enrichment
Mark Twain Elementary School provides many enrichment opportunities for students and parents. The IB Program, Dual Language, Strings, Art a la Carte, and Odyssey of the Mind are just some of the options available. Explore all that our school has to offer!
Ib program
Mark Twain Elementary is an IB World School. The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
Mark Twain received authorization in 2005 to provide the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP). This curriculum, created and developed by the faculty, encourages conceptual understanding, provides depth and complexity, and integrates the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). A major tenant of IB is international-mindedness that encourages understanding of multiple perspectives of global issues through guided inquiry.
IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers – They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable – They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers – They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators – They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled – They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded – They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring – They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers – They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced – They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective – They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
Click on the links below to learn more about IB:
Questions about IB? Contact Kathleen Blakeslee, Mark Twain IB Coordinator, at kblakesl@houstonisd.org.
dual language
Two Worlds, One Vision
Mark Twain Elementary offers an exciting and innovative program called the Two-Way Bilingual Immersion Program (TWBIP), also know as the Dual Language Program. The program’s main objective is to provide a cohesive bilingual, biliterate and bicultural environment for an equal number of Spanish speaking and English speaking students in each grade level. There is an emphasis on literacy in Spanish for both groups, enrichment through a technological component and encouragement of strong parental participation.
Once the application is submitted to Mark Twain, the student may need to come in for oral language testing to determine the dominant language. They will then be placed in the English or Spanish dominant group. Students are chosen by lottery and after the positions have been filled, everyone else will be placed on the wait list. If any of the students selected decline a spot in the program, we will call the next student on the wait list.
The applications are available in the Mark Twain office.
Questions and comments can be sent to the Dual Language Coordinator, Graciela Martinez, gmartin6@houstonisd.org.
PTO Dual Language Contact: Alejandrina Campanella at president@marktwainpto.org
Dos Mundos, Una Visión
La escuela primaria de Mark Twain ofrece un programa estimulante e innovador; el Programa de Inmersión Bilingüe de Dos Vías (TWBIP), también conocido como el Programa de Doble Vía. El objetivo del programa es el de proveer un ambiente bilingüe, biletrado y bicultural, en cada nivel de la educación, con la participación de un mismo número de estudiantes que hablen Español y esos que hablen Inglés. Se hace un énfasis en la alfabetización en español para ambos grupos, enriquecido por medio de un componente tecnológico y un incentivo de participación por parte de los padres.
Una vez presentada su solicitud a Mark Twain, el estudiante puede ser requerido para presentarse a tomar un examen de lenguaje oral y determinar su idioma dominante. A continuación, el estudiante será colocado en el grupo dominante que le corresponda, sea este inglés o español. Los estudiantes serán elegidos por lotería y después de haberse completado el número de vacancias disponibles, los demás serán colocados en la lista de espera. Si alguno de los estudiantes seleccionados declina un lugar en el programa, llamaremos al siguiente estudiante en la lista de espera.
Las aplicaciones están disponibles en la oficina de Mark Twain. No hay aplicaciones disponibles en la internet para el Programa de Doble Vía de Mark Twain.
community partnerships
No Place for Hate – an Anti-Defamation League initiative that requires three school-wide projects each year that teach about the necessity of anti-bias and diversity in our lives. These projects extend from action taken by students in their IB units of inquiry.
For more information contact Ms. Harris, Counselor: Sylvia.Harris@houstonisd.org
Writers in the Schools - Mark Twain Elementary students have the opportunity to participate in a writing club led by Writers in the Schools. In this program, students have the opportunity to develop their voices and imaginations to become published writers and storytellers. Registration takes place in the fall and is posted on Parent Square.
strings program
Mark Twain Elementary is proud to offer an amazing opportunity to students. Within the school day (and after school), budding musicians can join our fun Strings Program. Students can study cello or violin. Each year they perform in at least two group concerts each, do a solo recital, have the opportunity to compete in HISD’s Solo and Ensemble Festival and, for advanced 4th and 5th graders, audition for All City Orchestra. We also put together small groups to perform for school events such as Fifth Grade Graduation and the VIPS tea.
Classes
Private lessons are 30 minutes once a week during the school day. Group lessons are 40 minutes once a week directly after school. Classes generally start during the 2nd week of school.
Cost
The cost for private and group instruction is $750 for the entire year.
Instruments
It is recommended that students rent violins and cellos. Our favorite shops are listed below.
Lisle Violin Shop, 2450 Bissonnet, 77005, 713-526-4005
Amati Violin Shop, 2315 University, 77005, 713-666-6461
To Sign Up:
1. Email Elizabeth Cabral at ecabral@houstonisd.org (or turn in your strings form) to find out if there is an opening.
2. Pay your $750.00 program fee through SchoolPay.
3. Email your receipt to Mrs. Cabral, ecabral@houstonisd.org and Victoria Sanchez, vsanche7@houstonisd.org.
art a la carte
An innovative program designed to expand students’ appreciation of historically significant art and architecture, Art a la Carte introduces kindergartners through fifth graders to the visual arts. With parent volunteer as their guides, students learn about famous artists, painting, sculpture and architecture, often in a historical context. Each lesson plan includes an overview, samples and a finished product for the students to take home.
Parent volunteers teach eight lessons throughout the school year starting in October and finishing in May. Lessons cover the principles and elements of art. Through this program, students learn to ask informed art-related questions and to approach art as educated critics, all the while building confidence and inspiring their own creativity.
Please contact Elizabeth or Eva, the Art a la Carte coordinators, if you have any questions regarding the monthly AALC lesson plans. Individual training sessions are available, if needed.
K – 2: Elizabeth Garcia
3 – 5: Eva Castaneda
Robotics
Engineering And Robotics Learned Young (EARLY) is a program that exposes our youth to engineering. EARLY provides 7 to 12 year olds the opportunity to participate in a robotics competition every fall and spring.
Mark Twain typically has 4-5 teams with approximately 4 students and one coach per team. Teams meet weekly after school to construct and practice operating Lego built robots in preparation for tournaments at the ends of each Semester. There will be a Fall and Spring school tournament, the top scorers of which will advance to area meets.
Stay tuned for more information to come about Robotics.
after school program
The Extended Day program is overseen by the Mark Twain Elementary Administration and is managed by Mark Twain Elementary. Extended Day is from 3:00-5:30 pm.
Extended Day registration is full for the 2024-2025 school year. Please contact mtaftercare@gmail.com with questions or to request being placed on the waitlist.