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.

Kindergarten Team

 Traveling the World in Kindergarten

Before the winter break, kindergartners took a trip around the world! They packed their suitcase and had their passport stamped at five different countries where they learned a new holiday tradition at each stop!

One stop was Germany where Ms. Clark showed how German people celebrate Christmas!  Students learned that the parents decorate the tree on Christmas Eve.

“We learned that the kids do not get to decorate the tree in Germany.” Levi

Students then created their very own Christmas tree snack.

While in Europe, Miss Gurney took the students around The Netherlands where they learned that Sinterclaus leaves presents for children in wooden shoes.  

"My favorite part was learning about Sinterklass and eating the ginger cookies."
 -Emma R.

"I liked taking off my shoes and trying on the real wooden clogs like they wear in Holland!"-Ayria

Students could even try on a pair of authentic wooden clogs!

Heading east, they landed in Israel where Mrs. Scharr shared some Hanukah traditions.

“The people in Israel like candles and they celebrate Hanukkah.” -Alexis

Students tasted the ever popular potato latkes.
“Most people cook different food.  I like your cooking ‘cause the latkes were delicious!”
 –Evelyn F.

“The latke was so good!” -Logan

Students also learned the rules of the game driedel.

“When you get on the G, you get all the beans!” - Brynlee

Heading farther east, they rang in the Chinese New Year with Mrs. Yezak-McDonald.

"We painted Chinese words with black paint." -Joseph

Students also created Chinese drums and danced around the room like the traditional lion in parades. 

"I learned that people put red lanterns outside their house." -J.J.

"We made our own lanterns and hanged them up in the classroom." -Eva

Before making it back to the United States, the last stop was Mexico where they learned about Las Posadas with Miss Fait. Students created a star piñata and learned why poinsettia is associated with the holiday.

"I felt happy because we were learning about Mexico. There is a piñata and we made a star piñata."

 -Daniel

“There were decorations around the room and they celebrate with piñatas and dancing.” – Logan

“You say ‘hola’ to say ‘hi.’ To celebrate the kids hit piñatas and lots of sweets come out for the kids. They gather up family and make a huge feast.” – Carys

Also when the students went to the library that week, Mrs. Nored taught them about how Christmas is celebrated in Italy and they decorated festive hats!

Overall, the trip around the world was a hit with both the children and teachers! They learned that there are many different traditions around the world and that people celebrate different things!