bush is a HIT

Yesterday, former First Lady Barbara Bush came to our school to announce the winners of an essay contest she gave to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. The theme was "The Sky is the Limit," so each child wrote about what they wanted to be when they grow up and being able to accomplish their dreams.

Along with her was a child acting group called HITS. They performed a few scenes from their most recent theater production, Beauty and the Beast. I can't quite remember Barbara Bush's affiliation with HITS, but somehow there is a connection.

All the students loved the production, especially in seeing a life size candelabra and grandfather clock, and I found myself singing along in my head (of course...). At the end, the older students were able to ask a few questions to the cast, which was neat because a handful were around the same age.

Afterward, Barbara Bush announced the winners of the essay contest, one from each grade. (And of course, you know me, I was trying to hold back tears as the students names were called). Some of the parents were able to come and watch. I believe that all three students who won had some sort of family present. They all stood up and cheered when hearing their child's name called. A reporter from the Houston Chronicle interviewed Bush after the program, and the story ended up on the front page of the Chronicle this morning!!

It was so exciting!! All of these kids are so sweet, and so deserving. It was really incredible to watch.

in the news

A couple of months ago, Yellowstone built and completed its first gymnasium. It is so exciting to actually have a place apart from the playground where the students can learn about the importance of physical education and experience teamwork and athleticism in an active and physical way. The P.E. coaches are thrilled!!

We recently discovered that our new gym won a design award that can be seen in the Houston Business Journal. Click here to check it out!!

crying

So, a main part of my job is meeting with the children once they have been sent out of their class. Yes, I am the dreaded Ms. Crockett, where students spend their In-School-Suspension. And when a teacher sends them to the office, that usually means mine.

I have two students with me now, one who's mom is coming to pick him up because of behavior issues. I talked to him about how he needs to get it together, and he started crying. Though it sounds weird, when I get them to cry it usually is a great thing. It means that they realize that they were misbehaving and know they need to improve.

I feel like Michael Scott from The Office when he said that if can make his employees depressed then he's doing his job. Granted, if I my job performance was like that of Michael Scott I would have some issues, but truthfully I really do feel victorious when I can get the students to cry.

a promenade

This semester each grade level presents a program to the school, family members and friends are also invited to come. The third graders' program was in mid February.

The Third Grade Students of Yellowstone Academy proudly present...

A Promenade of the Presidents of the United States of America

Third grade students dressed up as the Presidents and First Ladies of the United States of America and each gave a quick speech summarizing the person they embodied.

They all looked so great, from George Washington's white wig and colonial attire, to Jackie Kennedy's high fashion, FDR's glasses and walking crutches, to Barack Obama in a nice suit. They sang "You're A Grand Old Flag," as they waved flags highly in the air. It was so precious!