Eagles,

I recently heard this quote recited when I needed to hear it.

"This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; the being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.

I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community, and as long as I live it is my privilege to do for it whatever I can.

I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no "brief candle" for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations."

George Bernard Shaw

26 July 1856 – 2 November 1950

George Bernard Shaw is best known for his 1913 play Pygmalion; Shaw was the first to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature (in 1925) and an Academy Award (in 1938, for Best Adapted Screenplay … of Pygmalion).

Shaw speaks to us of a life well lived. I visited the Sam Houston State University, and posted beneath the statue of its namesake was its motto, "The measure of a Life is its Service."

As educators and caretakers of children, we should aspire to give our students a life well-lived and, if the child wishes, one in service to their community.

Standards for students' ability to read and write have increased as they should have. As we approach the new year, students will be participating in a ramp-up of reading and writing instruction. Our students will need help with the new push, but it will make them better readers and writers.

On their state exams, they will be expected to read for 35 minutes in the 3rd Grade, 40 in the 4th, and 50 in the 5th. These minutes account for 100 words per minute on eight separate reading passages. They will need to practice to build stamina. They will be experiencing short constructed responses to questions frequently and extended constructed responses less regularly. We will also ask our students to annotate while they read actively.

Please encourage your students to read for information and their passions and, as often as possible, have them reflect on what they've read. Many have found their purpose in stories or passages we have read or heard. Let us hope that our students can find the same.

Kinder

Luna L.

Dominic S.

1st

Elijah Z.

Jayden B.

2nd

Laylahnii G.

Neah A.

3rd

Diego D.

4th

Jacob E-A.

Gabriel C.

Victoria M.

5th

Nadine A.

6th

Sebastian S.

Alani W.

Hopelyn C.

Miya R.

7th

Axcell M.

Nathan L.

Angela

8th

Eduardo L.

Teachers & Staff

Dr. Chew

Ms. Francese

Ms. Trevino

Congratulations to our risk-taking eagles that auditioned for a spot on the TMEA Vocal Region 29 Choir.

Maria Ramirez-Trejo, Liliana Alvarez, Jazmin Moreno-Aleman, and Ana Alcazar all gained a spot on the TMEA Vocal Region 29 Choir! Congratulations!

We are proud of Annabelle Martinez for her representation of Woodlawn on the SAISD Honor Band Concert!

Let's just say that it was a wild night of fun, music and unforgettable memories!🦓🐵🎼🎶

The Woodlawn Annual Tamalada continues! This tradition that has been in place for over 20 years and was started by former teacher, Ms. Valenzuela, continues to spread holiday cheer! Our students join in community with parents and volunteers to learn the technique of making a tamales and finish the day with a mirienda where they enjoy the delicious fruits of their hard labor!

We could not have done this without the support of the community and we give a special thanks to all the parent volunteers who were generous in making the masa, bringing relleno, helping students make tamales, and cooking the tamales.

Gracias por seguir esta tradicion bella y nuestra.

Parents please support your child by ensuring that they get a good night's rest, hear words of encouragement, and arrive to school on time for our upcoming middle of the year MAP Reading and Math tests.

Dec 11-15

4-8th MAP Reading, Math & Science Window

As expected, students shared their interest in the different UIL competitions and we have noted the teacher and parent nominations as well! Be on the look out for a permissions slip for UIL for students that expressed interest for the events that will compete beginning in January.

The Pre-UIL January contests include:

• Creative Writing 2nd (Spanish & English)
• Ready Writing 3rd-8th (Spanish & English)
• Editorial Writing 6-8th (English)
• Oral Reading 2nd-8th (Spanish & English)
• Storytelling 2nd-8th (Spanish & English)
• Modern Oratory 6-8th (English)
• Impromptu Speaking

Woodlawn Academy is an authorized IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme and Middle Years Programme. In 2019, we became an SAISD In-District Charter School with Texas Council forInternational Studies, (TCIS) as our managing partner.Through this partnership, we receive additional funding.

Are you interested in participating in a school event as a volunteer. Perhaps support PTO with teacher appreciation events, join your child on a field trip, or help out in a Field Day? You will need a background check through SAISD process. The process can take a few weeks to complete, don't miss out on an opportunity of volunteering because the background check wasn't in on time.

SAISD Volunteer App-Garden

Website: https://schools.saisd.net/page/175.homepage/
Location: 1717 West Magnolia Avenue, San Antonio, TX, USA
Phone: (210) 438-6560
Facebook: facebook.com/SAISDWoodlawnAcademy
Twitter: @IB_Woodlawn