Ereckson Middle School PTA - Allen, TX

Don't forget! Our first Membership Meeting and SKYWARD & CANVAS INFO SESSION is tonight!

Are you getting the most out of Canvas and Skyward?? Join Mr. Dewey O'Neill, 8th Grade Assistant Principal, and the Ereckson PTA to learn some quick tips and clever techniques to maximize your use of these important tools! This information session will follow a brief PTA membership meeting.

***Please register your attendance so we can plan accordingly.***

Where: Ereckson Cafeteria
When: 6:00pm - September 28, 2023

https://forms.gle/1emdzHmjwKN2vShz6

‼️Attention parents!‼️

If you join the PTA between today and Oct. 14th, you will receive a coupon code for 50% off cookies at Tiff’s Treats! 🍪🍪🍪
This includes students! Middle school students can join the PTA as well!

Click here to join:
https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com

Here’s the lineup of our Ereckson PTA 2023-2024 Reflections Art Program Volunteer Judges!

THANK YOU to all of these professionals for generously sharing their time & expertise with us!

•• Photography & Film Production ••
Robert Howell, Robert Howell Productions — Mr. Howell is a photographer, documentarian, commercial/film/video producer and director. His work has taken him around the globe (with masses of gear in tow) and his clients include some of the world’s best-known brands. He's also the proud dad of an Ereckson grad. https://www.roberthowellproductions.com/about

•• Music Composition ••
Ryan Ross, The Allen Philharmonic Orchestra & Symphony Chorus — Mr. Ross is music director and principal conductor of the Allen Philharmonic. He frequently guest conducts throughout the U.S. and takes great pride in the fact that more than two dozen of his students have gone on to careers in music. https://allenphilharmonic.org/about/artistic-staff/

•• Dance ••
Min Luo, HappyFeet Dance School and Performance — Ms. Luo is the Artistic Director, Choreographer and Founder of HappyFeet Dance School and HappyFeet Dance Company. She has dedicated 30 years of her life to training, performing, and teaching the art of traditional Chinese dance. Her dance company has won many regional and national competitions. https://happyfeetdsp.com/faculty/

•• Literature ••
Michael Merschel, Revenge of the Star Survivors — Mr. Merschel is the former books editor for the Dallas Morning News. His first novel, “Revenge of the Star Survivors,” was published in 2017. The story is set in a middle school—so we had to invite him to help! He’s edited award-winning narrative features and has contributed to "A Prairie Home Companion.” https://www.merschel.net/bio

•• Visual Arts ••
Wendy McIntyre, Founder of Tre’Figlie Art Studio (Wen) — Her career has taken her through various paths of cutting edge technology, but she always returns back “home” to creating beauty by connecting pencil to paper or paint to canvas. Ms. McIntyre offers private art sessions and creates daily from her studio in Allen. She's a board member of the Visual Arts League of Allen and serves as vice president of the board of directors for Ovation Academy of Performing Arts. https://artwithwen.com/

Head to ErecksonPTA.org/Reflections for more info.
Remember, the deadline is October 20.

Deadline has been extended to October 20th!

🎨🎭 2023-2024 National PTA REFLECTIONS call for entries! 🎭🎨

Huskies, it's time to get ready for the Reflections competition!

This year’s theme is: "I am Hopeful Because…"

This is where you get to shine -- show us how you interpret the theme in any of these categories:

• Dance Choreography
• Film Production
• Literature
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts

Each entry must be accompanied by a completed Student Entry Form. Here are the 2023-2024 Program Rules and 2023-2024 Student Entry Form:

https://www.txpta.org/uploads/filemanager/Reflections%202023-2024/23-24%20Reflections%20Rules%20Packet_English.pdf

Entries can be dropped off in the designated bin which will be located in the front office of school during 10/2 – 10/17. The deadline for submission is Tuesday 10/17 by the end of the day.

Visit our 2022-2023 Reflection Gallery to see examples of entries from last year:

121427226@N06/albums/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/121427226@N06/albums/

Hello all! I just wanted to mention that even if you have joined the PTA in previous years, membership has to be renewed each year if you want to be a member.

Please consider supporting our kids and our staff!

Join the Ereckson PTA by Friday, September 8th to be entered in a drawing for (4) $25 gift cards to Target.
Your $10 membership helps support our amazing teachers with treats & luncheons throughout the school year. The PTA helps to host the Fall & Spring dances for our students along with a new program that gives grants to sponsored clubs & groups at school. And we provide scholarships to graduating seniors who attended Ereckson. These are just a few of the amazing programs that PTA is involved in at Ereckson.

