This may sound like the title of a Dr. Seuss book, but it is not. It is instead something our students have been unable to do for the last year and a half; go on a field trip. We are so happy that students again have the opportunity to visit community sites and enrich their classroom curriculum with hands-on learning outside of the classroom. Our 3rd graders went to the Scobee Planetarium located on the San Antonio College campus, had a picnic lunch, then returned to write about their experience. About a week later our 1st graders spent the day at the San Antonio Zoo where they were able to see many of the animals out and about. The 1st grade teachers were thankful to have so many parent chaperones; it made it nice for the students to be able to be in small groups. The students are now looking forward to their “Living and Non-Living” Unit which starts this week.
Campus News
Introducing the Fiery 5th Grade Team
This strong team of women is lead by the seasoned teacher and former Teacher of the Year, Ms. Belinda Jasso. The other two monolingual teachers are last year’s Teacher of the Year, Ms. Rachal Ramirez and the current Heritage and District Teacher of the Year, Ms. Terrena Bernal. The Special Education Inclusion Specialist Teacher is another former Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Jessica Zapata. Rounding out the team is a very enthusiastic and hardworking Dual Language Teacher, Ms. Luz Razo. Ms. Razo joined our Heritage team in the middle of last school year and is already making her mark among a highly skilled group of teachers. These ladies have high expectations for their students and their scores are proving it! Pictured left to right is Jasso, Bernal, Razo, Zapata (Ramirez is not pictured).
9 Week Assessment Exam Information
“Kids Heart Challenge” Kick Off
On Monday, January 31st, all students went to the gym for the Kids Heart Challenge kick off. Coach Perez explained all about the program. Our students have the opportunity to complete 14 challenges over a period of two weeks. With ”Random Acts of Kindness” week coming up, this is the perfect way for students to exercise their own hearts and also raise money for the American Heart Association and children that aren’t as healthy as they are. Students will be thinking about hearts on Valentine’s Day soon and here’s one way to show love and kindness for someone else. Students are also learning all about the heart in Music and Art classes. Please visit the website or our Facebook page where there’s a link, or you can download the free app and your students will win prizes. The classes collecting the most donations at each grade level will get to “slime” Coach Perez and Coach Herrera. Also, any student collecting at least $50 in donations will have the opportunity to “slime” them as well. We know students at Heritage Elementary are giving and loving children, so we can’t wait to see how they show it with this fun program.
Accelerated Reading & The Millionaires Club
Our students are always encouraged to read at home. When students choose to read on their own and read a book of their choice, they develop a love of reading. We have an excellent program called Accelerated Reading (AR) where students read a book then take a short comprehension quiz at the end. This helps train them to read for meaning which is a lifelong skill. Please ask your child about it and have them show you how it works. They can earn points, individual prizes, and classroom prizes. Here are our two students that recently made it to a total of more than one million AR points….so they have now joined the prestigious “Millionaires Club.”
The Fabulous 4th Grade Team
This small but fierce team packs a big academic punch. The team is led by a former Heritage student, Samantha Collier. Joining her are four strong teachers. Laura Hrncir is new to 4th grade, but not to Heritage; and Shannon Messer is new to Heritage, but not to teaching. The Dual Language teacher of the team is Tina Castillo. Rounding out the team is Special Education teacher, Dorothur Odonnell. Together this tight knit group works to empower their students with a love of learning. They use their varied experiences to differentiate instruction to include all students. Pictured from left to right are Collier, Odonnell, Hrncir, Messer, and Castillo.