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.  

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.   

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. 

I can't believe the first week of school is already finished!  Weren't we just in summer?  Check out some of these first week pictures.

First, let me thank you for your patience with the buses.  This is always a challenge each year.  There are some stops that have about 90 students getting off of the bus.  That is way too many for one bus so some students might be assigned to another bus- even though it is the same stop!  Plus students can have one bus in the AM and another in the PM.  Mrs. Baxter is working diligently to ensure all students arrive home safely.  Don't hesitate to call if you have questions.

A huge shout-out to the families that brought snacks for the lounge this week.  Snacks are always appreciated, especially when teachers ate in the cafeteria this week with their students.

Speaking of the cafeteria.  We are requesting that all parents eat on stage with their child again this year.  Many of our classes use every cafeteria seat, and I don't think it is fair to ask another student to move from his/her seat, so a parent can sit down.  For the tables that might have an extra seat and a parent sits there, it appears that we have different standards for different parents.  We also have several students with severe food allergies this year and specific accommodations must be made for those students.  For the safety and fairness for all students, please eat on stage or picnic tables with your child. If you would like to discuss this further, just let me know.

I guess many of you have seen my ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  I felt honored to be nominated by one of our students, Caroline L.

This is a reminder to send lunch money in an envelope with your child's name on it.  The cafeteria already has over $30 uncounted for this week!.  I would suggest always sending money in an envelope with the student name and where the money goes.  I always see students with cash on them and they can't ever tell me why they have it.

A huge thank you to our grants committee.  Between the Intel Grant and the Dollar General Literacy Grant, OHE received almost $9000 this week!  This is an addition to the 22 teachers who received A+ Grants this summer.  I am so proud of all this hard work and financial support for our students.

We are trying to be more structured and timely during assemblies this year.  We are starting promptly at 7:30 and will not be adding items to the agenda past Wednesday night.  Often Mr. Cumings was adding items Friday morning causing the assemblies to get very long.

Today we celebrated our Summer Reading Challenge Winners.  It is amazing how much reading happened.  I am ashamed to admit, I wasn't even close!  Due to so much reading, OHE met the challenge and had music played at lunch.  Students will also receive extra recess time.  Here are our winners.  Ryan- 120, Ian -117, Bailey -91, Emil -128, Carlos - 94, Emma - 249, Kai - 107, Ella - 90, Ellie -43, Kelly - 40, Lydia -12, Mrs Hamelwright 27, and parent Beth Thorton- 26.  Total we reading over 2500 books this summer!  That is awesome.

Don't forget Monday is a Holiday and that Back-to School Night is September 3rd for Kinder - 2nd grade and September 4th for 3rd - 5th grade.  Both nights start at 6:00.

Have a great extra long weekend.  I think both students and staff can use the extra sleep!

What a successful Eagle Encounter and Meet the Teacher.  Everyone was so excited to learn who their teacher was and put all their supplies in their classrooms.

There was even a line at the PTA membership booth.  We couldn't do it without them.  

Speaking of the PTA, we would like to thank them for breakfast this week. As well as Mrs. Suggs for helping us with a new system for printing out the postcards.  THANK YOU.

Please remember that traffic will be hectic on Monday.  The building opens at 7:10 and there isn't much traffic then.  All students/families entering the building prior to 7:30 are asked to wait in the cafeteria until we dismiss.  Then to lessen the congestion in the hallways, we dismiss classes one at a time.  

We look forward to seeing everyone Monday.  Have a great last weekend!

It is hard to believe that teachers start back to work next week.  Throughout this week, all the new OHE teachers have been on campus setting up their rooms and learning about Oak Hill.  Did you know that there will be 7 new to Oak Hill teachers and 1 new Teacher Assistant?  It is a great group with lots of experience.  Mrs. Bentley will support their learning this year and "be on call" if they need something.

Four of our 3rd grade rooms are currently receiving new floors.  Mrs. Grimm, Mrs. Tarpley, Mrs. Peterka, and Mrs. Hunter (Smith) have been patiently avoiding their rooms so this could get done before school starts.

