HUNTERS CREEK ELEMENTARY
COUGAR EXPRESS 

News from the Principal and the PTA
 
SEPTEMBER 9, 2016
                        VISIT OUR SCHOOL WEBSITE           VISIT OUR PTA WEBSITE 
CLICK HERE for our full calendar of events 

Sept 10
9:00 am
HCE Dad's Club Family Kickball Classic - see flyer below
Sept  149:05 amPresentation of Dictionaries to all 3rd Grade students
 by SBEF and Village Republican Women - THANK  YOU!! 
Sept 155:00-5:45 pm
5:50-6:25
6:30-7:15		K, 1 and 2 Curriculum Night for PARENTS
PTA Meeting in the Cafe
3, 4 and 5 Curriculum Night for PARENTS
Sept 16Time TBAConstitution Day - a member of the Houston Bar Association will read about our constitution to 2nd grade students

Staff Appreciation Luncheon by PTA - yum!  
Sept 23
5th Grade Hands On Science - Bridges

Progress Reports go home - these will have a very limited number of grades this time of year as teachers are doing beginning of the year assessments and not doing many graded assignments.  
Sept 26
Playground Pictures taken for AUCTION item
Sept 279:30 am5th Grade Author Visit
Sept 299:30 am1st Grade Author Visit
Planning Proposals Due to Mrs. Snyder
Sept 30
SBEF Style Show and Luncheon
OCT 65:30-6:30Open House - more info coming soon! 
It's time to complete your ANNUAL VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION. 

You need to do 2 things to complete your annual volunteer registration. 
1.  Register with SBISD at https://volunteer.springbranchisd.com/
2.  View the HCE Volunteer Training video and sign the google form.  Or, attend a training at school the first day or first few weeks of school.  

Video of HCE Volunteer Training:  https://youtu.be/-mJQgpiulSw
CURRICULUM NIGHT

Schedule is arranged to allow all parents to attend our First General PTA Meeting. 

5:00-5:45 pm

5:50-6:25 pm

6:30-7:15 pm
  K, 1 and 2 Curriculum Night for PARENTS
  
  PTA Meeting in the Cafeteria
   
  3, 4 and 5 Curriculum Night for PARENTS
WE NEED PARENTS HELP

This is a bit of a delicate matter.  Our dress code states that when girls wear shorts the length of the shorts should be such that when a girl holds her arms straight down by her side, her fingertips should touch material and not skin.  

Many of your precious girls are wearing very short, loose legged gym type shorts. As they sit casually in chairs and cross-legged on the floor, the shorts are not covering all they need to cover!  

Please take a look at the shorts your daughters are wearing to be sure they are appropriately long to meet our dress code standards and to remain modest while sitting comfortably.  

The same is true for spaghetti straps, t-back exercise tops like sports bras and actual sports bras.  Girls should wear complete shirts on top of this type of undergarment.  Not only are the rooms pretty cold but, again, their modesty is at stake.  
HCE Book of the Month Club
 
Our Literacy Committee has, with generous funding from the PTA Planning Committee, implemented an HCE Book of the Month Club in grades K - 3.  Throughout the course of the year, at the beginning of each month, each teacher will share the same read aloud book with her class.  The PTA Planning Committee provided the funds to purchase the books.
 
We hope that by sharing a common text each month, we will build an even stronger community of readers. We will announce the title and short synopsis of the book in Cougar Express so you can ask your children about the book.  We envision great home conversations as your children will have all had the same read aloud.  You may want to make these books a bedtime read aloud as well.
 
We are kicking off the school year with A Fine, Fine School  by Sharon Creech. In this book the main character, Tillie, goes to a fabulous school that everyone just adores.  One day, Mr. Keene, the principal, called all the students and teachers together and said, "This is a fine, fine
school!  From now on, let's have school on Saturdays too!. Tillie is panicked.  When would she have time to climb trees? Or teacher her brother to skip? It is up to Tillie and her classmates to help their principal realize that it is possible to have too much of a good thing. 
 
