The Post, 12.5.2016

VO LU M E X X I I , N U M B E R 5 | D E C E M B ER 5, 2016 A monthly publication of The Post Oak School G R A N D PA R E N T S ’ & F R I E N D S ’ DAY S • S H A R I N G • M S D . C . T R I P

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THE POST

Photo by Connor

2016–2017 Post Oak Board of Trustees

Outstanding Service High School senior Matthew recently was awarded the Presidential Service Award, Gold level, for completing 891 hours of community service. High School Director James Moudry presented the certificate to him at a morning community meeting. Matthew says, “For me, service was always focused on giving back to the communities which had given so much to me.”

“The President’s Volunteer Service Award recognizes, celebrates and holds up as role models Americans making a positive impact as engaged and deeply committed volunteers.” To read more about the award, visit www. presidentialserviceawards.gov/the-award.

Congratulations, Matthew! •

Rakesh Agrawal Sebha Ali Brett Busby Melissa Coleman, chair Blair Garrou Vean Gregg Gregory Han Maura Joyce, president Bert Mellinger Katie Orr Jaana Porra Manuel Sánchez, chair-elect Rochelle Tafolla Marc Walsh Alison Wong Alan Ying Jennifer Zumbado

Trustees Emeriti Frank Apollo Adam Forman Melanie Gray Bob Harvey Lloyd Kirchner Pat Mitchell

On the Cover Two Primary friends work together on a geography puzzle map.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for mid-week updates, photos, and more: www.facebook.com/thepostoakschool/ www.facebook.com/postoakhighschool/

twitter.com/postoakschool twitter.com/postoakhs

D E C E M B E R 2016

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T H E F I R S T 10 0 DAYS

I

◆◆ New faculty members in the Primary, t’s been just over 100 Middle School, and High School workdays since I arrived at programs have settled into their Post Oak. We are also very routines and have assimilated to the close to the half-way point culture of Post Oak and established in the school year. You may have meaningful relationships with their heard me say that one of my goals students. is to engage in a dialogue with ◆◆ The transition to a new head of school you as I do my work as head of is well underway. I continue to love school. This seems like a perfect my new job, and the relationships opportunity to share some I am building within the Post Oak highlights of that time and “checkcommunity. in” with the parent community.

In addition to a new head of school, Post Oak had other adjustments to make this fall. In my communications with the Board of Trustees and the faculty and staff, I have shared that there is much to celebrate about the 2016–2017 school year.

◆◆ Construction projects at both campuses were completed on time and on budget.

Many of you know that this is a rarity as building projects can run into a variety of challenges. We were fortunate to be working with the right people who prioritized our need to have the classrooms ready for the students in time for the first day of school. High School students are making the brand new building their own. ◆◆ Post Oak’s Middle School program is integrating well into the Museum District. The new environment provides a variety of learning spaces, and they are now in closer proximity to their community service activities. Access to the museums has added new learning opportunities to the curriculum.

As always, the best news to share is what is happening in the classrooms. I know that when Post Oak was going through the head search, school culture was a top priority. What parents, students, and staff loved about Post Oak—the community, the high-quality education, the commitment to excellence—that Post Oak difference—needed to continue despite a leadership change.

One of the amazing things about coming here has been to see the programs flourish. It is “business as usual” in classrooms all throughout the school, and the accomplishments of the children are inspiring. Whether it is the High School’s seniors receiving their first college acceptances (Baylor, Texas Tech, and Lynn University this week); Middle School’s mock trial at the appellate courthouse with a sitting judge and two practicing lawyers (both from the Post Oak Community) as part of their government studies; Upper Elementary’s trip to Nature’s Classroom Institute; Lower Elementary plays and

by Maura Joyce, Head of School

luncheons; the Primary classes singing at the peace circle on International Day of Peace; or the toddlers in the Young Children’s Community finally figuring out how to pedal the tricycle, the Post Oak environment continues to provide opportunities to thrive. A lot of changes have been presented to this community over a relatively short amount of time, and yet what matters most has been preserved.

