HUNTERS CREEK ELEMENTARY
COUGAR EXPRESS Principal's Newsletter
 
SUMMER EDITION #1 - JUNE 2016
Keep up with the happenings at HCE! 

CLICK HERE for our full calendar of events

Our office is being renovated over the summer. 
We are relocating to the library. 
Please enter at the library gate when visiting the school this summer.  

Sign up for the HCE & HCE weekly electronic newsletter: Cougar Express

June 30Office Closes
July 18Office Opens 7:00am - 5:00pm, Monday - Thursday until August 8
August 12
The class assignment cards will be mailed and you can see in Family Access who the teacher will be for 2016-2017. 
August 176:00 pmNew to HCE Parent Orientation
August 1910:30 am 

11:30 am
Meet the Teacher - in the classrooms

PTA Buddy Family event in the Gym
August 227:30 am
7:45 am
8:00 am
8:20 am
FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
Students to class from Cafe or Gym
Beginning Bonanza in the Cafe
Volunteer Training in the Librar

STAAR Scores for 3rd grade Reading and Math, 
4th grade Reading, Writing and Math and 5th grade
 Science are expected after July 15. 
GETTING READY FOR NEXT SCHOOL YEAR

Next school year when you enter the front doors you will be welcomed at an open window where our receptionist or parent volunteer will greet you. There will be two sets of doors leading into the rest of the campus that must be 'buzzed open', depending on where you are going.  If you are just picking up student or dropping of things, that will happen at the window. We are anxious to see how this looks. Pictures of the progress are posted on our Facebook page. 

Next year the tardy bell will ring at 7:55 am instead of 8:00 am.  We are doing this as the state of Texas no longer counts the number of days a student must attend school but counts the number of MINUTES a child must attend school.  We the addition of two noon dismissal days for professional learning for the staff, Nov 4 and Feb 17, we had to add extra minutes!  

Our up-to-date HCE Student Handbook is posted on our school webpage.  Also posted there is information about registration and updating information for returning and for new parents.  
REFLECTIONS OF A PRINCIPAL

As I think back over my years as a teacher and administrator there seem to be three prevalent themes that worried parents share with me about their childrens' school lives.  They worry that they might be bullied at school, that they might have low self-esteem and that they might not be challenged or supported instructionally.  These are all very valid worries. 

Of these, there is one that could help students overcome the other two. I believe that if students have strong self-esteem -  are confident in themselves, feel trusted and respected and learn to be self-advocates - they will be able to stand up to bullies and will be able to communicate with their teacher to help her know their instructional needs.  So how do you raise a student who is confident, self-assured and a self-advocate? 

I've learned through experience, by reading and learning about Love & Logic and by observing masterful parents and teachers that self -esteem (confidence, self-assurance and self-advocacy) is learned through making mistakes and solving problems with a loving, consistent parent or teacher providing guidance. 

So, how do you become one of those guiding parents?  You stop saving your child from making mistakes and overcoming hardships. You stop being the first line of interference when there are problems with friends or teachers. You give advise, show empathy when things are hard and praise effort and hard work.  You let your child feel that you trust them to help themselves. 

I've been thinking about even the simple things like chores, allowance and personal responsibility. When you don't give children chores and hold them accountable for doing their chores, you don't give them the chance to feel they contribute.  When you don't give them allowance and teach them how to save, give and spend wisely, they don't learn to manage money. When you bring them forgotten assignments, lunches and jackets, you don't let them learn from their mistakes and learn that those things are their responsibilities, not yours!  

When you don't allow them to struggle with homework or struggle to work out a problem with a friend (with consistent and loving advise) you are teaching them you don't think they can do it - leading them to believe that themselves - harming their self-esteem.  

So, practice some of this over the summer. Give them some chores, start an allowance plan with thoughtful saving, giving and spending, and help them learn the are strong, smart and able as they make mistakes and solve problems with your guidance.  

Want to know more?  




