PUMA PRESS

Spring Success: Staying Focused and Present!

As the flowers bloom and the weather warms up, it’s natural for students (and let’s be honest, adults too!) to start dreaming of summer break. However, we are entering a "final stretch" that is incredibly important for our middle schoolers.

With STAAR testing just around the corner, keeping a steady routine is the best way to ensure your student feels confident and prepared. Here is how we can work together to finish the year strong.

Every Day Counts: The Power of Attendance

It might seem like missing just one Friday isn't a big deal, but in the weeks leading up to state testing, consistency is key.

• Catching the Review: Teachers are currently sharing vital test-taking strategies and conducting hands-on reviews that are hard to replicate at home.

• Reducing Anxiety: Students who attend school regularly feel more "in the loop." Missing days can lead to a "mountain of make-up work," which increases stress levels.

• Building Stamina: Just like an athlete training for a marathon, students are building the mental endurance needed for long testing days.

Tips for Springtime Focus

The "Spring Fever" is real, but a few small adjustments at home can make a big difference:

1. Protect the Sleep Cycle: Even as the sun stays out longer, keeping a firm bedtime ensures their brains are recharged for morning lessons.

2. Check the "Digital Drift": It’s easy for homework time to turn into scrolling time. Consider a "phones in the kitchen" rule during evening study sessions.

3. Positive Reinforcement: Focus on growth rather than grades. Acknowledge their hard work and the effort they put into being present each day.

📅 Upcoming Events

• Mar. 7 (Sat.): STAAR Saturday for Math (6th,7th,8th Grades)

• Mar. 11 (Wed): Track Meet @ Plummer 5PM

• Mar. 13 (Fri): Houston Rodeo Field Trip

• Mar. 13 (Fri): End 3rd Nine Weeks Grading Period

• Mar. 14 (Sat): LOTC District Drill Meet @ MOC 5AM-4PM

• Mar. 16-20: Spring Break Week

• 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): Choir UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest

• Mar. 31 (Tues): Choir UIL Concert & Sight-Reading Contest

• Apr. 2 (Thurs): Choir 6th Grade Festival @ Davis HS

• 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)

Is your student ready to conquer the STAAR? We are excited to invite all students to a focused, high-energy Math STAAR Review Session designed to sharpen skills and build testing confidence.

Mark your calendars for a morning of targeted practice and expert guidance:

• Date: Saturday, March 7

• Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Location: Plummer Middle School

Why Should Your Student Attend?

Standardized testing can feel daunting, but preparation is the best antidote to anxiety. Here is why this Saturday session is a game-changer:

• Master the Format: Students will get comfortable with the specific wording and "tricks" of STAAR questions.

• Targeted Troubleshooting: Our teachers will be on hand to break down complex concepts—like multi-step word problems and data analysis—that often trip students up.

• Small-Group Support: With a more relaxed Saturday atmosphere, students get more one-on-one time to ask questions they might be hesitant to ask during the busy school week.

• Peak Momentum: With the testing window approaching, this four-hour "deep dive" helps keep math concepts fresh and top-of-mind.

We are thrilled to share some incredible news with our school community! The Aldine Independent School District has officially announced its 2026 Rookie Teachers of the Year, and we are proud to announce that our very own Secondary educator, Ms. Fraser, has been selected for this prestigious honor.

Each year, the district selects just two standout educators—one Primary and one Secondary—who exemplify dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to student success during their first year in the classroom.

Driving Innovation in the Classroom

Winning this award is no small feat. Transitioning into a Secondary classroom requires a unique blend of energy and expertise. Our honoree stood out this year by:

• Fostering Innovation: Bringing fresh, creative ideas to daily lessons that engage our older students.

• Building Community: Ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging and respect from day one.

• Driving Success: Setting high expectations and helping students meet them through personalized support.

A Philosophy of Empowerment

At the heart of this achievement is Ms. Fraser's teaching philosophy that resonates deeply with our school’s mission:

"I believe students learn best when they feel supported and when lessons connect to their real lives. I strive to create a classroom where every student feels included, challenged, and empowered to think critically about the past and their role in society."

By helping students see the connection between their history and their future, Ms. Fraser is doing more than just delivering a curriculum—she is preparing the next generation of leaders and critical thinkers.

Please join us in congratulating our 2026 Aldine ISD Rookie Teacher of the Year for her hard work, passion, and incredible contribution to our school!

