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The Mustang Express

March 2025 Parent Newsletter

The MustangExpressMarch 2025 Parent Newsletter

MILAM MISSION

Milam Mustangs are committed to providing a welcoming & safe environment that inspires change & provides support to our community


MILAM VISION

Milam strives to be the exemplar school that develops life-long learners who will become respectful and productive citizens. We will achieve this by placing students first and helping them reach their full potential.

Important Dates Important Dates

March March

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Yearbooks are on sale now!

Please visit https://shop.memorybook.com/ to order now!

All users will need to register to order using school code 251037M


7: 1st Grade Field Trip

9: Daylight Savings Time

10-14: Spring Break

29: CISD Job Fair


Future Dates:


April 10: ELA 3rd and 4th STAAR

April 18 & 21: No School

April 24: Math 3rd and 4th STAAR

Campus Administration Campus Administration

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Principal: Rian Stepp


Assistant Principals:

Erika Mead-Garza: PK-1st Grade Dean

Alexis Clark: 2nd-4th Grade Dean


Counselor: Taylor Bart


Please don't hesitate to reach out to us for any questions or concerns. We are here to serve you, our students, and our community. We are dedicated to ensuring our Mustangs have the best educational experience here at Milam Elementary.

A Note from the Principal A Note from the Principal

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I am honored to serve the Milam Community. At Milam Elementary, it is our goal to create a safe, caring, and positive learning experience for all our Mustangs. I will nurture a school community where parents, teachers, staff, and students care for each other and strive to build positive relationships that support academic and social/emotional growth. I look forward to working together for a successful school year for our Milam Mustangs.


Our theme this year at Milam is “100 Years, 1 Community." Milam Elementary joined the Conroe Independent School District 100 years ago. We will honor Milam Elementary and the Milam Community throughout the school year.

Milam Information Milam Information

Campus News Campus News

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Our doors open at 7:30 A.M. and we begin dismissal at 3:10 P.M.

Rainy Days do not change our dismissal time of 3:10 PM

School Day Hours: 7:55-3:10



Parent Access is Transitioning to Home Access Center

For information: https://kb.conroeisd.net/


Morning Car Riders: We are asking for all students to be dropped off through the car rider line. If you need to conduct business in the front office you can park and enter at 8:00 A.M. This ensures that we do not have students walking through the moving car rider line. Please do not park in the back parking lot and walk the students to the front. The back parking lot is for staff parking and the buses. We do not want parents and students walking in between buses as they arrive due to safety concerns. Thank you in helping ensure that our Mustangs are safe.


Volunteering at Milam: We love to have volunteers at Milam. In order to volunteer you will need to have registered through the CISD website and been approved. This process must be completed yearly. Here is the link to register to volunteer https://apps.conroeisd.net/volunteer/ It is very important for the safety of our students to have parents complete the volunteer form for any events where there they will be in contact with students other than their own child, such as fieldtrips, classroom parties, etc.. We strongly encourage you to complete this form as part of the beginning of the school year process to avoid any inconvenience throughout the school year. Please sign up to volunteer if you plan on going on a field trip.


Transportation changes: Changes are made by emailing the change to milam@conroeisd.net with a copy of your ID before 2:00 pm.

If you need to pick up your child early, you must do so before 2:30 p.m. through the front office.


Smart Tags: Please help us keep Smart Tags attached to backpacks. A replacement Smart Tag will cost $2.00.


Prioritizing Safety: All staff and visitors must wear a visible badge at all times, with visitors’ badges including a time and date stamp. Safety is our ultimate responsibility and takes all of us working together.

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Notes from Pre-K

March is here and it’s time for Spring Break! It’s also the end of the 9 weeks. We have one more 9 weeks to go! We have high expectations for our Pre-K scholars. Our goal is for all students to know all letters and sounds by May. If your child is there that’s great! If your child is still working on any part of it we appreciate your help at home.


In math we will finish up measurement, then start on geometry and spatial relationships. We are also making sure we have everyone counting to 30 with no teen numbers skipped. In reading we are working on rhyming, counting words in a sentence, and retelling stories that we have read. In social studies we are studying the Texas flag and the Texas pledge. Later in the month we will start talking about wants and needs, especially about humans and what we need to live. In science we cycle back to weather, then start plants.


Other information: Please keep a change of clothes in their backpacks for unforeseen accidents.

