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TORRES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Parent/Student Handbook
2024-2025
4208 Lone Tree Road
Victoria, Texas
Phone: 361-788-2850
Fax: 361-788-9278
https://torres.visd.net/o/torres
Dear Tiger Family.
Welcome to our 16th year at Torres Elementary School!
You are involved in a system where the employees believe in “Achieving Excellence for All”. This handbook & the VISD student handbook were designed so that the students and parents will be aware of the services and policies of Torres School and the Victoria Independent School District. It is recommended that this handbook be kept in a handy place for referral during the school year.
Students and parents are obligated to become familiar with this handbook so that we can work together with the school to help provide the best possible education for children. The handbook will tell what is expected of you and what you can expect from the school.
Torres School, like every other school, has established rules for carrying on its activities. Some policies are handed down from the Board of Education, others are formulated by school administration, and some are worked out by the school staff. Whatever the source, all policies result from experience and thoughtful planning with students in mind.
Parents are encouraged to take an active role in the education of their children. Activities that enhance communication with the school include acting as parent volunteer, taking an active role in P.T.O., and attending parent family engagement events.
Please feel free to contact the school if you have any questions regarding these handbooks or other school matters.
May this school year be an excellent year for all, through the establishment of an excellent school system, building, and staff; with the support of our parents and community for the single purpose of serving our students!
Sincerely,
Lisa Hildebrand
Principal
ABSENCES:
When returning to school following an absence, a student must bring a note signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence. This note must be submitted no later than three (3) school days after the student’s absence. A phone call does not excuse an absence. The school principal shall determine if an absence is excused or unexcused.
School personnel will monitor student absences. A student receives credit for attendance if they remain on campus until 9:30 a.m. If your child is absent, please call the office. Otherwise, school personnel will call you.
ABSENCES (UNEXCUSED):
It is essential that we hear from parents regarding absences. Failure to contact the school in writing will result in an unexcused absence.
Campuses are responsible for filing with the Justice of the Peace on parents of students who have ten (10) unexcused absences in a six month period or three (3) unexcused absences in a four week period.
Paperwork will also be forwarded to the district attendance officer who will also monitor the student's attendance. The attendance officer has the authority to investigate unexcused absences.
NOTE: This makes it even more important that parents send a note to the school when a child has been absent. Please include the child's name, the date(s) absent, and the reason for the absence.
Note: Vacations and out of town trips are expected to be taken on the weekend, school holidays, or in the summer. Any absences for vacations or out of town trips will be unexcused.
ALLERGIES: If your child has an allergy to certain food, insects, etc., please inform the school at the beginning of the school year or as soon as you become aware of the problem. We need to know this information in order to assist in making school a pleasant and safe place.
ARRIVAL FOR STUDENTS:
Parents and guardians are to drop off and pick up your children at the front entrance. The back entrance leads to the rear of the building and is for bus delivery/pickup and staff parking only. Students should only be dropped off in the front parking lot, where staff are on duty. For the safety of all children, they should load and unload at the crosswalk. The right lane is for student drop off and pick up only. All drivers must stay in vehicles since this is the designated “fire lane”. Absolutely no parking will be allowed in the fire zone either during the school day or during after-hour events. The left lane may only be used to drive to the guest parking area and exit. This lane should never be blocked by parked or unattended vehicles. It is important that visitors observe all safety signs. Your patience and adherence to these rules and guidelines are crucial for the safety of our children.
We ask parents to drop student off in the driveway or at the Hug Zone out front in the mornings. Parents will not be allowed into the building in the mornings. This is not a time to conference with the teacher since the priority will be to address the children arriving. If you do have something to share with the teacher, we ask that it be put in a note, and the teacher can call you at conference time or email you, if necessary. Teachers will also be available for conferences after school.
Students may arrive at school no earlier than 7:15 a.m. Students arriving between 7:15-7:45 will enter the campus and proceed immediately to the cafeteria where they may have breakfast. If they chose to not eat breakfast, they will be assigned a table to sit at in the cafeteria (PK, 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders only). If your child is in K-2nd grade, they will join their class in the gym.
