Dear Parents/Guardians,

Whether you are a parent of a student returning to Mary Orr Intermediate or new to the school, we extend a warm welcome to you.  We are into the seventh week of our new academic school year and what a great beginning.  Our students look fantastic, procedures are in place, and there is a purposeful atmosphere within the school.

As parents, we are glad to see our children go back to school but eager for them to be “successful” with their academic endeavors.  A question a parent might ask, “What does it take for my child to be successful at Mary Orr Intermediate?”

The following points will assist in promoting a successful student by providing information to parents of school events, communication awareness, and school partnership.

• Check/sign/discuss student planners – Student planners indicate daily objective(s) and homework for the day.  Homework and projects should be highlighted so that the student/parent is aware of daily/weekly homework assignments.

• Syllabus – Course Syllabi were sent out at the beginning of the school year.  If your student did not receive a syllabus for a course, please email that teacher requesting the course information.    A syllabus includes pertinent information and expectations for that course.

• Curriculum Framework – All curriculum frameworks for each course can be found on the Mansfield I S D website (www.mansfieldisd.org) under the tab, “Curriculum and Instruction”.  The screen underneath that tab will display various subjects.  By clicking the academic subject, all information pertaining to that subject (TEKS and Framework) will be displayed.

• MOIS calendar – School events and holidays can be found on our on-line calendar posted on the Mansfield I S D website under the tab, “schools/Mary Orr Intermediate”.

• Team Newsletters – Team Newsletters are a communication tool to update student/parents on important information regarding student events and academics.  If you have not received a Team Newsletter by email, please send the team of teachers an email.  If you do not have computer access, a copy of the newsletter will be sent home with your student.

• Parent-Teacher Communication – Parent/teacher communication is essential for student success.  To schedule a parent/teacher conference, please set an appointment with your child’s team.  Parent/teacher conferences can be scheduled during the teacher’s planning time.

• Infinite Campus – Student’s progress and grades can be monitored daily through our parent/teacher interactive gradebook.  Parents can view their student’s performance and progress in all courses.

• Parent/Community Volunteers – Research has proven that students are more successful when parents are involved in their student’s academic activities.  There will be opportunities for parent involvement throughout the year.  Watch the newsletters for upcoming events.  We would like to encourage our parents to volunteer at least once throughout the school year. Presently, we are in need of parent chaperones for Camp Carter and NASA fieldtrip events.  ( maryorrintermediate.pbworks.com)

• Homework Help – A homework center is available to all students who need encouragement, assistance, or re-teaching on certain objectives. The center is open from 7:30-7:55 daily in room 221. 

• Tutorials – Tutorials are available for students that are having difficulty with concepts on homework, class work, or a test. Please email the teacher to schedule a tutorial time and date.

• Classroom Visits – Please contact the teacher to schedule a time to visit your student’s classroom.

• School Disciplinary Polices – Please review the Student Code of Conduct with your student to ensure that your student understands the school and classroom expectations and appropriate behavior.

The most valuable way your student can be academically successful is to provide a rich, learning environment.  A variety of activities such as reading time, visits to the library, computer enrichment, and field trips support academic achievement. 

Your help and support will ensure your child’s academic success this school year.  Thank you for all you do to support Mary Orr and your student’s academic endeavors. 

Sincerely,
Alma Martinez