Converse Family Newsletter

Dear Converse Elementary Families,

Happy New Year! I hope you and your families had a wonderful, restful break over the last two weeks. While it was a well-deserved rest for everyone, we have truly missed our students' energy and smiles on campus. We are so excited to welcome everyone back to continue our journey of learning and growth!

As a reminder, classes resume on Tuesday, January 6. Please make sure your student is in class and ready to learn no later than 7:30 AM. We want to ensure every student starts their day on the right foot, so please mark your calendars: Tuesday, January 6 is the big day!

Upon our return, we will officially begin a brand-new grading period. This is a perfect time for students to set new goals and fresh intentions for their studies. Regarding the previous term, please note that student report cards will be posted in the parent portal on January 8.

We look forward to seeing everyone back on campus this Tuesday!

Converse ES All Stars: Growing Together, Achieving More!

Sincerely,

Miriam Huerta

Converse ES Principal

Jan 6 - Students Return to School

Jan 19 - Martin Luther King Jr. Day (campus closed)

Jan 23 - Career Day (1st - 3rd grades)

Jan 28 - Student Spring Pictures

Jan 29 - Literacy Night (hosted at Coronado Village ES)

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School hours are 7:30 AM - 2:50 PM.

JISD 2025-2026 School Calendar

In order to ensure the safety and security of the school bus, Converse Elementary will be starting a new system on January 6.

As always, if a student is not following bus expectations the bus driver will submit a referral to the school administration. The administrator will review the referral, speak with the student, and speak with the parent.

If a student receives four bus referrals for minor infractions they will be suspended from the bus for one day. The child will need to be brought to school and picked up in the car line. For each further referral, we will add a day to the bus suspension. For the fifth bus referral, the student will be suspended from the bus for two days. For the sixth bus referral, the student will be suspended from the bus for three days, and so on.

For a referral for a major bus infraction, the student may be suspended or removed from the bus immediately, at the discretion of the school administration.

Some examples of minor bus infractions include, but are not limited to, not sitting in the seat, eating on the bus, yelling or screaming, moving around while the bus is moving, inappropriate language, or not following the bus driver's directions.

Major infractions include violence or aggression such as fighting, bringing prohibited items on the bus, or endangering others.

As we prepare to welcome our students back to school, I want to share a core value that guides our community: Restorative Practices.

In an elementary setting, restorative justice isn’t just about "discipline"—it’s about teaching children how to build, maintain, and repair relationships. Instead of focusing solely on punishment, we focus on accountability and healing.

When challenges arise this year, our staff will guide students through three key questions:

1. What happened? (Telling the story)

2. Who was affected and how? (Building empathy)

3. What needs to happen to make things right? (Problem-solving)

Our goal is to ensure every student feels safe, heard, and valued. We invite you to use this same "restorative language" at home to help us create a consistent, supportive bridge between school and family life.

We are so excited to see your children soon!

Each semester, we can accept parent notes for up to five absences. If your child is sick, but doesn't visit the doctor please send in a parent note so the absence can be excused.

A few lucky students with perfect attendance were awarded with some pizza certificates courtesy of the Student Support Services Department.

Check out these upcoming Parent Learning Workshops at Region 20.

Throughout the year, staff will be recognizing students who demonstrate different character traits each month. At the end of each month, teachers will select one student from their class who has best exemplified that month's trait to be celebrated and awarded a certificate in recognition of their character.

January's Character Trait: Integrity

Integrity means doing the right thing even when no one is watching. It includes being honest, taking responsibility for actions, keeping promises, and treating others fairly.

3 Activities Parents Can Do at Home to Promote Integrity

1. Real-Life Choice Talks
   Use everyday moments (finding extra change, breaking something by accident, telling the truth about homework) to ask:
   “What’s the honest thing to do?” and “Why does it matter?”
   
   

2. Mistake & Fix-It Moments
   When a child makes a mistake, guide them to:

   • Admit what happened

   • Apologize if needed

   • Help fix the problem
     
     

3. Family Integrity Praise
   Notice and name integrity when you see it:
   “I’m proud of you for telling the truth, even though it was hard.”
   

Many families have not yet completed the required health forms in compliance with Texas Senate Bill 12 (SB12). If you haven’t done so already, please log in to Skyward and submit these forms as soon as possible to help us remain in compliance with state requirements.

Families in need of school supplies, clothing, food, or community resources are encouraged to contact Mrs. Covington, our school counselor, for support and assistance.

We encourage our students and staff to wear shirts that promote colleges or the military.

If you need assistance with:

• Classroom - please start with your student's teacher. You can email or send them a Rooms message.
• Academics - if you don't find resolution with the teacher, please contact our academic trainer Brooke Bailey.
• Counseling/Social Emotional Needs/Family Resources - you can contact our counselor, Erica Covington.
• Absences / Absence Notes - if your student is absent, please email your parent or doctor's note to Monica Collins. Also, please note the school only accepts 5 parent notes a semester.
• Special Education - any questions about special education (SE) can be directed to SE campus lead, Ashton Webster.
• Behavior Concerns - please contact assistant principal, Heather Schumacher.
• Medical Needs & General School Concerns - please contact the school at (210) 945-1210 someone can assist you.

Is your family in need of food? Please take a look at the 2025-2026 Food Distribution guide below!