NEW CHANGES FOR OUR FACULTY SINCE END OF THE YEAR

I'm excited to announce that kindergarten teacher, Jenny Meyer, was offered and accepted a district level position working in the Special Education department with students who use Assistive Technology to access curriculum and to successfully communicate. We are so sorry to see her go but know she will be great for this position for our district. 

Mrs. Meyer's goodbye: 
Dear Parents,
 
I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching your children this year! They are each unique and possess many talents! I have no doubt that I have been in the presence of future doctors, scientists, actor/actresses, attorneys, musicians, teachers and engineers. It has been a privilege to be a part of their education.
 
Next year, I have the opportunity to serve in the role of an itinerant assistive technology position. This is a special education position serving students K-12 across the district who have needs for technology devices to communicate or learn.
 
Although I am thrilled to work with students in this capacity, I will definitely miss my kindergarteners. However, since the position is for K-12- I will be stopping by now and then to work with students at HCE!  I feel very fortunate to have worked at HCE under Ms. Snyder's leadership. She is an advocate for every child!

We were lucky to find a SBISD teacher looking to transfer to replace Mrs. Meyer. Here is the introduction to our new Kindergarten teacher, Margaret (Peggy) Railey. 

Hi, my name is Peggy Railey. I am proud to say this is my 12th year working in SBISD, all at Meadow Wood Elementary. 

I started as an assistant in Pre-K for four years.  After finishing my degree and certification at LeTourneau University, I taught kindergarten for two years. Due to loss of a teacher on the grade level, I moved up to third grade for four years and, last year, taught second grade. I am excited to move to HCE and to be teaching kindergarten again!

I have a wonderful daughter Devon a graduate of LSU ...Geaux Tigers! She will be attending U of H for graduate school. I have an amazing son Nicolas who will be starting his senior year at UNT in Denton. I recently married a wonderful man Tosh Railey. I now have 2 more sons Zachar,y an aspiring chef here in Houston, and Gavin, a fourth grader in Conroe.
 
I look forward to teaching great things and am positive that my past teaching experiences will help your children be successful both this year and for years to come. The 2016-17 year promises to be full of unlimited learning experiences and fun times.

Welcome our new 5th grade Language Arts/Social Studies teacher, Jessica Wright: 

Hello! I am Jessica Wright, the new fifth grade language arts and social studies teacher. I am so excited to be a member of the Hunter's Creek family! I am a native Houstonian who spent the last seven years teaching in the Austin area. I'm coming back home to be with my family and fianc�. We are getting married in the Fall!

As I mentioned before, I have seven years of teaching experience across three different campuses. I have opened up every school I've been at, so I am beyond thrilled to join an established team and community with such a great reputation of supporting students. I earned my bachelor's degree in 2009, and master's degree in 2010 from Texas State University. I love my job and can honestly say I look forward to working with your children every day!

When I'm not working, which isn't often, I enjoy spending time with friends and family outdoors. Over the summer, I am moving into a house down the street from my parents and my best friend! I am excited to be back home and to be blessed with this wonderful opportunity to be part of the HCE family. It's going to be a great year! 

Additionally we have completed hiring for our PTA Funded positions.  

Our full time PTA Funded Literacy Intervention Specialist (Reading Specialist is her nickname), Karen Ferraro: 
I hope you are all having a great summer! My name is Karen Ferraro and I am looking forward to starting my job as the Full Time Literacy Intervention Specialist at Hunters Creek Elementary this fall. I loved my time in the classroom, but I am so excited to have the opportunity to teach reading in a new role. I am excited to get to know the students at Hunters Creek and to help them reach their full potential.

I have a B.A. and M.Ed. from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. I returned to SFASU after a couple of years in the classroom to earn my Master Reading Teacher certification. I have taught in SBISD for ten years, starting at Wilchester Elementary before my nine years at Frostwood Elementary. I have taught kindergarten, second grade, and fourth grade. I have also had the opportunity to both assist and lead teacher training sessions in the district. I can't wait to work with and help support the amazing teachers at Hunters Creek.

