Herod Jets News
September 26, 2023
Important Dates
Monday, September 25: No School
Wednesday, September 27: Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night
Thursday, September 28: GT Testing information session at 5:30 PM: Herod LibraryMonday, October 2: Custodian Appreciation Day
Wednesday, October 4: Current GT Parent Meeting 8:00 AM
Saturday, October 7: Herod PTO Movie Night at 7:00 PM
Herod's 2022-2023 school year attendance rate was 92.7%; our attendance goal is 98%. We understand that children get sick and emergencies take place. However, we ask that families work to ensure their child is at school daily. Part of the school funding comes from our student attendance rate, with a 92.7% last school year, the campus has to pay back over $67,000, and this school year, we only have to pay back 50% of our attendance funding.
A missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn. Students who attend school regularly have been shown to achieve at higher levels than students who do not have regular attendance. This relationship between attendance and achievement may appear early in a child's school career. A recent study on young children found that absenteeism in kindergarten was associated with negative first-grade outcomes, such as greater absenteeism in subsequent years and lower achievement in reading, math, and general knowledge. Click Here to read more information about student attendance.
90% Attendance Credit Rule
The Texas Education Code Section 25.092 outlines the minimum attendance requirements for students to receive credit or final grades for classes in grades kindergarten through 12. According to this law:
- Students must be in attendance for at least 90 percent of the days a class is offered to receive credit or a final grade for that class. This rule applies to all students.
- All absences, whether they are excused or unexcused, are taken into account when calculating a student's attendance for credit.
- There is an exception for students who attend at least 75 percent but less than 90 percent of the class days. In such cases, the student can still receive credit or a final grade if they complete a plan approved by the school's principal. This plan must ensure that the student meets the instructional requirements of the class.
Herod GT Updates
Jet families,
The GT testing application window is now open! This year, GT universal testing will happen in 2nd grade. Parents with students in grades K-1 and 3-5 who would like their child to be tested must fill out and turn in a PAPER APPLICATION. Applications are available for pickup at the front desk, or you may email Ms. King for a digital copy.
Ms. King will host an info session about GT testing Thursday, September 28th, at 5:30 PM in the Herod Library. Please join us to learn more about the testing process, timelines, expectations, and more.
Families of current GT students are invited to a GT parent meeting on Wednesday, October 4th, at 8 AM. We will discuss the GT program for this year and experiences we are planning to help challenge and engage our students. We hope to see you there!
Uniforms
We would like to remind you of our school's uniform policy, which plays a crucial role in maintaining a positive and focused learning environment for your children. Here's a quick summary:
1. **Uniform Requirement**: All students are required to wear the designated school uniform during school hours.
2. Uniform Colors: Uniforms colors for Herod Elementary are as follows:
Shirts - Navy Blue, Red, Orange, or White.
Bottoms - Navy Blue, Khaki, or blue jeans (no holes or rips).
Skirts and dresses - Navy Blue, Red, Orange, or Khaki.
School spirit shirts and university shirts are also acceptable.
3. Exceptions: In cases where there are exceptions to the uniform policy (e.g., designated non-uniform days), we will inform you in advance.
4. Support and Resources: If you have any concerns or need assistance with obtaining uniforms, please contact the school office. We are here to help. Please reach out to Mr. Perez at mario.perez@houstonisd.org for assistance.
5. Positive Atmosphere: Encouraging uniform compliance ensures a positive and unified atmosphere, helping students focus on their studies and fostering a sense of belonging.
Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining our school's uniform policy. Your support in this matter is greatly appreciated and contributes to the overall success of our students.
Lunch Visitors
Herod will allow lunch visitors on Tuesdays and Fridays during the school year, starting Tuesday, September 19, 2023. Please remember the following expectations for lunch visitors:
Lunch visitors must be attached to the child's HISD Connect account.
Parents/Lunch Visitors must be on time; if you arrive 10 minutes late for your child’s lunch, your child will not be able to eat with you.
