9/11/2010
9/13/2010
9/14/2010
9/17/2010
9/18/2010
Staf - Bill McDonald Training for TeachersDistrict Announcements
Parent/Guardian Website Accounts
FREE website accounts for parents/guardians - check grades, attendance, class assignments, email your child's teacher, and more. Click here for more information.
Elementary Curriculum Information for Parents
Instructional Leadership Institute
The McAllen Instructional Leadership Institute offers an opportunity for leadership development for the employees of the District who meet the criteria as aspiring campus principals. This Instructional Leadership Institute will build the base of potential building-level administrators for the district. Click here for the application.
School Announcements
Principal’s Corner
It is a pleasure to join the Sam Houston Elementary staff as principal for the 2010-2011 school year. My name is Mrs. D. Loya Thomas and I am excited for this school year to begin. I began my teaching career as a theatre director for the McAllen Independent School District. I received my Bachelor of Arts Degree in 1998 and received my Masters Degree in Educational Administration in 2002 from Texas A&M Kingsville. I have had many wonderful experiences working with the McAllen Independent School District. For the past eight years I served as an assistant principal at Morris Middle School.
I am married to Mr. Leon Thomas who is also an educator for the McAllen Independent School District. He serves as a Texas History teacher for De Leon Middle School. He also coaches football and basketball. We have two beautiful children. Tyler is five and Madison is three.
I believe education should be an interactive, stimulating process that allows for the exploration of research-based practices within the classroom. Students should continuously be challenged and motivated to reach their highest potential. An exemplary classroom would be one that would allow for inquisitive discussion, cooperative learning, and active participation. An exemplary teacher would serve as a facilitator as students assume the role of investigators.
It is my hope that we all work together to make sure that each and every student on this campus is successful. Let’s have a wonderful year!
Teacher of the Year
I am Leticia Casas, a fourth grade teacher who had the honor of being named Teacher of the Year for 2009-2010 at my campus. I have been teaching for 34 years and 30 of those wonderful years have been at Sam Houston where I have taught third and fourth grade. Some of my colleagues ask, "Why so long?" I respond that "I truly love what I do." I have been able to motivate, captivate, and stimulate the minds of hundreds of children. I look forward to walking into my classroom each and every day to the eager faces waiting for what they are going to learn next. The job is not an easy one, but I look forward to the challenge because at the end of the school year I can see the growth of each individual child. I realize that my dedication and hard work has added value to the student. I have been very lucky to work with colleagues that have been very supportive and collaborative. Teaching is about teamwork because if the students succeed, we all succeed.
Bell Schedule
Bell rings at 7:45
Instruction begins at 7:50
Dismissal at 3:00.
Our Wonderful Cafeteria Staff
Thank you ladies for providing exceptional service and wonderful food! Our hats off to you! 
Pictured left to right: Noelia Gonzalez, Manager, Mary Butler, Santa Silva and Adelina Alexander
Pictured left to right: Noelia Gonzalez, Manager, Mary Butler, Santa Silva and Adelina Alexander
No Classes September 6, 2010 - Labor Day / No hay clases el 6 de septiembre de 2010 – Día del trabajo
Labor Day is observed annually in honor of working people on the first Monday in September in all the states and territories, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. It is often celebrated with parades and speeches, as well as political rallies, and the day is sometimes the official kickoff date for national political campaigns in the U.S. Most Americans tend to regard the day merely as the finale of a long summer of fun in which hot dogs, barbecues, and picnics have reigned.
Wilson, J. (2006) History and Traditions of Labor Day, Retrieved August 10, 2010 from http://wilstar.com/holidays/laborday.htm.
Día del trabajo se observa anualmente en honor de personas que trabajan en el primer lunes de septiembre en todos los Estados y territorios, incluyendo Puerto Rico y las Islas Vírgenes. A menudo se celebra con desfiles y discursos, así como manifestaciones políticas, y el día a veces es la fecha oficial del lanzamiento para campañas políticas nacionales en los Estados Unidos. Mayoría de los Norte Americanos consideraran el día simplemente como el final de un largo verano de diversión en la que han reinó perros calientes, barbacoas y pachangas.
Curriculum Nights/Noche de currículo
On Tuesday, September 7, 2010 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm we will be having curriculum night for Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade.
On Thursday, September 9, 2010 from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm we will be having curriculum night for Third Grade, Fourth Grade and Fifth Grade.
These evenings will provide parents with information on what their children will be learning throughout the school year. Please come by and join us.
El martes, 7 de septiembre de 2010 de 5: 30 p.m. – 6: 30 pm celebraremos noche de currículo para pre-kinder, kinder, primer grado y segundo grado.
El jueves, 9 de septiembre de 2010 de 5: 30 p.m. – 6: 30 pm celebraremos noche de plan de estudios de tercer grado, grado cuarto y quinto grado.
Estas tardes proporcionará a los padres con información sobre lo que sus hijos aprenderan durante el año escolar. Por favor vengan a unirse con nosotros.
Backpack Buddies
Thank you to Debra Canchola and the Cornerstone Church for their gracious donation of backpacks and school supplies. We appreciate their help!
