Blog Discontinuation

As of June 2017, Lorena Elementary School is no longer updating this blog. You can find the latest news and information from the school by visiting our website at es.lorenaisd.net.

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STAAR Info Night

We had a very successful 3rd Grade STAAR Info Night.  Our 3rd Grade teachers organized this evening with the purpose of getting information to parents about the STAAR.  We have a few months before the 3rd graders take the STAAR, but we feel like it was the right time to get together to show parents what they can do to help their children do better, not only on the STAAR, but at school.  We began the evening with pizza and a general assembly in the cafeteria.  This followed by small sessions in each of the 3rd grade rooms.  They had three rotations to put together games for the children to play at home.  We had over 200 people signed up to come.  The cafeteria was full.  We are so grateful for all those who came.

Welcome Back Students!!

As I mentioned in my last post, December is a fun time of the year.  January can be as much fun, but without all the presents.  As a child, I loved January because after school I would go to the local park to play hockey with neighborhood friends.  The weather was consistently below freezing, so the ice was always good and slick.  I don't know how long I played, but I spent a lot of time at either Longfellow Park or Brackett Field.  Both had lights, so we could play until late if we wanted to.  The best temperature for skating was about 20 degrees.  I remember the coldest day I every played.  It was a Saturday morning and it was clear.  It was 20 degrees below zero.  When I played hockey, I was always moving.  But, at 20 degrees below zero, my toes never warmed up.  Have you ever experienced your toes being so cold that when you warmed them up, they would itch "like crazy?"  Yes, those were the days - January - a great month.

As for us here at Lorena Elementary School, we have much to look forward to:

1. I'll be driving our 4th graders to Austin on our first ever field trip to the Bob Bullock Museum on January 6th.  I'm looking forward to it.  
2. Our 2nd Box Top Contest begins on January 9th
3. Our Awards Assemblies will be in the PAC on January 13th
1. 3rd Grade @ 8:30
2. 4th Grade @ 9:30
3. 5th Grade @ 10:30
4. Beat the Facts begins this month.  We encourage all of you to help your child learn his/her math facts.  The contest begins the week of January 23rd.  I'll have more details going home in the near future.

I have been communicating to parents weekly via email about things that are going on.  If you have not been receiving these weekly emails and you're a parent/guardian and would like to receive them, let me know.  My email address is lowellanderson@lorenaisd.net 

The Most Wonderful Time of the Year

We're nearing the end of the first semester of a very productive school year.  As most adults will say about life, it goes by so quickly.  That is no different this year.  This first semester has been filled with a lot of good memories.  Our new teachers have made themselves right at home and our students have adjusted to their new grades.  

Just recently our students competed in UIL.  We took a lot of students who have been working on their content.  This year we were 3rd in our district behind Robinson and Gatesville.  We're already talking about next year to see how we can make improvements.  We would love to be first and we have the potential to be first.  We will have recognize all the competitors in a morning assembly in January.  I'll let you all know later when that will be.

Our 4th graders made a trip to the Primary School to read to Kindergarten and 1st graders.  They loved sitting down with them, reading to a small group of students.  Our 5th grade took a special service field trip to Westview Nursing Home in McGregor.  Like the 4th Grade, our 5th Graders went to serve others, reading stories and singing carols.

I hope all of you have a wonderful Christmas break.  We look forward to seeing our students back on Tuesday, January 3rd. 

What goes with Autumn?

We are in our 6th week of school.  My how time flies.  Students are getting settled in.  I'm slowly getting to know all the new students' names and learning something about each one of them.  When I eat lunch with these students, it's interesting how their true personalities come out.  I engage myselft in conversations that begin with simple questions like, "Who was your teacher last year?" or "What do you like to do?"  Depending on the mix of students, it could get busy with questions.  The 45 minute time frame goes by quickly.  We end our time together with a game and I take their picture.  These pictures help me reference back to keep their names in my memory bank.

