T h e

POST I N T H I S I S S U E : A N N U A L F U N D C O N T I N U E S • S P E L L I N G B E E • J -T E R M F I L M M A K I N G • B I G W O R K A T W O R K

F I R S T G R A D UAT I N G C L A S Sb y Ja m e s Mo u d r y , Hi g h S ch o o l D i re c t o r

We’ve turned the calendar to 2016. Another year. For Post Oak, another year for celebration! This is the year that Post Oak,

now in its 53rd year, will graduate its first high school students.

These students are our first class, the class of 2016: , , ,

, , , , , , , , ,

and .

High School students take on various projects for J-Term. Hear about their experiences on Friday, January 29. See inside for details.

continued on page 2

V O L U M E X X I , N U M B E R 1 2A biweekly publication of The Post Oak School

J A N UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 6 Available online at

www.postoakschool.org

PA G E 2 J A N UA RY 2 2 , 2 0 1 6

Ten of these students are charter members of Post Oak’s high school; they were here in August of 2012. Their families enrolled in Post Oak’s high school program before there were other Post Oak high school students to meet. Before there were teachers to meet. Before there was even a building to see. That is some serious trust.

The senior class is bright, energetic, hopeful, and predictably, a close-knit group of friends. When they started here three-and-a-half years ago, they had the run of the house. The building was not yet fully furnished; there was more open space and lots of room to spread out. There were only three full-time faculty members (now there are twice that many). Classes mostly included all the students together; the rest of the building was silent. The intentionally small startup size meant close relationships were inevitable.

The very first student to enroll in Post Oak’s new high school wasn’t from Post Oak. signed on for her four-year tour in December of 2011. says that Post Oak helped her to grow from a timid ninth grader into a senior with a confident voice who knows how to ask good questions. She’s looking forward to a career as a physical therapist.

The most recent student to join this first graduating class,

, has been at the school just one year. Transferring to us from a boarding school program, is known among the students for her high compassion and strong work ethic. Last month, I had the chance to read her senior research paper

about utopian literature, Are Ursula K. Le Guin’s Utopias Still Effective and Relevant Communicators of Optimistic Ideals? I won’t spoil it for you. ;-) Look for it in the upcoming collection of senior writing.

The seniors have traveled together finding new experiences and getting to know new places, but more importantly, learning about themselves and their classmates. They have conducted marine biology experiments and fished for sharks on the Gulf Coast. They have hiked into canyons in 100 degree heat to study archeological remains. They have examined a city through many lenses to peel back its layers and see it revealed. They have dug into human history in Jamaica and into the needs of modern society in Nicaragua. They are changing a car from internal combustion to pure electric. They have studied history by playing games together (is that really a class?) and designed completely new games based on the history they learned.

When I talk with the students, I’m caught by their confidence, intellect, and good nature. They are each and all people I’d be happy to work with. In fact, I do work with them. We all do. They have shared in the creative and messy work of starting up this high school. A smooth and easy road? No way. But these students are just the people you want with you for that ride. Our community’s big, self-creative work depends on .’s human orientation, on ’s thoughtful analysis, on ’s sharp intellect (and wit), and on ’s considered questions.

These young people, now adults, whom we serve, are on the cusp of returning on the

investment of care and nurturing that their families, community, and society have made in them. In truth, many already have.

The high school’s community internship program has supported these students in building connections beyond the school walls. These students have taken advantage of opportunities to do more than just go to school classes. They have worked as teaching assistants at the Glassell School of Art and at the Jung Center, as interns at the Council for Recovery, as members of the Teen Council at the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston, and as docents, scientific illustrators, historians, and paleontology researchers at the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

They have already done a lot of real work and yet, they are looking ahead to do more.

It is in the nature of anyone, as they approach a known transition point to look ahead. The seniors are excited to begin their majors in economics, archeology, kinesiology, and more. Their groundwork of experience at Post Oak has prepared them for the next stage of their journey. The hallmarks of a Post Oak student are all there: confident voice, self-directed, oriented to work, optimistic, personally aware, ready to collaborate, and prepared to lead. We hope the colleges are ready for them!

