The Post, 10.3.2014

i n t h i s i s s u e : A N N UA L F U N D FAQ’ S • U E T R I P TO SK Y R A NCH • F I E L D DAY I S A ROU N D T H E COR N E R !

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O C TO B E R 3 , 2 014 Available online at www.postoakschool.org

A PA R E N T ’ S PE R SPEC T I V E Remarks by Jennifer Chavis, Current Post Oak Parent Given at the POPA Dinner, September 9, 2014

“K

indness in words creates confidence.

Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”

- Lao Tzu

When I reflect on our family’s experience at Post Oak, this favorite quote of mine encapsulates our sons experience as students and our adventure as parents. Our journey began

here when we relocated back to Houston from an AMI school in St. Louis, Missouri. We were welcomed with open arms by administrative staff, faculty and parents alike. It wasn’t too long before I dove right into lending a hand where needed with the various volunteer opportunities as well as meeting other moms who I still have friendships with to this day. was in his third year of

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Lower Elementary and was in his second year of Primary. Looking back, I am reminded how each of them have enjoyed experiences that have created newfound confidence, profoundness and love.

I would like to share with you a few stories.

The Post Oak School: CREATING CONFIDENCE came home one day, near the end of his second year, very proud of the fact that he had learned who his mentee was going to be the following year. His whole face lit up in excitement as he shared with me what this role would require of him and how he couldn’t wait to help his new friend adapt to his new classroom.

This story was music to my ears as we both knew that it was just a short time ago when himself was very shy and reluctant to share his feelings. In addition, he required continued support in articulating his needs with work in the classroom. My husband Cliff and I marveled at the transformation during his three-year cycle with Orly Kluk as she patiently worked with him, making learning fun, but challenging, honing in on his innate skills first before guiding him to skill sets that proved more difficult, allowing him speaking opportunities during class performances and being not only his teacher, but his friend. The two of them gained each other’s trust and a bond was formed.

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School student took advantage of the opportunity to participate in Montessori Model United Nations, guided by the ever-so-patient teachers Mr. and Mrs. Pinto.

I witnessed a young boy coming into adolescence with questions and the fortitude to find the answers to these questions. Two years, two committees, two topics. I watched him work diligently every week in preparation to understand the needs and rights of others so that he and his fellow delegates could present and debate these issue in the hopes of their resolutions being passed.

I know that it was this experience that sparked many conversations between us regarding life. One particular conversation he says, “Mom, you know I don’t understand people who talk about wanting change, because until you decide to do something about it, how can you expect change to happen?” He then went on to discuss some of the issues he felt strongly about and how he himself could see change happening if the solutions he was proposing were implemented.

The Post Oak School: CREATING PROFOUNDNESS

The Post Oak School: CREATING LOVE:

Then there is and his experience as an Upper Elementary and Middle

have both loved being a part of the many volunteer

Scenes from POPA Dinner

initiatives at the school, benefiting various local and global charities. I recall coming home one day and sharing all that he had learned about Malayka House, an orphanage in Uganda. I could tell that the information he had learned about this orphanage had impacted him in such a way that he now felt empowered to share what the orphanage’s needs were and support the cause. On another day, who was in Middle School at the time, came home and shared that earlier that morning, at his weekly volunteer assignment the little boy he had been paired with had missed him when he was absent the previous week. said, “Mom it made me feel sad that he missed me but I also realized how much he looks forward to me spending time with him. He’s my

O C TOBER 3, 2014

Scenes from POPA Dinner

little buddy and I look forward to spending time with him too.”

So after these wonderful Elementary and Middle School experiences, two years ago we were at a crossroads regarding high school education. Let me take you back five years ago in a room like this at a Post Oak Parents Association dinner. I found myself engaged in a conversation with another parent, a Middle School teacher, and John Long, discussing how sad it would be to have to leave after Middle School. Wouldn’t it be great to have a Post Oak High School? Well, three years ago, as most of you are aware, the High School arrived. Middle School students and parents alike are now faced with a decision: to apply out, or to stay. The Post Oak High

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School is now a viable option so why was there the desire to look elsewhere? Why was there a feeling that there is a school out there that would be better? thought was that maybe he would like to entertain the idea of a larger environment. And so another journey began; the high school application process; a learning experience for all of us.

After submitted three applications and received acceptance letters to two, he decided on his own that the POHS was the best fit for him.