I love football season!  As a child, cheering for the Minnesota Vikings was something I looked forward to.  Each year they had a competitive team.  There has been few seasons where we have not been competitive.  The Dallas Cowboys are much the same - always competitive.  The difference between the Cowboys and Vikings is that the Vikings have never won a Super Bowl.  We're 0-4!!

As for college football, I never had much to cheer for when I was a child.  The University of Minnesota had a team, but were very rarely competitive when I was young.  When I was three years old, the Minnesota Gophers (yes, I said "Gophers") football team was National Champions.  Since then, only 1967 they were competitive.  As an adult I can claim many teams that are competitive:  Since I lived in Lubbock, the Texas Tech Red Raiders were one of my favorites before I moved to Waco.  My two sons graduated from Texas A&M, so it's been fun cheering for them.  And of course, I live in Waco and I love to watch the Baylor Bears.

Of course, being from the North, I have grown accustomed to enjoying the cooler weather.  I really don't look forward to the frigid temperatures, but I do enjoy the cool evenings.  I am experienced driving on the snow, so that doesn't concern me as much as it concerns many here.  I grew up playing hockey -- a wonderful sport to play!!!  My North Stars became the Dallas Stars - a little burr under my saddle.

All-in-all, I enjoy being where I'm at.  I love my job and I look forward to making a positive difference in our students' lives here at Lorena Elementary School.  I might be from the North and cheer for teams you would never cheer for, but I'm a Lorena Leopard.  Have a wonderful Fall and let's hope to see some Autumn-like beauty here in Central Texas.

We Do This for the Students

Teachers, staff, and administrators get up every morning - early.  We do our morning routine to get ready.  For some of my staff, getting their children ready is a challenge.  I remember when I was a school teacher.  My wife and I decided that having both our boys enroll in the school that I taught was the best thing.  I lived in Lubbock and travelled about 30 minutes to Abernathy, Texas.  I was a 4th grade teacher for many years and both of my children were in elementary school when I was a teacher at Abernathy Elementary School.

My oldest son was a quiet boy who had many friends.  He was smart and was good about doing his work.  When he was old enough to be a 4th grader, I asked my boss if I could have him in my class.  He was reluctant, but complied with my request.  For the most part, it was a great year.  He behaved well.  He never called me "papa" in front of his friends, but never called me "Mr. Anderson" either.  I don't remember what he did to get my attention.  I guess he raised his hands.  My wife was a "single parent" that year.  I say that, because I didn't sign any of his notes and my wife usually was the one to help him on his homework (I helped him some).  Needless to say, it was a good year - something most teachers would not do (to have their child in their class).  My son wasn't perfect.  Once he decided it would be cool to mock me in front of his friends.  We laugh to this day about how I had to give him a "write-up."  He said that was the only one he got that year.

My youngest son did not have me as a teacher.  We moved to Waco the summer before he was in the 4th grade.  I would've requested him if I was still in Abernathy.  In fact, he looked forward to being in my class.  Thomas, my younges son, was very social and was not shy like my oldest son, Lars.  Thomas wouldn't hesitate from walking into my class during my teaching when he was in the lower grades to get lunch money
from me.  It was a comforting thing to have both of my children in the same school with me.

As a teacher, I looked forward to each new year to learn names of my new students.  I enjoyed gettting to know each of them and teaching each one the skills of the 4th grade.  Workbook pages and tests are things I don't remember as a teacher.  My fondest memories are the students' personalities, their smiles, and the challenges that each one had.  I remember some better than others, some because of struggles that I may have had with them or the joy I had conversing daily as a teacher.  As a male teacher at Abernathy Elementary, I was "an icon" of sorts.  Besides the principal, I was the only other man around.  That in itself was an advantage for me.  I really enjoyed what I did and I was pretty good at it.

When I left teaching to become an administrator, I was ready to move on.  Every day I reflect on my fondest memories of being an effective teacher.  I want the same now - to be an effective administrator.  I want to make a positive difference in the lives of my students. I don't have one class anymore to get to know.  I have 375 students who need my leadership, my smile, my humor, and my energy.  I still have these qualities and use them every day in my role as principal at Lorena Elementary School.

