take intentional steps to successfully achieve goals.
• Monitor and adjust. Provide students with regular feedback and opportunities to self-assess progress toward goals to make adjustments and improvements in their behaviors.
• Reflect and evaluate. Facilitate discussions and reflection to prompt students to examine what they do, think, and say against their goals and vision for their life and learning.

Mark your calendars! Check back regularly for updates and new events added

Dec 10: 6:00 PM 5th School Performance & PTO Meeting

Feb 11: PTO Meeting

Mar 6: PTO Meeting

Apr 1: 6:00 PM 1st Grade Performance & PTO Meeting

Apr 17: PTO Auction

May 15: PTO meeting voting for new board members

PTO has done a great job working on getting everyone a Mt Peak grade level shirt. Below is a picrture of the shirts. Also a big thank you to the sponsors for making it all happen!

Tickets for MHS Theatre's production of Aladdin Jr are on sale now—don’t miss out!

Buy Tickets: midlotheatre.com

Per MISD Athletics,

• Families should enter through Gate A.
• Free admission is available only for campus students. Parents are required to purchase a ticket.
• Students can either show their student ID or wear a campus spirit shirt for entry.

• MISD enforces a Clear Bag Policy.

• Please note that outside drinks (including tumblers) and food are not permitted.

A campus administrator will be on duty at Gate A to welcome families and answer any questions that may come up. Thank you! It is going to be a fun season, and I cannot wait to see the kids at the big game!

Mt Peak has a great director and would love to serve you. Register here for after-school childcare.

If you believe you have opted into the text alert feature and are not receiving text messages, go to your Skyward Family Access account and click on “Skylert” to verify your contact information. Update information if needed and allow 24 hours for our systems to recognize your changes. You should begin receiving text alerts and emails.

If you unsubscribed to receiving email notification please complete this form (https://forms.gle/3sUmoWnjT7S7cpx27) to re-activate your email notifications.

All Texas school districts are required by law to distribute information to parents and guardians about the safe storage of firearms. House Bill 3, Section 19 added Section 37.222 to the Texas Education Code, which requires the Texas School Safety Center, in collaboration with the Texas Department of Public Safety, to provide information and resources to school districts for the purpose of disseminating the information to parents. The Texas DPS launched a Keep ‘Em Safe Texas website that provides safety resources, materials, and tips for practicing safe gun storage to prevent accidents and keep children safe. Remember, a gun should be stored unloaded in a safe or locked container, with ammunition stored elsewhere. You can learn more and find additional resources from the Texas Department of Public Safety at https://safegunstoragetexas.com.

Below are resources that have been previously shared with parents/students with accessing and logging in to district resources. As we approach mid year we wanted to share them again.

UPDATE this

• 24-25 Quickstart Guide for MISD Students [Grades 4-12]
  
• 24-25 Quickstart Guide for MISD Students [Grade 3]
• 24-25 Quickstart Guide for MISD Students [Grades K-2]
• 24-25 Quickstart Guide for Skyward Family Access
• How to Set Up Parent Canvas Observer Account
  
• 24-25 Student Guide to Canvas in the Classroom

Does your student need MISD school bus transportation? All students must have a current Bus Rider Contract on file for each year. All contracts received by the July 12 deadline will secure route information and transportation for the first week of school. Contracts received after July 12 are being processed on a first come, first served basis and transportation is not guaranteed for the first week of school.

If you have not submitted a contract for your student, please fill one out and return to the Transportation Department by emailing to bus_contracts@midlothianisd.org or by delivering to 601 E. Avenue E, Midlothian. Please remember that your student cannot ride the bus until their contract is processed.

Dear MISD Families,

You may have received this information directly from your campus, but we want to ensure all MISD families know about an update and opportunity from our Child Nutrition Department. Please disregard this message if you have already applied for free/reduced-price school meals for the 2023-24 school year.

Students who participated in the free/reduced-price meals program during the previous school year in Midlothian ISD could continue receiving free/reduced-price meals for the first 30 days of school. This 30-day grace period has now ended, and a new application must be submitted. Students will no longer receive free/reduced-price meals without application approval for the 2023-24 school year.

Please click here to visit the MISD Child Nutrition Department website for more information on school meals and to apply for the free/reduced-price meals program.

If you have any questions or need assistance, you can reach our Child Nutrition Department by emailing mandie.tucker@midlothianisd.org or calling (469) 856-5390.

MISD Communications

Midlothian ISD uses Skyward Family Access for enrollment and to give parents real-time data about their student's grades, attendance, assignments, and more. Alerts can be set to individual preferences and information.

Skyward Family Access: 23-24 Quickstart Guide for Skyward Family Access

August 9th, 12th, 16th, 23rd, 29th

September 6th, 13th, 19th, 28th

October 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th, 31st

5201 FM 663

Midlothian, Texas 76065

469-856-6300

https://mtpeak.midlothianisd.org/