The Cougar ConnectionChallenging all cougars to achieve—growing hearts and minds

December 2016

Timber Creek Elementary School • Tomball Independent School District • Lauren Thompson, Principal

A Note from the PrincipalThis month I would like to share campus improvement goal #3, which is Staff Growth and Development. Under this goal we have identified four targets for improvement. First, the state has developed a new evaluation system this year which Tomball ISD is implementing called T-TESS. The new system focuses intensely on teachers and administrators looking at areas for improvement and growth in an ongoing basis throughout the year. There are multiple opportunities for us to collaborate on best practices and to provide support to teachers in their own professional learning.

Secondly, we are working as a staff to deepen our long range instructional targeted planning and increase rigor within the context of lesson delivery. This long range planning connects directly to our third target, which is the implementation of the district’s new curriculum. This involves a more structured small group instruction addressing the needs of varied ability levels, enrichment and intervention through two instructional models being Guided Math and Reader’s and Writer’s Workshop.

The last target is to establish, in a collaborative process, paraprofessional standards and expectations. We have so many talented support staff who work in partnership with our teachers to support student learning in both small group intervention models and as in- class support. We want our paraprofessionals to have the staff development they need to feel prepared to assist and challenge the students with whom they work. As we accomplish this goal, we know our staff will be more equipped with learning tools to challenge all students with the highest level of academic instruction that we can provide.

In closing, I want wish all of our families a happy holiday season and I look forward to continued success in the New Year.

Warmest Regards,Lauren Thompson, Principal

8455 Creekside Green Drive The Woodlands, TX

Phone: (281) 357-3060 www.tces.tomballisd.net

www.twitter.com/TISDTCES

December1 Family Literacy Night

5:30-7PM

1 Fall Evening PTO Meeting 6:30-7:30PM

2 Nutcracker Performance for 3rd Grade @ THS

2 Book Fair Ends

6 TCES Spelling Bee @ 1:30PM

8 2nd Grade Program—9AM for School-Wide Performance; 6PM Evening Parent Viewing

9 Birthday Book Club

10 Santa’s Workshop 9-11AM

14 Spirit Night @ Crust & Jordan’s Sweet Shoppe - ALL DAY

16 Holiday Sing-a-Long and Winter Parties from 9-10:30AM Early Release @ 12:50PM

19-Jan. 3 Winter Break (Jan. 2 and 3 Teacher

Professional Development)

january 4 Classes Resume

11 PTO Meeting @ 9:30AM in the cafeteria

11 Spirit Night @ Crust & Jordan’s Sweet Shoppe - ALL DAY

16 Staff Development Day

Safety Station—Mrs. Standefer Parents received an emergency drill letter explaining the difference between Shelter in Place and Lockdown.

Our campus conducts the drills for preparedness in case of a real situation. Take a few moments and talk to your child about the drills. Talking about situations that may arise at school will help them feel prepared and stay calm in the event of an unforeseen event.

Shelter in Place: The shelter in place procedures are activated in the event of severe weather conditions or if there is an environmental concern that may put the campus at risk to a chemical exposure, such as a fire off campus, a chemical release or spill, or other environmental hazards

Lockdown: The lockdown procedures are activated when an intruder invades a campus or when other potentially dangerous situations occur, such as law enforcement officers searching for a suspect near a school.

Clinic Corner—Mrs. NelsonHelp your kids eat healthy. Here are some things you can provide to help: fruit and veggies, low fat milk, lean proteins like chicken, fish or beans, and lots of water to drink (limit sweet colas/drinks). Try treats like a medium-sized apple or banana, 1 cup of blueberries or grapes, or 1 cup of carrots or bell peppers with 2 tbsp. of hummus. Encourage activity. Decrease sedentary time (TV, computer). [http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/children]

Get out and PLAY! Have a safe and wonderful Holiday! Nurse Nelson

ACADEMIC NOTES

KinderOur kinder kids have ROCKED the first semester! This month we will continue to focus on comprehension of fictional text by looking at the key elements of a story. We are working on writing personal narratives that have a beginning, middle, and end, while adding more details to our stories. In math we will be identifying coins. In science we will be discussing rocks, soil, and water and how we use them. In social studies we will be continuing our discussion of traditions and customs and basic human needs.

1st Grade Objectives that we will cover during the month of December include:

ELA – reading procedural texts; short vowels with blends and digraphs; capitalization and punctuation. Math – continue with addition and subtraction using many different strategies. Science – weather and seasons.Social Studies – Christmas Around the World and various traditions in different cultures.

