Fifth graders had another big week. On Monday, they attended a very special backstage tour of Bass Concert Hall, which sadly I missed. I heard from UT's Mindy Graves that our kids were super polite; Ms. Guimbarda also tells me the students really enjoyed seeing all the behind the scenes spaces that comprise getting a major performance ready. Especially the costume and scenery areas. Their week didn't end there because they left very early Wednesday morning for their annual Camp Allen culminating adventure. Many days spent doing lots of outdoor learning experiences and enjoying fellowship with each before their time at HP ends. They are always tired when they get off the bus, but can't wait to see 'em today when they arrive...I'm sure we have some anxious parents who feel the same way.
One last fifth grade item...before she left for Camp Allen, Ms. Guimbarda shared the final student artwork created in connection with her LA novel unit The Watson's Go to Birmingham. Thought I'd highlight a couple of pieces as they were very well done, with much thought about the connections to the themes of the book. 
Third grade teacher Alyssa Smith also wrapped up her historical fiction unit based on the novel The Victory Garden. Students analyzed WPA posters and created their own posters in connection with the novel themes, along with other activities; much discussion on the posters' importance to the Allied cause during WWII and sustainable food movement happening today.
I was able to join third graders on their last field experience celebrating community. First stop was The UT Landmark's Tour - again hosted by Mindy Graves and 2 very capable student docents. We walked across parts of campus to see and hear about 3 installations, then discussed artist intent and our own interpretations of works. As you can see, at the Perlman installation Square Tilt, students extended the discussion through chalk drawings related to what they thought would go well within the framed outline of the piece.
Once done at UT, we boarded the buses and headed to the very interesting TX State Cemetery. This was perhaps one of my favorite student field experiences of the year. Our historian guide "Mr. Will" seemed to know everything about everyone buried at the cemetery, shared something cool (he called it "gross") at each stop, and we honestly left thinking we could have stayed all day and still had more to learn. The teachers, parents, and students all said they were going home and googling one resident's story in particular - Mr. Josiah Wilbarger. Look him up! His fascinating tale of survival is riveting for all ages. A great in-town experience to let our kids know that history can come alive, be interesting, and fun to learn.
Finally, Mr. Gay and his second grade language arts class surprised me with a very special gift today and I was beyond touched by the gesture. They made a class book based on the East Washington Academy's book Vincent Van Gogh's Cat. With a special nod to our creative classroom initiative and to the fact that we are indeed the Scotties, I received Ms. Workman's Scotties and I couldn't be prouder. Each student drew a Scottie, with a sentence that had to include one vivid verb. So lots of Scotties on the pages prancing, leaping, and scampering. Truly, truly loved it and the thoughtfulness behind the gesture. Couldn't ask for a better start to Memorial Day weekend.