Postcards identifying teacher name will be mailed late Tuesday.  Be on the lookout.  Don't forget about the Eagle Encounter/Meet the Teacher on the 22nd between 4:00-5:00pm.  School supplies will be delivered to each student's class prior to the Eagle Encounter. (If you have supplies that you purchased on your own, please bring them on Friday but do not label any.)  We hope this reduces the congestion in the cafeteria. There will still be booths for the Easy Eagle, SOARing, Eagle Gear, Scouts, Banking, and after-school care so do stop by while you are on campus.  Remember Meet the Teacher is an informal event and not a time to conference with the teacher about your child. If you would like to conference with the teacher, please schedule another time.  Teachers will also ask you how your child will be leaving school the first day, so please have that information ready like the bus name.  Parking is quite limited - please be patient. Kona Ice will be here at 4:30 for you to enjoy on your way OUT of the school. Please do not bring Kona Ice into the school.

There are two more Kinder playdates at the annex playground: Saturday at 9am and Tuesday at 9am. This is a great time to bring your child to meet some new friends. Someone from the PTA will be there on Tuesday to answer your questions.

I would also like to thank all the volunteers that helped in the gardens and with the chickens this summer. Our gardens and chickens are doing well!

I look forward to seeing everyone next week.  Have a great weekend. 

After completing a tour for an incoming 1st grader, I was reminded of how different OHE is without students and teachers here.  It isn't a fun place to be without all the excitement.  I also realized last week came and went without me submitting my blog.

The last week of school holds lots of excitement.  The kindergarten team began a new tradition for the students with a "Migration" to the big building.  As the kindergartners walked through the classrooms here in the big building, they were so proud and could barely contain their excitement.

Another tradition started by our outgoing PTA President, is the End-of-Year PTA celebration.  The PTA recognized outgoing parents, Senior Scholarship winners, and outgoing staff.  When I saw all the outgoing parents together, it made me sad.  Both of the PTA presidents while I have been principal here at OHE are leaving.  I give both of them credit for helping the school and PTA to become true partners. One of the families instrumental in changing the landscape at OHE is also leaving as well as one of the moms that pops the monthly popcorn.  These are hard shoes to fill.  It was also great to see the previous OHE students and hear about their accomplishments while in AISD.  I was quite impressed by how involved they had remained in their schools and community over the years.  And of course they said good-bye to Ms. Ferguson.  She had been a teacher here at OHE for 24 years!

Wednesday was an extra special day because that was our 5th grade graduation.  It is always great to see the students so dressed up.  As I shook each student's hand, I congratulated him/her for what they had accomplished here in elementary school and encouraged them to continue to become involved at middle school.  I also reminded them that once an Eagle, always an Eagle and to come back and visit.

Afterwards the 4th grade parents help the 5th graders celebrate by hosting a reception out on the playground. Families and mentors all come out to honor our 5th graders.  

And of course, there are End-of-Year parties for each grade level.  Second graders end their year at Dick Nichols Park.

And if you haven't gone on our website to see the flashmob performed by our No Place for Hate Coalition and the song our music teachers sang to the students the last day, I encourage you to do that as well.

The district is moving to a new report card system.  As most of you know, parents can monitor student grades through Parent Connect (Gradespeed).  That process is now moving to the Cloud.  Usernames and passwords should stay the same but not guaranteed.  So over the summer, make sure you check on your access.

I will be here through the last week of June so if you need anything just send me an email.

Happy Summer and see you on the 22nd for Meet the Teacher.

Tiny Tails To You! Petting Zoo made it to the Annex Cafeteria on Tuesday, even after some heavy rains. Pre-K students had a fun time petting small animals such as: bunnies, chicks, guinea pigs, hedge hogs, a blue tongue skink, bearded dragon and a chinchilla. Some animals were so cozy and soothed by gentle hands, that they fell asleep. Even Mrs. Gerber hopped right in with the fun but chose to stick with the soft fuzzier animals.

 

Ms. Underwood celebrated with students who helped out in the library this year. They ate lunch and watched "How to Train a Dragon" while eating popcorn and cookies.  

Fourth grade performed their western on Thursday. It was a full house at the OHE Corral. Students sang songs about heading West by horse and wagon, locomotive, and steamboat- in search of gold!  They struck it rich with Ms. Brown and Ms. Tobias leading the way!

The afternoon ended with an exciting basketball game (silent auction donation from 2nd grade) between Second Graders, called the "OHE Super Eagles" and the Second Grade Teachers. Coach Shaw led his team to victory.  Great fun was had by all!

