Hirsch Hawk Herald

Dear Hirsch Hawk Parents and Guardians,

This week, we will begin our Beginning of Year assessments. These important tests give us a snapshot of where each student is starting the year and help us plan instruction to meet their needs. Students will take each of these assessments three times during the school year—now, in December, and in May—so we can measure growth and adjust our support.

Here’s what to expect by grade level:

• Pre-Kindergarten: Students will take the Circle Assessment, which measures early skills in literacy, math, social-emotional development, and language.

• Kindergarten–2nd Grade: Students will take mClass for Reading and NWEA MAP for Math.

• 3rd–5th Grade: Students will take the NWEA MAP in both Reading and Math.

Last year, our school rating improved from a D to a C. While we are proud of the progress, we know we still have work to do to reach our north star goal: becoming an A-rated school—because that’s what our students deserve. These assessments are key tools that help us gauge our readiness, identify gaps, and guide our path forward.

We cannot do this alone. We need your partnership to ensure our students are prepared and encouraged to do their very best. Here are a few ways you can help at home:

• Make sure your child gets a good night’s sleep before testing days.

• Provide a healthy breakfast to fuel their brain.

• Encourage your child with positive words—remind them that effort matters and that you believe in them.

• Talk to them about taking their time, focusing, and trying their best.

Together, we can make sure our Hawks soar higher than ever before. With your support, I am confident we will continue our journey from C to A—and beyond.

Thank you for your continued partnership,

Principal Patterson

Hirsch Elementary

P.S.

School Shirt Orders – Order your child’s school shirt for $15 using the link below.

• • https://awpdesignit.com/hirsch_elementary_spirit_store/shop/home

  • Shirts are a great way to show school pride during this magical year.

  • Students also earn points for their House when they wear their shirt!

• August 25 -29: Beginning of Year Testing (all grade levels)
• September 1: Labor Day (NO SCHOOL)
• September 3: Brighter Bites Distribution (Sign up using the links below)
• September 10: Open House
• September 13: Saturday School Begins (By invitation only

Hirsch Elem PTO

Stay up to date on our PTO by following our PTO Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/HirschPto/

We're pleased to announce our continued partnership with Brighter Bites! This wonderful program offers our families fresh produce free of charge each month! This program is open to EVERYONE at our school, regardless of income. Please see the flyer below for more information and to sign up! Click the picture for the link, or use the link here: https://fs27.formsite.com/brighterbites/enroll23/fill?id82=707&id161=0

IF YOU WERE SIGNED UP LAST YEAR AND WANT TO CONTINUE, YOU MUST SIGN UP AGAIN WITH THE LINK ABOVE.

If you want to volunteer to help bag the pallets of fresh produce, then click HERE!

We want to show our Hawks that the sky is the limit when it comes to how high they can fly! On Wednesdays we ask all students and staff to wear their favorite college, university or military shirt!

https://www.schoolcafe.com/springisd

Please visit the website above to see the menus for each week. If you click on the third button (View Menus (as a guest)), you can navigate to Hirsch Elementary to see what's being served each week. Please be aware that menus can change due to available inventory.

• Parents may send treats to their child’s class.
• Only store bought cupcakes or cookies (no peanut butter or nuts)
• Sent with child or dropped at office
• Parent may NOT come to class
• Teacher’s discretion when to do cupcakes (not at lunch due to regulations)
• No goodie bags, balloons, etc.

We need you! We all know that parent involvement goes along way in ensuring our students' success! We want you to use your gifts and talents here at Hirsch!

How do I get involved?

Step 1: Complete the volunteer application.

English

Spanish

Step 2: Our Counselor will contact you once you have been approved to volunteer.

Step 3: Choose where you would like to help.

Volunteer Menu

• Reading Buddies
• Our young scholars are eager to read! Volunteer in 30 minute time slots to listen to students as they practice their reading skills!
• Brighter Bites Distribution
• We have partnered with Brighter Bites to bring fresh produce to our families for FREE! Sign up to help fill bags for distribution!
• Library Helpers
• Help shelve books and organize the library!
• Workroom Helpers
• Help make copies, cut out lamination, and deliver copies around the school!
• Classroom Helpers
• Help during classroom parties and special event days!
• Help decorate bulletin boards and classroom displays!
• Office Helpers
• Volunteers needed at 2:15 p.m. to distribute transportation changes to the classroom!
• Lunch Helpers
• Volunteers needed to help with PK and Kindergarten lunch!

Thanks to the 2022 Bond, Hirsch Elementary is receiving several improvements to our facilities, safety and security, and technology. Today, we are excited to share that our [new marquee] is up! Stay tuned for more updates as we continue enhancing our campus. #BondUpdates Click here