The Elementary School of Choice in HISD Parker Elementary - The 2002 National GRAMMY® Signature Elementary School The Parker

Lion's Tale B.Haverkamp February 2013 Volume 24 No. 6

PTO BOARD Spelling Bee Parker Elementary NOMINATIONS MARATHON ! Music Magnet presents The PTO Nominating Committee The 2012 - 2013 Parker Spelling th is formed every year for the purpose of Bee season held many surprises as stu- its 34 annual Suzuki filling all Executive Board and Com- dents went through word lists like water! Workshop Concert mittee Chairperson positions for the Champion CHRISTINE BOWYER bat- “Simply Suzuki” following school year. A big “Thank tled with classmate MARY PHILLIPS You” to Parker parents Stephanie Duf- (both contenders since 3rd grade) to earn Style! fey, Sonia Tamez, Christine Strudwick, the top title at the Parker Spelling Bee Friday, February 8 and Renona Jones, as well as Parker on January 11th. Both girls tied for 5th 6:30 PM teachers Ms. Cummins, Ms. Shafer, and grade honors after exhausting the initial At Westbury Baptist Ms. Terry for serving with Ms. Frodine 300 word list, mastering an alternate 50 Church on this year’s committee. word list (over the weekend), and then The Committee meets from Feb- finishing with unfamiliar DICTIONARY 10425 Hillcroft ruary to April, to consider nominations words. This was a FIRST in Parker Bee Pieces performed received by the PTO membership for history! Both 5th graders will travel to by Parker Suzuki the various positions. Members of the the HISD bee on February 5th. Strings cello and Nominating Committee are eligible to Each grade level contestant exhib- students – be nominated to serve in any Executive ited excellence and personal dedication kindergarten through Board or Committee Chairperson posi- th as they went round after round. 4th grad- 5 grade tion. Everyone is encouraged to submit ers, Jekai Bogan and Andrew Donovan Free Admission names of qualified candidates to the challenged the winners word by word. Nominating Committee. The proposed slate of Executive Board members and The “Simply Suzuki” theme of committee chair people will be pub- this year’s workshop honors the lished at least seven days prior to the memory of Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, May PTO meeting and will be voted on founder of the Suzuki method for approval at the May PTO meeting. of music instruction taught to We encourage all PTO members violin and cello students at to get involved in events and activities Parker. The concert program that they enjoy; and to submit their own celebrates the achievements names to chair any one of those com- mittees or board functions during the of all students in the Suzuki nominating cycle. Descriptions of each Strings program. committee are available by clicking on Mary Phillips and Christine Bowyer - PTO-About Our Organization on the tied for 1st place Parker website. See PTO - page 4 See SPELLING BEE - page 2 2

Parker Students are SPELLING BEE - from page 1 Kids with Hearts! 3rd grade competitors Seva Raman warned Parker Elementary partnered with the Pay it Forward "Look out 5th graders, you're not going x 1 Million initiative by participating in their “Kids with to get me next year!" and Kaden Sanders Hearts” program. predicted "You might have tricked me this Parker students spent a few cold and rainy days making year but you'll have a tough time beating me cards during P.E. class. Kerry Goren, the Kids with Hearts next year!" These heavy contenders will be waiting and ready in the Spelling Bee "wings"! representative (and former Parker mom) paired our school PARKER PARENTS are to be commended for their with The Beacon in downtown . The Beacon Day dedication outside music lessons, daily school work, and fam- Center has been providing hot meals, clothing, private shower ily commitments. Students not only exhibited sportsmanship, and lavatory facilities, laundry services, and case management academic excellence, and stage presence during the Spelling to people living on the streets of Houston since 2007. The Bee but they also seemed to have FUN! We are Parker Proud Beacon also helps individuals access services that can assist of each and every student contender!! them in the process of moving off the streets and becoming Winners / Runner-Ups by Grade Level self-sufficient. More than 85% of Beacon services are op- 5th grade: Christine Bowyer / Mary Phillips erated by volunteers. The Beacon Day Center served over (tied for 1st) 11,500 unduplicated homeless men, women and children in 4th grade: Jekai Bogan / Andrew Donovan 2011. Over 109,000 client visits were recorded, 93,000 meals 3rd grade: Kaden Sanders / Seva Raman served, 16,000 showers taken, and 3,000 loads of clothing Ms. Canizaro laundered. On Saturday, February 16, along with the services It is the policy of the Houston normally provided by The Beacon, Houston’s homeless will Independent School District receive a Valentine’s card hand made by a Parker student. If not to discriminate on the basis you or your family is interested in helping hand out cards, please contact Robyn Perry at President@cynthiaannpark- of age, color, handicap or dis- erpto.org ability, ancestry, national origin, For more information on Kids with Heart, watch the marital status, race, religion, video at http://youtu.be/jL8XPwgiovQ sex, veteran status, or political affiliation in its educational or employment programs and activi- ties.

