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This Week Around OHE:
- Projects and Goals meeting on Monday, November 24 at 1:00 p.m.
- Monday, Nov. 24th, Earth School will be visiting each 5th grade class
- Pajama Day: Tuesday, November 25
- No school: Wed 10/26, Thurs 10/27, or Fri 10/28
- 1st grade Thanksgiving Feast: Tuesday, 1:30
- Student Council installation: Tuesday 2:15
- Book Fair is Dec. 1 - 5 from 7:30am - 3:30pm (12 on Friday); Family Nights are Tues. Dec. 2 and Wed. Dec. 3 5:30 - 7:30 pm (don’t forget there is a drawing for $25 worth of free items each night!)
Lunch Bunch
By Barbara Christenson, Assistant Principal
Grades 1 through 5 have been enjoying "Lunch Bunch" on the stage as a reward for good cafeteria behavior. In order for this to continue on a weekly basis we need parent volunteers to supervise the students. Lunch Bunch is on Monday from 10:45 until 1:30. Please e-mail Barbara Christenson, assistant principal: bchriste@austinisd.org. Thank you!
O. Henry Prospective Parent Night
By Wendy Primeaux
For all of you future O. Henry parents needing some inside scoop, plan to attend the Prospective Parent Information Night in the O. Henry cafeteria from 6:30 to 7:30 on Tuesday, December 2. This is an informal gathering sponsored by the O. Henry PTA. Bring all your questions and concerns, and they will be addressed by current O. Henry parents, staff and the principal. So, whether you know already, or are still looking at middle school options for next year, this session will provide you with a wealth of information from parents who have been in your shoes and can give you a lot of perspective. If you would like to be included on an email distribution list I am compiling to keep all our O. Henry-bound kids and their parents up-to-date and in the loop, please email me at the address below, put O. Henry in the subject line, and I will add you to the list. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions. Hope to see you on December 2!
Wendy Primeaux
wprimeaux@austin.rr.com
891-9724
UPDATE ON NEW BOUNDARIES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS
By Hannah Neill
The Boundary Task Force for the new Southwest Middle School put forth another proposal which will be presented in two public forums the first week of December. This proposal is different from the proposal presented to the CACs in October. At these forums, the public will be encouraged to speak. The details for these meetings are:
Tuesday, December 2, 6:30 p.m.
Bailey Middle School Cafeteria
4020 Lost Oasis Hollow, 414-4990
Thursday, December 4, 6:30 p.m.
Small Middle School Cafeteria
4801 Monterey Oaks Blvd., 841-6700
WHAT DOES THE PROPOSAL SAY?
Currently - in the area of prime interest to Oak Hill families, the proposal affects the Small MS boundaries by making a split through the Mills community. Approximately 50% of Mills will go to the new school and about 50% will remain at Small.
No changes were made to the tracking of Oak Hill students (to Small or O. Henry).
This is still a proposal and the task force expects it may have to amend the proposal based on public input.
The proposal should be posted on the AISD website shortly:
http://www.austinisd.org/inside/2004bond/boundaries/swmiddleschool.phtml scroll down
SHOULD I ATTEND? PLAN TO SPEAK?
These meetings will be a great place to (1) see how Small will be impacted by these changes, (2) hear about the issues surrounding these boundary changes and (3) voice your opinion of the boundaries. Likely, these will be the last public meetings before the proposal goes to the Board of Trustees - requests to change the proposal, concerns about the process or the proposal need to be made now.
Whatever the final plan, Oak Hill families are indirectly affected by the shake-up of Bowie and Austin High feeder school. This is a great chance to look into the middle and high school worlds by hearing the concerns and priorities of others in this area. It is also a great chance to see the boundary drawing process - a chance that all should take advantage of since Oak Hill will be on the periphery of two more boundary change processes in the future - new southwest elementary school (shortly) and a new south high school (after).
HAVE YOU EVER HEARD THE SAYING 'THE WORLD IS RUN BY THOSE WHO SHOW UP'?
This process is quickly becoming a political process - organized groups who are 'showing up' are getting the attention of the Task Force. This is a difficult week to step out of our normal lives, but please consider taking the time to come out and voice your opinions and concerns with all elements of this plan or process.
QUESTIONS?
Vali Martin valimartin1@hotmail.com
DeeDee Eastwood meastwood@austin.rr.com
Wendy Primeaux wprimeaux@austin.rr.com
Hannah Neill hannah@ae-cpa.com
Judy Curran tjjsof7cs@aol.com
Second Grade and Science Fair
by Lissa Bentley, 2nd grade teacher
Second grade had a HUGE SUCCESS with our Science Days. We traveled around to different classroom and did different experiments with Balance and Motion! The kids had a BALL................ they made zoomer, tops, balanced objects without touching, rolled objects up and down etc..... We will also be having a READ IN when we are having our pajama day as well. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
5th Graders Introduced to Local Middle School Magnet Programs
By Susan Malachowski
On Tuesday, November 18th, the 5th graders attended a presentation on the Kealing and Fulmore Magnet Programs, as well as the Ann Richards School. A representative from each school spoke for approximately 20 minutes, but so much was covered in that short amount of time. Due to the amount of interest in these schools, not every student who applies will be accepted. Each school requires copies of report cards, TAKS test scores, teacher recommendations and an essay/letter written by the student.
