Deanna Krenek, 4th Grade Teacher

Bluebonnet Challenge Accepted

With gentle encouragement and kind support from their parents, teachers, and Cimarron Elementary librarian, the Cheetahs in Ms. Krenek’s homeroom and switch classes reached 100% participation as Texas Bluebonnet Award voters and Bluebonnet Bash qualifiers.

The students celebrated their favorite literary nominees through the creation of amazing projects using Web 2.0 tools. Though the campus favorite, Zane and the Hurricane by Rodman Philbrick, did not ultimately win the 2015-2016 Texas Bluebonnet Award, the students were provided a wonderful opportunity to visit with the author via Skype during the party held on Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

These avid readers were recognized for their achievements during the bash hosted by Mrs. Nored, CE librarian. After refreshments were enjoyed, each student received a t-shirt reflecting the unifying theme across genres. Because many of the nominees reflected triumph over adversity, the t-shirts proclaimed, “I Survived 2015-2016 Texas Bluebonnet Books!” Each student then selected a Bluebonnet nominee from the 2016-2017 book list to enjoy during summer reading.

Excited for next year, Ms. Krenek and her Cheetahs extend their gratitude to Dr. Bell and Mrs. Nored for this awesome opportunity to celebrate the best of children’s literature.

Ryan Sumner, 5th Grade Teacher

5th Grade Memoirs

Fifth grade students just finished writing memoirs during writer's workshop. Mr. Sumner's class would like to share some of their selections.

Coco’s Death

A time I felt brokenhearted was when my dog died.  One day I came back from school and I saw my brother outside, which is a rare place to see him at.  I asked him “Why are you outside?” and then he said “Coco (our dog’s name) is going to die soon.”  While tears filled my eyes I ran up to Coco, dropped on my knees and hugged her as hard as I could, and my sister did the same thing.  I felt her breathing fast and heavy as I cried and hugged her.  I wiped my tears off and said “Why is she dying, she’s only 1 years old?” Then my brother told me about her having a failing kidney.  My siblings knew that I loved and cared for her the most so they went inside and left me alone with Coco.  Later that same day, my dad came home and for once he had tears in his eyes.  I saw a look in her eyes that said goodbye and that’s when she took her final breath.  Everyone busted into tears!

Daddy

            I felt heartbroken when my daddy had a chance at death.  When I was about 6 or 7 my dad got cancer.  He got it somewhere around his neck.  He would sit in a brown rocking chair and have some tubes connected to him.  My own dad had cancer and was not good, and I knew it.  Every day I would see him in his chair and pray that I could see him the next day.  I’d wish he would be okay.  He had cancer for a while.  All of my prayers then came true.  My daddy was and still is okay.  My dad has a scar right under his neck, but it’s better to have a scar than to have cancer.

 Tiger Face

A time I’ll never forget is when I looked like a tiger.  We were in Pennsylvania on a road trip to see family.  My mom thought we should meet our godmother’s son and mother.

Everything was wet because it rained recently, but we still climbed slides and such.  Then everything went downhill.  I climbed the roof cover of the slide and started slipping.  I yelled for help, but no one heard.  I didn’t know I was that quiet.  I lost grip and my face met with the mulch.  I don’t know what really happened because my eyes were closed all through it and it happened way too fast.

I got up and my brain felt like it was escaping my head.  I was a little dizzy but I kept walking towards my mom.  She finally noticed me and freaked out! I started to taste a salty liquid in my mouth.  It was blood!  My forehead and nose were already swelling which really caught my mom’s attention.  My mom called my father and they rushed me to the nearest hospital.  They got lost and eventually made it.  After a while I was being cared for.  I sat on a bed the whole time except for when they took x-rays of my head.  When we got back to the room a device started making a noise.  My mom pulled something on it and nurses came running.  Turns out, my mom pulled a lever for heart attacks.  They were relieved I wasn’t having a heart attack.

I was fine in end.  I just had a very swollen nose and mulch shaped bruises on my forehead.  The bruises looked like tiger stripes, so people called me tiger face until they healed.  

Staff Feature-Amy Lancaster, Instructional Coach

My name is Amy Lancaster, and I am the Mathematics /Science Instructional Coach at Cimarron. I began my journey as a Cimarron Cheetah in 20052, and have loved every step of the way. 

