Timber Ridge ES Monthly Newsletter

Hello Ranger Families!

As we head into December and the close of the semester, please know that our students are still engaged in meaningful learning each day. We appreciate your help in encouraging them to stay focused, come to school ready to learn, and demonstrate their best behavior as excitement for the winter break grows. Thank you for your continued support at home—wishing you and your family a joyful, restful holiday season! 🎄✨

In partnership,

Stephani Grisham

Timber Ridge ES Principal

Starting this week, we will be implementing the new District-wide policy for elementary student cell phones. Upon entering the classroom, students will be instructed to turn off their cell phone and turn it in to the teacher to be stored in a cell phone locker. This secure storage box will be locked with the key held only by the teacher and the front office. At the end of class, the phone will be returned to the student.

Per the KISD Student Code of Conduct:

Possession of Personal Communication Devices – ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Elementary students are not permitted to use personal communication devices (such as cell phones or other non-school-issued devices) during the school day. All devices must be turned off and placed in the designated storage container in the classroom. Devices will be returned to students at the end of the school day or when the student is signed out.

Thank you for your understanding and support as we work to maintain an effective learning environment for our students.

For the safety of all students, please remember to drive slowly and follow all traffic directions during drop-off and pick-up.

Remember, parent drop-off is in the back only. If you are walking your child to the door, please use the inner lane. Avoid triple parking or stopping in active lanes, as this creates unsafe conditions and delays for others.

Your patience and courtesy help keep everyone safe and ensure a smooth flow of traffic. Thank you for your cooperation and care for our school community!

We love welcoming families to join their children for lunch! To ensure a safe and orderly environment for all students, we ask that visiting parents remain at the designated parent tables and not approach student lines or other student tables. Instead, an adult working in the cafeteria can assist you in getting your student to join you at the table. These procedures are necessary to help us maintain security, protect student privacy, and keep the cafeteria running smoothly for everyone.

Additionally, at no time should visitors leave the cafeteria with their child. If parents want to sign out their student, they need to let the student return to class. The parent will go to the office to sign out the student and have the child called to the office. Please do not go to the classrooms.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in helping us keep our school safe and organized

December 19: Early Release 1:02 PM/Last day of the semester

December 22 - January 6: Winter Break/No School

Our 5th graders have an amazing opportunity coming up—they’ll join fellow 5th graders from neighboring schools on a fine arts field trip to a local high school! The students are beyond excited to explore and experience the arts together.

Back in the classroom, the excitement continues! Students are diving into realistic fiction and are busy writing their very own Christmas short stories. We can’t wait to read about all the incredible adventures they create!

In addition, we’re exploring:

• Our nation and its history
• Multiplying decimals in math
• Light energy in science

As a hands-on activity, students will even get to make their very own flashlights using popsicle sticks! It’s been a fun and engaging time of learning, creating, and exploring. Great things are happening in 5th grade!

Here are a few ASL stories:

Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer

https://youtu.be/W4sKLjpOz8o

Snowmen At Night

https://youtu.be/F2rKZ2H9tYg?si=mLFX7QcM6LQBBeJz

How the Grinch Stole Christmas

https://youtu.be/UuXGjNxO1Ws?si=7XnbN7d--a0UaPZD

Science- We will be taking a look at our solar system and a close look at the sun, moon, and planets and the way in which they orbit. Students will explore the phases of the moon and how it effects the way light is shown on Earth.

Social Studies- Students are looking at exemplary citizens such as Helen Keller, Ruby Bridges, Clara Barton as well as different organizations and how they impact citizens around them.

Math- we will dive deeper into place value. We will also discuss and explore word problems.

ELAR- students are continuing to work on weekly spelling words. We will also read stories about Historical Fiction and how historical fiction is written.

Students will also look at Winter Holidays around the world and learn about how winter is celebrated in different places.

Our Skills class continues to shine as students grow in their social and academic skills. They are learning to work together, follow routines, and try new challenges with confidence. We are proud of their accomplishments!

Ms. Naini and Ms. Gaston

Timber Ridge ES is committed to frequent two-way communication with families about their child's learning. We value and appreciate your partnership as we collaborate to ensure growth and learning for each student. If you have a concern, we ask that you allow us the opportunity to investigate and respond. If the concern is about a classroom situation, we ask that you first attempt to resolve the concern with your child's teacher. If you still have a concern after speaking with your child's teacher, please feel free to reach out to an administrator and we will be glad to assist you.