During these first 100 workdays I have been leading the board, administration, and faculty through the finishing stages of the ISAS self-study for re-accreditation, and performing the routine administrative duties of any head of school—from board reports to budgeting, to admissions strategies and faculty support. The majority of my time, however, has been spent building relationships with the people of Post Oak and beyond.

Beyond the walls of Post Oak I have attended the fall meetings for both the Houston Association of Independent Schools (HAIS), and the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS). I have also visited a couple of our neighboring schools both in Bellaire and in the Museum District.

Here at Post Oak it has been great getting to know students, working with this tremendous staff and meeting with parents. Many of you have been able to join me at one of the events over the past few months. I have hosted coffees during the day and presented at two parent education evenings. For those who were able to attend, you know that I truly want continued on page 14

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Grandparents’ & Friends’ Days AT THE POST OAK SCHOOL

November is always a special time at Post Oak thanks to grandparents and friends who visit the school to see their loved ones.

This year’s event included a light breakfast at both campuses, and performances of poetry and music from Elementary students at the Bissonnet Campus.

Afterwards, groups were led by parent and student volunteers to the classrooms to spend time together.

Grandparents, please remember if you have a talent you would like to share with the class, please call the school and speak with the teacher to arrange a time— children love to hear these presentations.

Also, if you would like to have lunch with your Post Oak grandchild or friend, please call the school to schedule a time with the teacher. Many thanks to all our visitors!• View the gallery in the Parent community at www.postoakschool.org.

THE POST

D E C E M B E R 2016

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THE POST

THE POST OAK SCHOOL

ANNUAL FUND 2017

CONTRIBUTIONS

TOTALS TO DATE

$257,500

PARTICIPATION

OF 294

GOAL: 100%

238

OF $300,000

WAYS TO GIVE

FAMILIES

81%

A gift of appreciated securities that you have held for more than one year is frequently the most economical way to give. You will be eligible to take a federal income tax deduction equal to the fair market value of the stock on the date of the gift for up to 30 percent of your adjusted gross income and will not have to recognize the appreciation as capital gain. Contact christinacantu@postoakschool.org for more information.

Congratulations to Emily Hansen’s, Orly Kluk’s, Anita Taj Mahmood’s, and Tamara Townsend’s classes for reaching 100% parent participation!

TRUSTEES

EMPLOYEES

12TH GRADE

11TH GRADE

10TH GRADE

9TH GRADE

MIDDLE SCHOOL

TOWNSEND

TAJ MAHMOOD

SOOD

PINTO, M

PINTO, E

PARRAGUIRRE

OLITZKI

NICKERSON

MISTRETTA

KLUK

KIMBALL

HANSEN

GUERRERO

DICKSON

BROOKS

BLESSMAN

60% 100% 63% 100% 100% 63% 100% 92% 94% 80% 57% 100% 69% 92% 100% 100% 87% 100% 82% 36% 67% 100% 100%

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Friday, February 10 Hotel ZaZa Gala Chairs Jennifer Chavis & Stelli Parsapour

PROGRAM ADVERTISING January 2 is the print deadline to submit an ad for the Gala program.

SEE THE INSERT FOR MORE GALA GOODIES!

Sharing and Caring Post Oak parent Anita Manasiya recently wrote to share details of nine Post Oak students and their families who participated in a charity walk. The Aga Khan Foundation Houston Walk/Run took place at Sam Houston Park with a great turnout of Post Oak families. Early Childhood Director Mirani Smith also joined them, and the parents were thrilled to see her take part as well.

Aga Khan Foundation USA (AKF USA) is a non-denominational, non-profit, development agency which works to alleviate global poverty through education and raising donations. Their team walked under the name The Post Oak School Families and collected almost $1,500.

Participants included: Alisa, Arz, and Parisa in Deidre’s class, Aydin and Zavian in Sue’s class, Aaron in Julie’s class, Kalel and Ayana in Orly’s class, and Aly in Elizabeth’s class.

