News From Mrs. Graves

Upcoming This Week
Monday, 11/11 
Tuesday, 11/12  District MS School Choice Fair @Roberts, 6:00-7:30 pm
Wednesday, 11/13  1st gr Fieldtrip
Thursday, 11/14  Staff Appreciation Luncheon; Student Coalition Meeting, 11:15-11:45; Schoolhouse Rock Live, 6:30 p.m.
Friday, 11/15  NTB Book Talk, 11:30-12:30

Just Around the Corner
Monday, 11/18 
Tuesday, 11/19  Book Fair; NNAT, K & 5
Wednesday, 11/20  Early Dismissal, 12:30 pm
Thursday, 11/21  SDMC, 3:30; Book Fair Family Night, 5:30-7:30 pm
Friday, 11/22

Tuesday, 11/26  Field Day
11/27-12/1  Thanksgiving Holiday

Evaluation Visit

As you may know, last week we welcomed a team of evaluators from IB.  The team was so impressed with the work they saw happening in the classrooms and the overall enthusiastic attitude of the entire faculty and parents.  It was truly a team effort. We will receive a much more complete report in a few months, but let me share a few of the things they said during our debrief.  

• The culturally diverse student body is considered a positive and important component of the school community by students, parents and faculty and lends itself to increased international-mindedness.
• The facility is aesthetically appealing and has a number of features that enhance learning such as the murals and artwork throughout the school, the International Garden, and Physics Garden.
• The classrooms are well-organized and well-designed to provide varying learning spaces that allow for flexible grouping. 
• District representatives are knowledgeable and supportive of the PYP.  They allow flexibility in spending and instructional philosophy.
• Commend commitment to weekly collaboration at all grade levels.
• Commend commitment to training.  Training record is consistent and ongoing.
• Evidence that inquiry is used throughout all aspects of the curriculum at all grade levels.
• Principal's Blog allows accessibility for parents and keeps District Office informed.
• Teachers' blogs keep parents informed about learning and the PYP.
• ICT has been well-developed and is apparent in a very short time.  The co-teaching model and troubleshooting is appreciate by staff, and there is evidence of a high comfort level with the work.
• Faculty demonstrates a positive commitment to the PYP and is eager to do the right thing, open to suggestions.

In the coming months we will receive the official report with detailed areas of commendation and recommendations for improvement.  Congratulations and thank you!

Schoolhouse Rock Live

Thursday evening, November 14th, our 4th graders will perform Schoolhouse Rock Live.  You will rock in your seats to some of your favorites, Conjunction Junction, Just a Bill, and many more. An email went out last week to 4th grade parents with call-times and costuming.  A reminder will be in this week's Tuesday folder.

The 4th graders have worked so hard, during school and after school.  I can't wait for them to perform for their parents Thursday evening.

3rd Grade Musical Just Around the Corner
Last week 3rd grade families received information for those students who are interested in learning stage craft, or are interested in principal roles or dance roles.  Please note that while there is no charge for this afterschool experience, it is not childcare.  Students will be expected to be engaged in the work.  This is a fantastic experience for students who show an interest.

And in case you didn't know, we have contracted with expert artists for instruction for our after school musicals.  In fact, Psophonia, who works with our dancers, is listed #4 as one of the Top 10 Contemporary Dance Companies in Houston by Houston Press magazine! http://blogs.houstonpress.com/artattack/2013/11/the_rest_of_the_best_houstons_21.php

Have a great week!