The Post, 1.17.2014

i n t h i s i s s u e : H I G H S C H O O L J -T E R M • PA R E N T E D U C AT I O N O P P O R T U N I T I E S • 5 0 - F O R-5 0 P R O J E C T

The

VO LU M E X V I V, N U M B E R 9 A bi-weekly publication of The Post Oak School

POST Celebrating 50 years of The Post Oak School

J A N UA RY 17, 2 014 Available online at www.postoakschool.org

FA M I LY ROU T I N E S

by Jennifer Rogers, Reprinted from AMI/USA’s Fall 2013 Journal

Maya Pinto’s Upper Elementary class shares their traditional “Thanksgiving Soup”, to which every student contributes one ingredient

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hen father cradles his arms to receive his newborn, time stops.

From that moment, for a few weeks or a few months, days blend into nights. Elation passes, but his world will never be the same again. One morning he stumbles out of bed, just alert enough to comprehend the sacrifices he has already made. From that first

cradling to an unspecified date in the future, both parents surrender their independence, the sense that they can determine the contours of their days according to their own needs and desires. Their new life is abundant, but most parents regret the loss of personal freedom. The only sacrifice as great is intimacy, the feeling of eternal connection that inspired the birth of a child. continued on page 2

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JA N UA RY 17, 2014

By the age of six, most children can tolerate and even enjoy variations in family routine.

They have achieved this comfort and confidence to depart from routine, because they know the routine exists. As she moves from childhood toward adolescence, a child is like a swimmer on the end of a diving board, bounding higher and higher, until her confident inner voice tells her to change position and direction of her body and dive.

Children who have chaotic home environments, irregular or interrupted sleep, and unstructured meals will not reach their potential. Lacking structure at home, they are often disorganized. Their work

at school is messy and inaccurate. Often tired, they quit before they try anything new or challenging. Their lives are too unpredictable for them to risk failure.

“The order of ‘what, when and where’ in a child’s life provide the structure and opportunity for limits and discipline,” Lillard and Jessen write (Montessori From the Start, 204). Disorganized children are often disobedient, The parameters provided by routine insist the child control his behavior until he has internalized limitation and can self-regulate.

The decision to establish a routine for children is a gift of grand proportion. Every day, sometimes several times a day, parents make small sacrifices to preserve routine.

They sit down to a meal together, every day.

They make sure they are at home at naptime.

They read a story every night before bed.

Each sacrifice of a parent’s time and freedom is another small gift, an investment in the future of a child and his family.

ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE

RESOURCES: Dreikurs, Rudolf. Children: The Challenge.

New York: Plume Books, 1964.

Lillard, Paula Polk and Lynn Lillard Jessen, Montessori From the Start. New York: Schocken Books, 2003.

Montessori, Maria. The Children in the Family.

Oxford: Clio Press, 1989.

Two Opportunities Remaining!

NK THI IN. AGA PO

Wednesday, February 12th – 7 p.m.

ST OAK

Tuesday, April 8th – 7 p.m.

Montessori, Maria. The Secret of Childhood.

New York: Ballentine Books, 1966.

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“Routine is to the child what walls are to a house,” Dreikurs writes. “It gives boundaries and dimensions to his life. Routine gives a feeling of security” (Children: The Challenge, 116). By the age of three, children thrive in the order and routine of the children’s house.

The routines of a strong home begin the growth of confidence that continues in school.

At childhood’s end, when the person who taught his father how to cradle his arms achieves independence, a few widely-spaced elements of his family routine remain. Children outgrow midnight feedings and naps and bedtime stories, but they never outgrow the comfort of routine. Family meals, holiday celebrations, quotidian rituals, and routines always serve as a source of strength and confidence. Adults blessed with memories of happy childhoods call these few remaining routines traditions, preserve them, and try to pass them on. •

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The infant’s inflexible eat-play-sleep routine is the new parents’ boot camp. Days last forever; three years pass in the blink of a tired mother’s eye. Naps and meals become less frequent and longer, but bed- and meal-time routines are still essential. A child who is younger than six years old depends on getting-ready routines, the detailed formalities of arrivals and departures, the graceful flow of a typical day with his family.

