Parent U 2013: Student Choices, Insights and Opportunities

Parents of Spring Branch ISD students in prekindergarten through grade eight as well as district families of private, parochial, charter and home schooled students should plan to attend the Parent U Choice Fair scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 24, at Spring Woods High School, located at 2045 Gessner.

Event registration and the first-ever district School Choice Fair will be held from 4-5:30 p.m. on Oct. 24 followed by three separate Parent U Learning Sessions from 5:30-8:35 p.m., also on Oct. 24.

A separate, high school focused event will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 7. A Spanish language session will be sponsored by New Futuro. Sessions for high school students and parents focusing on college and post-graduation learning options are also planned.

Additional information on both Parent U events can be found online here.

SBISD parents who choose to attend Parent U Choice Fair on Oct. 24 will better understand the education options that the district provides for families. Learning sessions will also provide parents with key tools to effectively support their children through academic and social situations common in prekindergarten, and elementary and middle grades. Four learning strands will anchor this event and its learning sessions:

·         T-2-4 – SBISD’s near-term goal is to double the number of students by who complete a technical certificate, two-year degree or four-year degree. This goal is known as T-2-4. Preparing a child to go to college or technical school can never start too soon!

·         Academic Success – Help your child succeed in elementary and middle grades!

·         The Whole Child – Learn how to support the components of coordinated school health and each child’s best path to physical, social and emotional balance and growth.

·         School Choice -- Better understand the options, programs and opportunities in SBISD.

We believe students should be given the opportunity to engage a wide range of learning options in SBISD. No one method of instruction or schooling works for all students. Learning choices include:

Prekindergarten	Special Education	Gifted & Talented	Highly Gifted Academy	Dual Language
Secondary Dual Language	The Academy of Choice (AOC) Virtual High School	Westchester Academy for International Studies	KIPP Courage College Prep at Landrum Middle School	YES Prep Northbrook at Northbrook Middle School
Guthrie Center for Excellence	Cornerstone Academy	Advanced Placement (AP)	International Baccalaureate (IB)	Dual Credit/Early College

 

Registration details and deadlines for these events will be announced soon.
Call 713-251-2286 for more.

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SBISD new student registration will begin on August 12

The first day of classes for the 2013-2014 school year for Spring Branch ISD students is Monday, Aug. 26. SBISD expects to welcome up to 35,000 students for the first day of school. Prekindergarten students will attend a first-day program orientation with parents or guardians from 8:15-11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26.

Their first, full day is Aug. 27. Information for new students and Back to School forms for students who are currently enrolled will be available on the school district’s website beginning on Aug. 1.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to register new students before the first day of school.

Only students new to SBISD or Spring Branch residents who moved within the district with school-age children to a new school must register.

Registration is held at the campus in the attendance area where a student will attend. Children who are 5-years-old on or before Sept. 1 of the current year are eligible to be enrolled in kindergarten. First-graders must be 6-years-old on or before Sept. 1, 2013.

New student registration for all SBISD campuses will be held:

• Monday-Thursday, Aug. 12-15, 8 a.m. until noon and 1-3:30 p.m.
• Monday-Thursday, Aug. 19-22, 8 a.m. until noon and 1-3:30 p.m..
• Monday, Aug. 26, First Day of School after 1 p.m. only

For information on any other registration options, please call your neighborhood school. Information needed to enroll a child in SBISD schools: A parent or legal guardian must be present to enroll students who are less than 18 years old.

For registration purposes, one of the following proofs of residence is encouraged:

• Certified immunization record
• A transcript or report card from the last school attended
• A birth certificate or other proof of student identity
• Proof of district residence, such as a lease agreement or mortgage payment

Visit the Back to School website for more details.  Please call your neighborhood school if you have related questions.

Spring Branch ISD Media Contact: Steve Brunsman, 713-251-2465

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Schools for Early Learning Will Enroll Eligible 4-Year-Olds

Spring Branch ISD offers a full-day educational program for children who reside in the district and will be 4-years-old either on or before Sept. 1, 2013.