At 7:45 a.m., students in the cafeteria are released to go directly to their classroom. Students arriving after 7:45 a.m., but before the tardy bell at 8:00 a.m., will enter the front doors of the campus and proceed immediately to the classroom. Students must be in their classroom at 8:00 a.m. If not, students will first stop by the office and obtain a tardy slip.
Student Breakfast
Breakfast is served in the cafeteria beginning at 7:15 a.m. The school cafeteria will end breakfast at 7:45 a.m. Students who receive their breakfast between 7:45- 8:00 a.m. will be given a sack breakfast to be eaten in the classroom. Sack and tray breakfasts will have equal nutritional value.
Teachers at Arrival
Each morning, teachers will greet students with a handshake or hug in their classroom doorways from the time students are released to the classroom at 7:45 a.m. until the tardy bell rings. Students will enter the classroom to prepare for our morning Tiger Talk Announcements. After announcements our students will begin their Strong Start curriculum to ensure their day is off to a great start.
ATTENDANCE:
Also refer to VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents.
There is a close relationship between a child's success in school and his/her attendance. We know that good attendance greatly enhances a child's performance and success. Please help your child attend school whenever possible. A sick child, however, should be kept out of school so he/she can rest and recover, and so other children will not be exposed to the illness. If in doubt, bring the child to school and let the school nurse help make the decision.
Perfect attendance will be recognized throughout the school year. Attendance is taken daily at 9:30 a.m. In order for your child to be counted present, he/she must be in school at this time. Children leaving school after 9:30 a.m. will be considered present for the day. Students counted absent at 9:30 (due to a doctor’s appointment) will be given credit for attendance if a note is brought from the doctor and school is in attendance for any part of that school day. We will offer incentives during the year to encourage children's attendance in school
AWARDS
Students will be recognized at the end of the year in an assembly for achievement, citizenship, and attendance. Students also will be awarded each 9 weeks with ribbons in grade PK-5th.
Ribbon
Qualifications
Grade Level
A Honor Roll Ribbon
All As on Report card in Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies
1st-5th grade only
A/B Honor Roll Ribbon
All As and Bs on Report Card in Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies
1st-5th grade only
Citizenship Ribbon
A on Conduct for the 9 weeks
Kinder-5th grade
Perfect Attendance Ribbon
Perfect Attendance for the nine weeks (we will not include tardies)
Kinder-5th grade
One a Roll Ribbon
When a student is showing improvement the previous nine weeks in any academic area, attendance, or citizenship
Kinder-5th grade
Principal’s Gold Ribbon
All As in Reading, Math, Science, Social Studies, Conduct & Perfect Attendance
1st-5th grade only
BIRTHDAYS and CELEBRATIONS:
Students are NOT ALLOWED to have birthday parties at school; however, parents may send cupcakes or snacks for the class snack time on birthdays. Please check with your child’s teacher about any food allergies before sending birthday snacks. Invitations to parties will not be passed out at school unless there is an invitation for every child in the class.
For birthdays and other holiday celebrations, please do not send flowers and/or balloons to your child at school. Absolutely no deliveries will be taken to the classrooms and parents will be called to pick up the delivery.
BUS REGULATIONS: Also refer to VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents.
All bus students will be expected to ride their regular bus in the afternoon unless we have a signed and dated permission form from the parents indicating otherwise. Please do not give your children directions to ride a different bus or ride home with someone unless you have cleared this with transportation. The Director of Transportation is Shanquil Fennell. If you have any questions regarding transportation, please call the Transportation Department at (361) 578-1538.
CAFETERIA: Add in food not allowed- hot Cheetos, Takis
Also refer to VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents.
Breakfast and lunch are served daily at Torres. Students may also bring lunches to school. The time your child will generally eat is posted on the Torres website under “Schedules.” Below is specific information about the cafeteria and food service.
· Income surveys are to be completed yearly by every family during registration. This income survey has a direct correlation to our Title 1 Funding. Please complete the survey to help our campus out.
· Accounts will be deducted only when student purchases a meal or extra sides.
· This year breakfast and lunch is free for elementary students.
· Breakfast is served daily from 7:15-7:45. At 7:45, students receive a sack breakfast.
· Guests at Lunch:
o Visitors are welcome to eat with students at lunch. Only parents and grandparents may take students from their class table to eat at the parent table in the front of the school.
o No food may be shared with students other than your own family (state requirements).