While Hunters Creek is a fine, fine school, let's remember how important it is for our children to teach their siblings how to skip or take their dogs on walks. Let's help our learners (and ourselves) find a proper balance between learning inside the school and enjoying the learning that is done outside of school as well. 
 
We hope you have great conversations with your children about the September book and talk together about how sometimes, too much of a good thing - is not a good thing! 
 
Thanks to the Literacy Committee and Rachel Scott for coordinating this HCE Book of the Month Club! 
GETTING STARTED

I am amazed by the work our teachers have accomplished so early in the year. In every room I've felt like it was months into school instead of weeks into school. Here is a great example of that. It's only a representation of one classroom but it is what Deana and I are seeing in all classrooms - routines and procedures set, kids already working on authentic reading, writing, math, science and social studies (and art, music and HF TOO!!). 
 
This is kindergarten.  At this time they have learned to sit for an extended time and read independently.  In a few weeks they will be spread around the room on the floor and 'in their bubble' while they read their books.  You are seeing 20 five year olds, all sitting, all reading...SUPER TEACHERS!!  
REFERRAL TO THE GIFTED & TALENTED PROGRAM

Parents who would like to refer their child for gifted and talented screening must provide permission for assessment and complete a Parent Referral Form.  Parent Referral Forms are available in the front office of the school, by contacting Andrea Chvatal, Counselor, at andrea.chvatal@springbranchisd.com or by clicking this link and scrolling down to Forms and Information: SBISD GT Information
 
Completed Parent Referral Forms must be submitted to Andrea Chvatal no later than October 7th.  Please note that no late referrals will be accepted due to timeline restraints.
 
There is also an informative Powerpoint to look through that may answer many of your questions about referring and the referral process.  Click this link and scroll to the middle of the page under Forms and Information : Should I refer my child?
 
To learn more about the identification process, please attend the Community GT Awareness Meeting at SBISD Administration Building, located at 955 Campbell Road: September 21st from 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
 
Additional upcoming dates:

Monday, November 14th - Level 1 parent notification letters mailed.  This letter will be mailed to all parents of students that were referred indicating whether the child will continue in the screening process and take the standardized tests.
 
Monday, November 21st - Friday December 9th - Window for Level 2 testing of only those students who qualified in Level 1. 
 
Friday, February 17th - Notification mailed to parents regarding Level 2 results
 
Monday, February 27th - Kindergarten GT services begin for students who qualified for services
 
Monday, May 8th - Appeals due to Counselor
 
Friday, May 26th - Appeals notifications mailed to parents
 
August 2017 - 1st - 5th grade GT services begin
COUNSELOR'S CORNER

This week began guidance lessons in Kinder - second grade.  Next week will begin third - fifth grade.  These lessons are 30 minutes each and I will be in each classroom every other week.  The first lesson is about my role in the school.  Students are learning that I can help teach skills to cope with anger, frustration, grief, distractions in the classroom, as well as learning how to be a friend and expressing feelings.  My main focus is to help remove barriers to learning in order to promote students' success.  I want our HCE families to know anytime you'd like to discuss your child's particular path, please call me for an appointment; I'd love to visit with you.  713-251-6000. 
 
As a school we use Love and Logic principles. If you haven't read it, and need a good book, consider Parenting with Love and Logic by Foster Cline, M.D. and Jim Fay.
You can also check out their website for webinars and other resources.  They even come to Houston once in a while!   https://www.loveandlogic.com

Here's an article I'd like to share from their site: "My Teacher is Mean" by Dr. Charles Fay   https://www.loveandlogic.com/articles-advice/what-to-do-when-your-child-says-my-teacher-is-mean
PTA President's Perspective

I hope everyone is settling into their new routines and enjoying their new teachers and friends! Thanks to everyone who turned in their First Day Packets on time.  If you still haven't turned in your packet, please do so as soon as possible!
 