This full-day program with certified teachers is believed to be one of the first of its kind offered by a large public school district in Texas, and it has served young children for more than a decade now.

SBISD’s highly rated prekindergarten program operates five Schools for Early Learning designed especially for young children, as well as several neighborhood campus programs.

The Schools for Early Learning are:

• The Bear Blvd. School, 8860 Westview, 713-251-7900
• The Lion Lane School, 2210 Ridgecrest, 713-251-6100
• The Panda Path School, 8575 Pitner, 713-251-8000
• The Tiger Trail School, 10404 Tiger Trail, 713-251-8100
• The Wildcat Way School, 12754 Kimberley, 713-251-8200

New student registration for 4-year-olds will be held on these dates and times:

• Monday-Thursday, Aug. 12-15, 8 a.m. until noon and 1-3:30 p.m.
• Monday-Thursday, Aug. 19-22, 8 a.m. until noon and 1-3:30 p.m.
• Monday, Aug. 26, First Day of School after 1 p.m. only

A first-day Orientation Program for students and their parents or guardians will be held at all neighborhood Schools of Early Learning from 8:15-11 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26.

The first full day of classes for PreK students will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 27. An Open House is planned at these schools on Thursday, Oct. 3. School hours are 8:15 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. weekdays. Prekindergarten classes are also held at some elementary schools.

Please check the Early Childhood site at www.springbranchisd.com for more information on this enrollment option. Students who meet certain eligibility guidelines attend tuition free.

For others, tuition is $500 a month for nine months with a nonrefundable registration fee of $50. Tuition scholarships are available through application. Sharee Cantrell directs the PreK education program in SBISD.

For additional details, please call 713-251-6100 or visit the website at www.springbranchisd.com, then follow the page links to the Early Childhood titled pages.

Spring Branch ISD Media Contact: Steve Brunsman, 713-251-2465.

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SBISD announces Open Houses and Back to School Nights

Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) will offer several Open Houses and Back to School Nights during the 2013-2014 school year that begins on Monday, Aug. 26.

At these special meetings, parents can learn what’s planned for the year ahead at their child’s campus and actively connect with teachers, principals and other campus staff. These special campus gatherings and open houses are one important way to engage with your child’s entire learning community, understand shared expectations and goals, and find the staff members or information you need to help your own child succeed throughout the school year.

Please check with your child’s individual campus for updates on the specific dates and times listed below for these announced meetings:

Back to School Nights and Open Houses:

• Yes Prep Students at Northbrook Middle School – Thursday, August 22
• KIPP Courage Students at Landrum Middle School – Thursday, August 29
• SBISD High Schools – September 10-12
• SBISD Elementary Schools – September 17-19
• SBISD Middle Schools – Tuesday, September 24, or Thursday, September 26
• School Night for Scouting – Wednesday, September 25, or Oct. 1 Bad Weather Option
•  PreKindergarten/Schools for Early Learning – Monday, August 26 Parent Orientation and Thursday, October 3, Open House

For more details and updates on SBISD campus information, please visit your child’s campus website or the district website at www.springbranchisd.com, or our Back to School page.

Spring Branch ISD Media Contact: Steve Brunsman, 713-251-2465

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Breakfast/Lunch Prices Will Remain the Same for 2013-2014

Student breakfast and lunch prices will remain the same for the new school year that begins on Monday, Aug. 26.

Student meal prices for the 2013-2014 school year are: Breakfast Regular Price (Elementary and Secondary) – 75 cents Breakfast Reduced (Elementary and Secondary) – 30 cents Elementary Lunch Regular Price – $1.70 Secondary Lunch Regular Price – $1.95 Reduced Price Lunch (Elementary and Secondary) – 40 cents Adult meal prices (staff and visitor) will be announced soon.

Prices for these meals are still being determined pending final federal funding formulas.

Elementary and secondary students who meet eligibility criteria may qualify for reduced-price meals. SBISD’s Child Nutrition Services Department serves more than 1.7 million breakfasts and more than 4.1 million school lunches each school year.

