Woodard Back to School Howler
August 2026 Edition
Principal Message
Woodard Elementary Families,
Welcome to the 2026–2027 school year! Whether you are returning to our Woodard family or joining us for the very first time, I am thrilled to welcome you to another exciting year of learning, growth, and opportunity. Below you will find my welcome back letter attached (click on the orange bar below).
We appreciate your partnership with our school,
Susan Brenz, Principal
Remind 101 to Parent Square
The district is launching a new platform named Parent Square to facilitate communication between parents and teachers. This platform will replace Remind 101, and it launches August 7th. In January 2027, Parent Square will also replace School Messenger. It is important that you sign up for School Messenger now so that the transition is seamless.
Important links
Woodard website link for all up-to-date school info.
Parent Information Card for quick reference school information.
The Howler (Parent Newsletter) and Important Flyers link.
School Messenger link—To receive District and Woodard updates via email, phone messages, and texts.
School Cash to register and pay for items (Woodard is a cashless school)
School Clubs link. <-- Please click the link to find Fall Clubs/Activites information.
- VIPS Sign-Up Genius for all Volunteer Opportunities - Please check Facebook for future events!
EPI School supplies
From the Registrar
Changes in Parent Contact Information
In Texas, parents/guardians are required to provide in writing their address, phone number, and email address upon enrollment of a student and within the first two weeks of each school year. If the parent’s contact information changes during the school year, the parent must update their contact information within two weeks of the change (Tex. Educ. Code § 26.0125).
If your contact information has changed recently, please contact our registrar, Mrs. Esther Rodriguez, to update your records. You can reach her at 281-213-8235 or by email esther.rodriguez@cfisd.net
Thank you for helping us stay connected and keeping your child’s information current.
Woodard Administrative Team
Student Registration 2026-2027
2026-27 New Student Registration
2026-27 New Student Registration KInder-5th (Now open!)
Families can see below when registration opens for each program, including K–12, Qualified Pre-K and Pre-K tuition-based options.
- New students (grades K-12) opened March 16.
- Qualified Pre-K opened March 16.
- Tuition-based Pre-K (employees only) opened March 16.
- Tuition-Based Pre-K (Community & Out-of-District Families) opened April 13.
To learn more about our Pre-K & Kindergarten programs, visit our Pre-K Program options and Kindergarten Program pages.
School Cafe News!
Free/Reduced Lunch Applications - A NEW APPLICATION IS REQUIRED EVERY YEAR
The 2026-2027 Free and Reduced Lunch Application is now available on Schoolcafe.com. All applications prior to July 13, 2026, will no longer be valid after the first 30 school days (September 23rd). Applications need to be filled out each school year, and we encourage you to fill out this year’s application now. The application can be filled out electronically at schoolcafe.com (users will need to sign into an existing School Cafe account or create a new one).
Please call 281-897-4550 or email freeandreduced@cfisd.net if you have any questions or need assistance with the application process.
VIPS
VIPS Meeting dates 2026-2027:
9/16/26, 11/9/2026, 2/8/2027, 4/5/2027 @ 9:00 am at Woodard: All VIPS meetings are emailed out after the meeting.
Woodard Event Calendar
Extra Curricular Activities-
Extra Curricular Activities
Flyers are being updated for the 26-27 school year. When they are ready they will be linked to
our school website.
All payment will be through school cash.
Assistant Principals
A student’s dress code must be in compliance with the Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. Parents are expected to be knowledgeable and supportive of the dress and grooming guidelines. Please review the Student Handbook to ensure a safe and orderly learning environment for all students that is free of distractions. Students in violation of the dress code will need to have a phone call to the parent for a change of clothes. If the parent/guardian is unavailable, the student may be given a change of clothes from the nurse’s office.
Personal Communication Devices
A new Texas law (House Bill 1481) requires school districts to prohibit student use of all personal communication devices during the school day. Therefore, Cypress-Fairbanks ISD is updating its personal communication device policy.
The use of all personal communication devices is prohibited during the school day. Devices must be turned off and stored in the student’s personal bag or backpack at all times.
Please review the law and FAQ below with your student(s) prior to the start of the school year.
Code of Conduct
As we begin the new school year, we encourage all families to review the Student Safety Pledge together before school starts. Taking a few minutes to discuss these expectations at home will help prepare students for meaningful conversations about school safety and behavior.
During the second week of school, all students will participate in Student Code of Conduct discussions led by their grade-level Assistant Principal and Counselor. These age-appropriate presentations will review the expectations outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment for everyone.
Students will learn what it looks like to:
- Follow all school and classroom expectations.
- Show respect to themselves, their peers, teachers, staff, and school property.
- Make responsible choices that contribute to a positive school culture.
- Recognize unsafe or concerning behaviors and understand how to report them to a trusted adult.
- Maintain expectations while riding the CFISD school bus.
- Understand that everyone has a role in helping keep our campus safe.
By reviewing the Student Safety Pledge at home and reinforcing these expectations, families and the school can work together to help students begin the year with a clear understanding of their responsibilities and our shared commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all.
