The Booker Bulletin

Sept 1 - Labor Day - Student Holiday!

- Annual Update Completion Deadline

- Immunizations Due

Sept 3 - Fall Picture Day - Free Dress Code - Must be school appropriate

Sept 11 - Title I Night 5pm / Open House 6 -7pm

Sept 13 - Success Walk

Sept 20 - Saturday School

Sept 23 - Tutorials Session 1 - starts

Sept 27 - Saturday School

Dear Booker Elementary Families,

Thank you for a wonderful week of testing! Our scholars were focused, worked extremely hard, and gave their best effort. We truly appreciate your support in ensuring your child arrived on time each day and for encouraging them throughout this important process.

We are excited to begin digging into the data and using it to build academic goals and plans for all of our scholars. These individualized goals will guide instruction and help us set a strong path for growth and success this year. We look forward to sharing these academic plans and goals with you during Open House, so that together we can partner to achieve excellence.

It will take all of us working together and holding each other accountable to provide every scholar with the best opportunities to grow and learn—both academically and socially. We are excited for the journey ahead and are confident that, with your continued partnership, our students will thrive.

With appreciation,
Keisha Womack
Principal

Ordering K-12 School Photos Online at LifeTouch: https://lifetouch.com/order-pictures/

Use this code for your child's FALL PICTURE SESSION: EVT8F6JTZ

Ordering before Picture Day:

1. Go to My.Lifetouch.com.

2. Enter your Picture Day ID, which is unique to your school. Find it on your Picture Day flyer. You can also find it listed, along with your Picture Day date, on the Picture Day Finder.

Ordering or Paying After Picture Day

1. Find your Portrait ID and Access Code, which is unique to each student, on your proofs or order sheet.

2. Go to My.Lifetouch.com

For up to 9 months after your Picture Day you can use your Portrait ID and Access Code for a first-time order or to reorder additional pictures and photo gifts.

Open Letter to the Booker Elementary Community

Dear Booker Families and Community Partners,

As your principal, I want to be transparent with you regarding our current accountability rating. Due to the state’s “forced F” rule, our campus has been labeled an “F” school. While this rating is real, it does not define who we are or reflect the true potential of our scholars, staff, or community.

Let me be clear—this is not about excuses. It is about results. As your leader, I accept full responsibility for where we are today. More importantly, I accept the challenge of leading us to where we must go.

Understanding the Rating and Implications on Education

COVID-era challenges, teacher shortages, and state assessment changes have undeniably impacted us, but we remain focused on moving forward and providing our community with a better understanding of how we will overcome the challenges before us. First and foremost, understanding the state's accountability system is key. It is based primarily on how students in grades 3–5 perform on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR). Our rating reflects missed opportunities to show the full potential of our scholars. This “F” does not factor in any of the primary grades and their progress or achievement. However, we must understand that it is still our responsibility to equip our scholars with the tools they need to be successful on any assessment! So, this letter grade represents the urgency to embrace our challenges, problem-solve together, and recommit to the core values of education and community partnership.

For full transparency, I encourage every family to visit the Texas Education Agency’s website to learn more about the A–F Accountability system: https://tea.texas.gov/A-F. We will also host community talks and workshops throughout the year to help families understand what is expected of your child, how you can best support them, and how together we can hold ourselves—teachers, administrators, parents, and students—accountable for success.

Our Commitment

Our staff is committed to doing the heavy lifting every day. We are implementing targeted interventions early—through after-school and Saturday tutorials, small-group instruction during the day, and family and student goal setting. We will expand opportunities for meaningful parent engagement and take a new approach to how families, students, and staff work together.

We will also be reinforcing classroom rules, campus guidelines, and the Student Code of Conduct with consistency and purpose. There will be zero tolerance for any behaviors that impede your child’s learning or the learning of others. Parents, we ask that you make no excuses for your child if they violate campus or school policies. Discipline, structure, and respect for learning are non-negotiable in ensuring every scholar has the opportunity to succeed.

