Weekly Smiles (Parents 2/25/22)

Smiley Thoughts

Rice Ranger Parents,

I haven't been involved in a book fair in a LONG time but let me tell you that I was super impressed by all the people who rallied behind Angela Gregory and Emily Gaston to make it an awesome week! Our PTA showed up and served willingly while you as parents also showed up to support your children. I was told that muffins with mom and donuts with dad had a MUCH higher turnout than expected so I thank you for your patience on those two days as we are limited by space.

Coming up this week is "Read Across America" where the library will continue different literacy genre initiatives. For those who do want to participate we will be having Book Character Parade on Wednesday where students can dress like their favorite book character.

Finally, check out the flyer below for a special "Parents Night Out" this upcoming Friday where we have teamed up with East Texas Martial Arts to give you a three hour date night. Students will have a blast at the nerf gun war and if your child needs a nerf gun then I have a few I am willing to loan out for this night, just e-mail me!

-Mr. Smiley

Important upcoming dates

Feb 28th-March 4th - Read Across America Week (daily book themes in the library!)

Tuesday, March 1st - Panorama Student Survey

Wednesday, March 2nd - Book Character Parade - Dress like your favorite book character!

Thursday, March 3rd - Rice dads night @7pm

Friday, March 4th - Rice Parent's Night Out (see flyer and info below)

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Thursday, March 10th - Rice Leadership Night "7 Habits....FAMILY Edition" (see flyer below)

Parents Night Out - March 4th

Are you in need of a 3 hour child free date night?!? Well listen up! We are excited to partner with East Texas Martial Arts for an exciting opportunity for YOU as parents as well as your children. Please see the flyer below and use this custom Rice Signup Link if you would like to participate!

Rice Leadership Night - "7 Habits....Family Edition"

As you know, we are a Leader in Me campus where we teach and practice the 7 habits of highly effective people. But did you know that Leader in Me is an evidence-based, comprehensive model that builds leadership and life skills in students, creates a high-trust school culture, and lays the foundation for sustained academic achievement? At Rice, we preach the 7 Habits and many of our students can quote them to you! Coming up on Thursday, March 10th from 5:30-6:30 we will have a special night where you can learn more about this. Food will be served and we have to know how much to purchase so please use this Leadership Night Signup link to let us know how many people to plan for from your family. Only one survey needs to be filled out per family, thanks!

Cora Garvey - Arbor day art contest winner

Rice Ranger Book Fair

2nd Grade Musical/PTA Mtg

S.T.A.R. Students

"STAR" students stands for "Students That Are Respectful, Responsible, and Ready to succeed." This is a special privilege given to very few students and this week we recognized Susu Olchesky and Josh Miller. When they receive this they get to visit my closet of goodies and pick out some sweet treats. These two students are always going above and beyond to be leaders!

"TWO's Day", 2/22/22 falls on a Tuesday!

Students had a great day on "TWO's day" wearing their Tutus and working on 2's activities. Staff and students got into the two minute dance party at 2:22pm! It was great to see lots of custom shirts and the second grade students were especially excited!

East Texas Food Bank

This week we had representatives from the East Texas Food Bank come teach our head start class about healthy fruits and vegetables. Afterwards, I read a book to them about the color red and quizzed them on what they learned. They are very smart kiddos!

Black History Month

Students have been working hard on projects that are focused on African American historical figures who have positively made positive contributions. Each class has spotlighted a different person and created a product to outline their accomplishments. Below you will see many great examples. Today classes performed a gallery walk around the school to view those different projects and learn more about their contributions.

Staff Spotlight - Stephany Fitzgerald

Allow me to officially publicize the Rice ROOKIE teacher of the year, Stephany Fitzgerald! Having grown up in Center, Texas she moved here to attend UT Tyler. She has been married for 6 years and her husband is a local civil engineer. Her previous working experience includes the insurance dept at Mother Frances, a flower shop, and church nursery. She has two cats (Callie and Ellie) and enjoys snowboarding in Colorado during their yearly vacation. I scooped her up from Owens Elementary where she student taught. The next time you see her tell her how awesome she is doing as a first year teacher!

Panorama Student Survey

What is a panorama student survey? It is a survey instrument that elevates student voice on school climate, teaching and learning, relationships, and belonging. Your 3rd-5th grade students have the exciting opportunity to provide anonymous feedback to our teachers by answering an online questionnaire regarding their classroom culture, engagement, instruction, etc. This is simply a tool and a means to let our teachers know how their students perceive them. If you would rather your student not participate you may opt them out. Please e-mail me directly at john.smiley@tylerisd.org if you would like to know more about this or opt your student out.

Smiley Superstars

Remember that as a Leader In Me campus, when teachers spot students practicing one of the 7 habits they give them a ticket to go into a drawing. Every week we will draw more lucky winners!

Click here for Reading Resources for home

Habit 4 - Think Win-Win

Everyone can win: I balance courage for getting what I want with consideration for what others want. I make deposits in others’ Emotional Bank Accounts. When conflicts arise, I look for third alternatives.