Wow, what an awesome first week of school.  It began with Ms. Underwood receiving a $500 check for our Newspapers in Education Program.  Way to go 4th graders for helping us earn this money.  The money will be used for library books.

 OHE has the most amazing teachers.  As I walked classrooms this week, there was already such quality learning happening and everyone seemed to get back into the school mode well. 

Mr. Cuming's class was discussing math concepts.  

 Mrs. Alonzo was reading to her students.

 Ms. Osio's class was reviewing place value.

 And even our kindergartners transitioned well to the "Big" cafeteria for lunch!

 Since it was too hot to run the track, hula hops were brought out. 

I hope all you had a great first week like we did.  Have a wonderful weekend.

What a wonderful first day.  Everything seemed to go smoothly for us even with a new line order in the cafeteria.  I hope it did for you as well.  It was great seeing all the students back in the building.  It is very lonely without them here.

I didn't see too many tears from our new kindergartners - maybe a few from their parents?  I know tomorrow will be easier for you. 

Stay tuned for more pictures.  I will try and take some each day.  Check with your friends and make sure they are getting my blog. 

Welcome back, and I look forward to another outstanding year here at OHE!

Hope everyone is having a great summer vacation.

I wanted to say THANK YOU to all those that came out and painted tonight.  Lindsay, who organized the event and helped get all the volunteers. Geeta, who was our paint runner and went to Home Depot twice.  Of course, the Wileys were here along with Ms. Ferguson, Ms. Underwood, and Mrs. Barre with her daughter.

A special thanks go to SW Family Fellowship Church and Hope Mission Church for coming out tonight and helping us revitalize our school! We couldn't have done it without you! THANK YOU!

 Looking into the newly painted front hallways.

The newly painted front hallway. 

 This is the front hallway leading to the 4th and 5th grade side.

 The teacher's lounge with a fresh coat of paint.  Not sure how Ms. Ferguson's shirt stayed pink.  I was covered in yellow paint!

 Although it looks a mess, the workroom looks wonderful now.

 ...and the conference room too!

It is hard to believe that my first year at OHE has come to an end.  Now I can't use the excuse, "I didn't know that or oh, that's the way it is supposed to be done."  I have had an exciting year and look forward to many more.

Our last assembly was yesterday and what fun we had.  There was lots of dancing and celebrating.

 Fifth graders were honored as we said our farewells.  Best of luck next year and don't forget to come back and say hi!

 

We also said good-bye to Mrs. Phillips.  After 40 something years in education, she has decided to retire.  Her dream was to leave in a limo, so with the support of her class and parents the dream was fulfilled.   (I have no doubt we will be seeing her again.)

 

In music class, students are encouraged to earn their "black belt" by playing the school song on their recorders.  So, our last school song was led by them.

 Many of you have probably seen all these chains in classrooms.  Students earned links in special areas and the cafeteria for outstanding behavior.  Teacher decided to display them by wearing them to assembly!

 An annual tradition at OHE, is the 3 Ring Circus. With parents facilitating the event, students rotate through three different events:  Mad Science, One World Theater, and a video on the rain forest. 

We also say good-bye to several other teachers here at OHE.  Ms. Brooks, Mrs. Polan, Ms. Traylor-Price, and Mr. Kennedy.  We wish you the best of luck in your next endeavor.

Since I only get 8 days of summer off, I will continue to blog over the summer.  So be on the watch!  See you  next year. 

On Monday, I participated in Reunion Ranch with the 5th graders.  I figured pictures would explain better than my words......

 Kyla and Desiree were my Putt Putt Golf buddies and decided to take a break on the paddle boats.

 Lunch for champions, hot dogs and beans.

 This is a maze the students could play in.

 A little bit of shade.

 The beach area where you get in the paddle boats.

 Nathan on the obstacle course.  Great action shot.

 Parents against kids in a kick ball game.  Score.... Parents 19 kids 9!  Yea parents!

Mrs. Wiley and Ms. Osio taking a break.

 Higher Dad, higher!

 Who won?

 Ms. Osio encouraging a parent to climb the ladder.

 Parents needed a break as well.

 Another playscape.

 Under the pavilion, fans had mist spraying out of them. 

 View of the paddle boats.

 Thought I had heard students crying but it was the neighboring donkeys.

 Putt Putt Golf course.  Boy was this difficult.

 Even with all the fun activities, unlimited sodas was the favorite. 

 Round of basketball anyone....

 The Zip Line was a definite favorite among students and parents.

Reunion Ranch is a wonderful place where 5th graders celebrate the end of the elementary career.  It is a relaxing atmosphere and students are allowed to move about the place choosing activities of their interests. 

I have definitely forgotten how many things happen the last few weeks of school. But even with all the extra activities, there is learning happening in the classrooms.  Below are first graders from Mrs. Mendrek's class presenting their research projects.

 Throughout the year, the music classes work on their "Music Memory" lessons.  Students are assessed and the top students participate in a "Music Memory" competition.  Below are our winners.  Our own Mr. Bowers helps to create the truly amazing lessons for this program.  If you have never observed a lesson, I encourage you to watch next year. 

In Ms. Brown's 4th grade music class, the students from Mrs. Phillips' class have learned to play the school song on their recorder.  This is earning their "black belt".  If you have a 4th grader, ask them to play you the song.  

OHE's first 3rd grade Talent Show.  I heard there were some amazing acts!  Thank you to Mr. and Mrs. Williams for overseeing this production.

 In addition to closing out the year, we have begun planning for next year.  One newly approved program is Lego Robotics.  Although not all the details have been finalized, it will be available for some 4th and 5th graders next year and will need to begin immediately when school starts so the students are ready for competition in November.  More information will be coming. 

Due to 5th grade graduation next Friday, there will NOT be an assembly.  Our next and last assembly will be May 31st.  Please pass the word.

Mrs. Baxter allows her students' interest to tumble into the classroom.  These 3rd grade girls create a play with script, props, and costumes.

 Two of our parent reading programs were honored this week, SOARING and Reading Rangers.  This volunteers work with 1st and 2nd grade students.  Thank you volunteers.  Your time definitely helped.

 Today during assembly our 4th and 5th grade Math Pentathlon students were recognized.

 For the past two weeks, the PTA sponsored a coin drive to help the Oak Hill families impacted by the fire last month.  The students raised over $900!