Students can join the PTA too in middle school and students will be rewarded with a pizza party this semester. Date TBD.

Join here: https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/7641

🎉🎉🎉Names have been drawn and winners of the 4 gift cards to Target for joining PTA by Sept 8th are:

Parent Winners: Mark Mason and Renee Shehata

Faculty Winners: Karen McWilliams and Caitlin Harvey

Congratulations to our winners!! 🥳

Join the Ereckson PTA by Friday, September 8th to be entered in a drawing for (4) $25 gift cards to Target.
Your $10 membership helps support our amazing teachers with treats & luncheons throughout the school year. The PTA helps to host the Fall & Spring dances for our students along with a new program that gives grants to sponsored clubs & groups at school. And we provide scholarships to graduating seniors who attended Ereckson. These are just a few of the amazing programs that PTA is involved in at Ereckson.

Students can join the PTA too in middle school and students will be rewarded with a pizza party this semester. Date TBD.

Join here: https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/7641

Reminder! The Ereckson Back to School Bash is this Sunday 3-5 pm!

*Please keep in mind that ticket sales have already closed and you must have already purchased a ticket in order to attend.

🚨🚨🚨 Don't forget! Friday is the deadline to sign up for the Ereckson back to school bash! 🚨🚨🚨

Get tickets here:
https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/253003

Coming up! Our first Membership Meeting and SKYWARD & CANVAS INFO SESSION - Sept 28th!

Are you getting the most out of Canvas and Skyward?? Join Mr. Dewey O'Neill, 8th Grade Assistant Principal, and the Ereckson PTA to learn some quick tips and clever techniques to maximize your use of these important tools! This information session will follow a brief PTA membership meeting.

Please register your attendance so we can plan accordingly.

Where: Ereckson Cafeteria
When: 6:00pm - September 28, 2023

https://forms.gle/1emdzHmjwKN2vShz6

Parents: we need you! Please consider signing up to help make the Back to School Bash a great experience! 🎉

We still need chaperones!

Can you serve as a chaperone for the annual Back-to-School Bash? Do you have your Allen ISD volunteer application in for this school year? We need you!

When: Sunday, September 17
Where: Pinstack Allen
Time: 3:00-5:00 (please arrive at 2:45 to check in)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FAAAF2DAAF5C34-parent

We still need chaperones!

Can you serve as a chaperone for the annual Back-to-School Bash? Do you have your Allen ISD volunteer application in for this school year? We need you!

When: Sunday, September 17
Where: Pinstack Allen
Time: 3:00-5:00 (please arrive at 2:45 to check in)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FAAAF2DAAF5C34-parent

Attention parents!
We have appealed to Pinstack and they have agreed to extend the deadline one more time. The form to order has been re-opened but it will close today automatically at 2 PM sharp. Please get your orders in before then if you think that your kiddo may want to go.

🚨🚨🚨 Don't forget! Friday is the deadline to sign up for the Ereckson back to school bash! 🚨🚨🚨

Get tickets here:
https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/253003

‼️Deadline extended until noon on Sunday (Sept 10th)‼️

🚨🚨🚨 Don't forget! Friday is the deadline to sign up for the Ereckson back to school bash! 🚨🚨🚨

Get tickets here:
https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/253003

🚨🚨🚨 Don't forget! Friday is the deadline to sign up for the Ereckson back to school bash! 🚨🚨🚨

Get tickets here:
https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/253003

Join the Ereckson PTA by Friday, September 8th to be entered in a drawing for (4) $25 gift cards to Target.
Your $10 membership helps support our amazing teachers with treats & luncheons throughout the school year. The PTA helps to host the Fall & Spring dances for our students along with a new program that gives grants to sponsored clubs & groups at school. And we provide scholarships to graduating seniors who attended Ereckson. These are just a few of the amazing programs that PTA is involved in at Ereckson.

Students can join the PTA too in middle school and students will be rewarded with a pizza party this semester. Date TBD.

Join here: https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/7641

Our wonderful Ereckson counselors are having a school supply drive to help make sure everyone has a successful school year.

You can use the link below to view their wish list for a supply closet to benefit kids who need assistance with obtaining supplies. Please sign up if you can!

