January 12, 2025

This week, students will participate in the NWEA MAP Mid-Year (MOY) testing. To ensure a quiet and focused environment, Parker Elementary will operate as a closed campus during testing hours from 7:45 AM to 12:15 PM on the following dates:

• Tuesday, January 14th: Math MOY (K-5)
• Wednesday, January 15th: ELAR MOY (2-5)
• Thursday, January 16th: Science MOY (2-5)
• Tuesday, January 21st: Reading-English MOY (2nd & 3rd Grade Bilingual) (No closed campus this day)

During this time, no campus visitors will be allowed, including for lunch visits.

****Please note that Suzuki classes will continue as scheduled during testing hours.*****

We’ve attached the testing schedule for your reference below. Be sure to review it carefully, as there are adjustments to CCR times and lunch schedules during testing days.

About the NWEA MAP Test

The NWEA MAP Test (Measures of Academic Progress) is a computer-based assessment that measures student achievement in math, reading, language, and science. Here’s what you need to know:

• How It Works: The test adapts to each student's performance, with questions becoming more or less challenging based on previous answers.
• Duration: Each subject test takes about 45–60 minutes, with 40–53 questions.
• Scoring: The RIT scale measures scores between 140 and 300.
• Purpose: Results help teachers identify learning needs, track skill mastery, measure academic growth, and plan curriculum that matches students’ abilities.

After completing each test, students will receive their Beginning of Year (BOY) RIT scores and their Mid-Year personal RIT goals for tracking progress. Final scores and additional information for parents will be sent home after the testing period.

How You Can Help

To ensure students perform their best, please:

1. Ensure they get a good night’s rest before each testing day.
2. Arrive at school early and on time, as testing begins promptly each day.
3. Encourage them to focus on achieving their personal goals and celebrate their progress.
4. Ask your child about their test results and how they feel about meeting their RIT goal for MOY.

Thank you for supporting your child and our campus during this important testing period. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the front office.

Students and Staff are permitted to have a relaxed dress code for testing days which includes Parker T-shirt and jeans. Students are not allowed to wear pajamas.

We are also currently conducting CIRCLE and DIBELS/Lectura Mid-Year (MOY) assessments for our PreK - 1st Grade students. Testing schedules vary by teacher, and the assessment windows are as follows:

• CIRCLE Testing (Pre-K): January 8 – February 7
• DIBELS/Lectura Testing (K-1): January 8 – January 31

What These Tests Measure:

These assessments help us monitor your child’s progress in foundational literacy and math skills, providing important insights for instruction and intervention.

• Pre-K (CIRCLE) focuses on:

  • Letter Names (HISD ABC Sounds)
  • Letter Sounds (HISD ABC Sounds)
  • Counting Sets

• Kindergarten (DIBELS/Lectura) measures:

  • Letter Naming Fluency (LNF)
  • Phonemic Segmentation Fluency (PSF)
  • Nonsense Word Fluency (NWF) – Correct Letter Sounds (CLS)
  • Nonsense Word Fluency (NWF) – Words Recoded Correctly (WRC)
  • Word Reading Fluency (WRF)
  • DIBELS Composite Score

• 1st Grade (DIBELS/Lectura) measures:

  • Letter Naming Fluency (LNF)
  • Phonemic Segmentation Fluency (PSF)
  • Nonsense Word Fluency (NWF) – Correct Letter Sounds (CLS)
  • Nonsense Word Fluency (NWF) – Words Recoded Correctly (WRC)
  • Word Reading Fluency (WRF)
  • Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) – Words Correct
  • Oral Reading Fluency (ORF) – Accuracy
  • DIBELS Composite Score

Why These Tests Are Important:

These assessments are essential tools for tracking your child’s growth in early literacy skills. The results guide teachers in tailoring instruction to meet the unique needs of each student.

