i n t h i s i s s u e : B E A R K A T B E G I N N I N G S • P O S T OA K H I G H S C H O O L N E W S • B O O K F A I R
The
VO LU M E X V I V, N U M B E R 11 A bi-weekly publication of The Post Oak School
POST Celebrating 50 years of The Post Oak School
F E B RUA RY 13 , 2 014 Available online at www.postoakschool.org
M AY I H E L P? by John Long, Head of School
“M
ay I help?”
Travis, it turns out, is eight. “Today’s my birthday,” he said later. But right at that moment he had come to the communion rail at the front of the church to ask if he could help. The worship service was over and the last of the congregation was straggling out as I worked to remove wooden trays holding little cups of grape juice. Kathy and I clean up and put away after communion on an occasional basis, part of a small group of volunteers. Last Sunday we were the only ones to show up, until Travis came forward. I smiled and thanked him and gave him a job to do. “Many hands make the work light,” I said. At the end of the service the minister had asked for more willing helpers – not particularly for that day, but continued on page 2
A Primary child watches and waits to assist his classmate
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in general, because the volunteer corps was depleted. And Travis responded immediately. I hadn’t met him before, in fact, I don’t remember having seen him previously. So we talked as we worked. That’s when I discovered it was his birthday. I also learned that he attends a Montessori school – not Post Oak, but another Montessori school here in Houston. Then it clicked into place for me. Here was an eight year old boy with the self confidence to approach an unknown adult with an offer to help. He was self confident, though not brash or arrogant. He was modest without being shy. He knew that he would be able to help if given the chance, had obviously been given opportunities to help out, to contribute his efforts, and so felt empowered to offer. I’ve seen these characteristics in Montessori children over the years. It reminds me of another similar example from my years in Cleveland. University School is an all-boys school, a prestigious and highly-competitive prep school. There were eight Montessori graduates in a student body of 400 that year, eight boys who had completed eighth grade at Ruffing Montessori School before going on to high school at U. S. Four of those boys were among a group of forty being inducted into the honor society. The disproportionately high representation of Montessori students being honored for scholastic excellence was immensely pleasing to all of us who had worked with those boys in earlier years. Montessori prepares
FE B RUA RY 13, 2014
students to succeed academically in even the most rigorous schools. I’ve heard that everywhere I’ve gone around the country in speaking to teachers, parents and graduates from mature Montessori programs.
that consistently reveal themselves in Montessori children.
Schools have no honor roll for character formation: it’s too hard to measure. Our society has a penchant for talking about that which can be measured – The Headmaster of University School simply because it can be measured. reported to me one other tidbit that As adults, we rarely know about the was even more outstanding. A call was academic achievement of our friends broadcast to the entire student body and associates. But their character is to help set up for the honor society of the essence in our regard for them. induction. Twenty boys showed up I was very pleased for those four boys after school to offer help, a group that being inducted into the honor society, included all eight Montessori boys. just as I am pleased by the academic Montessori students are ready, willing kudos earned each year by our Post and able to work, whether it be academic Oak graduates. But I was even more work, or the unglamorous grunt work pleased by the unexpected recognition that makes a community run. They of Montessori’s impact on character feel a sense of connectedness, a sense formation because Montessori said, of responsibility as members of the “Education is preparation for life.” community. They feel a sense of their Thank you, Travis, for helping out. • own capability – they just know that they can tackle any project, large or Copyright John Long and the Post Oak School small. And they feel empowered to Reprinted from 2/5/98 act. These are personal characteristics
FEBRUARY 13, 2014
Admission Days: A Quick Guide
Thursday, February 27th Primary Admission Day
This is a day for Primary teachers to meet with prospective students. Therefore, regular school is not in session for Primary students. Only Primary students with expanded year contracts attend. All Infant Community, Elementary, Middle School and High School classes are in session.
