PARTING SHOTS

PARTING SHOT

Fun is Elementary!

by Ann Marie Kennon • annmarie@lhtxdigest.com photos courtesy Liberty Hill ISD, used with permission

Winter Storm Uri was a difficult experience even for grownups, but the principal and leadership team at Bill Burden Elementary School took those icy lemons and made some creative lemonade for their students’ return to school.

Principal Tanya Lambert explained the team had a three-fold goal for the first days back after power and water was restored. “We realized everyone’s home likely had laundry piled up; homes that did have water kindly conserved it for essential needs so there would be enough when it came back on for everyone. But we also knew the crisis put pressure on moms and dads to get things ready that first morning.”

The team also felt strongly that it was important no one really stand out from the crowd if they had no opportunities to shower or put on clean clothes. Plus, as elementary experts do, they made it fun. Tanya also gives credit to Liberty Hill High School for opening its doors to the public and offering showers for all.

Back at Bill Burden, leadership created “Mismatched Be-you-tiful” week. Students were invited and encouraged to wear whatever they wanted—pajamas, Halloween costumes, Christmas dresses, or mismatched anything. “Kids came back showing their amazing resiliency. We have awesome kids and amazing families, and we wanted to honor the trauma they had all been through.”

She adds that while everyone knew they would come out of it when the weather broke, Assistant Principal Elizabeth DeFrancisis pointed out some families struggle with days like this all the time. “It gave us perspective on what people are going through every day, and I was very proud to see our teachers reaching out throughout the week. They did laundry, made grocery trips, and generally helped wherever they could. I am happy to see all the good that came out of it.”

She reports the week-long celebration was a great release for everyone. “I think we might even do it again sometime just for fun. I kind of missed it the next week when I was getting ready for a regular day at work.”

From top: Miss Anderson’s 1st Grade Class Mrs. Kovar and 4th grader Tenley 2nd graders Fynnie & Scarlett