Guess there are all kind of ways to start Spring Break, but I am not sure a 'blackout' the last 45 minutes of the day was the best way.  I can't imagine the students didn't say something when they go home, but the electricity here at OHE went out about 2:00.  The building can get pretty dark in places that don't have access to windows, like my office.  I bet the student who was in here with me thinks twice before he/she does something inappropriate again!  We were able to dismiss students on time but buses were very late getting students home and many parents got stuck in all the traffic that backed up.   Please know that someone will always be here until every last student is picked up and dropped off by the buses.  We will not leave any student alone!

Last Saturday the 5th Grade Volleyball team competed at UT.  I heard they did a great job and had lots of fun.

The 3rd graders had their annual "Living Museum".   Students selected individuals from the past or present to research.  The information learned was displayed on a board and students had to present the information to each other.  Many dressed up in costume.  Can you guess who they represent?

This week was Dr. Seuss's Birthday.  During library this week, students listened to many stories written by him.  Today during assembly, one of the Dr. Seuss characters made his annual visit.

Student Council also hosted "Be a Zoologist and bring a stuffed animal to school" day.  There were lots of stuffed animals in the gym this morning.  Some were even bigger than the students.

I hope everyone has a great Spring Break and does something exciting and fun.  See you back here on the 17th.  Anyone know when the last time we had school on St. Patrick's day was?

I realize that lice is a topic most of us don't like to discuss.  Unfortunately, it is a common experience for schools.  Monday afternoon the "Fairy Lice Mothers" were here to help explain preventative measures and what to do if you have lice.  Know that lice isn't something that just happens to students adults can get them too.  I got them years ago during my first principalship, and I know of several teachers that have had them too.  So we all take this topic very seriously, Mrs. Gerber even volunteered to have the method demonstrated on her.

The intermediate students have been taking benchmark tests this week.  I have been proud of their hard work.  4th graders have one more next week.  I know the teachers have already analyzed the results and are in the process of creating new plans for the students to ensure they are ready for STAAR.

The 1st graders had their annual musical this morning.  There were lots of sheep, pigs, cows, goats, and ducks.  They did a great job singing and telling jokes.

Also today was "Mix it up day" in the cafeteria.  Student Council gave each student a colored dot that corresponded with a sign on the table.  Students sat with other students in their grade level.  It was fun walking through the cafeteria listening to the students introduce themselves to other students.

And of course we finished the week with our annual carnival.  Special thanks to PTA President Anne Marie, below in the yellow mustache.  

Also thanks goes out to Angela G., who organized the carnival and D'Ann W., who ran the Silent Auction.  This is our biggest fundraiser and it was another huge success.

 A new event this year - the Quad Bungee Jump.

 Lots more food trucks.

 Another new event...Home Depot.

 The mechanical bull was also new.

 The disco lounge.

 Future Eagle?

Come on Brooke you can do it!

Again thanks to the hundreds of volunteers that support this event by helping work the booths, creating items for silent auction, and by bringing snacks to sale.  It takes this entire school community to create such an amazing event.  THANK YOU!!!

We began the week with our first "Bring Your Family to School Day" on Tuesday.  This was an opportunity for family members to come and observe what happens here at school or at least first thing in the morning.  We would love for this to be an all day event but just can't figure out the logistics for allowing that to happen.  Over 256 family member visited on Tuesday showing their support to OHE!  Thank you.

Wednesday afternoon at Palmer Events Center for the Austin Energy students explained their projects in detail on camera.   It was Brooke, Devin, Sarah and Ethan.

This morning the Soaring Eagles performed two songs in honor of Black History Month.  They did a wonderful job and the students in the audience were dancing along with the beat.

If you don't have plans for tomorrow morning, remember we are having our annual pancake breakfast at Applebees starting at 8:00.  You can buy tickets at the door.

Also, next Friday is our annual PTA Carnival.  I've heard there are some new events - don't miss it!

Can you believe all this crazy winter weather?  I can't keep track - 3 school cancellations and 3 late starts?  Hopefully, there won't be anymore.  Remember that there is school Monday.  That is our first bad weather make-up day.

Here are some things that have happened over the past two weeks.  During "No Name Calling Week", students participated in many different activities like giving compliments and throwing away "bad words". The "No Place for Hate" Student Coalition took all the compliments and posted them in the cafeteria.

During assembly this morning, staff reminded students about our annual Applebees breakfast next Saturday.  This is a great family event where teachers get to serve you breakfast.  Get your tickets now.

