The Booker Bulletin

Feb 2 - Black History Month Kickoff - Wear Yellow for HOPE!

National School Counseling Week Kick Off - Wear your hats!

DISTRICT STAAR BENCHMARKS START

Feb 3 - 100th Day of School - Dress to Express your 100 days of EXCELLENCE & EFFORT!

Feb 5 - 3rd and 4th STAAR Field Test

Feb 6 - 5th Grade STAAR Field Test

Feb 9 - Check out this week's events:

• Wear Red for Unity or Green for Prosperity - Celebrate Black History!
• Career Week Kick off Day - Dress to represent What you want to be when you grow up!
• HOORAY DAY - Thanks for SHOWING YOUR BOOKER BEST IN A BIG WAY... PARTY TIME!
• SUPER SUCCESS SUPERBOWL PARTY - for all 3rd-5th grade testers WHO MADE PROGRESS

Feb 11 - Spring PICTURE DAY! Every child takes a photo - Free Dress code - school appropriate!

Feb 12 - Tentative Parent Game Night - Performance Playoffs

Feb 16 - Student Holiday (We are not sure if this will be a weather make up day for 1/26) TBD

Feb 17 & 18 - Intervention Days - Select Students

Feb 19 - Parent/Teacher Conference - Confirm your scheduled appointment w/your child's teacher!

Feb 20 - NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS

Feb 23 - Wear Black History Attire - all weak (Red, Yellow, Green or African Prints)

_____________________________________________

Feb 9 - 13 - Career Week

Feb 16 - 20 - Mid Winter Break

Feb 16 - Mar 27 - TELPAS testing window

Mar 23- April 17 - STAAR ALT testing window

April 13 - 24 - STAAR Testing window

Dear Booker Families, Staff, and Scholars,

It’s GAME TIME at Booker Elementary!
Benchmark testing is here, and we are expecting 100% attendance, on-time arrival, and focused effort from all of our scholars all week long. This is the moment for our students to show their Booker Best on every assessment. These benchmark assessments are critical. The results will determine whether students receive intervention or enrichment for the remainder of the school year and will directly guide the individualized plans we create to ensure every scholar is prepared for STAAR in April and our End-of-Year (EOY) assessments at the end of April and early May.

We’ve Got This—Together 💪🏽

I want to send a huge shout-out to our AMAZING Booker staff for a job well done last week! We had a special visit from the Texas Education Agency, (yes, TEA) and our teachers and scholars absolutely rocked it. They showcased:

• The strong instructional improvements taking place across our campus

• Clear, intentional use of data to track academic progress

• Our unwavering commitment to Getting Booker Better Faster and moving far away from the “F” zone

Our staff and scholars showed the state and district exactly who we are—and we are proud.

Families: Your Role Matters More Than Ever

While every child may not pass every test, every child is expected to make progress—a year or more of growth is always the goal. Your partnership is essential, and we ask for your support in these key areas:

1. Attendance and Punctuality Matter

• Scholars may arrive as early as 7:35 a.m.

• Instruction begins promptly at 8:05 a.m.

• Tardies after 8:05 disrupt learning and impact performance (and your child's performance, too!)

2. Limit Early Pickups

Early checkouts cause scholars to miss:

• Core instruction

• Targeted intervention

• Acceleration and enrichment blocks

Every minute of instruction counts—especially during benchmark testing.

3. Reinforce Focus and Goals at Home

Talk with your child about:

• Their benchmark and EOY goals

• Staying focused and giving full effort on every assessment

• Why academic growth matters

You can also support learning at home by:

• Reducing tablet and screen time

• Encouraging daily reading

• Practicing real-world math (estimating grocery costs, planning meals, budgeting, problem-solving)

It’s the little things that go a long way.

The Village Makes the Difference

We want our entire Booker village to understand the work ahead. Attendance, focus, and instructional time are non-negotiables as we continue improving our campus rating and outcomes for students.

Ask your child how they’re doing.
Ask their teacher about progress in Reading, Writing, and Math.
Partner with us to keep scholars laser focused on growth.

Thank you for believing in Booker, supporting our staff, and standing beside our scholars. When we work together, success follows.

Together, we will continue to Get Booker Better Faster.

With pride and gratitude,
Keisha Womack
Principal, Booker Elementary 🐾

• This February, Spring ISD proudly celebrates Black History Month by honoring the diversity that makes our district special — from students and teachers to principals and essential staff — all working together to build a community rooted in learning, growth, and belonging.

