Joe Straus III Newsletter
May 6, 2024
Campus Updates
This week is Teacher Appreciation Week. We hope that you will take a moment to thank a teacher who impacts your child in a positive way. A small note, card or email of appreciation is always welcomed. On the campus, in collaboration with our PTA, we will be showering love on our Straus teachers all week.
As we enter the final month of school, we ask that you support us as we work to have our Mavericks finish strong. Many of our 7th and 8th Grade students have high school credit courses and exams are near. It is imperative that they maintain their academic focus. In addition, as the year ends we have noticed that dress code is starting to become an issue. Please talk with your child about ensuring they are in dress code at school. Some areas of concern:
- Shorts must be mid thigh
- No crop tops
- No spaghetti straps
- No shirts with inappropriate language/images
Lastly, as we go into the last month of school, attendance matters. If your child is out due to illness, please ensure you send a note to the attendance secretary so that it is documented appropriately.
As always, we appreciate your support!
Chromebook Collection
We will be collecting student Chromebooks at the end of the month. All students are required to turn in their campus issued Chromebook and charger. If your student has lost their Chromebook charger, the replacement cost on campus is $13 or a replacment can be purchased on Amazon.
BARK Monitoring
We are seeing an increase in our Bark notifications in the evening and on the weekend. Students are chatting with peers and the content is often not appropriate. We are discussing these concerns with students and we encourage you to talk to your child about making sure that they are not having inappropriate discussions on their district monitored device.
Summer Planning-School Calendar
If you have not had the opportunity to look at the 24-25 school Calendar, please do so. NISD is starting school a week earlier next school year and we want to ensure our families are aware of this change.
Purchase Your Yearbook!
The 2024 yearbook is selling out fast! Get your copy today at jostensyearbooks.com or scan the QR code.
Dress Code Reminders
Buses and Parent Drop Off
All buses will enter and exit from the south side of the campus (nearest the bus barn). Parents, please DO NOT USE THIS ENTRANCE. If you will be dropping off or picking up your student(s), please use the entrance in the front of the school on the north end of the building. Once you enter the school, the traffic flow is one way to the right. Please do not drive around the numerous vehicles waiting to enter the campus or attempt to enter the campus using the exit lane. We ask for your patience as we all learn this process. Please be courteous to other drivers around you.
Please check the Buses and Boundaries page on the NISD website for more specific information on your student’s transportation to and from Straus for this coming year.
Away For The Day
At Straus, cell phones and other personal electronic devices will not be permitted during the school day. Students will be able to use devices until 8:40 am each morning, then they will be put away until 3:50 pm. At that time, students will be able to check their devices in order to review end of day parent communication regarding dismissal. Teachers will have the option of allowing the use of electronics in class for instructional purposes only. Telephones are available in every classroom and in all campus offices in the event that a student needs to contact a parent. If you have not done so already, please take time to review awayfortheday.org, a nationally recognized research based initiative that serves as a campus resource.
VAPE FREE IS THE WAY TO BE
Vaping among young people is on the rise, and it poses serious health risks. Recent legislation means that any student caught with vaping devices will face consequences, including mandatory placement in an Alternative Education Placement (DAEP or alternative school). It's crucial to start the conversation about the dangers of vaping at home. We encourage you to learn more about the risks, the new law, and how you can help protect your child's health and academic future. You can find that information on our district website – nisd.net/vape-free.
Together, we can create a safer, healthier environment for our students.
NISD Safety
Social Media Awareness
Social media can be a valuable tool when used appropriately.
Not everything you read on social media is true. Inaccurate or false information spread on social media can be dangerous and disruptive to a school community.
Students who engage in posting or sharing false or hoax reports will be subject to disciplinary and criminal action (possibly a third degree felony).
Please take time to read this video from NISD regarding Social Media Awareness.
No Food Delivery
In order for our front office staff to effectively maintain their focus on campus safety, we do not allow food delivery of any kind to our front office. Should a student forget their lunch, the cafeteria will provide a meal that will be charged to your School Cafe account.
Lunch Account
For questions, please visit our Child Nutrition page.
Straus Sporting Events
As a reminder, all students who attend games are subject to the campus code of conduct at Straus and at all other campuses. Not adhering to campus rules at a game will prevent students from attending future games.
All Straus students who are at a game without parents must be picked up by 7 PM for Football and 7:30 PM for all other games.
Counselor's Chronicle
Leigh Davis
A-F
Head Counselor
398-2578
Heather Callihan
G-N
Counselor
398-2576
Amber Haby
O-Z
Counselor
398-2577
Claudia Duby
Grade Reporting Secretary
398-2582
PTA/Volunteering
PTA (strausmspta@gmail.com)
Become a NISD Volunteer or Mentor
NISD requires that anyone volunteering on campus complete a background check. This can be completed on the district website and is linked here.
Straus Clubs
Parent Q&A
How can we help?
NJHS
NJHS officer and members have been leading the way—“The Straus Way” with over 900 hours of community service since August 2023. Mrs. Garza and Mrs. Galvan are proud of all their efforts and willingness to always give back. Some events include campus tours, elementary events, and community events such as serving our Veterans, Texas Diaper Bank, Food Bank drive, United Way donation baskets and so much more.
Way to go Mavericks!
#Mavsgiveback
What's Happening at JSMS?
We have had a busy few weeks here at Straus. So many amazing things have been happening!
- We have completed all of our STAAR testing and our Mavericks were amazing.
- Our Band did an exceptional job at UIL, earning the highest rating-Straight 1's! We are so proud of our Mavericks!
- We had a Pop Show on Friday with combined performances by the Straus Orchestra, Choir and Dance!
- Our Choir students performed in the district Together We SIng Event.
- Our Solar Car team did an amazing job at the district Solar Car competition!
- Our Art students did a phenomenal job at VASE, with many awards earned!
APRIL/MAY REMINDERS
- 05/06- Teacher Appreciation Week
- 05/09- National School Nurse Day
- 05/13- Tobin Band Performance
- 05/13- Orchestra Spring Concert
- 05/15- Early Release
- 05/20- Choir Spring Concert
- 05/21- Band Spring Concert
- 05/22- Retirement Recognition
- 05/23- Dance Spring Show
- 05/24- 8th Grade Dance
- 05/27- School Holiday
- 05/30- 8th Grade Awards
- 06/04- 8th Grade Field Day
- 06/06- Last Day of School
NISD Tutoring Resources
Joe Straus III MS
Email: straus@nisd.net
Website: https://www.nisd.net/straus
Phone: 210-398-2550