This is my 30th year in Katy ISD! Most of my years as a classroom teacher were spent in third grade; however, I have also been a fourth grade teacher, and a second grade math teacher, and a gifted and talented teacher. I enjoy my coaching position because I have the opportunity to work and learn with students and teachers.

I am currently working on my Doctorate in Educational Leadership and have a specialization in Curriculum and Instruction. I hope to finish by May.

I am a member of Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

One of my favorite quotes is from Albert Einstein: "Education is not the learning of facts, but the training of the mind to think."

Staff Feature-Amanda Fait, Kindergarten Teacher

My name is Amanda Fait. This is my fourth year as a Kindergarten at Cimarron Elementary. I am so thankful to be a part of the Cheetah family and have the opportunity to work with such wonderful students and staff on a daily basis.

Having graduated from Katy High School, it felt like coming home when I began teaching in Katy ISD. I have had so many wonderful influences on my life which helped cultivate my love for learning and teaching.

I graduated from Baylor University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. I then continued my studies at Texas A&M University where I received a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. My educational journey is currently leading me to the University of Houston where I am pursuing my Doctorate Degree in Educational Leadership.

I have been fortunate to participate in several conferences and programs such as Teacher’s College Reading and Writing Project and I enjoy sharing the information I learned with my fellow colleagues. I have also been able to serve on the Campus Advisory Committee and Technology Integration Leadership Team.

I enjoy connecting with members of our Cimarron family through special events such as the Carnival and Spirit Nights.

A quote that drives me is “When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.” Dalai Lama

Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified School

Cimarron Elementary recognized as a

Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified School

Katy, Texas – Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology, has recognized Cimarron Elementary as a Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified School.

Cimarron Elementary has demonstrated its commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing its students to use the immense power of digital media to explore, create, connect, and learn, while limiting the perils that exist in the online realm, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying.

"We applaud the faculty and staff of Cimarron Elementary for embracing digital citizenship as an important part of their students' education," said Rebecca Randall, vice president of education programs for Common Sense Education. "Cimarron Elementary deserves high praise for giving its students the foundational skills they need to compete and succeed in the 21st-century workplace and participate ethically in society at large."

Cimarron Elementary has been using Common Sense Education's innovative and research-based digital citizenship resources, which were created in collaboration with Dr. Howard Gardner of the GoodPlay Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The resources teach students, educators, and parents tangible skills related to Internet safety, protecting online reputations and personal privacy, managing online relationships, and respecting creative copyright. The free resources are currently used in more than 90,000 classrooms nationwide.

"We're honored to be recognized as a Common Sense Digital Citizenship Certified School," said Cimarron’s Principal, Dr. Sanée Bell. "By preparing our students to use technology safely and responsibly, we are providing them unlimited opportunities to maximize and personalize their learning."

For more information about Cimarron Elementary, go to http://www.katyisd.org/campus/CE. To learn more about the criteria Cimarron Elementary met to become certified as a Common Sense Certified School, visit http://www.commonsensemedia.org/educators/certification.

Paytin C.-1st Grade

Paytin's Book Review

I’m Paytin and I’m going to tell you about a Junie B book. It is about Junie B and she is showing off her big fat mouth. It is interesting because she is having a lot of problems.
She is having problems because she is trying to tell her mom and dad something but they keep paying attention to her little brother Ole.

I think that Junie was feeling jealous of her little brother. I too felt jealous when my mom only paid attention to my little brother and didn’t have time for me. Now I am older and I know that my mommy will always love me!

Jonah, 1st Grade Student

Cimarron is Getting Renovated!

I’m so excited for the school to be renovated. There’s going to be new walls. Everything will be new. It’s going to be amazing!

On spring break when we came back, the ceiling was torn up. We were freaking out. We can’t wait to see what everything is going to be like. How would the floor be like? What’s the new sink going to be like?

 So many questions! We are so anxious to see the final result!

Tami Boltz, Music Teacher

What’s new in the CE Music Room?

One day in music class, I was chatting with our fifth graders and learned that many of them were interested in learning to play an instrument. An instrument that they carry around easily. An instrument that they could sing along with, playing their favorite songs. I started an investigation and learned that the ukulele might be the perfect solution. It’s easy to play, portable and affordable.

Because of a generous donation by PTA, we were able to purchase 25 soprano ukuleles for our music classroom. Since February, 3^rd-5^th graders have learned several three-chord songs and various strumming patterns. And the best part is hearing them sing along to their favorite folk tunes.