He wasn’t leaving and according to him, there were four factors that helped make this decision. Upon visiting and spending time at the high school, he felt a sense of community, it was an environment where he could express himself and be heard, the opportunity to engage in real world experiences such as interning at the Medical Center, and “Mr. Moudry is a really nice guy, I like him.” high school experience since then? A teenager who is thriving in an environment that is preparing him for life in the real world upon graduation.

Continuous collaboration with his teachers regarding his work as well as constructive feedback. Roundtable discussions with his peers on topics that are

relevant to their work and presentations of new ideas based on their respective interests. A teenager who after one semester answered the question posed by me of what are the characteristics of a POHS student? “A student who is proactive, able to self direct and willing to be challenged.” Listening to remind us at his student-led conference that he would like the opportunity to intern in the Medical Center resulted in support and preparation from his teachers for his interview with a cardiothoracic surgeon. ecured himself a one-year internship beginning next year at Memorial Herman’s Heart and Vascular Institute. It will be part of his science curriculum. And maybe the most important of all, watching the larger environment wanted expand right before his eyes and his own realization that he does have a busy social calendar with his peers enjoying each other outside of the classroom.

A sense of community, an environment where you can express yourself and be heard, real world experiences. Oh, and still likes Mr. Moudry, and thinks he’s a nice guy.

As you can see, our children and are both benefiting from the environment created by The Post Oak School and Cliff and I as parents our proud and thankful to be a part of this UNIQUE and wonderful community.

• John Long’s remarks will appear in the next issue of The Post on Friday, October 17.

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O C TO B ER 3, 2014

O C TOBER 3, 2014

OC TOBER IS POST OAK FUND MONTH

TH E 2 0 1 4 – 2 0 1 5 P O S T O A K F U N D

Letters and reply forms are being mailed this week, and donations for the 2014-15 school year can also be made online.

TOGETHER WE CAN!

•

ANSWERS TO COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS What is the Annual Fund?

The Post Oak Fund is the name of our Annual Fund. Every year we look to our trustees, parents, alumni, past parents, grandparents, foundations, and corporations for this essential tax-deductible support. The collected funds are then spent on a discretionary basis to improve and stabilize our school’s environment. It also allows us to respond quickly to the needs of the school not covered in our annual operating expenses. For example: upgraded classroom materials, computer equipment, or an all school intercom system.

What is the difference between the Big Work Capital Campaign and the Post Oak (Annual) Fund?

Simply stated, Annual Fund gifts support stability, while Capital Campaign gifts support growth.

Post Oak’s Big Work Capital Campaign is focused on expanding and renovating our Bissonnet and Autrey campuses. Unlike many private schools that engage in on-going capital campaigns, Post Oak’s last major capital campaign happened in 2000.

The Post Oak Fund is an annual request to support the school’s financial strength, stability and flexibility: providing a rainy day umbrella to protect against unexpected expenses or episodic revenue shortfalls; and to cover a variety of discretionary expenses such as additional financial aid, upgraded technology, professional development, and small renovation projects. It also allows the school to take advantage of strategic opportunities when they arise.

What does the school expect of us?

The school expects parents, as members of a non-profit organization, to pay tuition on time and to get involved. That involvement includes participation in the Annual Fund, to the extent that they are financially able.

It also includes volunteering or taking part in special events sponsored by the school and supporting periodic capital campaigns.

Why does the school ask us for contributions in addition to what we already pay for tuition?

Annual Funds are common practice among independent schools. From pre-schools to colleges, independent schools all use annual funds to help compensate for expenses not covered by tuition. In fact, over 90% of these schools operate on a tuition gap basis where the tuition is 10–25% less than total expenses. They depend entirely upon their annual funds to cover the gap for budgeted expenses. The Post Oak School is different.

Guided by Independent School Management (ISM) for the past twenty years, our administration takes a very conservative approach to ensure that our critical operating expenses (salaries, utilities, benefits, maintenance, etc.) are all covered by tuition.

The Annual Fund is used for continuous improvement in facilities, professional development, technology enhancements, and classroom materials. It also ensures our long term stability by building up our cash reserves needed to cover unexpected expenses. All these contributions are needed to provide our children with the best environment possible.

Our sincere thanks to Post Oak Fund Chairs Carol & John Howenstine and Class Captains for their efforts.

Why doesn’t the school simply charge more tuition?