The deadline for directory ads and dontations to our annual fund to be on the back of our spirit shirts has been extended.  If you have not already donated, please support our wonderful school and donate now!  You may also wish to subscribe to the HCE PTA Calendar on your Smart Phone to check all of those important school dates easily and to set reminders for those events you certainly don't want to miss!  Visit the PTA website for details.  If you haven't already, please make sure you have completed the Back to School Checklist on the homepage of the PTA Website. 

I'd like to thank the PTA Volunteers who have already been hard at work!  Our wonderful newsletter editors, Teresa Witte, Jill Bell, Katie Bennett and Leslie Parkan, have been working hard with Mrs. Snyder to combine our newsletters into one, the Cougar Express! Sheri Gross has matched all our new families with veteran Buddy Families, if requested, and hosted a great Buddy Family event in the gym. (If you're new and you'd like a Buddy Family, contact Sheri at sherileighgross@aol.com).  

Meredith Turner and Farrell Saunders are off and running with our financials for the new school year.  Amy Miers is keeping  track of our PTA membership as it climbs toward our goal of 100% participation!  Stephanie Nini has been busy recruiting and training volunteers to staff the front office.  Kristen Ramsey has been making sure the teachers get their Teacher Basics & Beyond reimbursements for the money they spend on their classrooms!  

You may have seen Nan Chandler taking pictures for the yearbook around the school - if you take any great pictures this year, they'd love to use them in the yearbook! Chay Taylor and Rebecca Jackson have organized the students' Summer Reading forms.  Cindy Pappas is working to coordinate our Parent Tutors.  We still need more parent tutors so if you are free please contact Cindy at cynthiapappas@att.net. 

Thank you to all the new Room Parents for volunteering to help out in their children's classrooms this year and to Yvette Simpson and Tonia Whilden for training them!  

Thank you to all of the PTA Committee Chairs who are so dedicated to making this a fun and fabulous year for our students and to Meredith Turner and Tonia Whilden for training all of our volunteers! Thank you to all the Back to School Coffee hosts who opened their homes to bring parents together! Finally, thank you to our amazing auction chairs who are working tirelessly to make our auction possible and raise money for our awesome school!  ROCK ON, HCE! 



- All ages can participate.
- Enter in 1 or more of the art categories shown      above.
- Entry forms are located  at the front office.
- All entries are due October 28th
- For inspiration visit PTA.org/Reflections (click
  "For Students"  - left side.)
- For participation rules and program overview
  visit:
- For questions, e-mail: yenelis_L@hotmail.com   (subject:"Reflections")
HCE 2016-2017 DIRECTORY FAMILY AD DEADLINE!
 
The deadline for submitting a family ad for the 2016-2017 directory is September 23rd!!

Please submit it in a JPEG or PDF format only with picture and any verbiage you want included as one attachment to Jenn Tucker: jenntucker1@live.com

Please put in the email whether it is a full page or ½ page.
 
Thanks so much!
 
Caroline Hawkins
Kelly Murphy
Jenn Tucker
 

VOLUNTEER IN THE LIBRARY
 
We are looking for volunteers to help our amazing librarian, Ms. Moore, keep our school library running smoothly. Each year, we ask parent volunteers to help with special projects in the library through our Core Volunteer Group or to volunteer during your child's classroom time.
 
library.jpg
Thank you to all parents who have already signed-up.

If you missed it at Beginning Bonanza, you can email the Library Chair, Charlotte Sherwood-Moore, at csherwood@sbcglobal.net and provide your child's teacher name and grade level. A Sign-up Genius will then be sent out where you can choose times that work best for you.
 
Please email any questions to csherwood@sbcglobal.net. We hope to hear from you soon!



Auction Catalog Photos

Purchase a full-page or a half-page print ad for this year's Auction catalog and receive a FREE professional photo session!  Ads may contain a business logo OR a personal message.
 
Please note that certain HCE PTA Annual Fund underwriting packages come with a free Auction Catalog Ad and photo session.
 
Pay now and contact Brooke Marquart at brookemarquart@gmail.com or 
713-232-0036 to schedule your Images by Kristy photo session this summer!
 
Deadline for Auction Catalog Ads is SEPTEMBER 25th!

