Dear Parents,

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year. It is a pleasure to begin this year as your principal. For those of you that are new to Twain, I have been here since 1991 as a teacher, a counselor and the assistant principal. It is an honor to serve in this new role and I am excited about the journey that lies ahead.

It is a year of new beginnings and sad farewells. We welcome eight new staff members Blair Brown - kindergarten, Lourdes Paschal - first grade, four new third grade teachers - Karen Watts, Jennifer Dennis, Ky Nguyen and Elesia Reed and in fifth grade, Rudy Castillo. In addition to these wonderful new teachers we also welcome Charlotte Stephens as our school nurse. Last week we said goodbye to Monica Phillips who lost her courageous battle with cancer. Monica was a teacher, a parent, a community member and our friend. As we move forward, the Twain family will look at ways to remember Monica.

While the summer heat has taken a toll on our beautiful grounds a number of improvements have occurred which have enhanced the campus. All of the common areas have a fresh coat of paint and HISD has been working diligently to repair the air conditioning system and to address other facility issues.

A few reminders as we head into the new school year: We need your help to ensure that the school day gets off to a good start. School begins at 8:00 a.m. with the classroom doors opening at 7:50am. Until 7:50, teachers will be preparing for the day, so students are asked to report to the cafeteria if they arrive before that time. Breakfast in the Classroom will continue and staff members will be set up around the building at 7:50 to pass out the breakfasts for those interested.  

We encourage parents to communicate with the classroom teachers - it is that relationship that provides the foundation for a good school year! The first few minutes of the day teachers must focus on their students and getting the day off to a good start. The instructional day begins immediately after morning announcements so please be respectful of this time and schedule conferences during planning times or before or after school. We have also asked teachers to refrain from visiting with parents while they are monitoring their students in the carpool line after school. Conversations in the carpool line make it difficult for the staff to dismiss the students in a safe and orderly fashion. We welcome parents to visit with staff members at 3:10pm once carpool activities have been completed.

The parents at Twain play a critical role in the school. I want to thank all of you that helped with the back to school activities. Your enthusiasm and commitment to Twain is amazing!   I look forward to meeting all of you at the Open House on Tuesday, September 13th and at the Grade Level Coffees held in these first few weeks.

I am proud of the hard work that the teachers and staff have put in to prepare the classrooms and the building to welcome your children. My door is open and I hope together we can continue the collaborative spirit that makes Mark Twain Elementary the best elementary school in the world!!

Sincerely,

Melissa Patin

Principal