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Notes from Kindergarten

It has been a great month of learning. We have spent much time talking about and doing kind deeds. Students in Kindergarten have been working on teen numbers, comparing numbers up to 20, and identifying money in math. For Science we studied seasons of the year, night, day, and objects in the sky. For Social Studies we are continuing with Patriots and Texas Heroes. For writing we are working on Informational books and continuing to practice writing complete sentences with spaces between words, a period at the end, and a capital letter at the beginning. During reading we are also continuing to work on decoding words using our letters and sounds. In March we will continue reading all kinds of books and working on addition and subtraction up to 10 or more in Math. We will learn about Texas symbols in Social Studies. We will begin to learn about plant life in Science

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Notes from 1st Grade

We are going to look at shapes again and learn something new, fractions. In reading we are going to pick up from where we left off in our Fiction unit. Same as writing, picking up where we left off with opinion writing. In science we are starting a new unit on Living/Nonliving interactions and in social studies economics and technology.



Other Information:

Spring break is approaching, we hope you have lots of fun with your students! Reading can look like reading store names, playing the alphabet game in the car during a long ride. It doesn’t have to be just reading a book, reading is EVERYWHERE, have fun with it. Going shopping? A perfect opportunity to practice counting coins, did you know all of our kiddos know the values of each coin and are EXCELLENT mathematicians? Feel free to quiz them and see what all they have learned.

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Notes from 2nd Grade

Our second graders are working hard and learning so much! We are so proud of them! This month, in math we are learning multiplication/division, representing numbers, comparing and ordering numbers, generating more or less (10 more/less & 100 more/less), graphing, and number patterns.

In reading, we are learning about generating questions, text to text connections, chronological order, metacognition making connections, summarizing/retelling, point of view, author’s opinion, plot elements, text features, author’s purpose, character traits, predictions, print & graphic features, and compare and contrast.

In writing we are learning about informational and character opinion, plot elements, plot & story ending, rating a story, author’s purpose, graphic features, compare and contrast in writing.

In science we are learning about resources & conservation, plants and animals. For Social studies we are learning about then and now, timelines, many kinds of heroes.

It’s important for students to read at home 20 minutes a day to support their reading growth. Other information: Please keep a change of clothes in students' backpacks for unforeseen accidents.

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Notes from 3rd Grade

This month in reading we will be starting our STAAR review unit. Students are working on responding to a text with a short and extended constructed response. In phonics, we are learning about types of syllables. It is important that students are reading at home 20 minutes a day to support their reading growth this year. In math, students are continuing their unit on fractions. Students will be learning how to represent, compare, and define what a fraction is. We will also be starting our area and perimeter unit this month. In science, students will be beginning their unit or organisms. Students will investigate the life cycles of animals and how animals structures allow them to function in their environment. In social studies, students will be beginning their unit on culture. This will include cultural heritage and cultural celebrations in Texas.


Other Information: Our STAAR tests will be in April! We will begin preparing and reviewing for them.

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Notes from 4th Grade

This month, we will be learning how to compare fractions, and find area and perimeter. We will also continue working on solving 2x2 multiplication, 4x1 multiplication and long division in word problems.


In science, we will be studying food webs, fossils, and the structure of plants. In Social Studies, we will learn about financial literacy, Cowboy Culture, IIndustrialization in Texas, and World War I and 1920’s



In reading we will begin our STAAR Prep Unit. In Writing we will continue focusing on improving our ECR (Extended Constructed Response Skills).


Other Information: Our STAAR tests will be in April! We will begin preparing and reviewing for them. We also have our field trip scheduled for May 15, 2025 to the Rainbow Roller Rink. More info to come!

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Notes from Special Education

Life Skills

In Life Skills we are working on a variety of reading, writing, math, science, and social studies skills. Our unit for March is called “The hot, hot sun”. In this unit, students will learn about the energy from the Sun and how it affects different objects. Students will also examine how heat and cold can change some objects. Students will learn about how the Sun gives us light and heat.


In addition to the core subjects, our Life Skills students will focus on social skills, cooking skills, self-help skills, and other basic life skills. Parents, if you have not signed up to be a CONROE ISD VOLUNTEER, please do that soon. We will have an all parents invited field trip on April 4th that you will need the volunteer form completed to attend.


ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education)

The ECSE classes will focus on Letters N and O in the month of March. In the area of math we will practice counting to 30. For Science, we will classify objects and visuals by color, size and shape. For Handwriting, we will work on pre-writing strokes, as well as tracing/copying/writing the letters in our first name. We will continue to practice our Social Skills, sharing and taking turns with our friends. Our Focus Unit is On The Farm this month. Parents, if you have not signed up to be a CONROE ISD VOLUNTEER, please do that soon. We will have an all parents invited field trip on April 4th that you will need the volunteer form completed to attend.


Resource/In Class Support

In Resource Mathematics, we are taking our math to the next level with a strong focus on solving word problems & making sure we know what steps to take in our word problems. We will continue to work on addition and subtraction computation to build foundational skills to help our students' success in more advanced mathematical concepts. In English Language Arts we are growing as readers and writers by working on writing complete sentences with correct conventions. We are becoming stronger readers by working on finding text evidence and reading more fluently. We are officially in the testing season for our 3rd and 4th graders. Please make sure that your child is getting adequate rest at night.re becoming stronger readers by working on finding text evidence and reading more fluently.

