Patrick Henry Post
September 3rd, 2021
Welcome to September!
As we close out our second week of school and enter the month of September, I am excited to report that our students and staff are already in the rhythms and routines of the school year. Our teachers have been hard at work teaching, redirecting, celebrating, and reteaching our students how to have a successful school year. We have focused the first two weeks on relationship-building and making sure that all students feel safe, welcome, and comfortable at Patrick Henry. Students have been hard at work reviewing skills from last year and getting to know their new teachers, new classmates, and new expectations. I love what I am seeing and hearing as I walk into classrooms and see students forming new connections, renewing old friendships, and finding their home away from home. Join me in celebrating our students' successes in their first two weeks of school!
Take a look below for some highlights over the last week.
Comfortable Reading
Ms. Hammock's students were reading on day 1 of this school year. They found a cozy corner to curl up with a great new book, and they explored a world different from their own.
Learning Names
Olivia proudly displays her colorful nameplate here. Students in Ms. Jami's class have been forming deep connections to their classmates in relationship-building activities.
Girl Power
This table of fourth grade girls remind me how incredible it is when women come together and support one another's learning and growth!
A touch of joy!
Jayla's lunch box was lost and promptly found, and the happiness that came from the return of a lost item was so inspiring to watch. It reminded me how important it is to make students feel safe and well cared for, even in the smallest details!
Artistic Expression
Students all week have been exploring new materials, new projects, and even a new art teacher! Ms. Godfrey and all of our classroom teachers have been integrating the arts into all aspects of our day so that students have an outlet for their creative and beautiful thoughts!
Reading Time!
Ms. Evans is deep into reading time with our young Patrick Henry scholars. Students receive 1:1 instruction or small group instruction from our Reading Specialist and get that extra boost that they need to be fully challenged!
Sibling Love
We have so many beautiful pairs of siblings in our school, and it is heartwarming to watch older siblings take care of their younger sisters and brothers. It is obvious that the love from home has carried over into the school day!
Working hard!
Students in Ms. Teska's class were busy in the middle of a math lesson when I popped in. Students are only finishing their second week of school, but they are already focused and attentive to their work.
Pattern Recognition
Kamil was identifying the pattern in her math worksheet and had to identify what came next. Her concentration was impressive!
Thank you, Spire!
Students have been utilizing their Spire water bottles throughout their first two weeks of school. This allows them to have access to water throughout the day without any loss of instructional time for water fountain breaks.
Congratulations, Ms. Teska's 1st Grade!
Ms. Teska has a recognition and reward system with a BINGO card in their classroom. When they receive a compliment from staff throughout the building, they earn a BINGO star. When they complete a row, they all win a prize. Ms. Teska's class has already achieved a perfect BINGO row!
Dismissal Routine
Our dismissal routine is intended to keep students as safe as possible. Students have to exit efficiently but safely. Parents, help us keep kids safe by following the protocols laid out in the parent letter that came home at the beginning of the school year and the reminder letter that came home this week.
Hard at Work
Over Labor Day weekend, we will not only be resting and relaxing, but we will also be celebrating our jobs! Students have a job too - academic growth! Make sure you celebrate your student this weekend and the hard work they have already put into this school year.
Keep it moving!
Ms. Willard's kindergarten class knows how to beat the wiggles with GoNoodle videos throughout the day. Dr. Rogers got to join this moment and she was sweating by the end. Awesome job adding movement to your day, Ms. Willard!
5th Grade Leaders
Our oldest students have been showing everyone exactly how to get things done throughout the school the last two weeks. They have been great leaders to our younger students, and I am proud of the way they have taken on the responsibilities of 5th grade!
Thanks for joining "Meet the Teacher" Night!
Virtual Meet the Teacher: Wednesday, September 1st
This week on Wednesday evening, we hosted our first virtual Meet the Teacher night! Staff members invited their students and families to a virtual meeting on Teams so they could have a meet-and-greet. We reviewed our class expectations and structure for the school year, answered questions from parents, and even got to see students in their own homes through the power of Microsoft Teams! Thank you to all who participated!
Happy Labor Day!
What is Labor Day, and why do we celebrate it?
Labor Day is always the first Monday of September. This year, it falls on Monday, September 6th. Labor Day celebrates all American workers and their accomplishments. It is also supposed to be a day of rest for those workers to appreciate their achievements in their chosen field. For us as educators, it is a day of reflection on why we chose a profession that keeps us with kids all day long, why we work extra long hours to prepare for those students, and why we love what we do. It is also a day where we celebrate our effort to educate the next generation of the American workforce. Join us in celebrating, and take a look at some student-friendly resources below!
PBS LEARNING MEDIA | Labor Day | PBS KIDS