There is no way I would be doing what I am doing if it wasn't for the students who come to school every day.

Join the Lorena PTO!

The Lorena Parent Teacher Organization is beginning its membership drive for the 2016-17 school year! The cost is $10 per family, which includes a campus wide directory. Additional directory copies are available for $5 each.

To join, please download and complete the registration form and then return it along with your payment in an envelope marked PTO Membership to any Lorena ISD campus.

We look forward to working together to enrich the education and experience of all the students of Lorena ISD!

Lorena PTO Registration Form

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2016-2017 Here we Come!

I'm excited about another school year.  Yes, I enjoy the pace and dress of the summer hours.  But nothing compares to having our students back at school.  A full school is one that is packed with potential and energy.  Our first day went well.  We have twenty-four new students to our school.  I'm excited to get to know them.

Like all years, it is a challenge to get to know all our students.  Mrs. Sanders and I are diligent to get to know our students' names as fast as we can.  With a healthy sized 3rd grade and the twenty-four new students, it will take some time to get to know them.  The first day was filled with smiles and enthusiasm.

We have many new staff members this year.  First, we have Mrs. Kenzie Talbert and Mrs. Alisha Brittain.  Both are new teachers to the 3rd grade.  Also, Mrs. Brooke Arellano is new to our 4th grade.  She will be pairing up with Mrs. Isom to teach writing and Science.  Finally, Mrs. Michelle Chase is new to our 5th grade.  She will be pairing up with Mrs. Kelley to teach our 5th graders Science.  Ms. Jocee Lackey Hoffman is new to our school.  She is presently working in our computer lab and helping out all around the school.  I want to mention that Mrs. Camille Talbert is our new Reading Specialist this year.  She moves over from the 3rd grade.  Also new to our campus is Mrs. Robin Woycheshin.  She will be teaming up with Mrs. Pewitt and Mrs. Collins to teach our Life Skills students.

We have some changes to the school year.  Our theme this year is a Hollywood theme, "Setting the Stage for Success."  We want all our students to ACT and PERFORM well this year as we DIRECT them to success.  I will begin each day with the phrase, "It's Showtime!"  We are looking forward to the upcoming school year.

Summer is here

The NED Show (May 4th)

Even though it's been a long and prosperous year, I'm ready for the summer.  I'm setting my sights on a new school year, filled with new faces and others whom I'm known for a while.  The halls are now filled with desks and chairs, the bulletin boards are empty, and the rooms are getting prepared for cleaning.  My office has not changed.  That's a good thing, since the last two summers we all had to move out during the summer.  Last year I was at the middle school and two summers ago I was housed at the Primary School.  I will get a lot done, being in my own office.

Career Day (May 25th)

The end of this year went well.  I think this has been the busiest May since I've been a principal. We added Career Day to the list of things to do.  Career Day, along with the many other events were all huge successes.  These pictures depict some of the events we enjoyed during the final part of the school year.

STAAR - our students did fabulous

I'm proud of our teachers and staff for completing a very successful year.  Our initial STAAR scores came in for the 5th grade:  90% for reading and 92% for math.  The rest of the scores will come in on June 15th.

Market Day (May 26th)

I'll be around for most of the summer.  If you need something, drop by or give us a call.  The school number is 857-4613.  Summer school will begin on July 25th and run through August 5th.  Many have already signed up to come.

4th Grade to Ft. Worth
Stockyards (May 20th)

Meet the Teachers night will be on August 19th (5:30-6:30) and the first day of school will be the next Monday, August 22nd.

2nd Graders come to visit (May 24th)

We Want Your Feedback - 2016 Parent Survey

In an effort to gather information and improve our schools and district, we are requesting your participation in a short parent survey. The survey will be available until May 6th. We want to hear from you.

Please take a few minutes and provide us with feedback in order to make our schools the best they can be. We appreciate you being partners with us in our most important responsibility of educating your children.

2016 Parent Survey

*If you have students at more than one school, please fill out a survey for each campus. There will be a link at the end of the survey for you to submit another.