· “Emergency Meals”: The Food Service Department is dedicated to the nutritional well being of all students. We will not let a child go hungry. It is our policy to provide a cheese sandwich and milk to the child as an emergency meal until his/her account is brought out of arrears.
CAMPUS IMPROVEMENT PLAN:
A set of campus priority goals are developed annually. It is approved by the Site-based Decision-Making Team and VISD School Board. The goals and objectives are available on the Torres website.
CAMPUS PLANNING TEAM:
The Campus Planning Team will be made up of administrators, teachers, teacher assistants, parents and community members. If any parent would like to serve on the campus planning team, please call the school office.
CELL PHONES:
For safety reasons, district policy allows students to possess telecommunications devices; however, these devices must remain unseen and turned off during the instructional day. A student who uses a telecommunications device during the day will have the device confiscated. Upon first offense, the parent picks up the device. Upon second offense, a fee of $15 is charged before the device is released to the parent. For the third offense, the device is held until the end of the school year, at which time it is released to the parent after payment of a $15 fee.
Other electronic devices such as MP3 players, cameras, video games, etc. are not allowed at school or on field trips unless prior permission is obtained from the principal.
CODE OF CONDUCT: Also refer to VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents.
Each student enrolled receives a VISD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct, either in paper form or online. Parents and students are encouraged to review this document and be aware of its contents.
COMMUNICATION:
Torres Elementary values communication with our students and parents. Every day, your child will bring home a RED take-home folder. This take-home folder will include their daily conduct, as well as important school notes. Graded papers are sent home in the red take home folder every Tuesday. It is the parent’s responsibility to look at the items in the take-home folder every evening. If you have any questions, please write a note in the folder, which will return to the teacher the next school day. You are also encouraged to email, call, use Remind messages or otherwise communicate with the teacher whenever you have a question.
In addition, Torres maintains a school web-site and a Facebook page. We also utilize an automated calling/email system to notify parents of important information.
CONFERENCES:
If you want to schedule a conference with your child's teacher, please call the school office to make arrangements or reach out to your child’s teacher using Remind or email. If you have a particular concern, please leave a detailed message so that the teacher will have materials available.
Teachers will schedule a minimum of two conferences with each child's parents. Administration requires that parents always speak directly with teachers about any concerns which may arise with their child BEFORE going to administration. If concerns continue to exist, parents are invited to contact the school administration and we will help resolve the issue.
COUNSELING:
Personal/Group Counseling: The school counselor is available to assist students with a wide range of personal concerns, including such areas as social, family, emotional, academic or chemical dependence needs. The counselor may also make available information about community resources to address personal concerns. Parents who wish to meet with the counselor, may make an appointment by calling the school office at 361- 788-2850 or email kayla.henery@visd.net.
Daily RED- Take HOME FOLDER:
Every DAY your child will bring home a RED take-home folder. All school information items will be sent home in the daily folder. The folder is used to communicate with the parent and include newsletters and other important papers for parents. Please read the papers that are included each day and call the teacher or school office if you have questions.
DISCIPLINE: Also refer to VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents.
One of the most important lessons education teaches is discipline. Although it is not a subject, discipline influences the entire structure of education. It is the key to good conduct and proper respect for other people. Each teacher has a discipline plan for his/her classroom. A copy of this plan will be sent home. Please read over the plan with your child. Each student will receive positive rewards that encourage following school rules. School-wide expectations are posted on the Torres website under “Curriculum” > Positive Behavior Support.
DISMISSAL:
To decrease congestion in the front halls and gym at the end of the day, parents and day care staff are asked to wait in their vehicles for children at dismissal. Parents will be issued a “CAR CARD” that should be placed in the front passenger side window so that staff my call for students. Staff members will help students get to the cars as they pull forward to the designated pick up area. We will only call names from “CAR CARDS” for those who are in their vehicles. Please do not take car cards to the office for your child’s name to be called, just stay in your vehicle, and we will call in their names.
Children who walk or ride a bicycle home will exit the building together with staff on duty and walk to the crosswalk. Walkers may not be picked up on school property. Students are not allowed to go to the playground after school. If students are not picked up by 3:35 p.m., parents will have to sign them out in the front office and write the reason for being picked up late.