This was the first year families got together to walk under one name. “We are very proud of our children and are trying to teach them the meaning of sharing and caring at an early age.” To learn more about the walk visit: www.akfusa.org. •

Upper EL Spelling Bee Friday, January 6

from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Gym

AB

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THE POST

Middle School Trip to Washington D.C.

By Gabriel and Sutton

Cidette

For a week in October, the Middle School took a trip to Washington D.C. This connected to our “Law and Government” portion of humanities. While we were there, we had the chance to visit important monuments, government buildings, and fascinating museums.

We visited some of the sites as a whole group, but often split up into advisory groups to navigate the metro system and explore the city according to our group’s interests. During our visit to D.C., we also had the opportunity to eat at many divine restaurants. This variety of dinner meals ranged from octopus and sushi to pumpkin ravioli and steak. Although lunch was normally a quick stop before we continued to explore the wonders of D.C., it was always filling and tasty. Lunch consisted of items such as salads, pizzas, and sandwiches. We took multiple visits to Starbucks to eat a quick mid-day snack. In conclusion, we did not starve!

We arrived in Washington on Halloween night and, after settling into our hotel and going to dinner, we all went on a ghost tour of the city. The ghost tour involved a variety of feelings—sorrow, suspense, surprise, sadness, loss—all scattered throughout the stories we heard. They were all historically based, bringing in Edgar Allen Poe, Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, and other historical figures. We were told about the apparitions in the White House, how Eliza Poe wished for her dead husband to

come back, and how John Adams is quite the lady’s ghost. At one point during our tour, we walked down a lawn and had a picture perfect view of the White House!

And of course, everyone stopped to take pictures.

On Tuesday, we visited the United States Capitol Building, where both the chambers of the House of Representatives and the Senate are held. In other words, the entire Legislative Branch is operated within one building. Once we got there, we got in line to watch a short film that would lead us to a tour of the building.

After the end of the film, we proceeded to commence a tour that led us straight to the Rotunda while marveling at many statues that named one important person for each state. After exploring the rest of the Rotunda and its magnificent art and statues, we exited through a hallway that led us right by the office of the Speaker of the House.

Our visit to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing was very informative and interesting. We learned all the steps that take place throughout the process of money making. We received a tour of the building and a great view of all the machinery. Our guide explained to us the detailed procedure and some cool facts.

One thing that I found interesting was how careful, detailed,

and perfected the dollars have to be in order to be considered real money. We walked away with a brain stuffed with money information.

The National Archives Museum holds the most important documents in America!

The American Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and an original Magna Carta are all housed here. For just holding paper, the National Archives building is unnecessarily huge, just like all the other important buildings in D.C. Did you know that using flash on documents as old as the Constitution could ruin the paper and damage the ink? That also applies to the Gutenberg Bible in the Library of Congress.

On Wednesday, we woke up early for a very specific and special reason. We wanted to get in line to listen to an argument in the Supreme Court. Surely enough, we were able to manage seats to listen to the one-hour argument. The argument was between Helmerich and Venezuela under the qualifications of the continued on page 9

D E C E M B E R 2016

Middle School Trip to Washington D.C. continued from page 8

Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act. I found it fascinating to see all eight of the Supreme Court justices (Antonin Scalia died earlier this year and has not yet been replaced) in action right before our eyes.

Once the argument ended, we viewed a small exhibit on the Supreme Court before leaving.

Since the African American History Museum is very new to D.C., our Middle School was very fortunate that we got to take a lengthy and deeply informative visit to this fascinating museum. Once we arrived, we partnered up and went off to explore the museum. We saw African American Olympic exhibits, musical exhibits, artifact exhibits and an in-depth exhibit on the African American’s journey to freedom. It was very eye-opening and we walked away with a strong appreciation for their determination and success.