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Notes from Specials

Art News

March is Youth Art Month! Admin and Specials teachers will be sporting some ties made by select students to signify how art ties us together. We will also have 6 students' artwork on display at the public library in Conroe beginning March 3rd. In class we are working on spring projects.

As always thank you for your continued support of the Arts! ~Mrs. B


PE News

Spring has sprung! Our third and fourth graders have worked hard to complete their FitnessGram testing, just in time for spring break! Coming back from spring break, students can look forward to our basketball skills unit. As a reminder, please encourage your child to wear tennis shoes to PE.

Correction to the previous newsletter: Due to scheduling conflicts, Field Day will now be held on Friday, May 2nd. More information to come as it gets closer. - Coach Closson


Music News

Thank you to all our amazing 2nd grade students for a wonderful “Ben Milam Texas Program” celebrating our 100th birthday!! This month, 3rd and 4th graders will continue playing the recorder.


4th graders, it's time to think about what instrument you would like to play next year!! Please attend the Instrument Petting Zoo with your family to look at all your options for intermediate school!! Students going to Grangerland next year, your Instrument Petting Zoo is Tuesday, March 4 at Grangerland from 6-7 pm! Students going to Veterans Memorial next year, your Instrument Petting Zoo is Thursday, April 10 at Veterans Memorial from 5:30-7 pm!


Library and Technology News:

Thank you for supporting our school library and the love of literacy through our book fair.


March begins with our week celebrating Read Across America. We will celebrate each day with book trivia and in the library with many fun read alouds.


March brings a library book ROUND UP! Be watching for those emails and overdue notice and help us look in all of the places our library books like to hide.



THE FRIENDS. THE CLASSES. THE TEACHERS.

Safeguard all the memories, big and small, by ordering your 2024-2025 yearbook for $25

https://shop.memorybook.com/

Use school code 251037M

01If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Mrs. McAlister, wmcalister@conroeisd.net

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Yearbooks!

Safeguard all the memories, big and small, by ordering your 2024-2025 yearbook for $25

https://shop.memorybook.com/

Use school code 251037M

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Honor Choir

Here is a picture of some of our 4th Grade Honor Choir students! Congratulations and thank you for all your beautiful singing!

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Notes from Instructional Coaches

ELA:

Spring break is a great time to relax, but it’s also a perfect opportunity to keep your child’s literacy skills sharpand fun and engaging ways! Here are a few simple ideas to encourage reading and writing during the break:

📚 Daily Reading Time – Encourage your child to read for at least 20 minutes a day. Let them choose books that interest them!

✍️ Journaling Adventures – Have your child keep a vacation journal. Whether traveling or staying home, writing about daily activities helps build creativity and reflection.

🗣️ Storytelling Fun – Take turns making up stories as a family. Try adding silly twists or acting them out to make it even more exciting!

🔎 Scavenger Hunt for Words – Create a word hunt by spotting new vocabulary in books, signs, or menus when you're out and about.

🎭 Read and Act – Read a book together and put on a mini play based on the story. This helps with comprehension and expression!


Math:


To encourage your child in mathematics at home please try to incorporate math discussions whenever you can. Some ideas on how to incorporate math in your home: Discuss money (coins and bills) and/or count money. Try cooking or baking with your child and have them observe fractions and discuss the size of different fractions. Encourage your child to discuss what they are learning in class.

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Notes from the Counselor

I can’t believe it is already March! We are in the full swing of testing season, and that can lead to anxiety from some students. Here are some effective ways parents can support their children through anxious feelings:


1. Open Communication

Encourage talking about feelings: Create a safe space for your child to express their emotions. Let them know that feeling anxious is normal, and it’s okay to talk about what’s bothering them.

Listen without judgment: Actively listen to your child’s concerns without immediately trying to "fix" things. This helps them feel heard and validated.

2. Teach Relaxation Techniques

Deep breathing exercises: Teach simple breathing techniques like inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, exhale for 4 seconds to help calm their body.

Progressive muscle relaxation: Encourage your child to tense and relax their muscles, starting from their toes and working up to their head, as a way to relieve tension.

Mindfulness practices: Help them practice mindfulness to stay grounded and present when they feel overwhelmed.



For guidance lessons, Pre-K and Kinder students will learn about personal space and how to have a ‘safe body’. 1st and 2nd grade students will learn about self-control, and 3rd and 4th grade students will learn important test taking tips and how to ease test anxiety.



Assistance Form


One of my jobs as a school counselor is to help connect families with resources. If you are needing assistance (food, clothing, holiday, etc.) please fill out the assistance form: https://forms.gle/aBJRC6xw17Jhnrof7


If you have any questions or have a concern, please reach out to me at tbart@conroeisd.net

GUIDANCE AND COUNSELING

COMMUNITY EVENT Tall Cop Says Stop - Hidden in Plain Sight (Current Alcohol, Drug, and Concealment Trends & Identifiers) - Registration Required! Adults Only!


