Hirsch Hawk Herald

Dear Hirsch Hawk Parents and Guardians,

Last week, we shared information about our Beginning-of-Year (BOY) assessments. This week, I want to provide a little more clarity about what we mean when we say a student is performing at grade level.

For students in Kindergarten–5th grade, we use NWEA MAP Growth to measure achievement and growth. MAP provides a RIT score that helps teachers understand what students know and what they are ready to learn next. We also use STAAR performance expectations to guide our understanding of grade-level mastery.

On STAAR, “Meets Grade Level” means a student demonstrates a solid understanding of grade-level knowledge and skills and is likely to be successful in the next grade. “Masters Grade Level” indicates an even stronger level of understanding.

At Hirsch, our goal is for our Hawks to perform in the green and blue—meeting or exceeding grade-level expectations. This means students can apply what they have learned, explain their thinking, solve grade-level problems, and demonstrate understanding independently.

BOY Testing Schedule

PK: Circle Testing begins August 31 and will continue for approximately two weeks. Circle is administered one-on-one, so testing takes time.

Kindergarten:
mClass Reading: September 1–4
Reading MAP: September 8
Math MAP: September 9

1st–2nd Grade:
Reading MAP: September 8
Math MAP: September 9

3rd Grade:
Reading MAP: September 2
Math MAP: September 4

4th Grade:
Reading MAP: September 1
Math MAP: September 3

5th Grade:
Reading MAP: September 1
Math MAP: September 3
Science MAP: September 4

Please remember that some assessments are given in small groups or individually, so students may test at different times throughout the testing window.

How Can You Help?

Families can make a difference by:

• Reading with your child every day and asking questions about what they read.
• Practicing math through everyday activities and problem-solving.
• Asking, “How do you know?” to encourage your child to explain their thinking.
• Making sure your child gets plenty of sleep and arrives at school ready to learn.
• Reminding your child to do their best and not worry about getting every question right.

BOY testing gives us a starting point. We will use the results to celebrate what our students already know and identify the skills they need to continue developing.

Our goal is simple: We want every Hawk growing, learning, and SOARING toward grade-level mastery!

Once a Hawk, Always a Hawk!

Sincerely,

Principal Patterson
Hirsch Elementary

Check out the Spring ISD Parent Dashboard to stay up to date with what your child is learning each and every day. Parent Curriculum Dashboard

• August 31: Lunch Visitation Begins (Schedule HERE)
• August 31: Beginning of Year (BOY) Testing Begins
• September 2: Scouts Lunch Talk; Brighter Bites Distribution
• September 3: Scouting Parent Meeting (for all families interested in joining Scouts) 6:30 p.m. in cafeteria
• September 7: Labor Day--Timberlane Labor Day Parade at Liberty Park @10 am
• September 12: Saturday School
• September 15: After-school tutorials begin (Every Tuesday and Thursday)
• September16: Brighter Bites Distribution
• September 18: Popcorn and Pickles
• September 23: Cultural Night sponsored by H.O.L.A. (Helping Others Learn and Achieve)@5:30
• September 24: Big Kahuna Fundraiser Kick-off
• September25: Chick-Fil-A Day (Order your child Chick-Fil-A for lunch)
• September 26: Saturday School
• September 28: House Challenge Begins--Let's see which of our Houses can collect the most candy for our annual Trunk or Treat
• September 28: 5th Grade Field Trip
• September 30: Open House @ 5:30 pm; Brighter Bites Distribution

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://www.brighterbites.org/signup/s=707/n=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!

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.

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!