On Thursday afternoon, we visited the infamous Library of Congress. I had long dreamed of going to the Library of Congress due to both the sheer number of

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items there and because of the enormous reading room so often portrayed online and in books. We took a tour and headed first toward the Great Hall. We were educated about the art on the ceiling and the mythology surrounding the patron goddess of the library, Minerva.

We then went up a staircase to view the Main Reading Room and it definitely did not disappoint. It was an enormous and surprisingly silent room that is breathtaking due to its size. Instantly, many phones were pulled out to take pictures and everyone was in awe with or without one. Our docent then talked about the art of the great room and then looked at many books owned by Thomas Jefferson that helped create the library.

After that, our tour was sadly over and we split up to explore other landmarks in the city.

The National Cathedral was breathtaking, inside and out. After a long bus ride, we arrived at the magnificent cathedral.

When we stepped in, there were rows and rows of pews, along with stained glass windows. In the middle, there was a

big sculpture that had Jesus in the center, surrounded by other religious people and animals. We noticed that Jesus was a different colored limestone, which was actually Texas limestone. So the center of the National Cathedral is a huge chunk of Texas! As we continued to explore the cathedral, we admired children’s sanctuaries, artistic sculptures, chapels, and tall windows in which you could look out and spot monuments all over D.C. Overall, our visit to the National Cathedral was definitely worth the long drive and is an experience we will all remember.

Before departing on Friday, we took a trip to the Newseum. Not only did I love this museum with its punny name, but I also loved the architecture. This museum was mostly made out of glass and stone. This museum is dedicated to all the important news that has ever happened. Even if you’re not much of a reader, they have a section dedicated to front page photography!

They have a slideshow explaining important pieces of photography throughout the years. There is an area on the second floor where you can pretend you are on the news, a camera will record it, and it will play on a TV screen nearby.

After the Newseum, our class split up one last time to grab lunch and journey to the airport. We were sad to say goodbye to our friends and a city we will never forget, but also happy to be going back to our beds and family! •

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THE POST

Bearkats Cross Country State Meet Results

by Kat Trevino, Bearkats Coach Blue Hole Regional Park in Wimberely, Texas was a great place for a run. The Post Oak Middle School Cross Country runners were outstanding!

We were the only private school that attended the meet so here are the results in the private division and the charter division for our race.

TIME

Sutton Lydia Josey Justin Luke Tyler Styles Isaak

PRIVATE

CHARTER

14:27 1st 1st 15:38 2nd 3rd 15:46 3rd 5th Total runners in the girls race = 45 13:21 1st 3rd 13:22 2nd 4th 13:52 3rd 9th 13:53 4th 10th 13:54 5th 11th Total runners in the boys race = 72

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT We recently heard from former Post Oak parent Analitza Factor with news about her son Ben: Just thought I’d reach out regarding an update on our son, Ben, who was a Post Oak student from YCC through Lower Elementary (ages 19 months to 9 years old). It has been three years since we’ve left the Post Oak community, however, we continue to see evidence of the seeds which were planted early on during his education at Post Oak, for which we are tremendously grateful. Those values/ lessons of thinking outside the box, being service minded and making a difference,

blazing your own trail, being an innovator, time management, but most importantly that no matter how young, his opinion and voice mattered.

Ben has always been a history buff and interested in politics with very conservative views (which is ironic given that his dad and I are pretty liberal). After voicing concerns that the republican presidential candidate, his preference, was slipping in the polls he wanted to find a way to help. He’s been volunteering at the Harris County GOP office the last few months. He’s their youngest volunteer ever and their only student volunteer that isn’t helping for school or service credits.

He was recently featured in a news piece that ran in 11 different Texas cities. Ben is a busy middle schooler (honor student) with sports commitments in addition to homework and a middle school Bible study he attends with friends weekly. He has chosen to spend his only free day volunteering. He’s also inspired some of his peers to now help as well. Thanks to the time management lesson taught to him in Lower Elementary, he finds a way to get it all done! •

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Middle School Mock Trial

By Gabriel and Sutton

Cidette

As part of our “Law and Government” humanities unit, the Middle School recently delved into the judicial system by planning and participating in two mock trials. Starting about a month prior to our mock trial, two lawyers (and Post Oak parents), Blaine McElroy and Alison Wong, regularly came to visit us and help us prepare for the trial. They explained how a trial is conducted, how evidence is introduced, how objections are raised, and many other intricacies of the court system. As we prepared for trial with our groups, Ms. Wong and Mr. McElroy were present for consultations and helped us strengthen our arguments, questions for witnesses, and answers.

