APRIL 16, 2024 | ISSUE 29 | PTO | CONTACT

At the Moms Kickball auction event Sunday, April 14, Hot Mamas (red) defeated the Cool Chicks (blue).

IN THIS ISSUE

From the principal: STAAR testing tomorrow
Sibling enrollment and neighborhood enrollment for 2024–25 now open
Teacher of the Week: Ms. Jenkins (ECSE)
Committee chair interest 2024–25 sign-up
iKids 2024–25 onsite after-school care registration
Auction video and last call for Mother–Son Dance Apr. 26
Roberts Chess Club signups for next year
Order Roberts Carnival wristbands and tickets for Saturday, Apr. 27
Run in Coach A's final Mustang Rally, May 17
Lanier Middle School meet and greet Apr. 20
Pershing Middle School swim tryouts Apr. 22
HISD Wraparound Services can provide food, clothing, and school supplies

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

STAAR Testing Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the big day: our first STAAR test of the year! Students in 3rd– 5th grades will take the Reading Assessment. Please make sure your children arrive to school on time at 7:30 a.m. so that they can settle in before starting the test. Please note that students are NOT allowed to have any electronic devices in their possession during the assessment. This includes phones, smartwatches, and any device that can connect to the internet. We highly recommend all students bring a “dry” snack—not sticky, wet, or likely to leave residue on the fingers—and a water bottle. Make sure you give an encouraging word to students. They have worked hard!

Closed Campus During STAAR Testing

Due to STAAR testing tomorrow, April 17, our campus will be closed to visitors. Parents may drop off items at reception as needed. Parents/visitors are not allowed to join students for lunch.

TEACHER OF THE WEEK

Ms. Pamela Jenkins, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

I come from a long line of educators and in the beginning was determined to follow a different path. This is my second career following many years as a middle market commercial credit analyst. I lived and worked in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Connecticut, and California before I landed in Texas. What was meant to be a brief stay has lasted 25 years. During this time, I raised my daughter and in doing so discovered a passion for early childhood education. Following a brief stint teaching high school dropouts after college, I returned to the classroom. I have worked as an early childhood educator for nearly 20 years and began working at Roberts as an early childhood special educator three years ago. As I work to foster resilience and competence and promote a love of self and learning in my students, I nurture my inner child. Stomping in the mud, popping bubbles, and watching the clouds roll by will always fill me with joy.

BE A PTO COMMITTEE CHAIR 2024–25

Seeking 2024–25 committee chairs to direct PTO programs and events! Most committees will have at least two co-chairs. Please sign up if you are interested in helping direct our volunteer energy. Your leadership and time will make a huge impact. For questions or assistance selecting a committee, email volunteer@RobertsPTO.org.

iKIDS ONSITE AFTER-SCHOOL CARE 2024–25 REGISTRATION OPEN

Introducing iKids U at Roberts Elementary School for the 2024–25 school year! iKids U is an on-site, all-inclusive, and customizable after-school program. Students will have the opportunity to select an optional “enrichment” activity, one-on-one instruction, or just “stay and play” with friends. iKids U offers a variety of after-school selections from 1 to 5 days per week with part-time and full-time options. There is something for every child, including Art, Robotics, Science, Sports and more! Registration is now open.

iKids will be hosting a meet-and-greet table at the upcoming RES Carnival on Saturday, April 27. Come by to enter a drawing to win a complimentary enrichment class.

For more information, please visit www.ikidsinc.com, call 713-665-5200 or email support@ikidsinc.com. We look forward to seeing you after school in iKids U!

AUCTION VIDEO RELEASED! LAST CALL FOR MOTHER–SON DANCE APR. 26

In a world filled with school galas . . . only one has a highlight film full of lions, tigers, and clowns . . . where the heroes of Cirque de Roberts rise up and deliver the funds to support a new library and books! Thank you to Reverent Films and the Wright family for creating this amazing memory of the auction!

There are a few auction goodies still available—email auction@robertspto.org ASAP to buy tickets for the Mother–Son Dance Apr. 26, Italian wine tasting at Total Wine Apr. 19, and bingo at Marquis II Apr. 28.

ROBERTS CHESS CLUB IS A GO

Roberts' after-school Chess Club will return and run under the PTO next fall! Classes will meet at Roberts Tuesday and Thursday, 3:15–4:30 p.m., starting the week of Aug.19. They will be split into two levels, not dependent on age, with novices with Coach Kayce and intermediate/advanced players with Coach Justin. Participation is capped at 22 kids/level and the cost is $590/semester per child. Payment will be made to Coach Justin in the fall. Signing up now is not a contractual obligation, but please only sign up if your kid really wants to do it!

ROBERTS CARNIVAL SATURDAY APR. 27 10 AM–2 PM

It's time to pre-order your carnival wristbands and tickets! Order online now and avoid the lines. Wristbands and tickets will be sent home in Tuesday Folders on April 23.

ORDER WRISTBANDS AND TICKETS

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CARNIVAL!

We need everyone to pitch in to make this event successful. If you are a parent or teacher, please sign up for a volunteer shift at the carnival.

DONATE TO CARNIVAL BOOK SALE!

We need used books for the Carnival Kids' Book Sale! Drop off at Reception now until April 25.

EIGHTH ANNUAL MUSTANG RALLY MAY 17

The Mustang Rally is an annual quarter-mile footrace hosted by the Roberts Running Club and open to all Roberts students. Register now for Coach A’s farewell Mustang Rally! Come out to see how fast you can run and celebrate Coach A!

Friday, May 17 at the Rice University track and field stadium
Gates open at 4:00 p.m.; races start at 4:30 p.m. and will run through 6:30 p.m.
Races by grade and gender—1 lap around the track (400m/0.25 mile)
$20 per entry (includes a Mustang Rally t-shirt and medal)
Runners must be accompanied by an adult

E-mail Esther Sung at runningclub@robertspto.org for more info or to volunteer!

INCOMING 6TH GRADERS: PERSHING SWIM TRYOUTS APRIL 22

Swimmers must swim across the pool and back in under a minute. Space in the two 6th grade classes is limited to 50 swimmers. The fastest times will be accepted into the class.

Find out more about what wraparound services can do or fill out a student assistance request form. If you have any questions, or need assistance getting the form filled out, please contact the Roberts Wraparound Resource Specialist, Audrey Jefferson, at Audrey.Jefferson@HoustonISD.org, or call 713-295-5272.