You or your student can bring supplies in to the collections box in Ms. Askew's front office or have them delivered to:

Karen McWilliams
Ereckson Middle School
450 Tatum Dr
Allen, Tx 75013

*Deadline for supplies is September 11th*

https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C084FAAAF2DAAF5C34-supply

https://www.facebook.com/100063623708193/posts/781466777317439/?mibextid=Na33Lf

🎨🎭 2023-2024 National PTA REFLECTIONS call for entries! 🎭🎨

Huskies, it's time to get ready for the Reflections competition!

This year’s theme is: "I am Hopeful Because…"

This is where you get to shine -- show us how you interpret the theme in any of these categories:

• Dance Choreography
• Film Production
• Literature
• Music Composition
• Photography
• Visual Arts

Each entry must be accompanied by a completed Student Entry Form. Here are the 2023-2024 Program Rules and 2023-2024 Student Entry Form:

https://www.txpta.org/uploads/filemanager/Reflections%202023-2024/23-24%20Reflections%20Rules%20Packet_English.pdf

Entries can be dropped off in the designated bin which will be located in the front office of school during 10/2 – 10/17. The deadline for submission is Tuesday 10/17 by the end of the day.

Visit our 2022-2023 Reflection Gallery to see examples of entries from last year:

121427226@N06/albums/" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://www.flickr.com/photos/121427226@N06/albums/

The EMS Counselors are hard at work planning for a successful school year! Click the link below to view their wish list for a supply closet to benefit kids who need assistance with obtaining supplies. Please sign up if you can!

You or your student can bring supplies in to the collections box in Ms. Askew's front office or have them delivered to:

Karen McWilliams
Ereckson Middle School
450 Tatum Dr
Allen, Tx 75013

https://m.signupgenius.com/ #!/showSignUp/10C084FAAAF2DAAF5C34-supply

✨Parents! ✨
Can you serve as a chaperone for the annual Back-to-School Bash? Do you have your Allen ISD volunteer application in for this school year? We need you!

When: Sunday, September 17
Where: Pinstack Allen
Time: 3:00-5:00 (please arrive at 2:45 to check in)

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FAAAF2DAAF5C34-parent

⭐️Attention business owners! ⭐️

Did you know that the Ereckson PTA has a corporate sponsorship program? 💫

Reach the families of over 1,500 Ereckson Middle School students plus the broader Allen-area community by becoming an Ereckson Middle School PTA Sponsor.

More details below!

https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/sponsorship

This year, we are bringing back the annual Back to School celebration for Ereckson students at Pinstack! This year’s event will be held September 17th at 3pm at Pinstack in Allen: 635 North Central Expressway.

The event will be $28.99 per student and include food, bowling and games for 2 hours and will be parent drop/pickup. Only Ereckson students will be permitted- no siblings or friends from other schools.

TICKETS: Purchase ONLINE by September 8th at https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/253003

Parents,

The EMS Counselors are hard at work planning for a successful school year! This is their Wish List to benefit kids who need help with supplies, as well their own instruction with classes or small groups. Can you help?

Please bring supplies in to the collections box in Ms. Askew's front office this coming week (or, easier: send in with your student for drop off)! Thank you for partnering with the counseling team!

***You can also have Amazon orders for these supplies delivered directly to one of our lovely counselors at:

Karen McWilliams
Ereckson Middle School
450 Tatum Dr
Allen, Tx 75013

Supply Closet Help Hello parents! Ereckson Counselors are organizing a supply closet at school. They have a wish list of items and quantities listed below. This closet will be stocked for students that don't have the means to either buy or replace already purchased items, as well as items the counselors use in guidanc...

📢 Daily Announcements 📢

Hey Parents!

Sign up for the daily announcements to know what's happening at EMS!

You will receive an email with daily announcements including club news and meeting information. Sign up here:

https://forms.gle/3cA3u8vu676B4xpv8

***FYI, if you're an 8th grade parent who signed up last year, you'll have to sign up again this year to continue receiving these emails.***

🎉🎉🎉 Announcing the Welcome Back Staff Members Luncheon Raffle Drawing Winners! 🥳🥳🥳

Congratulations to the following winners:

Sonic Gift Card - Jessi LaFlower
Panera Gift Card - Hallie Winters
Relax Gift Box - Wendy McKay
Movie Night Gift Basket - Megan Wysock
Coffee Basket - Angela Boyan

Thank you to all the parents who donated drinks and desserts to help make the Welcome Back Luncheon for Ereckson Staff a success!

Also, thank you to our PTA President, Nichollette Mitchell and Fundraiser Chair, Kate Armstrong for donating gifts for the raffle! Winners will be drawn this weekend.