Half of the class worked on the Chris Moss case, a case in which Chris Moss was suing his school district, the New Columbia High School District, for committing educational malpractice. He believed it was their fault that he had graduated

without basic reading and math skills. The other case was the Shawn Wright vs. Play and Learn Childcare Center, a case in which Shawn Wright’s son, Junior, broke his arm at daycare, and he is suing the daycare for not keeping a close eye on his child.

On Tuesday, November 15, we went downtown to the courthouse of the 14th Court of Appeals in order to conduct our mock trial. All of our days of preparation would be tested and put to work right there in the courthouse, in front of the 14th Court of Appeals Justice Brett Busby (also a Post Oak parent!). On the way there, some people were nervous and quiet, others were relaxed and were hosting conversations, and others (like me) were practicing for our statements/ questions. Regardless, once we arrived, we met up with Alison Wong and Blaine McElroy and made our way to the courthouse. The Chris Moss and the New Columbia Public School District was first to go. After a well disputed trial by both sides, the jury (made up of Post

Oak High Schoolers) went into their room to discuss the case. After about 10 to 15 minutes of the jury discussing the case, they left their room and it was announced both cases would receive their verdict at the same time. The second case, between Shawn Wright and Play and Learn Childcare Center, was next.

Once both sides presented their evidence and examined the witnesses, the jury once again went into their room and discussed the case. I thought both cases were pretty tight and all we could do now was to wait for the jury. After a little while, the jury returned and we were to receive our verdicts. In the Chris Moss case, the New Columbia Public School District came out victorious while in the plaintiff, Shawn Wright, came out on top in the other. After that, we tried to put the verdicts aside and went up to the quaint yet interesting museum of the courthouse, which had been restored to appear as it did in 1910. Once we looked around the museum, we left and returned to school for a well-deserved lunch.

We would like to thank Alison Wong and Blaine McElroy for their time, commitment, and dedication to making our mock trial successful. We learned a lot for them and really valued their time with us! We also truly appreciate the time and attention Brett Busby gave to our mock trial. It was a memorable experience! •

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THE POST

SCENES

from The Post Oak School

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1–2. YCC students develop fine motor skills, here using a lock and beading.

3. Shaking the sillies out! Don’t miss the next Storytime with Cory: January 11!

4. Primary students work to build fine motor skills, as well as read to extend vocabulary.

5. This student explores musical tones in her Primary classroom.

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6. Elementary students take on big math work!

7–8. ASEP students take part in art and engineering classes after school.

9–10. The Zuzu African Acrobats recently visited Post Oak to entertain Elementary students. They even got some students and staff in on the act!

11. Go Bearkats! Basketball season has begun for Middle and High School.

12. Both Middle and High School students joined together for Spanish presentations for Día de los Muertos.

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The First 100 Days continued from page 3

to hear from you as much as you hear from me. If you haven’t been able to attend an event or meet with me in person, I still want to check in with you. How has

the first part of this year been for your students and your family? I would like to know, so I am going to ask you to do me a favor. As this Post comes out, you will also receive an email with a survey. Please take some time to respond to it so that I can

Registration for Spring ASEP Registration for spring ASEP classes is available online through MyBackPack. Sign up early to reserve your child’s place. Registration closes January 2.

“take a temperature” of the community.

The Parent Partnership agreement is a foundational part of the Post Oak culture.

