GALATAS GAZETTE
March 8, 2024
Contact Information
Denae Wilker, Principal
Candace Mathis, Assistant Principal
Dawn Wright, Assistant Principal
Laura Heemann, Counselor
Through the collaborative efforts of all who pass through our door, we provide a safe learning community that develops lifelong learners and responsible citizens.
Website: http://galatas.conroeisd.net/
Location: 9001 Cochrans Crossing Drive, The Woodlands, TX, USA
Phone: 936-709-5000
Front Office Hours: 7:25 AM-3:45 PM
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalatasCISD/
Twitter: @GalatasCISD
Upcoming Events
Class and Individual Spring Picture Day: March 21
On Thursday, March 21, students will have class pictures and individual spring pictures taken.
CLASS PICTURE ORDER FORM:
Please use the link below to order the class picture. Class picture orders must be placed before Picture Day, Thursday, March 21.
INDIVIDUAL SPRING PICTURES:
No pre-purchase necessary for individual pictures...proofs will be available to view and order at a later date.
There will be no retakes for these pictures.
Springetti 2024: The Price is Definitely Right!
Tickets are on sale NOW at the link below! Early Bird Special - order before March 8 for discounted wristband and bonus tickets with every package purchased!
You don't want to miss the best night of the year! Admission includes a pizza dinner and access to the fun! Grab some ticket packages to enter our amazing raffle and play games (who do you want to see in the dunk tank this year?) We can't wait to see you at Springetti on April 5, from 5-8pm!
All of the money raised helps us fund technology updates, testing, tutoring, instructional materials, fun field trips and learning experiences for our students. Check out our PTO website for more information and the link to purchase tickets!
STUDENT PLACEMENT FOR 2024-2025
Proper student placement is a top priority at Galatas Elementary. Student class placement for the 2024-2025 school year will be decided by a committee made up of your child’s current teachers, our principal, assistant principals, counselor, and occasionally, the special education staff. We work very hard to match children’s learning styles and personalities with next year’s teachers. We examine the strengths and needs of each child as we strive to place each student in the environment in which he/she will be most successful.
Our placement committee will begin meeting in April. We continue to work on placement multiple times throughout the summer. Because of this, families will be notified of their child’s teachers the week before school begins in August. Once your child’s placement is complete, it is not possible to make changes, as this compromises the dynamics of the entire class. We work very hard to create just the right environment for each student.
If you have any concerns about your child’s placement that you would like the committee to consider, please share your concerns through the Google Form link below. Please do not email your concerns. This Google Form will be open until Monday, April 1st. This is a firm deadline as placement decisions will have already started. If a concern has been expressed in previous years, and you feel that it should still be considered, please share the information through the Google Form to ensure it is communicated to the placement committee. Please do not request specific teachers or make friend requests. Requests of this nature will not be considered. Class composition and learning/personality match are our top priority as we strive for the correct placement for each child.
We appreciate your help and support with this very important endeavor and request that you notify friends and neighbors who may overlook this information.
2024-2025 Registration Intentions
As we look ahead to the 2024-25 school year, we would like to know about your intentions for returning to Galatas Elementary. Your response will help us as we plan for next year. Please fill out and submit the form below, or you may use the QR code.
Please contact Robin Curtis, Galatas Registrar, at rcurtis@conroeisd.net with any questions.
Galatas Yearbooks on Sale Now!
Use the link below to order your yearbook today!
Ordering Deadlines:
March 1 if you would like to add your child's name on the cover.
Last Day to order is May 3!
For any questions or to send photos for possible inclusion in the yearbook, please e-mail yearbook@galataspto.com.
Field Day Fun!
Upcoming Testing Dates Notice
The Activity Room will be used for student testing during a few days in March.
In case of inclement weather on those days, we will not be able to accommodate lunch visitors on the following dates.
March 20
March 22
March 25
Thank you for your understanding.
Mitchell Intermediate School Parent Information Letter
If your fourth grade student will be attending Mitchell Intermediate School next year, please take a moment to read the Parent Information Letter. It includes important dates for orientation as well as musical instrument evaluation and summer music camps.
Top Dog (Fourth Grade Students Only) Pool Party
Top Dog Pool Party admission is on sale now! This annual Galatas tradition celebrates our graduating Top Dogs with a last hurrah on the last day of school. The Top Dog Pool Party details are below.