The PARKER LION’S TALE is published each month by the Parker PTO. The deadline to submit articles for the March 2013 issue will be February 21, 2013. Please drop your news in the PTO file box or e-mail me at [email protected]. Contact me at 713-729-3505 to let me know where to find your article. Barbara Haverkamp, Editor & Layout

Please subscribe to Receive the Ms. Jones’ Pre-K class and Coach Benjamin showing off their Lion's Tale Electronically! cards. Don't forget to subscribe to receive the Lion's Tale via e-mail. Please visit http://parkerelementaryschool.com/ Getting information about the Subscribe-Parker-Newsletter to subscribe to this service. You parent happenings and opportunities can also retrieve The Lion's Tale from the website: http:// at Parker Elementary has never been parkerelementaryschool.com/For-Students/Newsletters. easier! Simply "Friend" us on Please subscribe today and help us cut down on paper use Facebook by searching for and associated costs. Our hope is to begin sending additional "Parker Pto". Note: "Parker Pto" is information home via the electronic subscription service. case sensitive. Thank you for your assistance. 3 HEALTH BEAT Eagle Scout Project Parker Students in February is National Children’s Dental Health month and Parker is to support Parker “Show Boat” Two Parker students have been participating in a Dental Health Poster Suzuki Strings performing in the Houston Grand Opera Contest sponsored by the Greater I have the pleasure this semester to production of “Show Boat”, the classic Houston Dental Society and the Greater th be working with an 8 grade student, Sam musical, at the Wortham Theater Cen- Houston Dental Alliance. The theme Browning, on his Eagle Scout Project. ter downtown. “Show Boat” was first this year is “GET A GOLD MEDAL Sam moved to Houston from Ohio at the performed on Broadway in December SMILE!” Grades 1 through 5 are able beginning of his seventh grade year, after 1927, and was an instant hit; it remains to participate in the poster contest. Dr. being a part of an outstanding Suzuki a favorite today. Its reviews in Houston Michael Masera, a dentist in our com- program in Ohio. He chose this service have been wonderful! munity, will visit PPCD, Pre K, and project because of his belief on the Su- Tobbe Rytting (Ms. Hokanson’s Kinder and give a dental presentation. zuki Method and how it changed his life 4th grade) and Rory Johnson (Ms. We encourage brushing teeth at least and made him the musician he is today. McIlveen’s 4th grade) have had roles twice daily, flossing every day, avoid- Sam currently studies in the Michael B. in the current production running Janu- ing sugary snacks, and going to see the Hammond Preparatory Program at Rice ary26 through February 3. Both boys dentist twice a year. University’s Shepherd School of Music. are in Mrs. Simpson’s Advanced Cho- In late spring, I will also be pre- Sam presented his project at a rus. They are both part of the Suzuki senting the Growth and Development Parker PTO meeting in January and will Strings program –Tobbe in cello and program to our 4th and 5th grade stu- be presenting a speech on the benefits Rory in violin. dents (parent permission required). This of Suzuki study at Parker’s Prospec- Tobbe and Rory, you make us is a good time for the students to learn tive String Parent meeting. He will be Parker Proud! about human growth and development working with Angele Haskin, our Solo/ B. Haverkamp and the changes their bodies go through Ensemble chair, and raising money to during adolescence. A video will be supply the snack bar with food, organiz- shown with open discussion to follow. Early Dismissal Days ing all the volunteers to work the day of Please place the following dates Parents are invited to attend a PRE- the contest in the snack bar as well as on your calendar for HISD’s early dis- VIEW of this video in order to give their set up and clean up of the event. All the missal days: consent, but are not allowed to attend proceeds from his project will go to the • February 20, 2013 the student presentation and discussion. Suzuki String program and Parker to help On early dismissal days, all stu- Information and permission slips will go with the purchase of new instruments. dents will be dismissed at 12:30 PM. home later in the semester. It is truly an honor for me to Magnet classes and the Afterschool On another note, there are signs be working on a project so near and Care Program will not operate on that flu