Principal's Newsletter

Hello Spicewood Families,

We have had a busy but wonderful week here at Spicewood! Our 50th Celebration was a huge success and we packed the cafeteria with Spicewood Panthers present and past. We have one last week of school until the winter break and look forward to the fun week ahead!

Just a reminder to come and check our lost and found. We are bringing everything up to the front hallway this last week to help all of the items find their home. After Thursday, items will be sent off for donation.

Next week our staff is participating in some dress up days and we would like to invite students to join us. This is totally optional and just a fun way to head into the winter break!

Monday- We are Dreaming of the Holidays- Pajama Day

Tuesday- Wear your Favorite Tacky/Holiday Sweater

Wednesday- Deck the Hall with Holiday Gear- Wear your favorite holiday gear

Have a fantastic weekend!

Sincerely,

Melanie Solis

Principal

Spicewood Elementary

Upcoming Important Dates

Dec. 19th- Winter Parties

Dec. 20-Jan. 6th Winter Break- No School

Jan. 7th- First Day Back for Students

Jan. 17- Marathon Kids Finale Extended- (New Date!)

On December 19th we will have our classroom winter parties. Classroom teachers will be emailing grade level specific information. Parents are welcome to attend. If you choose to take your child home after the party, please make sure to sign them out!

All visitors will be required to scan in and receive a badge so please allow yourself enough time prior to the start of the party to come by the front office as we are expecting many visitors on this day. If you have not visited Spicewood this school year, you will need a picture ID. Here is the link to RSVP.

Winter Party Schedule:

Kindergarten- 1:30-2:30

1st Grade- 1:00-2:00

2nd Grade- 1:15-2:15

3rd Grade- 12:15-1:15

4th Grade- 10:20-11:20

5th Grade- 9:50-10:50

Our Spicewood Lost and Found is overflowing with jackets, water bottles, and many other items. Teachers will be taking students by the lost and found which is located in the hallway behind the cafeteria next week. Parents are welcome to come in after school to look for lost items as well.

All leftover items will be donated at the end of the month so please make sure to come and check it out!

Fourth grade started their week with a tea ceremony led by the Tzu Chi Foundation. They learned a brief history of tea and how all types of tea derive from the same tea plant. We talked about respect and gratitude. Students were taught to observe the tea, smell the tea, then sip the tea. Part of the process was also speaking good words to one another, making a wish, and doing a good deed. One student shared with the group that his good deed is making tea and coffee for his parents every morning! It was a meaningful experience that reminded us to be more mindful and caring – with our thoughts, words, and actions. Thank you Tzu Chi Foundation for visiting us!

We have 8 students who are participating in The Nutcracker. Their last performance is at the Round Top Festival Institute this weekend. We are so proud of you!

Congratulations!

Front Row: Megan B., Coco T., Lila W.

Middle Row: Zoey K., Hope S.

Back Row: Grace H., Emily B., Charlotte M.

Thank you to everyone who helped prepare, provided information and gave input to pull off the best 50th Anniversary Celebration a school could ask for! It was such a wonderful night with close to 300 attendees!

I was blown away by the positivity and true love for Spicewood that was so visible in the room. It was wonderful to have former staff, students, community members, and administrators in attendance. Spicewood is truly a special place.

The program consisted of performances by Canyon Vista, Westwood, and Spicewood students. We had the honor of dedicating the stage to Spicewood's very first Principal- Mr. Jerry Don Landers who led Spicewood for over 25 years!

Here is to the next 50!

The Science Fair team has created a website with lots of helpful information about participating in the Science Fair. There is a deadline of December 18th, to register your project.

Last year we had an amazing turnout with over 100 projects! It is always so amazing to see our students interests and thoughts come to life through their projects!

Science Fair Website: https://sites.google.com/roundrockisd.org/spicewoodsciencefair/home

We want to express our sincere appreciation to all the parents who participated in Panther Patrol this semester. It truly takes a community to keep a school running and we are so happy that you have been a part of that for us.

We would love to see more of you in the Spring semester. There is always so much to do!

Thank you Panther Patrol!

Stefan Bader

Joe Rivers

Chris Gracey

Chris Epper

John Walters

Mason Bonar

Caleb Upchurch

Cody Chenoweth

Richard Campbell

Andy Bond

Meryem Britton

Mukti Jindal

Priya Girinathan

Bob Shepherd

Nate Marshall

Neville Clubwala

Brian Weaver

Calling all strategic thinkers, puzzles & games enthusiasts. Please fill out the following interest form if you wish to participate in the Math Pentathlon Tournament in 2025. We need 3 parent volunteers trained as game leaders, for each division, to start SWES Math Pentathlon Club.

More information on Math Pentathlon can be found at https://www.mathpentath.org/austin-area/

and the attached flyer. You can send your queries to the club chair at mathpentathlon@spicewoodpta.org