Monday, January 17, 2011

Roaring News

Hello Baldwin Community,

We got off to great start to our second semester at Baldwin! During the first week back from the winter break, the students in grades 3-5 had the pleasure of hearing some live jazz music. We were visited by some players from the Austin Symphony. We heard a vocalist sing some great songs and we saw and heard the following instruments being played: piano, saxophone, flute, drums, and electric guitar. Last week the students in Prekindergarten through second grade had the pleasure of hearing another member of the symphony; they learned and heard about instruments that are part of the percussion family. I could tell the students enjoyed the music because I saw them tapping their feet, moving their shoulders to the beat and even clapping the rhythms. We are grateful to AISD and the Austin Symphony for exposing us to these instruments and these sounds.

This past Friday, the fifth grade students were treated to some special sounds by the Gorzycki MS band, orchestra and choir. The Gorzycki MS Fine Arts department made a special visit to Baldwin to explain some of the great opportunities the students can participate in if they choose this school next year. We applaud the students and the staff from Gorzycki for a great performance. Your fifth grader will soon have to submit his or her choice sheet for next school year, so please help them complete this important form. If you have questions, please talk with Mr. Crowley and Ms. Webber.

Our first Science Fair is just around the corner. Please mark your calendars to come view the science fair projects on January 26 from 6-7 pm. I believe we will also have a special presentation from Mad Science that same night. It will be a fun night for the whole family. I hope to see all of you that night!

Back in November, one of our teachers completed her National Board certification and I believe I failed to announce this to our community. Congratulations to Ms. Brynne Ovalle, our PreK teacher! National Board Certification is a demonstration of accomplished teaching practice as measured against high and rigorous standards. National Board Certification is a means to professional growth and improvement. We are very proud of Ms. Ovalle for completing this amazing feat! When you see her at Baldwin, please take a minute to congratulate her for this great accomplishment!

We look forward to seeing you at Baldwin this spring semester. Thank you for your continuous support!

Roaring with pride,
Dr. Pena