DECEMBER 20, 2024 Parent Newsletter

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We have exciting news to share: we have earned the Golden Apple Award! Our PTA, by successfully recruiting 100% of our school's faculty as members, is eligible for this special recognition. This achievement reflects our strong community support and commitment to our school!

Additionally, we want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our amazing PTA, who gifted our staff a kind and thoughtful present to show appreciation for all they do. One of our wonderful parent volunteers also provided a delicious veggie and donut spread for our staff, making the celebration even sweeter!

Math fact fluency, the ability for students to quickly, accurately, and effortlessly recall basic math facts, is a crucial part of their mathematical knowledge. Recent research underscores the importance of fact fluency as a foundation for more advanced math and even as a predictor of future math success. Therefore, fact fluency is a key component of our math curriculum this year.

It is important to understand that fact fluency is not just about memorizing basic math facts. In class, we will emphasize developing students’ conceptual understanding of these facts rather than focusing solely on rote memorization. We will encourage students to look for patterns and relationships between facts, building on and connecting to what they already know (for instance, if students know 5x5=25, 5x6 is one more group of 5, or 30). This conceptual framework helps anchor students’ recall, making it easier for them to remember the facts through meaningful connections.

What can you do to help at home? Students should be encouraged to practice math facts at home. This additional practice aids in transferring facts from short-term to long-term memory.

GISD has created a website where you can find lots of resources to support your student at home. Check it out (Link below).

For Students in Kindergarten to Second Grade

As winter break approaches, we encourage our young readers in Kindergarten to Second Grade to keep the joy of reading alive! Reading together as a family can be a wonderful bonding experience. Choose fun picture books or simple chapter books, and take turns reading aloud. This not only helps improve their reading skills but also sparks their imagination. Setting a cozy reading corner at home can make this time even more special!

Additionally, consider visiting your local library to discover new books and participate in any holiday reading programs they may offer. Encourage your child to share their favorite stories with you and ask questions about the characters and plots. This will help them develop their comprehension skills and foster a lifelong love for reading. Happy reading!

For Students in Grades 3 to 5

As we head into winter break, we encourage our students in Grades 3 to 5 to embrace the opportunity to read! This is a great time for them to explore new genres, whether it’s fantasy, mystery, or non-fiction. Setting personal reading goals can make this break more engaging—challenge your child to read a certain number of books or to spend a specific amount of time reading each day.

Encourage discussions about what they’re reading. Ask questions that prompt them to think critically about the plots and characters, which will enhance their comprehension skills. Visiting the library can also be a fun adventure, as they can discover new titles and engage in any holiday reading programs available. Let’s inspire our young readers to continue their reading journey over the break! Happy reading!

Garland ISD is the only option for true choice when it comes to schools. Our "Choice of School" program allows parents to select the campus they want their children to attend for the next school year.

For students entering grades 1-12 in the fall, the choice period is during January and February.

For students entering prekindergarten or kindergarten in the fall, the choice period is during April.

Choice period dates for the upcoming 2025-26 school year are:

• Grades 1-12: Jan. 7-Feb. 10
• Prekindergarten and Kindergarten: April 1-April 30

Only students who wish to change their campus, are new to GISD or are entering kindergarten, sixth and ninth grades must make selections. Current students have the right to remain at their campuses.

What if I like my current campus?

That's great! You do not need to submit a Choice of School form. Anchor for section Choice Process

Manners Matter Monday is a fun initiative at Spring Creek that encourages kindness, respect, and good manners among all students. Every Monday, we come together as a school to highlight how important it is to interact positively and treat each other with courtesy.

On Manners Matter Monday, students get the chance to practice specific good manners throughout the day. This could mean saying “please” and “thank you,” greeting classmates and teachers, or really listening when someone is talking. Each week has a different theme, so students can explore different ways to show respect and kindness in their everyday interactions.

The main goal of Manners Matter Monday is to create a friendly and respectful environment at Spring Creek. Please help us reinforce these lessons at home, creating a culture of respect and consideration for everyone. Let's work together to teach our kids the importance of good manners!

Week of January 6: Being Helpful

Dear Parents,

We want to emphasize the importance of open communication between home and our campus, Spring Creek, especially when it comes to your child’s progress and well-being. We encourage you to reach out to your child’s teachers first with any concerns you may have. Building strong relationships with our teachers is essential, as they can provide valuable insights and support tailored to your child’s needs.

If you have been working closely with the teacher and implementing strategies to address your concerns but find that the situation persists, please do not hesitate to contact our admin intern, Angela Sanchez, or our Counselors (Delma Johnson & Kimberly Hendricks). They are the second level of support and can provide assistance in all areas. They can also facilitate communication with our Assistant Principal, who is also available to address any ongoing issues. Our Assistant Principal, Austin Escobedo, can work with you to explore additional resources, provide guidance on effective strategies, and ensure that your child receives the support they need to thrive.

In the rare case that concerns continue to escalate beyond this point, the final level of support will involve the Principal, Angie Ariza. We genuinely value your partnership in this process, as it plays a crucial role in ensuring the best possible experience and outcomes for your child. Together, we can create a nurturing and effective learning environment for all our students.