Weekly menus will be posted online this year for review and family planning.

Menu options and related nutritional information may be found at the Child Nutrition Service website, too. SBISD participates in the National School Lunch Program and offers the School Breakfast Program in qualifying schools.

Applications for free and reduced-price meals should be completed online and submitted as soon as possible at the beginning of the new school year.

These applications may also be completed and submitted at campus locations.

Families are encouraged to use the school district’s prepayment options for meals, including an online payment option. Cashiers accept cash or checks on site, but families may also use a credit or debit card to pay for meals online, or pay by using a traditional checking account.

To access the online payment system or submit applications, please visit the district’s Child Nutrition Services website at www.springbranchisd.com/cns and follow payment directions.

For details, call 713-251-1150. Director Chris Kamradt leads the Child Nutrition Services Department. The department, with about 380 employees, is one of SBISD’s largest. It operates under the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program with policies and direction from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Texas Department of Agriculture.

Spring Branch ISD Media Contact: Steve Brunsman, 713-251-2465

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Area Groups Offer Free or Low Cost Student Immunizations

Several Spring Branch area organizations are offering free or reduced cost immunizations for students up to 18 years old who meet qualifying criteria. (See details below).

A child’s parent or legal guardian must accompany children for vaccinations. An immunization record or school nurse request is also needed. SBISD students must be current on all required vaccines to enroll and to continue enrollment.

To learn more, please review the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS) website at http://www.dshs.state.tx.us/immunize

Free Childhood Immunizations

• Annual Back to School Health Fair Spring Branch Family Development Center 8575 Pitner Saturday, Aug. 17, 8 a.m. until noon

For this event, families must bring their child’s shot records or a request from the school nurse. Free school supplies will be distributed and adult health screenings conducted during this annual event.
Call the center at 713-996-8781 or visit www.sbfdc.org for details.

This health fair is made possible through generous support of our area sponsors.

• Spring Woods High School 2045 Gessner (Bus Circle Entrance) Tuesdays from 4-6:30 p.m. on these dates only: Aug. 13, Sept. 10, Oct. 8 and Nov. 12
• St. Thomas Presbyterian Church 14100 Memorial Drive Tuesdays from 4-6:30 p.m. on these dates only: Aug. 20 and Nov. 19
• Memorial Assistance Ministries 1625 Blalock, Houston Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. on these dates only: Aug. 28, Sept. 25 and Oct. 23 Phone: 713-468-4516
• Spring Branch Community Health Center (Two Locations) 8575 Pitner Road Aug. 3, 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.; Aug. 6 & 13, 4-8 p.m.; and Aug. 8 & 15, 4-8 p.m. Phone: 713-462-6545 1615 Hillendahl, Suite #100 Aug. 5 & 12, 4-8 p.m.; also Aug. 7 & 14, 4-8 p.m. Phone: 713-462-6565

Free Immunization Qualifying Criteria:
Children must be 18 years or under, have CHIP or Medicaid qualification, be uninsured, have insurance that does not cover 100 percent for vaccines, or be American or Alaskan Indian.

Low Cost Vaccines & Immunizations Low cost vaccines may be obtained at these locations:

Blalock Medical Center/Dr. R. Wilkerson, 1304 Blalock Call: 713-461-4171. Hours are 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Saturday. Vaccine cost is $10 each for children up to 18 years old.

Neighborhood Minor Care Clinic, 3036 Antoine Drive. Call 713-686-5579. Hours are 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday. Vaccine cost is $30 for first office visit; $15 vaccine cost for all vaccines needed for children up to 18 years old; Meningitis vaccine costs $80 for adults 19 years and older.

Travelvax/Vax-A-Nation, 14655 Northwest Freeway (Highway 290) Call: 832-460-9003. Hours are 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Vaccine cost is $14 for one, $20 for two, or $25 for three or more vaccines.

Note: While the SBISD Health Services Department strives to provide information that is as accurate as possible, the department makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the providers listed above.

