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!