The Top Dog Pool Party is a Galatas tradition!
Where: The Woodlands Country Club – Palmer Pool, 10 Grand Fairway, The Woodlands, 77381 Map
When: Last Day of School!!! Thurs. May 23 from 3-5pm
Who: All 4th Graders may attend (no siblings please)
What: Fun, Food, Music, and Memories to celebrate our graduating Top Dogs!
(Sports Courts and Playground will also be accessible to students.)
If you have any questions, please reach out to Event Chairs Marcy Marcum or Shauna Tysor. Admission sales close on May 15!
Counselor's Corner
Cell Phone Tip
The presence of smartphones during family time can have negative effects on parent-teen interactions and the well-being of both parents and adolescents, as per a study published in the Journal of Child Development.
Get Involved at Galatas
Galatas PTO 24-25 Executive Board Openings and Nominations
Joining PTO is a great way to find out about school happenings and to bring your talents to help Galatas. For more details, please contact Shauna Tysor at shaunatysor@gmail.com.
Join the PTO!
Please support our school by joining our amazing PTO. The link below will take you to the Galatas PTO website, where you can join the PTO and explore ways to get involved at Galatas.
It is a great way to get connected with our Galatas community and other parents.
Volunteer Application for Galatas Volunteers
A Volunteer in CISD Application must be completed EACH YEAR in order to volunteer at Galatas.
Please visit the link below to begin the application process.
Library Volunteers Needed!
The Library is looking for volunteers to help with shelving, straightening, organizing, checking in books, checking out books, assisting students in finding what they are looking for, minor book repair, and assisting our librarians.
For information, details, and to sign up, please visit the link below:
Galatas Yard Signs For Sale!
If you would like to display your Galatas Pride in your neighborhood, the PTO has yard signs for sale! Signs are $25, and you can order yours at the link below.
23-24 Directory Available
The updated Galatas Digital Directory is now available! Directory access is only available to PTO members. It's not too late to join!
For more information about the Directory, please take a look at the document below.
Sponsors Needed!
For more information, please email partnerships@galataspto.com.
ExxonMobil Grant Program 23-24
Please sign up below if you are an ExxonMobil employee or spouse of an ExxonMobil employee. You will be contacted by the ExxonMobil Coordinator with further details.
Coming Soon!
TWCPHS Culture Fest
March 22 from 4-6 PM.
CISD Early Childhood Resource Fair
Saturday, April 6, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM at Wilkinson Elementary.
Cars & Coffee - April 20
Conroe ISD and The Woodlands High School Automotive Enthusiasts Club will be hosting the third District-wide Cars & Coffee event Saturday, April 20 from 8 to 11 a.m. at Woodforest Bank Stadium. Admission and car entry are free with roll-in between 7:30 and 8 a.m. There will be coffee and pastries available from culinary students, vehicle-related vendors, and first responder vehicles in attendance.
Mitchell Intermediate 15th Annual Paint the Path Pink
Each year for the past 14 years, Mitchell Intermediate School has organized a charity event called PAINT THE PATH PINK to raise money for breast cancer awareness and prevention services. Paint the Path Pink 2024 is a 5K run or walk along the scenic Woodlands walking paths near Mitchell Intermediate School. This year, the event is on April 13, 2024.
The walk will benefit The Rose Foundation, a respected breast cancer charity right here in the Houston community, and 100% of the proceeds go directly to The Rose Foundation.
Please consider registering for or sponsoring our event. The links for both opportunities are located below. Current 4th Grade parents might also be interested in the silent auction items which will begin on April 10, 2024. The most popular item is 1st or 2nd in the Mitchell Car Rider Line!
Proclamation 2024 Instructional Materials Adoption
Conroe ISD is seeking community feedback for the Proclamation 2024 Instructional Materials Adoption through April 5, 2024. Community members may review materials online or they may request to view the materials in person at the Conroe ISD Textbook Warehouse. More information is located on the CISD Instructional Materials website.
CISD Board of Trustees Approves School Calendars for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026
The Board of Trustees approved calendars for the 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 school years at their meeting on Tuesday, January 16.
We thank you in advance for planning all vacations and travel outside of the school calendar. When students are absent, they miss valuable instruction that takes place daily. In addition to the loss of that instructional time, Texas schools are rated not only on academic performance, but also on student attendance. Daily attendance plays a large role in our accountability rating from the state.
