What a Year!

The halls no longer have students wandering down them.  The chatter that filled
our hallways is silent. It is hard to believe another school year has come and gone.  
The days went by slowly, but the year flew past.

What a year for the Colts!  We saw what we were made of as a community following
the vandalism that wreaked havoc on our campus one week before students were
to return to campus. As a community we came together.  We supported one another
and started the year united and strong. #coltstrong All Hays CISD campuses
have undergone some safety initiatives, which have proven to be solid decisions.

We had some new district initiatives and expectations to adjust to, but in the end
student achievement prevailed.  Our students have a better grasp of phonics based
upon a district-wide initiative. Some new learning took place for teachers around
math content knowledge and again, our students prevailed.  Our goals all year
were to have high expectations for all, inspire excellence, remain focused and be
in attendance. Our students and staff continue to learn and grow, which is in
alignment with our campus vision.  

We made some positive changes to support healthy lifestyle choices.  We had a
workout week scheduled regularly for students and staff to get moving throughout
the day.  We eliminated sweets from Market Day and Sweet Shoppe. The
Sweet Shoppe became the Snack Shack. These subtle changes came with
positive feedback, creativity from our students and less sugar intake.

Our Colt Stampede brought some much needed financial assistance.  We were
able to purchase some wishlist items for our students and staff.  Some highlights:

Restock the science lab

Playground bench

Additional devices - Chromebooks and iPads

Literacy Library novel sets

Spirit gear

Money set aside for an outdoor pavillion/shaded learning area

We have some of the most generous families at Carpenter Hill.  That was evidenced
by the giving all year long in ways such as:

Giving to Unicef at Halloween time

Turkeys Tackling Hunger at Thanksgiving time

Coat Drive at Christmas time

Heart Challenge to raise money for The American Heart Association

Teacher Appreciation Week

Monthly luncheons

Filling classroom needs

We cannot thank you enough for giving and supporting all of us.

Our attendance this year was slightly better than last year and just under our
goal of 97%.  Our attendance was 96.85%. Way to go Colts! It makes a difference
when students are absent, even for just a hour or two.  We earned the Highest
Attendance banner again this year. A new banner has been created and is proudly
displayed in our front office.

Dreambox usage will continue throughout the summer and into next year.  I
encourage you to have your child log in and to work on some math skills.  Also,
have your child read this summer. Reading is so important in everything we do.  
Don't forget about Capstone. It is an online resource for your child to access great
books. Grab a good book and join your child. We are going to continue to track
student growth.  In addition, we will be improving our systems for how we will track
student growth. It’s all about the kids.  They are why we are here and why we do
what we do. I hope all of you have a relaxing and restful summer! I wish you all so
much happiness.

All my best,

Debbie

The Busy Season

The holidays are a fun and busy time of year.  In “school world” that

is no different...it is fun and busy too.  We are “winding down” the

semester, but it does not always feel like we are winding down because

assessments must be administered to measure growth and/or mastery

of material, final products are due, and then there are holiday events

around campus such as Polar Express Day, class parties and the

Jingle Bell Ball.  All of which are important.

It is amazing to think back over the semester and realize how many

things our school community has accomplished and we are only halfway

done with this school year.  Besides actual growth, our students have

demonstrated academic growth too. We are growing as readers,

mathematicians and scientists. Our students have daily practiced phonics

in Kinder through second grade.  That regular, routine practice is paying off.

Our students are applying those skills into their reading, writing and spelling.

It is exciting when students are eager to read and to talk about their books.

Our teachers are creating learning environments that encourage students to

share out, discuss, and question.  They are providing those channels of

communication. Three or more time a week our students are testing their

math fact fluency and practicing in between. More and more skills are mastered.

Our students are engaged in hands-on science and applying their learning into

claim, evidence and reasoning formats. The writing that hangs in our hallways

has more voice and content as our students are gaining confidence as writers.  

It is exciting when they want to celebrate their writing.

Each morning our students pledge to strive for their personal best.  We are

working on what that means academically and emotionally. We are learning

how to be respectful, courageous, kind, thoughtful of others, a good friend, and

how to be responsible.  Our students have earned Hooray Horseshoes for

demonstrating integrity, helping a friend or a teacher, and taking responsibility

for their actions. It is awesome to see the number of students who earn

Hooray Horseshoes and are in a drawing at the end of the week to eat lunch

with a friend.  Guidance lessons support the social-emotional and character

traits we desire for all of our Colts.

All of us are on striving to live out our CHES vision of staff and students

challenging one another to grow as learners in a community of respect

and acceptance.  It requires a lot of hard work and commitment. We will

persevere.

Have a wonderful holiday and a Happy New Year!

A Season of Giving

In this season of giving Carpenter Hill Colts have the gift of generosity.  

Our Colts began in October giving to our school as a result of our

school fundraiser, the Colt Stampede.  Our students received pledges

and donations to support school initiatives. Running for a good was
our mission. Students set a lap goal and several even surpassed their
lap goal. Thousands of miles were run by students, staff and family

members in an effort to support our school. Ultimately the money

raised will impact our students. Thank you to all of our supporters

as we raised $14, 421.62.

