Lion's Roar

Dear Families,

As December unfolds, it’s hard to believe we are nearing the end of this semester! I want to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we’ve worked to create a nurturing and challenging environment where our students can learn, grow, and thrive.

As we look ahead to the spring semester, we know there is so much more to accomplish. The months ahead will be filled with tutorials, interventions, district and state testing, exciting spring activities, and countless opportunities for our students to shine. Your continued collaboration with us is essential as we prepare your child for what’s to come.

I do, however, need to address a very important matter: school attendance. Every time a student is absent, they miss valuable instruction, and it impacts their learning, the growth of our campus, and even district funding. Most importantly, consistent attendance gives students the best opportunity to succeed academically and socially. Parents, we need your help to ensure that your child is at school each day and arrives on time. Every day matters in building a strong foundation for their future!

As we prepare to wrap up 2024, I want to thank you once again for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Your partnership means so much to us, and I am truly grateful for all you do to support our campus. Let’s finish this semester strong and look forward to an even brighter 2025 together!

Wishing you and your family a joyous holiday season filled with love, laughter, and wonderful memories.

Warm regards,

Kimberly Wells

Principal

Dr. Shirley J. Williamson Elementary

PK- 5th Grade

7:35 AM -3:15 PM

PK3 AM

7:35 am -11:20 am

PK3 PM

11:30 am -3:15 pm

Tardy Bell

7:35 AM

*Parents must walk the student in.

Dismissal

3:15 PM

December 2- 15 Days of Holiday Spirit Begins/Parent Lunch

December 3- 3rd-5th Grade ELAR Mock STAAR Test

December 4-2nd-4th Science Semester Exam

December 5- 5th Science Mock STAAR Test

December 6- Holiday Pictures (PTA Fundraiser)

December 9- Campus Spelling Bee/ Holiday Picture Make-ups

December 10- 1st ELAR Unit Test

December 11- 3rd-5th Math Mock STAAR Test

December 12-2nd Math Semester Exam

December 13- Mock STAAR Test Celebrations

December 16- Parent Lunch *Registration Required

December 20- Holiday Parties/Early Dismissal

We complied a list of the staff's favorite things. Click the link below to access the list. Thank you for recognizing and honoring our dedicated staff!

The front office remains locked at all times. Please ring the doorbell on the right side of the door under the camera. Please wait patiently to be buzzed into the office. If you are scheduled for a meeting/and or appointment, you will be checked in with your ID through our Raptor System and issued a visitor's badge. Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

Galena Park ISD continues to provide healthy meals each day at no charge for every student enrolled in GPISD schools. The Student Nutrition department offers breakfast service in the cafeteria, and on Grab-N-Go Carts, which are located in the hallways for students to grab breakfast on their way to class.

Download the Schoolcafe mobile app today! The Schoolcafe app provides you with quick access to your child's school lunch menu and the ability to add money to their school meal accounts.

Fridays are Spirit Days or College Day. Students are encouraged to wear a spirit shirt or a college/university shirt.

Stay tuned for other special days when students can dress up!

Parents will not be allowed to walk up and pick up a student from the door at dismissal. Early pick up ends at 2:30 PM daily. We ask for patience as this is the first month of school and students will be learning new car tag numbers.

Bus Riders

Please check your bus route number on the Galena Park ISD transportation site. School personnel is not responsible for assign a student a bus route. Please communicate with the office by 2:30 pm if the students need a transportation change.

Walkers

Walkers will begin exiting the building at 3:30 PM. We have designated specific pick-up areas to streamline the process and ensure that students are safe as they leave school grounds:

**New Forest Parkway:** Students dismissed on New Forest Parkway will meet at the stop sign on the corner of New Forest Parkway and Burleson Bend.

**Southwood Trace Lane:** Students dismissed on Southwood Trace Lane will meet at the bridge on Southwood Trace Lane.

Car Riders

Morning Drop Off-

We ask that students be dropped off along the circle ramp to ensure the safety of all students.

Afternoon Pick Up-

All car riders need a current tag with a school assigned number for dismissal. An ID check is required if you do not have car tag at the time of pick up. Cars without the current school issued tag will be required to park in the visitor's parking lot and wait until after 3:35. Siblings will have the same car tag number if living in the same home. Practice car tag numbers with students. This will speed up the process.

Students should not be dropped off or picked up in the staff parking lot. This is for your safety. All parents must remain in their car and utilized the designated areas to safely drop- off and pick-up students. Thank you in advance for complying with our procedures. These procedures are in place to keep our students safe. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the office.

Medication

If your child needs to take medication at school, please go to my school web page at SJW and print the forms or call me at (832) 386-4000. ALL MEDICATION MUST BE KEPT IN THE CLINIC AND HAVE A DOCTORS ORDER. THIS INCLUDES OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDS.

Extra Clothes

Please keep a set of clothes in your child’s backpack in case of wetting, mud, paint or food accidents.

Thank you,

Nurse Williams, RN

We know celebrating a birthday is very special, and we welcome you to send store bought cupcakes or goodie bags with your child or drop them off to the front office staff before 2:00 pm. The teacher will pass out the treats after 2 pm to the students in the class. Please get with the teacher about the number of students in the class. No balloons or other food (pizza, etc.) can be brought in or ordered.