What's Up at Walnut Bend?

2007-2008

WB Brownies Sell Lemonade to benefit WHAM

How could you pass up a nice, refreshing cup of lemonade from this cute Brownie Troop? WB Brownies sold lemonade at the WB park on Sunday, May 4. Several people from the neighborhood stopped by to enjoy the beautiful day and help the troop raise money for West Houston Area Ministries.

WB VIPS ROCK!

Walnut Bend Elementary celebrated our Volunteers in Public Schools (VIPS) with a 1950's Rock 'n Roll theme. The teachers and staff really got into the act with their 1950s attire. The library was transformed into an old fashioned diner and greeted at the door by students who quickly welcomed them to Eagles Diner "where our VIPS Rock and our burgers are famous!" Prince's Hamburgers set up outside to grill some delicious burgers as fourth and fifth grade students dressed up as waiters and waitresses to take orders and help serve. After a great lunch, WB VIPS were treated to an ice cream sundae bar. Decorations were displayed throughout the room and music from the era played throughout the afternoon. Even Elvis paid a visit to our VIPS where he highly recommended the fried banana and peanut butter sandwich!

Name that Book for 3rd -5th Grade

The 3rd -5th Grade Name that Book Team practiced hard and won their preliminary round on Monday, April 21. Now we're off to finals on Friday. Don't they look great!

WB Teachers Rule! Lets Treat them Royally! Teacher Appreciation Week - April 21 - 25

Walnut Bend students and parents love their teachers so we decided to really let them know just how much we appreciated them with a week of royal activities, most of which included food!

Meet Our New Principal...Mrs. Julie Fernandez

Teachers, staff, students and parents met Walnut Bend Elementary’s next principal, Mrs. Julie Fernandez, on Monday, April 7. Mrs. Fernandez comes from Clear Creek ISD. She has been in education for 21 years as a teacher in elementary and middle school, an assistant principal, an elementary school principal, and most currently working in the district office training new teachers.  Mrs. Fernandez will be working side-by-side with Mrs. Doyle to ensure a smooth transition into the 2008-2009 school year.   Welcome to the our Walnut Bend Family Mrs. Fernandez.

YEE-HAW!

Go Texan Day was celebrated at Walnut Bend during the students' Health & PE enrichment period. Coach Gowdy and Coach Flores set up a Texas-sized obstacle course complete with Flying Turtles, Hippity Hops and Stick Horses. The students had a blast! The hair was flying and they really wore out the ponies. Enjoy the fun faces below, then click on the Health & PE Enrichment page to view more pics of our students.

Walnut Bend Teacher of the Year!

Our science teacher, Margo Henderson, was recently voted as Walnut Bend's Teacher of the year!Mrs. Henderson has taught for 33 years and 18 of those years have been at Walnut Bend. She teaches Science to all grades.  She says, about teaching, “What I like best about teaching is that kids keep it new and exciting every day. My own children went to Walnut Bend and the feeling of community and friendliness is still there after all these years.”  About being voted WB Teacher of the Year, Mrs Henderson says, “It’s quite an honor to be selected by my peers.  I am very appreciative to them all.”  According to Alex Spivey, a 5^th grader in Mrs. Pette’s homeroom, “She’s really nice and sweet and she let’s us have fun while we learn!”

Congratulations Mrs. Henderson!  You make us proud!

An Insect Parade

Walnut Bend kindergartners have been learning about insects the past few weeks. The students have learned what characteristics all insects have. They have had lots of fun coloring, cutting and pasting examples of insects. The lesson culminated on Friday, March 7 with our very own insect parade in which all of our kindergartners showed off their very own insect model made at home using items such as Q-tips, construction paper, socks, cucumbers, tomatoes, pipe cleaners, glitter and lots of other creative ideas. Take a look at our insect parade!

Celebrating PIG DAY!