Family routines provide the foundation in the house where the young child becomes a man.

Children in Primary Home Environment play together outdoors

in the Mu seum D istr ict

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“Order provides an adult with a certain amount of external pleasure,” Maria Montessori writes in The Secret of Childhood (53). “But for small children it is something quite different. It is like the land upon which animals walk or the water in which fish swim” (53). Young children need routine almost as much as they need nourishment.

Quality time is a myth. Twenty minutes of intense, parent-directed attention is not worth as much as a string of ordinary days. Parents cannot alter the flow of time or the routine rhythms of healthy human development. The only way in which parents can transform the life of a child is to organize time in ways that meet the needs of a child as she grows.

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Expectant parents read books by experts, talk to their neighbors, care providers, and friends with kids. They know routine is essential. Nothing prepares them for the gut-wrenching screams of their baby when she is hungry and away from her mother or tired in an unfamiliar room. Pattern, structure, and order assume an urgency parents could not have imagined.

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Intimacy can be recaptured. Children thrive when parents go away together, shut their bedroom door and refuse to allow their children in. The burden of a child’s routine remains heavy for parents, though, for many years. When parents do not establish a routine that supports healthy development, the child suffers. For at least three years, the smallest departures from sleeping or eating routines end in misery.

JAN UARY 17, 2014

Copyright 2013 AMI/USA. Reprinted with permission. No part of this publication may be reproduced for any purpose, whether private or public, without the express written permission of the Association Montessori International of the United States of America, Inc.

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1102 Autrey Street, Houston TX 77006 www.postoakhighschool.org

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JAN UARY 17, 2014

POPA Chairs for 2014–2015 Announced

High School J-Term—What Is That?

We are pleased to announce next year’s POPA Co-chair, who will join current chair,

by James Moudry, High School Director (Adapted from his January, 2013 post to the Post Oak High School blog)

Two years ago we introduced a new schedule for selecting our Post Oak Parent Association (POPA) Chair. The school has two POPA Chairs who serve two-year terms rotating off during alternating years. POPA Chair currently in her first year, will show the ropes to incoming chair who will begin her two-year term in the fall of 2014. and will work throughout the year with event chairs, including our soon-to-be-announced 2015 Biennial Gala Chairs.

In addition, the POPA Chairs serve as liaisons to the parent community and handle all aspects of the monthly POPA Coffees.

They work with Room Parents and volunteers on a variety of school activities. These school leaders are often called upon to offer guidance on issues affecting the community. comfortably comes into this role having worked on countless Post Oak events and activities since her family started here in 2007. Most recently, served as Post Oak Fund chair for two years, with record-breaking results. With a desire to

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Each January (hence the J in J-Term), Post Oak High School students have the opportunity to participate in courses that they help design. The ideas for the courses come from both students and faculty members. The courses are collaboratively designed by a small group of students with a faculty member.

2014–2015 POPA Chairs

and

help parents gain a greater understanding of Montessori, pioneered the F.I.S.H. program (Families Integrating School and Home) several years ago, which continues successfully to this day. strategic thinking, boundless optimism, and love of Post Oak, make her a valuable part of the school’s Leadership. Please congratulate on her new role for next year, and be ready to volunteer when the POPA Chairs give you a call! ~ Christina Kopanidis-Cantu, Development Director

The goals of the J-Term experience are for students to take on increased responsibility for their own learning. Creating a path of study is challenging work and it calls on students to consider content, timing, field work, assessment, and budgeting. The faculty facilitator for each course supports the students in their work ensuring a successful course experience for everyone.

After J-Term, the students enrolled in each course will present a summary of their course experience to the school.

Design & Entrepreneurship

Creative Writing

The work involves a complete course including class work, field experiences, and assessments. The courses are opportunities for students to pursue topics that connect directly with their interests. The student suggestions are developed over several weeks in November and December. Planning groups meet regularly during this time with their faculty facilitator to lay out the course expectations, experiences, and assessment plan.