To Our Fantastic Counseling Team,

We wanted to take a moment to send a huge thank you to Ms. Deason, Dr. Willis, and Ms. Clewis for everything you do for our students.

Middle school can be a rollercoaster of growing pains and big transitions, but your dedication makes the ride so much smoother. Whether you are navigating social dynamics, supporting academic growth, or just providing a safe space to vent, your impact is felt every day.

We specifically appreciate your:

• Patience: Dealing with the "middle school energy" with such grace.

• Empathy: Making sure every student feels seen and heard.

• Teamwork: Working together so seamlessly to support the whole school community.

You three are the heart of this school, and we are so lucky to have you in our corner!

With deep gratitude,

Plummer Faculty & Students

We are thrilled to share some inspiring news from our very own hallways. Please join us in congratulating Mr. Taylor for a double-header achievement: two separate presentation proposals have been accepted for the upcoming 10th Annual Greater Houston Area STEM Conference!

Representing the Best of Plummer

As a first-time presenter at this prestigious event, they will be showcasing the innovative work happening right here in our classrooms. The presentations will focus on:

• Student Voice & Identity: Empowering students to see themselves as leaders in science and technology.

• Innovative Achievement: Highlighting new ways our students are mastering STEM concepts.

A Legacy of Growth

This milestone is the culmination of four years of dedicated work through the University of Houston’s ALL RISE Fellowship. This fellowship has provided a launchpad for the classroom innovations that continue to drive meaningful success for our students every day.

We are incredibly proud to have our school represented at the regional level. This achievement is a testament to the fact that when our teachers grow, our students soar!

"I am humbled to share how our classroom innovations are driving meaningful student success and to represent the excellence we strive for at Plummer."

Congratulations to Citlaly Trujillo on her tennis match victory. Citlaly plays singles on the A Team. She is undefeated so far! Please congratulate Citlaly.

Ms. Truelson & Mr. Steward would like to send a big CONGRATS to all Plummer Choir students who competed in Solo & Ensemble Contest on Saturday, February 21st. Our Choir members were awarded over 225 medals for their outstanding performances. All 6 performing ensembles received a Superior rating and 76 soloists received a Superior rating, In addition, Plummer had 3 students chosen as Outstanding Singers at the Contest. Those singers were Leylani Gonzalez, Janiyah Anderson & Tionnna Potts-James.

📣 Get Ready for Cheer Tryouts!

Hello Parents and Guardians,

It’s time to gear up for the upcoming cheer season! To ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone, please review the requirements and important dates below.

📋 Mandatory Requirements

Before any student can step onto the mat for tryouts, they must have the following on file:

• Current Athletic Physical

• Proof of Insurance

Where to find forms: You can download the athletic physical packets on the Aldine ISD website under the Athletics Department → Sports Medicine tab.

🗓️ Important Dates & Locations

Please mark your calendars for the following sessions. Attendance during the practice days is highly encouraged to ensure students are prepared for the final evaluation.

If you have any questions regarding the process or the required paperwork, please feel free to reach out to Ms. Banks. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation in making this a great season for our athletes!

Go Cheer Team!

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.

The Spring Break vaccination clinic will be held on March 19th at:

St. Leo the Great Catholic Church

Monte Carmelo Building

2131 Lauder Road Houston, TX 77039

This vaccination clinic is available for free to all students and siblings. Instead of scheduling multiple appointments across different days, you can ensure all your children are up-to-date in a single visit.

As a friendly reminder, we ask that all parents complete the Senate Bill 12 Consent Forms as soon as possible. This new legislation requires parental consent for a variety of school-based services and activities, including participation in clubs, and receiving certain health and counseling services.

To ensure your child has uninterrupted access to these opportunities, please complete the form through your Home Access Center (HAC) account or by clicking this link: https://forms.aldineisd.org/Forms/sb12Form. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated."

• A Days (Even Periods): Mondays & Wednesdays
  
  
• B Days (Odd Periods): Tuesdays & Thursdays
  
  
• Focus Fridays: All classes
  The academic day is from 8:35 AM to 4:10 PM. Academic interventions are held Monday–Thursday from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM. Students who ride the bus may use the extended-day buses. All other students must be picked up promptly. Scholars will have 3 minutes to transition between classes. Restroom use is not permitted during transitions or within the first and last 10 minutes of each class.

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.