During the month of April, a group of 5^th graders will meet on Wednesday afternoons for Ukulele Club. Making music together builds a sense of community. It’s a skill that our students can carry into adulthood and it will enrich their lives for years to come.

Lydia, 1st Grade Student

Everything is Great at Cimarron

The teachers at Cimarron teach us lots of good things, Like be a friend to everyone, or treat others as you would want them to treat you. And if you are kind or do good deeds, you get these cool things called cheetah bucks. EVERYTHING IS GREAT AT…CIMARRON!

P.S. I chose Ms. Cris to take a picture with me because it is April Fool’s Day and it is her birthday today!

Kylie Maneri, 1st Grade Teacher

Folktale Fun in Miss Maneri’s 1^st Grade Class

Two weeks ago, first grade began a reading and writing unit over Traditional Literature, and it has quickly become our favorite! These cheetahs are reading all types of folktales and even learning how to write their own. Our class has loved looking at different versions of the same story and comparing how they are alike and different. This even inspired some of them to write their own versions of popular folktales during writing time. 

Daniel says, “I like these stories because they are made up and have stuff that’s not real. I like that they always have a problem, and they always live happily ever after.”

“Little Red Riding Hood is my favorite folktale we have read in class. I like that she is bringing stuff to her grandma because that is nice.” –Jasmine

“I love writing fairy tales because you can write something funny or scary, and there are princesses!” -Sophie

“My favorite story so far is The Princess and The Frog. I like frogs, and I like stories with castles in them!” –Aiden

“Writing folktales is fun because you can use your imagination to write them. I like to use stories that I know and then change them a little bit to make it my own.” –Madelyn

“Fairy tales are awesome because they have magic! I like princesses, too! Cinderella is my favorite story.” -Jaylynn

Kaylynn, 1st Grade Student

Junie B Jones and Her Big Fat Mouth

By: Kaylynn V.

She is so mean. She said, "you better make your baby stop crying!" Sometimes she is but very rarely. Have you read this book? Make lots of sticky notes!  I love this book!

I wrote 30 sticky notes with things that I learned from the book. I wrote parts that I loved. I made predictions. I asked questions. I found exciting parts. I made connections. I found important parts. I liked writing all my thoughts. 

Mansata, 1st Grade Student

Green Eggs and Ham

My favorite Dr. Seuss book is  green  eggs  and  ham because it  reminds me of when  I  ate it  and it was  so  delicious  and  I  wanted   to  eat  it  every  day. I   will never forget what I ate. It also  taught  me  that if you   never tried  it  don`t  say I  don`t like it, just  try  and  see  if   you like it or  not.

-Mansata (1^st grade- Mrs. McCarthy)

3rd Grade Team

Fractured Fairytales

3^RD GRADE

This past unit in Language we discussed Fairytales. We taught the students about the structure and elements included in fairytales and we even looked at Fractured Fairytales… which is my favorite! The students worked really hard to write either a fairytale or a Fractured Fairytale using all of the mentor texts we introduced and of course their IMAGINIATION. 

1st Grade Team

Creating Poets in 1st Grade

1^st grade has been working feverishly on our new unit POETRY! We have been reading lots of poetry and even learned how to write poems. The kids have been working so hard on their poems about things and people that they love. They are natural born poets! We are very proud and excited to share some of the poems our students have written. Brileigh said “I love poetry!”  Emanuel said, “Writing is my favorite subject!” 

Staff Feature-Pam Brissee, 3rd Grade Teacher

Mrs. Brissee is one of our most veteran teachers at Cimarron. Her dedication to our students and community is greatly appreciated. Because of her experience, she adds so much value to our school. Learn a little more about Ms. Brissee and her contributions to the students at Cimarron Elementary.

My name is Pam Brissee. My father was in the military and I have lived in several states and countries.  I attended eleven different schools, including four high schools. I earned my BS in biology from Texas Lutheran College and my M. Ed. from U of H.   Before coming to CE, I taught at a private preschool. Since I have been working here, I have taught first grade, fifth grade and third grade, in that order.  In all, I have been here 18 years.  I have had the pleasure of working with Ms. Wienserski assisting with the CASE program here for several years.  

If we teach today’s students as we taught yesterday’s, we rob them of tomorrow.
John Dewey

Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.
-William Butler Yeats 
  

Staff Feature-Deanna Krenek, 4th Grade Teacher

Ms. Krenek is new to our Cimarron family, but one would never know it. She has joined the team and has taken on many new roles. She has been a great addition to our staff and is eager to learn and try new things. Take a moment to learn a little more about her as an educator. 

