Friday, April 26, 2013

The week of STAAR is over!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know the students are as excited as we are about being done.  Thank you to all the parents who brought  snacks, especially Sugar Sweet Creations.  Typically sweets aren’t the preferred snack, but this week the yummy creations were gone in a flash. Southwest Family Fellowship also provided the staff with a catered lunch from Rudy’s.  That went pretty fast too. 
It was Administrative Assistant Week and our lovely "Office Ladies" had tasty treats, beautiful flowers, and creative cards - even an animated one from Mrs. Grimm's class, every day.  Mrs. Faulkner's class created a song for them and the students performed right in the front office.  Thanks "Office Ladies" we couldn't do it without you!
 Today was our Prospective Parent Open House.  It is exciting to meet the new parents and students.  Lindsay, thank you for organizing the event.  With STAAR this week, I’m glad that OHE has such wonderful parents that can be trusted to plan such an awesome event. 
 

Every year, the school practices drills.  Fire drills are monthly, Severe Weather drills are two a year, as well as lockdown drills.  OHE has practiced them all.  However, we haven’t had a lockdown drill since the horrible situation at Sandy Hook, and we need to practice one more before the end of the year.  When we practice lockdown drills, administration announces over the intercom there is an intruder, and we need to lockdown the building.  Teachers have plans for where to go, depending on the location of the intruder.  The staff felt the sensitivity of the topic, warranted parent notification of the lockdown drill.  Please know that we take these seriously, and the safety of our students is most important.  The manner of this drill is similar to our monthly fire drills, it is planned, organized, and everyone knows what to do.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

Next week kicks off the 5th Grade Canned Food Drive.  So, clean out your pantries and donate the items to the Austin Capital Food Bank.  There are large boxes in the front hallway. 

Friday, April 19, 2013

OHE spent the week celebrating and getting ready for STAAR. 3rd, 4th and 5th graders take a STAAR test next week. (Remember no visitors on campus Tuesday and Wednesday.) Students spent the week reviewing. Below 5th graders rotated through the teachers reviewing for their science test.


The celebrations were for recognizing our librarians and volunteers.  Students spent the week putting together videos and posters.  Ridley was our OHE Mascot this morning and helped Mr. Cumings with assembly. (Mr. Cumings didn't fit too well in the costume.)
The Soaring Eagle Choir also performed for the volunteers this morning during assembly. 
Afterwards, volunteers were invited to the stage for their certificate and a lifesaver. That is how OHE feel’s about our volunteers.  You are lifesavers!
We also said good-bye to our OHE Counselor, Mrs. Caporal.  She is going to stay home with her three sons.  In her honor, Mrs. Mendrek donated one of our new chicks.  (Mrs. Caporal raises chickens.)  
  
       
We’ll miss you, Mrs. Caporal!
Thank you to everyone who helped this week.  Even during Volunteer Appreciation Week, we needed your help.  THANK YOU!

Friday, April 12, 2013

This week the students who won the Silent Auction Items “Eat Lunch on Stage with Four Friends” received their lunches on stage.  Ms. Pinky, the cafeteria monitor, helped make the lunch special by decorating the tables. 


 Another Silent Auction item, “Lunch with Travis County Sheriff’s Officer Sgt. Mitchell” was also on stage. 
 Over the past few weeks, several teachers in the annex have been incubating chicken eggs.  Well, this week they began to hatch.  I think there was over 20 baby chicks chirping away.  The students had so much fun watching the process and touching the baby chicks.

Fifth grade students took their annual field trip to McKinney Falls.  For the classes that went on the day it didn't rain this week, they hiked about 3 miles through the park.





Several classes have been learning about the life cycle of plants.  There are all types of plants growing throughout the building.  These students are part of Mrs. Hernandez’ class. 
Next week is Volunteer Appreciation Week and National Library Week.  If you see one of our volunteers and/or Librarians make sure you tell them thank you.

Friday, April 5, 2013

Well, the first week of STAAR testing is over and I am not sure who is more excited the students or the staff.  The next round will be the week of April 22nd. 
For the next several weeks, our 1st grade Dual Language classes will have mentors from Regents helping them.


Not wanting to sit around and be quiet all day, our PK and 1st graders took off on field trips.  PK went to the Austin Zoo and 1st grade went to the Austin Nature and Science Center.  Obviously, Wednesday was not a good weather day, so PK headed back to campus quickly, but the 1st graders were able to continue with their learning.



Speaking of bad weather.  If you haven’t heard, the annex had a major flood.  Four of the twelve classrooms as well as the hall and gym had standing water Wednesday morning.  The three PK teachers and Mrs. Hamelwright lost lots of personal teaching items like rugs, books, etc.  Unfortunately, the district only replaces district purchased items so they are having to rebuild their rooms.  If you would like to help, just let me know. 
The day after testing is always difficult.  Students really aren’t ready to settle down and focus so teachers try to have fun, interesting things planned.  Fourth grade participated in “Light Up Austin”. Students learned about how Austin receives its energy and how the energy gets into their homes.
Also 5th graders were able to make their instrument selection for orchestra and band next year.  This is a great idea.  I don’t remember being able to try out different instruments when I was that age. Maybe if I would have, I would have participated in band longer than I did.



On Thursday, I had a little help from Ms. Cantu, who won “Principal for the Day” at the Carnival’s Silent Auction.  Below is a blurb about her day.

“I had so  much fun being the Principal of the Day! I realized how hard Dr. Mitchell works to keep this school on track.  I had a great time as the principal. We walked through some class rooms, and we even became a 3rd grade teacher while she ran an errand.  We also walked through classrooms down at the annex.  Did you know if flooded Tuesday?  You should always bid for Principal for the Day because you will have a great time.    - Ms. Cantu”

OHE finished the week with “Hippie Day”.  I just love how students and staff enjoy participating in these Student Council Spirit days. 





The weekend should be a nice.  Hope you have a good one.