WELCOME NEW VANGUARD STUDENT ORIENTATION T H ROGERS

WELCOME NEW VANGUARD STUDENT ORIENTATION T. H. ROGERS SCHOOL AUGUST 8, 2017 ∙ 10: 00 AM

WELCOME TO T. H. ROGERS! Building on Our Culture This Year’s Theme: “One Goal…One Team…NO LIMITS!” One Goal. . . One Team: PSI/MI, RDSPD (deaf), Life Skills, Vanguard NO LIMITS!

Welcome to T. H. Rogers! Building on Our Culture This Year’s Theme: “One Goal…One Team…NO LIMITS!” Culture of Communication Teacher websites Grade Speed weekly communication folders Culture of Thinking Cross-curricular learning Literacy emphasized in all contents Visible thinking Culture of Respect Character education restorative discipline peer mediation

WELCOME TO T. H. ROGERS! Administration, Mid-Management, Office Staff Dave Muzyka, Principal Christian Winn, Elementary Assistant Principal Donald Lam, Middle School Assistant Principal Jessica Willie, Dean of Instruction Karen Martinez, Elementary Counselor Barbra Hearne, Vanguard Coordinator Mari Valdez, School Secretary Asia Buirse, Receptionist Gwen Thompson, Budget Clerk Maria Hernandez, Finance Clerk Sylvia Guerrero, Attendance Janice Jackson, VG Office Clerk Libby Calkins, Student Information Spec. Linda Turpin, VG Office Clerk

WELCOME TO T. H. ROGERS! Vanguard Faculty 3 rd-5 th Grade Teams 3 rd Colleen Efstratiou Grade Team Leader & Math Hamy Jabri English, LA & Reading Breanna Mason Science/Social Studies Courtney Walker 4 th Grade Team Leader English, LA & Reading Jo Coughlan Math 5 th Christina Doyle Grade Team Leader English, LA & Reading Suparna Vashisht Math Core Enrichment Team Karana Bowen Claire Osborne Science/Social Studies Jennifer Thelander - Art Angela Wilkins - Computer Orchestra – Myong Jang Paula Godinich - ASL Science/Social Studies Crystal Evans - PE Norman Thomas - Music Stephanie Hatley - Library Cheryl Harris – Library

WELCOME TO T. H. ROGERS! School Policies and Procedures

MORNING ARRIVAL Arrival: 7: 15 a. m. to 7: 35 a. m. All students report to the Cafeteria upon arrival.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Parents may eat breakfast with students on the first day of school. Beginning August 29 th, parents must drop student off in the L-shape carpool lane or park nearby and walk them to the front entrance. Parents are asked to refrain from walking students to the classroom after the first day of school.

ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL Carpool Drop-Off/Pick-Up for Students Use the L-shape loading zone located in front of the school. Turn in traveling south on Bering Drive. Parents are asked to refrain from “conferencing” with teacher while they are on duty as they are trying to supervise all their students. ***Refer to Parent Drop-Off/Pick-Up Map***

ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES Students are encouraged to attend school daily! Students must attend at least 74 days of school the first semester and 76 days the second semester according to the Texas Education Code 25. 092.

ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES • Call the school and e-mail your child’s homeroom teacher by 8: 00 a. m. on the day of an absence. Phone: 713 -917 -3595 • Within 3 days of an absence, a written excuse must be submitted to Ms. Guerrero in the main office. Excuses may be submitted via e-mail to Sylvia. Guerrero@houstonisd. org

ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES TARDY STUDENTS Promptness to school is an expectation. If a student is not in class by 7: 45 a. m. , he or she will be considered tardy. Students will receive a lunch detention after the 3 rd tardy. The official daily attendance time is 9: 30.

ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES EXCUSED ABSENCES • Illness of student • Death in the family • Quarantine • Weather or road conditions making travel dangerous • Participation in school activities, approved by the Principal • Religious holidays (24 hours prior to day) • Emergencies or unusual circumstances, approved by the Principal

LEAVING CAMPUS DURING THE SCHOOL DAY • Parents must report to the main office to check out their child. • An appropriate form of identification must be presented. • A note from the parent(s) of a student must be sent to Ms. Guerrero stating the time and reason for the early departure along with a phone number. • The latest a student may be released early is 2: 15 p. m.

DRESS CODE • Students should be neat and clean in appearance. • Clothing must not be too tight, too loose, or torn. • A belt must be worn with loose-fit shorts or pants. • Skirts and dresses are to be no shorter than two inches, front and back, from the top of the knee in a standing position. • Label jackets/coats. Bring an extra layer! • See the Parent-Student Handbook for the full dress code policy.

BIRTHDAYS • Students will be given the opportunity to celebrate birthdays during the school year by parents sending store-bought cookies (no cupcakes, please) for the homeroom class. The teacher will pass out to the students during their snack time. Please, no treat bags. • If you plan to send cookies, please notify the teacher for planning purposes. Deliver the treats to the school by 8: 00 a. m.

