Community

I took a field trip one morning this week with a couple of third grade classes.  If you haven't checked out the in-town Elisabet Ney Museum, you really should.  This field experience is part of third grade's Social Studies TEKS, broadly noted as community, and is one of a handful they take to enhance student understanding of some notable members and places of our own community in Austin.  This particular visit, with Mr. Robenhorst and Ms. Smith's classes, gave students information on Elisabet's early years, her unorthodox views (for the 1800's, women wearing pants or riding their horses astride, were both considered rebellious acts by women, something our students have a hard time grasping today), her work as a noted sculptor here and abroad, as well as a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse at the building itself (her studio/residence).  We heard about and saw many of Elisabet's noted works and learned that she typically started "small", with a bust of some type before working on full body pieces. We also were able to take the spiral staircase to the study of Elisabet's husband, Dr. Edmund Montgomery, and discover the secret door that leads to the roof.  That was pretty neat. The figures of notable Texans Sam Houston and Stephen F. Austin were also on display (see below) and our docent very graciously gave us an overview of their accomplishments, which third graders will definitely hear more about in fourth grade and all things Texas history! 

Soles4Souls is also happening on our campus this week through November 15.  Sponsored by our CLASS after school student service club, this wonderful first semester project will provide shoes for those who need them.  I plan to clean out my closets this weekend, bring in my $1 donation to cover shipping for each pair donated, and help a good cause.  Thanks to our CLASS staff sponsors and students for coordinating a worthwhile endeavor. As the website at http://www.soles4souls.org/ states, "Shoes help prevent the spread of parasitic diseases that plague over 1.4 billion people worldwide, and they are a basic human necessity."  Help a good cause for our community members at large and drop off your new or gently worn shoes in a designated hallway box at HP.

PTA Reflections art projects wrapped up this week and the entries were impressive.  The theme this year was "Diversity Means" and students were to "Reflect on a Theme.  Create an Original Work.  Be Recognized".  Originals works could include dance choreography, photography, film production, musical composition, visual arts, or literature.  Several of the students will be advancing to the next level. Super work!  I enjoyed stopping by for the culminating trip to Berry Austin after school yesterday - thanks!  Check out two of the entries by Sophia and Sophia shown below.  Truly thoughtful work as we think of the diversity in our own community (and what it truly means!). Special thanks to Stephanie Wilson for chairing this annual event for our school.

Finally, I'm posting this a bit early with the hopes that you come out to support our own vertical team community at Lamar Middle School's annual fall carnival, Lamarfest.  Starts at 6:00 pm tonight, Friday, November 4. Promises to be a blast!