General Information

Who are some of the key staff members in the school, and how can I get in touch with them?

The most important person in the school is your child’s teacher, and you can contact him or her by calling the main office number, (832) 668-8400. Beyond that, there are many more support staff members who help make the school a great place for our students. We are here to serve you and your child, and you should not hesitate to contact us if you have questions or we can assist you. Here are a few of the folks you may need to contact for different reasons:

Are there some general school district phone numbers I should have?

There are a few district numbers outside of Carpenter you might find helpful. These are:

How can I stay informed about what’s going on at school?

Your number one source of information about Carpenter Elementary is the weekly Cat Scratch Parent Newsletter. The newsletter provides valuable information about school activities, policies, holidays, cafeteria menu, and much more. We often will rely on the newsletter to inform parents of important information and required notifications. The Cat Scratch is sent home every Friday, so make a point to take it out of your child’s take-home folder and read it each week. Two other documents are the Student Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct. These are provided at the beginning of each school year, and parents are asked to familiarize themselves with the policies in these two handbooks.

What is the dress code for Carpenter Elementary?

As you know, the district believes that appropriate dress in school helps maintain discipline, safety and an effective learning environment. The full dress code can be found in your Student Handbook, but here’s a review of the major points we like to stress with the children:

• Hair must be neat, clean and well-groomed
• Pants, shorts or skirts are to be worn at the natural waistline and should not be excessively baggy
• Shirts must be long enough to extend beyond the top of the pants (so the midriff is not exposed)
• The length of shorts and skirts must extend beyond the fingertips when hands are relaxed at the side.
• The following types of clothes are not allowed
• bicycle pants (lycra, spandex, etc.)
• hats
• clothes revealing bare back, midriffs or shoulders
• muscle shirts, tank tops or spaghetti straps
• low neck lines and see-through attire
• ragged, torn or unhemmed clothing (even if you purchased it that way)
• clogs, thongs or similar footwear; all shoes must have some type of back strap
• shoes with wheels on the bottom
• clothing exhibiting inappropriate words, phrases, or pictures

In addition to clothing requirements, there are further restrictions on earrings worn by boys, and nose rings or other similar body piercing worn by boys or girls. Also, please note that proper undergarments must be worn with all clothing. You may contact Mrs. Box or Mrs. McCain at 832-668-8400 if you have any questions about the dress code. Remember, our goal is to promote a positive, healthy learning environment for all our students. We couldn't accomplish this without your help, so we appreciate your cooperation in assisting your child in choosing clothes that meet these standards.

Visiting the School Return to Top

Is it OK to eat lunch with my child?

Absolutely! We love it when parents visit the school, and you’re more than welcome to eat lunch with us. All you have to do is arrive just prior to lunchtime, report to the office, sign in, and obtain a visitor’s badge. You can then wait near the cafeteria doors for your child’s class to arrive.

What if I want to observe in the classroom?

You are welcome to observe in the classroom, however we do ask that you make arrangements with the teacher prior to your observation. Sometimes the presence of parents can be distracting to the students, and the teacher can tell you the best time to visit.

How would I go about picking up my child during the school day?

First, please check your child out during the day only when it is absolutely necessary. Believe it or not, we have so much to teach that instruction must go on until the very end of the day. You can help by making appointments after school hours whenever possible, and avoid checking out a child simply as a convenience factor. However, if you do need to check your child out of school, you must do this through the office. Let the office staff know you need your child to be sent to the office, and please have your driver’s license or some other form of photo ID ready. Under no circumstances should parents report directly to the classroom and try to take the child without going through the office.

My child’s birthday is coming up. Can I have a party in the class, bring a cake for lunch, or send flowers to school that day?

The district Student Handbook specifically states that parties, refreshments, or flowers/balloons for student birthdays are not allowed. In fact, this policy applies to any sort of special occasion or celebration. This may seem strict, but think of it this way: we have over 800 students in our school, and that many celebrations would amount to an unreasonable number of disruptions. This policy is designed to protect instructional time so we can provide the very best education to your child.

Becoming Involved Return to Top

How can I go about becoming a parent volunteer?

Volunteer applications are available in the front office, or you can contact the office clerk, Mrs. Kolb at (832) 668-8400 for more information on becoming a volunteer.

Does our school have a parent organization, and how can I join?

Yes, our school has a PTO (Parent Teacher Organization). The PTO Executive Board meets regularly to discuss ways to support the school. The PTO also acts as an advisory group for the principal. If you are interested in learning more about how to become involved in PTO, simply contact Mrs. Box at (832) 669-8400.

Does our school have any sort of campus decision-making committee, and are parents allowed to participate?

