As I walked into class throughout the week, I continually saw students learning at rigorous levels. 

In Mrs. Robert's kindergarten class, students were writing names and determining which names had more letters.  The information was recorded on individual student charts.  What a great way to combine math and writing skills as well as letter recognition for some students.

 Mrs. May's second grade students were practicing creating 3 digit numbers, identifying the place value, and saying them in both English and Spanish.  (I had some difficulty with the last part of the tasks.  My Spanish wasn't so good past 50)!

 As I walked through 5th grade social studies, I was intrigued by the laptops on the students' desk.  Students explained to me that they were about to begin a research project on states and they were using the computers to find information. 

Also this week, student council elections began for 3rd - 5th grade.  This week individual classes elected representatives.  From the group of representatives, 4th & 5th grade students can run for office.  These positions are President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary.  Representatives must let their teacher know Monday which position, if any, they are running for this year.  Then starting Tuesday, students can begin campaigning.  Speeches will be delivered Friday morning at 8:00.  Good luck!

There has been lots of learning here at OHE. 

 In Mrs. Mendrek's kindergarten class, they share their learning from "Kitten's First Full Moon" by recording their discussion on stickie notes.

 Mrs. Faulkner allows her students to become the teacher and edit the daily message.

 During a Friday assembly, Mrs. Keller-Bergh had all of us 'dancing to the beat'.  What a workout even if we were sitting on the ground.

 Winners of OHE's summer reading challenge.  Although we didn't quite reach our goal of 5000 books, we were close.  One of our kindergartners read over 200 books and Mrs. Calabrese read 22!  I thought I was doing good with my 5. 

 In Mrs. Conaway's class, students used their senses to determine if the food items were sweet, sour, salty, or bitter.

We ended the week with our annual Ice Cream Social.  The weather was wonderful and we a great turn out.  Thanks PTA!

I hope that you are settling into the routines of another school  year.  Although there haven't been too many changes for OHE, we are adjusting as well.  There has been a strong emphasis on procedures and expectations. Students have spent lots of time practicing these things so that they become the norm.  That way later in the year, we can just move through the day seamlessly. 

Everyone has been supportive with the creation of a new class and the over/under crowding of other classrooms. We have already begun to level classes at the campus level.  This is where one class at a grade level was over but another class was under the 22 student ratio. Hopefully by Tuesday, I will learn the district's plan regarding the classrooms that can't be resolved in a similar way.

Don't forget that Back-to-School Nights are next week.  The teachers are excited about the opportunity to share with you their plans for the year. 

Have a great and relaxing holiday weekend.

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.