More information can be found on the SBISD Back to School website.

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College Nights 2013 will be held at Spring Woods High School

College Nights 2013, a two-evening informational program designed especially for district high school students and their families, will be presented Oct. 8-9 at Spring Woods High School located at 2045 Gessner.

This year’s sessions mark the 10th anniversary of this annual district community event. The popular College Nights programs are designed as one-stop “shopping” and learning events. These programs will be held from 6-8 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 8-9.

Students should attend the program on the evening assigned to their high school.

College Nights 2013 Schedule of Schools:

Tuesday, Oct. 8, 6-8 p.m. Students from Stratford and Spring Woods high schools and Westchester Academy for International Studies are encouraged to attend on this evening.

Wednesday, Oct. 9, 6-8 p.m. Students from Memorial and Northbrook high schools and the district’s Academy of Choice program should plan to attend this second evening session.

During College Nights programs, hundreds of representatives from regional, state and national colleges and universities – both public and private – share information with students and family members about college cost, size, undergraduate majors offered and the application process.

In addition, many technical training colleges and military-related institutions will be available to share detailed information about their programs.

Under the Spring Branch Plan 2012-17, the school district aims to double the number of graduates completing a technical certificate, two-year degree or four-year degree.

For more information on College Nights 2013 and back to school, please visit the district website at http://cms.springbranchisd.com/backtoschool/BacktoSchool/tabid/16162/Default.aspx.

Click here for information on other parent nights and special events in SBISD.

Students and families seeking additional guidance should contact their high school counselor.
Spring Branch ISD Media Contact: Steve Brunsman at 713-251-2465.

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SBISD Board of Trustees announces its scheduled meetings

The Spring Branch ISD (SBISD) Board of Trustees will conduct regular monthly meetings throughout the 2013-2014 academic year. All Board meetings and workshops are open to the public unless otherwise posted.

The Board of Trustees’ approved meeting schedule includes the following dates:

• July 29, 2013 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings
• August 12, 2013 – Workshop Meeting
• August 26, 2013 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings (School opens on this date)
• September 9, 2013 – Workshop Meeting
• September 13, 2013 – Fall Workshop to be held at SBISD Police Department
• September 23, 2013 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings
• October 15, 2013 – Workshop Meeting (Tuesday)
• October 28, 2013 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings
• November 11, 2013 – Workshop Meeting
• November 25, 2013 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings
• December 13, 2013 – Winter Workshop to be held at SBISD Police Department
• December 16, 2013 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings
• January 13, 2014 – Workshop Meeting
• January 27, 2014 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings
• February 10, 2014 – Workshop Meeting
• February 24, 2014 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings to be held at Northbrook High School
• March 10, 2014 – Workshop Meeting
• March 24, 2014 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings
• April 7, 2014 – Workshop Meeting
• April 28, 2014 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings
• May 10, 2014 – Trustee Election Positions 1 & 2
• May 12, 2014 – Workshop Meeting
• May 19, 2014 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings to be held at Memorial High School
• May 20, 2014 – Canvass of Election Votes and Reorganization Meeting
• June 9, 2014 – Workshop Meeting
• June 23 2014 – Special/Regular Monthly Board Meetings

Unless otherwise noted, Board Workshop Meetings begin at 6 p.m., Special meetings start at 6:30 p.m., and Regular Meetings begin at 7 p.m. Meetings are held unless otherwise noted in the Board of Trustees Meeting Room of the Wayne F. Schaper, Sr. Leadership Center, located at 955 Campbell Road.

Fall and Spring Workshops are held at the SBISD Police Dept. Meeting Room, located at 9009 Ruland. These special workshop meetings will be announced separately.

Board meeting agendas are posted at the SBISD Administration Building, 955 Campbell Road, at least 72 hours before a meeting. Meeting agendas can be found on SBISD’s Board of Trustees site located through the district homepage at www.springbranchisd.com.

Spring Branch ISD Media Contact: Steve Brunsman, 713-251-2465

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