Our school has a Campus Improvement Committee (CIC) that meets monthly to make decisions that affect the school as a whole, such as budget, staffing and curriculum issues. The CIC is also often asked to provide input to the district-level decision-making committee. The CIC is made up of teachers, administrators, community members, business leaders and parents. Meetings are open to anyone who would like to observe the process. Our principal, Mrs. Box, also periodically forms Parent Advisory Committees to provide additional input and assistance for special projects. Please contact her if you’re interested in becoming a member of any of these opportunities.

Attendance and the School Calendar Return to Top

What is your policy on attendance?

Students must be in school every day unless they are ill or have another excused absence. School districts are required to monitor student attendance and take action if attendance falls below the mandatory level. According to state law, students are required to be in attendance at least 90% of the time in order to be promoted to the next grade level. That means if your child misses more than 18 days of the school year, he/she is in danger of retention. Excessive absences can also be referred to the truancy officer and/or the legal system for prosecution.

At what time would my child be considered tardy?

Students should be in class by 8:00 a.m. Arriving on time is very important to your child and contributes to a smooth start to the day. Students who are tardy not only miss out on important instruction, they disrupt the beginning of the day for the teacher and the other students in the classroom.

If we do arrive late, what time is too late to be considered present for the day?

Your child must be in class at 10:00 a.m. in order to be considered present.

What if my child has been to the doctor, and then reports to school later in the day?

If you have visited the doctor that day and bring verification from the doctor’s office, your child will be counted present regardless of what time you arrive.

Who decides on what the school calendar is going to be each year?

The district has a committee comprised of teachers, administrators, parents and community members. Input from each campus is given, then the committee works together to come up with a calendar that reflects the wishes of the community as a whole.

How can I keep up with what days the district will observe as holidays?

Each year the district publishes a calendar, which is distributed to all students. At Carpenter Elementary we also have a weekly newsletter that is very helpful in keeping you informed of school events, holidays and other important dates.

I’ve heard there is some kind of transfer policy. What’s that all about?

Students in Deer Park ISD can apply for a transfer to the campus of their choice as long as there is room at that school for additional students in your child’s grade level. Once a transfer has been approved, the student must meet district guidelines regarding (1) attendance, (2) tardiness, and (3) discipline in order to remain at the school.

Working with Teachers Return to Top

What should I do if I need to talk to the teacher?

Obviously, teachers can’t take phone calls during class time. The best thing to do is call the office and request that the teacher return your call. If what you want to discuss is too lengthy to take care of in a phone call, the teacher can set up a conference with you.

Can I e-mail the teacher?

Yes, in fact many teachers appreciate it when parents use this form of communication. You can access a teacher’s e-mail address through the directory portion of this website.

What should I do if I don’t agree with a class policy or have a concern about something?

The first and most important step you can take is to get in touch with the teacher and present your concerns openly and honestly. If something that is going on in the classroom is being perceived negatively by you or your child, that is something every teacher wants to know. Teachers appreciate the opportunity to hear from your directly, and most of the time problems can be worked out at that level. If, however, you still have a concern after talking with the teacher, you may contact the principal or assistant principal to arrange a joint conference with the teacher and explore the matter further.

Curriculum Return to Top

Does our school teach phonics?

Yes. We believe a solid foundation in phonics is extremely important to increase fluency and reaching comprehension. However, phonics is not taught in isolation, but rather as part of a balanced literacy approach.

When I was in kid, Kindergarten was mostly playtime. Why are expectations for Kindergarteners so high now?

There has been a drastic increase in Texas regarding the standards of learning we are required to meet at every grade level. The learning expectations are rigorous, and we can’t afford to wait until first grade to begin. We must start early to make sure every child is able to meet those standards.

What is TAKS?

TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) is the state mandated test administered to students beginning in grade three. The items measured on the test are directly aligned with the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills) that we must teach at each grade level. Not all subject areas are tested every year, so the areas tested by the TAKS at the elementary level include:

Third Grade Reading and Math

Fourth Grade Reading, Math and Writing

Fifth Grade Reading, Math and Science

State law requires that children must pass TAKS test at certain grade levels in order to be promoted. Currently, students must pass the third grade reading TAKS to be promoted to fourth grade. Students in fifth grade must pass both reading and math to be promoted to sixth grade. It takes a lot of work to help make sure the students are well-prepared to be successful on these important tests, so your child’s teacher may rely on your support at home.

What else do I need to know about the curriculum?

The Deer Park ISD curriculum is based on the TEKS (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills). These TEKS have been outlined by the state of Texas as the skills and concepts that must be taught at each grade level. If you’d like to know more about the TEKS that are tested at your child’s grade level, you can visit the Texas Education Agency website at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/index.html

Special Programs Return to Top

What should I do if I think my child may have a disability or learning problem?

If you are concerned your child may have a disability, you should contact our counselor, Mrs. Karen Horn, at (832) 668-8403. She will conference with you about your child’s situation and the different types of services that are available. Examples of programs include dyslexia, special education, speech therapy, and accommodations under Section 504 of the 1974 Disabilities Act. If you feel your child might require any of these, you can request that a referral be initiated. Information regarding your child would be gathered and sent to a committee to determine if further testing is warranted.