Soon after the Colt Stampede our students supported children around

the world with our Trick or Treat for UNICEF campaign.  Students

carried orange boxes around as the were trick or treating and asked

for donations. Our school has participated in this fundraiser all 9 years

and our students have raised over $13,000 in that time period.  

In November we have collected coats and shoes for our

Hays CISD Clothes Closet.  Lots and lots of jackets, hoodies and shoes

are making their way into our donation boxes.  Opportunities to donate

will continue through December.

Let us not forget our Turkeys Tackling Hunger project.  Our school

has participated annually collecting canned goods, non-perishable items

and money donations to help families in Hays County.  Our Girl Scout

Troop led the campaign with signage, flyers, and the collection. Our

school brought over 754 food items and raised over $757.12, which

will feed over 25 families this Thanksgiving.

Our Green Team is beautifying our gardens and areas around our

school.  In addition, we are collecting plastic bags and plastic film in

an effort to have a bench made of the recycled product.  If our goal

is met or exceeded, Trex will provide us with a bench made from

Earth-friendly composite.

Our Grove of Gratitude project reminded us what we are thankful.  

Our students and staff wrote on a leaf what they were thankful for

and it was added to a grove of trees displayed on our main stairwell.

We have a great deal to be thankful for each and every day.  Some days

may be easier to communicate our gratitude than others, but we

definitely have a lot to be thankful for. I am thankful to our students,

staff and our Colt community.

Thank you for your support and your generous spirit of giving. I wish

everyone a happy season of giving as it is better to give than to receive.

The giver is blessed indeed.

Our First Week

Whoosh!  Our first week went by quickly and was filled with relationship
building activities, procedures, expectations, social contracts, new friends,
math, reading, science and writing.
 As the week progressed some of our students were a little sluggish, but
still smiling by the time Friday arrived. It can take a lot out of you to get
back into a routine or in the case of our kinder students, get into a routine.  

We are ironing out some wrinkles in some areas of our campus, and we
have appreciated the cooperation of everyone involved.  Mrs. Farmer has
been in the cafeteria as we streamline some procedures during our lunches.
We want our students and guests to enjoy lunch time.  
Families are welcome to join their student during lunch time. We have a
designated table for our guests. We ask that only the student and their guest
eat together at this table.  Our dismissal process continues to be tweaked as
we see areas to improve upon. Safety is paramount and moving 650+ people
through our school at dismissal can get a little tricky. It does seem to be improving.  
Our teachers are working with our leadership team offering suggestions for more
efficient and safe ways to travel the hallways to buses, YMCA and front car riders.
I do not believe our procedures are impacting parents at this point, but know we
are striving to improve our systems. In the coming weeks we are going to be
assessing your children in reading and math.  The results of these assessments
help us create a plan for instruction and grouping of students.  All of you will
receive information about the results during parent conferences. In addition,

information will come home about some resources and programs we are
using at Carpenter Hill to help our students. Some of these resources can be
utilized at home as we desire partnership with you all in the education of your
child. More information is coming in the future.

Napoleon Hill said, “Strength and growth come only through continuous
effort and struggle.”  We continue to work hard and help our students understand
the importance of a growth mindset.  Each year in school the demands increase,
the workload is heavier and the expectations grow. At times it can feel
overwhelming to struggle in math or reading, but knowing that growth and
strength come with the effort can be rewarding.  

Our students are working each day to grow in their learning and to deepen
their understanding of content.  Collectively we are striving to make small
improvements every day. Progress is the key.

It is going to be a great year!  I look forward to getting to know our students
and their families better.  It’s good to be a Colt!

Rowing in the Same Direction

As a young girl I went away to summer camp each year.  When I became an
older camper, one of the activities I could try out for was war canoe.  I know
it sounds strange if you were not a camper at my summer camp, but stick
with me.  It was a big deal to be chosen.  

After tryouts, decisions were made and a team was created.  The team
consisted of 11 girls; a stern and 5 bows made up our boat.  We worked
every day for almost a month to prepare for the big race.  The race took
place during Round Up.  Round Up was sort of a showcase for campers
to share some of their accomplishments to their parents.  

From the first day of war canoe we knew we were a part of something special.  
There were expectations communicated and commitments made.  We
worked every day to be a better team.  We practiced on land and in the
boat.  We had to listen to our stern; our leader as she made calls to “stroke.”  
We had to learn how to work in sync...as one instead of 10 separate people.  
We had to work equally hard to maintain balance of the boat or we would flip,
which did happen in the early days of practice.  We were bruised after
practices, but those bruises were badges of honor, knowing we worked
hard for our team.  On the day of the race, we had to trust each other, rely
on each other and not give up. Our parents were on the banks of the
Guadalupe River,  as was the entire camp watching as 22 campers put
their heart and muscle into the race.  The 22 of us in the boats knew we had
the support of more than just the 10 others in the boat, but that of our parents
and other campers.

