It is important for everyone to know how important the elections are this November.  Not only will a new governor and city mayor be elected, but there are 5 openings on the AISD School Board.  For those that might not think this is important, this new school board begins immediately. Therefore the new school board will select our new Superintendent as well as approve the new district budget.  Both of these items could have huge impacts for us all. Early voting has begun and runs through October.  We are even posting "I voted" pictures on our Facebook Page.  

There are so many awesome things happening here at OHE that I need help in bragging about them all.  In an effort to make sure all these wonderful things on campus receive a "Shout-Out" a section has been added to the OHE website.  Students, Staff, and parents can now give someone a kudos.   All you need to do is go to the OHE website, click on the "Shout-Out" button and write your message.  Then an email will come to me and the person you wish to send it too.  A running lists of brags will kept on the webpage.  Enjoy bragging about the wonderful things you see here at OHE.

Over the years, the OHE Gardening Club has received several grants that have helped to support the landscape of our school.  They are being featured on KLRU.  Please visit their website to learn more about our program.  www.klru.org/ctg

 Our 1st graders did a wonderful job with their fall musical.

Third graders this week learned about the different types of matter through a hands-on experiment with pancakes!  Yum!

Author Christopher Espinosa and his robot dog Rocket Megabyte visited Oak Hill on Wednesday. The 3rd, 4th and 5th graders received numerous writing tips on how to make any of their ideas become strong stories. He demonstrated how to start with a  good hook at the beginning, change boring details into stronger more specific details that paint a picture in the readers' minds, and to end with a bang. He left us with the thought - "If you think it, you can ink it!" Hopefully we will see many of our young authors put this tip to use.  His Texas Adventure book can still be purchased online at Sky Rocket Press (or email Ms. Underwood for specific details).

In our typical OHE fashion, with tons of things going on this week, we ended it with Fun Field Day. 

This morning in assembly we were reminded about Red Ribbon Week next week.  Check a previous eblast to learn how to dress each day.  Next week our 5th graders also begin their annual Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF service project.  So if your child(ren) start asking for change to bring to school, you will know why.  

We are also looking forward to award-winning author / storyteller Joe Hayes' visit to OHE Monday! And don't forget to take the family to the Texas Book Festival down on capitol grounds this Saturday and Sunday.  Lots of authors, storytellers, crafts, and food for the whole family. Enjoy!

Last week the Gardening Club, started to remove the summer plantings.  Two of the students helped to remove the basil and saved it for me, so that I could make pesto.  They were rewarded this week with pesto for their pasta.  Rebecca and Sophia actually seemed to enjoy it.

Third graders spent some time outside enjoying the wonderful weather and learning about science. 

It is so incredible to see teachers participating with their students.  These teachers are running/walking the track with their class.

Mrs. Lauri..

 Mrs. Cabrera...

 Mrs. Gerber...

Did you know that both the school's website and Eagle Eye have been awarded the Gold-level Award by the Texas PTA?  Thank you Geeta Suggs for your amazing leadership and work with these two sources of information.   

Next week is Bus Driver Appreciation Week.  Please let your bus drivers know how much you appreciate them.

Don't forget that Monday is a student holiday.  It is Parent Conference day for all elementary schools.  If you haven't scheduled a conference with your child's teacher, please do so.  All teacher emails can be found on the school website under faculty.  

As you conference with teachers, make sure you take the time to look at all the work displayed around the building.  

Fall picture day is Tuesday.  If you order pictures, please make sure the exact amount for the pictures is in the envelope.  We do not have change.

Looks like it will be wet this weekend.  Try and stay dry.

Do you know:

• That if each family donates $10 to the PTA No Hassle Fundraiser, OHE will reach our  goal? You can donate through our website at www.oakhillelementary.org

• There is a website related to all the construction on 290 and 71?  The project team is available to meet with neighborhood associations, community groups and others to discuss issues of concern, various improvement options, and the results of technical and environmental analyses. They welcome your questions about the Oak Hill Parkway. Here is the website www.OakHillParkway.com.

• That October 6th is the last day to register to vote for the November elections?  Early voting starts October 20th. 

• That 22 OHE teachers received A+ Federal Credit Union Grants that totaled over $22,000 for their classrooms?  Here they are being recognized by the AISD Interim Superintendent and School Board Monday night.

• That I typically have more dads at my Principal Coffee than moms?  (One dad today is missing from the picture.)

• That we had the 2014-2015 Student Council Installation Ceremony, and that the previous Student Council President, comes back for the ceremony?  

Hope you learned a few more facts related to OHE.  Enjoy your weekend. 

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.

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.