Humdinger of a week!

Great first week back at HP. Practiced routines in place, rooms together, schedules implemented.  Things rolled out smoothly for the most part and so it almost felt as if we were simply starting another day, not a new year.  Lots of work behind the scenes to get ready for beginning of the year at any school, but I'm glad we had a nice start to 2013-2014.

Our First Day saw the annual Welcome Back coffee for parents.  This is always a nice, low-key morning hosted by our PTA and it serves as a good way for old and new friends to connect.  Several of us were also outside greeting Scotties on this day one and it was cool to see so many happy adult and student faces coming up the walkways. When you all are excited to return, we are excited to be back in school...so thanks for that positive energy.   There were even very few "traditional tears" in kindergarten drop-off this year, so a special hats off! to those K teachers and parents for making first day such a positive experience for our littlest learners. 

Super-duper new Dr. Seuss bag

First week is also all about visiting classrooms to ensure teachers have what they need so students have a good start as well.  I especially loved seeing our new teachers in action this year because you know how they must be feeling.  Their very first class.  Wow!  That's something they will always remember. It was great to see learning taking place from day one, including students use of their agenda books, new class procedures, and most importantly, building that sense of community from day one.  I saw many creative strategies in use (such as Mrs. Guenther's Role on the Wall tied to literature and the theme of friendship), as well as teachers diving right into math, writing, and so much more.  Awesome!

First Grade diving into Math!





Of course it wouldn't be the start of the year without Back to School Nights (we've had one night so far and one more to go!) and our now "traditional" Taco Shack Bowl evening.  Biggest HP crowd I've seen yet and it was really great hanging with parents and kids while we built that Knight Pride in our elementary students. Thank you McCallum principal extraordinaire Mike Garrison for your good humor in all things little ones hanging off your neck (yep, they were that excited!), AISD's Lou Mora, Mrs. Olson and Mrs. Golliher for the line leader help, and everyone who made this night happen once again.  We even had a special treat this year when our superintendent, Dr. Meria Carstarphen, joined us on the field at half-time after what I'm sure was a very long day.  Thank you all for caring enough to make that extra effort on our students' behalf.  Highland Park appreciates it.

The last picture sums up the week for me.   The posting I saw in Ms. Ferguson's class this week made me smile...as I'm sure it did for the student who was honored with the designation.  I love the feel good, welcome back vibe of beginning of school  - who doesn't? -  and I think I always will.  Looking forward to a positive humdinger of a year for all!