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We Beat the Facts

It's been a long time since I've posted on my Elementary page.  Sorry for that.  Since coming back from Christmas, things have been moving along pretty swiftly.  It seems like after Christmas things would slow down, but that's the exact opposite.  We are accomplishing much this Spring.  I want to let you know of a few things:

BEAT THE FACTS:  This is our annual math contest where students eagerly study their math facts, becoming familiar with them.  A two minute test is given weekly to our students during a five week time frame.  Two bonus tests are given, which totals seven times that a student can "beat the facts."  The goals are simple:  3rd Grade:  Get 34 multiplication problems (through 9's) correct in a 2 minute test and you beat the facts.  4th Grade:  Get 42 multiplication problems (through 12's) correct in a 2 minute test and you beat the facts.  5th Grade:  Get 42 multiplication and division problems (through 12's) correct in a 2 minute test and you beat the facts.

OUR SCHOOL GOAL:  This year we had 305 students beat the facts and many others that came close.  And, this year is our first year to meet our school goal of 300 students.  On March 4th, our students were rewarded with a day of fun - movie, extra recess, snow cones, fun activities in the classroom.  It was a great way to spend the day before Spring Break

PERSONAL GOALS:  All throughout this contest, students were upping their goals to beat their score from the week before.  Most students doubled or tripled their scores throughout the contest.  Every child made improvements.  That is what is important.

BEAT THE FACTS CHALLENGE:  15 of our fastest students who know their math facts competed on March 4th to see who was the fastest.  The following are the students who competed:

3rd Grade:                                 4th Grade:                                          5th Grade:
1st: Daniel Miller (118)            1st:  Landon Holze (119)                    1st: Jasmin Romero (123)
2nd:  Gavin Schrader (88)        2nd: Place: Bailey Henderson (108)   2nd:  Austin Evans (104)
3rd:  Riley Robertson (84)        3rd:  Gabriel Bachert (105)                 3rd:  Kandrin Johnson (94)
4th:  Addison Rohde (79)         4th:  Mackenna Holt (94)                     4th: Kendall Bready (93)
5th:  Mason Walker (77)           5th: Jackson Generals (93)                  5th: Isabel Gallegos (91)

PETER PIPER PIZZA TRIP:  The 15 finalists for our Beat the Facts Challenge went to Peter Piper Pizza with Mr. Anderson on March 4th.

Thanks!!

It's hard to believe it's been since October 9th that I've posted something.  The time has certainly gone by fast.  Since my last post, I've completed my lunches with students.  Now I can claim to know everyone's name in the school.  For some I have to think a little harder when calling their name.  

Mrs. Price, leading our 3rd graders in one of three songs in our
our Veterans Day Program on November 11th

Our Veterans Day Program was a huge success.  We appreciate all the hard work that Mrs. Price put in to prepare our students to sing.  They sounded wonderful.  Also, it was great to have a "local celebrity" come to speak to us.  Doug Currin came to speak to both our students and vets, giving students a perspective of what veterans have to go through when they are deployed.  We had 95 veterans come to enjoy the program.  I think that is a record for us.  We really appreciate all that they have done for our country.

Doug Currin, news anchor for KCEN, came to speak to
our veterans and our students at our Veterans Day
Program on November 11th

We, as educators work pretty hard for the time we're here.  My Uncle Richard used to bug me because he said that we only worked nine months out of the year.  And there is some truth to that, but we put our 12 months in during a nine month time frame.  Teachers use much of their time on the weekends planning for their classes.  Each night they take home papers to grade while sitting in front of the television.  We have some who welcome phone calls to assist the students in their homework.  Our teachers here are dedicated to get the job done well.  So when I speak of having a week off for Thanksgiving, while it IS a luxury to that that time off, it is a welcome break for our teachers who put in so much to bring our students a quality education.  I am thankful for what I do and I know I was destined to be an educator, even though there were no educators in our family, going back generations.  

As we enter December, rest assured that your students are being taught well.  Thanks for helping us out in the educational process.  You are all so supportive of what we do here.

