Family Newsletter, Friday, March 22, 2024
Hi Everyone
Hope this email finds you and your families well.
Important notification: The Board meeting on March 26th, 2024 will be at the school and not the public library. The time for the board meeting is 6:30 pm.
Thank you for all you do for the students of Goodwater and the support of volunteering to assist in the communities. Volunteers are so important to our school. This support provides our guides and assistants additional time to work with students in small groups and individually during the school day. Our annual assessment (STAAR) is coming in April and early May. The students and staff are diligently at work continuing to learn strategies that will assist them. We appreciate your support at home encouraging your student(s) to do their best as well.
The school will be in session on April 8th at regular time. We plan to utilize this unique opportunity for a day of learning more about the Solar Eclipse. Kristi and Alicia are working with the level leaders. We will be doing projects with the students to understand more about the solar eclipse and its impact on our world. We will have an opt-in permission slip that must be signed by the parents that will allow their students to observe the eclipse. We have certified eye protection, volunteers to assist with the viewing, and additional support for guides, and assistants. Kristi will be providing additional information relating to academic content and ideas for projects during the day.
This week’s Coffee with Dr. Bruce was a discussion on Charter School Finance with the Director of Business Operations, Marcy Steward. The presentation included information regarding charter schools receiving less funding than traditional ISDs. Fundraising is an important component for Charter Schools and we thank all of you who can support the school in this way. Here is a link to the presentation for those that missed it.
Please review the Academic School Calendar for April. We have two weather days scheduled on the academic calendar for March 29th and April 1st. We schedule bad weather days on our academic calendar each year in case we must be closed because of weather conditions. As of this newsletter, we have not needed those two days. If we do not need to close between today and March 28th, the school will be closed on March 29th and April 1st.
Again, we appreciate all of your support.
Kindest Regards
Dr. Bruce
Welcome Spring
Spring is a season of renewal and transformation, marking the end of winter’s chill and the beginning of nature’s vibrant revival. As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, life stirs anew in the form of blooming flowers, budding trees, and the return of chirping birds.
One of the most captivating aspects of spring is the colorful display of flowers that dot fields, gardens, and parks. From daffodils and tulips to cherry blossoms and lilacs, these blooms symbolize hope, beauty, and the cycle of life. The air is filled with a sweet fragrance, inviting people to step outside and revel in the sensory delights of the season.
Spring also brings a sense of rejuvenation to both the natural world and the human spirit. It inspires a desire for change and growth, prompting many to embark on personal projects, pursue new interests, or simply embrace a more active lifestyle. The increased daylight and milder weather encourage outdoor activities like picnics, hikes, and sports, fostering a sense of connection with the environment.
Moreover, spring is a time of celebration and cultural significance in many traditions around the world. Festivals like Easter, Passover, Holi, and Nowruz are observed during this season, each carrying its rituals, symbols, and expressions of joy and renewal.
In essence, spring embodies a spirit of hope, transformation, and vibrancy. It reminds us of the beauty of change and the resilience of life, making it a cherished and eagerly awaited time of year for people of all ages and backgrounds.
Registration Updates
| 2024-2025 Application and Registration Dates | |
| Application Period (8 weeks) | Feb 1st – March 29 |
| Week of Lottery (the week after Application Period closes) | Week of April 1 |
| Admissions and waitlist emails go out (the week after the lottery) | Week of April 8 |
| New Student Registration | Week of April 1 |
| Returning Student Registration | Week of April 15 |
Special Programs Update
Thank you so much for everyone participating in Down Syndrome Awareness Day!!
April 2nd is Autism Awareness Day! Please wear BLUE
| Down-syndrome Research by a 3rd Grade Student Down-syndrome is a disorder when people have 47 chromosomes in total. Typically people have 46 chromosomes. When people have down-syndrome it affects how they learn, speak, and even move. Try saying “science “ without moving your lips. Hard right? This is simulating having weak face muscles. That is why people with down-syndrome slur words. We need our lip muscles because they help us make complicated sounds to speak. Down-syndrome does have some benefits. A lot of people with down-syndrome are very flexible. Even though they think differently, Don’t judge a book by its cover. After spending time with friends with Down Syndrome, I have learned a lot about how they think and learn. They may take more time but be patient. Once you get to know them, they are amazing people. |
Total Solar Eclipse Day!
April 8, 2024: 12:15 Start, 1:36 Partial , 2:59 End
We are excited to announce that Goodwater is gearing up for the upcoming eclipse on April 8th! To ensure the safety and enjoyment of our students during this rare celestial event, we have purchased eclipse glasses for all students from Pre-K 4 through 8th grade. For your child to participate in this unique experience, we require that you sign the OPT-IN form for each child. This form serves as your consent for your child. Please note that we must receive the signed OPT-IN form for each child by April 5th.
If you would like to volunteer to help each community during the eclipse please sign up here. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0D45A5AD22A1F58-48714706-eclipse
Health Screenings 3/27 & 3/28
Dear Caregivers(s),
We perform Health Screenings for vision, hearing, and scoliosis as mandated by the State of Texas twice per year. These screenings give us early detection of problems that may inhibit the learning process of the student. Referrals will be sent home if your child requires a follow-up with a physician. Spring screenings will be on March 27th and March 28th. If your child has been/or will be screened by a Physician you may use this form.
The religious opt-out form is available here.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR HEALTH SCREENS! Your time will support walking groups back to class, scribing results, and prepping the next group. Volunteer to help with Health Screenings here!
NOTE: Please make sure you have completed the volunteer background check. https://apps.raptortech.com/Apply/NTIzOmVuLVVT
April 26-28, 2024
**ALL CALL FOR THE POPPY FESTIVAL PARADE COMMITTEE!**
Join our Poppy Parade float-building committee and let your creativity soar as we bring the theme of “Poppy Prom – Homecoming” to life! 🌺✨ Children of the volunteers who help design and build our spectacular float are the lucky riders on parade day, April 27th! 🚀🎈
Sign up now for the first committee meeting and be part of the magic! Don’t miss out – let’s make April unforgettable together! Sign up here to volunteer!
Upcoming Assessment Dates
| Assessment Schedule | ||
| Grades | Date(s) | Subject |
| 2 – 8 | Mar 18-27 | TELPAS |
| Pk4 | April 2-12 | CIRCLE EOY |
| 3 – 8 | April 18 | STAAR RLA |
| 3 – 8 | April 19 | RLA make-ups |
| 5 & 8 | April 23 | STAAR Science |
| 5 & 8 | April 24 | Science make-ups |
| 8 | April 25 | STAAR Social Studies |
| 5 & 8 | April 26 | Science & Soc St make-ups |
| 3 – 8 | May 2 | STAAR Math |
| 3 – 8 | May 3 | Math make-ups |
| K – 8 | May 7 – 17 | MAP EOY |
| K | May 7 – 22 | TXKEA |
| 1 & 2 | May 14 – 22 | TPRI |
Upcoming Important Dates
| Women’s History Month | March |
| Board Meeting @Goodwater | March 26th 6:30-8:00 pm |
| Health Screenings | March 27-28th |
| Bad weather make-up days (No School if we don’t have a Bad Weather Day) | March 29th and April 1st |
| Total Eclipse Day! | April 8th |
Have a wonderful weekend!
~GMS