BBE Parent Newsletter

Nov 2 & 3: NO SCHOOL for students

What a Week to Remember!

What an amazing time we had at our Storybook Parade and Trunk or Treat! It was so much fun seeing our Bears show off their creativity, bring their favorite stories to life, and enjoy time together as a school community. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success. We are fortunate to have such wonderful families and staff who make Bear Branch a special place!

As we head into next week, please remember that there will be NO SCHOOL for students on Monday and Tuesday. Enjoy the extra time with your families, get some rest, and come back ready to finish the week strong! If you are signed up for a parent-teacher conference, please enter through the front doors on Tuesday.

One final reminder: Election Day is Tuesday! If you are eligible to vote, take a few minutes to make your voice heard and participate in the civic process. BBE is a polling place and all of that will occur in the cafeteria. Please enter from the back parking lot to participate to vote.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us and for helping our Bears grow into kind, responsible, and engaged members of our community. We are proud of our Bears and excited for all that lies ahead!

Bears LEAD the Way! All the Way!

JSO

Beginning Wednesday, November 4, parents can start tracking their child’s bus routes in real time using the SMART Tag Parent App. The app allows you to see when and where your student boards or exits the bus. The current MyStop App will remain active through December during the transition.

Key Details:

• Primary Parent Setup First: The primary parent (listed first in the Parent Portal or student's account) must set up their app account before giving access to another parent/guardian.

• Daily SMART Tag Requirement: Please ensure your student carries their SMART Tag every day. Replacement tags cost $3 and can be purchased via MySchoolBucks.

• Support: For questions or assistance, email smarttaghelpGROUP@magnoliaisd.org. Phone support during route times is limited due to staff availability.

Election Day is just around the corner! We encourage our families to make their voices heard and fulfill their civic duty by getting out and voting.

Early Voting: Ends Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m.
Election Day: Voting is open from 7 a.m.–7 p.m.

During Early Voting, you may vote at any election site in the county. On Election Day, you must vote at your assigned precinct location. Visit https://elections.mctx.org/ for more information and to find voting locations for Early Voting and Election Day.

STAR Educator Nominations Are OPEN!

It's time to recognize the AMAZING Magnolia ISD staff members who go above and beyond for our students, schools and community!

Our signs will also be making their way to your campuses this weekend!

We would LOVE your help getting the word out! Please include the attached STAR Educator graphic and link in your campus newsletters and encourage your families to nominate those incredible educators and staff members who make a difference every single day.

Star Educator Link: https://bit.ly/4z8FRf4

We know there are so many deserving individuals across our district, and we want to make sure they have the opportunity to be recognized and celebrated for all they do!

Has your student been absent? No need to send in a note or email, just click the link above to submit a parent excuse note that is sent directly to our attendance secretary.

Parents,

If your student loses their Smart Tag ID card, you can request a replacement card through this link/QR code. You will need a My School Bucks account to pay for the replacement card. Once the order has been placed, administrators will be notified and will get your student a new card.

Morning Procedures:

• Car rider drop-off time is from 7:55-8:38 AM. If your child is buying breakfast from the cafeteria, they need to be dropped off prior to 8:38 AM
• Do not use cell phones while you are in the school zone. This includes the school parking lot.
• Please drive through the car line and drop off, do not park and walk up. This poses a safety risk for children and also slows down the car rider line for everyone.
• If you are the first car unloading, pull completely forward.
• Pull as close to the car in front of you as safely as possible.
• Have your child/ren ready to exit the car as soon as you pull into the loading/unloading zone. Please have them all packed up and ready to go.
• For the safety of your child/ren, have them exit on the right side of the vehicle.
• Please do not change lanes or pass cars that are in the line.
• The car rider entrance doors to the building are closed promptly at 8:38 AM when staff members enter the building. If you arrive after 8:38 AM, you must park and walk your child into the front office to be signed in.

Afternoon Procedures:

• Dismissal begins promptly at 3:55 PM. Please make plans to pick your child up on time.
• Display your child’s car rider number where it will be easily viewed by the staff.
• Be mindful of staff recording your car rider tag number, do not speed past them
• All parents picking up their child(ren) should join the car rider line. Parents are not permitted to walk up and pick up their child.
• If someone other than you picks up your child, he/she MUST have that assigned tag with your number displayed
• Please remain in line and follow the cars out of the parking lot. Do not go around any car while in line or after your child(ren) has been loaded.
• If your child needs help with a seatbelt or car seat, please pull around and park to assist them.
• If you arrive after 4:15 PM, please park and walk into the front office to sign out your child.
• When picking up your child from the Adventures After School Program, park in the parking lot and walk up to the doors to sign out your child. Do not park in the bus lane at any time.

Click here for the MISD form with more directions on how to order.

This is the only MISD option for birthday celebrations, snacks or cupcakes cannot be brought from home. Orders should be placed 2 weeks in advance.

* Click HERE to register for early morning drop-off

* Doors open at 7:55 am

* Students are tardy at 8:40 am

* School releases at 3:55 pm

* Transportation changes should be made with the front office by 3:00 pm. If your student needs to leave early please also notify the front office by 3:00.

* MISD 2026-2027 calendar

*SB 12 requires districts to provide at least two opportunities for in-person conferences during each school year for each parent and their children's teachers. Please contact your child's teacher if you wish to set up a conference.

School bus riders - Please be patient for the first couple of weeks as buses will take longer than normal as the drivers and kids are getting to know their routes.

Assistant Principal & Campus Behavior Coordinator: Vicki Winegardner

Counselor: Raquel Stone

Academic Coordinator: Mary Meeks

Email: vwinegardner@magnoliaisd.org
Website: https://bbes.magnoliaisd.org
Location: Bear Branch Elementary School, Farm to Market Road 1488, Magnolia, TX, USA
Phone: 281-356-4771
Facebook: www.facebook.com/bearbranchelem/