Friday, February 28th
Primary, Elementary and Middle School Admission Day This is a day for Primary, Elementary, and Middle School teachers to meet with prospective students. Therefore, regular school is not in session for any of those levels. Only Primary, Elementary, and Middle School students with expanded year contracts attend. All Infant Community and High School classes are in session.
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F.I.S.H Meeting Friday, February 21 9:00 a.m. “What’s Lurking in that Electric Blue Lollipop?” Join us in the Common Room as Post Oak parent Aimee Taylor discusses artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives, and their effect on behavior, cognitive function and overall health of children. Aimee is a Certified Health Coach, an accredited member of the American Association of Drugless Practicioners, and a Certified Personal Trainer.
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 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 Lower Elementary students help prepare a luncheon for their classmates
growth and enhancement of The Post Oak School.
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FE B RUA RY 13, 2014
FEBRUARY 13, 2014
WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW!
5 0 t h a n n i v e r s a ry s p o t l i g h t ST OAK
e
PO
T
Bearkat Beginnings: A History of Sports at Post Oak
POHS LITERARY CHAPBOOK : ON SALE NOW!
What’s this I’m hearing about INTERNSHIPS and PARTNERSHIPS?
O
O
L
by Post Oak Parent Amy Kirchner HIG
What exactly is a Bearkat? Aside from it being Post Oak’s mascot, Wikipedia claims it to be some kind of binturong, a carnivorous mammal that resides in Southeast Asia. At Post Oak we know Bearkats as our 6-8 grade athletic team. Coach Mark Tucker was around at the inception of the Bearkats in 1995. Former Middle School student, expressed an interest in playing basketball for Post Oak and thus began the sports program. went on to play varsity basketball at Bellaire High School and received a scholarship. She was just one of many students who excelled at sports through the Bearkats program. The early participants came up with Bearkats as our official mascot.
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H SC
H
The first edition of the POHS literary chapbook is now on sale. All proceeds will go toward publication and getting a table at the Houston Indie Book Fest at The Menil (May 3).
students. Intramurals are a good way to learn about and participate in school sports. The running club, formerly known as the “Speedy Turtles,” trains on the Episcopal High School track 3 days per week before school. Two former Post Oak Students, twins
Early games were played against local Montessori schools. The initial Bearkat colors were blue and white but later changed as the school adopted green as its official school color. Several other small private schools have since been added to our game schedule. This year, the Bearkats played a total of 17 basketball games, a record number!
participated in running club and cross country at Post Oak. They are record-setting runners at EHS and are applying to Division 1 universities with an eye toward their running programs.
Aside from basketball, Bearkat athletes participate in flag football, cross country, soccer and volleyball. All 6-8 grade students are eligible to play. Intramurals are available for 4-6 grade
The focus of the Bearkats is on learning the sport itself and practicing good sportsmanship. Everyone gets an opportunity to play. Practices occur several times per week right after school. It is easy to follow the Bearkat paw
prints at the Peace Circle which were painted in the fall of 2011. Coach Tucker is assisted by Physical Fitness Specialist Andrea Dilger (currently on maternity leave) and Coach Jones who is currently working with our Bearkats and Intramural players. Physical Fitness begins at an early age at Post Oak and has helped many students excel at sports during their time at Post Oak and beyond. Congratulations to Coach Tucker on 20 years at Post Oak and for continuing to grow the Bearkats program. Spring soccer league is coming up so stay tuned for game dates and make sure to come out and support your team. Go Bearkats!
POHS ON PBS! Big news! A PBS crew came to the high school on Wednesday to shoot a segment about the J-term electric vehicle conversion that the students are working on. The segment will air as part of NewsHour: Weekend Edition on PBS (Channel 8) at 6:00 p.m., this Saturday, Feb. 15.
NK THI IN. FOLLOW POHS INTERN BLOGS: AGA blog on her HMNS Entomology internship – blog on her HMNS Paleontology internship – blog on her C.J. Jung Center Psychology internship
What is IB?