This year, there are four J-Term courses:

EV Car Conversion

Design & Entrepreneurship Creative Writing JACKSON & RYAN ARCHITECTS

CURRENT

This year we will present a series of informational sessions that will talk about all things related to the Big Work campaign, including the fundraising and the construction plans. These sessions will be beneficial for all parents and community members to attend.

Join us to learn how Big Work will impact your family and how you can lend your support to this growth and enhancement of The Post Oak School.

EV Car Conversion Jamaican History Trip The students are already engaged in the various stages of project completion relevant to their courses. Check out the photos at right, follow the High School on Facebook, follow the J-Term: Jamaica blog at http://jamaicajterm2014.blogspot.com/, and the J-Term: EV Car blog at: http://posgarage.blogspot.com/. We’re all excited to see what amazing experiences will be revealed to us at the end of J-Term! •

Jamaican History Trip

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JA N UA RY 17, 2014

JAN UARY 17, 2014

TEDxYouth Event 2014

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Our Speling Spelling Bee

by Mirna Andrade-Salgado, Technology Director The Post Oak School participated in the 4th annual TEDxYouth@ISAS event in Houston on November 17, 2013. Nearly 100 TEDxYouth events took place worldwide during that weekend. The event coincided with Universal Children’s Day in an effort to promote transnational togetherness and awareness among children worldwide. Duchesne Academy “My experience participating in the TEDxYouth of the Sacred Heart hosted the event with program this year was AMAZING! I the participation of 7 other ISAS schools: absolutely loved hearing such inspiration given Emery/Weiner School, The Kinkaid at the event. During the event, I tweeted and School, Chinquapin Preparatory School, Instagramed so many things. I felt so lucky to be Trinity Valley School (Dallas), Episcopal able to be a part of this.

High School and, of course, Duchesne One of the speeches that really stood out to me Academy and The Post Oak School. was about hazardous driving. It was presented The event was inspiring, with over 22 by one of my friends, Nicole Sagarnaga. She live speakers using this year’s theme talked about her cousins who had died in a “The Spark” to illuminate ways to spark car accident because they didn’t have their change in their communities. There seatbelts on. It really made you think about were a large number of event reporters how important it is to be cautious while and photographers who told the story driving. I really enjoyed spending my time at the as it unfolded through Twitter and TEDxYouth event this year.”

Instagram using hashtags of #TEDxYouth Thank you to all Post Oak middle school and #TEDxYouthDuchesne. Videos and high school participants: Speakers and a complete list of speakers can be found on the TED website at http:// and Reporter www.ted.com/tedx/events/10487 and Photographer and at the event blog at http:// See you at the TEDxYouth 2014!

TEDxYouthISASDuchesneAcademy. blogspot.com. Following is a reflection of the event in the words of our own TEDxYouth reporter

Bearkats Basketball 2013-2014 SCHEDULE

by

Upper Elementary Student

A… B… C… M… N… O… W… X… Y… Z…

Emma Bennett and Maddi Speed Sexism in Modern Society

Shiraz Ghauri - Globalization

Isabella Neblett - LGBTQ Bullying

of showing it. After the word is spelled, we wait for that horrible, horrible word to come out, “Correct” –or – “Incorrect!”

Some of us go back with idiotic grins on All of us are lined up in rows watching our faces, or with breaths of relief. Some as the audience slowly drifts towards the of us cast our head down and go slowly pure, white rows of chairs, horrified, as the to those pure, white chairs with the word numbers add up and the spaces are filled. A resonating in our head. The rounds go as couple of people stand up and speak a few fast as lightning and a century all at once. words to us. We listen politely. We know The last twenty… ten… five… two… It is these people, of course. They are the loved, over as the applause comes and the winner the hated, the respected, and the feared. emerges. People soon surround her: They are the teachers. But today there is a friends, family, teachers and the camera. new sense of purposefulness in them. They An hour later, a final sense of calm settles have a sense of knowing that they would over the school as we relax… until next year. have to tell the students some bad news.

