Today I had a thought-provoking conversation with a few teachers as they were quickly eating their lunch. We were sharing how hectic our schedules are; work, dance rehearsal, soccer practice, cooking dinner, packing lunches, washing dishes..phew. It's exhausting just thinking about it. Then we get to do it all over again! (You all know how this is.) The conversation went deeper when we began to discuss how this hustle and bustle can make it difficult to stop long enough to listen to our own kids. It could be compared to how it feels in the classroom. Teachers can easily get so engrossed in the daily learning targets, assessment deadlines, and miscellaneous school duties, that it could be difficult to pause and really listen to what their students have to say. However, after reading the "shout outs" that came in from last week's Bulletin, it became clear that the staff at BCE does not struggle with this balance. Our students are being heard! In fact, when I asked the staff to share with me some of the most interesting things that they've heard from their students recently, the responses were fascinating. Our students are compassionate, insightful, and outright funny! Here are just a few examples:

Book Study Session #4: 

Come to our next session for Chapter 7 & 8 on Monday, October 16th in the iLab immediately following assembly!

Nuggets of Knowledge from Chapter 5 and 6:

• Children want to feel capable

• "Children need to discover all the small details, workarounds, and solutions we devise in order to avoid the million small disasters that plague ordinary, everyday obligations." (p. 77)

• "Teachers have much more faith in children's abilities than parents do." (p. 79)

• "It's time to grant our kids the opportunity to contribute. Allow them chances to step up, try, fail, and try again until they get it right." (p.  81)

• Replace the word chores with 'family contributions.' We have a need to feel significant and this is a great way to help foster this in kids of all ages.

• "It's never too early or too late to teach children how to contribute and problem-solve under their own power." (p. 92)

• "Understand that kids' social lives are constantly evolving, and do not attempt to intervene when you feel your child has been excluded. You can be sympathetic to your child's sadness but don't try to fix a situation that is, and should be, out of your control." (p. 105)

5th Grade Live Oak Adventure 

When: Nov. 1 - 3, 2016

Where:  Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center

What: The Live Oak Adventure is a district program for all Fifth Grade Eanes ISD students. The 2 1/2 days are full of fun and educational experiences.   All the challenges and learning activities are linked to standards and goals for our Fifth Graders. And what a great way to learn!  It is always one of the best memories from the Fifth-Grade year.  The packet including all the information about the experience and necessary forms will be emailed Monday, Oct. 2.  Please read over the entire packet carefully, then plan to attend the Live Oak Parent Information Meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 3rd, 5 – 6:00 pm with any questions you might have.

The cost for Live Oak is $145.00.  This includes all food, transportation, lodging, and activities.  Please send a check made out to BCE to your homeroom teacher or pay on your online account by October 7.