Class Captains:

If tuition were increased many families could not afford to send their children to our school. This could mean a drop in enrollment resulting in steeper tuition increases and discretionary spending cuts which would ultimately affect your child’s education. Additionally, charitable contributions would be even more difficult to obtain.

Why do we ask for 100% participation from parents, members of the board, teachers and all other employees?

Post Oak also receives donations from foundations and corporations. These institutions will only consider support after they’ve seen that the people who are directly receiving the benefit from the institution have shown their commitment.

100% participation shows unquestionable support from our community.

Is it important to support all school fund raisers?

Yes! Unlike so many other schools that have a multitude of fund raisers nagging you throughout the year, we have streamlined our school-wide fund raising to three efforts: Annual Fund, Annual Book Fair, and Biennial Gala. This year we are also asking for support of the Big Work Capital Campaign.

The goal is big – do small gifts really make a difference?

Yes they do. All gifts are important and

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MOUDRY . . . . . . . . . . . .

Samantha Wykoff

TOWNSEND. . . . . . . . .

Carmen Dikmen

BASHAM . . . . . . . . . . . .

Jackie Phillpott

NICKERSON. . . . . . . . .

Stephan Kinsella

WINTON . . . . . . . . . . . .

Evelyn Su-McCain

BROOKS. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Lisa Heyden and Steve Douglas

PARRAGUIRRE . . . . . .

Mayuri Patel

YEAGER . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Catherine Than

Todd Parsapour

E. PINTO. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Abbe Forman

9TH GRADE . . . . . . . . .

Holly and Greg Han

DALSEY. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gina Fertitta

M. PINTO. . . . . . . . . . . .

Suzan Samuels

10TH GRADE . . . . . . . .

Stan Watowich

HANSEN. . . . . . . . . . . . .

Julie Styles

SMITH. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shelley Quillin

11TH GRADE . . . . . . . .

Regina Mellinger

KLUK. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mario and Janet Kapusta

SOOD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Kim Yates

BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

John Long

MIDDLE SCHOOL . . .

TAJ MAHMOOD. . . . .

Diana Ayala

FACULTY/STAFF. . . .

Jeff Schneider

appreciated. If you are considering a small one time donation, please consider setting up an automatic monthly charge to your credit card as an alternative. If every family who gave $100 in the past would consider donating $25 on a monthly basis to the Post Oak Fund it would have a significant and positive impact on the campaign.

How much should I give?

Post Oak plays a significant role in the lives of our families. We encourage you to give an amount that is meaningful for your family. We receive gifts ranging between $100–$15,000, with the average gift being approximately $1,000. The amount of your gift is known only by the school and is not shared with class captains.

Can I choose where the school spends my donation?

Yes. The Post Oak Fund allows you to direct your gift in the following categories: •

Financial Aid

•

Financial Sustainability (e.g. endowment)

•

Capital Expenditures (e.g. building repairs)

•

Professional Development (e.g. sabbatical awards, teacher training, professional conferences)

•

Wherever the school needs it most

The school reserves the right to redirect gifts as needed if a fund has become oversubscribed.

How much do I need to give to be recognized in the annual report and to become a member of the Leadership Circle?

All contributors appear in the Annual Report. Donations of $3,000 or greater are recognized at the Leadership Circle level.

Those members are included in an annual spring reception hosted by Post Oak Fund Chairs and parents Carol and John Howenstine.

Is my gift tax deductible?

Yes. Post Oak is a non-profit organization.

Any gifts made to the school are tax-deductible.

My company offers a matching gifts program; would the school be interested in this program?

Absolutely. Matching gifts are an easy way to double, or in some cases triple, the amount of your gift. Please submit the matching gift form from your company to the Development Office.

What exactly is the “Endowment?”

About 10 years ago, several trustees worked to create the endowment and provided the seed money. Since that time, through additional gifts and foundation grants, it has grown to over $1.5 million. Unlike Post Oak Fund gifts which are spent on annual expenses, endowment gifts are restricted and the corpus remains untouched. The Board determines when endowment interest can be spent, in accordance with the Endowment Policy. As the endowment grows, more endowment money will be available to cover school costs and that means tuition can remain affordable.

•

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Memories of Sky Ranch from Mr. Pinto’s 4th graders SATURDAY, MARCH 7, 2015 THE HOUSTONIAN HOTEL

At Sky Ranch we did lots of fun activities while still learning.