You may view the approved calendars at the links below.
~INFORMATION FOR ONGOING REFERENCE~
Parent Information Sheet
Galatas Student Handbook Addendum
CISD Child Nutrition Information
REPORTING STUDENT ABSENCES AND ATTENDANCE INFORMATION
When your child is absent, please do one of the following before 9:00 AM:
- Call the front office (936-709-5000) with your student's absence information,
- Call the school attendance line (936-709-5014) and leave a message stating your child’s name, reason for the absence, person reporting the absence, and a phone number. or
- Email Robin Curtis (rcurtis@conroeisd.net) to explain the reason for their absence.
To ensure the accuracy of your child's attendance records, please call or email each day your child is absent, or if your child will be out for an extended period, please let us know by emailing Robin Curtis at the email above.
Attendance is recorded at 9:00 AM each day. If your child is absent at 9:00 AM due to a doctor’s appointment, he/she will be counted present if you bring your child back to school on the same day with a doctor's statement that verifies the appointment.
If your child is not in attendance at school for the entire day for any reason, the student is considered “absent”. There are basically two types of absences:
- Excused Absence: an absence is considered "excused" when there is prior parental notification (phone call or email) explaining the absence, or a note from a parent or medical professional upon return to school. Absences can be excused if they are related to illness, medical appointment, a death in the family, or other health related reasons. An excused absence does not remove the absence from the student’s record, but it does document that a student is absent for an excusable reason.
- Unexcused Absence: an absence is considered “unexcused” when there is no prior parental notification, no note or email sent upon return explaining the absence, for family travel/vacation, or other absences not recognized as "excused" by the district or state.
Campus Visitors
All visitors must be able to provide a government issued, photo I. D. at each visit. Photos of the I.D. will not be accepted. Visitors will check in at the front office and receive a Visitor Badge which must be worn at all times in the building. When leaving the building, visitors must check out with the front office and return the badge.
Food Delivery to Students
Please note that outside (from a delivery service) delivery of food to students is prohibited as noted in the CISD Student Handbook. This includes deliveries from Door Dash, GrubHub, etc... Forgotten lunches from home may be brought to the drop-off table by 10AM for delivery to students before lunch time.
If there are any questions, please call the office for assistance.
Lunch Visitor Information
Lunch visitors are invited to enjoy our outdoor dining area (weather permitting). On rainy or other inclement weather days, we will have seating available in the Activity Room.
** Please consider limiting lunch visits to once or twice per month for each student, so that all parents have an opportunity to visit for lunch.
**Please limit the number of visitors to no more than four.
**Students may enjoy lunch with their parents/family only; please do not invite other students to eat lunch with your family.
**A driver's license or government issued photo i.d. is required for adults each time they visit Galatas. We are unable to accept a photo of an i.d. Please allow time (about 5 minutes) to complete the required check-in at the front office prior to your child's lunchtime.
**Please keep students and other children at the tables with you; do not allow them to run or play during lunch time.
**Please understand that if you arrive more than 5 minutes after your student's scheduled lunchtime, there is a possibility you will not be able to eat with your child, due to the limited amount of time allotted for lunch.
**We want to ensure the safety and security of everyone as they enjoy time together. If a grandparent or other family member of the student wants to visit your child during lunch, the parent must send in written permission to the front office. The note will only need to be sent in once, and at that time a notation will be made in the visitor system so that the school will have a record of the permission being granted. If a note is not sent, we will call a parent to grant permission before the visitor is allowed to join a student for lunch.
Lunchtime is limited to 25 minutes. A staff member will be monitoring the door, and will assist your child in returning to the cafeteria to join their class. Guests should then head back to the front office to return your visitor sticker.
Kindergarten 12:05 PM-12:30 PM
1st Grade 12:20 PM-12:45 PM
2nd Grade 11:50 AM-12:15 PM
3rd Grade 11:35 AM-12:00 PM
4th Grade 11:10 AM-11:35 AM
Please be mindful that the next grade level parents are also excited to visit their children for lunch. We ask parents to exit promptly at the designated time, to allow the next group to have lunch together. Thank you!
Birthday Book Club
The Birthday Book Club is a great way to celebrate your child’s birthday or half birthday and help support the Galatas Elementary Library. We have partnered with Bound to Stay Bound, one of our library book vendors, so book selections can be made directly from the website.
