SSES Receptionist

Phone Number Change

Effective Monday, 9/11/17, the

receptionist phone number at SSES

will change to: 512-858-3909.

The main number for the school will

remain: 512-858-3900, where you can

push “0” to reach the receptionist.

ATTENTION FIFTH GRADE PARENTS Coming Soon

CAMP CHAMPIONS OUTDOOR SCHOOL October 2-4, 2017

Location Marble Falls, Texas

What we need: ❖ Student Forms printed/filled out and returned to your homeroom teacher.(see below) ❖ Fees will be paid online through our district website (see below) ❖ Trailers or trucks to transport luggage to and from camp ❖ Volunteers to make Camp Folders ❖ Chaperones (to be selected by lottery, responsible for camp fee) ❖ Volunteers to assist with drop off the morning of the 2nd.

In an effort to minimize paper, we are sending you the camp forms digitally. If you need a printed copy, please let your student’s teacher know as soon as possible. Thank you for helping us save time and paper. PLEASE COPY AND PASTE THESE LINKS INTO YOUR BROWSER☺ MANDATORY FORMS: Student Packet link Print and return pages 5(for food allergies) and 7-9 http://bit.do/student_forms5-7-8-9 Camp Behavior Policy http://bit.do/Behavior_policy DSISD Field Trip Permission Slip: http://bit.do/DISTRICT_PERMISSION_SLIP Pay Online https://drippingspringsisd.revtrak.net/ *If you would like to add $$ to assist another student, please send a note and cash or check to school with your student **Let Mrs. Bird know if you need assistance or a scholarship ASAP. COST: $155 a student OPTIONAL FORMS: Medication Form: Print for each medication you need to send to camp, we need these returned by the 26th of September. Medications need to be current and must have prescription label on them. http://bit.do/medical_form Not Attending Camp Form: http://bit.do/NOT_ATTENDING_CAMP

Sign Up Now!

http://www.techterraeducation.com/camp-techterra.html

SSE Math Pentathlon Club

Dear Parents,

Our School is proud to offer the National Mathematics Pentathlon Program for interested Second grade through Fifth grade students. Our Math Pentathlon Club meets Monday of each week starting October 16th from 3:15 pm-4:45 pm.

2nd and 3rd grade group will meet in Room B002

4th and 5th grade group will meet in Room A101

Through the use of the Math Pentathlon Games, logical, computational and spatial reasoning are developed in a highly motivational format designed for students within a broad range of ability levels. These games use a wide variety of physical models to provide enjoyable practice of active problem-solving skills. Adults find the games fun and challenging as well!

To become involved in this exciting program, please complete and return the attached registration form to Ruth Gardiner, school receptionist in the SSE front office beginning Monday, September 11th . The deadline to return the registration is Monday, October 2nd. To provide the best quality experience possible for our students, we limit the enrollment for Math Pentathlon to 12 students for each grade level. Priority enrollment will be given to students whose parents are available and willing to be volunteers during our weekly sessions.

After the registrations are received and processed, an email will be sent confirming your child’s participation for the year. When you receive this email, you will be able to bring a check to the SSE front office. The club fee for this exciting learning opportunity will be $ 80.00 per student. This fee will be used to purchase team t-shirts, tournament registration, and supplies for the club.

Because of our limited enrollment, it is ESSENTIAL that we have a committed attitude from your child for participation in the program and from parents who are available and interested in learning the games and assisting the students during each weekly session. We need 3-4 parents who can attend our weekly sessions and assist each group. We would love the opportunity to start a division for K/1st Grade Students as well, but are in need of a parent coach. If you are interested in this opportunity, please email Linda at the information listed below. If you would like more information on how you can volunteer, please contact at Linda Alvarez / linda@lindaalvarez.com SSE Math Pentathlon Coordinator – SSE (please email Linda if you have any questions)

Please understand that this after-school academic club is an enrichment activity where students are expected to be cooperative and respectful.