activity is picking up. Typically, dear to my heart and it brings me these days. flu peaks in January and February and great joy to see his commitment may continue into May. It is not too to the Suzuki Method and music. FRIDAYS WITH late to get your child a flu shot if they Carol Kehlenbrink have not already had one. Some signs FRODINE Parents, meet with Principal and symptoms of flu include sudden,  WE OUR Frodine on one Friday morning each high fever, usually over 101o and lasting month to share concerns or to ask ques- 3-4 days. They may have a dry cough, VOLUNTEERS! tions about Parker. It will be an informal persistent headache, muscle aches and must be started within 48 hours of onset time to chat over coffee. Fridays with pains, and feelings of tiredness and of symptoms. If your child has fever, Frodine will be held in the library from weakness. Many times, children will vomiting, or diarrhea, please keep them 8:15-9 AM on: present with gastrointestinal symptoms home until well. Please report all cases February 1 as well. If you suspect your child might of strep and flu to me. Remember, all March 1 have flu, please get them to the doctor as medications must be kept in the clinic. April 12 soon as possible. The flu is diagnosed If your child needs medication during May 3 by swabbing the inner nose (nostrils). the school day, please see me in the Please remember to sign in at the There is flu medication that can lessen clinic for an HISD medication form. front desk before attending Fridays the duration and effects of flu, but it Angela Smith R.N. with Frodine. 4

PTO - from page 1 PTO Executive Committee: Book Fair Parker Family Night President Directory Treasurer HISD Legal Affairs at Secretary Publicity/Newsletter Parliamentarian Educational Enhancements Historian Family Night 1st Vice President (Fundraising) Technology 2nd Vice President (Educational En- Homeroom Parents hancements) Hospitality 3rd Vice President (Volunteer Services) Library 4th Vice President (Health & Safety) Membership 5th Vice President (Music Depart- Teacher Appreciation February 19 ments) VIPS SDMC Parent Member #1 Bilingual Liaison 5-8 PM SDMC Parent Member #2 Clinic Field Day Parker receives a PTO Committees: Landscaping percentage of the Business Partners Safety Patrol Grants 5th Grade Party dinner receipts from Fall Fundraiser Band Funfest Chorus Parker diners. Spring Fundraiser-Auction Guitar School Store Strings School Supplies Spirit Wear Solo and Ensemble 5 Clinicians - Suzuki Workshop 2013 Gabriel Bolkosky the Freylakh; The Is Here Southern Illinois University-Edwards- to Play”, a live recording teaming the ville (SIUE). She has been a registered Gabriel Bolko- Gemini children’s music group with a teacher trainer for the Suzuki Associa- sky has performed and full orchestra; “The Oblivion Project”, tion of the Americas since 1991 and con- taught across the United showcasing the music of Astor Piaz- ducts long term Suzuki teacher training States and abroad. He zolla; “Non Sequitur”, contemporary at SIUE. A frequent clinician at Suzuki performs a diverse rep- and experimental music, including one workshops, she has traveled throughout ertoire of classical and contemporary works with different col- of his own compositions; “Home from the and Canada, and has laborative artists from many genres of Work”, an eclectic mix of jazz, folk and taught in Bermuda, Sweden, Taiwan, music making. Recently he performed blues in collaboration with San Slomov- and Brazil. She was the recipient of in the premiere of Rzewski’s “Natural its; and as sideman on John Lindberg’s SIUE’s Excellence in Teaching award Things” for Carnegie Hall’s Making recording “Two by Five”. in 1996 and has been a faculty member Music series. He has also collaborated Bolkosky teaches violin and cham- and director of the SIUE Suzuki Pro- with other composers, among them, Wil- ber music at the University of Michigan gram since 1997. Additionally, she has liam Bolcom, John Harbison, Thomas in Ann Arbor. He is the executive direc- ten years of string teaching experience Ades, Bright Sheng, William Albright, tor of The Phoenix Ensemble, a non- in the public schools of Edwardsville, Andrew Kirshner, Lars Holmer, Carter profit organization dedicated to being Illinois, and Eugene, Oregon. In 1988, Pann, Michael Daugherty, George a musical resource for artists and edu- McCoy-Sulentic earned a Masters in Tsontakis, Derek Bermel, and Bernard cational institutions. Bolkosky also di- Music