Maple Lawn, Take Two!

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Another blast from the past.  I chose to visit the second school where I taught, Maple Lawn Elementary on Inwood Blvd. after lunch on the first day of school.  Maple Lawn’s facility has changed over the years to meet the needs of the changing community and student population.  I couldn’t believe it when Principal Adela Cox talked about the school’s four computer labs, tech savvy classrooms, and modern media canter.

 

We started our walk and visited many classrooms.  I was pleased to see Mrs. Martinez, one of my teacher neighbors from 17 years ago.  She now teaches Pre-kindergarten and is excited about a great year of learning and adventure ahead for her class.

In 4^th grade, students were completing tally charts, surveying each other, and developing graphs.  Mrs. Kirklen knows the importance of focusing on math and science and is starting on day one.

Down the hall we heard some commotion, turned the corner, and stumbled onto a “Pete the Cat” celebration.  The lesson for the day was no matter what you step in, just keep on walking and singing your song because it’s ALL good.  What a lesson for the first day of school!

As I headed down the hall on my way back to the office I saw a poster left by a 2^nd grade class for the new 2^nd grade students this year.  The poster was developed to encourage and instill a sense of pride as Maple Lawn Elementary soars to become a TEA Recognized campus.

Maple Lawn… “On and on you will hike, and I know you’ll hike far, and face up to your challenges whatever they are.”

Sam Houston Flashback!

Flashback… August 1990, with butterflies in my stomach, I drive into the teacher’s parking lot to start my first day as a bilingual teacher at Sam Houston Elementary.

Flashforward… August 2010, with butterflies in my stomach, I drive into the visitor’s parking lot at the start of the school year at Sam Houston Elementary.  I swelled with pride looking at the building some 20 years after my first day as a teacher there.

As the new Executive Director of the Northwest Elementary Learning Community, I have made it a priority to visit the “Divine 39” (39 schools of the NWELC) within the first 39 days of school.

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Last year Sam Houston Elementary celebrated its 100 year anniversary.  How time has changed… the first thing I saw entering the school was a sign that read “College and Career Starts Here.”  I wonder what students were greeted with as they entered the school in 1909?

I was escorted by Principal Oscar Nandaypa to my old classroom in the basement of the building.  On the way I learned about how each teacher uses their alma mater to instill a sense of admiration and inspiration.

Oh my, the classroom looks nothing like I remembered. It’s filled with books and learning resources for students.  I thought to myself, this is a better book room and literacy lab than it ever was as a classroom.

We headed down the hall towards the cafeteria when I was introduced to the head custodian Mr. Anthony Valentine.  He remarked that “they just don’t build schools like they used to.” Mr. Valentine and his dedicated team keeps the campus in top notch order for over 300 students each day.

After peeking in several classrooms, I entered the cafeteria.  Even though it looked smaller than I remember, I was impressed at the quality of food being served and how nutritious everything looked.  Student and teachers shared with me this morning’s engaging lessons and their goals for the year.

Finally, I met Mrs. Gish, a 4^th grade math teacher who had 100% of her students pass the Math TAKS exam last spring.  She was explaining to her students about the “Benji” club (think Benjamin Franklin on a $100 bill).  “We can all be part of the Benji Club if we work hard and give 100%,” she said.

Sam Houston Elementary proved to be a great first visit on my mission to visit the “Divine 39” in 39 days.  Congratulations to Sam Houston… “Today is your day, you’re off and away!”

Oh the Places I'll Go!

          Oh, the Places I’ll Go!

Today is my day. I’m off to great places!

I’ll see teachers and students with bright shiny faces!

          Adams and Allen and Arcadia Park

          Burnet and Cabel; Calliet and Gooch!

Far and wide these great schools are spread

 Glad my iPhone GPS maps I have read!

          Dealey and Carver; Cigarroa and Kahn

          Earhart and Foster; Houston and Carr!

I’m walking the halls in comfortable shoes

To visit the classrooms and places I choose!

          DeZavala and Preston Hollow and Saldivar

          Stevens Park and Walnut Hill and Milam!

There’s much teaching and learning that’s being done!

There are great scores and awards that’ve already been won!

          Junkins and Kramer and ArlingtonPark

          Lanier and Marcus; Medrano and Polk!

On and On I will go with nothing to fear

Because being college ready really begins here!

          Field and Martinez; DeGoyler and Knight…

The “Divine 39” are soaring to new heights!