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!”