PUMA PRESS
WEEKLY PARENT NEWSLETTER Volume. 2, Issue 22
A Message from Plummer Middle School
Keeping the Momentum: Staying Focused for STAAR Success
As we head into the final stretch of the school year, our students are approaching an important milestone: the STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) testing season. While these assessments are just one way we measure growth, they are a significant opportunity for our students to show off everything they have learned this year.
To help our students feel confident and prepared, we are asking for your partnership in focusing on two key areas: consistent attendance and mental focus.
The Power of Being Present
Every day in the classroom counts. During these final weeks, teachers are conducting essential review sessions, clarifying complex concepts, and sharing test-taking strategies that can’t be easily replicated at home.
Avoid Appointments: When possible, please try to schedule doctor or dental visits outside of school hours.
Morning Routine: Arriving on time helps students start the day with a calm mindset, rather than feeling rushed as instructions are being given.
Staying Focused at Home
Preparation isn’t just about what happens at the desk; it’s about the environment we create around the student. You can help your child maintain their "academic stamina" by:
Prioritizing Rest: A well-rested brain processes information much faster. Aim for a consistent bedtime to ensure they are getting the recommended 8–10 hours of sleep.
Encouraging Growth Mindset: Remind your student that these tests are a chance to show what they know, not something to fear. A positive attitude at home leads to a confident performance at school.
Reducing Digital Distractions: Consider setting "focus windows" in the evening where phones and gaming consoles are put away, allowing the brain to decompress from the day's learning.
Key Testing Dates
Please mark your calendar for exact testing dates for your child's grade level. These are located in the Upcoming Dates Section of the newsletter.
We want every student to walk into the building feeling refreshed, supported, and ready to do their best! Thank you for your continued support in making this a successful year for our Plummer Scholars.
📅 Upcoming Events
Mar. 27 (Fri): Report Card available in HAC (3rd Nine Weeks)
Mar. 28 (Sat.): STAAR Saturday for English Language Arts Reading (6th,7th,8th Grades) & STAAR Saturday for Social Studies (8th grade only)
Mar. 30 (Mon):Varsity Tenor Bass Choir UIL Contest
Mar. 31 (Tues): Varsity Treble Choir & Non-Varsity Treble Choir UIL Contest
Apr. 2 (Thurs): 6th Grade Choir Festival @ Davis High
Apr. 3 (Fri.): Student Holiday (No School)
Apr. 8-11: TSA State Competition in Ft. Worth
Apr. 10 (Fri): Choir Skate Night
Apr. 14 (Tues): STAAR English Language Arts Reading Test (Grades 6-8)
Apr. 16 (Thurs): STAAR Social Studies Test (Grade 8 only)
Apr. 21 (Tues): STAAR Science Test (Grade 8 only)
Apr. 28 (Tues): STAAR Math Test (Grades 6-8)
A Standing Ovation for Our Puma Bands!
It was a historic day for the band department yesterday at the UIL Concert and Sight-Reading Festival held at Dekaney High School. Our student-musicians poured their hearts into their performances, and the results speak volumes about their dedication.
The Results Are In!
We are incredibly proud to announce the ratings for our ensembles:
Honors Band: Achieved the highest possible honors with "Superior" ratings both on stage and in Sight-Reading!
Symphonic Band: Earned a "Good" rating for their stage performance and an "Excellent" rating in Sight-Reading.
Breaking Records
By earning straight Superior ratings, the Honors Band has secured the coveted Sweepstakes trophy! This is a monumental achievement for our program, marking the first time a band has reached this milestone since 2022.
"Ms. Bloomfield and Mr. Murray would like to send a gigantic congratulations to both bands. Their hard work and relentless practice truly paid off on that stage!"
Join the Celebration
When you see our band members in the halls, please join the faculty and staff in giving them a Puma-rific congratulations! These students have represented our school with excellence and grit.
Congratulations to all our performers on a job well done!
The Ultimate Brain Break: Annual Student Dodgeball Game
To celebrate all that hard work, it’s time to get ready for our favorite high-energy tradition: The Annual Student Dodgeball Game!
Get Your Tickets: Tickets are on sale right now for just $5.00. Don't wait—we sell these until they are gone, so grab yours today!
Want to Play? If you think you have what it takes to dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge, see Ms. Patterson to sign up for a spot on the court.
Important Requirement: Before you can join the game or buy your ticket, please make sure you have paid any outstanding school fines.
Aldine Educators Honored for Excellence in Bilingual Education at SHABE Banquet
One of the five educators will advance to the TABE Teachers of the Year program; SHABE bestowed scholarships to four students from La Promesa.
Several Aldine ISD educators were recognized for excellence in bilingual and multilingual education during the recent banquet hosted by the Suburban Houston Association of Bilingual Educators (SHABE).
The annual event celebrates teachers who demonstrate exceptional commitment toward supporting multilingual learners and advancing bilingual education across the Houston region.
“In Aldine ISD, we believe all means all,” Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney said. “Our multilingual learners bring incredible strengths, perspectives, and potential to our classrooms. These educators are helping ensure every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to succeed — and that is the heart of the #AldineStory.”
Gold Distinction Honoree
When Fama Sarr arrived in the United States at 18, she was learning a new language and finding her voice. Today, she is helping Aldine ISD students do the same. Sarr, an ESL teacher at Plummer Middle School, earned Gold Distinction as SHABE’s Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year. With the recognition, she will represent Aldine ISD at the state level through the Texas Association for Bilingual Education (TABE) Teacher of the Year competition.
Originally from Senegal, Sarr arrived at 18 and quickly learned that language offers access to opportunity and a sense of belonging.