The sense of expectancy radiates around the room as the Spelling Bee starts. All eyes fall upon the person who is speaking, and as the word is said we momentarily go blank in shock. Then the little thing in our head slaps us hard in the face back to the present. The letters come out slow, fast, tearfully, shakily, smilingly, seriously, but you could tell underneath all of that, it was nervously. We kids just have different ways

and her mom,

JANUARY 14 vs. Beren Academy 5:00 15 vs. St. Stephen’s 4:30 16 @ Memorial Lutheran 4:30 22 vs. St. Francis 5:00 27 @ Emory Weiner 4:30 28 vs. St. Stephen’s

FEBRUARY 5 vs. St. Stephen’s 11 @ Woods 4:00 12 vs. St. Stephen’s

Congratulations to this year’s Spelling Bee winner and runner-up !

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JAN UARY 17, 2014

Post Oak Alumni Night 2014

(2008): graduated from Kinkaid and is currently studying biomedical engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. believes that it is because of his Post Oak education that he’s able to see the big picture of the work he’s doing in college as opposed to just studying for a test.

“It’s all about the experience!” That was the mantra for this year’s Alumni Night that took place last Thursday evening. Post Oak students left their secondary school with more than just a transcript of their academic performance. Amidst all of the experiences you could receive from the range of private schools in Houston, Post Oak’s is one where children become equipped to apply what they’ve learned to new situations and problems. It’s this type of academic and personal growth that keeps our alumni talking about Post Oak. Our alums returned to their former campus to explain how Post Oak was so impactful. Even after all of this time (for some more than 20 years) it is an experience still worth remembering, and even more so, worth talking about. Our 11 panelists varied in age, background, and specific interests. Yet all of these individuals are people who strive to make a positive impact in their world. All are appreciative of Post Oak; a place that they believe provided them with a profound educational experience, anchoring them into a life of purpose and success. Below are our panelists and a glimpse of where they are now.

: Former student and current Post Oak parent, attended Bellaire High School and Vanderbilt University where she received a Bachelor of Engineering and majored in biomedical engineering. She then attended the Jones School at Rice University where she received her MBA. Dentistry. is currently a dentist in Missouri City where (1995): graduated from Clements he lives with his wife, Laura, and their new baby boy.

High School in Sugar Land, and received his Bachelor of Arts in (2011): is currently a junior at Government and History from the University of Texas in Austin.

The High School for the Performing and Visual Arts for vocal He received his Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law. music. Her participation in Opera at Post Oak generated an practices law in Houston and is a founding and current member of Young Alumni Council at South Texas College of Law. interest in singing, and later allowed her to develop that interest into a true passion.

(1990): attended Post Oak from : graduated with her IB Diploma from Lamar primary through 8th grade. He attended Strait Jesuit for high High School. After high school, was admitted into Brown school, and received a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a University, a school she describes as sharing the Montessori minor in Theology from the University of St. Thomas. He concept of letting students take ownership of their education. completed 2 years at the Baylor College of Medicine, and attended dental school at The University of Texas School of

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(2011): is currently a junior at Kinkaid.

She believes Post Oak played a significant role in fostering her appreciation for the arts.

earned a double major in International Relations and Education. She took part in multiple study-abroad programs, allowing her to work as a volunteer in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. She is currently teaching a public speaking course at YES Prep High School, and is working to develop programs centered on international education and literacy.

Former student and current Post Oak parent, was our guest speaker of the evening. His experience was so positive as a student, felt like Post Oak was an obvious choice when he and his family returned to Houston after completing his residency. currently works in the Department of Anesthesiology at the Parent/ Works at Baylor College of Medicine.

(2011): is currently a junior at Kinkaid. misses Post Oak for an environment that elicits learning for the sake of learning as opposed to getting the best grade. At Kinkaid, is trying to encourage her fellow students to continue to take part in volunteer work even after service hour requirements have been fulfilled because it’s fun and impactful.

(2009): graduated from Kinkaid and is currently at the University of Texas in Austin. is particularly appreciative of Post Oak’s ability to foster individuality and self-expression.