Parent Change of Plans for Transportation:
At the beginning of the school year, parents should communicate with their child’s teacher how their child will be getting home ach day. A written note, email, fax or personal office visit by the parent will them be the only acceptable methods for changing the normal dismissal route for a student. For instance, if a student normally rides the bus home, and the parent wants the student to walk or to be picked up in the car line on a particular day, the parent must submit this information in writing or through a personal visit to the office. We will NOT accept change of transportation after 2:00 p.m.
Early Check-out for Students:
Unless your child has a doctor’s appointment, please refrain from checking your child out early. Early check-out ends at 2:45 p.m.
DRESS CODE:
Refer to VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents. Staff will refer students to the administration for dress code violations.
GRADING GUIDELINES:
Grades will be based on academic work done by the student at school and graded by the teacher. Grading guidelines and expectations are published in the VISD Student Handbook; please refer to the handbook for more details.
GUM CHEWING:
Gum is a pleasure to be saved for home. This helps protect our floors, desks, materials and books on our campus.
HOLIDAYS:
Refer to calendar printed in the VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents. You can also find important dates on our monthly parent newsletters.
HOMEROOM PARENTS:
We welcome and encourage your support and participation in activities in which your child is involved. We hope you will feel free to serve as a homeroom parent for your children. Check with your child's teacher for information.
HOUSE SYSTEM:
At Torres Elementary, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and thriving environment where students and teachers flourish within the House System. Our primary focus is nurturing a culture of belonging where every student feels valued, supported, and encouraged to explore their full potential. Through the House System, we aim to create a sense of belonging that transcends the traditional classroom, helping our students form lasting friendships and create closer bonds with their fellow Tigers. We believe these connections are vital for personal growth and essential for building a strong school-wide community. The House System at Torres Elementary encourages character building by instilling in our students the values of teamwork, responsibility, and accountability. Through the assignment of points and the enthusiastic support of their peers, students are motivated to perform at higher levels academically and in extracurricular activities. This collaborative approach not only elevates individual achievements but also strengthens the character of our students, preparing them for a future filled with integrity and leadership. Through this commitment to culture, belonging, school-wide community, and character building, we strive to create an enriching experience for every member of the Torres Elementary school family. Together, we will continue to reach new heights and prepare our students for a brighter future.
Earning House Points:
Students will earn house points for demonstrating excellence above what is expected in the following categories: outstanding performance, school spirit, academic excellence, being safe, being responsible, and being respectful. These points can be given out to an individual or a house. The primary purpose of point awarding is to encourage the 3 R's: Responsibility, Respectful behavior, and Right Choices
4 Houses, One Family
Each house represents a value that we want our students to display; we call these the HOUSE VIRTUES. Our houses have a virtue, name, history, color, and crest.
Virtue
Name
Symoblic Animal
Color
History
Friendship
Amistad
Peacock
Red
This house takes great inspiration from its symbolic animal, the peacock. “Once the peacock finds its feathers, it discovers who it really is.” Students learn to become brave as they find their true selves.
Dreamers
Reveur
Wolf
Blue
Reveur students recognize their dreams and will let nothing stand in the way of achieving them. This can be seen in the unicorn at the center of the crest.
Courage
Isibindi
Lion
Green
This group of students are a tight group of individuals, like a pride of African lions, where family means everything.
Kindness
Nukumori
Dragon
Purple
This house understands that kindness is the true strength that will build their character. They treat others with respect, and in doing so, they will earnthe respect of all others.
ILLNESS AT SCHOOL:
If your child complains about not feeling well, his/her teacher will send the child to the nurse. The school nurse will decide on whether or not parents need to be called. Many times, allowing the student to lie down in the nurse's office takes care of the situation. However, if your child has a temperature or continues to feel badly, you will be called. For this reason, it is necessary that the emergency card for your child be updated if there are changes. If you feel that school personnel need to know about an illness, injury, or other medical concern, please call and let us know.
IMMUNIZATIONS: Refer to VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents
.