My husband and I celebrated our tenth anniversary this year. We have two kids. My son, Caden, is 3 years old. My daughter, Gianna, is 6 years old and will be in first grade this year in the Two-Way Dual Language program at Sherwood Elementary. I love to read, spend time with my family, and run. I am proud to say that I completed the Houston Marathon in January.

I can't wait to get to know the students and parents at HCE! Go Cougars!

Our 1/2 time K-2nd Literacy Intervention Specialist (Primary Reading Specialist is her nickname)
Hi! My name is Caitlyn Luberger, the new part-time K-2 Literacy Specialist teacher. Yes, I am related to Lynne Luberger for those of you wondering...  She is my wonderful mother-in-law! I am SO excited to be joining the Hunters Creek family this year. My husband, Chase, and I have a sweet and spunky 16-month-old son, Charlie. He is every bit a red head and the light of our lives, constantly keeping us on our toes! 
 
I have a B.S. in Early Childhood Education from Texas Tech University and a M.Ed. as a Reading Specialist from University of St. Thomas. I have 5 years experience teaching Reading. I was in the classroom for 4 years and this past year I transitioned into a reading intervention position where I worked with kindergarten through 5th grade struggling readers.
 
The amazing thing about learning is that every person, regardless of background or culture, is entitled to acquire knowledge. It puts a smile on my face thinking about my past and present students embracing the idea of becoming life-long learners and the amazing opportunities that await them.
 
I cannot wait to start my journey at Hunters Creek Elementary in August. I look forward to getting to know the staff and helping each student find confidence in their ability to achieve success!  

Our full time PTA Funded Mathematics Intervention Specialist (Math Specialist is her nickname), Tracey Tomaro-McCall:  
Dear Parents,
Hello!  I am so excited to be joining the Hunters Creek Elementary community this year.  My name is Tracey Tomaro-McCall and I am the new math interventionist.  I was born in New Jersey and spend every summer and winter break with my family on the Jersey Shore. I have been married for 25 years and we have two wonderful boys, Anthony an incoming senior at MHS and Matthew an incoming 7th grader at SBMS. Both my boys are avid learners and athletes.

This will be my 20th year of teaching.  Ten years in the classroom and 10 years as a math specialist.   I am looking forward to returning to the role of math specialist where I will work with students, teachers, parents, and administration.  This year, my goal is to instill a love of learning and help your child develop to his/her greatest ability. 
I feel very fortunate to be joining the HCE community, and I am excited to be part of your child's development.
   
I welcome questions or comments, and am looking forward to a great year! Please feel free to reach me anytime at [email protected]� 
I look forward to the coming year at HCE.

Sincerely,
 
Tracey Tomaro-McCall
Math is Everywhere!
STARTING JUNE 6, 2016
FOR RETURNING STUDENTS

Parents of returning HCE students can re-verify their information online AND complete all the 2016-2017 district required forms as well.
  • At the home page go to the Resources section and click on Student Registration
  • From there go to Online Registration Returning Students
  • If you currently have a password to Family Access, please clink on the link.
  • If you do not have access to Family Access, go to for more information about Family Access link and click on Login-Skyward Family Access OR see back of this flier for FAMILY ACCESS instructions.
  • When completing forms, be sure to scroll to the right to see all the fields OR use "full page view" mode located in top right hand corner of screen. You will need to click "full screen mode" each time you move to the next step.
  • Complete all forms for returning students
  • There is no need to print and return any forms.
  • Please contact Janis Causey at 713-251-6005 if there is a parent/guardian change or a change of address for the student.
FAMILY ACCESS is a password-protected site that provides parents access to grades, attendance and other data.
 
To access Family Access, you can go to the Family Access Login page on the district webpage found under the "FOR PARENTS" tab. 

Look for "SKYWARD (FAMILY ACCESS)" and click on it. 

Next, look for Login-Skyward (Family Access) in light blue in the middle of the page and click on it.  The login screen is next. 

Finally you click on "Forgot Password" and Skyward will email you a login name. 

Return to the Family Access login page enter your login and create a password. This should activate the Skyward Family Access site.
 
