What an amazing week!  I've spent most of the week in meetings learning who the teachers are and what they teach, as well as learning about the students.  There are great systems already in place.  Did you know that administration meets weekly with teachers to address students' needs and praises?  For such a large campus, it is quite impressive how the teams know each specific student.

I was able to visit classrooms too.  The animation art project in Ms. Bell's class is off to a good start.  This week they were creating the clay figures for their animation stories.  For someone who has difficulty drawing stick figures, these characters are incredibly detailed.  I can't wait to see the final production.

In Mr. Howard's class, students were practicing for their robot relay.  Besides the fact that computer programming is part of this project which I know minimal about, the skills needed to move the robots through the course was masterful to watch.  One student even held the remote control backwards!

The 7th grade ELA classes concluded their 1960's research projects with presentations.  Students presented on the economy, media, music, and automobiles to name a few.  Listening to students talk about the 60's like it was a 100 years ago was pretty aging.  One student said, "I can't believe there weren't remotes for the TVs!".  Another student stated, "Clothing at the beginning of the 60's was like what they wore in the 1800's!"

The Student Talent Show was great.  There are some talented students on this campus.  Some funny ones too - the MCs did a great job announcing all the acts.

I would like to recognize three GMS volunteers who were nominated for the APIE - Austin Partners in Education.  GMS appreciates all the support they provide.  Volunteer of the Year:  Dee Dee Green (PTA President); Mentor of the Year:  Errol Mayer; and Parent Ambassador:  Angie Schuckle (Office Volunteer). THANK YOU!!!

Two of our 8th graders, Alexa R. and J. Michael A. were selected as campus finalist for the Do the Write Things writing contest. J. Michael was also the national finalist for the Travis County/Austin Area.  Congratulation!

Again, it's been a great first week, thank you.