We recently had our Mock IRT with West Division Executive Director Mailhot to help us refine our teaching practices as we prepare for the upcoming formal IRT visit at the end of January. This process involves observing classrooms to gather feedback on what’s working well and identifying areas where we can grow. I’m excited to share that the visit highlighted the incredible work happening at Parker Elementary!

Highlights from the Visit:

• Engaging Learning Environments: Every classroom observed demonstrated a positive and supportive atmosphere where students are engaged in their learning.
• High Expectations: Teachers are consistently holding students to high standards, encouraging quality responses, and challenging students with rigorous tasks.

Opportunities for Growth:

While the feedback was positive, we’re always looking for ways to improve. One area we are focusing on is ensuring ALL students are actively engaged during lessons and group work.

Some specific strategies we’re working on include:

1. Promoting Active Participation in Group Work: Teachers are exploring ways to make group activities more inclusive, such as using smaller groups or assigning specific roles to ensure every student contributes.
2. Engaging Every Student: Instead of calling on individual students, we’re incorporating strategies to engage the entire class, helping teachers identify strengths and areas where additional support is needed.

These adjustments will ensure every student is accountable and engaged, which directly supports their learning and growth.

Additional Improvements:

• During read-alouds, teachers are incorporating strategic pause points to check for understanding and engagement.
• Teachers are maximizing instructional time by ensuring students master concepts before moving on, with interventions planned when needed.
• Our classrooms are focusing on preparedness, with clear learning objectives and materials ready to support efficient and effective instruction.

Our Commitment:

We remain dedicated to creating a learning environment where ALL students can thrive. This visit reaffirmed that we’re on the right track, but it also gave us actionable steps to refine our practices further.

Shout-Out:

A special congratulations to Ms. Bascom (3rd Grade Bilingual Teacher), who was recognized during the visit for her outstanding teaching! Her success is a testament to the dedication of all our teachers in ensuring Parker remains a place of excellence.

We’re excited about the growth happening in our classrooms and are confident these refinements will lead to even better outcomes for your children.

At Parker Elementary, we cherish being a family-friendly, open-campus community. Many of you have brought your beloved pets during arrival and dismissal, which has been part of our campus culture for years. While we understand the joy and companionship that our furry friends bring, we must prioritize the safety, health, and well-being of all students, staff, and families.

Per HISD policy, only service animals are permitted on school campuses. While we have been flexible in the past, recent incidents highlight the need for us to revisit and reinforce this policy. Not all members of our community are comfortable around animals, and some may have trauma, allergies, or other concerns. Additionally, incidents involving pets, such as aggressive behavior or hygiene issues, pose potential risks to our campus environment.

HISD Policy Reference

Student Use of a Service/Assistance Animal:
A parent of a student who uses a service/assistance animal because of the student’s disability must submit a written request to the principal before bringing the service/assistance animal on campus. The district will accommodate requests as soon as possible but within 10 district business days.

We kindly ask that families refrain from bringing pets onto the campus during school hours, including during arrival and dismissal. After-school performances are considered part of school hours, so pets should also not be brought to these events.

For families visiting the community Spark Park after school hours, we ask that you remain diligent in cleaning up after your pets. The Spark Park doubles as our primary recess area, and students often play there both during and outside of school hours. When waste is not properly managed, it can be tracked back into the school building. This is particularly concerning for our younger students, who spend time seated on floors and rugs in their classrooms. These transmissions can increase the risk of illness.

By working together, we can ensure Parker remains a safe, healthy, and welcoming space for everyone. Your cooperation and understanding are essential to maintaining clean and safe grounds for both staff and students.

Thank you for your support. If you have questions or need further clarification, please feel free to reach out.

Wednesday, January 15th, 3rd-5th grade teachers will be hosting parent informational sessions on STAAR. Teachers will be reviewing STAAR expectations, passing standards, even working practice STAAR problems so parents experience what's required of students. Ms. Saloj will host a session for Spanish speaking parents.