What services are available for children who have English as a second language?

Children whose dominant language is something other than English is placed in a regular classroom that is taught by a certified ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher. This teacher has received specialized training on how to assist the child in developing English language skills.

How are children identified for the Gifted and Talented Program?

There is quite a bit of differentiation that goes on in each classroom to make sure each child is challenged to his/her full potential. We also conduct regular screening activities to try and identify those students who might qualify for our Gifted and Talented program. Students who pass the screening level are assessed further, and the information is then presented to a committee to determine if the child meets the district criteria for the program. Students who are identified as Gifted and Talented are placed with a teacher who has G/T certification, and also received weekly services through our district’s G/T itinerant teacher.

Helping My Child Be Successful Return to Top

What are the steps I should take as a parent to help my child be as successful as possible in school?

Research shows that the number one factor that influences a child’s success in school is the participation and involvement of the parent. Families are very busy in today’s society, and it often easy to assume the school can and should take care of everything that pertains to a child’s education. At Carpenter we will certainly do our best to provide your child with the best education possible, but as a parent your actions will directly influence how much your child will benefit from that education. There are a number of things you can do to work with us as a team to make sure your child gets the very most of his or her time at Carpenter:

• Make sure your child is punctual, attends school regularly, and is prepared everyday for school
• Establish a quiet time for homework and review it daily with your child; read with your child daily
• Establish an early consistent bedtime that assures adequate rest for your child
• Monitor television habits for age appropriate material and to make sure excessive television viewing does not interfere with your child’s rest or homework
• Know how your child is doing academically and socially in school by communicating with teachers on a regular basis; schedule a conference with the teacher about any concerns with schoolwork or behavior
• Check your child’s folder daily for information sent home from school; check, sign, and place important papers back in the folder
• Read the weekly parent newsletter to stay informed of what’s going on at the school
• Attend Special Parent Nights and monthly PTO Meetings as scheduled by the school
• Consider volunteering at school at least 3 hours a month
• Support the school in its efforts to maintain proper discipline and support the school’s dress code
• Keep the school informed of any significant changes that will affect your child’s learning
• Communicate positive values and character traits, such as respect, hard work, and responsibility; express high expectations and offer praise for your child’s achievements and/or improvements in behavior and/or academics
• Familiarize yourself with the learning standards for your child’s grade level, which can be obtained by contacting the school or by checking the Texas Education Agency web site at http://www.tea.state.tx.us/teks/index.html

What kinds of things do you expect of the students?

Students can make sure they get the most of their education experience by following these guidelines and expectations.

• Come to school ready to learn, prepared with the necessary supplies and ready to do their best
• Listen, follow directions, and participate in class discussions without being disruptive
• Complete class work and homework neatly and return it to the teacher on time
• Ask for help when they do not understand
• Be respectful to teachers, fellow classmates, and other staff members
• Read at home with parents every night
• Be honest and respect the rights of others
• Share papers with parents immediately, and when asked, return signed papers to the teachers the next day
• Allow the teachers and staff to help work through problems
• Follow all school and class rules
• Contribute their individual talents to make Carpenter Elementary a better place

What should be my expectations for the staff at Carpenter Elementary?

You should have the highest of expectations for the staff at Carpenter Elementary. They are committed professionals who have dedicated their lives to the education of children. You can expect that we, the staff of Carpenter, will:

• Provide the highest quality education to prepare our students for academic, social, and emotional success
• Help students improve their academic skills in reading, writing, science, social studies, and math
• Provide frequent assessment and continuous feedback on how your child is progressing academically
• Help to determine the needs of your child. (Bilingual, ESL, Special Education, Gifted & Talented, At Risk, Dyslexia)
• Adjust the instructional program to meet the academic needs of your child
• Seek your cooperation as parents to work in partnership with the school to promote student development
• Schedule parent/teacher conferences as deemed necessary to the academic success of the student
• Hold special parental involvement nights to assist parents with skills to help their children at home
• Be available to you to discuss your child’s learning and unique circumstances
• Provide a safe, secure learning environment in which students develop behaviors for life-long success

As a parent, what’s the most important thing I should know about Carpenter Elementary?

We are here 100% for you and your child. We want learning to be fun. We want your children to feel they have a very important place here, and that they are welcome and loved. We want you, the parents, to also feel as though you are a part of our school. We want our students to learn as much as they can, and leave our school with the confidence and skills they’ll need to be successful in life. We know, however, that we can’t do this alone and the only way we can achieve our goals is through a strong partnership with our students’ first teachers . . .their parents. We look forward to working with you, and please know that we welcome your comments and suggestions on how we can make Carpenter a great place for kids.

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