An Honor to Serve Lorena!

     I've been in education a long time...since 1980.  If you count up the years, you will realize that I have many years "under by belt."  I enjoy coming to work everyday.  Being with 8, 9, 10, and 11 year olds keeps me young at heart.  I'm in the middle of my quest to get to know students' names and something about each.  I've eaten lunch with 15 groups of students (That's 90 students).  I look forward to my "lunch dates" because I can talk silly with the students, finding out things about each of them.  We play a game together - in which I usually lose - so students know there's a softer side to me.  I want students to know me as one who cares for them and has high expectations.  I've got a few more "lunch dates" ahead of me that I'm looking forward to.

     I think about what I do and I'm so blessed to be where I'm at.  First, I'm blessed to be an educator.  As a teacher I formed many close relationships with colleagues and students.  I've had the opportunity to positively influence many in their lives.  Also, I'm blessed to be here in Lorena.  I enjoy seeing students who really want to learn every day.  It's also fun to see those whom I have had in past years doing well in the middle and high schools.

     Once in a while I hear from an ex-student and am pleased by what they are doing in their lives.  I will be reflecting on some of my success stories in the next few blogs.  My first is Mary:

MARY:  Mary was a girl I had in class when I was teaching 4th grade.  She lived in a poor neighborhood with many family members living in her house.  She came to school with an "attitude."  Much of her attitude focused on her not caring about her school work.  She didn't try at her assignments, she acted like she wasn't interested in my lessons, and she had no goals to improve.  She was determined to "skate by."  I challenged each of my students in a different way.  With Mary, my goal was to get her to WANT to succeed.  I would go above and beyond to make her laugh, to pay attention to her, and to brag about her progress that I saw.  It took a long time for my to "break through" with her.  It was in February of that year.  We had taken a lengthy test, preparing for the TAAS test.  Like any standardized test, it took a lot of effort.  When I graded her test, she got a passing grade.  The next day I went up to her and looked her in her eyes and said, "Now I got you!!"  She smiled as I told her results.  Her "won't" turned in to a "will" and she made more progress after that.  After about five years after I started here at Lorena ISD I heard from her in an email.  She told me how much she appreciated me and that she was doing well in high school.  That was the last I heard from her, but I was so encouraged about her progress and it made me feel so good that I made a difference in her life.

We're Getting the Hang of it

     We're nearing the end of our third week of school and I do believe we're all getting settled in.  Procedures are overwhelming for many of our students, especially our new students.  As for our 3rd graders, I'm proud of how well they're adjusting to their new environment.  

     Not only do we have new students, but we have some new teachers this year.  The following are those who are serving your students in Lorena for the first time:

1) Jessica Price:  Mrs. Price is our new music teacher.  She comes to us from Corsicana.  Both her and her husband have musical background. Mrs. Price teaches all three grades here at the elementary.  She also is the middle school AND high school choir teacher.  

2) Stacy Isom:  Mrs. Isom is our new 4th grade teacher.  Mrs. Isom teaches Reading and Science.  She comes to us from the Robinson school district.  She has been teaching for many years and is a very enthusiastic teacher.

3) Camille Talbert:  Mrs. Talbert joins the 3rd grade team.  She teaches all subjects, since the 3rd grade is self-contained.  She also comes to us from the Robinson school district.  She is a positive and high-energy teacher who also has many years of experience teaching.

4) Laurie Steinke:  Mrs. Steinke joins our special education team.  She joins Mrs. Burton to assist students in need.  Both her and Mrs. Burton go into classes to co-teach with our classroom teachers.  Mrs. Steinke is a very positive and cooperative person who understands the needs of our students.  We're fortunate to have her on our staff.

5) Marisa Leidenfrost:  Mrs. Leidenfrost is our new paraprofessional who works with our Life Skills students.  She has worked for us last year extensively as a substitute teacher.  She was a regular presence on multiple campuses last year.  She is very excited about being part of our staff this year on a permanent basis.