What SPORTS do they play?
What are the CLASSES like? Are they really doing an EV car conversion?
What’s a J-Term?
Coffee with the High School Director February 25, 10:15 a.m. Get the answers to these questions and more at Coffee with the High School Director in the Multipurpose Room on the Bissonnet campus. A high school student and parent will also join in to answer questions.
THURSDAY, MARCH 6 9 A.M.–9 P.M.
CELEBRATING HEROES THROUGHOUT HISTORY H E RO E S O F
ART
HEROES OF
ASTRONOMY
HE RO ES O F
π
MATH
HE ROE S OF
SCI E N CE
HEROES OF
SPORTS
3003 W. Holcombe Blvd.
Book Fair Chairs: Jennifer Brenckmann and Vareen Cunningham
Purchases Benefit our School: Our faculty has selected books you can purchase to be used in our Library and classrooms. Additionally, when you purchase any book during the Book Fair, the proceeds support our school.
Volunteers Needed: A large part of the success of the Book Fair rests upon the many parent volunteers who help the event run smoothly. If you are interested in volunteering, we have some time slots open in SignUp Genius. Wednesday evening volunteers are still needed to help prepare the books for
sale. Thursday volunteers are needed to help with the various planned activities, faculty book sales, and clean-up. Thank you to all the volunteers who have already signed up to help. We look forward to seeing everyone at the 2014 Book Fair! – Vareen and Jennifer
Friends OF THE Library UNDERWRITING FOR THE POST OAK LIBRARY
U
HANK YO ·T U
A
Name(s)
Address
WRITIN G
City/State/Zip
Local Support Jerry Built, Chick-fil-A and Pronto Cucinino are all proud supporters of the Post Oak School Book Fair. They will donate a portion of their proceeds the evening of book fair to our school. Coupons will be distributed before Book Fair.
Phone
Donation Amount $
Date
Make checks payable to “The Post Oak School” and write “Friend of the Library” in memo. FOR CREDIT CARD PAYMENTS:
☐ Visa ☐ Mastercard ☐ American Express ☐ Discover Card #
Expiration Date
Name (as appears on card) Signature CSV #
Please turn in this form to the front office.
·
Thank you for your supp ort of the Post O ak Library
HERO ES OF
COLLECT THEM ALL! Barnes & Noble
Join us at The Post Oak School’s 2014 Book Fair and read your way through adventures based on “Heroes Throughout History”. Books can be fun, informative, exciting, and imaginative. So, come out to see where your imagination can take you and help spark our children’s interests in reading.
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K YOU · AN TH TH
IR A F K O O B 4 L 1 O O 20 H C S K A O T S O P E H T
FEBRUARY 13, 2014
U · THANK Y YO O
FE B RUA RY 13, 2014
OU · THA KY NK AN
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FE B RUA RY 13, 2014
Confessions of a Frustrated Gardener (and tips for Springtime!) by Jeff Streich, Post Oak parent
The plants I have had most success with have been:
I was sad to give up my garden back in Minnesota. I had devoted
• HERBS
years to creating a productive garden. All the work was worth it to have the convenience of fresh herbs and veggies right
• OKRA
outside the door. Even better was the interest that my son took
• EGGPLANT
in growing and eating right from the garden. He even had his own separate garden from which he was able to pick the specific
• CHERRY TOMATOES
plants he wanted to grow and share with his friends. Mint,
• KALE
strawberries and stevia were popular.
• BROCCOLI
Once we moved to our house in Houston, I wanted to get a garden started. But I soon found out it is not quite as easy here. The clay soil, the summer heat, don’t get me started... I have yet to succeed in harvesting half of what I plant!
• SWISS CHARD Planting seedlings increases your success rate and gives you a
The sun is both our friend and enemy in Houston. I find that veggies prefer morning sun. Sometimes, the morning sun just
• CAULIFLOWER
jumpstart to harvest time. Otherwise, seeds are good too. Spring canscho be started the p planting o st oak ol toward the end of February.
happens to be in your front garden. Consider planting there, as well. You could either show your garden off with pride, or use
For more detailed information, here is a good source:
landscaping to conceal it.
