Lean on Me! by Mrs. Jenny Heinold (1st grade teacher and team leader)

First grade started our Day of Service with an assembly and each grade level gave a “gift” of song, dance, poetry, or reader’s theater.  The students were a hit with the song “Lean on Me”! We then went back to class and did several projects. We made bookmarks and wrote letters to students in Jamaica. We also viewed a PowerPoint that showed the schools and students we were helping. First graders also talked about what they dreamed of doing or being. They wrote their own “I Have a Dream” speech. These are posted in our grade level hallways for Open House. We also talked about accepting each other as different people and 1st graders took time to create a part of a quilt that represented themselves.

I Dream of Good Manners by Samanvi K.

 

In preparation for our recent MLK Day Tribute, 4th graders wrote "I Have a Dream" essays. This is one of the essays chosen for sharing at the assembly.

 

I have a dream that everyone will have good manners. For example, whenever someone burps after eating they won’t even say excuse me! Well guess what those are all bad manners. Coughing on someone or shoving through another person in a crowd is horrible! When you hear someone sneeze you could say bless you- that would be kind. If you spilled something on someone by accident you should say sorry and make it up to them to them to show you are really sorry. You also can use the word thank you when someone is giving something to you, you can say thank you or thanks!  The other person can reply by saying you’re welcome or no problem. You should not do anything mean to others by saying mean words to anyone or they might feel really hurt. Please don’t say anything hurtful to others you even may get in trouble so please use your MANNERS! My dream of everyone having good manners can totally change the world.

End World Hunger by 4th grade Georgia S.

In preparation for our recent MLK Day Tribute, 4th graders wrote "I Have a Dream" essays. This is one of the essays chosen for sharing at the assembly.

   My dream for the future is to end world hunger. Imagine living with a spec of food on your plate every day. That is how people without enough money to buy food feel. People need food for health and growth. People like that don’t have enough money for cars to drive them to the grocery store every day.

   World hunger is a big problem in some countries and states. Some people don’t have food to feed them. Many people have families with children just like you who can barely go to school every day. Some of these people die from hunger! We can make that stop by building more food banks and having school fundraisers. Do not waste your food - you should be happy about what you have.

    Just think if you do one small thing it can feed hundreds of people! Fight to end world hunger not with your hands but with your heart.

 

 

TWE Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year

This morning we announced our 2014-15 TWE Outstanding First Year Teacher of the Year. Congratulations to Kindergarten teacher,  Mrs. Stephanie Culbertson! Spending time in Mrs. Culbertson's class is joyful. She is truly a loving and energetic teacher. When she speaks to children, they are nurtured. She brings out the best in her kids each day AND they are learning a whole lot. We are blessed to have her as a teacher at TWE!

A Mountain of Blankets by Lisa Stratton

Our third grade Day of Service was a very memorable experience! As a grade level, we were able to make over 80 fleece blankets to donate to Houston's Star of Hope Mission. These blankets will be used in the Women and Family Center where they will be distributed to kids in the daycare/child center. These are children who have very little to call their own, so these blankets will certainly be cherished and appreciated.

 

 

 

Thank you so much to the families who donated fleece in order to help make our Day of Service project a huge success. Additionally, a huge thank you to the volunteers who organized, prepped, and cut countless yards of fleece. Your time and generosity are so greatly appreciated by the TWE Third Grade Team and our friends at Star of Hope.

Exploring Media Literacy Using Technology by Chris Cipresso

In first grade integrating technology is something we strive to do.  This week, we were working on our Media Literacy unit.  Students broke into small groups.  Each group was given a QR code to scan with their Samsung Tablets.  The code brought students to various websites.  The groups worked together to determine the purpose of the website (entertain, inform, or persuade) and why they are geared toward their target audience. Groups then recorded their information on paper to be shared with the class at a later date.  This lesson was completely led by the students and their interaction with technology. It was a great experience with thinking about Media Literacy.  Not only was the lesson fun but real world application was integrated with lessons taught in the classroom.

 

Creating Scientists of the Future! By: Brenda Stein and Nicole Patrick

What do first graders love more than getting messy and exploring?

 

We visit the science lab often in first grade! And there are a lot of excited and engaged students when we do.

This year we have done experiments with rocks, 5 senses, forms of energy, bodies of water, magnets, and much more.

When we visit the science lab, our goal is for students to explore and build a deeper understanding of the topic.

After a great lab we always discuss and take notes on our findings.

 

“Amazing!” “Wow!” and “Awesome!” can be heard down the hallways of TWE when the first graders are conducting experiments.

 

 

Future scientists confer with Watchdog dad!

Future scientists think with our school namesake,  Mr. Tom Wilson!

