Science Club

Our K-2 students have spent the last 10 weeks studying composting – both leaf composting & vermicomposting - and the benefits it brings to our environment. We used the curriculum ‘Worms Eat Our Garbage’ to guide our lessons and understand that we can reduce our waste by using such a simple concept. The students culminated their studies by creating their own ‘mini worm bin’ for use at home. Our hope is that this concept will spread beyond the walls of our school community.

We Wrote An Author!!

Mr. Martin's 2nd grade class recently finished reading an autobiography titled, Small Steps by Peg Kehret. He first read this book about seven years ago and became quite moved by the author's story and life experiences. He was unsure how his 2nd graders would react to the book, but he decided to use it as his read aloud each day after lunch anyway. Each child became so engaged in the story and anticipated the special time they shared on the carpet reading the book.

Upon completing the book, the students decided to write letters to Mrs. Kehret. It was their desire to follow up on their reading with questions they hope to get answered about Mrs. Kehret's life. Mr. Martin wrote a letter as well... click HERE to read it!!

Shortly after sending Mrs. Kehret their letters, Mr. Martin's 2nd grade class received THIS letter. Needless to say, they were very excited!! This activity with Mr. Martin provided these students with very rich learning opportunities such as: character traits, supporting details, inferencing, differences in life now and in the 1940s, and letter writing.

Thanks for sharing with us!!

A CBS Weatherman Was HERE!!

Garry Seith, a meteorologist from CBS News Channel, visited our fourth graders yesterday to talk about how weather forecasts are presented on T.V. Topics included high pressure (happy weather) and low pressure (lousy weather), most dangerous types of weather, the green screen in a television studio, how weather predictions are made using information such as wind speed, and meteorologists wearing make-up and having to get to work by 3:00 a.m. Some lucky students even got to see a hail demonstration using a ping pong ball and hair dryer.



Marine Biome Creation

4th grade classes are studying biomes in Science and Mrs. Leyton's class is in charge of creating a Marine Biome. Here are some photos she took when they began. She is especially proud of Erik, who took upon himself the giant task of creating an orca whale.

Math in the Habitat

Last week our 5th graders took advantage of the beautiful spring weather and used the habitat to practice their measuring skills. Students worked in groups to measure the planter boxes and then showed their work in math journals as they figured out the perimeter of each box.

A Healthy How To

Mrs. William's 3rd grade class had a great time writing How To papers. Their topic? How to make a salad. Each student used the writing process to plan out their papers. How to writing really makes you  think about every step required in putting together a beautiful, tasty salad. After completing their prewriting, it was time to tie it all together. This was a wonderful opportunity for students to practice the use of transition words, take a piece of writing through the entire writing process, and make real world connections to learning.

Mrs. Williams brought all the ingredients needed for this healthy meal. Take a look at the finished product...

Now, tell me that salad doesn't make your mouth start watering!!

Kudos to Mrs. Ramsey

Mrs. Gullett is always so good about affirming those around her. Today she shared this affirmation about one of our staff members:

I would like to give a big thanks to Pam Ramsey. She has been mentoring one of my students, and I'm so grateful! She has made such a difference in the life of my student. My student's confidence and academic success has increased. We recently wrote about "Our Best Day Ever" and my student wrote about the first day she went to Mrs. Ramsey's room. I've always believed that it takes a village to help kids be successful.

THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



What a wonderful example of how exemplary our staff is here at Barbara Bush Elementary!!

Food Chain FUN

The fourth grade played a Food Chain game outside today after lunch to introduce upcoming lessons.  The students were divided into groups, the grasshoppers, snakes, hawks, and rats.  The grasshoppers (herbivores) gathered plants (fruit loops) , and if any animal was “eaten,” they had to go into the “decomposition” area.  The activity was followed by discussion and questions such as, “What would make your life easier if you really were one of those animals?”  It was a great day to be outside and a perfect time to blow off steam after sitting through the TAKS test all day yesterday. 

Teacher of the Year

This year Ms. Sandra Mejia, third grade, was chosen as our campus' Teacher of the Year. She was then named in the Top 6 district wide. We are so proud of the hard work and dedication she shows her students and Barbara Bush Elementary.

• I admire you so much. Not only are you a superb teacher, you are a true friend. (Mrs. Bell)
• I admire your strength, hard work and courage. Your daily successes show how dedicated you are to your team, your students, and to the Barbara Bush Campus. Your diligence has been recognized and rewarded. You are fabulous and it is an honor to work with you. (Mrs. Williams)
• As a student teacher, I could not have had a better mentor teacher. She has been such a great example for me to learn from. She has modeled everything from A-Z. This is just one more reason why she truly is teacher of the year! (Ms. Gomez)
• Sandra Mejia is the best! She is a wonderful, caring teacher and mom! I’ve had the great pleasure of working with her and teaching a couple of her children and they reflect their mother beautifully! Congratulations on being our Teacher of the Year!!! (Mrs. Hughes)
• Thanks to Sandra Mejia for being such a positive influence in children’s lives! (Mrs. Grillenbeck)
• Congratulations, Mrs. Mejia. It is a joy to have you represent B. Bush as teacher of the year!!! (Mrs. Jacinto)
• It makes my job easier having a sincere and motivational co-worker like Ms. Mejia. We communicate on a regular basis about the students' success and how we can continue to grow as educators to reach the full potential of all students. She is a great role model, great person and a tremendous asset to the field of education. Don't change and keep up the good work. Congratulations on Teacher of the Year. You deserved it! (Mrs. Robles)
• Sandra Mejia is a role model to me every day.  She is a wonderful teacher, mother, friend and just overall person.  I admire her determination to make things interesting for her students.  She is always doing creative projects and her kids are always upbeat and smiling.  I am so fortunate to be able to work right next door to one of the most amazing teachers on the planet!!!  The staff and students at Barbara Bush are blessed to have her here!!! (Mrs. Desmarais)