Education from SIUE which in- Rands. rects PhoenixPhest! And PhoenixPhest! cluded long term teacher training with A native of Detroit, Michigan, Grande, two amateur John Kendall. Other Suzuki training has Bolkosky began his violin studies at festivals held each May and August, and been with Mihoko Hirata, Yuko Mori, age three. His primary mentors were maintains a private violin studio. Evelyn Hermann, and Doris Pruecil. Michael Avsharian of Ann Arbor, Paul Academic degrees include a B. M in Rosemary Jodeit Music Education from the University of Kantor at University of Michigan, and Rosemary Jodeit recently retired Donald Weilerstein at the Cleveland Oregon and a B. A. in French from the from Parker Elementary School after 26 University of Iowa. Institute of Music. Gabe earned a years of teaching Suzuki violin in the Bachelor of Music, a Masters in Jazz Im- public schools. In addition to teaching Kathy Karpicke provisation, and a Masters in Chamber violin, she helped start the first TEMPO Kathy Karpicke recently retired Music from U of M. At the Cleveland classes at Parker. from Parker Music Academy after 30 Institute he earned a Professional Stud- Jodeit received her Bachelor of years of teaching Suzuki Violin in the ies degree, served a year as Weilerstein’s Music degree in violin performance at public schools. Karpicke also taught teaching assistant and won the Darius the University of Houston. Her princi- at Frostwood and Bunker Hill Elemen- Milhaud prize. He attended the Aspen pal violin teachers were Fredell Lack tary Schools and Memorial Middle Music Festival/Institute from 1991-98 and Albert Muenzer. She currently School in the Spring Branch District on fellowship, first playing with the maintains a private studio in the Sugar where she was director of the summer Aspen Chamber Symphony and then Land area and performs as a freelance Suzuki Workshop, Fiddler’s Fair. the Aspen Contemporary Ensemble for violinist. She has served as president of Karpicke received her Bachelor four years. During those four years he the Houston Area Suzuki Strings As- of Music degree in violin performance premiered hundreds of new works, with sociation and serves as an adjudicator and music education from the Univer- his group, Non Sequitur, and conducted and accompanist for many solo festivals sity of Houston. After graduation she workshops and concerts for thousands of and contests. However, she finds the started the string program in La Porte, students in the Aspen valley. most pleasure spending the majority of . She was also one of the original Bolkosky has released six CDs her time with her husband and her three founders of the string program in the that show his breadth as a musician. grandchildren. public schools in Lawton, Oklahoma. His debut solo album, “This and That”, Karpicke’s principal violin teachers featured classical and jazz music. Other Vera McCoy-Sulentic were Fredell Lack, Albert Muenzer, albums include “The Shape of Klez to Vera McCoy-Sulentic (violin) and Marla Mutschler. She main- Come” with the klezmer group; “Into is Director of the Suzuki Program at tains a private studio in her home in 6 Clinicians - Suzuki Workshop 2013 - continued Houston and along with her violinist of the Sato Center of Suzuki Studies at A native of Nova Scotia, Canada, she husband, is a founding member of the the Cleveland Institute of Music, became received her Bachelor degree at the S.C. Karpicke Family Quartet. Her son, one of the youngest registered Suzuki Eckhardt-Gramatte Conservatory of Jonathan David is a violinist/violist and Teacher Trainers in the country in 1988. Music at Brandon University in Mani- her daughter Katherine Mercedes is a As a faculty member of the Cleveland toba, Canada, and her Master of Music cellist studying English at the University Institute of Music, she oversees the Mas- in Violin Performance at the Shepherd of Houston. ter of Music in performance and Suzuki School of Music at Rice University in Pedagogy degree program, conducting Houston. Important musical influences Kristin Jutras long-term teacher training and practi- include Sergiu Luca, Francis Chaplin, Kristin Jutras began her Suzuki cum courses. From 1996-2004, Meier- Sydney Harth and Jean-Jacques Kan- violin studies at the Eastman School Sims was a full-time faculty member at torow. For eighteen years Shaw was of Music in Rochester, NY, under the the University of Memphis where she owner/director of the Village Violin direction of Anastasia Jempelis, when