I share this story because it is similar to the hard work and commitment
our staff puts in each and every day of the school year to support our
students and each other.  The vision and mission is shared.  We decided
collectively on our goals and focus areas.  Expectations are communicated
and revisited as the year progresses.  Commitments are made. Occasionally,  
adjustments are made to balance our boat.  We practice, evaluate, adjust,
change, learn and grow through hard work and practice.  We may even
get bruised every now and then.  Our commitment to our students and each
other is one of growth and progress.
We are committed to challenging one another to grow as learners in a
community of respect and acceptance.  We also want to empower
our students with tools to grow through nurturing relationships and
innovative experiences.  

This work is not easy and at times it can feel overwhelming.  We are
committed to the whole student, not just the academics side of a student.  
However, we need some mutual commitments from our Colt families.  
We want you to cheer “from the banks of FM 967” and we want you
to grab a paddle to help us row in the same direction; strengthening
our team and ultimately helping our students achieve.  Teamwork is
desired.  Communication is necessary.  Our students deserve our best!  

Reflections

With all of the hustle and bustle this time of year it is important to stop, celebrate, share and cheer.  2017 has come to an end and a new year filled with 365 days of possibilities is here.  

Carpenter Hill has been focusing on growth, not only in our students, but in our staff as well.  As we read, talk, observe, analyze and discuss all that is going on around our campus we ponder what else can we do or what haven’t we tried yet to improve our instructional delivery, growth in our relationships with others, to break down our standards and truly understand what the students need to do to demonstrate mastery of the content, and work together as a school community for the benefit of our students.  We meet regularly in various groups to discuss and reflect on our actions and those of our students. Talking is one thing and putting those thoughts into action is another thing all together.  

I am thankful I work with a staff that is willing to try new things.  To approach our work in a different manner in order to reach our students and push them to new heights.  We are all growing in our understanding that mistakes will happen and to not give up.  More and more conversations take place surrounding intentional grouping, accountability for all, students setting goals for themselves, incorporating a reflection component to lessons, and how to use technology in meaningful ways.  

We have data to support the growth our students are making in math, which is a focus for our campus.  Our students recently completed interim assessments and we will disaggregate that data and determine our next steps.  We will also look at our Developmental Reading Assessment results and create a plan to meet the needs of all of our students, not just the students that are struggling.  We are committed to our students’ growth.  We are student-driven and data informed.  We need data sets to determine our next steps to helping our students continue to learn and grow.

I am grateful for the community I work with and serve.  We have common purpose, commitment and vision.  We will continue to improve.  We will keep asking questions and seeking answers.  We will challenge one another in respectful ways.  We will support one another as we try new things.  Our students matter.  Our teachers and staff matter.  Our families matter.  Working together is critical.  I recently read “great teams consist of players who keep pulling on the same end of the rope no matter what.”  Here’s to 2018 and continued growth, adventure, laughter, knowledge and cheer.

Thankful

It is that time of year when the holidays are all around us.  We are reminded of the blessings and gratitude we feel for the people in our lives.  I am so grateful for the Carpenter Hill Colts and  every person that is a part of our school community.  

Our students have engaged in a gratitude project throughout the month of November.   The idea sparked and has grown into something much bigger.  At the top and bottom of the stairs are materials to write a note to someone in the building to share your gratitude.  This idea has continued into the month of December in the form of gratitude Christmas cards.  In addition, this project has extended beyond our four walls.  All of our first through fifth grade students created a Christmas card for a young man who is in the hospital.  I was overwhelmed by the care and warmth extended by our students.  They do not know this young man, but they know he is in the hospital during this time of year.  It melts my heart to see the outpouring of love our students have for others.  

Colts (and their families) are working hard to stay healthy and attend school every day.  We know that attendance matters.  We miss our students when they are away.  We continue to strive for 97% and better each week.  Even with holiday plans and illness entering the school we had 96.97% attendance last week.  We want our students present to grow their brains and continue to share their knowledge and understanding with others.  

We are working hard to finish the semester strong.  When visiting classrooms students are all abuzz with excitement and eager to share their learning and knowledge. Whether they are working on Dreambox, talking about geometry, writing in their journals (and adding a detailed picture), playing soccer, practicing for a holiday performance, coding, or meeting with their teacher in small groups they want to share their experiences.  Our teachers continue planning engaging lessons.  Students are actively involved in their learning.

Our students continue to grow in math.  We are tracking student progress with our resources Formative Loop and Dreambox.  We know math can be difficult and that practice and persistence are necessary.  Our students, teachers and families are committed to the task.  Our students have mastered 16, 565 math skills in Formative Loop, which averages to approximately 31 skills per student.  Wow!!  Our students continue growing in their math numeracy in Dreambox too.  I am thankful for hard workers.

“It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” around Carpenter Hill as holiday decorations or winter scenes fill our hallways.  Next week we will have a few dress up days for our students and staff to participate in should they choose.  With all of this fun we still have valuable assessments to complete to gauge progress.  

I am so thankful to be a part of this school.  What an amazing experience!  We have a community filled with hard working, good people desiring to make a difference for the students at Carpenter Hill. Blessings to everyone this season.

All my best,

Debbie