Please visit the link below for more information and ordering instructions.
A Message from the School Nurse
- Medication: If your student requires daily or "as needed" emergency medication at school, please email the nurse at kriggs@conroeisd.net, as soon as possible to set up an appointment to check in the necessary medication/medications and forms.
- All medications must be checked in by a parent/guardian. Students may not bring medication to school. **Cough drops/cough lollipops ARE considered medication, and also must be checked in through the clinic for student use.
- Change of Clothes: Please provide a daily change of clothes in your student's backpack. This is especially important for our kinder and first grade friends.
- Illness at School: If a student is sent home sick, per CISD policy, the student must be symptom free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication before returning to campus or attending any school sponsored function.
Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our Galatas family healthy! I wish everyone a happy and healthy school year.
Kind Regards,
Katy Riggs, RN
SMART Tag Backpack Tags
All students should have a SMART Tag on their backpack. Each day these tags are scanned by our staff members as part of our dismissal procedure to ensure that each student goes home the correct way.
SMART Tags are also used by our CISD Transportation Department, as a way to ensure authorized riders board our buses and improve the safety and security of students who utilize our bus transportation services. For more information on the SMART Tag system, please click here.
If your child loses their SMART tag, please notify their teacher and we will replace the tag. There is a $2.00 fee to replace a lost tag; that fee will be assessed in our School Cash system and you will be notified of the charge.
CISD CELL PHONE GUIDELINES
The Conroe ISD Board adopted new guidelines regarding student cell phone use during the October Board meeting. While it is not a substantial guideline change at the elementary level, there are changes in which parents need to be aware. Our Foundations team is working to ensure that these procedures are being implemented on our campus and that we are helping students adapt to these changes.
- Cell phones and smartwatches may be used respectfully and responsibly before school and after school.
- Cell phones and smartwatches should not be used to capture video, audio, or images at school or on the bus.
- Cell phones and smartwatches should be set on silent mode and kept in backpacks, lockers, or other designated storage areas and should not be visible during school hours including instructional time, reward time, free time, lunch, and in the hallways.
- Use of cell phones and smartwatches may be permitted in extenuating circumstances with permission from a staff member. (ex. to notify parent/guardian of a late bus)
School Cash Online is an easy to use and safe way to pay for your children’s school fees.
- Conveniently make payments for student fees online
Please visit the link below for more information and a link to register.
Transportation Changes
Transportation change notepads were sent home with each student at the beginning of the school year. Please use these forms any time a student needs to go home in a different way from the permanent designated mode of transportation.
All transportation changes must be received in writing by 2:00 p.m. We are unable to accept a phone call. You may send a written note to your child’s teacher (place it in your student's PAWS folder), or fill out a form in the front office. Please include the date, your child’s full name, section number, bus number (if applicable), and your signature. If an emergency arises, you may send an email to galatastransportation@conroeisd.net . The e-mail must include all of the above information, including a parent signature, and must be received before 2:00 p.m. If you submit a transportation change by email, it must go to the email address referenced above; transportation changes should not be emailed directly to the teacher.
Please send a new note for each day the change occurs; we cannot accept notes for multiple days or with multiple changes. District policy states that a student may only ride the bus they are registered to ride; students may not have a transportation change to ride a different bus.
Library Daily Email Notifications
Conroe ISD Library Services is enabling daily email notifications so you are informed of the items checked out by your student. Daily emails will list the item(s) currently checked out. If the book(s) your student selected is not a good fit, please have your student return it to the campus library and choose a new title. If you have questions about the book(s), please contact the school librarian. Notifications for these daily messages can be managed in Parent Access Center (PAC). If you don’t have a PAC account, you will need to register for one to access the email settings. You can also view the item(s) your student checked out by logging in to Destiny Discover through your student's SSO account. You can further manage your student’s access to library materials by completing the Library Access Form found on the Library Services website along with viewing other helpful information.
Directions for opting in or out of these notifications can be found in the document below.
Drop-off Procedures for Forgotten Items
Please help your student be fully prepared for their day by ensuring that they have all needed materials (backpack, lunch, water bottle, etc...) before leaving for school in the morning.