Parents/lunch visitors must sit at the tables on the right side of the cafeteria (when facing the lunch line); lunch visitors can not sit at the class table.
Students can not invite a friend to eat with them, parents/lunch visitors can not bring food for children other than their own.
Please know there will be dates related to district testing that we will not be able to have lunch visitors throughout the year.
SOCIAL WORK
Click Here to Request Assistance
Opt Out Form An opt-out form for school social work services is a document that allows parents or guardians to decline or withdraw their child's participation in social work services provided by the school.
Wraparound Resource Specialist
Dear Herod Families,
We understand that life can present unexpected challenges, and we want you to know that support is always available through our Wraparound Program. Whether you're facing difficulties at home, need help with your child's education, or simply require some guidance, our team is here to assist you. The Wraparound Program provides a range of services and resources to empower families like yours.
Please don't hesitate to reach out to our Wraparound Program if you feel overwhelmed or in need of assistance. Your well-being and the well-being of your family are our top priorities. Scan the QR or use the website www.houstonisdsaf.com to get assistance.
Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, and we are here to support you through any challenges you may face. Your concerns and needs are important to us, and we are committed to working together to find solutions. We look forward to being a resource for you and your family. You're not alone—let us help you navigate life's journey.
Mario Perez
Wraparound Resource Specialist
E-mail: mario.perez@houstonisd.org
Dear Herod Family,
Our Uniform donation drive is still on-going! If you would like to donate any clothing please drop off items at the front office.
**What to Donate:**
- Gently used uniforms in good condition.
- Various sizes (to accommodate students of all ages).
- Clean and laundered uniforms, free from stains or damage.
**Drop-off Information:**
We have designated a collection bin in the school's main entrance area where you can drop off your donations. The collection bin is located in the front office.
Your generosity can make a significant difference in the lives of our students and their families. By participating in this Uniform Donation Drive, you are helping to foster a sense of belonging and equality within our school community.
We sincerely thank you for your support and willingness to contribute to this meaningful initiative. Together, we can ensure that all our students have the opportunity to thrive and feel confident in their school uniforms.
Warm regards,
Mario Perez
One of our partners is having a large shipment of pumpkins arriving on September 30, 2023, and they could use some extra hands to help with unloading them. If you and your family are available to lend a hand, it would be greatly appreciated!
The more volunteers we have, the quicker and easier this task will be. Plus, it's a great way to get into the autumn spirit and bond with fellow community members. Free coffee/donuts/kolaches will be provided for breakfast, and popsicles for everyone once the truck is unloaded. Please see the flyer for more details.
Fifth Grade Boston Trip
HOUSE BILL 114 - PARENT/GUARDIAN NOTIFICATION
Parents and Guardians,
We would like to notify you of an important new policy change that has been passed by the 88th Texas Legislature and will be taking effect immediately in our district for September 1st, 2023.
House Bill 114 (HB 114) has been enacted to respond to the increasing concerns around e-cigarettes, vaping, marijuana, and THC related products amongst our youth. The Bill mandates that any student found in possession of, under the influence of, selling, gifting, or delivering these substances within a 300-feet radius of any school premises, will be immediately removed, and placed in a Disciplinary Alternative Education Program (DAEP).
You can access the full version of the Bill here: https://capitol.texas.gov/tlodocs/88R/billtext/pdf/HB00114F.pdf
Please discuss the implications of this new law with your children, emphasizing the importance of adhering to school policies and laws for their own educational success and for the betterment of the school community.
Your cooperation and support in ensuring that Houston remains a safe and healthy educational environment for our students and staff is appreciated. If you have any questions or concerns about this new policy, please contact your child’s campus principal.
Thank you,
Houston ISD Administration
Stay Connected
Website: https://www.houstonisd.org/domain/22552
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HerodElementarySchool/
Instagram: @Herod.Elementary
Twitter: @HerodElementary
Herod PTO Website: https://herodpto.membershiptoolkit.com/home