Nurse Notes
Link to the CFISD Health Services Website: CFISD Health Resources
School Nurse: Leah Lyell, RN, BSN
Clinic # 281-213-8240 l Fax # 281-373-2304 l Main #281-373-2303
Email: leahnina.lyell@cfisd.net
What is happening in the clinic
- Immunizations: Email leahnina.lyell@cfisd.net with any updated immunization records
- Medication at school: All medications must be brought to school by a parent or guardian. This includes cough drops and bug repellent. The clinic cannot accept or administer holistic, vitamins, or non FDA approved medications.
- Action Plans: Emergency Medication must include an Action Plan for 2025-2026. Action Plans and other forms: CFISD Health Forms
- Review CFISD Medication Policy before bringing medication to school.
- When to keep sick children at home: CFISD Keeping Sick Children at Home
- Fever: A child must remain home with fever equal to or > 100° F and may only return after he/she has been fever free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine such as Tylenol or Motrin.
- Diarrhea/Vomiting: A child with diarrhea and/or vomiting must stay at home and may return to school only after being symptom-free for 24 hours.
LINKS:
CFISD Keeping Sick Children at HomeI CFISD Health Forms I CFISD Medication Policy
Counselor's Updates
Watch Dog Dads: Interested in Watch Dog Dads. Contact Mr. Rankin at Robert.Rankin@cfisd.net
Grounding Activities for Children
5 Ways to Promote Children’s Healthy Mental Development from The American Academy of Pediatrics
Helpful Breathing Strategies to Reduce Stress
Title 1 Campus Information
Please review our Parent and Family Engagement Policy & School-Parent Compact for 2025-2026.Parent Survey Link
Parents Right To Know
As a parent of a student at a campus receiving Title I funds, federal law allows you to ask for information about the certification, college major, and advanced degrees of your child’s teacher(s). You also have the right to request information about the qualifications of a teacher, aide or paraprofessional providing direct services to your child. If you would like to receive this information, you may contact the Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. Human Resources Department at 281-897-4099.
AVISO A LOS PADRES
Como padre o madre de un estudiante en una escuela recibiendo fondos del Título I, la ley federal le permite pedir información acerca de la certificación, especialidad, y grados avanzados del maestro de su niño. Usted también tiene el derecho de pedir información sobre las calificaciones de un ayudante de maestro o paraprofesional que proporciona servicios directos a su niño. Si desea recibir esta información, usted puede comunicarse con el Departamento de Recursos Humanos de Cypress-Fairbanks I.S.D. llamando al 281-897-4099.
Woodard Pre-Service Teachers
Important Reminders
Arrival & Dismissal
- Car riders start at 8:10 and run until 8:38 AM, when our staff needs to return to their regular duty. Doors will closes promptly at 8:38 AM. You will need to park and escort your student(s) to the front desk.
How to Write a Note to Change Transportation / Leave Early
- All transportation changes must be in writing and must go through the front desk.
- You may send the note with the student or fax it with a copy of your ID to 281-373-2304
- NO emails or text messages will be accepted.
CLUB REWIND 2026-2027
Dear CFISD Families,
Get ready—Club Rewind registration for the 2026–2027 school year opens on Friday, April 24, 2026!
Spots fill quickly each year, and registration does not roll over, so this is your moment to secure your child’s place in a program filled with engaging activities, caring staff, and a safe, fun environment before and after school.
We encourage you to mark your calendar and register early to ensure your child doesn’t miss out on another amazing year with Club Rewind.
You can view next year’s rates and complete your registration by clicking the links below.
We can’t wait to welcome your family back for another great year!
Club Rewind 2026-2027 Rate Sheet
Club Rewind Sprouts 2026-2027 Rate Sheet
Club Rewind and Club Rewind Sprouts Registration
For additional information, please visit www.cfisd.net/clubrewind or call 281-807-8900.
Veterans Day
As Veterans Day approaches in November, we would like to honor the relatives of Woodard Elementary students and staff who have served our country. We are creating a Wall of Honor. If you or your student is related to a veteran, living or deceased, that you would like to honor on our wall, please send a photo or submit in the google form below a picture of your veteran(s) labeled with as much of the following information as possible on the back. (Veteran’s Name, US Military Branch, Rank, Woodard Students related to Veteran, and Veteran’s relationship to students). We do save photos from each year, you do not have to submit new ones each year. Please do not send in original photographs. Photographs will not be returned. Please send in your photo by Friday, October 16th to have it included on this year’s Hero Wall.
On Friday, November 6th, Woodard will have an amazing Veterans Day program that honors our nation’s veterans. If you have a veteran you would like to attend, please fill out this form by Friday, October 23rd. Veterans and 1 guest are invited to attend a breakfast starting at 8:00am. The program will follow starting at 9:00
SB 10 - Compliance & Facility Standards
Under TEC 1.0041, school districts are required to display privately donated signage of the Ten Commandments when it meets specific statutory criteria.
Our campus is following standard district operations to comply with Texas state law regarding these posters, which are displayed as passive building fixtures and are not designated or approved for instructional use. Available donated inventory is being systematically across dedicated classroom spaces. Because this is managed under a uniform district-wide protocol, any further questions or requests for detailed information are being handled centrally by the Office of the Chief of Staff, and I will be glad to forward your inquiry.
Since these posters are not used for instruction with students, nor are they used as a supplemental aide to teach students, we will refer any student questions to be handled at home with the student's parents.
