April 16, 2020
PRINCIPALLY SPEAKING
“It’s not that easy bein’ green.”
Kermit the Frog – “Bein’ Green”
Aside from being an awesome song, “Bein’ Green” is the only song lyric that came to mind when considering the topic of this newsletter. Prior to Spring Break, my newsletter addressed our Green Sheets. Clearly, our current situation has thrown a monkey wrench (missed Foo Fighter lyric opportunity) into this annual opportunity and its deadline. This year we will not have a green sheet in its traditional form. If you feel the need, you can email me with the qualities of the classroom you would like your child to have for next year. I would ask that you use “GREEN SHEET” in the subject line of these emails.
In case you missed the Skylert message sent out earlier this morning, next week marks the beginning of our Adjusted Elementary Remote Learning Plan. I want to thank our staff and parents for all they are doing to make this adjustment as smooth and successful as possible for our students. As a reminder, our new schedule will look as follows:
Live Meeting Schedules Effective 4-20-20:
Kinder: 8:30 – 9:00 and 10:00 – 10:30
First: 9:00 – 9:30 and 10:30 – 11:00
Second: 9:30 – 10:00 and 11:00 – 11:30
Third: 9:30 – 10:00 and 11:00 – 11:30
Fourth: 9:00 – 9:30 and 10:30 – 11:00
Fifth: 8:30 – 9:00 and 10:00 – 10:45
Lastly, one more round of congratulations to Kelly Dunning for being named FTE Educator of the Year! Thank you, Kelly, for all you do keeping us on T.R.A.C.K., sharing your creativity and positivity with us, and making our days better.
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Is there a FTE Staff Member You Would Like to Recognize...
Falcon Finest Acknowledgements
Please join me in spreading those feel good vibes around our campus. Everyday our bus drivers, custodians, office staff, and teachers are doing incredible things. If there is a FTE staff member you would like to recognize for their contributions, please let me know by clicking the link below.
SCHOOL NEWS
Social Emotional Learning-#4
Dear Parents,
Listed below are additional resources and strategies for families and Counseling Activities for students to access as we continue through this time of social isolation.
The EISD Elementary Counseling Team
- COVID Mental Health Support Line- Open 24/7. The hotline is for anyone who needs mental health support in regards to COVID. Call: 833-986-1919.
Parent Resources:
- “The Coronavirus Explained & What You Should Do” You Tube Video (8:34 min.)
- There are several good options for mindfulness apps. These apps are great for kids and adults who are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, struggling with sleeping or negative thinking. Here are some options to explore:
Smiling Mind Stop, Breathe & Think 10% Happier
- During these unprecedented times, financial stability could be a concern. EISD has a Free and Reduced Lunch Program available for those who qualify.
Counseling Activities for Students (K-2) & (3-5):
- Hummingbird Visualization
- Mood Meter Check-In: (pictures/words) Draw a picture to show how you feel. Don’t forget to incorporate your color!
- Review How to be a Good Digital Citizen
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DON'T MISS OUT ... ONLY 70 YEARBOOKS REMAINING FOR PURCHASE!
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 Eanes ISD announced its grading guidelines for the remainder of the 2019-20 school year. The guidelines are a result of teaching and learning moving online due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the decision to close schools.
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 Help us spread the word and let your neighbors know that enrollment for the 2020-21 school year is now available.
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BOOSTER CLUB
Booster Club Update
We hope this note finds your family safe and healthy. We miss seeing all of you and all our Falcon students! We wanted to update you on a few changes to upcoming events.
The Falcon Games mother/son event originally scheduled for 4/26/2020 has been cancelled and our Social Committee is working hard to reschedule it for next year. If you had purchased tickets, you should have received an email from "Technology Chair" on April 10th detailing our refund process for this event. Refunds will be issued in the form of credit on your FTE Booster Club accounts for use on future events or expenses (i.e. popcorn sales, birthday announcements, etc.). For parents that do not have returning students next year we will work with you individually on a refund alternative. Please contact ftebccopres1@gmail.com for questions. Thank you to Mandy Mazry and Carissa Milam for all their hard work on this event!
Our Spring Fling in-school carnival event originally scheduled for 4/17/2020 has also been cancelled. We are so grateful to our chairs Stephanie Owens and Kristen Dharamsi for all their hard work on this event. We hope to bring it back next year-third times a charm!
Our third grade parent social originally scheduled for April 4, 2020 has been rescheduled for May 9th (same time, same place). The fourth grade parent social is scheduled for May 8th. We will continue to evaluate these events and in the event they are cancelled refund credits will be processed to Booster Club accounts as described above.
We appreciate everyone's patience as we work through all this! We have been so grateful for all of your support this year.
Spirit Events
Over the next few weeks we will be doing a weekly spirit challenge to show off our strong FTE Community. Make sure to follow us on instagram @FTEBoosterClub and Facebook for information about future Spirit Challenges.
SAVE THE DATE! Our next Booster Club meeting has been changed from May 1st to May 8, 2020 at 9:15 in the library. The event will be held virtually via zoom if we cannot meet in person. At this meeting we will approve our slate of Booster Club officers listed below. Congratulations to those nominated and thank for your willingness to serve!
Slate of 2020-2021 Forest Trail Booster Club Officers
Co-Presidents: Katie Ruback and Kate Hall
Co-President Elects: Carissa Milam and Mandy Mazry
Secretary: Melissa Agnese
Treasurer: Diana Uhlaender
Treasurer-Elect: Jenny Sutter
Technology Chair: Jennie Pope
THE DISTRICT & BEYOND
 The Eanes ISD Counseling Services department has compiled a list of resources for families to utilize during this time. Students, and adults, may also notice an increase in their screen time. It is important to remember to take breaks and be physically active throughout the day.
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Eanes ISD is closely monitoring reports and information regarding growing concerns about the spread of the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19. Understandably, it is an issue for which we are all concerned and are following closely.
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COMMUNITY ED & BEYOND
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