Pride Preview Vol. 22

So… Monday night, and we’re still not going back until Wednesday 😄 After back-to-back snow days, I hope everyone actually got some rest (or at least enjoyed not packing lunches or setting alarms). I know the stop-and-start is never ideal, but I’m grateful for the pause — and for everyone’s flexibility as we reset.

When we’re back, it’s a short but full week. Parent conferences are Thursday, and I appreciate those of you you already gearing up for that. We’ve also got cheer and debate tournaments this weekend, and I’m excited to cheer our students on.

Thanks for always rolling with whatever comes our way — weather included — and for showing up for kids even when the schedule has other plans. See you Wednesday… coffee in hand.

ijc

Ms. Davila consistently provides a high-quality learning experience for all students, and her results speak for themselves. She has a strong track record of student success, and her instructional impact was a major reason third grade math was one of the most successful teams in the region on Quarter 2 SMCs. Ms. Davila’s dedication to her students and her craft truly stands out, and she continues to set a powerful example for third grade instruction.

• Shout out to Ms. Smalley for responding to a campus facilities emergency on Saturday and ensuring the building was not damaged. We are so lucky to have you!

• Shout out to Ms. Martinez for leading Mrs. Sanchez’s classes during her absence and doing an excellent job stepping into that role.

• Shout out to Ms. Paredes for her leadership in helping identify solutions for the PreK and specials teams through strong collaboration with both groups.

• Shout out to Mrs. Wright, Mrs. Benton, and Ms. Acevedo for their continued dedication to our musical performance Nemo. We can’t wait to see the show!

• Shout out to Ms. Davila for an engaging math lesson on scale. Students were working on aligned, rigorous coursework with 100% engagement—well done!

• Shout out to Mrs. Green and Ms. Timms for facilitating listening sessions with teachers last week to gather feedback for the leadership team as we work to improve each week.

• Shout out to Ms. Moncada for helping kick off our Attendance Roar to the Door campaign alongside the admin team!

• Shout out to our Multicultural team for their creative ideas to celebrate Black History Month next month!

• Instruction must begin no later than 8 am daily. (This includes Morning Circles)
• Non-Negotiables:
1. Teach to the standard at the appropriate level of rigor.
• Activity (what the students do, should align to the standard/LO of the day)
1. Standard posted, verb highlighted.
1. Learning Objective aligns to the standard
2. Success Criteria posted
3. Teacher Exemplars

To support staff wellness during the Spring Semester, we will be sharing helpful small challenges to remind you to take care of your health and wellness. Each week, we will share a new challenge to take part in, and hope everyone takes a moment for themselves to complete the challenge.

• Spring Parent Conference Guidelines
• PAST DUE: Add Sign up Link here!

• Parent Conferences should include:
  
• Student Attendance (ALL)
• iReady MOY Report (Instructions here) (ALL)
• SMC Status Update (Grades 3-5) - I will email teachers individually with helpful data to review and share with parents.
• HB 1416 Tutoring Update (Grades 3-5)

Teachers will use this log to track the parents they conference with. All logs should be turned into Ms. Valadez's mailbox before next Friday.

Good morning Team!

Please see testing updates below:

• STAAR Field Test: This assessment is for Grades 3–5 Spanish Reading only. All campus secure-testing protocols must be followed. Please take a few minutes to review this presentation.
• NAEP Testing: This assessment is for 4th grade only. All campus secure-testing protocols must be followed.

Feb 03 - 3-5 STAAR Field Test (Spanish Reading Only)

Feb 12 - NAEP Assessment (4th Grade only)

Feb 18 - 3-5 STAAR Simulator Reading (SMC3)

Feb.20 - K-1 TELPAS Holistic Rating Due

Feb 24 - 5th Grade Only STAAR Simulator Math (SMC3)/2nd Grade TELPAS L&S

Feb 25 - 4-5 Grade STAAR Simulator Math/ 2nd Grade TELPAS R&W /5th Grade STAAR Simulator Math Make-Ups

Feb 26 - 5th Grade STAAR Simulator Science (SMC3)/2nd Grade TELPAS Make-Ups

We’re excited to share a preview of what the Multicultural Committee has planned for Black History Month this February!

• Unity Days: Every Friday in February
• Main Event:
  📅 Friday, February 26, 2026 – our schoolwide Cookout & Cowboy celebration
• Poster Contest: Details coming soon!
• We will also be sharing daily morning announcement slides highlighting a different Black historical figure each day. We kindly ask for your support in displaying the slides every morning and helping us reinforce these learning moments with students.

As flyers are shared, we kindly ask for your help in sharing them with students and families to help us spread the word and build excitement across our school community.