Lower grade and CCR teachers will be hosting a learning expo for students* so parents can fully engage in the informational sessions.
*Note- siblings are welcome to join however, any children who are not school-aged will be required to stay with their parents.

PTO will be providing pizza in the cafeteria at 5:30. The learning expo and parent sessions will be from 6-7:30.

Please use the link below to RSVP so we can plan for dinner. Reach out to me if you have any questions at hgrosso@houstonisd.org.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Link to RSVP- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdS-J75hfZTsiPq7v1XfcCm_YPxX_WP-Mj94MkRbRsz3owZkg/viewform?usp=sharing

-Heather Grosso, Title I Coordinator

Mark your calendars! On Tuesday, January 28th, we will celebrate the 100th Day of School at Parker.

Students and staff are invited to join in the fun by dressing up as if they are 100 years old. Let’s make it a day filled with creativity and laughter as we honor this milestone in our school year!

We can’t wait to see everyone’s imaginative outfits and celebrate this special day together. More details to come as we get closer to January 28th.

Roll the Dice and enjoy a night of glitz and glam at the Annual Parker Elementary PTO Gala: Viva Las Vegas! Get your early bird tickets NOW! The Annual Auction Gala is our major fundraising event, benefiting Parker's students and staff. All funds raised will help ensure that every child is supported as they learn and grow.

The gala will be held on Friday, February 21st, from 6:30 to 10:30 PM at the Cohen House at Rice University. It will include dinner, a drink ticket, dancing, table games, and silent and live auctions. Childcare at Westbury Baptist is included in the ticket price. This year's theme is Viva Las Vegas. So don’t forget your dancing shoes, and get ready to bid on some great items to raise money for our favorite elementary school!

See how you can help & purchase tickets by visiting the PTO website

🔗 https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/auctiongala

Upcoming PTO Events:

1/23: January PTO Meeting: Be sure to RSVP 🔗 https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/315512

1/24: Last Day to purchase Auction Gala tickets for early bird pricing

1/28: Spring Clubs go on sale 🔗 https://parkerpto.membershiptoolkit.com/afterschoolprograms

1/29: Spirit Night with Cafe Piquet (*new date)

🎻 Suzuki Workshop Is Just Around the Corner!

🎹 Piano Workshop Starts This Week!
The Piano Workshop kicks off this Monday! Our talented piano students have an exciting week ahead, working with over 15 Piano Workshop clinicians who will be on campus. The workshop will conclude with a concert where students will showcase all they’ve learned.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who purchased ads and made a donation to help offset the workshop costs—your support truly makes all the difference.

Pay your music contribution and ensure we can continue providing these amazing opportunities for our students. https://bit.ly/parkermc

January 8th – January 31st

DIBELS/Lectura Testing (K-1)

January 8th – February 7th

CIRCLE Testing (Pre-K)

January 13th - January 17th

Piano Workshop

January 14th

NWEA Math MOY (K-5) - CLOSED CAMPUS

Special SDMC Meeting (TES Appraisal System) 3:45-4:45pm

January 15th

NWEA Reading MOY (2-5) -CLOSED CAMPUS

STAAR Night (6:00-7:00pm)

January 16th

NWEA Science MOY (2-5) - CLOSED CAMPUS

FACE Committee Meeting (11:15-11:45am)

January 18th

Piano Workshop & Concert (9:00-12:30pm)

January 21st - January 24th

IRT #2 Window

January 21st

All City Band Rehearsal (4:30-6:30pm)

Reading-English NWEA MOY (2nd & 3rd Grade Bilingual)

January 23rd

PTO General Meeting (6:00-7:00pm)

All City Band Rehearsal (4:30-6:30pm)

January 24th

Last Day to purchase Auction Gala tickets for early bird pricing

January 25th

All City Concert @ MPVA (2:00-3:00pm)

January 28th

100th Day of School

Chat & Chew w/ Principal Carter (8am & 5pm)

January 29th

PTO: Spirit Night with Cafe Piquet (*new date)