Monday, February 2, 2015

What a Staff We Have at Estes!

What makes Estes different from other schools around the country? Well, the answer is the staff here at Estes. Besides giving your children a great education they truly love your children. Did you know that some teachers charge over $25 to tutor children when school is out. Well, I am here to say that I have seen some of our very own teachers donating their time to tutor some students. I have seen numerous teachers buy classroom supplies and materials with their personal money to make sure our students have what they need to be successful. We have teachers giving up their lunch breaks to eat with students who just want to spend time with them.
I want to mention that the whole staff is amazing. We have caring custodians, lovely lunch ladies, outstanding office workers and inspiring instructional aids.
I am writing this because sometimes we only hear about the negative things that happen at school. I can tell you that Estes is a special place that is full of outstanding staff members who go above and beyond what is required for them to do.
Why? The answer is because we love CHILDREN and we want to make a difference in this world!

French Fries for Fry Words

 I am so excited to announce we had close to 160 students meet their goal for their sight words. The cafeteria was packed with these students enjoying a Happy Meal from McDonald's. Parents we do this every month so make sure you are helping your children master their word lists. Working HARD pays off!

Chapped Lips?




Second grade made lip balm for all their chapped lips. They turned solids to liquids then back into solids. It's all Matter. I see some future entrepreneurs in this class!

Books and Banks

The Owensboro Public Schools announced today a partnership between six local banks, the Daviess County Public Library, the Messenger-Inquirer and the district’s nationally recognized Owensboro READS program.
As part of the program six local financial institutions will each adopt an OPS elementary and preschool. The Messenger-Inquirer will adopt Owensboro Middle School.
The Owensboro READS Initiative has taken off since it was launched last year. It has been featured in media outlets throughout the United States and even in England. Summer reading camps, an “Owensboro READS Week” proclamation by the City of Owensboro, and the “Read 30 Minutes A Day Challenge” have made Owensboro READS a success. 
“We are incredibly thankful to live in a community where businesses support education. I hope these exciting new partnerships will show residents how important literacy is in our world,” said Dr. Nick Brake, OPS Superintendent.
The Evansville Federal Teachers Credit Union will adopt Hager Preschool. Republic Bank will adopt Newton Parrish. First Security Bank will adopt Sutton. Old National Bank will adopt Cravens. Independence Bank will adopt Estes. US Bank will adopt Foust. By adopting the schools, the banks will supply volunteers to the schools to read to classes on a regular basis. The financial intuitions will also purchase Little Free Libraries, which are kiosks that hold books at each school. The idea is that when you take a book, you leave a book.

Give the Gift of Life!

This Thursday, February 5th we will have a blood drive at Estes. Please come out and get a free t-shirt and cholesterol test with your donation. 

The Power of a Growth Mindset

Izzy is a student that has shown a growth mindset at Estes. I am so proud of Izzy and the turn around he shown while being at Estes. At Estes, we do not give up on students and we push them to their fullest potential. Sometimes we are met with resistance but when things click great things happen. Izzy didn't like me for awhile and he will tell you that, but I am Izzy's biggest supporter and he knows that now. Keep up the good work young man!

Taste the Fractions


I was treated to a special math lesson from Mr. Murphy and his students. The students in his class taught me how to compare fractions using Skittles. I fed my brain and fed my belly during this lesson!