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.