Help us get ready to "Party at the Pantheon"! No expertise required - just a passion for enriching a students' curiosity, demonstrating that math and science are all around us in many interesting ways, and planning a night of FUN. 

If you want to help plan Math and Science Night, come to the kick-off meeting on Thursday, October 30 at 8:00 am in the cafeteria.

To learn more, contact

Irene Chang at icchang@prodigy.net or

Megan Rose at meganrose72@gmail.com.

Dear Parents,

 

In today's red folders you will find two forms regarding electronic device use at school.  One is an updated form created by the Shared Decision Making Committee. The other form is from HISD and is required for all students that participate in state and local assessments.  Please read both forms, sign, and return to your child's teacher.  

 

Electronic devices are widely used by students.  At school, they are used to support academic content and instruction. The Houston Independent School District maintains filters that block inappropriate content. I encourage you to maintain the same level of security on home electronic devices and cell phones. 

 

Mark Twain Elementary is home to a school-wide fine arts Magnet program called the Literacy Development Center. Last week HISD announced that Mark Twain was one of 15 schools placed on probationary status in regard to our Magnet program. This decision is based on Mark Twain not meeting the required 20% non-zoned enrollment. In the last few years, we have had a steady increase in our zoned enrollment. With this increase we have been unable to maintain the desired ratio. In the 2015-2016 school year, our enrollment will be reevaluated to determine if we meet the 20% standard. If we are not able to meet the standard then our magnet program would be marked for closure. Our Literary Development Center has been a cornerstone of this community for more than 20 years and I know that through working together we will figure out a way to maintain this wonderful program. As I know more about the appeal process and what lies ahead, I will share that information with you. 

• Fifth graders go to camp this week and next! 
• Spooky Spaghetti is Saturday, October 25 and what a wonderful event it is!  Read all the details below.
• Early Dismissal is Wednesday, October 29.    Parent/Teacher conferences will be held during this time.  If you are unable to attend on Wednesday, please work with your child's teacher to schedule a time convenient for both of you.
• Please review the Lost & Found updates below.

Have a wonderful week!

Melissa Patin

Principal

 

We are so thankful for your donations for our children's future this year.  We will send home directories and car magnets in today's red folder.  If you would like to purchase a directory they will be available in the school store for $10.

On Tuesday, October 28 and Wednesday, October 29 we invite all sponsors of $50-$250 to pick up their yard signs. They are sharp so a parent/helper is necessary for pick up. We will be passing gifts out from 7:30-8:30 am in the front rotunda.  If you are a $500-1,000 sponsor we will provide your gifts in the rotunda Thursday, October 30 from 7:30-8:30 or at the sponsor breakfast.  Should you have any questions please feel free to contact Heather Barrow at heather@rtlogo.com.

Please join area middle schools and dual language middle schools for an informational evening.  Each school will have tables set up with all of their information. Representatives will be available at that time to answer any questions you might have. The event is open to all Mark Twain families that are interested in learning more about HISD middle school options. 

• Baylor College of Medicine Academy @ Ryan
• Burbank Middle School 
• Fondren Middle School 
• Johnston Middle School 
• Lanier Middle School 
• Pershing Middle School 
• Pin Oak Middle School
• T.H. Rodgers
• Wharton Dual Language K-8 Academy  
• Young Women's College Prep

Join Pershing Middle School's principal, counselor, and current parents to tour the school and learn why Pershing is the best choice for your child.