Please share this invaluable opportunity to stay informed about the latest drug and alcohol trends affecting today’s youth. The Tall Cop Says Stop program, led by nationally recognized expert Officer Jermaine Galloway, offers critical insights into emerging substance use trends, concealment tactics, and hidden identifiers that every parent, educator, and community member should know.

In Person: Thursday, March 20, 2025

6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. (ADULTS ONLY) at The Jett Center

Hidden in Plain Sight Flyer.pdf

Hidden In Plain Sight 3_20.jpg

🔞 Adults Only – This session is designed specifically for parents, educators, and community members. This session is highly recommended for administrators, school staff, and parents who want to stay informed and proactive in protecting our students. Knowledge is power—you can’t stop what you don’t know!

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Notes from the Nurse

We need water every day to stay healthy and at our best. Please send your child with a water bottle every day to school and wash it in the dishwasher regularly to keep it clean. Students should ONLY have water in their water bottles as well. No juice, soda, or other beverages.


If a student doesn't drink enough water, they can have issues in school such as stomachaches, headaches, difficulty concentrating, and toileting, among others (link).

In honor of Heart Health Month every Friday in February is wear Red Day!

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Why Choose Water?

Standards Based Report Cards for PreK-2nd Grade Standards Based Report Cards for PreK-2nd Grade

Parents of students in Pre-K, Kinder, 1st, and 2nd:


Your child will receive a Standards Based Report Card (SBRC) at the end of each grading period.

1st grading period ends October 10th

2nd grading period ends December 20th

3rd grading period ends March 7th

4th grading period ends May 23rd.


This is the first year for students in SECOND grade to receive Standards Based Report Cards. Below are Standards Based Report Card (SBRC) Brochures for each grade level. This brochure explains what SBRC is, the performance levels, and an example of a SBRC report card.


Pre-K English

Pre-K Spanish

Kindergarten English

Kindergarten Spanish

1st Grade English

1st Grade Spanish

2nd Grade English

2nd Grade Spanish

Cellphone and Smartwatch Policy Cellphone and Smartwatch Policy

  • Cell phones and smartwatches may be used respectfully and responsibly before school and after school.

  • Cell phones and smartwatches should not be used to capture video, audio, or images at school or on the bus.

  • Cell phones and smartwatches should be set on silent mode and kept in backpacks, lockers, or other designated storage areas and should not be visible during school hours including instructional time, reward time, free time, lunch, and in the hallways.

  • Use of cell phones and smartwatches may be permitted in extenuating circumstances with permission from a staff member. (ex. to notify parent/ guardian of a late bus)

District News District News

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Technology

Parents/Guardians:
We are looking forward to a great school year. In an effort to help our parents, we are moving to a ParentPortal for parents to access information about their child. You will login similar to the way your child does for school (similar to the SSO) to access school information. All parents/guardians will need to enroll to create an account. You will need the email address that is in your child’s record. Once you enter the email, you will be prompted to create a password.

Please click Parent Portal Directions to for instructions or go to Conroe ISD Webpage thenParents/Students to access the link to the ParentPortal.

We hope that you enjoy this transition to a new and convenient platform.


Sincerely,

Conroe ISD Technology

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Parent Access

By logging into Parent Access, you can check your child's grades, assignments, and attendance.


To access your child’s information online you must register for an account.

Please go to the following link and follow the directions below:


http://www.conroeisd.net

Click the “Student/Parent” tab

Click on “Parent Access Center”


Click “Register”

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CISD Mobile App

Stay in touch with CISD by downloading our new mobile app!


Download the app on your mobile device today and select ‘yes’ to receive push notifications with the latest news and updates from the District.


Key Features:



  • Push Notifications - Select ‘yes’ when you download the app to receive the latest push notifications from the District.
  • Calendar Events - Add events to the calendar on your personal mobile device directly from the calendar section on the app.
  • News - Check out the latest District-wide and school news all in one place!

Student Handbook Student Handbook

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Milam Handbook 2025 English.pdf
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Milam Handbook 2025 Spanish.pdf
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Milam Flyers Milam Flyers

Flyers Flyers

Safe gun storage is critical to preventing unintentional shootings, suicide, and other tragedies. Learn more about the Keep ‘Em Safe Texas initiative and view resources at the provided link. Gun locks are also available through the Conroe ISD Police Department.

Safe gun storage is critical to preventing unintentional shootings, suicide, and other tragedies. Learn more about the Keep ‘Em Safe Texas initiative and view resources at the provided link. Gun locks are also available through the Conroe ISD Police Department.

Rian Stepp
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