Mark your calendar for Post Oak’s first Commencement Ceremony on Thursday, May 26 to be held at Rice University’s Hamman Hall. I hope to see you there to help us celebrate and launch these remarkable Post Oak students who are ready to do more. •

First Graduating Class by James Moudry, High School Director, continued from page 1

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POST OAK FUND CHAIRS LUCINDA & JAVIER LOYA

INVITE YOU TO THE

Leadership Circle PartyContributors to the Post Oak Annual Fund

at the Leadership Circle level ($3,000) are invited to join Lucinda and Javier Loya

at their home for the annual, fabulous Leadership Circle Party in April.

Don't miss it!

Our list is growing. Thank you!

Congratulationsto the classes reaching 100% parent participation:

Emily HansenErrol PintoMaya Pinto

Simran SoodAnita Taj Mahmood

Miriam Winton9th Grade

Please send in your contribution today to support the school and get your class to

100% participation.

2015–2016 PARTICIPATION TO DATE

TR

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ES

1

00

%

EM

PL

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EE

S

10

0%

PA

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S

86

%

2016 POST OAK

FUND DRIVE

Making a DifferenceTogether

Several Classes Are Very Close to 100%!

The development office will continue calling the remaining families asking for support. Please show your support of The Post Oak School by making your Annual Fund contribution today online, via pledge, securities, or check.

THANK YOU!

YOUR MATCHING GIFT CAN MAKE YOU A LEADERSHIP CIRCLE MEMBER AND JOIN

IN THE FUN AT THE PARTY!

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO GET TO

$300,000

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WHAT’S HAPPENING

NOW AT in the Museum District

COLLEGE ACCEPTANCESMarquette University, Rhodes College,

Texas A&M University—Dwight Look College of Engineering

Austin College

Barnard College of Columbia University

Babson College

Colorado State University

Elon University

The Evergreen State College

Hanover College

High Point University

Indiana University at Bloomington

Louisiana State University

Oklahoma State University

Parsons School of Design–The New School

Southern Methodist University

Southwestern University

St. Edward’s University

Texas Christian University

Trinity University

The University of Alabama

University of Hawaii at Manoa

University of Mississippi

The University of Tennessee

We’ll keep you updated throughout the year as they come in.

NEW

HIGH SCHOOL J-TERM EVENTS

Friday, January 29

PRESENTATIONSHear about the unique classes that our high school students designed and participated in this month!

9:30–11:30 a.m. at the Museum District campus

FILM SCREENING7:30 p.m. at Rice Cinema

SAVE THE DATE: ONE NIGHT ONLY

SENIOR IB ART EXHIBITIONTUES., MARCH 1

7–9 P.M.

GLASSELL JUNIOR SCHOOL5100 MONTROSE BOULEVARD

Refreshments provided

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Spelling Bee Makes for Good SportsFriday, January 8 was the annual Post Oak Spelling Bee. The bee was exciting and moved at a good pace. Students modeled grace under pressure and showed wonderful support of one another whether a word was spelled correctly or incorrectly—a very impressive performance by all. When we were down to three

spellers, , and (pictured on the left), Mr. Pinto called for a transition to championship round rules.

After a few more rounds, came out on top as the school champion. Then and continued with championship round rules to determine the runner up. They spelled so many words correctly that Head of School John Long paused the bee and asked me to have the spellers approach the table. He asked them if they would like to share the title of runner up or continue the bee. They chose to continue. They spelled well for several more rounds. Then they paused and whispered to one another and told the judges that they would have one more round. If they tied, they would share the title, which is how it ended. Wild cheering, running, jumping, chaos, and fun ensued. I witnessed some of the best sportsmanship I have ever seen. •

by Jeff Schneider, Elementary Director

J-Term Filmmaking Wrap Upby , High School student

Filmmaking is a great J-Term to do at the Post Oak High School. There are many different options for J-Term, but filmmaking is definitely something to consider.