Did you know that March 1 is “National Pig Day?” It was started by Texas art teacher Ellen Stanley in 1972 to honor and give thanks to our most intelligent domesticated creature – the pig! Walnut Bend Students celebrated Pig Day creating pig art in art enrichment and in class.  The PE enrichment held an obstacle relay race in tribute to Pig Day and Go Texan Day! Many students took pictures with “Gertrude,” the Logan Farms Pig truck.  The students had a blast and can’t wait to celebrate next year. Pig Day!  Who knew?

For pictures of the students' pig art projects, visit the Art Enrichment page.

Take a Reading Road Trip at the WB Book Fair.

What a trip it was! Walnut Bend's Book Fair was a spectacular event during the week of February 18-22. Students, teachers and parents enjoyed shopping and browsing the hundreds, if not thousands, of great books. There was definitely something for everyone. Even some of our WB graduates came back for an evening of fun and book shopping!

Fine Arts Night

Fine arts were everywhere on February 21! Walnut Bend Elementary's aspiring artists inspired and moved us as we viewed several self-potraits. The 4th grade and 5th grade orchestra musical talents made quite an impression especially to their families and the audience. Third graders were "instrumental" in their recorder performance. And, finally, the WB Choir finished the evening with beautiful singing.

Spotlight on African American History

Walnut Bend Kindergarten and 1st graders really put on a show for everyone Tuesday, February 19. Led by Mr. Young, our Music Director, the students sang, danced and narrated a story entitled, "Spotlight on African American History." These little ones really WOWed the crowd and they were so cute too! You can also find more photos on our Music page, just click here!

Blue & Gold - Celebrating Cub Scout Pack 798

Pack 798 celebrated 80 years of scouting at their annual Blue & Gold Dinner. The boys were awarded with certificats, pins, medals, and beltloops to honor all their recent achievements. To commemorate the Chinese New Year, the scouts and their families were treated to a Chinese dinner. Entertainment was provided by a troop of Chinese dancers. Fourth grader, Marc Fulgencio and his 3rd grade brother, Nicholas, were recognized for their popcorn sales. Several were acknowledged for their really fast pinewood derby cars.

Jump Rope for Heart!

Several students participated in Jump Rope for Heart. Jump Rope For Heart is a national educational fund-raising program that is sponsored by the American Heart Association and the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD).  This program engages elementary students in a physical activity (jumping rope) while raising funds to support lifesaving heart and stroke research.  Students ask friends and family for donations and receive thank-you gifts based on the dollars they raise.  This educational program teaches physical fitness and promotes the value of community service to students and their families. It shows students that they can contribute to their community's welfare. It's a lot of fun too! A big thank you goes to Whole Foods Market for supplying the apples and bananas.

Happy Birthday Mr. Crook!

We played an all-school practical joke on Mr. Crook for his birthday, February 15, 2008. Known as our resident "Cookie Monster, " Mr. Crook received a lot of cookies from students, teachers and staff!

West Region Fitness Festival

Walnut Bend students demonstrated their tennis skills at the West Region Fitness Festival on Saturday, February 9.  Several students from other elementary schools in the west region presented all sorts of fitness fun including dance and cup stacking.

Just Rolling Along!

February 5 marked the end of a two-week skate program  for 3^rd -5^th grades sponsored by PE Enrichment.  The students had an absolute blast as evidenced by the smiles on their faces.   According to John Rhoden, a 4^th grader in Mrs. Ringold’s class, “Skating is the funnest thing we’ve ever done in PE!” You'll have to look closely at the pics below. Some of these skaters were fast!!!

We Run for Fun!

January 28^th kicked off our official WB Running Club. So far, over 100 students, parents, and teachers meet after school on Mondays to run, walk, or jog.  The primary purpose of this club is to motivate everyone to improve their levels of physical activity through walking or running outdoors.  The Running Club is a great way to teach students how important exercise is to a healthy lifestyle.  We’ll run to many locations and cities in Texas and the United States.  Once a student accumulates 10 miles, he/she will be recognized on the “Running Wall” and will be able to wear their WB Running Club t-shirt on Mondays! Check it out!