 

 

Meet our First Grade Team by The First Grade Team

Mrs. Cipresso, Mrs. Stein, Mrs. Patrick (Murphy), Ms. Wiech, Mrs. Jhawer, Mrs. Heinold, Mrs. Monroe, Mrs. Lowery

 Mrs. Cipresso grew up in Chicago, Illinois where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education.  She moved to Southern California where she earned her Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from California State University.  Mrs. Cipresso moved to Katy in 2011 with her husband and three children, who also attend elementary, middle and high school in KatyISD.  Mrs. Cipresso enjoys traveling, reading and spending time with her family and friends.  She is committed to creating a classroom environment where students laugh, learn and enjoy coming to school. 

Mrs. Stein grew up in Katy and graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Elementary Education.  She has been teaching first grade for nine years.  Her most cherished years have been the 8 years she has been in Katy ISD.  Before opening up Tom Wilson Elementary three years ago, she worked at Bear Creek Elementary.  Mrs. Stein is married and has two boys, a five year old and twenty-two month old.  In her spare time, Mrs. Stein loves to play with her family and friends, read, cook, and make precious memories with her family.  Mrs. Stein believes in creating a loving classroom environment in which students feel comfortable to share, learn, and grow from each other. 

Mrs. Murphy (also known as Miss Patrick) was born in Canada. She moved to Katy when she was ten and is a graduate of Taylor High School. Mrs. Murphy went to the piney woods of Nacogdoches for college and studied elementary education at Stephen F. Austin State University. She started teaching when she helped open up Tom Wilson Elementary three years ago. Mrs. Murphy just got married this year and she has been enjoying decorating her new house. She also likes to sing, make friends, and travel to her homeland of Canada. Mrs. Murphy loves coming to work every day to laugh and learn with her students.

Miss Wiech grew up in Houston and went to Baylor University where she graduated with both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in elementary education. She began teaching in Katy when she helped open up Tom Wilson Elementary three years ago. Miss Wiech enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling, shopping, reading and riding her bike. Miss Wiech believes in creating a classroom where each child knows that they are special and loved.

Mrs. Jhawer grew up in India and started her teaching career as a 4^th grade teacher in 1993. She lived in Bahrain for a couple of years, working as a science teacher in an elementary school, before moving to the United States. She has been a resident of Cinco Ranch since 2001 and has worked in Katy ISD for almost ten years. Mrs. Jhawer is a proud mom of two sons. She loves reading, traveling, and spending time with her family. Her passion has always been teaching. She believes in sharing her own passion of learning with her students by creating a fun and loving environment in her classroom and providing her students ample opportunities to reach their full potential. 

Mrs. Heinold graduated from Houston Baptist University and has been teaching full-time for six years. She also taught nine years of preschool while staying home with her kids. Mrs. Heinold has been teaching 1^st grade for five years and helped open TWE three years ago. Mrs. Heinold is married and has two children. Moriah is a sophomore at CRHS, and Micah is a 7^th grader at CRJH. She enjoys spending her time with her family and friends, watching her kids participate in extracurricular activities, reading, and church involvement. Mrs. Heinold enjoys leading the amazing team of 1^st grade teachers, and she loves creating a classroom full of life-long learners.

 

Mrs. Monroe grew up in Houston and went to Texas State University in San Marcos. She has taught first grade her whole teaching career and enjoys watching her students learn and grow. Before teaching in Katy, Mrs. Monroe taught in Houston ISD and Hayes CISD. Mrs. Monroe has two children, a six year old and a four year old. They both keep her very busy. Mrs. Monroe enjoys spending time with friends, traveling with her family, and being outdoors. Mrs. Monroe believes in creating a classroom with open communication where all children feel valued and loved.

 Mrs. Lowery graduated from Texas Tech University and has been teaching for sixteen years.  She  has been teaching in Katy ISD for eleven years and has enjoyed the wonderful families she meets each year. Mrs. Lowery is  married and has three children and one spoiled Golden Retriever.  In her spare time she enjoys running, cooking, traveling , reading  and spending time with her family.  Mrs. Lowery believes in creating a  classroom that is filled with learning, love , and laughter.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What Are You Doing to Help Others? by Rhonda Henderson

Last Friday, January 16th,  we had an amazing day! Our annual Day of Service was taken up to a new level as we began the day with a campus assembly in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King's legacy. The day that followed was so much fun as students continued to learn about Dr. King and answered his question, "What are You Doing to Help Others?" by completing projects and activities that helped others. We will include multiple posts in the next few weeks because so many incredible learning and philanthropic experiences took place.

The day started with our 5th graders demonstrating a peaceful silent protest advocating freedom for all and reciting the "I Have a Dream" speech. Their younger school mates were mesmerized and clapped wholeheartedly. This was followed by a touching performance by the Wolfpack Chorale and an adorable performance of "Lean on Me" by our 1st graders. More to come in the following weeks.

Economics in Second Grade?????? by Lisa Ross and Rhonda Henderson

Mrs. Ross recently had her second grade class use the strategy "Hand Up! Stand Up! Pair Up! to think about economics.

 

Mrs. Ross wrote "We used this strategy today in social studies while learning in our economics unit about wise spending choices. Students paired up, read a short scenario about a spending/saving choice made by someone. They had to decide if it was a wise or unwise choice and explain why. It was fun! Enjoy the pictures!"

