Volume 14-15; Issue 1

September 2014

Inside This Issue

1st Cycle Progress Reports

5 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed This School Year

6th Grade Newsletter

7th Grade Newsletter

8th Grade Newsletter 21st Century

Letter from the Principal Dear Parents/Guardians: The fall is always an exciting time for scholars in middle school and I hope things have gotten off to a good start for you and your family. The first three weeks of school has been very productive and meaningful. It has served as a period of transition for our teachers and scholars as they returned from summer vacation. Scholars settled in quite nicely and teaching and learning took off without a hitch. All scholars should have a class set of textbooks at home. If your child has not received his/her books, please see Ms. Smith in the main office. The first six weeks grading cycle will end on October 2nd. Today, you will receive your child’s progress report for the mid-Six Weeks marking period. Please spend some time and have a frank conversation with your child about their academic progress. If you need to arrange a parent/teacher conference, please contact the main office to arrange a time. As we continue to strive for higher levels of teaching and learning, I hope you will join us by supporting us in every way possible. Remember at Cullen University, we are Always and Only about getting our scholars Smarter and Stronger.

OUR VISION At Cullen Middle School, we embrace high levels of learning for all scholars as both the reason our organization exists and the fundamental responsibility of those who work within it. We acknowledge that scholars learn at different rates and with different levels of support. Therefore, we are willing to examine all practices in light of their impact on learning. Consequently, every adult member of our learning community is committed to having every child that sits before us, smarter and stronger, by doing whatever it takes to be sure that failure is not an option for any child. Best wishes Clayton D. Crook Principal

5 Ways to Help Your Child Succeed This School Year

Students across Houston are headed back to the classroom this week, and there’s no better time than the start of a new school year to set positive routines to help your children succeed. We know that HISD parents will do whatever it takes to support their child in and outside of the classroom, so here are a few simple yet effective ways to make sure your child has a great year.

1. Get your child to school on time, every day. They may try to win you over with tears and excuses, but letting your child stay home from school does more harm than good. The school year has only 175 days of instruction, and every day is carefully planned by teachers to provide your child with the knowledge they need to graduate college and career ready. And with the new student attendance requirement, a student cannot miss more than 10 percent of

classes, or 17 days, to receive credit in a subject area. Attendance is taken before 11 a.m. so be sure you schedule appointments in the afternoon.

2. Set a schedule and stick to it. Children do best when they have a set routine, so be sure to limit time watching TV and playing video games (also make sure content is age-appropriate), and schedule a curfew, a bedtime, and time for dinner and schoolwork. Write out the schedule and put it on the fridge as a constant reminder. Routines are essential to establishing good study habits – and it only takes 21 days to set a routine in stone. If you work late, call and check in often.

3. Read with your child. Students who read and are read to have a larger academic vocabulary and are more likely to succeed in school than those who do not, period. Reading opens children’s minds to new places, experiences, and possibilities, and millions of books are available for free at the local public library. Reading is an easy way to make sure your child doesn’t get left behind.

4. Get involved at your campus. Attend parent meetings and get to know your child’s teachers, principals, and counselors. The more you visit the school, the larger the support network you will have. Don’t wait until a problem arises – open a communications channel early and ask plenty of questions.

5. Ask your children’s teachers how you can support their learning at home. In a calendar year, children spend an estimated 15 percent of their time in school, 42 percent asleep, and 43 percent away from school at home. To be successful students, they need mental stimulation and support when they are at home in addition to their time at school. Your child’s teachers know their academic strengths and weaknesses, and they can recommend activities and supplemental work to get your

child caught up or ahead of the game.

For more resources for parents, please visit the Family and Community Engagement Department’s website.

6TH GRADE BOBCAT P.R.I.D.E Issue 8

6th Grade Bobcat

P.R.I.D.E

September

2014

PERSISTENT, RESPONSIBLE, INDEPENDENT, DOERS, EVERYDAY! SCHOOL INFORMATION

CMS Cullen University

6900 Scott Street Houston, TX 77021

713.746.8180

Fall Holiday: Oct. 3rd, 2014 Fall Fun Festival:

October 25, 2014 6th Grade Math Corner Order the fractions or mixed number from least to greatest.

Use <, >, or = to compare the fractions or mixed numbers.

6th Grade scholar names that answer the questions will be placed in a lottery drawing for an incentive on Monday morning!

“At Cullen University, we are always and only about

getting our students Smarter and Stronger.”

Traci Lightfoot, Assistant Principal

Bobcat P.R.I.D.E says our students are studying to get smarter and stronger by getting to school promptly by 7:50 daily. Remember, winners get to school on time!