SSE Math Pentathlon Club Student Application

Student Name _____________________________________________

Grade ________ Teacher _______________________________ Child’s Birthdate: ________________________________________ ____Male ____Female

Participated in Math Pentathlon last year? _________

Attended National Math Pentathlon Academic Tournament last year? ________

Spring Math Pentathlon Academic Tournaments will be:

2nd & 3rd grade – April 21, 2018 4th & 5th grade – April 28, 2018

TOURNAMENT PARTICIPATION IS MANDATORY FOR SPRING PARTICIPATION IN CLUB

Parent Name ____________________________________________

Parent Email __________________________________________

Parent Phone _______________________

CHILD T SHIRT SIZE _____ ADULT T-shirt size ______

____ Yes, my child wants to participate in the Math Pentathlon Club

____ Yes, I am available to assist during the weekly sessions as a parent volunteer (a minimum of 3 during the fall semester, and 6 during the spring) (younger siblings are not allowed)

I understand that by participating in the Math Pentathlon Club, I am committing to attend Math Pentathlon each Monday afternoon, staying focused and attentive during the games, and learning to be an awesome problem solver.

_______________________ _____________________________

Student Signature Parent Signature

Please return this Registration Form to Ruth Gardiner in the SSE front office, beginning Monday, September 11th. Upon acceptance of registration, you will receive an email with information about paying the $80.00 club fee. Please make checks payable to SSES and indicate Math Pentathlon in the memo section and bring to the SSE front office for confirmation of payment.

Challenge Yourself with UIL Events! Sycamore Springs Springs Elementary School students, teachers, and coaches are

preparing for the start of the Fall U.I.L. academic season. The University

Interscholastic League (U.I.L.) offers a variety of academic contests that provide

academic challenges and opportunities to reach greater levels of achievement for

students beginning in second grade. Coaching sessions for students will begin the week

of September 24. All sessions will be held on Tuesdays 3:15-4:00 with the exception of

Ready Writing which will be held on Mondays from 3:15-4:00. The local SSES contest

meet will be held after school on Tuesday, October 25th. Our district meet, for those

who qualify, will be on Saturday, December 9th , at Rooster Springs Elementary.

Register for all UIL events online: http://bit.do/SSES_UIL

Registration open August 31 – September 18

For questions, to volunteer or for more information, contact SSES UIL Coordinators:

Natalie Lyle, natalie.lyle@dsisdtx.us Lucy Martinez, lucy.martinez@dsisdtx.us

U.I.L. Elementary School Events

***Please note the grade level requirements listed for each event***

Creative Writing (Grade 2): Students are given several captioned pictures from which to

choose. From these, the students create an original story based on their selections. Students

have 30 minutes to complete their writing. This event encourages writing skills and creativity in

an academic format.

Storytelling (Grades 2, 3): Students are read a brief story. They retell that story in their own

words before a panel of judges. The students will be coached to use facial expressions, vocal

variety, originality, gestures, articulation, and enthusiasm. This event encourages listening,

thinking, and creative expression.

Music Memory (Grades 3,4, 5): The focus of this contest is an in-depth study of fine pieces of

music literature taken from a wide spectrum of music genres. Students will listen to 20 musical

selections and identify the name of the major work, selection, and the name of the composer.

This event exposes students to great composers, their lives, and their music.

Spelling (Grades 3, 4, 5): This contest is designed to give students exposure to a wide variety of

vocabulary words. Students will study a list of pre-selected words and learn to spell

proficiently, write clearly, and capitalize words properly. Students will write down words read to

them at a rate of approximately five words per minute.

Please consider signing your child up for UIL! We currently have a handful of students enrolled and we can’t wait to have many more! Also, please note that we have added Chess

Puzzle to our UIL events!

Ready Writing (Grades 3, 4, 5): Students are given a choice between two prompts which define

the audience and provide the purpose for writing. Students will be coached in various writing

strategies in order to write a paper that is interesting and original. A dictionary and thesaurus

may be used during the contest. There is no minimum or maximum number of words the

contestants may write. Students may participate in this event in addition to another event.

