It's that time of year and TAKS testing has begun.  On March 1st, our 4th grade students take the Writing TAKS test.  Because of testing security, parents are not allowed to be in the area where students are taking the test.  Therefore, the 4th grade side of the building will be off limits as well as the cafeteria during 4th grade lunch time for parents and guests.

If you haven't signed up to work the carnival next week, please visit the attached link.  There are still many booths and slots available. http://carnivalsignup.ohepta.org/

On a different note, if you are a parent that likes to keep up with your student's grades, please visit http://www.austinisd.org and sign-up for parent connection.  If you need help, contact Naomi in our OHE office.

This week with the support of Book People and Ms. Brooks author Barney Saltzberg came and visited our kindergarten students.

Also this week, our pre-kindergarten and PPCD students learned about transportation.  My husband, Sgt. Mitchell, was eager to show them his patrol vehicle.  Oh how they loved the lights and sirens!

Spring parent conferences are Monday.  Since the spring conferences have not traditionally been mandatory, we have decided that for any student that has performance or behavior concerns a conference must be held.  If you haven't been contacted by the teacher and want a conference, just let the teacher know. 

As you know, AISD is facing a financial crisis. Unfortunately, our school will be impacted.  A reduction in force is a very serious matter, and AISD employees will be adversely affected.  According to our projections for next year, OHE is losing 6 teaching positions (1 4th, 1 3rd, 2 2nd, 2 kinder positions), 1 teaching assistant position, and 1 office clerk position.  Each of the employees was notified on Wednesday if they were on the Reduction in Force (RIF) list.  Out of respect to those employees and the uncertainty of their situation, I have chosen not to publicize their names.  I ask that you respect that decision as well and understand how difficult this is for our campus, especially since last year OHE went through a similar reduction process.  The campus is eager to begin planning for next year and as the plans are created I will continue to inform you of those decisions. As always, please come to me if you have any questions or concerns.

On a much more positive note, the Austin Jazz Workshop was on campus Thursday.  Our 3rd - 5th grade students enjoyed the performance and some even were able to participate.  There was a special guest appearance by our own Mr. Bowers!

Also, this is shout for carnival volunteers.  Carnival is only 2 weeks away, and we still needs volunteers to work grade level booths.  You are able to sign-up on line.  Please visit the website.

It has been an exciting day here at OHE!  Student council organized our first costume day.  Chick-fil-A was here passing out their new spicy chicken biscuit sandwich. Mrs. Roberts' class performed a "Brain Pop" activity during assembly. It was popcorn reward day at lunch, and we ended the evening with our PTA Rock-n-roll Fun Night.  Enjoy the pictures!

OHE Families,

As many of you have witnessed, the district has used the "School Messenger" system to notify parents of important situations related to district, recently the close of school last week.  If you have not received these notifications or would rather a different phone number be used, please let the our front office know so we can make the change in the system.  School Messenger can also be used at the local campus level.  Today, I used it to call 1st grade parents to inform them the field trip had been canceled due to the weather. 

Since school was canceled last Friday, the student council costume day has been rescheduled for this Friday.  Also on Friday, Chick-fil-A will be on campus early distributing their new spicy chicken biscuit sandwich.  Come and enjoy. 

Need costume ideas?  Mrs. Phillips' 4th grade class created newspaper costumes thanking our newspaper adopter.  The class uses the Austin American Statesmen in multiple ways: research, math problem solving, writing, and fun etc.