Converse Family Newsletter

Dear Converse ES All-Star Community,

As I enter my final week here at Converse Elementary, I wanted to take a moment to send one last message of gratitude.

Looking back on my two and a half years with this community, I am filled with pride for everything we have accomplished together. From the growth in our classrooms to the vibrant events that brought us all together, it has been an incredible journey. While my family needs me at home right now, a piece of my heart will always remain here with the students and staff. I will deeply miss the energy, the smiles, and the spirit of the Converse community.

I leave you in excellent hands with Assistant Principal Schumacher and our incredibly dedicated faculty. I have full confidence that the culture of excellence we’ve built will continue to thrive and that you will all continue to live out our motto every single day:

Converse ES All Stars: Growing Together, Achieving More!

Thank you for the memories and for the privilege of serving as your principal. I wish every one of our students continued success as they continue to reach for the stars.

With gratitude and Cougars pride,

Miriam Huerta

Converse ES Principal

Feb 9 - No School for Students

Feb 12 - Interim RLA (3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Only)

Feb 13 - Class Valentine's Parties

Feb 16 - No School for Students

Feb 17 - Interim Science (5th Grade Only)

Feb 18 - Interim Math (3rd, 4th, and 5th Grade Only)

Feb 20 - Career Day for PK and K students

Mar 6 - Field Day

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

JISD 2025-2026 School Calendar

If you pick up your child in the car line in the afternoon, we ask that you arrive no later than 3:10pm. At 3:15pm, students will be brought to the office and parents will be called.

Parents! We are in need of plastic bags- our goal is that every student submits 100 bags by April 22nd! We can do it! Can you help us reach 90k bags?! Help us win the HEB challenge and take home the Grand Prize!

Submit your bags in groups of 25 to your homeroom teacher. Please count and bag them together!😁

Get ready for Field Day on Friday, March 6.

Purchase your field day shirts here for $12: https://gogandy.com/converse-elem-fd-26
This sale ends on 2/19 at noon. 😁👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻📣

We are in need of parent volunteers for Field Day on March 6. Click the link below to sign up!

Dear Families,

As we enter the season of Valentine’s Day, our hallways are often filled with paper hearts and candy. While this holiday is a wonderful time to celebrate friendship, it also offers us a unique restorative opportunity: to teach our children that "heart-centered" living isn't just about being kind to our best friends, but about honoring the humanity in everyone—especially those who are different from us.

In restorative practice, we believe that connection is the foundation of community. When children learn to embrace differences early on, they build the empathy required to navigate conflict and create inclusive spaces.

Turning "Different" into "Discovery"

Children are naturally observant. They notice differences in how people look, speak, learn, or celebrate. Rather than teaching them to be "blind" to these differences, we can encourage them to be curious and respectful.

Here are a few restorative ways to approach this season at home:

• Move Beyond the "Circle": Encourage your child to write a Valentine’s card for someone they don’t usually play with. Ask them: "What is one cool thing you’ve noticed about them that is different from you?"

• Practice Active Listening: Restorative circles rely on truly hearing others. You can mirror this at dinner by asking: "Whose perspective did you try to understand today?"

• Reframe "Weird" as "Unique": If a child points out a difference as "weird," gently reframe it. "It’s not weird, it’s just new to us. Isn't it interesting how many different ways there are to be a human?"

Why This Matters

When we embrace differences, we reduce the "othering" that leads to social isolation and bullying. By teaching our children that every person’s "puzzle piece" is vital to the whole picture, we aren't just celebrating Valentine's Day—we are building a more resilient, peaceful community.

"Connection is the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment." — Brené Brown

Thank you for partnering with us to grow a culture of belonging. Happy Valentine’s Season!

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. Attendance notes can be dropped off in the front office or emailed to mcollins@judsonisd.org

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.

February's Character Trait: Fairness

This February at Converse, we are focusing on Fairness. We often tell our students that fairness isn't everyone getting the same thing, but everyone getting what they need to be successful.

Implement "Fair Play" Rules

Use games as a low-stakes environment to practice justice and empathy.

• Rule-Following: Emphasize that following the rules of a board game or sport is more important than winning.
• Listen to All Sides: When a disagreement occurs during play, stop and give every person a chance to speak without interruption before deciding on a solution.

When children see fairness modeled at home, they bring that spirit of inclusion and respect back to our classrooms!

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.

Lakeshore Learning

327 N.W. Loop 410

San Antonio, TX 78216-5304

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.