This event is held on Mondays only.

Art (Grades 4, 5): This contest involves the study of paintings from the National Gallery of Art

in Washington, D.C. and paintings from selected Texas museums. Students will demonstrate an

understanding of art history while making informed judgments about the artwork. For the

contest students will be required to identify the artist’s name and title of 15 paintings selected

randomly from the official list of 40 paintings. There are also questions about art elements and

art history characteristic of the 40 art selections.

Number Sense (Grades 4, 5): Students will be coached to make quick mental calculations using

various mathematical strategies. Concepts covered include, but are not limited to: addition,

subtraction, multiplication, division, proportions, and use of mathematic notation. For the

contest, students will be given a ten minute, fill-in-the-blank test which they must complete

without doing any calculations on paper or on a calculator.

Oral Reading (Grades 4, 5): Students read aloud a self-selected published poem before a panel

of judges. The written text may be used during the contest. The maximum time for the

presentation is six minutes.

This contest provides opportunities for students to analyze text, develop as a performer,

communicate a message to an audience, and to interpret and perform an artistic creation.

Maps, Graphs, & Charts (Grade 5): This contest is designed to help students develop skills

such as using a reference book to locate information, making comparisons, estimating and

approximating, using a map scale and interpreting grid systems, legends and keys. Students take

an objective test containing approximately 75 multiple choice, true/false, and fill-in-the-blank

questions which must be answered in 45 minutes.

Social Studies (Grade 5): Students are encouraged to expand their knowledge of social studies,

particularly in the areas of history, government systems, economics, citizenship, and culture. An

objective test containing approximately 40 questions must be answered in 30 minutes.

Chess Puzzles (Grade 2,3,4,5): Chess puzzle competition is very different from tournament

chess play. Contestants in a chess puzzle contest receive a paper-and-pencil test that includes a

series of chess boards with pieces in particular positions. The contestant must then determine

the fewest moves to checkmate given that particular board layout. Time is also a factor -

contestants are scored based on the most puzzles solved in the least amount of time.

Register for all UIL events online: http://bit.do/SSES_UIL

Please let your child’s teacher know if you need a paper

registration form.

September 7, 2017

IMPORTANT DATES

9/7/17 PARENT ORIENTATIONKinder 5:30 - 6:15pm3rd & 4th 6:15 - 7:00pm

9/8/17 @ 8:00amPTA MEETINGGeneral Membership

9/12/17 PARENT ORIENTATION1st & 2nd 5:30 - 6:15pm5th 6:15 - 7:00pm

9/15/17 @ 8:00amVOLUNTEER BREAKFAST

9/17/17 @ 2:00 - 3:00pmTIGER DADSKick-off Celebration & Meeting

9/21/17 @ 6:30 pmSSES GRAND OPENINGRibbon Cutting Ceremony

Stay in touch via social media:TWITTERFACEBOOK

facebook.com/txssespta

INSTAGRAM

@sses_ptainstagram.com/ssestigers

SSE PTA News

JOIN PTA TODAY!!!www.joinpta.org

Becoming a member does NOT mean a commitment to volunteer, it simply shows

your support of our staff and students Our lofty goal is 400 members, and we currently have 244. Help us reach 400!!

School. Keep motivated. High achievers never give up. Keep going for your family. Your future kids. Sacrifice 4-8 years for 30 years of security for your family. YOU can do this!

TIGER DADSTiger Dads are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, or other father figures who volunteer at their child’s school during the school year. The program underscores the importance of positive male role models for our students, demonstrating by their presence that education is important. In addition, our extra sets of eyes and ears enhance our school security and reduce bullying. We would love your support, so  join us! Click the Tiger Dads link now.