I am one of two ladies named Deanna Krenek in the West Houston area. I joined the Cimarron Elementary family this past August and am delighted to be teaching 4th grade English Language Arts, Reading, and Social Studies. A native of Sealy, Texas, I have resided in Katy since 1989.  My four wonderful children grew up in this community before heading to Aggieland and beyond! Whoop!

Throughout the past 8 years, I taught Communication Applications, Dance and Theatre at the junior high level in Waller ISD. I attended Sam Houston State University on scholarship and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. I subsequently attended the University of Texas in Austin to pursue coursework in Elementary Education. My certifications include Generalist (EC-4), Gifted Talented Supplemental (EC-12), ESL Supplemental (EC-12), Special Education (EC-12), Theatre (EC-12), Dance (8-12), and Speech (8-12).

I have been recognized for my work in education both as a parent volunteer and as a classroom professional. In 2001, I was awarded a Texas PTA Life Membership presented by Nottingham Country Elementary in Katy ISD. In February of 2014, I was honored as Waller Jr. High’s Campus Teacher of the Year in Waller ISD. With a background in performance arts, I look forward to assisting Mrs. Boltz with the school musical. I will also manage the 4th Grade Destination Imagination team and prepare its members for competition.

I believe that students most effectively acquire knowledge through active participation, dramatization, movement, and song. In my experience, learning is enhanced by the higher-level thinking skills developed through the integration of Fine Arts within project and performance-based activities. I appreciate personal expression even if its inclusion sometimes results in a bit of a mess or a little noise.

Dr. Sanee Bell, Principal

Running the Distance

Meet a fellow Cheetah, Aidan Allen. He has been running with Track Houston Katy site since 2013 when he was 8 years old.

Aidan’s mom believes his interest in running began in PE. He received positive praise from Mrs. Stevens and Miss Brissee. Just before Aidan’s 8^th birthday, his mom emailed Mrs. Stevens to see if she knew of any track club that would take a kid his age. Aidan’s family wanted to have him start something outside of school.  The PE Department here at Cimarron told them to check out Track Houston.

The family looked them up, took Aidan out and were amazed with the coaches and other families. Since then, Aidan has qualified for 4 Junior Olympics. This year during the cross country season, he came in 7th place out of 25 kids to qualify for the Junior Olympics. He had to be in the top 15 in the 9-10 year-old age group for the Houston area. He went to Albuquerque, New Mexico and ran the 3000. He came in 252 out of 300 runners. His time was 14:53.

Congratulations, Aidan! Cimarron is so proud of you!

Kindergarten Team

Celebrating 100 Days of Learning

Tuesday, February 2^nd marked the 100^th day of the school year! The number 100 is a very important number in our number system and in kindergarten the students learn that 10 groups of 10 make 100!  The whole day was dedicated to the number 100 where students wrote about, played games with it, and counted to it!

The adventure started at home, where students created shirts with their parents of 100 items!

“How I made my shirt is glue lots of (googly) eyes. After a while we counted over and over.” –Chase

“When I made my shirt with my mom I made fingerprints. We made our family. It had a 100 thumbprints.” - Joseph

And what’s a celebration without creating a crown to celebrate being 100 days smarter?!?!

"I liked making a crown! It was fun!" -Ziya

Our students not only exercised their brains, but showed their strength and endurance by doing 100 exercises!

“It was fun and we had to do squats and jumps. It made me tired.” -Colby

The day was filled with counting to 100 by ones, fives and tens!

“I was excited because on the 100^th day of school you do lots of cool stuff and lots of activities.”- Carys

Mrs. Yezak-McDonald’s class voted the number search as “Best 100^th Day Activity Ever”. The teachers placed stickers with all the numbers from 1 to 100 around the room. Students had to search for them and color them in on a 100 chart when they found them.

“It was really hard because Mrs. M hid one on her arm and she hid the 100 sticker behind a bookshelf.” –Berlyn

During Writing Workshop, students created a book based on 100 things that they wanted and didn’t want.

“I liked when I said I wish I had 100 donuts.” -Sophia

Students created at their own trail mix by group ten different snacks into groups of ten!