(1986): After Post Oak, went to St. John’s School. She then went on to receive her BA in Psychology and Sociology from Southwestern University and her Juris Doctor from The University of Texas. She asserts her most treasured skill to be one that she can without question attribute to Post Oak– an undying intellectual curiosity about the world and her place in it. returned to revisit the Post Oak campus after the birth of her first child. She wanted her child to feel as inspired and supported as she did. •

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JAN UARY 17, 2014

Pa r e n t E d u c at i o n O p p o r t u n i t i e s

Infant-Parent Classes INFANT & PARENT MONTESSORI: CLASS C For children at least 12 months and walking well (able to carry an object with two hands) to 24 months Instructor: Sarah Moudry Location: The Post Oak School - HDICa Prerequisite: completion of Infant-Parent Class B or Prospective Parent Series Session 2: Jan. 27, Feb. 3, 10, 24, March 3 Building on the foundation of experiences from the previous Infant-Parent classes, weekly parents explore a Montessori classroom with their child. In this new setting parents learn setting limits and expectations, the art of observation, and how to support the whole development of their child. Children experience materials and toys that are unique to the Montessori classroom, an environment that is built specifically to support their developmental needs, and opportunities to interact with other children their age.

A TODDLERS KITCHEN: CLASS D For children 16 months to 24 months Instructor: Sarah Moudry Location: The Post Oak School - HDICa Prerequisite: completion of Infant-Parent Class C Session 2: March 24, 31, April 7, 14 A child who is now confidently walking wants to explore his independence and capabilities. Inviting him to work along side you in the kitchen is just the thing he needs. In this class we explore activities that you and your young child can do together in the kitchen. Each week, together with your child, you will prepare a snack that can be eaten at the end of class, and along the way you will learn how to introduce such skills as spreading, slicing, peeling and even baking. Come join us for a fun and fascinating experience as you learn the art of cooking with your toddler.

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Pa r e n t E d u c at i o n O p p o r t u n i t i e s

AMI Refresher Course: Parents’ Workshop

Redirecting Children’s Behavior The Gentle Art of Parenting

Tuesday evenings, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25, Mar. 4, 6:30–9 p.m.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 AT THE WESTIN GALLERIA Presented by Debra Riordan

Course fee: $235 for one; $335 per couple (Includes book, workbook and 15 hours of class time)

A.M. SESSION: I Feel a Change Comin’ On: Understanding Developmental Stages and Their Reflection in Montessori Classrooms P.M. SESSION: Help Me to Help Myself : How to Support Your Child’s Development Through the Integration of Montessori Principles at Home SCHEDULE: Friday, February 14 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Welcome & Opening Panel 8:30 – 10:00 p.m. Fruit and Cheese Reception Saturday, February 15 9:00 am – 12:00 pm | Lecture Session 12:00 – 1:30 pm | Lunch 1:30 – 4:30 pm | Lecture Session 5:00 – 6:00 pm | Open Meeting with the AMI/USA Board 6:00 pm | School Tours – sign up onsite COST: Half-Day $50 Full-Day $$125 Full-Day & Opening Panel $130 Pre-registration deadline is Monday, January 27, 2014 Register online at AMIUSA.org

Montessori Promotes Disruptive Innovation

Taught by Deborah Fry, PhD, CPE For more information and to register, please call Deborah at 713-840-8663.

Wednesday, March 5 12:00 - 1:00PM Austin Convention Center Post Oak High School Director James Moudry will serve on a panel of speakers to present the innovation that exists within the framework of Montessori: “As traditional education fails students, educators are questioning the purpose/ delivery method of education.

Professionals have developed learning styles to address this problem resulting in “flipped” classrooms, peer instruction and hands-on learning.

However, outcomes these methods aim to produce – critical thinking, problem solving, entrepreneurship and creativity – are already available with Montessori.”

#disruptedu For more information, visit http://schedule.sxswedu.com/events/ event_EDUP21309

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Montessori Journey LD

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January 24, 6–9 p.m.

January 25, 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

This two-day (adults only) workshop is a powerful, hands-on approach to understanding how and what your child is learning. We invite and encourage current Post Oak parents to attend, whether for the first time or for those desiring a chance to take the journey again. Cost: $30 per person.