Some of my favorite activities were horseback riding, fishing, and the zip line. Everyone had a BLAST. Every day we all had different activities. Luckily, we didn’t get a single drop of rain., Sky Ranch was a wonderful experience for all of Upper Elementary and was the best field trip EVER!!!

–written by Reserve a room at the Houstonian to make it a full night of dinner, dancing, silent and live auction, and celebrating Hollywoodstyle with old and new Post Oak friends!

Post Oak’s Biennial Gala is one of two major fundraisers for the school. THIS is a gala year and we hope to see you THERE!

GALA CHAIRS:

WHAT ARE YOU WEARING TO THE GALA? It’s a see-and-be-seen night featuring chic cocktail dresses, gowns and the creative costuming of favorite movie stars. Humphrey Bogart/Scarlett O’Hara or Indiana Jones/Princess Leia - alter egos come out! Everyone is welcome on the Red Carpet.

Black tie is only one of the many options! Be Starstuck! Celebrate Post Oak with Cinema Style!

Laura Citardi and Whitney Walsh

Running Club – WOW!!!

A couple of weeks ago in running club it was raining and we weren’t able to go to the track at Episcopal High School to do our morning run. Thankfully we have a great gym that we are able to use on bad weather days. I was thinking that running inside would be difficult for our students as it is at times when we have to stay inside. But this day was different from the start; the students came in ready to go. Our Middle School runners set the pace, as they are training for cross country, and run they did. Coach Treviño joined us and even added some great music to enjoy while we started moving. With Middle School doing their best and the music adding to our morning get-together, the younger students topped it off with their best effort of the year. I was very impressed and very happy that the rainy day did not dampen any of our spirits!

Running Club! A great place to be!

– Coach Tucker

Sky Ranch was a great place to be. Some of the activities were fishing and zip lining, which was very fast but it was fun. We also made rockets, went swimming, and went down water slides. We visited the wildlife center to see animals like a boa constrictor, and we saw a chinchilla. Another activity was ranch life, where we got to learn about ranch life in 1868 and we got to ride horses on a trail. On the trail we saw abandoned wagons and grave stones. My horse’s name was Ace and he was very easy to ride.

One day we went on a time trail which was a trail leading back in time. On the trail we saw LaSalle and the Indians he traded with.

At the end, we all learned our American Indian names. My name was Skipping Rock. My favorite activities were zip lining and Ranch Life!

–written by Last week was very exciting for Upper El. We went to Sky Ranch! At Sky Ranch we enjoyed being out in nature.

Sky Ranch is located in Van, Texas, which is about 4 hours away.

We split up into groups and learned about interesting things like animals and nature. I think everybody had a fun time.

I thought Sky Ranch was a great experience for us. We discovered new and different things, such as fishing and ranch life. One of my favorite things was going zip lining. I enjoyed my time being out in nature. Sky Ranch was great!

–written by

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WHAT’S HAPPENING NOW AT

El concierto con Andrés Orozco Estrada

!VIVA MEXICO! Maestra Novak’s Spanish students are planning a big Mexican Independence Day celebration for their peers on October 7, which will include authentic Mexican dishes prepared by the students and a live Mariachi performance (again, by the students).

Colorful costumes are required for the event, and the school will be decorated with traditional Mexican paper garlands for the festivities.

By

DR. OTT’S “CUB REPORTERS” As part of the Science curriculum, Dr. Ott’s students are acting as cub reporters for the Houston Chronicle. The students are divided into groups, each tasked with writing a comprehensive article ENGLISH: Andrés Orozco Estrada is the new head maestro of the Houston symphony. about the natural forces related to On Friday, September 12, the Houston Symphony held an event open to the public at the formation of the universe, and eventually, Earth (this week was B YOU Miller Outdoor Theater. The High School’s Spanish class was gifted tickets to the EL event by Ms. Berggren, our music specialist. Upon arriving it was evident that the all about heat). The students HEONG RE Symphony had planned the debut of Andrés in depth. There was a live band playing edit each other’s articles to before the event began and there were informal South American dance lessons, along prepare them for submission to with numerous giveaways. The turnout was incredible, considering the publicity of the the “editor in chief.” event it was not surprising. ABC 13 was the official news station for the event, and it was recorded live for people at home to watch. The event began with the symphony playing FLAG FOOTBALL THIS a short Colombian piece, which was followed by a Mexican and then an American SATURDAY, 10/4! piece. Then a longer Colombian piece was followed by the world-renowned Venezuelan Please join our POHS athletes and pianist Gabriela Montero, who was sensational. She then played a solo improvising for their new coach Cliff McBride for the game at 10:00 a.m. as they play about 5 minutes–talk about impressive. Overall the performance was amazing. All of the Tekoa Charter on Field 3 at 353 orchestra played wonderfully and Andrès was awesome. The concert was followed by a Crenshaw Rd, Houston, 77034. lovely firework show. The night was an absolute hit.