Persistent in claiming what se want for a bright future~ Responsible for all actions and reactions that shape who we are~ Independent thinkers willing to take on the challenges of tomorrow and Doing it, living it, walking it Everyday With Bobcat PRIDE... we are NO EXCUSES UNIVERSITY!

6TH GRADE BOBCAT P.R.I.D.E Issue 8

6th Grade Bobcat

P.R.I.D.E

September

2014

PERSISTENT, RESPONSIBLE, INDEPENDENT, DOERS, EVERYDAY! SCHOOL INFORMATION

CMS Cullen University

6900 Scott Street Houston, TX 77021

713.746.8180

Fall Holiday: Oct. 3rd, 2014 Fall Fun Festival:

October 25, 2014 6th Grade Math Corner Order the fractions or mixed number from least to greatest.

Use <, >, or = to compare the fractions or mixed numbers.

6th Grade scholar names that answer the questions will be placed in a lottery drawing for an incentive on Monday morning!

“At Cullen University, we are always and only about

getting our students Smarter and Stronger.”

Traci Lightfoot, Assistant Principal

Bobcat P.R.I.D.E says our students are studying to get smarter and stronger by getting to school promptly by 7:50 daily. Remember, winners get to school on time!

Persistent in claiming what se want for a bright future~ Responsible for all actions and reactions that shape who we are~ Independent thinkers willing to take on the challenges of tomorrow and Doing it, living it, walking it Everyday With Bobcat PRIDE... we are NO EXCUSES UNIVERSITY!

6TH GRADE BOBCAT P.R.I.D.E | Issue 8 2

A message from the 6th Grade Assistant Principal

Dear 6th grade students and parents, I welcome you to Cullen Middle School with pride, open arms, and a commitment to every student. I am a leader of a college ready student. I am helping to prepare young scholars to face the challenges of life by sharing with you the importance of reaching your goals with ability, determination, and hard work. We hope to grow leaders of tomorrow who have S.W.A.G; Study Skills, Work Ethic, and Accountability, and Goal Setting. Will this work be easy? Most times not, but the road to success is never without great effort and challenge. I am dedicated to preparing you to be a responsible and accountable citizen, owning your choices; good or bad. I am committed to fostering a deep sense of independence and confidence to the claim of who YOU WILL BECOME. I will guide and show you the way to success and only ask that you follow me into a bright and promising future! Sincerely your 6th Grade Administrator, Ms. T. Lightfoot

TEXTBOOK CHECKOUT: Parents may check these books out anytime from 8:00a.m. - 9:00a.m. and 3:00p.m. – 4:00p.m.

OPEN HOUSE: Congratulations to all our 6th grade parents! We enjoyed a wonderful turnout last Thursday for Open House. Our teachers enjoyed meeting every one of you! Thank you for coming out and we look forward to your continued support.

SCHOOL and P.E. UNIFORMS: Both items are MANDOATORY. Shorts are never to be worn.

Electronics: No cell phones out or in view.

REMEMBER to bring Trapper Keepers and Homework to class every day

Fall 2014 7th Grade Newsletter Ms. C. Williams, Assistant Principal

7th Grade Superheroes This year our theme is Superheroes. Our thought is that all of our students are superheroes and they are capable of being superior scholars. Our expectation is that our students are focused when they come on campus and are prepared for the learning.

Parents, please know that scholars are expected to be at school by 7:45am. Beginning at 7:45am we hold morning meetings as a grade-level. It is important that your scholar is prompt to morning meeting as we discuss information that is pertinent for your scholar.

Please know that I am truly excited to be your student's assistant principal and I look forward to a wonderful school year!

Cu!en Strong. What we do here changes lives.

~Ms. Wi!iams

!1Phone: 713.746.8180Cullen Middle School

Our Focus:

Scholar Expectations and systems

Creating life long readers and writers.

Key Players

• Ms. Williams, Assistant Principal

• Mrs. Blackshear- Math

• Ms. Young- English

• Mr. Carpenter- Math

• Ms. Durant- English

• Mrs. Cay- Texas History

• Mrs. Catchings- Science

CULLEN MIDDLE SCHOOL Launching into 7th Grade

Fall 2014 7th Grade Newsletter Ms. C. Williams, Assistant Principal

TIPS FOR HOMEWORK SUCCESS

✪ MAKE SURE YOUR CHILD HAS A QUIET, WELL-LIT PLACE TO DO

HOMEWORK. AVOID HAVING YOUR CHILD DO HOMEWORK WITH THE TELEVISION ON OR IN PLACES WITH OTHER DISTRACTIONS,

SUCH AS PEOPLE COMING AND GOING. ✪ MAKE SURE THE MATERIALS YOUR CHILD NEEDS, SUCH AS

PAPER, PENCILS AND A DICTIONARY, ARE AVAILABLE. ASK YOUR CHILD IF SPECIAL MATERIALS WILL BE NEEDED FOR SOME

PROJECTS AND GET THEM IN ADVANCE. ✪ HELP YOUR CHILD WITH TIME MANAGEMENT.