Instructional Leadership

To maximize academic growth, administrators and instructional coaches will be dedicated to observation, feedback, and the coaching cycle to enhance teacher effectiveness. But for this to work, we need your help. Please follow established protocols when requesting administrator assistance so we can remain where we are needed most—supporting instruction and student learning. If we are constantly pulled away to “put out fires,” we cannot model and monitor the high-leverage strategies that drive achievement.

PEG Status & Our Commitment to Stay the Course

Because of our accountability rating, Booker Elementary has been designated as a PEG campus (Public Education Grant), which gives families the right to request a transfer to another school. However, Booker has a history of excellence, and we will continue to provide for our scholars with full transparency and open partnership with families. We would love for you to stay and be part of our journey—to show the Texas Education Agency and our community that this “F” is a false representation of who we are. Yes, we have faced challenges the last few years, but we refuse to accept this label. This is a historic year of growth for Booker Elementary—our year to rewrite the story. From an “F” to a “C” or better—this is our time. Public Education Grant - Booker ES

A Call for Change

This is our collective CALL FOR CHANGE. Parents, we need your full commitment to supporting both the academic and social growth of your children. Students, we need your commitment to giving your best effort every day. Staff, we will continue to hold ourselves to the highest expectations and remain relentless in our pursuit of excellence.

Together, we will Build Booker Back to Being its Best. I promise to seek every opportunity for growth, for myself, for our staff, and for our students. With focus, consistency, and collaboration, we will turn this rating around and show the true strength of the Booker community.

We will not be an “F” for long—because this “F” is not for us.

With commitment and determination,

Keisha Womack
Proud Principal, Booker Elementary

Dear Parents and Guardians,

We completed all of our BOY testing for PreK-5th graders! However, if your child was absent any time last week, he/she will be pulled for make-ups this week! Our scholars were resilent and patient and worked extremely hard last week! We want to commend them and commend you on getting them to school on time and preparig them for testing!

You will be receiving your child's assessment results on the following tests below at OPEN HOUSE:

Assessments include:

• Circle Assessment (Pre-K): Measures early learning and readiness skills.

• mClass (Grades K–2): Assesses foundational literacy skills (English and Spanish).

• MAP Growth (Grades K–5): Measures student progress in Reading, Math, and Science (5th grade only).

• TIA Assessments (Grades 4–5): Supports teacher effectiveness through student achievement data.

The data collected and analyzed will:

• Help teachers tailor instruction to meet individual student needs.

• Provide a baseline to measure student growth throughout the year.

• Ensure that our school is meeting state and district requirements.

What parents can do to help once you get your child's scores:

• Review the data and also review it with your child. Create smart goals to help them stay focused, outlining what the expectations are and how you will support him/her in reaching these goals.
• Hold yourself and your child accountable for staying up to date with the school calendar and events, homework, class projects, and , teacher acadmic updates, and daily grades.
• Encourage your child to share weekly activities and their learning and hold them accountable for their grades, their behavior and their participation!
• Minimize TABLET/DEVICE TIME! Engage in academic rigor and practice. Review released state assessments, teacher handouts, etc. Practice at home! Practice basic reading, writing and math skills at home daily! Minimize table time to 30min - 1 hour encouragement and remind your child to do their best.

Thank you in advance for partnering with us to support your child’s success. If you have any questions regarding the BOY assessment results, please contact your child's teacher. If you have questions about make up testing, plese email Mr. Rodriguez at hrodrigu@springisd.org.

Sincerely,

Booker Admin

IMMUNIZATIONS for the 2025-2026 deadline approaching: All immunizations must be updated by September 15, 2025. It is imperative that you provide a copy of any updated immunizations each year.

DAILY ATTENDANCE MATTERS - Come each day and arrive before 8 am! – Give yourself extra time to get through the car rider line! We have about 30-40 students absent a day! That's too many scholars and too many missing instruction! So, please send your child to school each day to assist us in boosting our attendance rate and academic performance! They must be here to learn and be on time! We understand that starting school, illnesses and viruses travel fast, but be mindful of the fever rule. Only keep students home if they have a fever! Announcements start at 8:00 am. Instruction starts promptly at 8:05 am. So, we are asking and begging for your help, parents! Let's start decreasing the tardy percentage rate THIS WEEK!