FIELD TRIPS Field trips are planned throughout the year to enhance the curriculum, and dedicated parent volunteers help make it possible. Here a few important reminders: · Students and chaperones are to wear the school tie-dye field trip shirt. · All school rules apply on the field trip. · Actively supervise students. · Notify the teacher(s) immediately of any medical emergency, lost child, or serious breach of school rule. · Follow the directions of docent/guide. · Siblings and family members may not participate in a school-sponsored field trip. · Have fun!

COMMUNICATIONS • Communication Folders “Ram News” is available on our website and will be distributed electronically every Thursday. • Parent-Staff Communications Contact the teacher via e-mail or phone. Check the calendar of events each week. WE NEED YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS! • Parent-Teacher Conferences Contact your child’s teacher with the preferred day and time for the conference.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL MONDAY, AUGUST 28, 2017 • Please complete and return ALL forms included in the First Day Packet to your child’s teacher. • Follow all procedures for arrival. Please say “goodbye” to your child and wish them well on their first day. • Traffic will be heavy. Be patient! • Join other THR parents for coffee sponsored by PTO in the orchestra room.

A FEW IMPORTANT DATES. . . • Open House September 12 th, 6: 30 PM • Parents Are Partners September 13 th, 7: 45 AM • Early Dismissal September 21 st, 12: 45 PM • Fall Holiday for Students, September 22 nd • Fall Conferences week of October 9 th, times TBA You will receive a school calendar in the 2017 -2018 Parent-Student Handbook!

The rd 3 Grade Learning Journey

THE 3 RD GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY Your child will grow exponentially this year! You may notice. . . • 3 rd grade is a jump up from 2 nd with more emphasis being placed on the student taking on more responsibility. • 3 rd grade is the first year students take the STAAR Reading and Math Assessments.

THE 3 RD GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY English/Lang Arts/Reading–Ms. Jabri • We cover Expository Text Features, Realistic Fiction, Memoirs, and all the different reading genres. • Students will participate in different forms of daily reading (read alouds, read to self, and read to someone). • Daily home reading is expected for at least 30 minutes per day (leisure reading). • We cover weekly Vocabulary Units. • Various modes of writing opportunities throughout the school year embedded in all subjects.

THE 3 RD GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY Math–Ms. Efstratiou • Emphasis on speed and accuracy with math facts. • Ability to analyze and dissect multiple step-problem solving. • Articulate answers using justification and explanations (both verbally and in writing). • Learn to self monitor personal progress. • Apply concepts within real world context.

THE 3 RD GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY Science & Social Studies–Ms. Mason • Begin to take notes from reading, instruction and research. Use research to create original products. • Articulate answers using justification and explanation. • Perform experimental and observational investigations. • Use MLA-style citation and other research strategies. • Compose detailed, complete responses in writing. • Emphasis on expository writing. • The students will have several projects throughout the year in both subjects (more information forth coming).

STAAR ASSESSMENTS Overview of first time taking STAAR Strategies used in class to align 3 rd Grade is the first year students take the Reading and Math STAAR tests! Each day students will be introduced to skills and concepts that will naturally lead towards your student’s success on the STAAR. We use different forms of materials, manipulatives and strategies to cover all areas (more information is forthcoming as we get into specific skills/strategies that relate to each student).

COMMUNICATIONS • Weekly Communication Packets per subject area • Thursday Communication Folders • Student Agenda Books/Planners • Teacher Websites, E-mail

HOME LEARNING Home learning is generally Monday - Thursday • Each week students begin a new Vocabulary Unit with sentences due on Tuesday! • 30 minutes of reading is required per day. • Math home learning is generally given daily.

The th 4 Grade Learning Journey

THE 4 TH GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY Some things you may notice about your growing 4 th grader. . . • Fourth grade is a transitional year. • Your child will sharpen and refine the many concepts introduced in the primary grades. • Students are expected to assume more independence and responsibility for their own learning.

THE 4 TH GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY English Language Arts & Reading–Ms. Walker • 4 th Grade will be taking a deeper learning adventure into investigation, inquiry, and projectbased learning throughout the year. • Your child will participate in Novel Explorer, Literature Circles and gain key skills for writing and reading through read aloud • IStation, Running Records, benchmarks and STAR (Ren. Learn) are used as progress monitors for reading instruction • Students will write in a variety of modes and for various purposes • Writing benchmarks-(BOY, MOY, EOY) in addition to in class monitoring • Home learning expectation: • READING- at least 30 minutes a night, Monday-Thursday • WRITING- Tuesday Night Writes (assigned on Tuesday, due the following Tuesday each week) • Novel Explorer Projects • *Literature circle work • *Word Work *If not completed during class time