Post Oak High School J-Term Creative Writing Presentation at the Post Oak High School

Thursday, January 23 from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

Join us as the students in the Creative Writing Intensive J–Term present a reading of their work. Refreshments will be served, and the first edition of the POHS literary chapbook will be for sale. All proceeds will go toward publication and getting a table at the Houston Indie Book Fest at The Menil in April. Please be advised that the content of this presentation may not be suitable for children under 12.

the p o st oak s cho ol

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Recycling: The Real Deal (2 of 2)

Co

by Elisa Schmidt, Communications Coordinator Got a New Year’s resolution? Got more than one? I know I have many, and of course #1 involves all of the typical self-help mantras: excercise more, eat healthier, drink less caffeine, etc., etc. My #2 resolution is much more concrete and quantifiable: CLEAN OUT THE GARAGE. It really sounds do-able compared to those other more subjective, on-going goals! I’m ready to get to it, and a huge part of it involves getting all of the recyclables that I collect but are not accepted by curbside pickup OUT - for good!

In the last issue of the Post, we discussed ways to streamline our routines for curbside recycling, to be sure we are getting enough “bang for our buck” of the percious time we spend cleaning, sorting, and transporting our recyclables out to the curb. This time we will focus on all of the other items we can safely and reliably recycle by bringing them to the nearest drop-off center. There are three centers that we will focus on: The Westpark Recycling Center (Hwy. 59S between Chimney Rock & Fountain View), ESC North (NW side of 610 @ 59), and ESC South (S. Post Oak @ 90/S. Main). The general idea here is that anything you can’t take to the Westpark center, you can probably take to an ESC. And these locations are all so convenient!! No matter where you live in and around the Loop, it is a snap to get to Westpark and/or the ESC closest to your area.

Westpark is the “flagship” recycling center for the City of Houston’s program, where you can drive-through(!!) to drop off your items. In addition to all of the curbside items, here is a list of special items you can bring to this location: styrofoam, plastic bags, metal coat hangers, glass, B.O.P.A. (batteries, used oil, latex paint and antifreeze), computers & computer equipment, small household electronics, flourescent bulbs, TVs, microwaves, and tires.

on our way to 50 good deeds done! t h e p o s t oa k s c h o o l

ESC stands for “Environmental Service Center,” and these are the two locations where you can bring anything listed at the Westpark center, plus Household Hazardous Waste (HHW).

HHW generally includes any and all household chemicals you can possibly think of, such as pool chemicals, acids, cooking oil, degreasers, drain cleaners, fertilizer, helium tanks, herbicides, kerosene, mercury, metal polish, solvents, varnishes, turpentine, oil-based paint, and most automobile-related fluids - yuck, yuck, and yuck!

1. HFD FIRE STATION 16

20. HOUSTON SYMPHONY LEAGUE

2. MEALS ON WHEELS

21. CREATE IT WITH CAKE

3. LOCKS OF LOVE

22. HOUSE OF FLOWERS

4. THE WOMEN’S HOME COTTAGE SHOP

23. MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS, HOUSTON

5. FOOD FOR LIFE & KIDS’ MEALS HOUSTON

24. CHRISTUS FOUNDATION FOR HEALTHCARE

6. HERMANN PARK CONSERVANCY

25. FULING KIDS INTERNATIONAL

So, with all of these wonderful resources available to us, you can clearly see how the task of cleaning out my garage is inching closer and closer to the top of my list! We Green Team members hope that this list will help you accomplish at least one of your resolutions in the New Year. Here are a few links to get more information about recycling in our great city:

7. THE RAINBOW CONNECTION

26. HOUSTON CONGREGATION FOR REFORM JUDAISM

Green Houston: http://www.greenhoustontx.gov

This is the site for answers to every question about recycling in Houston: lists of accepted items, locations of drop-off centers, resources for businesses, downloadable PDFs and FAQ’s on recycling galore.

Houston-Galveston Area Council: http://www.h-gac.com

H-GAC is the state-designated planning agency for solid waste management issues in the region. Their site is full of informative guides and a more comprehensive list of drop-off centers for residents outside of Houston city limits.

Waste Management, Inc.: http://www.wm.com

Waste Management is the largest privately-owned environmental solutions provider in North America. They are able to assist with items that even local facilities can’t handle, such as medical waste.