J-Term is three weeks long, which is perfect because there are three different parts of making a film: pre-production, production, and post-production.

In pre-production, we thought of a plot for our movies and wrote screenplays, storyboards, and shot lists. Screenplays are the script of a movie, including acting instructions and scene directions. A storyboard is a sequence of drawings, typically with some directions and dialogue, representing the shots planned for a movie or television production. Finally, a shot list is a full log of all the shots we wanted to include in our film; essentially it is a checklist filled with minute details that gave our films a sense of direction and efficiency.

In production, we went around filming our clips and we made our actual movie. We made sure in production that we took advantage of all of the different aspects and locations in Houston, from the Third Ward to the Museum District. This all is done without the editing, which takes us to post-production.

Post-production is the editing part of a film, during which we make all the cuts, voice-overs, and Foley sounds. Foley is the creation of everyday sound effects that are added to the film, video, and other media in post-production to enhance audio quality.

The Filmmaking J-Term movies from this year will be shown at Rice Cinema on January 29 at 7:30 p.m. There are five different films being exhibited: a fiction film, stop motion film, man on the street, a mockumentary, and an experimental film. Rice Cinema is located on the Rice University campus at University Boulevard and Stockton. •

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Summer programs for Primary and Elementary Transition are now available online. Visit our website: www.postoakschool.org/postoak/Summer_Programs.asp or www.postoakschool.org/postoak/Download_Forms.asp to download the brochure with application.

HMI’s Primary Assistants CourseCompiled by Suzette Vetrini, Assistant/Intern

This year the Houston Montessori Institute had the privilege of offering the AMI Primary Assistants Course. The course lasted from September through the first two weeks of November. It highlighted the fundamental and vital role a primary Montessori assistant teacher holds in the classroom.

Discussions included a general overview on how Montessori relates to children from birth to six years and the characteristics of movement, language, refinement of senses, order, and independence in early childhood. Students participating in the course had the chance to explore topics that ranged from Montessori’s philosophy of freedom and discipline to the art of carefully observing a child to understand a plan of action for them, as well as the importance of order and aesthetics in the prepared environment.

Although the course’s main goal is to help refine the Montessori primary assistant teacher, it is highly recommended and beneficial for anyone seeking further insight into life in the Montessori classroom.

Here is what some students had to say regarding their experience on the course:

Suzette Vetrini: This course has been one of the milestones in my Montessori education. The course gave me a snapshot of the fundamentals of the Montessori method and philosophy. I was driven to learn Dr. Montessori’s ways to help us understand the amazing mysteries of a child’s development and how their minds grasp the world. I would like to mention a quote by Mirani Smith that touched me: “This course is the path to understand children and have a great heart’s desire to work with them.” I genuinely enjoyed the course!

Crosby Easterling: This course furthered my professional development and gave me more understanding on how to benefit the children and teachers that I support on a daily basis.

James Winslow: In this course, a beautiful bond occurred – one of respectful learning and familial affection of the sort which marks the entire Post Oak community and is reflective of an aim of Dr. Montessori: to help create a world of peace with and for all of us.

Naomi Prevot: As a new member of the Post Oak family, I was very eager to take this course. It was very helpful in many ways and gave me a clear understanding of the assistant’s role in the classroom. Thank you so much, Mirani!

Riya Dsouza: The Primary Assistants Course provided me with the perfect opportunity to gain entry into the wonderful world of Montessori. The course shed light on a number of aspects that form the very basis of the Montessori way of life.

I have had the privilege of getting to know so many wonderful people and all this has only strengthened my desire to continue to grow in my knowledge and understanding of this system and to practice it for years to come.