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/organic/
Houston has a few pluses, but the soil is not one of them! I
files/2011/03/E-502_home_vegetable_guide.pdf
recommend a raised bed for planting. Purchasing good quality
Please write me an email to share your successes, frustrations,
soil is a must. SouthwestFertilizer.com (Bissonet and Renwick)
and/or more tips at streichteam@gmail.com.
has many options. When creating the bed, use a shovel to break up the clay to bond the bad and good soil. That also helps with drainage, so your plants won’t drown when it rains. You can raise your beds with stone, cement blocks, wood, or even old tires. Another easy option is to use pots. Container gardens are a great way to experiment with different plants, and to find out where they grow best. Make sure to water them well, or place them near your sprinklers. Also, verify that they drain well.
t h e p o s t oa k s c h o o l
Check the Post Highlights for the date and time of our next Green Team meeting!
FEBRUARY 13, 2014
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Primary Parent/Child Night
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FE B RUA RY 13, 2014
FEBRUARY 13, 2014
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SCENES
from The Post Oak School
1. Work on reading comprehension begins in the Primary classroom. 2. A Lower Elementary student works on an Astronomy presentation. 3. Occupations work in Middle School includes making a model of a solar-powered car .
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4. An Upper Elementary student reads intently. 5. Infant Community students wait patiently for their turn to feed one of the class pets. 6. An Upper Elementary student nears completion of a history report. 7. Working with clay in Lower Elementary art class. 8. Lower Elementary students begin the big work of mapping out the Timeline of Life. 9. Upper Elementary friends doing independent work. 10. During Music “specials, �Lower Elementary students enjoy an opportunity to sing together with instruments. 11. Eeyore the bunny is a friend to all in the Full Day Infant Community.
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FE B RUA RY 13, 2014
C A L E N DA R F E B R UA R Y 16 -2 2
Mon 2/17
Thu 2/20
Fri 2/21
Presidents’ Day School Closed Upper Elementary History Fair 7:00 p.m.
F.I.S.H. Meeting 9:00 a.m.
F E B RUA RY 2 3 - M A RC H 1
Tue 2/25
Thu 2/27
Fri 2/28
Coffee with the High School Director
N OT I C E B OA R D Science Night this Saturday at the UT Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences! The UT Graduate School of Biomedical sciences (GSBS) is hosting a night full of fun and interesting science showcased by pioneering scientists at UT Health Science Center and MD Anderson Cancer Center. Bring the whole family and get your science on! WHEN: Sat., Feb. 15, 3 - 6 p.m. WHERE: 7435 Fannin Street, South Campus Building II (SCRBII) Ballroom facebook.com/UTGSBSOutreach
Congrats ! We in the middle school are proud to announce that our dear friend, competed in and won the Scholastic Regional Poetry Competition! She will now be going on to Nationals, where we wish her all the best. She has worked extremely hard on her poetry, and this win was quite well-deserved. Congratulations, , and good luck.
10:15 a.m.
ADMISSION DAY: PRIMARY All levels in session except for Primary: Primary students with expanded year contracts attend ADMISSION DAY: PRIMARY, ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL Infant Community and High School in session: Primary, EL and MS students with expanded year contracts attend
Where in the world will your 50th shirt go on spring break? Join us this Spring Break as we gather images of Post Oak families and friends sporting their 50th gear all over the world! We will be capturing all of the fun on our Facebook and Twitter pages, and in the Post. Send your pics during Spring Break to jessicajackson@ postoakschool.org.
ABOU T TH E POST The Post is distributed via email every other Friday of the regular school year. You can receive a printed copy from your oldest child, or view the PDF version online.
Check out our calendar online or download a copy at www.postoakschool.org
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