conducted long-term teacher training, School in Houston where she was an ac- she was 4 years old. She remained was the Coordinator for the University tive member of the Houston Area Suzuki at Eastman to receive both her Bach- of Memphis Suzuki String Program and Strings Association coordinating annual elor’s and Master’s degrees in violin Director of the University of Memphis teacher development seminars, Suzuki performance as well as a Performer’s Suzuki String Summer Institute. She graduations and workshops. As a Certificate. While pursuing her degrees, holds a Bachelor’s degree in education guest teacher and clinician Shaw Jutras held a full-time position in the and performance from Southern Illinois has taught at workshops and institutes Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra and University at Edwardsville, where she in Canada, Mexico and throughout the she began her teacher training in the studied with John Kendall, the first continental Suzuki Method at the Eastman School of American Suzuki pioneer. At Western United States. An ardent supporter Music, Texas Christian University, and Illinois University she received her of the Suzuki Association of the Ameri- the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Master’s degree in performance, study- cas, Shaw was violin coordinator for the Point. Currently, she is the Director of ing violin and pedagogy with Almita SAA’s 2008 National Conference and the Community Music School at the Vamos. The summer of 1986, Meier- currently serves on the SAA Board of University of Georgia and is President Sims traveled to Japan for a six-week Directors. of the Suzuki Association of Georgia. study with Dr. Suzuki. From 1984-1996 In addition to her administrative duties Meier-Sims was a violin instructor at the Stephen Sims as Director of the Community Music Preucil School of Music in Iowa City, Violinist Stephen Sims is an in- School, Jutras mentors young teachers, where she also served as Suzuki Teacher structor at the Cleveland Institute of Mu- teaches Suzuki group classes and parent Trainer, Faculty Program Assistant sic’s Sato Center for Suzuki Studies, as education classes, and maintains a full and Chamber Music Coordinator. She well as an Adjunct/Secondary instructor studio of private students. has published articles in the American at the Conservatory. He holds a Doctor In addition to her teaching ca- Suzuki Journal and the Tennessee Musi- of Musical Arts Degree in performance reer, Jutras has been a member of the cian. In 2001 she was recognized as one and pedagogy from the University of Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, of Tennessee’s outstanding educators by Iowa, a Master’s Degree in performance Fort Worth Chamber Orchestra, and the the Tennessee Governor’s School of the from the Cleveland Institute of Music, Dallas Symphony Orchestra. She has Arts. She was the Violin Coordinator for and a Bachelor’s Degree in performance performed in Carnegie Hall numerous the 2002 10th SAA National Confer- from the University of Illinois. His prin- times, recorded much of the standard ence in Minneapolis. In April 1999, she cipal teachers include Leopold LaFosse, orchestral repertoire, and toured Europe attended The Thirteenth World Suzuki Linda Cerone, David Russell, Catherine three times with the Dallas Symphony Method Convention in Japan. Meier- Tait, Sergiu Luca, and Barbara Jackson. Orchestra. Since moving to Georgia in Sims has taught Suzuki institutes and An orchestral musician for many years, 2007, she performs solo recitals with workshops in Cork, Ireland and through- Sims served as Assistant Principal Violin her husband on piano, and as a member out the U.S. of the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, of the UGA Hodgson School of Music Concertmaster of the Cedar Rapids Franklin String Quartet. Lucy Shaw Symphony Orchestra, and Assistant Lucy Shaw is an active performer, Concertmaster of the North Arkansas Kimberly Meier-Sims Suzuki teacher and clinician currently Kimberly Meier-Sims, Director based in the Seattle, Washington, area. Symphony Orchestra. While work- 7 Clinicians - Suzuki Workshop 2013 - continued ing on his Master’s Degree, Sims was Yehuda Hanani, Hans Jensen, Michael Dr. Scott has participated in master enrolled in CIM’s first Suzuki Pedagogy Mermegan, and Debra Fayroian. Fried- classes and performances in the United course. He has been a registered Su- lander teaches at the Santa Fe Suzuki States, Taipei, Scotland, France