All available for purchase in the Auction Section of the PTA Online store NOW!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Playground Pictures

Get a professional black & white photo of your child mounted 
on a 16 x 20 canvas for only $175!
  • Our photographer will be on campus for one day capturing special moments while the kids are at play.
  • These shots will be taken on Monday, September 26th.
  • K, 1st and 2nd in the morning and 3rd, 4th, 5th during recess
  • No parent involvement is needed.
  • The photo will be a 16×20 canvas textured B&W image mounted on masonite.
This is a $400 value for $175 - all proceeds will support our school auction 
and HCE PTA!

If you have any questions please email angie.kinsel@yahoo.com
.
Deadline to purchase is SEPTEMBER 21st!

Available for purchase in the Auction Section of the PTA Online store NOW!  



 


2016-2017 HCE PTA ANNUAL FUND

WE NEED YOU TO REACH OUR GOAL OF $145,000 NOW!

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.  

HOW YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS HELP:

  • $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!


CONTRIBUTING IS EASY!

CLICK HERE to donate today or complete the contribution form (form can be found here) and write a check to HCE PTA, memo: Annual Fund.  Drop off to the front office, send through your child's backpack or mail to:  Ketti Collins, 851 Country Lane, Houston, TX 77024


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

Donations for Teachers:
Auction ticket - $100
Auction t-shirt - $15
DEADLINES:
9/16 - Name printed on HCE Spirit T-shirt
9/23 - Directory Ad
9/25 - Auction Catalog Ad
 
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:
ketticollins@gmail.com or (989) 506-8634


THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING HUNTERS CREEK ELEMENTARY PTA!


A BIG
THANK YOU 
TO OUR ANNUAL FUND CONTRIBUTORS!!


IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO GET YOUR NAME ON THE BACK OF THE 
SPIRIT T-SHIRT! DONATE TODAY AT 


ULTIMATE COUGAR
Collins Family
Reina Ramos & Reagan Ramos
Turner Family
HCE Family - Anonymous

COUGAR PRIDE
Kimmel Family
Elliot & Wells Wagner
HCE Family - Anonymous
HCE Family - Anonymous

PAW POWER
Adams Family
Campbell Family
Carlson Family
D'Agostino Family
Daik Family
Daly Family
Oldham Family

AWESOME HCE
Annino Family
Armitage Family
Chaffin Family
Meaghan & Charles Conrad
Cyrus family
Donnelly Family
Andrea and John Ferruzzo
Goforth Family
Green Family
Gross Family
Ingersoll Boys
Le Family
Moss Family
Wolcott Family
Steeg Family
Stephenson Family
Thibaut Family

LOVE OUR SCHOOL
Alonso I. Benavides
The Gores
Loeffler Family
Lowy Family
Matthew & Shelley McCain
Jill and Chris Oliver
Watler Family
Friends of HCE

SUPER SPIRIT
Bissinger Family
Eixmann Family
French Family
Hilgert Family
Eixmann Family
Mindy and Chris Jones
The Lunsford Family
Siblik Family
HCE Family - Anonymous

COUGAR FAN
Camila Gracia
Giudici Family
Kathie Grabstald
Huy & Julie Nguyen

FRIEND OF HCE
Masunaga-Bonzelet Family
NB
iKids U After-School Program

iKids U registration is going on now for the 2016-2017 School Year!  

Turn in registrations at the HCE front office, visit iKids online at www.ikidsinc.com, or register by phone at 713-665-5200.  iKids U offers a variety of onsite after-school opportunities at HCE including Stay & Play, Enrichment classes, and One on One services.  Customize your child's after-school schedule with part-time and full-time options available!  iKids U starts on the first day of school and classes are filling-up fast so enroll today!
 
Please CLICK HERE to download a registration form 
Hunters Creek Elementary | School & PTA | 713-251-6000| Email | Website

If you have something you would like published in Cougar Express, email your WORD DOCUMENT or JPEG to...

witte@texas.net                     leslieparkan@gmail.com


Deadline is Wednesday by 10:00 am 
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