Front Office Visits - Parents needing to visit the front office in the mornings and afternoons - Please enter the building through the main entrance for assistance; preferably without your child. Children who are car riders should be dropped off first in the car rider line, then parents we ask that you park in the front visitor parking spots or the curb that is NOT THE FIRE LANE. Proceed to the entrance with your valid ID or passport and ring the doorbell. You will be required to go through the metal detectors before proceeding to the window for assistance.

Visitor Mandate: Valid ID or passport required for all visitors! Be Ready to show your ID for all transactions and requests. Be kind and respectful in your Interactions and dress appropriately - Parents we ask that you always have a valid ID out and ready! You must show your ID before entering and provide it to the receptionist through the transaction tray. Please drop all school age children off in the car rider line before proceeding inside the building. It is extremely difficult to assist parents and visitors when we have scholars needing to come through front office entrance. All students must enter through the side doors between 7:35 am - 8:00 am. Tardy bell rings at 8:05am! Only students with an orange tag may enter with one of our paraprofessionals through the front entrance.

Show respect for all stakeholders; our school, staff, and students! Be kind and respectful in your interactions with our staff members, teachers, and administrators. We want to ensure a positive environment for all and ensure the safety and security for all stakeholders. Please refrain from using profanity, disrespectful or threatening language/behaviors when speaking to our staff. When visiting the campus, please dress in appropriate clothing and avoid clothing that is revealing or has nappropriate language or designs.

Contact Information: Keep your contact information updated! If order for you to stay updated with the latest and most accurate school related information, please make sure you update your email address and phone number if you change them. Also, we need every parent to please sign up for DOJO to receive messages from your classroom teacher!

Let's keep up the great partnership and ensure we hold the highest standards for each other and our scholars! Together, we can achieve GREAT things!

🚗 Car Rider & Walker Parent Reminders – Student Safety Comes First!

At Booker Elementary, student safety is our top priority. Please review these guidelines carefully and help us keep every scholar safe.

✅ Morning Car Riders

• Do not let your child out of the car until the bell rings. Students must remain supervised until staff are present.

• Parents must remain in cars — students may only exit when staff are ready.

• Do not drop students off:

  • In front of the school

  • On the curb

  • Off Imperial Valley

• Do not cut in line. The car rider line moves quickly when everyone follows the rules.

• 🚦 Dropping students outside the line is unsafe and delays our process.

✅ Dismissal Procedures

• Follow the school’s traffic flow to keep everyone safe and on time.

• Students must be picked up through the car rider line only.

• No front of school pick-up/drop-off unless the student requires special care.

• Car Rider Tags:

  • All families (including walkers) must have a Car Rider Number/Tag (available at Open House or the front office).

  • On weather advisory days, walker parents must proceed to the car rider line with the tag.

  • Students without a tag will be released after all car riders and walkers are dismissed.

🚫 Dangerous Drop-Offs – Not Allowed

• Do not drop students off on Imperial Valley. 🚔 Spring ISD Police and Precinct 4 will enforce traffic laws.

• Do not drop students off across the street at Dekaney High School. There is no crosswalk — this is extremely dangerous.

🚶‍♀️ Walker Parents

• Our Houston weather is unpredictable — all walkers must walk daily unless a Harris County Weather Advisory is issued.

• Make sure your child is prepared with:

  • Poncho, umbrella, and rain boots on rainy days.

• Walkers must walk straight home. Please review safety:

  • Stranger danger rules

  • Walking with a sibling, neighbor, or familiar student

• Students may not return to campus after dismissal.

• Parents, please also secure a Car Rider Sign for weather advisory days. Without one, you must wait until dismissal is complete with your ID to pick up your child.