Edee Fuller: It was very exciting to take this course at The Post Oak School. I am happy to have achieved the Primary Assistant Course Certificate and feel much more knowledgable about Montessori discipline. After this course I have a deeper admiration for the Montessori teaching method. •

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Big Work Dollars at Work: Construction

Big Work construction on the new Post Oak High School building at the Museum District campus is moving along on schedule. Structures are in place to soon add the exterior walls.High School students had the opportunity to leave their words of wisdom on exposed beams as they were touring the progress. •

Thank you Big Work donors!

Alumni VoicesThe stage was set Thursday, January 7 in the Post Oak gym for the annual Alumni Voices event. Former students (and one current high school student) shared how their Post Oak Montessori education prepared them for lifelong learning and pursuing their passions.

Many thanks to our moderators, Post Oak parent and alumna Alison Wong and Admission Director Vivian Blum, as well as our alumni speakers and guests. •

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Parenting the Love & Logic Way®

presented by Post Oak Counselor Phylis R. Tomlinson, LPC, LMFT, ATR-BC

This series offers solutions for families with children from early childhood to beyond

adolescence. Previous participants are encouraged to return to share experiences and

reinforce skills. Care givers are also welcome.

Thursdays, Jan. 28, Feb. 4, 11, 18, Mar. 3, 109–10:30 a.m. at Post Oak

$20 per person for series, $15 for workbook

To register, send payment & email address to: Phylis R. Tomlinson

4010 Blue Bonnet #109, Houston, TX 77025

phylistomlinson@gmail.com | 713.668.6558

Redirecting Children’s Behavior

with Deborah Fry, Ph.D., C.P.E.

This six week, fifteen-hour course teaches parents how to help children grow in a way

that enhances self-esteem, teaches responsibility and promotes cooperation and self mastery.

Tuesdays, Jan. 26, Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, & Mar. 1

6:30 to 9 p.m. at The Post Oak School

$245 for one; $345 per couple

Register online at www.deborah-fry.com

POST OAK PARENT EDUCATION EVENTS

Primary Parent Education Event

How Emotional Development Supports Cognitive Growth

in Childrenfacilitated by Dr. Michelle Forrester

Tues., Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m.Child care provided for primary and elementary age children, including a light dinner (pizza, fruits, and

veggies) for the children.

Middle & High School Parent Education Event:

Pathways to Independence

Talking to Your Teen about Relationships

& Datingwith Dr. Lori Scovill, Post Oak Counselor

Wed., Feb. 3, 6:45 p.m.Museum District campus | Bring your questions!

Light snacks and coffee provided.

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Ante up with Post Oak Dads for the annual

Poker Night on Thurs., Feb. 4.

An email has been sent to dads from the Post Oak

Dads’ Club.

Contact Blair Garrou

with interest and for more information!

♠ ♣ ♥ ♦

Important Dates2016 END OF YEAR

May 26 Last day of school and HS Commencement

May 27 In-service day

May 30 Memorial Day—school closed

May 31 & June 1

In-service days

June 6 Summer school & HMI begin

2016–2017 CALENDAR SUMMARY

Aug. 5 Summer school & HMI ends

Aug. 15 Faculty/staff return

Aug. 23 Middle & High School students return

Aug. 29– Sept. 2

First week for all YCC, PRI, and EL students

Sept. 5 Labor Day—school closed

Oct. 10 Columbus Day—school closed Employee retreat/in-service, no childcare available

Nov. 23–25 Thanksgiving Break— school closed

Dec. 16 Early dismissal

Dec. 19–30 Winter Break—school closed

Jan. 2 Teacher In-Service— school closed

Jan. 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day—school closed

Feb. 20 Presidents’ Day—school closed

Mar. 13–17 Spring Break—only students with expanded-year contracts attend

April 14 Good Friday—school closed

May 26 Last day of school

Wed., Feb. 3, 8:45 a.m.–noon

Bissonnet campus

POPA Coffee/Work Day

Grandparents

welcome!