THE 4 TH GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY Math–Ms. Coughlan • The focus will be on 4 th grade TEKS • Depth, complexity and rigor will be given to each student by: high level content, hands-on experiences, project based learning, real life applications and opportunities to work together • The emphasis will be on developing: mental math, problem solving and deeper thinking about mathematics • Study Island Think Through Math programs will be used throughout the year • Students will maintain interactive notebooks and have daily mathematics home learning

THE 4 TH GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY Science & Social Studies—Ms. Bowen • Science • Lab Safety, Geology, Astronomy, Weather, Force & Motion, Plants and Animals • Science Fusion, • Social Studies • Focus on Texas history taught linearly • Geography Skills, Critical Thinking, Literacy • Cross curricular implementation of writing • Project-Based Learning • Multiple unit based projects will be given for in class and at hoe completion throughout the year in both subjects.

STAAR Students in 4 th Grade take 3 STAAR tests this year. ASSESSMENTS These include Math, Reading, and Writing: Math: Reading: The writing portion of the STAAR test is a one day test. Students are given a four hour window to complete the exam. The test will begin with approximately 15 revise and edit questions and end with one writing prompt. The math portion of the STAAR test is completed over the course of one day. Students are given a four hour window to complete the exam. The test contains approximately 34 questions. The reading portion of the STAAR test is also completed over the course of one day. Students are given a four hour window to complete the exam. The test contains approximately 45 questions with several reading passages.

COMMUNICATIONS • Check the agenda daily o Objectives will be recorded in the agenda daily for each class o Home learning and important dates will also be recorded • Purple Home Learning folder will be sent home daily with assignments • School Wires accounts will be updated weekly with classroom information

HOME LEARNING • Approximately 60 to 90 minutes of home learning daily on Monday-Thursday • Math daily • Reading daily • Writing weekly • Science or social studies 1 night a week Long-term projects and study skills practice will take place throughout the year, and sometimes on weekends.

The 5 th Grade Learning Journey

THE 5 TH GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY 5 th grade is a capstone year. . . • Encouraging more social and academic independence • Responsibility and organization • Nurturing a love for learning and growth

THE 5 TH GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY English/Lang Arts/Reading–Ms. Doyle • In-depth study of various works of literature (short stories, poetry, non-fiction texts, and novels) • Grammar and Vocabulary • Authentic Writing Opportunities • Literature Circles (Book Clubs!) • Novel Explorer (Independent Reading Projects)

THE 5 TH GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY Science & Social Studies–Ms. Osborne • Science • Focused on scientific method and design process through inquiry based learning and the design process • Science Fair—>emphasis on research methods and presentation skills • Social Studies • US History from Jamestown to Civil Rights • Project based learning (all projects completed during class time) • Strong emphasis on geography skills: analyzing and creating maps, graphs and charts • Resources • Interactive student notebooks (ISN) • Study Island

THE 5 TH GRADE LEARNING JOURNEY Math–Ms. Vashisht • • • Focus on problem solving and critical thinking Developing computational skills and building speed Mastery of TEKS Real-world application of skills Singapore Math Strategies Think Through Math & Study Island

COMMUNICATIONS • Student Planners/Agenda Books • Teacher Websites • Communication Folder – Thursdays • Email us directly

HOME LEARNING • Daily Math – 30 -45 minutes • Weekly Sci/SS – 30 -45 minutes • ELAR – students are encouraged to read at home every day *Long term assignments/projects will require careful planning and management of time

Reading STAAR ASSESSMENTS The reading STAAR test is to be completed in a four hour window. The test contains approximately 46 questions with several reading passages. Math Science The STAAR math The science section assessment is of the STAAR test is completed within a administered over a four hour window. The test contains The assessment approximately 50 includes 47 questions. multiple choice questions.

PARENTS-TOPARENTS Tips for Success. . . • The most frequently asked question is about homework – How much? How long? The answer is, “It depends on the child!” • Balancing your child’s extra-curricular activities with school. • 5 th grade is a good time to start holding your child accountable for keeping up with their own homework and project due dates. • It is inevitable that as a parent, you will hear stories about school. Keep everything in perspective. • In 5 th grade, help your child enjoy their last year as an elementary student.

PARENTS-TOPARENTS More Tips for Success. . . • Ample sleep leads to academic success and happiness • Downtime. . . playtime. . . unscheduled time • When there is a problem or concern, discuss it with your child to get a good understanding of the problem, think about the issue from all sides, then talk to teacher directly. Teachers are great problem solvers and talking to them directly often resolves everything! • Think of parents and teachers as a team. Talking to other parents or calling a Principal immediately can often create a mountain out of a molehill. • Keep problem solving positive and constructive. Collaboration with the school staff is key.

BEFORE WE GO… Please be sure you handle the following housekeeping items before you leave today: • Sign in and verify your contact information at the check-in table near room 301. • Visit the computer lab in room 401 to… ü Register for VIPS ü Join PTO

WELCOME to the T. H. Rogers Family!