The First Grade Team would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

2nd Grade December in second grade is always fun! We are doing research projects to learn about the holidays in other countries during this time of the year. We are also working on a poetry unit where we are learning how to read, understand, and write poems. We’ve moved on to two and three digit subtraction. Keep practicing two-digit addition at home. After the break, we will combine addition and subtraction. We are learning about weather and the water cycle in science. Happy Holidays!

3rd GradeDecember is a busy month! Attendance is key to student success. If your child will be out for any reason, please notify your child’s teacher and the

registrar. We will have several assessments before the end of the nine weeks. We enjoyed our field trip to see The Nutcracker at Tomball High School. The Third Grade team wishes each of you a fabulous holiday season and look forward to an amazing 2017!

4th Grade This month in reading we will focus on dramatic literature. We will read and create reader theater scripts and plays. In writing we will continue focusing on expository writing, or writing to inform / explain. In social studies we will begin learning about the colonization of Texas. Remember to continue reading and writing over the break. In math we are learning algebraic equations and fractions, and in science students are discussing renewable and non-renewable resources, conservation and recycling and the properties of soil.

5th Grade In ELA we will be working on identifying an author’s viewpoint with evidence and making connections across texts. In Math we will be finishing our fractions unit and will continue making real world connections. In Science we will continue to explore the formation of landforms by wind, water and ice. The Science Benchmark is on December 8th. In Social Studies we will be analyzing what it took to create a functioning government after gaining Independence after the Revolutionary War.

SPECIALS

Music—Mrs. Culver All Grades will be learning about RUSSIAN composer TCHAIKOVSKY’s, “The Nutcracker.” They will learn about BALLET and how he uses the music to tell a story through dance. They will identify MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS in the songs, what the MUSICAL FORM of the song is, and will move to illustrate the form of the songs. We will also learn music for the Sing-A-Long for party day.

2nd Grade will also be getting ready to perform their Music Program, “Elfis and the Sleigh Riders”, which they will be presenting on December 8th at 6pm for parents.

Parents, I just wanted to say that I am so thankful for each one of your kids! I am proud of their hard work and their musical growth that I have seen so far this semester! I am truly blessed to be here at Timber Creek and can’t wait to see what next semester holds!

Art—Mrs. Bridges Happy Holidays TCES Family! Our students are entering a fun time for school and specials. With most of our grade levels Rodeo Art completed students will enjoy creating a holiday ornament and decorating it to take home the last week before the break. Our focus in Art this month is Color (everyone’s favorite!) Students will be learning the various color families including: primary, secondary, warm, cool, monochromatic, and how to create a value scale. Be on the lookout for fun projects appearing in the halls this week.

PE—Coach KruppaThis month in PE, we will be begin with a review for all classes what it means to maintain a growth mindset and to strive for making improvements in personal health, goals and socially with peers through New Year’s Resolutions. Students will have an opportunity to share how they will develop a plan to accomplish short and long term goals they set for themselves. Our focus in activities will be hand eye coordination with cup stacking, juggling, ping pong, and striking with rackets.

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GT Specialist—Mrs. SimAll kindergarten students (district wide) will go through a universal screening process in December and January. Only parents whose students with qualifying scores on the screenings will receive notification about further testing.

We have 22 students participating in TMSCA this year. We had our first meet on Dec. 3rd and are looking forward to competing in additional tournaments in the spring.

53 students are participating on our campus UIL teams this year. They will represent TCES at the district wide tournament on January 14th. Thank you to all of our coaches, especially our parent coaches who are volunteering their time so generously!

reading Specialist—Mrs. StorckHappy Holidays Cougar Families! We are quickly approaching winter break and families are often looking for meaningful literacy activities to keep their students motivated and engaged during their time off from school. If you find your child has down time you might offer a choice of any of the following activities:

• Create a game based on a book your child is reading over winter break, topics covered in class, skills your child may be interested in reviewing.

• Create and set a goal to read a certain number of minutes or books

• Set aside 15-20 per day to let your child free write. Let them write about whatever they want!

• Create a photo book and journal your holiday adventures as a family.

• Create a family yearbook to chronicle important events, milestones, etc of family members during the past year.

• Consider a book swap with friends or family members to try new and different books!

Math Specialist—Mrs. BaudoinMark your calendars for Family Math and Science Night, February 23 from 5:30-7PM. This year we will be exploring careers that use math and science in their everyday work! Come ready to learn about how the road to success and careers begins right here at Timber Creek!

TCES TidbitsFollow us on Twitter @TISDTCES for “real time” update regarding the wonderful happenings at TCES as well as weather related dismissal changes.