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Exciting FREE Author Visits!

POST OAK HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2016 SPOTLIGHT:

One of the great benefits of living in Houston is how many authors come through town. In October, we have two incredibly exciting FREE author visits:

Class of 2016

ESPAÑOL: Andrés Orozco Estrada es el nuevo Director de la sinfónica de Houston. El viernes 12 de septiembre, la Sinfónica de Houston realizó un evento abierto al público en el Teatro Miller Outdoor. Los alumnos de Post Oak High School tenían boletos para el evento que la señorita Berggren les dio, nuestra especialista en música. Cuando llegamos, era evidente que la Sinfónica había planeado el début de Andrés en profundidad, hubo una banda tocando antes del evento y hubo clases informales de baile de América del Sur, junto con numerosas cosas gratis. La participación fue increíble, teniendo mucha publicidad por el evento, no era de extrañar. ABC 13 fue la estación oficial de noticias para el evento, y grabó en vivo para que la gente en casa pudiera ver. El acto comenzó con la sinfónica tocando una pieza corta colombiana, que fue seguida por una pieza de México y luego de los Estados Unidos. Después tocaron una pieza Colombia por más tiempo, seguido por la famosa pianista venezolana Gabriela Montero, fue sensacional, ella tocó un solo improvisado durante más o menos 5 minutos, fue impresionante. En general, el concierto fue increíble, toda la orquesta tocó maravillosamente y Andrés fue extraordinario. Cuando el concierto terminó un hermoso espectáculo de fuegos artificiales empezó. La noche fue un éxito absoluto.

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O C TOBER 3, 2014

Q. What’s your favorite thing about POHS? A. The ability to go around to the museums and pursue interests. All of the freedom.

Q. What’s your favorite food?

A. Apples Q. What are your major interests and hobbies?

A. Sports

Q. What’s your favorite color?

Q. What’s your favorite Houston hangout spot?

A. Red

A. A basketball court.

Q. Title of the last book you’ve read?

Q. What’s been your favorite J-term or A-term project so far?

A. The Outdoor Experience. It was a camping and hiking trip to Big Bend.

Q. What’s your favorite TV show?

A. Lost Q. What colleges do you plan on applying to?

A. I’m not sure yet, but I’m interested in studying Sports Communication or History Analysis.

A. Frankenstein Q. Out of all of the POHS trips you’ve taken, what’s been your favorite?

A. This year’s Odyssey Trip to New Orleans.

Q. Name someone who has had a strong impact in your life up until this point?

A. My mom.

Q. What’s your favorite song lately?

A. Wheels of Steel

JASPER FFORDE, author of the fantastic Chronicles of Kazam series (Grades 4-8), will be at Brazos on October 15 to talk about (and sign!) The Eye of Zoltar. The Chronicles of Kazam are funny, smart, weird books set in modern-day England with a twist – there’s magic!

If you like the Chronicles of Prydain

by Lloyd Alexander or The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Cat Valente, you might just love Fforde.

SCOTT WESTERFELD will be at Blue Willow Bookshop on October 16 with his new Young Adult novel, Afterworlds (I hear it’s phenomenal).

Westerfeld wrote the Leviathan series, a personal favorite, as well as the Uglies and Midnighters series. If you’re looking for an author who will always, always surprise you, and you like a little paranormal thrill in your books, Westerfeld is an author for you.

I’ll be at both events, so come join me in meeting great authors and hearing them talk about how they write.

–Cory Eckert, Librarian

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FOOD TRUCKS! It wouldn’t be a true Field Day without a picnic on the playground. Bare Bowls and Koagie Hots food trucks will be on the scene!

YUM

VELCRO WALL! Get your best bounce and see how high you can stick yourself to the wall!

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CLASSIC GAMES! Because classic IS cool! Come and

Join us for this FREE family fun event!