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS:
All instructional materials including movies and other media used on campus or at off-campus school-related events must be age appropriate in accordance with VISD Regulation EF and approved by the campus principal or designee prior to use or viewing. Approved clips, media and other materials will be documented in lesson plans.
INTERNET USE:
Internet access is available in all classrooms and support classes. Students and parents are required to sign an agreement form (included in online registration) prior to students accessing internet. Inappropriate use of the internet by a student will be grounds to deny a student access and/or face other consequences.
LEAVING SCHOOL DURING DAY:
In order for the teacher to bring closure to the school day for the children, students should remain in class until dismissal unless it is absolutely necessary to leave early. If parents have a need to pick up a student before dismissal, please come to the office to sign the student out of school. Teachers will not allow students to leave class until notification from the office has been received. This procedure is for your child’s safety.
LIBRARY:
Each week, all students will have a designated time/day to check out books with their class. A student who has lost a book (or damaged it beyond repair) must pay the replacement price of the book. Kindergarten students do not check out books the first few weeks of school. Kinder and 1st grade students will only check out 1 book at a time; grades 2-5 will check out 2 books. If your child does not bring back their weekly library book on their designated day to visit library, they will not be able to check out a book for that week.
LUNCH:
· Students can eat with individuals on their contact list.
· Parents can bring labeled lunch boxes to the campus and drop off at the designated table in the front office. Please make sure your child’s name and grade are on the lunch boxes. Please be on time dropping off lunch for your child. This ensures your child has time to eat and is able to be back in class for instruction.
· If dropping off food for your child, please inform your student’s teacher through the Remind App and notify the front office regarding the delivery of the lunch box.
· NO DELIVERIES FROM FAST FOOD SERVICES WILL BE ACCEPTED. If they are delivered to your child.
· When parents bring fast food for their students’ lunch, they MUST sit with their child. The school staff will not accept or deliver fast food.
· We know mornings can be hectic, and students may forget lunch. We will always ensure our students have a meal to eat through the cafeteria if this happens and you cannot bring their lunch box.
MEDICATION: Also refer to VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents.
In order for your child to receive medication at school, the following procedure should be in place: School Board policy requires that the school MUST have written permission from parents or legal guardians to administer any medications (prescription or over the counter) to students while at school. The written permission must include:
-student name
-name of medication
-date(s) to be given
-time to be given
-amount to be given
-parent or guardian's signature
All medications (prescription and over the counter) MUST be in the original containers and properly labeled. Parents must bring any medications and written permission to the nurse or the school office. This is done to protect the health and safety of your child. Medication given for longer than 10 days requires permission from the prescribing doctor. Only send medicine if it is necessary that your child take it during school hours. DO NOT send medicine that is taken 3 times daily - have child take before and after school and at bedtime.
MONEY:
We strongly recommend that extra money not needed at school be left at home. If money is lost, it can cause many problems because it is difficult, if not impossible, to prove ownership.
PARENT SIGNATURES:
In order to keep track of your child’s progress in school and maintain awareness of school activities, it is important for parents to monitor what students bring home. The school monitors parent awareness through parent signatures. Please help us keep an open line of communication by signing red communication folders, field trip permission forms, discipline notes, etc. Important forms and graded work go home daily in the RED take-home folders.
PARENT VOLUNTEERS:
Torres has a need for volunteer help from parents. Parents are encouraged to take an active part whenever possible. Help is needed in the classrooms, the workroom, and the library. We recommend that parents with small children at home can volunteer for the school by picking up materials and taking them home to complete. Schools with active parent participation are the most successful, so we hope to see you at school.
PEER MEDIATION:
Students who are having difficulties with another student may request or be referred for peer mediation. This process gives students an opportunity to work through situations and problems they are experiencing. Contact the counselor or the classroom teacher if you believe your child needs this process.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION:
All Pre-kindergarten - 5th students will have a P.E. class. Physical education is designed to develop your child's physical fitness to the fullest. All students must wear appropriate shoes to P.E. class. Girls are required to wear shorts under their dresses or skirts in order to avoid embarrassment. It is school policy that students are not allowed to wear jackets/hoodies to P.E., as we do not want students to over-heat.
