September 7, 2009

Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),

We have had another great week at Driscoll.  On Thursday, 9/3/09, we held a pep rally recognizing our two Little League All-Stars.  The pep rally was held before school, and was kicked off by the MacArthur drumline and cheerleaders.  This was a great way to recognize the achievements of Steven Cardone and Jacob Ramos, two great defenders.  They represented their families, their school and their city very well.  This was also a great way to kick off fall athletics as we prepare to begin Football and Volleyball season this week.  I know that as all of our young men and ladies compete, they will show the same excellence and good sportsmanship that we have seen from Steven and Jacob.  I have been going out to check on the progress of our teams, and they look very good.  I invite everyone to come out and support your defenders as we begin our athletic and extracurricular events.  Special thanks to Principal Turnbo and the MAC drumline and cheerleaders for helping to make our pep rally a success.

Greenback Night is Tuesday 9/8/09 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.  We ask that you arrive before 6:00 p.m., so that you will have adequate time to park, and to purchase T-shirts and other items that will be available for sale before 6:00 and until 8 p.m.  This year we are doing Greenback Night will be run a little different.  Parents and students will begin by going to their students’ advisory.  Arriving before 6 p.m. will give you time to find out where you should go, in case your student has forgotten their advisory.  At 6 p.m. we will conduct our PTA meeting via live video broadcast.   It will include all PTA business, collection of Greenback Night donations, and a brief address by me.  This should take 30 minutes or less.  After the meeting everyone will be excused to begin walking their students schedule and meeting their teachers.  There will be no bells, and no five minute limit per class.  We want this to be a time when we can meet and get to know you, and you can get to meet and know us.  We want you to feel comfortable meeting your students’ teachers, and we don’t want you to feel rushed.  So, you will have until 8 p.m.  It is informal and relaxed, so that there is no pressure to hurry and move on.  You will have plenty of time to visit with teachers and still visit the PTA tables.  I do ask that if you have of time to discuss in-depth issues or concerns with your teachers, that you sign up with your teachers and they will schedule time with you.  We are trying this for the first time, and we pray that it is an enjoyable and productive time for you.

Our phone system is changing.  Starting this week we will have automated attendant up and running.  That means that when you call you will receive an automated response that will ask you to make selections to reach the department you are trying to contact.  The positive side is that you will not get a busy signal or no answer when you call.  The homework hotline will now be reached by dialing the general number (210) 491 – 6450.  The automated attendant will then direct you to the correct hotline.  We are working on the voice mail system that will allow you to leave a message directly to the mailbox of the teacher or staff member you are trying to contact.  We will advise you as soon as those numbers are working. 

This last Tuesday, 9/1/09, we sent home the information card (Buff Card) and an ethnicity survey.  The Buff card is critical in ensuring that we have correct contact information.  The ethnicity survey is a little more complex, because it does require that you complete both the first and second sections.  I know that it was difficult for me when I completed my survey.  However, it is a required by federal mandate that we collect this data.  As populations have shifted, it is important that the trends be followed and necessary issues be addressed.  That cannot happen if the information is unavailable or incorrect.  I respectfully ask that you return both cards before, but no later than 9/10/09.  Your cooperation and support is greatly appreciated.
 
I want to repeat my last notice regarding attendance, because it is so important to your students’ success.  Students should turn in a note to attendance when they return from an absence.  Notes for doctor appointments, counselor appointments, court, dental or other appointments must come from the office of the appointment attended.  In most cases, these absences do not have to be made up.  Students may be absent with a parent note no more than eight times during the school year.  After that, it will require a doctor’s note.  Students are also expected to arrive in class on time.  Excessive tardies will result in the following consequences:

In every case, we will make every effort to ensure that you are informed of what is going on with your student.  We would ask that you make sure your contact information is current and correct.  We rely on the information you provide to maintain communication with you.

One last item for this week.  On Tuesday 9/8/09, President Obama will be making an address to students at 11:00 a.m.  The speech will not be viewed during the school day, in order to avoid any disruption to instruction, and to allow every parent the right to watch the speech with their student.  NEISD is recording the speech and will be adding a link on the NEISD website to allow every parent the opportunity to watch and discuss the speech with their student. 

This week at Driscoll, the following events will be taking place:

Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Greenback Night at Driscoll MS – 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Wednesday September 9, 2009
Football Scrimmage vs. Alamo Heights 4:30 p.m.
                7th grade at Alamo Heights
                8th grade at Driscoll

 

Thursday, September 10, 2009
Buff Cards and Ethnicity Survey due

8th grade panoramic picture at 9 a.m.

Volleyball Scrimmage vs. Alamo Heights 4:30 p.m.
                7th grade at Driscoll
                8th grade at Alamo Heights

 

Have a great week!

Peter A. Martinez
Principal
Driscoll Middle School