Saturday, October 18 on the Post Oak back field.

It’s that time of year again to be outdoors in the incredible fall weather and to celebrate Post Oak’s Field Day. If you have ever attended one of our field days, you already know about all of the fun games, activities and creative mystery boxes. This year in particular, with our theme of “Field Day, Fun Day,” we have added some new, exciting games that the entire family can enjoy, like the bungee trampoline and the velcro wall. Whether your child is in the Young Children’s Community or in High School, there will be something for everyone.

compete in three-legged races, sack races, and much more! Listen at the event for when your age group is called.

SNOWBALL TRUCK! Like no other snowball you’ve ever had! Yeti Sunshine’s delicious snowballs are made of super-soft, finely shaved ice with unique, handmade syrups crafted from real fruits and herbs.

BUNGEE TRAMPOLINE! Defy gravity with the amazing Bungee Trampoline! Strapped into the bungee harness, you’ll be jumping higher than ever before. Start with getting serious air, and then try your hand at some flips, twists and turns to add to the excitement. An adventure all its own!

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FIELD DAY FUN DAY! Mystery Box Themes Deidre Brooks: Bugs and Butterflies Sarah Moudry: City Child/ Country Child

Bring your friends, family and appetite, because we will also have two delicious food trucks, as well as a snowball truck that offers unique, handmade syrups crafted from real fruits and herbs. We can’t wait to see you at what will surely be one of our best Field Days yet!

~Stacey Martin & Valerie Sonsino, Field Day Chairs

MYSTERY BOX RAFFLE • PARTY DJ FACE PAINTING • ARTS & CRAFTS PAPARAZZI BOOTH • MUSICAL DOTS BALLOON ARTISTS • INSTRUMENT PETTING ZOO!

Orly Kluk: Get Me Out of the House Beth Smith: Lego Mania

Phoebe Yeager: Family Game Night

Simran Sood: Disco Time

Tamara Basham: Date Night

Anita Taj: In the Kitchen

Danielle Dalsey: World Explorer

Debbie Nickerson: Gift Cards

Emily Hansen: A Day at the Zoo

Errol Pinto: Gift Cards

Julie Parraguirre: Famous Artists

Maya Pinto: Soft and Plushy

INCREDIBLE INFLATABLES! The Titanic

Tamara Townsend: Let’s Build a Fun Future

Middle School: Three branches of government

Slide, Rockwall and Moonwalk are all sure to be great hits!

Miriam Winton: Legos

High School: Gift Cards

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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

Join us for a lively discussion about adolescence!

Please join us for our

THIS is your campus.

ADMISSION OPEN HOUSE

Coffee with the Middle School and High School Directors October 8, 9:00 a.m.–Bissonnet Campus Middle School Director Jami Sweeney and High School Director James Moudry will be discussing just what it means to be an adolescent in this stage of their educational lives. All parents welcome regardless of the age of your child(ren).

ROGRAM

The Post Oak School cordially invites you to

GRANDPARENTS’ DAY

(other relatives and close friends are also invited)

Come Swim with the F.I.S.H.!

October 17, 9:00 a.m. in the Common Room.

Practical Life: The Foundation of the Prepared Environment

Welcome - John Long, Head of School

Please park in Infant the lot&atPrimary the classrooms.

Classroom visits : corner of Montrose and Autrey

Elementary & Middle School (Note: Middle School students are not on campus Monday morning)

their Montessori school.

To allow the younger students (Infant and Primary) to maintain their work cycle, we request that

Grandparents’ & Friends’ Days

you view them through the observation window.

In the Elementary and Middle School levels,

you are welcome to interact with the students.

RSVP

10:45 a.m.

Departure.

Thank you for joining us!

DIRECTIONS The Post Oak School is located one block inside Wethe invite you to join us for our upcoming 610 West Loop, on the corner of Avenue B and Bissonnet. The entrance gate is on Avenue B. INFORMATION Parking is available on the school grounds.

GATHERING SESSION N OCTOBER 16 6:30 P.M. 610 West Loop

(5 9) t Freeway So uthwes

Fournace

Bissonnet

The Post Oak School We will be sharing details about the next t nne o s s AMI Primary Training Course which starts Bi June 29, 2015.

Avenue B

If you would like yourPlease child’email s grandparents or other christinacantu@postoakschool.org relatives and friends towith beyour invited year’ name to andthis address, thes names of your grandchildren, and which day you plan to visit.