If your child needs to be excused from P.E. due to illness or injury, write a note to your child's P.E. teacher. If your child has to miss more than 3 days of P.E., a note from the doctor is necessary. If your child has a physical or medical condition that would limit his/her participation, please let the P.E. teacher know in writing.
PROGRAMS:
Your child may be asked to participate in various extra-curricular programs and events throughout the year. No child is required to participate in any program. Teachers will send notes listing times and requirements for participation. If you allow your child to participate, please make every effort for your child to attend. Programs are carefully planned and "no shows" disrupt these plans.
PTO:
All parents and legal guardians of a student at Torres have the opportunity to join our PTO. We have a strong and active organization that works heard to support our campus. Monthly meetings are held in our library. PTO fundraisers are conducted throughout the year, and the money is distributed to the school to help purchase additional classroom supplies and technology as well as help fund field trips, awards, clubs, and teacher appreciation.
RELEASE OF STUDENTS:
Students will be released only to those given permission by virtue of designation on the registration card. If changes need to be made on the registration card, you will have to come to campus and make these corrections in person.
RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY:
Each teacher and staff member should be treated with due consideration and respect. Students must realize that any faculty or staff member has the authority to correct them, not only during school hours, but at any school-sponsored activity. Students should also extend the same respect to any substitute teachers who may be assigned to the classroom.
RESPECT FOR SCHOOL PROPERTY:
An attitude of personal pride and the inherent respect for the property of others is strongly reflected in the care given to school facilities and materials. Students shall be encouraged at all times to learn and practice the wise use of all school properties.
RETENTIONS:
Also refer to VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents.
We will be stressing more and more the need for a child to have mastered the skills for the grade he or she is in before passing to the next grade. Social promotion is no longer possible. A child must be able to satisfactorily complete one grade level before moving on to the next grade.
SAFETY PATROL:
Staff will serve duty positions at the front entrance. The purpose of the safety patrol is to ensure the safety of our students. Safety Patrol will improve traffic flow. Please direct any traffic concerns to school staff members. Some of our students will have the opportunity to serve on our Safety Patrol. Please direct any traffic concerns to the school staff members rather than to students.
SCHOOL EVACUATION:
In case of a major emergency, an emergency drill procedure will be used to evacuate students from the school if students need to leave the school grounds. The principal or assistant principal will determine the location to which students will either walk or be bussed. The local radio and television stations will announce where students can be picked up.
SCHOOL HOURS:
School begins at 8:00 and dismisses at 3:15 p.m. for all students. Students will be allowed to come into the cafeteria at 7:15 a.m. everyday.
It is very important that your child be in the classroom by 8:00 a.m. Students must be accompanied by a parent or guardian if they arrive after 8:00 a.m. Make sure your child is picked up as soon after 3:15 p.m. as possible. If students are not picked up by 3:35 p.m., parents must come in to the office to sign students out.
SCHOOL PICTURES:
Children will have individual and group pictures taken during the school year. These pictures may be purchased at the prices quoted by the studio. Details concerning dates, costs, etc., will be announced. Please make every effort to comply with deadlines for purchasing pictures.
SNACKS AND SNACK DRINKS:
Children may bring a snack to eat during classroom snack time. The list was comprised in accordance with state guidelines, along with recommendations from Centers for Disease Control and squaremeals.org. Students are NOT to bring soft drinks, chips (Hot Cheetos & Takis), candy, or other snacks high in fat with little or no nutritional value.
Suggested List of Approved Healthy Snacks for Torres
Suggested List of Approved Healthy Snacks for Torres- cont.
Drinks: Water ONLY
Animal Crackers
Pretzels
Graham Crackers
Fresh Fruit
English Muffins
Crackers
Dry Cereal
Fruit grain bars
Fig Bars
Bagels
Granola Bars
Vanilla Wafers
Applesauce
Goldfish/Cheese Crackers
String Cheese
Pudding cups
Popcorn
Yogurt
Vegetables
Dried Fruit
Half Sandwich, Tortilla Wrap
We have chosen the following five days as our “Smart Snacks” exemption days: Halloween party, Christmas party, Valentine’s party, and Field Days.
STUDENT RESIDENCE INFORMATION:
Parents are required to complete an information card for every child attending school. This information is used in reports to the Texas Education Agency. Please notify the school of any changes in address, phone or other important information.