Kealing Middle School is located east of I-35 at 1607 Pennsylvania Avenue. Students choose to attend this school for academic opportunities that they cannot find elsewhere. They offer 35 more electives than any other middle school, including a large selection of math and science classes such as microbiology, marine biology, space studies, forensic science, animal and plant studies, and robotics. They also offer five foreign language classes; again more than any other middle school. Shadowing is available to students so they can visit the campus to determine if the school is right for them. For more information, please visit their website at www.kealingmagnet.org.
Fulmore Middle School is located at 201 East Mary Street (across from Magnolia Café) and is the oldest school south of the river. This magnet program focuses on Humanities, Law, and International Studies. What makes them special? They offer very unique elective programs, including advanced math classes, Pre-AP science classes leading to integrated Physics and Chemistry, fine arts classes, literary criticism, and film and video. They are also the only school that offers Law and Government as an elective. Shadowing is also available. For more information, please visit their website at web.mac.com/mwilkin1.
Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders is located near the intersection of Ben White and Lamar Boulevard at 2206 Prather Lane. This is a unique all-girls public school for Grades 6 - 12. Their emphasis is on Leadership, College and Wellness. Each grade takes on a huge project each year to help solve problems creatively for our community. Each student is given challenging courses to make sure that they are prepared and ready for college. The Ann Richards School also wants our girls to be well-rounded so their curriculum includes technology, science, engineering, math and sports. Lastly, this school promotes health and wellness encouraging students to eat well and exercise. And, yes, uniforms are required. For more information, please visit their website at annrichardsschool.org.
NEWS FROM THE CHOIR
By Wendy Primeaux
The Oak Hill Choir will be very busy over the next few weeks. On Thursday, December 4th, they will perform for the Oak Hill student body in two performances at 8:00 and 9:00 a.m. That evening they will perform once again for parents and family at 7:00. Choir members need to meet in the choir room at 6:45 that evening. Please make sure your student wears his/her choir t-shirt to school that day, and again at the evening performance.
The 5th grade choir members will have the awesome opportunity to perform at “The Twelve Days of Driskill” on December 8th and 9th (some students will perform on the 8th and others on the 9th). This is, of course, at the beautiful Driskill Hotel downtown in their gorgeously decorated lobby. Students performing either of these nights need to wear holiday/Sunday attire (not choir t-shirts). Suggestions are boys in button-down/collared shirts or holiday sweaters and girls in dresses, skirts or nice pants and a pretty blouse or sweater, nice shoes. Wear your Santa hat if you have one! Any questions about this performance please contact Mrs. Morris at 841-3963 or Jmorris@austinisd.org.
On Tuesday evening, December 16th, the Oak Hill Choir will be singing at the Zilker Trail of Lights. We are still working out all the details regarding parking, where to meet and check-in, etc. so look for more info about this to come home in your child’s folder. It will also be in this newsletter, on the OHE website and on Mrs. Morris’ website. Our performance time is 7:45, but we will need to be there much earlier, so look for more details soon. We will again wear our choir t-shirts, a Santa or holiday hat, and as it will probably be cold – a jacket!
On Wednesday, December 10th, the choir will hold their end of choir party for this school year. As most of you know, Mrs. Morris is joyfully awaiting the birth of her first child in early February. So that she can enjoy a stress-free last few weeks of her pregnancy, choir will not resume after the winter break. The kids will enjoy pizza and drinks on the porch.
If you would like to help with any of these upcoming events, please contact Wendy Primeaux at 891-9724 or wprimeaux@austin.rr.com.
"ALL WRAPPED UP!"
By Kristie Peterman, Gift Wrap and Chocolate Fundraiser Chair, 2008
The gift wrap is here!
The chocolate is here!
On Thursday, Nov. 20th, the Innisbrook gift wrap and chocolate was delivered to the school in 268 boxes! We couldn't have taken it off the truck, sorted it, and distributed it to the students without the help of six wonderful Oak Hill volunteers!
Thank you so much to Sara Spears, Holly Fullerton, Susan Malachowski, Brandi Kinkade, Michele Santos Wangemann and James Wangemann (our "take-it-off-the-truck" hero!).
Much work had to be done throughout the sale. Thanks to ALL of the volunteers who helped throughout September and October before and during the sale. Thank you to Sara Spears, Holly Fullerton, Susan Malachowski, Dee Dee Eastwood, Barbara Skannal, Michele Santos Wangemann, James Wangemann, Casie Wenmohs, Laura Nokoa , Brandi Kinkade, Erin Martens, Sally Coleman, Elizabeth Jackson, Jill Bogaczyk, and Geeta Suggs. I really appreciated your help!