Last night was also the AISD Salute - Teacher of the Year Celebration at the Long Center.  Mrs. Steinle, OHE Teacher of the Year; Mr. Gerber, OHE Teacher of Promise, and Mrs. McGregor, OHE Teacher Assistant of the Year were all recognized at the event.

It was an exciting morning at the assembly today with a surprise Flash Mob performance by our No Place For Hate Coalition.

Check out the video below (or on our youtube channel):

Did you know that classes can adopt the chickens for a week and they get to keep the eggs!  This week was Ms. Grotrian's class. Typically, a class receives between 12-14 eggs per week.  The students have named the chickens.  The one with feathers on her feet is Chirp, and she lays green eggs.  Maggie also has feathers on her feet but doesn't lay green eggs.  Tiny is the smallest and lays the smallest eggs.  The class celebrated today with french toast.  

Today after the assembly, was another OHE tradition, the 2nd grade talent show. Many students showed their talents from singing, doing karate, performing a song with sign language, doing gymnastics, telling jokes, playing instruments, dancing and even showing us some magic tricks. These kids are very talented and brave. It is hard to get up in front of a crowd.

A special thank you to Mrs. Nowakowski-Grimm, who filled in as an Administrator this week. You will see her again in the office next week helping while Mrs. Baxter is out.

And yes, it is the last week.  Can't believe another year has gone by.  There are still some teachers that need parents to help for 3 Ring Circus.  Touch base with your teacher if you can help or sign up here. We'd love help anywhere as some classes are in more need than others! Thank you.

On Monday about 60 5th grade Library Club members  and all of the 1st grade classes met for their final Reading Buddy Day. They celebrated with a Beach Blanket Read-O where they took some of their favorite books and their beach towels out to the black top and enjoyed some time reading together. This reading buddy group has met almost once a month this year. At each meeting, small groups gather and share books while they get to know each other. It is great to see the relationships grow as they share a love of reading!
The Library Club members have done a great job this year helping in the library. They have earned points throughout the year by checking their assigned shelf making it neat and displaying books to catch students' interest, helped students in the library find books, ran errands for Ms. Underwood, monitored the hall (and modeled appropriate behavior) during the Pledge and Moment of Silence, and helped during Book Fair. They have been a great group of kids, and they are looking forward to their end of the year celebration next week!

 On Tuesday, Bernadette Nason, was a storyteller on campus.  One 5th grade student described her as "epic".  I learned that means way cool.

 Also on Tuesday, an OHE parent has made it a tradition to celebrate staff members that have been at OHE for 25+ years.  This year we celebrated Mrs. Lynch and Mrs. Faulkner. I think together they had over 50 years of OHE experience!

On Wednesday, Nic a 5th grader, received his Silent Auction Item and ate on stage with Sgt. Mitchell.  He and his friend had lots of fun asking Sgt. Mitchell questions.

 Nic also received another one of his Silent Auction Items on Friday as Principal for the Day.  Here is what he had to say about the experience. "It is fun to be principal for the day. Plus, Dr. Mitchell is  the most awesome principal I have ever seen. Plus, the cafeteria was exhausting with so many questions to be answered by all the kids!"

Thursday evening, we had 5 of our Take Flight students Graduate from the program.  These students have been attending sessions everyday for 2 years!  What an accomplishment!  Plus, a huge thank you to Ms. Ashorn and Mrs. Moody for teaching the program.

Did you know that Mary, the Cafeteria Manger has retired?  Bill, the person who has been substituting while Mary was out, has accepted the position and will be the new Cafeteria Manger.  Please give him a huge OHE welcome the next time you see him.

Did you see the news crew on campus again?  Our gardens are getting lots of press.  This time is was with Mr. Cumings and our Gardening Club.  I'll let you know the air date once we know.

Last week I mentioned that our Music Memory team would be competing on Saturday.  They did great.  Of the 18 team members, we had about 5 perfect scores and lots of 2nd and 3rd place winners.

For those that haven't heard, I will be out for part of the week.  Demetrie and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary.  Helping Mrs. Baxter while I am out will be Mrs. Nowakowski-Grimm.  She has been working on her Principal Certification all year and this will give her some great hands-on experience.  (Don't give her too much trouble :))