In case you missed it:

"Student BYOD Policy Change 2023-24

The Empower 1:1 student device program has seen a successful implementation in Allen ISD, with each student in the district having access to a device for instruction. With this implementation reaching all students and with security in mind, Allen ISD will discontinue the use of the BYOD computer device policy for students starting in the school year 2023-2024. This means students will not be able to use their own computer devices on campus when the new school year starts.

The Empower 1:1 student device program has been established and provides a device for instruction to each student in the district.
District devices are set up to access all the instructional and testing applications that are required for student use by grade level.
Security and filtering policies are inherently more consistent, manageable and enforceable in district provided devices.
The increase in online testing makes it more important than ever for students to be familiar with devices provided by the district in particular because students cannot test on their own devices.
Technical support by both district IT staff and teachers as needed, is more effective and streamlined when students are utilizing district devices.
Consistency of devices helps to minimize classroom downtime due to connectivity or usability issues BYODs may have.
Allen ISD has implemented logistical processes as part of the Empower 1:1 program to make sure devices for instruction are available on campus by the start of school (distribution dates vary by campus and grade level), effectively providing district devices to all students from the beginning of the year.

Due to all these reasons stated above, starting in the school year 2023-2024, the BYOD network will be unavailable for use by the students in Allen ISD campuses.

Important information for students and families:
Campuses will provide information to families and students regarding the dates and locations to pick up their district issued devices at the beginning of the year.
Use of technology in Allen ISD requires adherence to the district’s Responsible Use Policy and Student Code of Conduct provided for signature as part of the back to school forms.

For additional information including BYOD policy changes FAQs, visit the Allen ISD Empower 1:1 Website by clicking on this link.

FAQs
Does Allen ISD have enough devices for all students enrolled in schools?
Yes. The district implemented the student Empower 1:1 program in 2021, effectively making available a device for every student in the district. To learn more about the current Empower 1:1 program including device information, grade levels and device insurance options, click here. Additional information and details for the 2023-2024 school year will be published at a later date.
Will the district have a process to approve the use of personal devices by students?
No. The district provides devices to all students as part of the Empower 1:1 student device program.
What device will be provided to students in Allen ISD under the Empower 1:1 student device program for the 23-24 school year?
Pre-Kindergarten: iPads
Kinder-1st grade: Lenovo 500e Touchscreen Chromebooks 2nd Generation
2nd-11th grade: Lenovo 500e Touchscreen Chromebooks 3rd Generation
12th grade: Lenovo 500e Touchscreen Chromebooks 2nd Generation
Will I have to buy insurance for the district issued device?
Purchasing the insurance for district devices is highly recommended but not required. Damaged devices not covered under insurance are subject to repair costs. For all district device insurance information click here.
Will students be allowed to keep their district device over the summer if attending summer school?
Yes. Students K-8 will be able to opt-in to keep the district device over the summer even if not attending summer school. Students in grades 9-11 will take their devices home over the summer.
Will students be able to bring their phones to school?
The only change in policy from the IT standpoint is the ability to connect to the BYOD network. Students will continue to be able to bring their own phones to school, however, they will not be able to connect them to the BYOD network. Students also have to strictly adhere to the student handbook policies for use of phone devices during the school day.
Will students be able to bring their own peripherals (i.e. mouse, keyboard, etc.)?
Yes. Bluetooth peripherals are not affected by the discontinuation of the use of the BYOD network by students.
Will the students still be able to access instructional applications such as Canvas, Google Classroom, etc., on their own computer devices at home?
Yes.
Will the students be able to use their own device at home to access and work on school resources/activities?
Yes. All student based digital applications are cloud based and thus accessible anytime/anywhere provided there is an internet connection.
Will the district provide devices for special needs?
The district Information Technology department has worked directly with leadership in the Special Services department to plan and outfit special education programs with specific devices based on student needs. The Chromebook and iPad devices Allen ISD provides to students through the 1:1 program include usability and accessibility features to support learning accordingly.
When will district devices be available for students for the school year 2023-2024?
In short, at the beginning of the school year. The district has worked ahead to ensure all devices needed for the school year 2023-2024 are ready far in advance of the new school year. Campuses will communicate with parents the specifics of district device distribution in advance.
Will CTE students use their own devices or school issued devices?
In short, school issued devices. Allen ISD provides the technology and resources needed to effectively teach CTE courses in our classrooms.
What happens if accidental damage to a school provided device occurs?
For more information regarding insurance device options and the cost to replace district damaged devices click here.
Will the district have exceptions and special allowances for students' network access for medical devices?
Yes. Medical devices that have been connected in the past to the district network will continue to be provided with connectivity. For new requests, please contact the campus nurse.
Will the students be able to connect their own devices to the district network?
No.
Will the guest network still be available to staff and students?
The Guest network will continue to be available, however, the guest network is not intended for students use.
Does Allen ISD have enough network bandwidth and density of WIFI to support the Empower 1:1 program with district provided devices?
Yes.