Join the fun! Students and parents can pick up a permission/release form and a family/student contract from kindergarten teacher and Running Club sponsor, Mrs. Hansen.    

The Mice Before Christmas

Music Director, Mr. Young, and 2nd & 3rd grade students showed off their talents in the holiday progam, "The Mice Before Christmas" on Tuesday, December 18. The students really outdid themselves and the audience loved it all! Take a look and see for yourself. For more pictures, click here.

WB Choir Celebrates the Holidays!

Walnut Bend's choir sang to holiday shoppers at IKEA on December 13. Then, residents of the Plaza at the Buckingham were also delighted with a selection of holiday songs. Afterward, the choir serenaded WB students and teachers in the halls of the school. The 4th and 5th grade students really enjoyed sharing their music and spreading holiday cheer to everyone. For more pictures of the WB Choir, click here.

Einstein Eagle Tour

In November, Walnut Bend hosted the Einstein Eagle Tour for neighborhood 3 and 4 year olds. Children enjoyed listening to the book Eaglet's World by Evelyn Minshull, a story about bald eaglet, hatched from an egg, who must grow up and accept the challenge of leaving the comfort and safety of his nest. The children crafted little nests of their own from sticks, twigs, pine needles and soft cotton. Afterward each child received a baby eaglet finger puppet of their own to put in their nest. The kids then were taken on a tour of the school where they visited Kindergarten classes, the art room, and the music room. Their favorite room was the science lab where they were able to see all the lab animals and touch a real shedded snake skin. To finish off the tour, children were treated to special eagle snacks as they returned to the library. Check out the fun below.

Celebrating Patriot's Day

On Friday, November 9, fifth grade students at Walnut Bend Elementary will celebrate "Patriot's Day."  Not only 5th graders, but the entire school will go back in time when America was fighting for its independence from England.  Dressed in period clothing, the boys and girls will learn the customs and manners of the times through various activities.  Town cryers will deliver the morning announcements throughout the school building.  Boys will learn how soldiers marched and fought during colonial times.  They will attend school with a true to life headmaster played by Andrew Burton, father of  5th grader Cathleen Burton.  Girls will learn to sew and how to properly use a fan.   Together, the students will play period games.  Finally, the day will culminate with a colonial dance in the town hall-aka the multi-purpose room.  The school administration teachers, and several parents will be present and dressed in period clothing to make the day more authentic. 

Reading Night & Character Parade

Walnut Bend Reading Night for 3rd through 5th Grade was held Tuesday, October 30th. Students came dressed as their favorite book character and enjoyed a rare treat as they listened to author, Kathy Duvall, read from her book, The Three Bears Halloween. Mrs. Duvall was answered several questions from students and parents about her writing and from where she gets her ideas for her books. Afterward, students introduced themselves and their book character to the audience as Mrs. Duvall autographed copies of her books for both students and parents.

Pre-K Halloween Parade

Our PreK students at Walnut Bend celebrated Halloween with a parade of characters from the book Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. The students paraded through the halls with crowns, capes and lots of noisemakers. We all wondered who the "wild ones were!"

Red Ribbon Week

The Walnut Bend Elementary Community celebrated being Drug Free the week of October 29 through November 2. On Monday, students and staff donned their camoflage in their "Fight against Drugs." Tuesday brought a magic show with the "Just Say NO to Drugs!" Several of the staff got into crazy sock day as we "Socked it to Drugs!" On Wednesday, we all wore caps or hats as we "Put a Cap on Drugs." And finally on Friday, we all "leied" back in Hawaii as we "Leied Off Drugs." All 686 students wrote a pledge to be drug free and placed their red leaf on the Garden Tree as you pass by the Science Garden and Nature Center.

Westside High School Cheerleading Clinic

Several girls from Walnut Bend participated in the Westside HS Cheerleading Clinic on Saturday, October 27. It was a great photo opportunity for us to see former students at WB now attending and cheering at Westside! The girls were also invited to cheer at the Westside Football Game that evening. Molly Rhoden, a second grader in Mrs. Baumgartner's class, was a little shocked to hear the announcer wish her a Happy Birthday during the game! The girls had a ball cheering on the Wolves and they didn't even notice that the team lost!