6) Tammy Pewitt:  Mrs. Pewitt is not new to our staff, but she is new to the teaching profession.  Mrs. Pewitt has worked with our Life Skills students as a paraprofessional.  This past summer she earned hear teacher's certificate and we are now blessed to have her as a teacher.  

What's coming up?

August 28:  A+ Cards introduced
August 31:  GAP (tutorials) begins during the school day. 
September 1:  Parent Orientation (5:30 in the PAC)
September 7:  Labor Day (No School)
September 8:  UIL introduced
September 21:  Boxtop contest #1 begins

Best Elementary Yet

Well, let me see.  I've been an educator since 1980.  Wow.  That means I've been doing this for 35 years.  All but three of those years has been in Texas.  I've been a middle school teacher and coach, a High School teacher and coach, a 4th grade teacher, and a PE teacher for all levels.  I've been in Lorena 16 of my 17 administrative years.  As an administrator, I've been in Lorena 16 out my 17 years.

Beginning a school year takes time and effort.  There are so many things to consider when getting our school off to a positive start.  I have so many effective and energetic people to work with, who have the same desire to get each year started on a positive note.

God has blessed me by being in this district.  I enjoy the students, my staff, parents, and love the tight knit community spirit we have here.

Lorena Elementary Staff (2015-2016)

I appreciate all of you who came out for Meet the Teachers Night.  It was a very successful evening.  It's great to come in to "Break the Ice" with our teachers.  Students seem to feel better after they come in to see their new environment.

We are here to serve our community.  Our decisions are based on a simple ideal:  "What is best for students."  We stand behind that.  Thanks for making the beginning of this year a successful one.

School is Fast Approaching

It is August 5th and the days are drawing near for our new school year.  This year will be different from last year because of the new 3rd graders that will be coming over.  This is a large class of students (over 120) and Mrs. Sanders and I are looking forward to meeting all of them.  I've heard great things about this class of students.

2015-2016 school year will prove to be the best year ever.  Our theme for the year will focus on our Journey for Success.  We want this journey to be enjoyable and beneficial for every student at our school.  With any journey, everyone on board must have responsibilities.  We plan to empower all our students to a high level of learning each day.

Our MEET THE TEACHERS Evening will be on August 20th, beginning at 6:00.  We will be selling T-Shirts and giving away car signs for all those planning to pick their child(ren) up by car sometime during the year.  The event will run from 6:00-7:00 that evening.

The district will host our BACK TO SCHOOL BASH on Friday, August 21st.  It will begin at 5:30 and will be held in the parking lot at the football field.  We didn't have a "bash" last year because of all the construction.  We hope you all get a chance to stop by and participate in the fun events that are planned.

The FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL will be August 24th.  We'll be opening the doors at around 7:25.  You are welcome to walk your child(ren) in the first day to take a picture or give well wishes to the teacher.  Much of the jitters for your child will already be over after they meet their teacher on Thursday.

I'm enclosing our dress code before so you can note what our expectations are before you buy clothes.  School supply lists are on the opening page of the website.  See all of you soon!!

Elementary School Dress Code:

·         Student’s clothing should fit properly and allow for the student to move freely. Belts should be worn if jeans, shorts, or pants are too loose.

·         Shorts, skirts, and dresses should be conservative and modest in appearance. The length must not be higher than the length of the fingertips when the arms are held at full length at the sides.  :  Skintight clothing is not appropriate as an outer garment (i.e., biker shorts, leotards, tights, leggings). Baggy/sagging clothing is not allowed.

·         All tops must reach at least to the waist band of the student’s pants, skirt, or shorts. Large-armed tank tops, razorback tops, spaghetti straps and tube tops are not allowed. In addition, bare midriffs, see-through garments or exposed undergarments are not acceptable.

·         No outside apparel with suggestive, inflammatory, vulgar markings of any type or product endorsements which are contrary to the district’s goals concerning learning and health may be worn. Gang/gothic related articles may not be worn to school. Students at the elementary school are not allowed to wear “attitude” shirts which reflect a negative attitude toward school, teachers, parents, siblings, etc….

