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Folks Welcome Back Newsletter
July, 30, 2024
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Table of Contents
- Principal's Post
- Folks School Supply Lists
- Meet the Teacher Events
- Counselors' Connection Newsletter
- Folks Dress for Success Brochure
- Football Camp
- Volleyball Tryouts and Cross Country sign up
- Away for the Day / Technology Policy
- Summer Reading for Advanced ELA Classes
- Key Staff and Resources
- Folks Code and Stallion Victory Cry
Principal's Post
Dear Parents/Guardians of 7th and 8th Graders:
As the new school year approaches, we are thrilled to welcome you and your child back to Folks Middle School! Our commitment to fostering a positive culture and climate is stronger than ever, and we look forward to continuing to build a school environment grounded in positive relationships and mutual respect. Together, we make Folks the best middle school in Texas.
We cordially invite you and your student to the Folks 7th & 8th Grade Meet the Teacher event on Wednesday, August 14th, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This event is a fantastic opportunity for your child to receive their schedule, meet the teachers, and explore the school. There’s no need to bring any school supplies to this event.
Within this newsletter, you will find detailed information about our dedicated staff and the resources available to support your child's learning journey, as well as the supply lists for the 2024-2025 school year. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student has a wonderful and successful school year, and we are here to support them every step of the way.
Looking forward to an amazing year ahead!
Shawn McKenzie/Principal
7th & 8th grade Meet the Teacher
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 ~ Meet the Teacher 4 PM - 6 PM
Students with last names beginning with A-L ~ 4 - 5 PM
Students with last names beginning with M-Z ~ 5 -6 PM
Volleyball Tryouts and Cross Country Sign Up
Volleyball Try Outs
August 26, 27, & 28
7th grade @ 7:30 AM
8th grade @ 4:00 PM
Cross Country Sign Up
August 26-30
Away for the Day/Electronic Devices
Our mission is to transform the learning experience for all students and we continue to place our focus on academic success. Cell phones will not be permitted during the school day. Research suggests that there is a positive correlation between students disconnecting from electronics and student social emotional learning. If you or your child has an emergency, we will allow them to contact you or vice versa. Students will be able to use them until 8:30 am each morning, then they will be put away for the remainder of the school day. Teachers will have the option of allowing use in class for instructional purposes only. We want to keep students free of distractions in the hallways and classrooms, focused on instruction, and fostering positive social interactions among one another. However, campus incentives may occasionally include technology use during lunch. Telephones are available in every classroom and in all campus offices in the event that a student needs to contact a parent. Responsibility for the mobile device rests with the owner of the device and the district/school accepts no financial responsibility for damage, loss or theft. The mobile device should be kept secure in their backpack when not in use. Mobile devices should not be left in any open area unattended.
One of our most valuable instructional resources is the provision of a Chromebook for every student. In an effort to preserve this resource, we ask that Chromebooks only be used for instructional purposes and be kept in backpacks when not in use. Students must use the Northside network and the Internet in a responsible, efficient, ethical, and legal manner in accordance with the Northside ISD Acceptable Use Policy. District provided devices should not be utilized for playing games or messaging other students.
Summer Reading Resources & summer reading requirements for Advanced ELA
Here are some great resources to help your child find a great book to read this summer! If your child is in advanced ELA, he or she may choose any book that they want. Students should be prepared to discuss the book and complete a project. Questions?
8th grade: darlene.pena-clark@nisd.net
7th grade: elysia.carrizales@nisd.net
6th grade: annette.alcaraz@nisd.net
Librarian: frances.ingram@nisd.net
Folks MS ELA Coordinator: lauren.west@nisd.net
Need help finding the right book?
Good Reads Choice Awards:
Best Young Adult Fantasy & Science Fiction
Best Middle Grade & Children’s
Reading Lists from the Texas Library Association
American Library Association Award Winning Books
Coretta Scott King Book Awards
Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Readers
Great Graphic Novels for Teens
Key Resources on Campus
Principal
Shawn McKenzie
(210)398-1605
Associate Principal
Yvette Lopez
(210)398-1615
Academic Dean
Ann Devlin
(210) 398-1616
Assistant Principal
Miguel Trevino
(210) 398-1617
Campus Officer
James Garza
(210) 398-1645
Head Counselor
Angie Perez
(210) 398-1627
Special Education Department Coordinator
Stephanie Collazo
(210) 398-1656
Licensed School Psychologist
Veronica Medina
(210) 398-1611
504 Coordinator/Student Service Facilitator
Keli Hall
210-398-1618
English Second Language Specialist
Lizeth Sampayo
(210) 398-3223
Attendance Secretary
Terry Precie
(210) 398-1608
School Nurse
Kendra Delavega
(210) 398-1609
Boys' Head Coach
Hank Hennig
(210) 398-1660
Girls' Head Coach
Desirae Villa
(210) 398-1666
Band Director
Carolyn Ireland
(210) 398-1650
Orchestra Director
Sabrina Griffis
(210) 398-1654
Choir Director
Greg Garcia
(210) 398-1653