If you notice a problem with your order after you open it, please contact Innisbrook at 1-877-525-5608.
The money raised (~$12,000) from this fundraiser now goes to the profects and goals committee to spend on supplies and curriculum to enhance our children's learning and help Oak Hill SOAR!!
Thank you to ALL who participated!! .
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OHE PTA Website
Calendar of Events
OHE School Website
Have something to contribute to next week's newsletter? Send an email to communications@ohepta.org
How are we doing? We've added a Guestbook feature to make it easy for you to leave us a comment or send an email to feedback@ohepta.org THANKS! We'd love to hear what you think!
Have website or newsletter technical questions? Send an email to webmaster@ohepta.org
FREE MONEY FOR OUR SCHOOL!!!
By shopping online now with your favorite stores (like Amazon.com, ebay.com, walmart.com, target.com, toyrus.com, gap.com, zappos.com, llbean.com, macys.com, etc. the list goes on and on), our school gets money. You don't have to do anything but go to those websites you shop through the goodshop.com LINK for OHE!!! We can make LOTS of money by doing something we already do... SHOP! This holiday season PLEASE go through this link to your favorite stores and let's get some money back for our school! The money comes from the purchases you make to the store. The store gives a percentage back to our school... on average 3% but up to 30%!!!! Do it today! We can make a difference!
HELP!!!
The OHE Book Fair is coming soon and volunteers are needed! This is directly after the Thanksgiving Break so please sign up to help ASAP. We need volunteers to help out on December 2 &3 from 5:15 - 7:30. Please contact Gina Hernandez at kyrasmom1225@yahoo.com to volunteer. Thanks!
Student Council News!!!
The installation of student council officers and representatives is Tuesday, November 25th at 2:15pm. An email was sent to the parents of the student council members. If you have a child on student council but did not receive the email, please notify Ashley Waggoner at ashley.waggoner@gmail.com.
LOST AND FOUND
Have you seen the lost and found rack lately? It is overflowing and we are just getting into jacket season. If your child has misplaced a jacket, it is most likely on the lost and found rack outside of the cafeteria (where the cafeteria line forms.) There are a few lunchboxes and other items but it’s mostly sweaters, hoodies and jackets. Reminder – label everything your child brings to school, especially outerwear, which tends to get left on the playground.
OHE FORUMS - HELP US OUT TODAY!
by Geeta Suggs
Do you want to help out but don't know where to start? Check out the new OHE PTA Forums! Our PTA has many, many committees that all do several things around our school. The new Forums are an online gathering place for posting questions, ideas, and in general a place to sign up for things. Lots of new things have been posted this past week and we need help everywhere. CHECK IT OUT!
If you are not familiar with forums, it is a bulletin board of sorts. Anyone may read the forums but in order to post, you must create a login (name and password). That will be your login for you to be able to sign up and help.
One of the advantages of these type of setup is that you won't see multiple emails being sent around when signing up to bring items, volunteer time, etc. Everything is kept in the forum. Once you post, you can even get email notifications if something else is posted on that thread. In general, though, the forums are a place where you have to go to find out information. So, check it out and check back often.
You can get to our forums here:
http://forums.ohepta.org
or from our home page on our website under the pencil buttons.
List of Teacher's Favorite Things
by Geeta Suggs
We asked our OHE Faculty and Staff to answer some questions about their favorite things. As we enter the season of gift giving or anytime during the year, take a moment to appreciate your child's teacher, for the job they do is not an easy one and certainly not one that everyone can do! The compiled list of favorites is located on the OHE PTA website under forms and it has also been sent out to all of the head room parents. There will be a book in the Main Building that will have all of this information in printed out format.
T-Shirts Delivered Wednesday, Nov. 18th
The OHE t-shirts/jackets were delivered to the classrooms on Wednesday, November 19. Please contact Valarie Spake: valbeth@sbcglobal.net or 899-2417 for any questions concerning your order. All extras will be available for sale starting next week. Thanks for showing your spirit for Oak Hill Elementary through your purchase of a spirit wear item.
Texas PTA Night With the San Antonio Spurs!
By Ileana Abounader
Friday, January 23rd, 2009 the Texas PTA will celebrate 100 years ofservice to Texas schools with an outing to the San Antonio Spurs gameagainst New Jersey. Everyone is welcome to attend and the Spurs aredonating $5 of each ticket sold through this channel to the Texas PTA.Ticket prices are $40, $25 (both including a food voucher), and $15.Various school bands and choir groups will perform at the game and afun time is sure to be had by all!
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Have any news for us? The deadline for entry into each Eagle Eye is Friday at 5pm. Send your news, announcement, or story to communication@ohepta.org.
We will follow our normal schedule for the Eagle Eye during the Thanksgiving break.
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