 As if there wasn't enough excitement today with it being Valentine's Day, it was also crazy hair day.  Can you imagine wearing those flowers in your hair all day?!

Here is Mrs. Bentley's class celebrating.  It must have been after all the craziness because they seem pretty calm.

 Even Mrs. Marin was able to participate during her daughter's Valentine Party.

Enjoy the great weather this weekend and remember that carnival is right around the corner on February 28th.

With all these crazy bad weather days, it seems like forever since my last blog.

Did you know that our website was awarded the gold-level award from the Texas PTA?  Because of this, OHE was honored on the district website page, the Austin American Statesman, and I've heard several local news stations.  I know I don't say it enough - thanks Geeta Suggs for all the time and effort you have put into this site.  It truly is amazing.

This past Monday, parents and volunteers surprised us (the entire OHE staff) with an "Extraordinary Eagles" Day.  Everyone single person on campus received something special.  I was so surprised to see how individual the gifts were for each person.  Time was spent really trying to determine what each one of us liked.  Mine was Big Red and M&Ms - two of my favorite things.  (Thank you Mrs. Caporal for selecting me!)  These gifts were so appreciated especially during this time.  For those of you who don't know this, AISD employees get paid at the end of each month, except in December when we get paid the last day before vacation.  So it has been 6 weeks since our last pay check!  Thanks for thinking of us and making this last week before pay day a little easier.

We also announced our new Teacher of the Year on Monday.  Mrs. Steinle, one of our fabulous special education teachers, has earned the title.  She is an amazing teacher and will represent OHE well.

We also had our annual science fair this week.  These students earned Honorable Mention:  Raelan, Tallula, Kate, Robert, Remy, Trey, Shreeja, Ian, Sophia, and Lauren.  The following students qualify for the Austin Regional Science Fair:  Devin, Elizabeth, Lucy, Caroline, Will, Maggie, Brooke, Joanna, Ben, Brandis, Akshaya, Jack, Thomas, Ethan, Archer, Erin, and Sarah.  I am so proud of these students and all the students who submitted projects.  Great job!

As usual, there is lots going on next week.  The big event is Friday.  Student Council is hosting a movie night.   Mark you calendars.

Last Saturday OHE hosted our annual Family Fun Run.  Students, parents, and faculty ran over 1408 laps,  which is about 352 miles!  Business partners helped with prizes, food, and first aide.  It is one of my favorite events.  This year we had an announcer and music which made the event seem very professional.  I encourage you to do it next year.  It is typically the first weekend after we return from winter break.

One of the prize winners...

 One of our prize winners already practicing...

 Even previous students came back to run...

 Yea, Woytek family.

 That's me with 17 of those laps and Mrs. Baxter giving out dots.

Remember the 3rd grade book drive in December?  The 3rd graders presented their book donations to Book Spring and Posada Esperanza on Monday.  The organizations were so thankful and stated it was the  largest school donation they have received!  Thank you for your support.

Have you ever heard of the Mobile Planetarium?  It is like a huge bubble that displays different space concepts on the ceiling of the bubble.  Students sit in the bubble and get to observe actual events in space.  It is a neat experience that students enjoy.  It was here on campus this week and 1st, 3rd, and 5th graders participated.

Below is Mrs. Faulkner's and Mrs. Hamburger's class in side the Mobile Planetarium

Next week is No Name Calling Week and the "No Place for Hate" Student Coalition has come up with lots of activities.  Make sure you ask your child about it and there should be more information about it in Sunday's Eagle Eye.

Don't forget Monday is a holiday - so see everyone back here on Tuesday.

Welcome back!  It was so wonderful to see all the students' faces Tuesday morning.  Hopefully it was a smooth transition back into the school routine.  I know for me hearing that alarm clock sound early Monday morning was not pleasant.  Although tired, I think this was a normal OHE week.

Wednesday, our 5th graders attended a Lady Longhorns Basketball game.  I realize for some this might seem like a real stretch in order to align with the TEKS. But to me, it is one of those life experiences that supports students with their learning.  There is more to  learning than just reading, writing, and math.  Community involvement is an important part of being a successful adult too-even if it was a UT basketball game!  The students had a blast, and I heard the game went into overtime and the new football coach, Coach Strong, made an appearance and spoke to the crowd.

Don't forget that tomorrow we have two things going on...Student Council is cleaning up the street in front of OHE (9:00) and our annual Family Fun Run (10:00).  Hope to see you there.