As a partnership requires, keeping the lines of communication open is a top priority for me as head. •

Parenting the Love & Logic Way® presented by Phylis R. Tomlinson, LPC, LMFT, ATR-BC

Thursdays, Jan. 12, 19, 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16 9–10:30 a.m. at Post Oak

$130 individual, $240 per couple Workbook (optional) $15

Redirecting Children’s Behavior

To register, send payment & email address to: Phylis R. Tomlinson 4010 Blue Bonnet #109, Houston, TX 77025 Class size is limited.

Register now!

Questions? Contact Phylis at phylistomlinson@gmail.com or 713.668.6558

with Deborah Fry, Ph.D., C.P.E.

Tuesdays, Jan. 31, Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, & Mar. 7 6:30 to 9 p.m. at The Post Oak School $245 for one; $345 per couple Register online at www.deborah-fry.com

Spring Conference Registration in January Spring Parent-Teacher Conference registration will be available on Tuesday, January 3.

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POS T OA K PA R E N T E D UC AT IO N E VE N T S

MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL PARENT ED

Emotional Intelligence: Helping Teens Navigate the Highs and the Lows

Wednesday, December 7 6:45 p.m. Mix & Mingle | 7:00 p.m. event start, High School facilitated by Lori Scovill, Ph.D., Post Oak MDC counselor Emotions drive learning, creativity, decision making, health, and relationships.

Learning how to navigate the emotional landscape is one of the primary focuses of adolescent development. Our discussion will focus on how we can better use our emotions to empower our lives and ways we can teach our teens to do the same.

Our discussion will start at 7:00 p.m., but feel free to come at 6:45 so we have time to socialize!

FALL OPEN HOUSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL ADMISSION 2017

Thurs., Dec. 8, 7 p.m.

Tues., Jan. 10, 7 p.m.

Wed., Feb. 8, 7 p.m.

Museum District Campus 1010 Autrey Street

High School Upper Level Registration Event Thursday, December 8 5–6 p.m. at the High School

Montessori Journey January 20–21, 2017 This two-day workshop offers parents experience at each level from YCC through High School. It is a powerful, hands-on approach to understanding how and what children are learning.

Registration will begin soon—watch the Post Highlights for details.

New YCC Parent Gathering Thursday, December 8 9–10 a.m.

This is an adult-only orientation meeting for parents whose children will be new to YCC in the spring.

All parents of new YCC students are expected to attend.

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N OT I C E B OA R D

Happy Winter Break! school closed Monday, December 19 to Monday, January 2

E A R LY

DISMI

Holiday Baskets from MS Microeconomy The Middle School Microeconomy will be selling holiday baskets for $25 that will include jam and a bunch of goodies to enjoy. Buy one now for your friends and family. Please email

SSA L

REMIN

DER

Fri., Dec. 9 & Fri. Dec. 16 HDYCC: 11:00 a.m.

FDYCC: 11:10 a.m.

PRI: 11:30 a.m.

EL, MS, and HS: noon

Shopping for the Holidays?

There’s an easy way to help raise money for our school—when you go shopping! Whether buying groceries at Randalls, or gifts and school supplies at Target, your purchases can benefit Post Oak! Grandparents, alumni, and friends are all welcome to participate in the programs. We truly appreciate all your support!

Happy shopping! • Shopping Rebate form: www.postoakschool.org/ postoak/Download_ Forms.asp.

A BOU T TH E POST Don’t miss out on news from the school: please add info@postoakschool.org to your safe sender list or address book/contacts.

The Post appears every first Monday of the month during 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 to Communications Coordinator Elaine Schweizer (elaineschweizer@postoakschool.org) by 5:00 p.m. on the Monday one week prior to publication.

The Post Oak School was founded in 1963 and accredited by both the International Baccalaureate® Programme (IBO) and the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS) Bissonnet Campus: 4600 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, TX 77401 ■ Tel.: 713-661-6688 ■ Fax: 713-661-4959 Museum District Campus: 1010 Autrey St., Houston, TX 77006 ■ Tel.: 832-538-1988 ■ Fax: 832-538-1926 www.postoakschool.org | facebook.com/thepostoakschool