STUDY HABITS:
The teaching staff makes a great effort to help students develop self responsibility. One way this will be done is in giving classroom and homework assignments. When assignments are given, it will be the child's responsibility to see that the work is completed and turned in on time.
Parents can help by checking with their children on a daily basis about what they worked on during the day and what assignments they have for homework.
SUGGESTIONS:
The school is always open to suggestions. If you have suggestions, please call the school office, send a note or request a conference.
SUPPLIES:
Each student will be expected to have supplies necessary for the student to function in the learning environment. Copies of supply lists are available in the office. Pencils, erasers and paper are available for purchase at school. A limited number of supplies may be available on a first come/first serve basis from the school.
TARDIES:
A student who is tardy disrupts the normal routine of the classroom and misses valuable learning time. Help your child develop a good habit of being on time. Tardies are considered “parts of days” and will affect attendance. Parents and guardians must walk children to the office to sign in if they arrive after the 8:00 tardy bell. If your child arrives after school begins because of a medical appointment, please be sure to bring a note from the doctor so the “tardy” will not be recorded. Please see our detailed tardy policy for further information.
TEACHER REQUESTS:
If you would like to request a specific teacher for the upcoming school year, please make sure to submit a note to the front office by the end of April. We place classes for the following year the first week in May. Although parent requests for teachers are not guaranteed, if we have them before May, we will try our best to honor them.
TEXTBOOKS: Also refer to VISD Code of Conduct and Handbook for students and parents.
Textbooks are furnished free of charge by the State of Texas. Students are responsible for the care and return of each textbook checked out to them. The student's name should be written in ink in the space provided on the front inside cover. This is critical so lost books can be returned to the proper owner.
TIGER PLEDGE:
The Torres Pledge serves as a daily reminder for our students of the values and behaviors expected while on campus. By reciting it daily with pride and enthusiasm, our students uphold a commitment to respect, responsibility, and kindness in every interaction. This pledge fosters a positive and supportive environment where everyone can learn and thrive together.
THE TIGER PLEDGE
We are The Torres Tigers.
Hear our R-O-A-R-S!!!
We are…
RESPECTFUL!
ON-TARGET!
ACTIVELY INVOLVED!
RESPONSIBLE!
SAFE & SELF-CONTROLLED!
We are The Torres Tigers…
R-O-A-R!
TITLE 1:
Our school is a Title I, Part A campus. Title I, Part A schools receive supplemental funds from the federal government to provide additional academic support and learning opportunities for their students. This is to ensure that ALL children are provided a high-quality education that will enable them to exceed performance standards. More than 50,000 public schools across the country use Title I funds to improve their schools. In Victoria ISD, Title I funds are used to support instruction by providing extra personnel, supplemental materials and technology. In addition, Title I funds support our prekindergarten, extended day and enrichment programs. We are also able to provide extra professional development opportunities for our staff members. We hope that you will become an active member of our school family and participate in our parent activities. Parents and families are invited to learn more about our Title I program and to become active participants in designing our program. To learn more about how you can be involved, please contact our campus parent liaison.
TOYS/GAMES:
Toys and games are not allowed at school without prior teacher approval. This includes MP3 players, radios, yo-yos, cards, hand-held computer games, tablets, or trading cards. We cannot be responsible for loss or damage. Do not let students bring items to sell or trade with other students. If your child brings a toy to school, it may be taken up and kept in the office until a parent can pick it up. No toys/items should be attached to backpacks or bags.
VISITORS:
All parents and visitors to the campus must stop by the school’s office upon their arrival. All visitors, regardless of our familiarity with you, will be required to present a valid driver’s license or other form of acceptable ID upon clearance to obtain a visitor’s badge. Visitors, who want to eat lunch with a student, must already be listed on the student information by the student’s guardian/parent. Once a visitor is authorized, the badge must be worn at all times. Upon exiting the building, visitors must return the badge to the office and check out.
WITHDRAWAL FROM SCHOOL:
Parents should accompany a child, if at all possible, when withdrawal becomes necessary. When possible and to avoid having to wait, please give notice at least one day in advance so forms can be prepared. Just send a note or call telling us the day you plan to withdraw, and all paperwork can be completed before you arrive.