There were lots of smiling faces around SE this past weekend.  On Friday afternoon, I had the pleasure of joining my first running club with our third and fourth grade students.  Over half of our students in third and fourth grades are involved in this incredible program, staffed by our own Senora Hutton, Ms. Parker, Mrs. Pelletier, and several other staff members and parent volunteers.  The excitement is contagious.  I had the chance to run with third graders Kaitlyn and Daniel for most of the way. They were very motivating and kept the conversation going when I was too out of breath to talk.  I was most challenged by Break Neck Hill, as I found myself walking up the hill both times I approached it.  My goal for next time is to actually run up the hill one time.  This is an example of thinking and discussions the students reflect on at the end of their run.  They set goals for next time, they congratulate each other for doing something well, and they reflect on their progress each week.  What a model program for everyone involved.  Special thanks to the parents and staff who have worked out a seamless program for our students.

Saturday...the beautiful skies were just the beginning of the "perfect" day we had for our annual Southeast Carnival.  It is hard to believe that it is the end of September.  It felt more like June with the warm sun and gentle breeze.  It was heartwarming to see the many families who came to Southeast for the day to join in the festivities.  There were numerous games, food, prizes, activities, and silent auction items!  Plus, a playground that was bustling all day with current, former and soon to be SE students. For the morning, I watched my own children participate in the fun activities (see our picture below), but by mid-day I found a home at the ticket booth with Mrs. Brown and enjoyed greeting the children as they arrived.  We also had several E.O. Smith Lions Club student volunteers who ran booths. My favorite was the Alex's Lemonade Stand that was run by our own SE students.  Would you believe they raised over $100?  What a fabulous team they were, and what an important cause to support. Great job!  Finally, special thanks to all of the PTO parents who volunteered in the planning, organizing, set-up, clean-up, and delivery of this day's events.   It is no small task to coordinate it all....so, on behalf of the whole school community...Great job Erin!  You did a marvelous job.  

PTO and Open House

The Southeast hallways were bustling with daily and nightly activity this week.  Monday night was our first PTO meeting of the school year.  We reviewed an outline for the planned school activities for the year and decided to move forward with all programs.  I am so excited for the hearty calendar of events the PTO puts forth.  Such a committed group of men and women...and I encourage all members of the community to join us for the next meeting.

We also celebrated Open House last night.  Our attendance was outstanding, despite the extreme heat inside and out.  Teachers, students and families became acquainted with each other and followed the children to the special areas of their classrooms and the work they have created thus far.  I enjoyed meeting some new families - and even got to visit with some of our former Southeast students.    

Please note that we are currently asking our families to complete the school climate survey.  Please complete this at your convenience over the next two weeks.  We will be setting goals based off this annual data.

Opening week at Southeast School!

The school year is off to an energetic start at Southeast Elementary School.   On opening day, the rain held off so we could have our annual outdoor opening day ceremony.  The staff was excited to see so many returning fathers, mothers and guardians symbolically delivering their children to us.  It was heart warming to see the many hugs and hellos being shared by students and families.  Our ceremony was highlighted by the beautiful singing, lead by music teacher, Mrs. Carr, of America and the Southeast School Song.  The highlight of the event was when the students turned into rock stars as the parents lined a pathway for students to walk through on their way into the school building.  Applause and cheers resounded - truly showing the spirit of Southeast.  Our theme, Southeast Eagles Soar, is fully underway.

Thursday night was a wonderful welcome as I get to know the special families that make up our community.  I want to extend a special thank you to the PTO for providing an opportunity to bring everyone together so early in the school year. Also, a special thank you to everyone who came to support the event.  The cafeteria was filled with students, families, food and laughter.  The food was delicious, the welcome was warm, and the playground was the hot spot that night. 

Finally, our students and teachers are getting acquainted in the classrooms.   Many teachers are asking students to share information about interests and learning styles so classrooms can be designed to support the children.  Teachers are also beginning to collect and review baseline data on the student's academic performance.  

I couldn't be more pleased with the start of our school year.  Southeast Eagles truly soar!