Sunday, November 21, 2010

Roaring News

Hello Baldwin Community,

I'm sorry I haven't sent out any news for the past 2 weeks. Our Bobcats were very busy the past two weeks. The children in second grade were learning the concept of multiplication and they were having so much fun with this new concept. Ask them to explain what they learned about mulitiplication and have them show you their mathematical thinking. The students in third grade were also studying multiplication but they had to make the connection to division as well. They had some creative ways of showing the multiplication and division fact families. 

The first and second graders also completed the biographies they had been writing. When you come by to visit us at Baldwin, you will find many of their biographies displayed in the hallways; you will even find one about our Head Custodian, Betty and one about me. If you have a first or second grader, ask them to tell you about the biography they wrote and the process they went through to get it to the publishing stage. Way to Go Baldwin Bobcats!!

Let me begin by thanking all of the Baldwin Families that attended the Ross F. Baldwin Dedication on November 14th. It was a very special celebration for all of us especially for Mr. Baldwin's family and for the Baldwin students and staff. Our Bobcat Choir was amazing. They graced us with their beautiful voices and honored Mr. Baldwin with a melody of patriotic songs. They also showed all of the guests their Bobcat pride by singing the Baldwin School song. At the end of the celebration, the choir took a picture with Mr. Baldwin's son, Randy Baldwin, and the picture was posted on the AISD website under AISD Photos, campus events. At the dedication, we learned that Mr. Ross F. Baldwin was an advocate of public education and that he mentored many children in Austin schools. We also learned that Mr. Baldwin believed in "service before self." He gave of his time, talents and treasures to help others especially children. We are honored to be learning at Baldwin Elementary and I hope that together we will continue to uphold Mr. Baldwin's legacy of giving. Other photos of the dedication can also be viewed on the AISD website. 

In this same spirit of giving, I want to thank all of the children that have donated a coat to the "Coats for Kids" campaign. Our PTA is working with the Baldwin children and families to collect coats to help others who may not have a coat for this winter. We have a box in the school foyer designated for this collection. Although we have collected some coats, we still need more. Please look through your closets and send us your coats that no longer fit anyone in your family. Thanks for your help with this campaign. 

On Friday, November 12, I had a special guest working with me for half of the day. A first grader, Eli, was principal for 1/2 that day. This special afternoon was part of the silent auction. Eli and I visited all of the classrooms that Friday afternoon discussing the work that was posted in the hallways and the work that was taking place in the classrooms. Eli took extensive notes and he had great ideas, questions and connections. I am very proud of Eli and how focused he was on the task at hand. Eli's observations helped me see things from a different perspective. Thank you Eli for being a great student and principal!

This next week is a short week but I guarantee it will be a busy one. Tuesday is College Awareness Day so please have your child wear his or her favorite college/university shirt. We hope to have a representation of the many different choices our children can have to continue their learning after high school graduation. It will be a fun day for all of us!


Don't forget we only have classes on Monday and Tuesday of this week and then we get to take some time off for the Thanksgiving Holidays. We return back to learning on November 29th. 

Also, December 6-10 will be our First Baldwin Book Fair. It is perfect timing for anyone that is looking for some great gifts for the holidays and birthdays. Mark your calendars so you can come by our library during book fair week to do some shopping! 


I want to wish all of you a Happy Thanksgiving! I am grateful for all that you do to help us be the best at Baldwin Elementary!

Roaring with Pride, 
Dr. Peña

Monday, November 8, 2010

Roaring News

Hello Baldwin Community, 

Last week was a difficult week for all of us at Baldwin having to cope with the death of one of our young Bobcats. Losing a member of our family is never easy, but the death of child just seem so much harder to comprehend and understand. Although we experienced this loss and pain this past week, I was also reminded of the loving and giving community that we have at Baldwin. Everyone came together to help those that were most affected. I do want to thank all of you that have come forward to help us through the grieving process. Let me reassure you that the children were our first priority and that we will continue to be available to help them cope with this loss. Thank you again parents and friends for being so understanding and for helping us through this difficult time. I also want to thank Ms. Klaras, our counselor, for being so well-prepared to help our children and our staff through this time of loss. Please contact us if you feel that your child needs to speak to someone regarding this loss and/or other feelings that may have emerged due to this crisis. 

Another reason I am so proud to be the principal of Baldwin is because no matter how difficult it was last week, our children and staff understood that it was important to keep to our normal routines as much as possible. As I visited classrooms last week, I observed high levels of learning occurring throughout our building. One example of this learning was in Ms. Brady's second grade class. During the time of my visit, Ms. Meixner's Kindergarten Class was reading with Ms. Brady's second grade class. These two classes have paired up as reading buddies. Each kindergarten child is paired up with a second grader and they each practice reading to each other all the while the two teachers are monitoring and providing feedback to them. I heard and saw the children completing book walks and making predictions before they read the story. I heard the Kindergarten children reading their letter-sound cards and/or their favorite beginning reading books. The second grade students were modeling "good" reading strategies including reading with so much expression. Way to go Ms. Meixner and Ms. Brady's students!!

I also observed students in first grade discovering and learning about magnets. They learned about the two poles on the magnets and how and why they attract and repel. It was amazing to hear the conversations the students were having about this learning. I also saw some amazing writing throughout the different grade levels. Your children are very creative and are implementing the good writing techniques they are learning. 

During math times, I observed students using different ways to problem solve and I was so impressed with the way the students are able to explain their thinking processes. Please ask your children to share their learning with you everyday. Ask them open-ended questions about their day and they will be able to share all of the great things I get to see every day. I am very proud of all of our Bobcats and the work they are accomplishing. 

This past Thursday, Baldwin celebrated another "first!" We had our first student performance. The third graders put on a fabulous show "Lighten Up." They sang with so much pride and were so creative with their movements and their jokes. They made me laugh throughout the performance. I am so proud of our third graders and Mrs. Stevens, our Music Teacher, for a beautiful, fun performance! This Thursday, the Baldwin Choir will have a performance at 6:30 p.m. honoring our Veterans. Please join us if you can!

I do want to invite our community to the Ross F. Baldwin School Dedication this Sunday at 2:00 p.m. We will have school tours beginning at 1:00 p.m. and then the actual ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. There will be a special appearance by the Baldwin Bobcat Choir. You don't want to miss this performance and this great celebration. I look forward to seeing you on Sunday afternoon!

Roaring with pride,
Dr. Pena