“My path into education was driven by a desire to be the teacher I once needed,” Sarr said. “I wanted to create classrooms where students would never feel ashamed of their language, culture, or background.”
Now fluent in English, French, and Spanish, Sarr emphasizes supporting multilingual learners as they develop academic language. Watching students gain confidence reinforces her commitment to teaching.
“Students who speak multiple languages are not behind — they are building something complex and valuable,” Sarr said.
Silver Distinction Honorees
Other Aldine educators also received recognition for their dedication to emergent bilingual students.
Mirna Orellana, a second-grade dual language teacher at Thompson Elementary School, received Silver Distinction as SHABE’s Bilingual Teacher of the Year.
“This recognition is a meaningful honor that reflects the dedication, perseverance, and strengths of my students,” Orellana said. “It represents the work happening in our classroom where bilingualism is celebrated, and students are encouraged to grow academically in two languages.”
Orellana highlighted how rewarding it is to see students realize bilingualism as a strength.
“Multilingual learners bring rich cultural experiences, determination, and unique perspectives to the classroom,” Orellana said. “Watching them grow in confidence as they develop language and academic skills in two languages is incredibly rewarding.”
Paisley Jack, an ESL kindergarten teacher at García-Leza EC/PreK/K School, also earned Silver Distinction as SHABE’s Elementary ESL Teacher of the Year.
“The SHABE recognition means a great deal to me because it reflects the heart, dedication, and intentional work I put into my classroom each day,” Jack said. “I strive to create a supportive environment where my students feel safe, valued, and motivated to learn.”
Jack said she enjoys watching students become more confident in their English skills.
“It is incredibly rewarding to support them as they learn to communicate, participate, and succeed in the classroom,” Jack said.
Also receiving Silver Distinction was Maria Shelton, a Spanish teacher at Aldine Middle School, who was recognized as SHABE’s Language Other Than English (LOTE) Teacher of the Year.
Shelton noted the recognition reflects both her students’ growth and her journey as an educator.
“This recognition is very meaningful to me because it reflects the work and growth happening in my classroom every day,” Shelton said. “Many of my students come from multilingual backgrounds, and I strive to honor their identities while holding them to high expectations.”
After years of teaching history, Shelton’s first year as a Spanish teacher deepened her commitment to learning.
“What I love most is the cultural richness and resilience our students bring to the classroom,” Shelton said. “In Aldine ISD, multilingual learners are not defined by challenges but by strengths, and it is a privilege to help them recognize the power and value of the languages they carry.”
She incorporates culturally relevant lessons and structured support to help students build confidence and academic skills.
“By combining high expectations with meaningful cultural connections, students develop pride in their identity while strengthening their communication and critical thinking skills,” Shelton said.
Bronze Distinction
Breanna Jagodzinski, an ESL teacher at Victory Early College High School, received Bronze Distinction as SHABE’s Secondary ESL Teacher of the Year.
Jagodzinski said the award reflects her passion for literacy and empowering students.
“I am honored to receive this recognition from SHABE for doing what I love each day,” Jagodzinski said. “As a high school literacy educator, I look forward to watching the next generation of empowered readers, writers, and thinkers change the world.”
At Victory Early College High School, Jagodzinski works with many first-generation college-bound students and said literacy plays a critical role in opening doors for multilingual learners.
“Once students gain confidence, literacy becomes a tool for self-advocacy, opportunity, and empowerment beyond the classroom,” she said. “Literacy gives our multilingual students a voice in spaces that may have once been inaccessible to them.”
Jagodzinski previously earned district recognition as Aldine ISD’s 2021 Elementary Teacher of the Year while teaching at Houston Academy and was also named a Region 4 Elementary Teacher of the Year finalist that year.
La Promesa Students Earn Scholarships
The SHABE banquet also celebrated Aldine students. Four students from La Promesa High School received $500 scholarships for their academic achievement and commitment to bilingualism:
- Ariadna Padrón Báez
- Mai Hong Giang Hoang
- Norma Erazo León
- Amairany Sánchez Silva
SHABE works to promote bilingual education and support educators serving multilingual learners across the Houston region.
Sarr will now advance to represent Aldine ISD in the TABE Teacher of the Year program, where educators from across Texas are recognized for their leadership and advocacy in bilingual and ESL education.
The recognition highlights the impact Aldine educators are making to ensure multilingual students succeed academically while embracing their language and culture — a commitment aligned with the district’s Accelerate strategic plan and the district’s ongoing #AldineStory of preparing globally connected learners.
The Importance of Reading
Here are a few reasons why it is important for students to read on a regular basis:
Improves academic success: Reading helps students absorb information, understand complex concepts, and express their ideas. Studies show that the most successful students read the most.
Enhances vocabulary and fluency: Reading helps students build a stronger vocabulary and language fluency.
Expands knowledge: Reading exposes students to new cultures and concepts, and helps them build a robust knowledge of the world.
Improves social-emotional well-being: Reading can help students develop better social and emotional well-being.
Helps students understand the world: Reading helps students understand broader issues in their communities and beyond.
Helps students through difficult times: Reading can help students through their own personal rough spots.
Encourages participation in conversations: Reading encourages students to participate in conversations about the world around them.
Improves concentration and curiosity: Reading improves concentration and curiosity.
Promotes inner calm: Reading promotes inner calm.
We recommend that children read for 20 minutes a day to boost literacy skills and foster a love of reading. Encourage your child to check out library books from Plummer Middle School's Library! It is also recommended that your child has access to books at home.
Absence Notification
Please remember, if your child is absent, please complete the Absence Notification Google Form that is located on the Plummer website. You are able to upload documents such as doctor's notes to this form.