Friday, September 26, 2014

Have you seen some of our bulletin boards?

Here is one from Mrs. Robert's kindergarten class and it is interactive. It may facilitate conversations about "What did you do at school today".   Check out her class email to find the questions to ask.
 Here is some writing from Mrs. Kanak's Kindergarten class after they read "Jazz Baby".   Literacy Charts & Bloom’s Taxonomy questions really help the students work through texts they have read as well as promoting critical thinking when reading.
 Even 5th graders are creating bulletin boards.  From Mrs. Mendrek's class, students are learning about different genres of writing.  This was on fiction.
 As I mentioned last week, student council campaigns were this week.  There was a totally of twenty 4th and 5th grade students running for either president, vice-president, treasure, or secretary.  The students created awesome posters and amazing speeches.  I was even part of two of them.  Something about my high heels and kissing a chicken?!



After all the campaigning and speeches, the 2014-2015 Student Council Officers are:
President: RyalJames, Vice President: Ridley, Secretary:  Caroline , and Treasure:  Raelen.

The following students will be part of our No Place For Hate Coalition as well.  Avery, Kody, Lily, Jason, Campbell, Sally, Ian, and Claire.

Congratulations to all the students for a great race.  I am so proud of each one of them.

Next week is Custodian Appreciation Week.  When you see our awesome Custodial Team, please let them know how much they are valued.

Have a great weekend.





Friday, September 19, 2014

Many of you have heard about the Peace Corners at OHE.  Students use these areas when they need some time alone or to cool down from something.  This area is NOT a punishment but a preventative place.  Here is an example of the one in Mrs. Hill's room.  Not all are this big, but they all have the same concept.  (Guess Mr. Gerber needed a calm place after a special education meeting!)

Another idea, is a Peace Walk.  Teachers teach students to use the Peace Walk  as a way to solve conflicts.  Once it has been taught, teachers are amazed because it makes a tremendous difference in their classrooms! The students use the peace walk now without a teacher having to tell them, thus solving their own problems. Here is an example of students in Mrs. Hunter's class practicing the Peace Walk.



Did you know that even our Pre-Kindergarten students have skills they must master?  Below are pictures of them using their  5 senses.



Have you ever heard about the HEB Excellence in Education Award.  Below is the link.  Several of us here at OHE were nominated last year.  I encourage you to nominate one or all of your child(ren) teachers.  This is a great way to acknowledge all the wonder things teachers due here at OHE.  http://www.heb.com/sectionpage/about-us/community/excellence-in-education/26501118

Goodness, it is that time of year again when we have to talk about lice.  Please know that the best way to deal with lice is to use preventative strategies, such as wearing pony tails, not sharing brushes or playing with each other's hair, and using products that have items like tea tree, lavender, and rosemary in them. We do not wish for students to unnecessarily miss school, so we will do our best to work with all families whenever head lice is a problem.  However, we will enforce the district’s policy regarding lice.  Students with live lice will be sent home at the end of the day after parents are notified.  A student returns to school after treatment.  If nits are found, parents will be notified to see if treatment has begun.  Those students with recurring lice problems may be periodically monitored, and parents will be notified if the problem persists and/or if nits are present.  Class letters can only be sent home if 50% or more of the class has lice at one time.  (I don't think we have ever had that many in one class.) So, I have asked teachers to send information home through their own weekly communication suggesting preventative measures. Unfortunately, lice is a common problem in schools and not something that we as a school can solve alone, we need your help.  Please let me know if you have questions. 

We celebrated the end of the week with our Ballet Folklorico dancers.  I am so proud that we have started this club. Spots are open so look for flyers going home. 


 Next week are our OHE Student Council elections.  Students will begin campaigning Tuesday in classrooms and then either Wednesday or Thursday in hallways.  Student speeches and the election with results are Friday.  Stay tuned to next week's blog for results.  


Friday, September 12, 2014

Things seemed to have settled down this week.  Students are adjusting to the new routines and procedures, as well as the staff.  As I walk classrooms, I see lots of learning happening, especially with writing.  I think I have seen students writing in all content areas.  

If you are curious about what your child(ren) are specifically learning in school, most of the teachers have websites, blogs, or emails that identify the skills.  Uncertain if your teacher has a site, go to www.oakhillelementary.org.  Under the Faculty tab is a link for each teacher.  Some teachers still have their sites "under construction" so please be patient.  Just keep checking back.  

The 5th grade students have begun their "jobs".  Each class has a different week with responsibilities like Kinder Walker, Main Building Greeter, Annex Greeter, Honor Guard, and Recycler.   The positions really help so please be respectful of their presence.  

We celebrated MVP CATCH today by dressing up as our favorite sports.  




Did you know that we have 5 sets of twins in Kindergarten?  Isn't that interesting.  Any idea how many sets of multiples we have on campus?  I think you would be really surprised.

Beginning of the benchmarks have begun.  1st and 2nd graders are being assessed in reading and math.  This data will be available soon.  At my next Principals' Coffee,  I will identify what assessments we give and what you should know about the results.  This should be useful information as you go into parent conferences in October.  

This is just a reminder.  If you ever need a meeting translated, pleases send me an email at least a week in advance.  That way I can request an interrupter.

Looks like there should be lots of rain this weekend.  Stay dry and see you Monday.   

Friday, September 5, 2014

We at Oak Hill know how to fit as much as we can into a short week.  Back-to-School Night for both the primary and intermediate grades was highly successful.  It is great to see so many parents taking an active role in the child(ren)'s education.

Exercising has started.  OHE's morning track club, which we have renamed to "Wake Up, Work Out" has started.  Mondays and Wednesdays 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders are allowed to run the track between 7:15- 7:30 each week.  2nd and 4th graders run Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Kindergarten students will be allowed to run later in the year once they have learned the school routines.  If you are interested in running with your child(ren) or just want to help supervise, let Mrs. Palmer or Coach Shaw know.  Friday Track Club will start later in the fall once the weather cools.
 We ended the week with one of my favorite OHE traditions - Ice Cream Social.  This is a wonderful time where families come out, eat some ice cream and mingle with friends.
 I enjoy seeing some of the former students.
 Dancing to the music...

Or waiting in line for ice cream
Thank you to the PTA and Mrs. Mueller who organized the event!

Have a great weekend.