We welcome any questions, concerns, or comments you may have, as we believe in working together to find solutions. Open communication is essential, and we encourage you to address any issues directly with us—both parents and staff/campus. This approach allows us to resolve your concerns promptly, before you escalate them to the District which will ultimately refer your feedback back to us. We appreciate the opportunity to assist you!

This is the link to the Parent Handbook where you can find all about our school.

This week, we had a fantastic time celebrating the amazing growth our students have achieved through the MAP assessment. Those students who met or exceeded their MAP Growth Goal had the chance to ring a bell to mark their accomplishments and proudly post their goal cards on our GOAL CRUSHERS wall.

On Thursday, we also hosted a GLOW party, where the students celebrated their achievements. It was a joyful event that highlighted their hard work and determination this semester. Seeing the smiles on our students' faces as they recognized their progress was truly heartwarming. Each bell ring represented not just a score but the effort they’ve put in to succeed. By posting their goal cards, they celebrated not only their individual successes but also came together as a community of achievers.

As we look back on this week’s celebrations, we want to stress the importance of continuing this growth. While we are proud of what our students have accomplished, we are committed to helping them reach their full potential moving forward. Together, we can keep them motivated and engaged in their learning journey.

Thank you for your support at home—it truly makes a difference!

GISD offers workshops throughout the year with effective parenting strategies, ideas on how to get more involved and information to help your child be successful in school and in life.

Autism Project: Self-Help Skills 01/14/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

SPED Seminar: Sensory Strategies 01/15/2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am

SPED Seminar: Project Search Info Night 01/23/2025 5:15 pm - 6:30 pm

Autism Project: Toileting 01/28/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Autism 101 02/04/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Examining Behavior 1 & 2 02/11/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Examining Behavior 3 & 4 02/18/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Communication 02/25/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Socialization 03/04/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Self-Help Skills 03/11/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

SPED Seminar: Trauma-informed Approaches 03/12/2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Autism Project: Toileting 03/25/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Autism 101 04/01/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Examining Behavior 1 & 2 04/08/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

SPED Seminar: Resources for Summer 04/09/2025 9:00 am - 10:00 am

Autism Project: Examining Behavior 3 & 4 04/15/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Communication 04/22/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Socialization 04/29/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Self-Help Skills 05/06/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Autism Project: Toileting 05/13/2025 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

Request interpretation services

You have the right to an interpreter at no cost to you. Please print or show the I Need An Interpreter card at your campus to request free over-the-phone interpretation services.

Community Swim

While the GISD natatorium is prioritized for competitions and high school events, it is also available for community use. Visit the Community Swim & Programs page to learn more.

We warmly invite you to get involved and volunteer at Spring Creek! Your support plays a vital role in enriching our students' experiences and fostering a vibrant school community. Whether you can lend a hand in the classroom, assist with events, or share your unique skills, your contributions make a significant impact. Join us in creating memorable moments for our children and strengthening our school's bonds. We look forward to your participation!

Please read the volunteer guidelines determined by GISD:

https://garlandisd.net/connect/volunteer/volunteer-our-schools

Link to application: English

Link to application: Spanish

Once your background check is clear, please reach out to Ms. Bermea (our amazing office aide). These are some of the activities you can support our school with:

1. Classroom Assistance: Help teachers with lesson preparation, student supervision, and small group activities.

2. Library Support: Assist in organizing books, helping students find resources, and maintaining a conducive reading environment.

3. Tutoring and Mentoring: Provide one-on-one support to students who need extra help in specific subjects.

4. Gardening and Outdoor Projects: Help maintain school gardens and outdoor learning spaces.

5. Administrative Support: Assist with clerical tasks, such as copying, filing, or organizing materials.

6. Cultural Enrichment: Share your skills, hobbies, or cultural background through workshops or presentations.

7. Cafeteria Support: Help supervise students during lunch and assist with meal distribution.

8. Community Outreach: Help coordinate partnerships with local businesses and organizations to enhance school programs.

On the days that you volunteer, you can have lunch with your student (without using your 5 passes)!

Dear Families,

Help your child grow in their love for reading by treating them with something sweet! For every month your child reads 400 or more minutes, they can earn a free bundtlet from Nothing Bundt Cakes. Simply record the minutes your child reads on the reading tracker and turn it in each month to the Nothing Bundt Cakes store in Richardson. This reading program goes from September through April. Here is the link to the reading tracker for when you need a new one each month.

Happy Reading!

As part of our school-wide positive behavior support system, we have made it a goal to recognize students who follow Spring Creek's Guidelines for Success. STING tickets are designed to acknowledge and reward students who excel in demonstrating these key behaviors. The Guidelines for Success are pictured to the right. When a student earns a STING ticket, they receive a positive phone call home from one of the administrators and are also entered into a raffle to win a trip to the STING Store! The idea behind this initiative is to implement something meaningful for both students and parents.

GISD hours for elementary campuses are from 8:10 AM 3:30 PM. We will open our doors each day at 7:30 AM. We ask that parents stay with their children until 7:30 AM since we have no staff on duty to supervise until that time.

Parents, you can place your order online for the Spring Creek yearbook for the 24-25 school year. All orders this year must be placed online before April 8th 2025. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the yearbook, please contact Ms. Grimes (sgrimes@garlandisd.net)

Link to order the yearbook:

https://ybpay.lifetouch.com/Order/SelectStudent?isAdvertisementOnly=False

Our school code is 14894825