Fall Festival 2007

Pictures are worth a thousand words. Take a look at all the fun we had at WB's Fall Festival!

" Destination: America!"

The 4th & 5th Graders entertained us with their "Destination: America!" music program on Tuesday, October 9. What a show it was! And what singers and dancers Walnut Bend has! Who knew? Maybe someday, we'll see some of you on Broadway!! For more pictures of the 4th & 5th Grade Program, click here.

Teaching Tennis!

Walnut Bend Eagles are part of a pilot program for HISDs West District thanks to Carol Tuttle, former HISD West District Representative. All students are learning the basics of tennis and discovering that tennis can be a lifelong sport and fun source of exercise. Check out the fun below and see more pictures of WB's tennis lessons on the Physical Education and Health & Fitness page.

Helping God's Creatures...

Every once in a while, Walnut Bend Elementary gets an opportunity to help care for abandoned, lost, or forgotten animals. Recently, week old kittens were fostered and cared for by Walnut Bend Parent, Debbie Rhoden, and Science Teacher, Margo Henderson. With the help of students, the kittens were bottle fed and cleaned until they were ready to be adopted.

While the kittens were eating and growing, Mrs. Henderson found a baby squirrel. Placed with the kittens for warmth, the little squirrel shared the kittens milk for a couple of days. The squirrel was takent to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center where it will be cared for and then released back into the wild.

Science and Math Night

Science and Math Night took place on Thursday, September 27. Students traveled from table to table estimating lengths, playing math games, planting seeds and learning how science and math affect our everyday lives. After participating in all tasks, students attending Science and Math Night received a "Homework Pass" to be used in the future. Fourth grader, John Rhoden, said, "It was awesome!"

Back to School Health Fair

On Tuesday, September 25, Walnut Bend Elementary students and teachers spent their enrichment period attending the "Back to School" Health Fair. Students participated in a variety of health assessments with heart rate checks, height, weight, and BMI measurements. Fitness assessments let students learn how "fit" they are or aren't. Dental screenings by a dental hygienist were also provided. The Mobile Health Care Clinic stopped by to provide immunizations and children learned more about nutrition and why it is the foundation of health!

The Child Identification Program (CHIP) program visited for the 4th annual year at Walnut Bend. Students who participated in CHIP will receive an identification card with their picture providing physical and medical information in case of emergency.

In the end, the Health Fair was a great success and the students really enjoyed themselves.  Take a look and see for yourself…

Walnut Bend Dedication brings the Media!

The dedication of Walnut Bend Elementary was held on Wednesday, September 19. Several VIPs attended including Abelardo Saavedra, HISD Superintendent of Schools; Greg Meyers, HISD Trustee - District VI; Scott Van Beck, West Region Superintendent; Jocelyn Mouton, Executive Principal - West Region; and Barbara Thornhill, West Region. Guests were serenaded by the WB Choir and treated to a performance by students and teachers reflecting on the Past, Present and Future of Walnut Bend Elementary. After the dedication, a reception was held for guests in the library. Tours of the building were given by Walnut Bend students and staff. Some of the highlights are shown below:

Heroes Parade 2007

On Tuesday, September 11, Walnut Bend teachers and students celebrated our everyday heroes with our 6th annual Heroes Parade. The parade started after the events of September 11, 2001 and is meant to honor and remember all those that we lost on this dark day. It sparks the patriotism in all of us. Take a look at some of our heroes.

Grandparents' Day

Friday, September 7 was Grandparents' Day at Walnut Bend. Many of our grandparents came for a reception and visitation. A slide show of Walnut Bend students, teacher and parents was shown to our guests. After some coffee and kolaches, grandparents were able to visit their grandchildren in their classrooms. The students were thrilled to get a chance to show off for Grandma and Grandpa. Take a look at some of our smiling faces.