Chromebook Distribution
8th grade Chromebook distribution will be on August 14th and 15th during their science period.
7th grade Chromebook distribution will be on August 16th and 17th during their science period.

Please remember to pay the insurance ($30) and bring your ID!"

☀️Happy Last Day of Summer vacation!☀️

In case you missed it:
The City of Allen has made changes to the traffic flow patterns for Ereckson. Please see the map below to make sure that you plan ahead for additional time to get into the drop off lanes tomorrow via Alma Drive instead of Tatum.

PTA was hard at work selling the new Sprit Wear at Meet the Teacher tonight!

In case you missed it, the Spirit Wear page is now live and ready for orders!

https://erecksonpta.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/7723

Thank you to all who helped the PTA provide snacks and drinks for staff at the Husky Huddles!

In case you missed it, click here for the Ereckson Newsletter sent by Principal Harper on Wednesday! Lots of important information:

Ereckson News Upcoming Events

It’s time to complete your volunteer background check for the upcoming school year! ✏️

These expire every summer, so even if you've done one before, you'll need to reapply to be able to help out on campus.

Please go to:

https://www.allenisd.org/o/aisd/page/register-volunteer

and click on Volunteer Application. Log in to your account, update any new information that may have changed over the year, and submit your application.

Allen ISD Where Eagles Soar

Our Staff Appreciation Chair is working on welcoming Ereckson's Teachers and Staff back before the first day of class with a Welcome Back Luncheon.

If you can help, please let us know using the sign up sheet below:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084FAAAF2DAAF5C34-welcome

⭐️Donations must be dropped off by Monday , August 7th at 8:30 AM ⭐️

Drop off location is:

947 Switchgrass Lane, Allen

***Donations may not be dropped off at Ereckson***

FYI from Mrs. McWilliams:

"There is no official school supply list for middle school. Each teacher will give you their requirements for the class. Some teachers hand them out at Meet the Teacher. Others pass them out on the first days of school. On the first day of school just come prepared with a notebook, pen and pencil and you’ll be fine!"

Don't forget! Meet the Teacher is Monday, August 7th.

7th graders attend 5pm-7pm

and

8th graders attend 3pm-5pm.

Parents and students are invited to attend this event!

Parents! Don't forget there is a Parent Husky Huddle this Wednesday if you are brand new to Ereckson this year!
"Parents in the Huddle
Also, on July 26th from 5pm-6pm in the cafeteria, the Ereckson counselors are inviting all parents of new students to Ereckson to attend “Parents in the Huddle”, an orientation just for parents to learn the same topics shared with their child.
No registration is required for the parent presentation. If you cannot attend, the counselors will post the presentation on their website after the meeting to view at your convenience (Ereckson Middle School website, Counselor's Corner, click The Husky Huddle tab on the left)
The counselors look forward to meeting many new Huskies at our orientation!"

From Allen ISD email on Thursday, July 20 at 5:00pm:

As a reminder, Allen ISD requires annual proof of residency for each family. Families will upload proof of residency in the Back-to-School Forms via Skyward Family Access. Back to School forms will be available for families to complete beginning on Tuesday, July 25.

The following are accepted proof of residency documents saved as a JPEG or PDF file:
A copy of a current utility bill: electric, gas, or water (within 30 days) or,
A current lease agreement showing the date of occupancy, address of residence, signature of lessee and signature of lessor or,
If you have recently purchased a home, a copy of the Closing Disclosure form.
If you cannot locate a proof of residency document, or have difficulty uploading your document, please contact your child’s campus to discuss further options.
Once you have submitted your proof of residency, campus staff will verify it meets one of the requirements listed above. If it is not accepted, you will be contacted by your child’s campus.

Please note the Back-to-School Forms will not be complete until this documentation has been received. Students will not be placed on a class list or receive course schedules until Back-to-School Forms are completed, which includes proof of residency. Students who are unable to produce documentation to verify residency in the Allen ISD attendance zone may be subject to withdrawal.

We thank you for your partnership and commitment to your child’s education.

Sincerely,
Allen ISD

Today!

Friday: no backpacks

Friendly reminder.

Today! Return Chromebook and charging device