 

 

Cyberbullying by Rhonda Henderson

The increase in social media use at younger ages is a reality in the world we live in now. Our students have been discussing "Cyber Bullying" during library time. The goal is to help students understand appropriate and inappropriate social media and email behavior. We want our students to be good citizens in school, at home, and when using technology. We also want them to be able to problem solve if they become the victim of cyber bullying. As a parent, you may want to have more information that will help you understand the issues and have informed talks with your child. This link may be helpful.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/cyberbullying

Mrs. Hunzeker's class recently completed comic strips about the dangers of cyber bullying. The group project allowed them to discuss the issue and also plan creatively together about their presentations. The discussions were awesome.

More Family Fitness Night Pics by Rhonda Henderson

And the memories live on.....family fun with the community is hard to match.

 

 

 

 

These pictures prove that grownups can have fun too!

                     and that would be me working on my agility - I do love the Wolfpack!

 

Thanks again to YES! Fitness!

Celebrating Good Citizens by Rhonda Henderson

Let's go to the hop! Let's go to the hop! Most of our students are not quiet sure what a Sock Hop is, but they sure like to have fun and dance around.  Last Friday, students who met their grade level standard for citizenship for the 2nd nine week period were invited to celebrate their "Wolfpack Way" behavior at a sock hop in the gym with the administrators. They now know how to do the hand jive and twist! We even got some Watchdog dads involved in the fun.

Super hula hoopers!

Family Fitness Night by Rhonda Henderson

Running, jumping, hula hooping, tagging,and much more. On Thursday, January 8th, our PTA Healthy Lifestyles committee collaborated with YES! Fitness to engage students and their parents in our first Family Fitness Night. YES! hosted this night at their facility on FM 1093, and it was a blast! Laughter and smiles were abundant as students and parents showed off their expertise in multiple areas of fitness. I learned that I could probably benefit from adding some jumping activities to my fitness routine! Thanks to Elizabeth Walker for coordinating with YES! to make this a PACKTASTIC success!

Future Workforce of the World by Rhonda Henderson

The Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills is the set of standards for each subject that has been identified by the state of Texas as crucial for students to master in preparation for success in college and the chosen careers in their futures. Research and presentation skills are part of those TEKS. In addition, students are also expected to know how to justify their thinking.  As we prepare our students for their futures, we give them learning opportunities to research and present their research to large and small groups.

Join in Jump Rope for Heart by TWE Coaches

 

 

 

 

We will be participating in Jump Rope For Heart from January 6 - 16, 2015.  Our goal is to raise $10,000 for the American Heart Association.  Encouraging a heart healthy lifestyle and supporting research is our purpose in participating with AHA. Our culmination of this activity will be on our annual Day of Service (January 16th). TWE students will get to learn more about being heart healthy and physically healthy while playing fun games and activities.   This year the students will be able to earn ducks as well as prizes for their donations.  Practice jumping to keep your heart pumping!

 

Congrats to Mrs. Spath! Digital Star Teacher for KISD

Mrs. Spath is a Kindergarten teacher at Wilson Elementary who incorporates technology every day!  To assess learning, Mrs. Spath has her students take real-world pictures and create a PicCollage to ensure they understand the concepts.  She knows how important it is to keep her 5 and 6 year olds active and making connections to their world.  Students create representations of numbers and email their responses.  Technology is used during guided reading and math to enhance learning for individual students.  Tech centers give students in this classroom more opportunities for higher level thinking. QR codes are used around the room to support various units of study and activities. Renee has inspired the entire Kindergarten team of teachers and they are excited about incorporating technology in the classroom. Mrs. Spath is also the chair person for the 212 Degree Committee and has designed a monthly S'More that is sent to teachers to introduce new apps and uses of technology in the classroom. Mrs. Spath has a passion for teaching and learning. 

Skype Takes You Places! by Mrs. Spath's Kindergarten

 

Run, run as fast as you can!!!

Mrs. Spath’s Class has their very own Gingerbread Girl, and we named her Elsa.

After reading a version of the Gingerbread Man she ran away and we can’t find her! Have you seen her?

We have received many postcards saying our family members have seen her, but we are hoping she comes back.

We Skyped a friend of Isabella’s mom from Sydney, Australia who saw her at the Opera house singing.

Ms. Lixia told us all about Australia and the Winter traditions they celebrate.  Did you know that it is summer there?

Yes, she told us that it was warm and beautiful.  They celebrate Christmas and the very next day is Boxing Day.

She told us all about the kangaroos that roamed the area,  and she showed us the Flag.

We really enjoyed learning about Australia.

AND THEN.....

Mrs. Spath’s class skyped a 3^rd grade class in Louisiana. 

Mrs. Landry, a 3^rd grade teacher who used to teach with Mrs. Spath, read the Cajun version of The Gingerbread Boy to both classes.

We were able to talk about things in Louisiana like sugarcane.  They had just returned from a field trip and shared their experience with the class.

 

 

We have been traveling the world without ever leaving our classroom!