The 2026 theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” marks 100 years since Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week in 1926. It highlights the evolution of Black history celebrations, their impact on society, and our ongoing commitment to ensuring an accurate and inclusive history for all.

• Este febrero, Spring ISD celebra con orgullo el Mes de la Historia Afroamericana, honrando la diversidad que hace especial a nuestro distrito — desde estudiantes y maestros hasta directores y personal esencial — todos trabajando juntos para construir una comunidad basada en el aprendizaje, el crecimiento y el sentido de pertenencia.

El tema de 2026, “Un siglo de conmemoraciones de la Historia Afroamericana”, marca 100 años desde que el Dr. Carter G. Woodson impulsó la Semana de la Historia del Afroamericano en 1926. Este tema destaca la evolución de las celebraciones de la historia afroamericana, su impacto en la sociedad y nuestro compromiso continuo de garantizar una historia precisa e inclusiva para todos.

Let's Celebrate CTE Month

• February is CTE Month, a time to celebrate all the programs offered at Spring ISD. Career and Technical Education provides pathways that help our students develop skills and pursue careers beyond High School. Through instruction, innovation, and industry partnerships, Spring ISD opens doors to opportunities

• Febrero es el Mes de CTE, un momento para celebrar todos los programas que ofrece Spring ISD.

La Educación Profesional y Técnica brinda trayectorias que ayudan a nuestros estudiantes a desarrollar habilidades y a prepararse para carreras más allá de la secundaria.

A través de la instrucción, la innovación y alianzas con la industria, Spring ISD abre puertas a nuevas oportunidades.

• School counselors amplify student success every day. During National School Counseling Week, we recognize the incredible impact on our students and their commitment to academic guidance, social-emotional support, and career planning. Our counselors play a vital role in our students' success in school and beyond.

• Los consejeros escolares impulsan el éxito estudiantil todos los días. Esta semana reconocemos el impacto extraordinario que tienen en nuestros estudiantes y su compromiso con la orientación académica, el apoyo socioemocional y la planificación profesional. Nuestros consejeros desempeñan un papel fundamental en el éxito de nuestros estudiantes, dentro y fuera de la escuela.

• Spring Benchmark Assessments

Mark your calendar! Spring ISD students will take Spring Benchmark assessments from Feb. 2–6.

These assessments help monitor student progress, identify strengths and learning gaps, and ensure instruction is aligned with end-of-year expectations. Thank you for your partnership in supporting our students as we prepare for a strong finish to the school year.

• Evaluaciones de Referencia de Primavera

¡Marque su calendario! Los estudiantes de Spring ISD participarán en las evaluaciones de referencia de primavera del 2 al 6 de febrero de 2026.

Estas evaluaciones ayudan a monitorear el progreso académico de los estudiantes, identificar fortalezas y áreas de oportunidad, y asegurar que la instrucción esté alineada con las expectativas de fin de año. Gracias por su colaboración en apoyar a nuestros estudiantes mientras nos preparamos para un cierre exitoso del ciclo escolar.

STATE LAW - HELP US HELP YOUR CHILD WHILE AT SCHOOL!

In accordance with Senate Bill 12 (SB 12), parents now must opt in to allowing their child to be seen in the school clinic during the school day.

Please note that if you do not choose to opt in:

• Your child may only be seen in the clinic for emergency situations.

• Regular or non-emergency visits to the nurse (such as headaches, stomachaches, minor scrapes, or other routine concerns) will not be allowed.

• You will be contacted to pick up your child for non-emergency situations.

• screenings like eyesight, hearing, and scoliosis can not be performed.

We urge you to carefully consider this decision, as opting out significantly limits our ability to support your child’s health needs during the school day.

Thanks,

Nurse Hughes

Who Takes What (STAAR)

• Grades 3-8: All students take STAAR in Math, Reading, 5th Grade Science, and 8th Grade Social Studies, depending on the grade.
• Grades 3-8 Special Education: All students in CASE take STAAR ALT Math, Reading and 5th only take Science.
• High School (EOCs): Students take assessments for specific courses (Algebra I, English I/II, Biology, U.S. History) as they complete them.
• Special Populations: Decisions for students with 504 or Special Ed needs are made by their ARD/504 committees; Emergent Bilingual (EB) students by their LPAC.

