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| Waiting on Sandy's burgers! |
Monday and Friday were the cornerstones of all things Spring Fling winners. Mrs. McDaniel and I had the privilege of spending time with fourth grader Jack, along with two of his buddies Zach and Nick, for a lovely outing to Peter Pan golf and Sandy's hamburgers. Overcast but wonderful day to be out with three very well-mannered and engaging boys. Though sadly I did not "win" at putt-putt, I did have fun and that's what counts!
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| Raphael and Mrs. Land handing out "diplomas" |
Wrapping up the week today was also one of our other admin Spring Fling wins. My Principal(s) for the Day, Raphael and Gabrielle, helped me in my duties as we walked the grounds, conducted walkthroughs (they left lots of positive comments!), helped with primary reading, emailed, and made announcements. Raphael additionally was able to be a part of Mrs. Land's Kinder graduation program this morning. We topped off our day with a very relaxing lunch at CheZee and Berry Austin treat - not a typical part of a principal's day unfortunately - with Mrs. McDaniel and her AP for the Day, Marina. Both of us look forward to this day every year so special thanks to our three administrators for a job well done.
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| Gabrielle hard at work |
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| Lunch doesn't get much better! |
Volunteerwas the key word this week as we headed into Tuesday's annual Kinder Round-Up. Parents and key staff facilitated this morning quite nicely, while incoming students visited classrooms. If you were unable to come for the event, please make plans to visit our office to pick up your packet, sooner rather than later. Having accurate numbers is key to planning for 12-13!
We recognized some of these same hard-working folks at a Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast later in the week. Staff brought in goodies to the library as our small way of saying "Thank You" to the many, many parents and community members who make our school such a great place to come to each and every day. Couldn't do it without y'all.
And on that same note, we recognized a pair of ladies at our staff meeting Thursday. I've written before about the tremendous job both Maria Raper and Jeannine Ripp have done with the Fluency Center program at HP. Our kids are stronger readers because of the dedication and effort these two have put into this unpaid job, and though they are passing the torch, we appreciate all they have done for this program over the years.
Other staff recognitions were highlighted at the same staff meeting. Did you know that we have several teachers who are up for or have received special recognition this year? Our own Laine Leibick, HEB Teacher of the Year finalist, is in Houston this weekend for her festivities, Mrs. Hunter was selected by the Kennedy Center as one of four teacher reps to attend the June CETA arts integration conference in DC, and third grade teacher Mrs. Kilgore will travel to the Woodlands as one of a few AISD teachers to attend June's Mickelson ExxonMobil Math and Science Academy. Additionally, Beth Finkle is a nominee for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Math and Science teaching (PAEMST), while Leah Read was awarded a $1,600 grant to attend the LETRS conference in Missouri over the summer. This reading training will help further her foundational knowledge of LETRS, something we are excited to have her share next school year. Proud of all you, but none more so than our SALUTE 2012 Award nominees. Robin Maca, Teacher of the Year nominee, Brian Brannan, the school's Teacher of Promise candidate, and Lynn Bucknall, Classified Staff member of the year, will be recognized on May 23 at the Long Center. These hard working Scotties were selected by campus staff for all they do for kids each and every day. Can't wait and congrats to all!
Let me end by saying what a thrill it was to see Badgerdog's student poetry readings to second grade parents this week. The students put on their Sunday best, stepped up to the mic, and read original or favorite published poems for the audience. I was also impressed with their personal poetry anthologies on display for parents to read, as well as the smiles on our performers faces as they exited the stage to much applause. Badgerdog writers have now moved on to third grade where they've just begun memoir writing, so I'm looking forward to checking out those writings as well. Lots of reasons to celebrate our week!
