Spring Branch ISD Featured News

Preparing students to re-enter schools in August by providing instruction to bridge learning gaps is normally the purpose of summer school. But this summer, teachers at Buffalo Creek Elementary (and across the Spring Branch ISD) also are tuning in to the interpersonal skills students need to be confidently engaged. 

Read what some teachers have to say about their summer school students:

Jennifer Teel, 5th grade teacher

“I can honestly say that 5th graders are truly a joy to teach. The autonomy and independence they possess has been eye opening. I love the way they own their work and are invested in their learning. We have all just gone headfirst into the deep end. It is refreshing to watch each child’s strengths and abilities blossom. In such a short time, I feel very blessed to have students who encourage each other and are accepting of a teacher who speaks very little Spanish. They allow me to try, and help me with the pronunciations. I am so happy that we have more time together. I have several artists who have brought their artwork from home. I asked if they can show it to me and WOWWW!  What an amazing group of kids I have the pleasure of working with!”

Tylin Davidek, 3rd grade teacher

“My favorite moments this summer occurred during our first and second community circles. One of my students shared that he was feeling blue [in the Zones of Regulation framework for building awareness and managing feelings], and I asked why. He shared with the class that his dad had passed away during quarantine, just after the freeze. He had watched his father die slowly over the duration of his life. The rest of the students asked a number of questions like how the student was handling it. The student was an open book and was happy to share. They were so invested [in his wellbeing] that they asked him to bring a picture of his father if he felt comfortable. 

The student brought a picture of his dad the next day and continued sharing about what happened. Everyone showed him such empathy and it seemed as though he could finally breathe after sharing. Now every day when we check in and he holds up a 3 (representing blue on our zones of regulation), one of our classmates checks in with him to make sure he is okay. It is truly beautiful. 

Social-Emotional Learning is such a huge part of learning; especially this year.” 

Juan Jarero, 3rd & 4th grade teacher

“During this summer school program, I have had the opportunity to work with an amazing group of kids. Because they all come from the same school, I assumed that they would be tired of working with their same peers for four more weeks. This 3rd grade class surprisingly demonstrated that it is not the case; they love to work with each other.

What makes me proud of them is the great commitment they have shown in improving and refining their skills, the respect they have for each other’s learning, their team spirit by supporting each other and their contagious enthusiasm to work in the classroom. 

All these positive qualities contribute to having a positive atmosphere for learning in the classroom, making smoother rotations through the lesson stations and eliciting quality instruction in the small groups. I am both impressed and grateful for the 3rd grade group of students I have this summer.”