8. RUN FOR RECOVERY 9. AHOPE 10. URBAN HARVEST

28. OPERATION JINGLE JEEPS 29. AUSTIN STATE HOSPITAL

11. SEVEN ACRES SENIOR COMMUNITY AND JEWISH FAMILY SERVICES

30. BIRTHDAY WISHES

12. CHILD ADVOCATES

31. ELVES AND MORE

13. BRIARMEADOW CHARTER SCHOOL

32. SHELTERING ARMS HOUSTON & NEIGHBORHOOD CENTERS, INC.

14. HOUSTON TOWNE LAKE TRIATHLON 15. FEEDING HOUSTON’S HOMELESS 16. HOUSTON COALITION FOR THE HOMELESS 17. UNICEF 18. HERMANN PARK CONSERVANCY

Please join us for our next Green Team meeting, Friday, January 24 at 8:45 a.m.

27. INTERFAITH MINISTRIES

19. UNICEF

33. BRAES INTERFAITH MINISTRIES 34. EAST FORT BEND COUNTY HUMAN NEEDS MINISTRY 35. VICTIMS OF SUPERSTORM HAIYAN 36. PROJECT: WE SEE YOU 37. HOUSTON FOOD BANK

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SCENES

from The Post Oak School

1. Infant Community children gather together to sing, listen and relax!

2. Concentration and hand-eye coordination are gained through work with a screwdriver in Primary.

3. Post Oak Middle School students are free to express themselves, even in math discussions.

4. An Upper Elementary student works on a History paper in class.

5. Lower Elementary students take a bow after presenting a series of reenactments of Aesop’s Fables.

6. Intense concentration (aided by noisecancelling earmuffs) in Upper Elementary.

7. Peeling a cucumber is Big Work in Primary.

8. A student matches objects to corresponding images in Infant Community.

9. An Infant Community child receives a warm welcome as he begins his transition process to Primary.

10. A student works to identify ancient artifacts in Upper Elementary.

11. High School J-Term students await their next historical destination in Jamaica.

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C A L E N DA R J A N UA RY 19 - 25

Mon 1/20

MLK Jr. Day SCHOOL CLOSED HS J-Term ends

Fri 1/24

Montessori Journey 6-9 p.m. ($ & registration req.)

Sat 1/25

Montessori Journey 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.

J A N UA RY 2 6 - F E B RUA RY 1

Mon 1/27

HS Second Semester begins

Tue 1/28

Redirecting Children’s Behavior 6:30 – 9 p.m. ($ & registration req.)

Beginning of six-week course

Fri 1/31

Chinese Lunar New Year: Year of the Horse

Check out our calendar online or download a copy at www.postoakschool.org

N OT I C E B OA R D

Found! lunch boxes, jackets, sweaters, and more . . .

Missing something?

Have a look online: www.postoakschool.org/postoak/ Photos_Lost_and_Found_Gallery.asp If you recognize an item you can come reclaim it from the treasure chest in the front lobby.

Please retrieve all items by Friday, January 24.

Everything left over will be donated to charity. *If clothing or lunch boxes have a name written on it, the item is placed in your child’s cubicle/locker. It’s a good idea to mark special items so they always find their way home!

Are You on

?

Download 200,000+ brand logos in vector format for free http://www.logoeps.com/

So is the the Post Oak School! We’d like to encourage all our families and friends to head over and like us to stay up to date on the latest POS news and events. Our Facebook pages (POS, High School, and Alumni) are updated regularly and we need your participation to keep our online community vibrant! This year we are promoting new features, like the 50-for-50 project, that you won’t want to miss! www.facebook.com/PostOakSchool

ABOU T TH E POST The Post appears every other Friday of the regular school year.

You can receive a printed copy from your oldest child, or a PDF version online.

Go Bearkats!

Submit letters, articles, or photos in electronic form by 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before publication to Communications Coordinator Elisa Schmidt (elisaschmidt@postoakschool.org). If publication is on a Thursday due to school closure on Friday, then the deadline is 5:00 p.m. on the preceding Monday.

THE POST OAK SCHOOL was founded in 1963 and accredited by both the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) 4600 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401 • Telephone: 713-661-6688 • Fax: 713-661-4959 • www.postoakschool.org