General Testing Windows (Examples from 2025-2026 Calendar)

• December: STAAR EOC (End-of-Course).
• April: STAAR Grades 3-8 (Math, Reading, Science, Social Studies).
• June: STAAR EOC Make-up.

Key Calendar Resources

• Official Calendar: Find detailed dates, including make-up windows and reporting deadlines, on the TEA Student Assessment Testing Calendar page.
• Important Dates Page: Texas Assessment website calendar.

Important Notes

• District Scheduling: Districts set the specific days within the TEA-provided windows.
• Optional Tests: STAAR Interims (for practice) and the Through-Year Assessment Pilot (TTAP) are optional for districts. STAAR Field Tests to collect data to improve future assessments.

Booker Families, Staff, and Scholars,

As we move deeper into a critical phase of learning, I want to take a moment to celebrate our progress while clearly outlining what is ahead—and how essential your partnership is during this time. Right now, if Booker were to take STAAR, our performance places us at a “C” rating. That is growth worth celebrating, and we are incredibly proud of our scholars and staff for the strong work demonstrated last semester. But, every instructional day matters, and momentum is key as we push forward together.

Families, please take time to ask your child:

• Did you meet your MOY goal?

• What are you doing right now to meet your STAAR and EOY goals in Reading, Math, and Science?

The countdown continues:

• 51 days until STAAR

• 19 school days until TELPAS for our ESL and Bilingual scholars

We are excited to share that tutorials officially begin this week, providing targeted support and enrichment for our scholars. In addition, we encourage families of our 3rd–5th grade scholars to join us for Curriculum Night THIS WEEK. This is an important opportunity to learn more about grade-level expectations, STAAR readiness, and how you can support your child at home.

Please also mark your calendars for the following upcoming dates:

• January 23rd - Curriculum Night

• February 17–18: Campus Intervention Days

• February 19: Parent Conferences

These opportunities are designed to ensure no scholar falls through the cracks. Do not wait to see where your child is academically. Partner with us now. Please confirm your parent conference appointment as soon as possible so we can work together to support your child’s success.

While tutorials were delayed earlier this semester, our confidence and focus have not changed. Our instructional plans, targeted interventions, and daily execution remain strong. Booker is geared up, focused, and ready to deliver results.

This work is about more than testing—it is about growth, consistency, and changing outcomes for students. Through intentional instruction, strategic support, and shared accountability, we remain committed to moving Booker from a Forced F to a C or better. And while a C reflects progress, we all know the goal—a “B” is for Booker.

Thank you to our teachers for your relentless commitment, to our scholars for rising to the challenge, and to our families for standing shoulder to shoulder with us in this journey. Together, we will continue to Get Booker Better Faster.

• At Spring ISD, we know it takes a village!

• Parents, join us as partners in your child’s education and make a difference by volunteering at our schools. Together, we can help every student succeed!

• En Spring ISD, sabemos que se necesita un equipo. Padres, únanse a nosotros como aliados en la educación de sus hijos y marquen la diferencia como voluntarios en nuestras escuelas. ¡Juntos podemos ayudar a todos los estudiantes a alcanzar el éxito!

At Spring ISD, student safety is our top priority. EVERY student must have their ID badge to ride the bus. Our Badge Up for Safety policy keeps riders safe and allows parents to track rides in real time through the Smart Tag app. Learn more:https://www.springisd.org/smarttag

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

FRONT OFFICE VISITS

DOORBELL PROCEDURES & POLICY

VISITOR EXPECTATIONS & INTERACTIONS

THE IMPORTANCE OF UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION

Booker Families,

We love celebrating our Bengals! To ensure we honor birthdays while protecting valuable instructional time, please remember the following:

✅ Birthday celebrations are limited to 15 minutes
✅ Cupcakes and boxed juice only
❌ No pizza or full meals please
✅ Cupcakes must be store-bought, sealed, and labeled
✅ Please drop items off before 12:00 PM or send with your child (car riders may bring treats in the morning)

With classes of up to 24 students, we must keep celebrations brief so our students can continue learning and thriving. Our goal is to make birthdays special without interrupting instruction — thank you for partnering with us!

We appreciate your support and understanding as we keep our Bengals focused, learning, and growing! 🐾💙

Students are not allowed to have any electronic devices or cellphones on or out during the instructional day. Any student violating this policy will be assigned a consequence.