ESTABLISH A SET TIME EACH DAY FOR DOING HOMEWORK. DON‘T LET YOUR CHILD LEAVE HOMEWORK UNTIL JUST

BEFORE BEDTIME. ✪ BE POSITIVE ABOUT HOMEWORK.

TELL YOUR CHILD HOW IMPORTANT SCHOOL IS. THE ATTITUDE YOU EXPRESS ABOUT HOMEWORK WILL BE THE

ATTITUDE YOUR CHILD ACQUIRES. ✪ WHEN YOUR CHILD ASKS FOR HELP, PROVIDE GUIDANCE, NOT

ANSWERS. GIVING ANSWERS MEANS YOUR CHILD WILL NOT LEARN THE

MATERIAL. TOO MUCH HELP TEACHES YOUR CHILD THAT WHEN THE GOING GETS ROUGH, SOMEONE WILL DO THE WORK FOR HIM OR

HER. ✪ WHEN THE TEACHER ASKS THAT YOU PLAY A ROLE IN HOMEWORK, DO IT. COOPERATE WITH THE TEACHER. IT SHOWS YOUR CHILD THAT

THE SCHOOL AND HOME ARE A TEAM. FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS GIVEN BY THE TEACHER.

✪ IF HOMEWORK IS MEANT TO BE DONE BY YOUR CHILD ALONE, STAY AWAY.

TOO MUCH PARENT INVOLVEMENT CAN PREVENT HOMEWORK FROM HAVING SOME POSITIVE EFFECTS. HOMEWORK IS A GREAT WAY FOR KIDS TO DEVELOP INDEPENDENT, LIFELONG LEARNING

SKILLS. ✪ STAY INFORMED.

TALK WITH YOUR CHILD‘S TEACHER. MAKE SURE YOU KNOW THE PURPOSE OF HOMEWORK AND WHAT YOUR CHILD‘S CLASS RULES

ARE.

!2Phone: 713.746.8180Cullen Middle School

Key Factors to 7th Grade Success

1. Scholars are present everyday.

2. Scholars are in school uniform each day.

3. Scholars are prepared for learning with materials and homework!

4. Scholars follow the school systems with 100% excellence

5. Scholars are positive!

Cullen Middle School 6900 Scott St.

Houston, TX 77021

p: 713.746.8180 f: 713.746.8181

Early Dismissal: 10/10/14

1st Progress Report (TODAY)

1ST 6 Weeks Report Card: 10/10/13

Fall Fun Festival: 10/25/14

8th Grade Newsletter

Cullen Middle School

...every child must

Ms. Sigmon, 8th Grade Assistant Principal

Friendly Reminder

Cell phone usage of any type is not permitted during

school hours {7:45-4:00}.

If a scholar’s cell phone is confiscated during school

hours the return fee is 15 dol-lars and the device can only be picked up after school.

Dates to Remember

graders to a high standard as they are seen as scholar leaders on our

campus.

WE believe in encouraging our schol-ars to make responsible decisions that

will allow them to excel not only in the classroom, but in life.

We are excited to work with each one of your scholars, along with our dy-namic 8th grade teachers in prepar-

ing them for success and the next level...High School!

I am excited about the new school year here at Cullen University!

A big thank you to all of you for joining us during our Fall Open House. It was great

meeting each of you!

As we discussed, our 8th graders have a busy, yet exciting, year ahead of them. It is imperative that we work as team in order to guide our scholars to succeed academi-cally, socially, and as citizens in our com-

munity.

Here at Cullen University we hold our 8th

3. Homework is Key: Check with your scholar each day and ask about home-work. Review or scan homework to make certain homework assignments are com-plete.

4. Keep Distractions at a Minimum: Speak with your child about the importance of conduct. Remember that if a scholar is distracted with behavioral issues they are not able maintain focus on the lessons that are being presented in class. In addi-tion, behavior can affect their participa-tion in extra-curricular activities and functions at school.

In order to ensure that your scholar is working at their potential academi-cally here are a few tips that can help assist them with bringing home good grades:

1. Get Organized:

Assist your scholar in establish priori-ties and manage free time appropri-ately.

2. Seek Extra Help: If your scholar is having difficulties with course work do not wait to seek assistance. Reach out to your scholar’s teacher to let them know that they need a little more support.

Preparing for a GREAT YEAR!

...every child must have every opportunity to learn.

21st Century Presents…

ARE YOU READY? details coming soon…

21ST Century Monday – Thursday

4pm – 7pm (busses are provided)