·         Light up shirts are not allowed.

·         Leggings, jeggings, etc. may not be worn without shorts. NOTE:  Shorts must be fingertip length.

·         Sunglasses (unless prescription), caps, sweatbands or any other distracting accessories may not be worn to school. There may be special days set aside for wearing such items, such as “shades” or “hat” day.

·         Shoes must be worn to school. Tennis shoes are the best option for students. Because students actively participate during the PE time as well as play on the playground, tennis shoes are the safest type of shoes. The following shoes are NOT allowed: cleats, flip flops, platform shoes, shoes with heels over ½ inch, and shoes with open backs. Crocs are not allowed.

·         The student’s hair must be kept clean, neatly groomed and combed out of the eyes. Boys’ hair must be neatly trimmed, not to extend over the collar (dress shirt) or below the middle of the ear (no tails), and must be clean, neatly groomed and above the eyebrows.

·         Students may not wear haircuts (such as Mohawks or designs shaved in hair), hair colors, or makeup which are unusual, bizarre or distracting as decided by the principal or his/her designee.

·         Girls are encouraged not to wear make-up at school. Girls may not bring make-up, hair spray or fingernail polish to school.

·         Boys are not allowed to wear earrings or earring-spacers to school. Girls may not wear more than two earrings per ear. No other body piercing is allowed.

·         Girls are to wear shorts under dresses. This will prevent undergarments from showing during recess/ PE.

·         Pants should not have tears or holes.

Dress code violators will receive a warning, and a parent may be contacted. If dress code violations persist, parents will be contacted and/or student may receive a consequence.

You can't help but smile...

     I take pictures quite a bit throughout the school year.  Right now there are 45 different events that I've taken pictures of, from field trips to awards assemblies, to playground fun, to academics in the classroom.  Many of the pictures are poses.  Girls especially like to pose with their friends.  When boys' pictures are taken, they usually act goofy or silly.  For the most part, everyone likes to get their pictures taken.  Our students know that at the end of the year I have a slide show of the year's events.  I include music with the slides and the show usually is at least 20 minutes long - yes, we have a lot of memories throughout the year.  Students always like to see themselves in the pictures and it is my goal to include as many of the students' pictures as possible.  I want students to say, "I saw myself on the show."  I want every child to know they are important in our family here at Lorena Elementary School.
     There are some that I can't help by smile at.  I know students really like "crazy pictures."  These are group pictures that students can act silly and then be caught on camera with that face.  Some of the faces (including staff members) are priceless.
     In my many years (almost too many to count) as an educator I have made many memories with the students I've served.  Even as a principal I can pal with the students.  My relationships with my students are very important to me.  When I was a teacher, that was my primary goal - to get to know the students and find ways to meet their needs.
     I hope I've met the needs of your child(ren) this year.  I've enjoyed being their principal and am looking forward to another great year in 2015
-2016.

We want your Feedback! - 2015 Parent Survey

In an effort to gather information and improve our schools and district, we are requesting your participation in a short parent survey. The survey will be available until May 1st. We want to hear from you.

Please take a few minutes and provide us with feedback in order to make our schools the best they can be. We appreciate you being partners with us in our most important responsibility of educating your children.

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2015 Parent Survey

*If you have students on more than one campus, please feel free to fill out a survey for each.

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STAAR Brings us a Star!

In preparation for our "testing season," we were blessed to have a special guest speak to our students.  Holly Tucker, who was a student at Lorena Elementary School back in 2002-2003, came to uplift our students with her singing and positive comments.

At 2:15 on Friday, March 27th, the students gathered in our Performing Arts Center to hear our famous ex-student.  One of the key phrases she left with our students was that they weren't going to be taking a test, they were participating in a "Celebration of Learning."  She noted how her teachers have prepared them for these celebrations and that they were ready.  She encouraged them to do their best and to work hard on all the tests.

Besides singing and speaking, she took some time to answer questions that the students had.  It was a very enjoyable and uplifting event.  We thank Holly for taking time for our students.