KICK OFF MEETING

TWISTED X BREWERY

SEPTEMBER 17th

2 -3pm

SCHOOL SPIRIT GEAR CLASS/FIELD TRIP SHIRTS

Do not miss out on your class shirts! The ordering deadline is approaching! Please go to the website

before September 13!!!

COMMEMORATIVE SSES TEESAs seen around campus, the 2017 commemorative

shirts are still available in youth - adult sizes. These have recently been added to our SSES online

shop. Get yours today!

WINDOW DECALSOur newest item is the window decal. We hope to see these on every car in the Sycamore lot soon!

Order yours here.

**All items purchased from the SSES online store will be delivered straight to your child's classroom. Please indicate the

teacher and grade when purchasing.

TIGER DADS T-SHIRTSA Tiger Dad t- shirt is required for volunteers so the kids and faculty can easily identify a Tiger Dad on campus. All t-shirts are black so we can maintain

consistency. Visit the Tiger Dads Website to get your shirt!

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Come learn how to get plugged in to Sycamore at our Volunteer Breakfast on Friday, September 15th at 8:00 am in the PTA Room.

WE NEED YOU!!!The SycaMORE Store

You can be in charge of our More Store!! We are seeking someone who would like to take charge and run our Student Rewards Store. The children love to "spend" their reward "money" here. This can be a team effort, if

several parents would like to pair up. It really is a fun opportunity to help out!

Lunch Support Ms. Ray would love to have some extra hands in the cafeteria to assist and guide students during

lunch. This is a great volunteer opportunity. Please sign up here.

Looking for someone to head up our PTA Reflections program. This is nationally acclaimed student recognition program to encourage artistic creativity in the classroom and at home. If you have any interest in this volunteer opportunity, please speak to a PTA member or message us privately.

PTA REFLECTIONS PROGRAM

We LOVE Sycamore

Springs Elementary!

Donation Drive

It’s time to “Love Your School!”

The first year of Sycamore Springs Elementary is off to a fantastic start, and with your help, it’s about to get even better!

The PTA will be working hard all year to build the special school traditions that our children will always remember. With your generous direct donation, we will have the resources available to get

started right away.

Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to show how much you “Love Your School”!

Checks can be made out to SSE PTA and sent in with your child, dropped in our donation box in the front office, or you can donate online at https://sseshirts.wixsite.com/order

Thank you for your support and look for our “Love Your School” donor appreciation wall near the front office where your child can sign our banner!

Parent Name:

Student(s) Name(s):

Teacher:

Donation amount:

Welcome Back to School, Parents!

This year, Sycamore Springs Elementary School will be participating in the Box Tops for Education™

program. Clipping Box Tops is an easy way for you to help our school buy what it needs. Box Tops are

each worth 10¢ and they quickly add up to real cash for our school. This school year, our school’s

earnings goal is $500.

To help our school, just look for pink Box Tops on products, clip them, and send them to school in a

ziptop bag with your child’s and teacher’s name or use the attached Box Top collection form.

For more information on the Box Tops for Education program, including a list of participating products

and our school’s progress, visit www.BTFE.com. Be sure to become a member to receive exclusive

coupons and learn about extra ways for our school to earn.

I hope you’re excited for everything we can do this year with Box Tops! Together we can make our

school’s Box Tops for Education program a huge success this year.

Thanks for your help!

© General Mills. Teacher name: _______________________________________

™

Clip Box Tops. Don’t forget to check the expiration date.

Tape or glue Box Tops on this sheet.

Send completed sheet to your school.

1

2

3

Start clipping Box Tops today! Each one is worth 10¢ for your child’s school. They add up quickly and your school can use the cash to buy whatever it needs. For more information on Box Tops for Education, including a list of participating products and how much your child’s school has earned, go to BTFE.com. Thanks for your help!

Thank you for helping! Clipped Box Tops are each worth 10¢ for your child’s school. Bonus certificates should not be attached to this sheet – please submit them separately. To see more ways to earn cash for your child’s school, go to BTFE.com.