“I loved the 100th day trail mix. It was yummy and fun!”      - Maci

“We made a chart. We put the all the things we learned on it like, ‘I know how encourage a buddy reader. And I know how to put spaces in my writing.’ –Kylie

Why do we put so much emphasis on 100?

The number 100 is an important anchor number. Understanding the concept of 100 helps students with their number sense and place value. As for the hundreds chart, it allows for the discovery of patterns and relationships between numbers and can be a valuable reinforcement tool for many math concepts. The main focus is to assist students to visualize the patterns in the hundreds chart, which will improve their ability to calculate mentally. While initially students may need to see a chart, ultimately they will visualize the patterns and solve problems without reference to the chart.

Plus… as you can see. It’s so engaging and fun for the students while they learn!

Jennifer Brumfield, Physical Education Aide

P.E. Update

Springtime in P.E....outside activities, fitness gram, glow run, and so much more! We are really seeing improvement in the CE cheetahs with their motor skills. Push-ups, sit-ups, burpees and our TABATA jogging are improving each and every day. The students have worked very hard on their endurance this year and it is showing on how they are performing in their pacer practice testing. The fitness gram testing is just for grades 3-5. One module of the fitness gram is the pacer test. Some schools call it the beep test. It is where a student stands on a line and runs 20 meters (a lap) to the line at the other end of the gym. After 7 "laps" the time between beeps/sounds decreases. The object is to test the endurance of the student and see how long he/she can run. It's not a race to see how fast. It's all about endurance. We have been practicing this the past couple weeks and will begin the real deal next week. We had a 5th grade student break the Cimarron record with 75 laps!  Mrs. Stevens has never had anyone in all her years of teaching get that high of a number. She was very proud and impressed!

We are also gearing up for the Glow Run. We hope to see all the cheetahs and their families at the run. This has become an annual event at Cimarron, and it always brings lots of fun and excitement to our school and community. So please join us if you can!

Our K-2 PE students are also working very hard on their TABATA jogging and exercises. Some of their favorites include line jumps, burpees, supermans and jump ropes. Kinder cheetahs have really enjoyed cup stacking games and critter craze!  They are not just playing games but working on their cardiovascular, and gross motor skills while laughing and having fun. 

As you can tell, PE is full of excitement, fun and lots of exercise.  And we enjoy sharing our day with all the CE cheetahs. 

Sydnee, 4th Grade Student

Ms. Deanna Krenek is delighted to share a special memory of one of her precious students. Sydnee S. brings radiance to her 4^th grade classroom through creative insights and an unbridled imagination. With the heart of a poet and the soul of an artist, Sydnee reflects upon her first equine adventure.

I rolled down the window feeling the wind splash on my soft face. I sat back down on the arm of the cushioned seat and asked, “Where are we going?”  

Granny said nothing, the silence filling the car like a quiet night in the country. I looked out of the window with a grin and thought, “Oh, it’s a surprise.” 

I saw the trees dancing from the air. I looked to the left out of the window seeing a sign that said, “$5 Horse Rides!” I smiled a moon smile, drinking my fresh, cold Sprite. I sat back down and felt the soft seat, smiling. Soon, we were at the horse stables. I opened the door of the car and shut it as I got out. I felt the heat from the sun and the happiness from my head. As I was walking towards the stables, the horses neighed and pranced with their back legs swinging and flying in the air. I felt so happy to ride on the horse. My granny said I could touch one, so I walked up to it and gently placed my soft hand on its neck then laughed as the gentle beast calmed down. My granny called.  Right before I went to her, I whispered to the horse, “I promise I’ll ride you.” 

PTA, Jerri Anh Wright

PTA Reflections Program

What is Reflections?  It is a National PTA program to promote the arts.

Started in 1969 by the Colorado PTA President Mary Lou Anderson, Reflections has encouraged millions of students to express themselves by giving positive recognition for their artistic efforts. Students in preschool through grade 12 may create and submit works of art in six categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts. Any PTA with Active Status is eligible to sponsor Reflections on their campus.

The reflections program would not have been successful without the help and commitment of our dedicated judges. Special thanks goes to

• Bree McColl, Brazos Valley Credit Union
• David Reed, Local Artist
• Kim Law, Parent of former student

We would also like to thank the parents and supportive members of our PTA who donated food, as well as  Lonestar Kolaches for their donation of donuts and kolaches to the breakfast.

For questions about the PTA reflections program, please email jw@artlamode.com.