To minimize interruptions to classrooms, please limit drop-offs to the following items:
- Water bottles and lunches may be placed on the Drop-off table before 10:00 a.m. at the front office. These items should be labeled with your child’s name and section number to ensure proper delivery. Items are taken at 10:00 a.m. to a drop-off table at the end of each hallway, so please email the teacher to let them know that you have dropped off the water bottle or lunch. You may email your child’s teacher to let them know to allow your child to check the drop-off desk after 10:00 a.m.
- If you need eye glasses delivered to your child, please do not put them on the drop-off table. Bring them to the office staff for immediate delivery to your child.
- Any class work or homework that is dropped off will be placed in the teacher’s mailbox to be picked up during the day.
Delivery of food, flowers, balloons, etc. to students at school are not permitted.
Water Bottles
CELEBRATE TEACHER AND STAFF EXCELLENCE!
Do you want to recognize an AWESOME Galatas Staff member? If so, follow the steps below:
- Log in to Parent Access.
- Click on communication.
- Choose Teacher/Staff Excellence from the drop down menu.
- Select the employee to receive recognition from the drop down menu.
- Click create TAE.
- Click any of the pre-populated choices that apply.
- Type any additional comments in the Additional Comment box.
- Click the box labeled Create Teachers Achieving Excellence button.
Parking Lot Request
If all the visitor spots are full, we ask that you please park at either Cattail Park, the row of spots closest to Galatas in the Community Baptist Church, or the closest end spots at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. These two churches have graciously offered these spots to us as our Galatas Family grows.
Thank you for your help with parking!
STUDENT EARLY CHECK-OUT
Sometimes it is necessary for a student to be checked out of school before dismissal.
If you know that you will need to check-out your child during the school day, please let their teacher know so that they can help your child gather their belongings and prepare for an early departure.
As a reminder, to ensure the safety of all students at dismissal, the latest a student can be checked out of school is 2:45 p.m.
School Zone Safety Tips
In addition, cell phone use in a school zone is prohibited. As you enter areas around schools, please end your calls and put your phone away.
The CISD Police and Montgomery County Sheriff's Department patrol our school zones to ensure everyone's safety, and will issue citations if necessary.
Thank you for your help in keeping our community safe!
SAFETY REMINDER: NO PETS ON CAMPUS
With the exception of service animals, dogs and other pets are not allowed on school grounds, including at the top of the hill during arrival and dismissal.
This is for the health and safety of our students and staff.
School Dismissal Safety Notes
--Only cross at crosswalks! Our crossing guards and staff are here to keep everyone safe and ensure that families cross intersections in an efficient manner.
--Please do not park behind staff cars in the school parking lot. Please park in a parking space, as blocking cars could cause a safety concern in case of an emergency.
--Please be considerate of our neighbors at Hayden's Run and Wyndspire South. Please keep the sight lines at the entrance clear for entering and exiting vehicles.
--Please be considerate of our neighbors at South Silvershire Circle. Please do not park on the grass or lawn of the homes. Take care not to block driveways and leave enough room for residents to easily drive in their neighborhood at all times.
2023-2024 CISD School Calendar
We thank you in advance for planning all vacations and travel outside of the school calendar. When students are absent, they miss valuable instruction that takes place daily. In addition to the loss of that instructional time, Texas schools are rated not only on academic performance, but also on student attendance. Daily attendance plays a large role in our accountability rating from the state.
We appreciate your support and look forward to a great school year!
Galatas Calendar
Upcoming Events
March
11-15 NO SCHOOL: Spring Break
19 PTO Meeting: 10:00 a.m.
21 Spring Pictures
29 NO SCHOOL: Good Friday
April
1 NO SCHOOL: Holiday
5 Springetti Fundraiser
9 PTO Meeting: 10:00 AM
15-18 STAAR Testing-Campus Closed to Visitors
16 STAAR Reading, 3rd and 4th grade students
19 NO SCHOOL: Student Holiday
22-26 Book Fair
29-30 STAAR Testing-Campus Closed to Visitors
30 STAAR Math, 3rd and 4th grade students
May
1-3 STAAR Testing-Campus Closed to Visitors
7 PTO Meeting: 10:00 a.m.
7 Volunteer Thank You Celebration 11:00 a.m.
9 4th Grade Program: 6:30 PM
13-15 Galatas Science Camp
21 Yearbook Signing
23 4th Grade Clap Out: 10:00 a.m.
23 Early Dismissal: 12:10 p.m. Last Day of School