Grandparents’ Days (November 24 & 25), please visit Or mail back the enclosed postcard. www.postoakschool.org and submit their e-mail address via the link on the left menu of schedule the home page. Please Event and directions are on theinclude back. anyone you think would like to observe and/or interact with your children in their Montessori pare nd environment.

Invitations will RULE! be mailed in mid-October, and after that will be e-mailed.• s an nt

Join Families Integrating School and Home (F.I.S.H.) at their inaugural 2014-15 school year meeting. Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, all Post Oak parents are welcome to come and share their experiences with integrating Montessori in the home.

9:15 – 9:45 a.m.

1102 Autrey Street

in the Museum District

Gra

Join Elementary Director Jeff Schneider for a discussion of topics related to the Elementary experience at Post Oak. All parents welcome regardless of the age of your child(ren).

Arrival/Breakfast

See your grandchildren at work in

ds

September 24, 9:00 a.m. in the Common Room

9:00 – 9:15 a.m.

Houston, 77006 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. TX Guided tours:

Monday or Tuesday November 24 or 25, 2008 9:00 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Frien d

Coffee with the Elementary Director

Tuesday, October 7 P (for both days) 7:00 p.m.

The Post Oak School, 4600 Bissonnet, Bellaire, TX 77401 Phone: 713-661-6688

4600 BISSONNET ST. BELLAIRE, TX 77401

281.822.8028 INFO@HMIUSA.ORG

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O C TOBER 3, 2014

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SCENES from The Post Oak School

1. Upper Elementary students prepare a fajita luncheon for their classmates.

2. Students paint in the style of Gustav Klimt in Lower Elementary art class.

3. Middle School students discuss how to approach their work in Microeconomy.

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4. Using utensils requires great concentration in Young Children’s Community (YCC).

5. Three Lower Elementary students, completely absorbed in the triangle detective game.

6. High-fives follow an impromptu multi-level soccer game after the all-school photo.

7. Primary students work together on reading definition cards.

8. An Upper Elementary student works on a pictographic math problem.

9. Primary parents work side by side with their children on class projects for this year’s Gala.

10. A one-on-one math lesson at the High School.

11. YCC children play with origami paper boats on a rainy day.

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O C TO B ER 3, 2014

C A L E N DA R O C T O B E R 5 –11

Tue 10/7

High School Admission Open House

Wed 10/8

Coffee w/ the Middle School and High School Directors

Fri 10/10

7:00 p.m.

N OT I C E B OA R D

Bea rkat

SPIRIT DAYS

Individual student pictures

Every Friday!

Mon., Oct. 20 to Thurs., Oct. 23

SPORT YOUR POST OAK GEAR

9:00 a.m. (Bissonnet Campus)

CROSS COUNTRY

CONFERENCE DAY Classes not in session: only students with expanded contracts attend

OCTOBER 11 • 10:30 AM ST. JOHN’S RAMBLE AT TC JESTER PARK

O C T O B E R 1 2 –1 8

OCTOBER 14 • 4:00 PM DOLPHIN DASH AT TC JESTER PARK

SOCCER Mon 10/13

Tue 10/14

Wed 10/15

SCHOOL CLOSED Columbus Day

OCTOBER 8 • 4:15 FELD PARK VS ST. STEPHEN’S

Teacher In-Service

OCTOBER 22 • 4:15 FELD PARK VS ST. STEPHEN’S

Prospective Parent Classes begin (see schedule online) PSAT/NMSQT for High School students Coffee w/ the Elementary Director 9:00 a.m.

Fri 10/17

Sat 10/18

F.I.S.H. Meeting

REMINDER!

(MORE GAMES TBA)

MIDDLE SCHOOL MICROECONOMY

WILL BE SELLING WATER AT THE UPCOMING SOCCER GAMES AT FELD PARK. COME THIRSTY!

Conference Registration The online parent/teacher conference scheduling is now open. Conference days are October 10, 24 (YCC is in session on the 24 th), and November 7.

To sign up for a conference go to www.postoakschool.org ▶ For Parents ▶ Schedule/View a Parent-Teacher Conference and have your login information ready. If you are having problems, please contact technology director Mirna Andrade-Salgado, at technology@postoakschool.org or 281-822-8063.

9:00 a.m.

FIELD DAY FUN DAY! 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Check out our calendar online at www.postoakschool.org

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.

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