You must use the email address provided to Hunters Creek for your child. Any questions or problems, please contact Janis Causey at 713-251-6005. 
 

2016-2017  HCE PTA ANNUAL FUND          Are you ALL IN for HCE?  

Show your "Cougar Pride"

Community support is what allows HCE to be an exceptional school with unique programs, terrific teachers, and an innovative curriculum. HCE relies upon the generosity of parents, grandparents, alumni, parents of alumni, faculty, staff and friends like you to keep our school flourishing.

Without the "Cougar Pride" Annual Fund, our students' experiences would be dramatically different.

Your contribution and our PTA help provide the following:
  • $175,000+ in Teacher Salaries supporting specialists in Reading and Math
  • $35,000+ in Curriculum Support including grade level field trips, in-class technology, staff development, literacy library, and Teacher Basics & Beyond (annual allowance for each teacher for classroom supplies)
  • $25,000+ in Enrichment Programs such as Spelling Bee, DARE, Winds of Time, Reflections art recognition, science enrichment lab, Hands on Science, Science Fair, Space Maker Lab, Book Fair, Talent Show, and class parties
  • $30,000+ in Campus and Community activities such as Lunch with Heroes, Red Ribbon Week, Parent Education, Field Day, Health Fair, Bike Rodeo, Fifth Grade track meet and graduation celebration, Teacher Appreciation luncheons, grounds maintenance, Buddy Family program, Summer Reading, crossing guard officers and Spirit t-shirts for all students
  • $5,000+ in Campus Communication such as directory, newsletter, website and yearbook
  • $20,000+ in Professional Development Teacher Conferences including Rigor, Relevance and Relationships, Capturing Kids Hearts, Creative Mathematics seminars, as well as the Literacy for All conference to bring best practices in education back to our campus!
Your participation is important and every gift, regardless of amount, is vital!

Because of you, HCE continues its proud tradition of inspiring minds and shaping lives!

We strive for 100% parent participation!

CONTRIBUTION LEVELS AND BENEFITS:

ULTIMATE COUGAR - $7,500+
Name printed on Spirit and Family Fair t-shirt
Full-page ad in Directory and Auction catalog
Professional photo session
2 Auction tickets with reserved table and unlimited drinks
Child's appearance as guest anchor on announcements

COUGAR PRIDE - $5,000+
Name printed on Spirit and Family Fair t-shirt
Full-page ad in Directory and Auction catalog
Professional photo session
2 Auction tickets with reserved table 

PAW POWER - $2,500+
Name printed on Spirit t-shirt
Full-page ad in Directory and Auction catalog
Professional photo session

AWESOME HCE - $1,250+
Name printed on Spirit t-shirt
Full-page ad in Directory

LOVE OUR SCHOOL - $500+
SUPER SPIRIT - $250+
COUGAR FAN - $100+
FRIEND OF HCE - $50+

A LA CARTE:
(Ads may contain a business logo OR a personal message) 

Directory Ads:
Full-page ad - $250
Half-page ad - $150

Auction Catalog Ads:
(Includes professional photo session - PAY NOW AND CONTACT ANGIE KINSEL: [email protected] or  (512) 919-6336
TO SCHEDULE YOUR IMAGES BY KRISTY PHOTO SESSION THIS SUMMER)
Full-page ad  - $250
Half-page ad - $150

Donations for Teachers:
Auction ticket - $100
Auction t-shirt - $15

Deadline for Directory Ads - September 3rd

Deadline for name printed on Spirit T-Shirt - Sept 9th

Deadline for Auction Catalog Ads - September 15th
 
ALL donors will be recognized in the HCE Directory, Yearbook, Auction catalog, 
Newsletter and Website.

Remember to check with your company for their Corporate Matching Program. 
For questions about the annual fund, please contact Ketti Collins at:
[email protected] or (989) 506-8634


THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING HUNTERS CREEK ELEMENTARY PTA!
Hunters Creek Elementary | School & PTA | 713-251-6000| Email | Website
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