The mySpringISD portal provides an easy platform for staff and families, where they can access all of their digital resources, including Schoology and the Home Access Center. The single sign-on option gives parents, students and staff instant access to all their online resources from any device and any location.

To get started, log on to my.springisd.org, and sign in by using your parent Spring ISD network login username and password.

If you need login access or assistance, please call our registrar, Ms. Velasquez, at 281-891-8756.

We would love to have you! Please complete both forms to volunteer at Booker Elementary! It is important to do both forms. One is tailored just for us and specifies what you'd like to do as a volunteer and the other application is a district mandate for all Volunteers in Schools.

Booker Volunteer Interest Form

Spring ISD Volunteer Website

Spring ISD VIP Volunteer application:

PRESS 1 - REGISTRAR - Ms. Velasquez - dvelas1@springisd.org

PRESS 2 - ATTENDANCE CLERK - Ms. Yulissa Camacho ycamacho@springisd.org

PRESS 0 - RECEPTIONISTS - Ms. Enciso/Ms. Martinez

PRESS 3 - Counselor - Mrs. Ashleigh Foley - afoley@springisd.org - 281-891-8755

PRESS 4 - School Nurse - Ms. Shereka Kossie - skossie@springisd.org - 281-891-8757

FAX NUMBER: DIAL 281-891-8751

Website: https://booker.springisd.org/

Location: 22352 Imperial Valley Drive, Houston, TX, USA
Phone: 281-891-8750
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booker.bengals.3
Twitter: @BookerBengals

• It’s National Signing Day! Today, we celebrate our Spring ISD student-athletes as they take the next step in their academic and athletic journeys! Their hard work, dedication, and perseverance have paid off, and we couldn’t be more proud. #SpringISD Dreams signed. Futures secured.

• ¡Es el Día Nacional de Firmas! Hoy celebramos a nuestros estudiantes-atletas de Spring ISD mientras dan el siguiente paso en su trayectoria académica y deportiva. Su esfuerzo, dedicación y perseverancia han dado frutos, y no podríamos sentirnos más orgullosos.

#SpringISD Sueños firmados. Futuros asegurados.

Ready to give some flowers to your amazing staff? Teams, parents and students,

Nominate outstanding employees for the Board of Trustees Employee Excellence Award, which recognizes those who go above and beyond for students and our Spring ISD community. To nominate, click here

NEW: Free Adult Computer Classes

• Ready to build your computer skills?

• Spring ISD is offering Free adult computer classes for our families and community. Scan the QR code to register.

Jan. 26 – March 11

Mondays & Wednesdays | 5:45–7:15 p.m.

• ¿Listo para mejorar tus habilidades en computación? Spring ISD ofrece clases gratuitas de computación para adultos para nuestras familias y la comunidad. Escanea el código QR para registrarte.

Del 26 de enero al 11 de marzo
Lunes y miércoles | 5:45–7:15 p.m.

NEW: Free Adult Spanish Classes

• Learn Spanish. Build confidence. Connect. Attention families!
  Spring ISD is proud to offer free adult Spanish classes designed to strengthen language skills and support lifelong learning.

Classes are held at the Spring ISD Community Engagement Center ad run for seven weeks.

Jan. 27 – March 12, 2026 Scan the QR code to register today!

NEW: Free English Adult Classes (Clases de inglés gratis para adultos)

• Clases gratuitas de inglés para adultos ¡Atención, familias!
  Spring ISD ofrece clases gratuitas de inglés para adultos interesadas en mejorar sus habilidades de lenguaje y comunicación. Las clases se impartirán en el Centro Comunitario de Spring ISD durante siete semanas.
  Regístrese escaneando el código QR.

• Your 2022 Bond Money at Work: Stay informed about the latest Bond project updates at our campus! These improvements not only enhance learning spaces and resources for our students but also promote energy efficiency and long-term cost savings. Thank you for your continued support!

Click here for High-Priority Maintenance Projects at our campus.

Click here for General Bond Updates.

• Your 2022 Bond Money at Work: Thanks to the 2022 Bond, Booker has recevied bullet proof windows and transaction trays installed and upgrades to our camera and WiFi system. This will allow us better safety and security and technology to help serve our staff and scholars. Next up, will be our fencing around the school premises and our new marquee! Coming soon! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue enhancing our campus. #BondUpdates