Before and After the Holiday Attendance Incentive Dance Party Anyone? We are trying to address a historically low attendance time period – before and after the holiday. Therefore, our next attendance incentive will be a dance party for K-2 and another for 3-5 for all students with perfect attendance the week before the winter break and also the week after the break. Students who are on time, every day, all day from Dec. 12 – Dec. 16 and then come back to school on Jan. 4- Jan. 6 on time, every day, all day will have the chance to enjoy a 30 minute Winter Dance Party on Jan. 13 from 3-3:30PM.

Lost and Found Lost and Found is located on the left side of the stage and will be donated after the last day of school before Christmas Break. We have Lunch boxes, coats and sweaters that need to find their home!

Please take some time over the next 2 weeks to come search through and find your lost items!

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Attendance- Did You Know? Both excused and unexcused absences are calculated into our accountability percentage for state distinctions. Excused absences are weighted equally with unexcused absences when calculated into our ADA. We need every child on time, every day and all day to help reach our goal.

November Attendance Data:TCES Monthly Attendance Goal- >/= 98%Total Absences- 196 Late Arrivals- 113 Early Dismissal- 139 Total Missed Instructional Instances- 448 Travel = 11% of Total AbsencesUnexcused Absences in October= 83October Attendance- 97.58% (down from 98.8% in September; down from 97.8% in October)

November Attendance Incentive Results= Success! We had 308 students with perfect attendance in November and earned the 30 minute open gym or 30 minute bring your own device choice activity. We will schedule those reward times for the students the at the end of this week (Dec. 9) dependent upon the number of students choosing each option and space availability yin the gym- great problem to work out! Thank you parents for your help in improving attendance during the busy holiday season!

NEWS

Family/ Home Business Sponsorship Opportunities!Own your own business and want to get your name out? Want to find a fun way to donate? Become an Event Sponsor/donor at our Spring Fundraiser: Dash & Bash! Signage provided, interact with our families, and its tax deductible! For more information about becoming an Event-Level Sponsor or to donate silent auction items to our largest fundraiser of the year, contact:

Sponsorship Chairpersons: Andrea French or Silvia Gonzalez at tcespto.sponsorship@gmail.com or

Auction Chairperson: Stephanie Piepho at tcespto.fundraising@gmail.com

It’s never to late to join PTO!Go to timbercreekelementarypto.digitalpto.com

and click on Join TCES PTO! Or go to Join.myschoolanywhere.com and enter

TCES2016.

Like Us on Facebook TimberCreekElementaryPTO & add us to your News

Feed to get updates on what’s happening with our PTO!

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Santa’s Workshop is almost here! Don’t miss this warm-hearted fun family-event and service project for all TCES families!

This week (Dec 5-8): In preparation of Santa’s Workshop we are collecting fleece (2 yards patterned, 2 yards solid) to prep for a fun no-sew blanket craft for our families to complete at Santa’s Workshop!

Volunteers also needed to help cut fabric 12/6-12/8 from 9-11am in the PTO/Band Room. Please bring sewing shears. Questions? Please contact Jenn Kable tcespto.volunteers@gmail.com.

Help members of our local community by participating in one or more of the Blitzen Bike Drive, Cozy Blanket Craft, and our Socks and Slippers For Seniors Collection!

Then, have some frosty fun! You can write a Letter to Santa, make a Candy Cane Keepsake, enjoy free refreshments, and hear the award-winning TCES Choir sing!

And of course, you’re invited to bring a treat to share with all of our TCES family elves!

workshopSaturday, Dec. 10th

9-11amTCES Cafeteria

Parent Reading MentorsDo you love to read? Do you have 30 minutes a week in January and February to make a difference in the life of a Timber Creek student?

The Educational Enrichment Committee is partnering with Timber Creek to provide parent reading mentors for our 3rd-5th grade students. We ask that you please consider donating 30 minutes per week of your time in order to help a TCES student gain confidence as a reader. Parent mentors will provide extra support to our students by reviewing strategies and practicing skills in order to provide a little extra support for the upcoming testing season. The perimeters are outlined below:

• January - February commitment• One 30 minute session per week, either on Tuesday or Thursday• Background check required• 2-3 students in each session• Your child does NOT have to be in 3rd-5th grade in order for you to sign up• Weekly sessions are subject to change depending on district/campus

assessments• All mentors must attend ONE parent orientation session. Please choose from the

following dates: - Friday, December 9th from 12:30-1:15- Wednesday, December 14th from 12:30-1:15 - Friday, January 6th from 12:30-1:15

If you are interested in becoming a parent-reading mentor, please contactMrs. Storck or signup here:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090e49aeae22a57-timber

HolidayParty

You are cordially invitedto your child’s class

Please be on the look out for more info and sign ups from your room parents. If you haven’t done so already, please send your information to your room parent to stay in the loop! For questions regarding your child’s Christmas party, please contact your room parent.

*all family members welcome

Friday, Dec. 16th at 10am