Thank you for your support as we prepare a meaningful and engaging Black History Month.

• Fire Drill - completed every month (January through May)

• Lockdown - February 3, 2026

• Shelter in Place (Severe Weather) - February 3, 2026

• Shelter in Place (Hazardous Materials) - February 3, 2026

• Take a look at this new Academic Director, where you can quickly look up helpdful academic progress data for each student. This is great for parent conference, student conferences, LAB planning, etc.

• We are excited to bring Dr. Byron Morgan to campus on January 29th to meet with staff, answer questions, and provide massages for all staff who may be interested.
• Please sign up for a slot HERE if you would like to get a massage and ask questions to Dr. Morgan!

The Parent Ambassador Program includes Regional Parent Ambassadors, nominated by EDs, who help support campuses by strengthening communication between families, schools, and the Special Services Department. Interested in joining the team? Please see the flyer for details.

Assessing student progress with purpose

Assessment is intentional and embedded in daily instruction. Lessons include clear checks for understanding that reveal whether students learned the objective, and this evidence is used to guide reteach, review, spiral, and next steps. Students actively track, reflect on, and celebrate their progress so learning is visible and meaningful.

Strengthening expectations for small group instruction

Small group instruction is purpose-driven and responsive. Teachers and students have clear expectations for small groups, grounded in evidence of student learning. Instruction in small groups is informed by student work and data, with close attention to the quality, rigor, and progress of student thinking.

Rigor, agency, and instructional lift

Instruction prioritizes student thinking and academic rigor. Students do the majority of the cognitive work through explaining, justifying, and problem-solving. Tasks align to the full rigor of the TEKS, and teachers use intentional instructional moves to support growth for students across the achievement continuum.

Cynthia Flores to host Math PD on Jan 26, Feb. 2, and Feb. 9th!

• If the outside temperature or wind chill is below 32°F, we will have indoor recess.
  
• Staff should be alert to students who appear uncomfortable during outdoor activities, especially those with underlying health conditions. For individual concerns, consult the campus nurse.

Feb 1 - Feb 28: Black History Month

Feb 2 - Feb 6: School Counselor Appreciation Week

Feb 2: Groundhog Day

Feb 2: STAAR Field Test (3-5) Spanish Reading

Feb 2: Math PD with Cynthia Flores (3:45pm-4:45pm)

Feb 3: Setsubun

Feb 4: Coffee w/Principal @8:30am

Feb 4: Musical Practice (3:30pm-5:00pm)

Feb 5: 🎂 Ms. Wilson Birthday

Feb 5: Musical Practice (3:30pm-5:00pm)

Feb 6: Peace Pantry (2:30pm-4:00pm)

Feb 6: Yearbook Club (3:45-4:45pm)

Feb 8 - Feb 14: Kindness Week

Feb 9: ITBS Holistic Ratings K-1

Feb 9: TELPAS PD

Feb 9: Staff Meeting (3:45pm-4:45pm)

Feb 9: PTA Exec Mtg. (5:30pm-6:30pm)

Feb 9: SBDM Meeting (CNA) (6:30pm-7:30pm)

Feb 11: Board of Control Meeting

Feb 11: TELPAS Calibration Test for Bilingual Teacher K-1st

Feb 11: Musical Practice (3:30pm-5:00pm)

Feb 12: Lincoln's B-day

Feb 12: Lockdown

Feb 12: Musical Practice (3:30pm-5:00pm)

Feb 12: NAEP Test (4th) Reading or Math

Feb 13: Pay Day 💲

Feb 13: Yearbook Club (3:45pm-4:45pm)

Feb 14: Valentine's Day

Feb 15: 🎂 Happy Birthday Ms. Banda

Feb 15: School Resource Officer Day

Feb 15: Nirvana Day

Feb 16: Presidents' Day (No School)

Feb 16: TELPAS KN-5th Grade (thru Mar 13)

Feb 16: Math PD with Cynthia Flores (3:45pm-4:45pm)

Feb 17: Lunar New Year

Feb 17: Chinese New Year

Feb 17: Mardi Gras

Feb 17: Deadline for all MARCH Field Trip Paperwork

Feb 17: 3rd-5th RLA STAAR Sim/SMC3 (thru Feb 20)

Feb 18: Ash Wednesday

Feb 18: 1st Grade Dallas Zoo

Feb 18: Musical Practice (3:30pm-5:00pm)

Feb 18: SMC Q3 (3-5) Reading

Feb 19: Musical Practice (3:30pm-5:00pm)

Feb 19: SMC Q3 (3-5) Reading Make-Ups