⚠️ Safety Rules for Walkers & Parents

• Do not block streets, driveways, turnarounds, or community entrances. 🚔 Precinct 4 will issue tickets.

• Do not walk across the parking lot with children during arrival. Please use sidewalks at all times.

• Morning Walker Parents: Do not stand under the awning at the side entry door.

  • This space is reserved for students and staff.

  • Please wait along the sidewalk by the car rider line until the bell rings.

🙏 Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to safety. By working together, we can ensure smooth, safe arrivals and dismissals for every Booker Bengal!

Students are not allowed to have their devices/cellphones on or out during the instructional day. Any student violating this policy will be assigned a consequence and devices will be subject to confiscation.

Reminder: Clear or Mesh Backpacks Only
For the 2025–2026 school year, only clear or mesh backpacks are allowed on campus. This safety policy will continue for the new school year. Please make sure your child comes to school with a clear or mesh backpack.

Recordatorio: solo mochilas transparentes o de malla

Para el año escolar 2025-2026, solo se permiten mochilas transparentes o de malla en el campus. Esta política de seguridad continuará para el nuevo año escolar. Asegúrese de que su hijo venga a la escuela con una mochila transparente o de malla.

Pants

• Khaki, navy blue or blue jeans (denim)
• Fitted at the waist • Belted (if pants have loops)
• No oversized or baggy clothing

Jumpers, Skirts, Skorts or Shorts

• Khaki, navy blue or blue jeans (denim)
• Shorts should approach the knee
• Belted (if pants have loops)
• Jumpers should be solid, no appliqués or designs

Shirts/Blouses

• Solid red, white or navy blue, baby blue, or royal blue ONLY
• Long or short sleeves
• With or without collars
• School spirit shirt
• Shirts must be tucked in (unless it has a band like a sweatshirt)

Cold Weather Attire

• Sweatshirts, turtlenecks must be red, white or blue. Jackets can be any
color but must not be worn inside the building.
• No sweatpants, no wind suits

El uniforme consiste de lo siguiente:

Pantalones

• kaki, azul marino o de mezclilla azul
• entallados a la cintura
• cinto
• ropa que no sea demasiado grande u holgada

Jumpers, Faldas, Falda Pantalón o Shorts

• kaki, azul marino o de mezclilla azul
• los shorts deberán ser a la rodilla
• cintos
• Los Jumpers deberán ser de color sólido, sin estampados o dibujos

Camisetas / Blusas

• colores sólidos/lisos rojo, blanco o azul
• manga corta o larga
• con o sin cuello
• camisetas con el emblema de Booker
• las camisas deberán estar fajadas (a menos que tengan una banda como las sudaderas)

Vestuario para el Tiempo de Frio

• sudaderas, camisas de cuello alto (de tortuga) en colores sólidos
rojo, blanco o azul. Las chamarras son permitidas en cualquier color
pero no podran ser usadas adentro de la escuela.
• no se aceptaran pantalones de correr o rompevientos

As we prepare for a successful school year, all families are required to complete the Annual Student Update online. This update ensures we have the most current contact, emergency, and medical information for your child.

Please complete the Annual Update as soon as possible by following these steps:

1. Visit the https://www.springisd.org/page/returning-students-annual-update

2. Log in using your parent portal account.

3. Select Annual Student Update for the 2025–2026 school year.

4. Review and update your child’s information.

5. Submit the form.

If you need assistance with your account or completing the process, please contact our front office at 281-891-8750 or stop by during office hours for support.

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.

Parents or guardians will be required to stand in front of an exterior camera and present valid identification, such as a driver’s license, before they are granted access to the building. This camera is positioned outside, near the main entrance, and no one will be permitted inside until their identity has been verified by the front office staff. To further enhance security, adults are asked to close the door immediately upon entering and ensure no one follows them in and must proceed through the metal detectors. Tardiness not only impacts learning but can also interfere with the seamless implementation of these protocols.

Let’s work together to ensure everyone's safety and that every student is present, on time, and ready to learn each day!

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

• 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