4

The MPRC Is On Its Wayby John Long, Head of School

The Montessori Peer Review Council (MPRC) will send a team of 10 members to The Post Oak School on January 31 through February 3 for the first site visit of this newly-formed organization. MPRC member schools are large, well-established AMI schools with decades-long commitment to professional growth and reflective practice. In preparation for the visit, Post Oak faculty and staff, aided by trustees and parents, have examined all aspects of our work with the children as well as our collaborative work as a faculty, and documented this self-study in more than 30 reports. The visiting team’s work is to confirm that we have been thorough and rigorous in assessing our performance against “The Essential Characteristics of a Montessori School.”

We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to this work. Be on the lookout for more information about the MPRC’s findings, and other accreditation work that the school is conducting during the year ahead. •

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S C E N E Sf ro m

T h e Po s t Oa k S ch o o l

1. YCC students gather for stories.

2 . Making tens with the addition snake game in Primary.

3. Another Primary student puts the concrete with the abstract using ten boards.

4. Searching in the garden.

5. Crab walking for coordination and fun in Primary PF.

6. Lower Elementary students use bead frames in math work.

7. An art project receives care and attention.

8. Upper Elementary students explore the timeline of life.

9. A Middle School student observes in a Primary classroom for a unit on child development.

10, 11, & 12 . It’s been an exciting week of Bear-kats basketball. Good luck to our players in the regional championships!

1

32

54

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76

8 9

11 1210

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J A N U A R Y 2 4 – 3 0

Mon1/25 HS second semester begins

Tue1/26

Redirecting Children’s Behavior (1 of 6)6:30–9 p.m. ($ & reg. required)

Thu1/28

Parenting the Love & Logic Way (1 of 6)9–10:30 a.m. ($ & reg. required)

Fri1/29

HS J-Term Presentations (Museum District campus)9:30–11:30 a.m.

Sat1/30 HS Winter Semi-Formal

J A N U A R Y 3 1 – F E B R U A R Y 6

Sun–Wed1/31–2/3

MPRC Visit (see page 9 for details)

Wed2/3

POPA Coffee/Work Day8:45–noon

Talking to Your Teen about Relationships and Dating6:45 p.m. (Museum District campus)

Thu2/4

Dads Club Poker Night(see ad on page 9)

Check out our calendar online or download a copy

at www.postoakschool.org

C A L E N DA R N OT I C E B OA R D

A B O U T T H E P O S T

The Post appears every other Friday of the regular school year. You can receive a printed copy from your oldest child, or a PDF version online.

Submit letters, articles, or photos in electronic form by 5:00 p.m. on the Tuesday before publication to Communications Coordinator Elaine Schweizer (elaineschweizer@postoakschool.org). If publication is

on a Thursday due to school closure on Friday, then the deadline is 5:00 p.m. on the preceding Monday.

The Post Oak School was founded in 1963 and accredited by both the International Baccalaureate® Programme (IBO) and the Independent Schools Association of the Southwest (ISAS)

4600 Bissonnet, Bellaire, Texas 77401 ■ Telephone: 713-661-6688 ■ Fax: 713-661-4959 ■ www.postoakschool.org

Way to go, Bearkats!UPCOMING BASKETBALL GAMES

6-7-8 BOYS1/25 @ Woods, 4:30 p.m. 1/26 vs YTE, 5:30 p.m.1/28 vs St. Stephens, 4:30 p.m.

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS1/23 @ MI3 Center, Court C 1135 Ella Crossing Dr.6-7-8 Girls: 9 a.m.6-7-8 Boys: 10 a.m.High School: 11 a.m.

Date Change

The last day of school has moved to Thursday, May 26. It will still be an early dismissal day for all students.

Please see page 9 for a full list of important upcoming dates.

Ahead of the Times in Teaching Big History

Regarding the elementary curriculum, Montessori called Big History

“cosmic education.” Take a listen on NPR’s Morning Edition: w w w.npr.o r g / 2 0 1 6 / 0 1 / 0 5 /4 6 1 9 9 7 7 5 3 / b i g -history-challenges-musty-history-critics-raise-questions.