Friday, November 30, 2012

Even though it was a busy week with benchmark testing in grades third, fourth, and fifth, it didn’t stop us from providing other learning opportunities for our students.
Second grade students went to Zachary Scott theater while our first graders went to the Austin Children’s Museum. 


 OHE kicked off book fair week by inviting grandparents to come and share the occasion.  About 180 grandparents participated, many coming from long distances.  Several grandparents specifically came to me just to say “thank you” for inviting them to our school.   This was our first time with this event, and it will definitely be a tradition we continue to have through the years.



Tuesday was our big Book Fair Extravagance Family Night.  The choir performed, student council provided hot chocolate, and pizza could be purchased from Stony’s Pizza truck.  Santa even made an appearance with this tap dancing elf, Matthew.  Matthew collected over $70 in tips and donated all the money to the student council!  Thank you, Matthew.




Today 5th graders were invited to tour the Erwin Center and to watch the Lady Longhorns basketball team. From the pictures, it appears they had lots of fun and the Lady Horns won by over 40 points!



Tomorrow the OHE Lego Robotics Teams are competing.  Teams, we wish them the best of luck.

Tuesday, November 20, 2012

I know each week I say, "How in the world do we fit so much into one week!"  But this was just a two day week, and yet it was packed with excitement.

The first graders gave two performances for their Thanksgiving Muscial.  They did a great job memorizing lines and singing songs.  The students in our Dual Language classes even gave their lines in Spanish! 

To kick-off bookfair when we returned, the students had a special treat.  The UT drumline performed!  Wow, what a show.  The students and staff (especially Mrs. Faulkner) were so excited.  There was dancing all around the cafeteria. 
A huge "shout out" goes to Ms. Ashorn who helped organize the event.  (Her son is one of the drummers.)
It was also our annual PJ day.  Have you begun to notice OHE has lots of traditions?  Those traditions definitely make it a fun place to work.
Mrs. Grimm's class hosted a Writer's Coffee this morning for their parents.  Students read their stories in front of their parents just like in a real coffee house.
Another tradition we celebrate the day before Thanksgiving, is PTA "Pies for Teachers".  OHE is so blessed to have parents that continoulsy think about us and are so supportive!  Everyone here at OHE wishes each of you a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.  I selected a pumpkin pie and can't wait to have a slice.

Happy Thanksgiving! 
Don't forget Monday is Grandparents Day.

Friday, November 16, 2012

Last Saturday at the UT game, OHE was recognized as the KAB HEB Coca  Cola Recycling Rookie of the Year. The Gardening club received a $250 grant. Mr. Cumings and Brandis represented OHE and the Gardening club during a pre-game ceremony.
Mr. Cumings and Brandis are down on the end proudfully wearing their OHE shirt in the mist of all that orange. 
Even though Monday was a student holiday, Girl Scout Troop 2217 contributed to OHE by picking up trash around the school.  Thank you Troop 2217!
First and Second graders had the opportunity to watch theater students from Bowie High School.  The Alphabet Adventure was performed for the 1st graders, and the 2nd graders watched Oz.  The Bowie students gave a fabulous performance!  Thank you, Bowie!




Tuesday night, AISD hosted the State of the District Address.  The event showcased bands, cheerleaders, dance teams, ROTCs, and more from all the middle and high schools.  Elementary students who were part of the All City Choir and/or made all As and 4s while having perfect attendance last year were also recognized.  Below is a picture of OHE’s All City Choir Students.




It was amazing to see all the schools come together and perform. 
Tonight we celebrate our First “Our World, Our School” event.  It was a time to learn and celebrate the different cultures that make-up the community here at OHE.  There was dancing, singing, and food!  Thank you to Mrs. Coleman and her team for organizing such an amazing event. 



When we return from Thanksgiving Break, we start assessing our 3rd – 5th grade students on round one of Middle of the Year (MOY I) benchmarks.  These assessments with cover reading and math for each grade level, science for both 4th and 5th grades, and writing for 4th.  We try to make these as similar to the STAAR as possible so that students will be prepared, especially the 3rd graders since it will be their first time. Please check the website to know the exact dates the test will be given this year.
Remember that next week is just a two day week.  We have assembly on Tuesday and we come all wearing our PJs!  Another one of OHE's great traditions.  Have a great weekend, and I hope you don't get stuck in all the "race" traffic. 

Friday, November 9, 2012

One of the many projects students can complete at OHE, is the Reflection Project. Each year the National PTA chooses a theme. This year it was “The Magic of a Moment”. Students could submit a project or projects using different forms like a picture, story, or dance. All the projects were displayed in the cafeteria so that all students could view them. Many students received Honorable Mention, while others were chosen to advance to the next level. All the students did a great job, and I wish those moving forward lots of luck!


During assembly this morning, we were reminded of why Monday is a holiday.  It is a time to celebrate our Veterans.  The choir performed and our story teller, “Ms. Jodi”, played the piano.  It was a great way to honor those who have sacrificed so much. 


It was also Student Council Crazy Hair Day!  So as you look at the pictures and see students with some outrageous hair, you’ll know why.  There were some very creative styles.


Next Friday, is our first One School, One World Celebration.  If you would like to have a booth, check out the website for more information.  Even if you don’t want to a booth, just come and participate.  It should be a great night to learn about lots of different customs from our families at OHE.

Remember there is no school on Monday.  Have a great 3-day weekend!

Friday, November 2, 2012

I am not sure how one school can fit so much into one week but we did especially our 5th graders.

The week began with OHE’s 5th grade All City Choir students performing at Choralfest. I heard it was an amazing experience and the singers did a great job too.

5th graders also participated in a presentation from the Magnet Middle Schools and learned what each school has to offer.  5th graders can either attend 6th grade at their assigned Middle School or if selected they can attend a magnet school.

Then on Wednesday, Mrs. Wiley’s class performed a dance to Thriller.  This same dance will also be performed by many students and staff district wide at the State of the District Address on November 13th.   
After their performance, Ms. Brown led the students and teachers in our annual Monster Mash dance. 
An annual tradition with 4th grade students, is to demonstrate Trick-o-Treating Safety tips to the younger students. 

Also on Wednesday, obviously trying to get some learning accomplished on Halloween,  5th graders made Flubber.  I’m not sure who enjoyed it more the students or the parent helpers.

5th graders also started their annual fundraiser for UNICEF.  The goal is to collect $1600.  In just one day,a  third of the money was already collected.  I heard of a second grader who actually chose not to Trick-o-Treat for candy but for UNICEF and collect over $60.  What an awesome idea.

Throughout the week, classes have been learning about different cultures and events.  The first graders learned about Dia de los muertos – or Day of the Dead.  The students created an alter with pictures of loved ones as well as cookies, skulls and pictures.  Stop by the library or a 1st grade class if you would like to see it.



As I mentioned earlier, teachers did try to get some learning in this week.  When time was available classes discussed the upcoming election.  Students read about the different races and what the candidates stood for regarding things such as healthcare, war, and education.  Today, students voted for president and a few other races.  The younger students voted as a class while the intermediate students each were able to cast a vote.

Today as if we didn’t have enough  happening all week was Fun Field Day.  It was actually a great day for this and a wonderful way to end the week.  Thank you Mrs. Keller-Bergh and Mrs. Palmer for organizing the event and to all the parent helpers.





As you can see, this was a busy week and students who had great behavior in the cafeteria last month also recieved a special treat.


We are all glad to have an extra hour of sleep this weekend.  Don’t forget to set your clocks back on Saturday.