and zuki teacher for over 20 years and is a Institute during the summers. Germany in solo, chamber music and frequent clinician at Suzuki workshops orchestra venues. Besides performance, and institutes around the country. Carol Ourada Shu-Yi has a great passion for music Carol Ourada has been teaching learning and parenting. She has studied Dennis Bell in the Wheaton College Suzuki program the Dalcroze Eurhythmics and is an ac- Cello clinician, for more than thirty years and early tive member in Austin area home school Dennis Bell, received childhood music for eighteen years. She association. cello performance de- teaches primarily cello, but also violin, Dr. Scott enjoys home school- grees from the Universi- viola, music reading, cello choir, early ing her 9 and 4-yr-old daughters. Her ty of the Pacific and the childhood music and coordinates. In hobbies are include the psychology of University of Cincinnati addition, Ourada teaches in Wheaton learning, gardening, cooking and learn- College-Conservatory College’s outreach program, CODA, an ing Japanese and French. of Music. He has been initiative offering early childhood and teaching Suzuki method Suzuki violin classes to refugee and at- for twenty years. He and his wife, vio- risk children. Currently these classes are Go Texan Day! linist Mary Bell, perform educational taught in connection with World Relief concerts through Young Audiences of and in a bilingual setting in a public February 22, 2013 Houston. Mr. Bell is the Minister of school district. Ourada was the coordi- Music for Heritage Baptist Church of nator for the 12th Suzuki Association of COWBOY CODE Missouri City. the Americas Biennial Conference and If it’s not true, don’t say it. served on the SAA Board of Directors. In If it’s not yours, don’t take it. Avi Friedlander 2007 she was awarded ASTA Outstand- Avi Friedlander, cello, is current- If it’s not right, don’t do it. ing Studio Teacher of Illinois. Carol is ly the associate principal cellist of the ~Anonymous~ a clinician at workshops and institutes Atlanta Opera and adjunct professor of around the country. She studied violin cello at Birmingham Southern College. with Dr. Shinichi Suzuki in Matsumoto He received his Master’s and Bachelor’s in 1985 and returned 1989 for summer of Music performance degrees from The school. Her experiences also include University of Michigan, and pursued his being a Suzuki parent of two teenagers professional studies degree from The who are string players as well. Cleveland Institute of Music. A former member of The New World Symphony, Dr. Shu-Yi Scott he also served as a substitute member of A native of Taiwan, Dr. Shu-Yi the Detroit Symphony and is currently Scott has 20 years of cello teaching ex- a substitute member with the Alabama perience. She has a DMA degree in cello Symphony. Friedlander has also per- performance-UT Austin under Phyllis formed with The Columbus Symphony, Young. In addition to cello performance, The Dayton Philharmonic and The To- she has done pedagogical studies with ledo Symphony. Friedlander is a former Dr. Robert Duke. Prior to that, she was Adjunct Professor of Cello at Andrews a cello teaching assistant at Penn State University in Michigan and has been University. trained in Suzuki Method as a long term Dr. Scott now resides in Austin, apprentice to Dr. Tanya Carey and in Texas. She maintains a cello studio short term training with Pam Devenport. in NW Austin. Many of her students His primary teachers have included have won the first place in all-region Source: Actor , who played Anthony Elliott, Stephen Geber, Tanya contests and finals in Texas all-state James Drury the Virginian on the TV show by the same Carey and David Premo. He has also competition. studied with Richard Aaron, Eric Kim, name many years ago. Editor 8 LIBRARY LIONS Shafraham Lincoln and Ms. Boring Visit the Parker Library Shafraham Lincoln visited the He then read at every opportunity. He remembered him so well and would he Parker library this month to share lots also taught himself how to be a lawyer. like the modern inventions of today's of information about Abraham Lincoln. Abe was so honest that he was called times? Would he be happy with the way “Four score and seven years ago” is how “honest Abe.” At one of his early jobs, things turned out? she began her discussion. She explained he forgot to give a lady her change and Earlier this month, Ms. Shafer’s that “score” meant 20 years, so four chased her down to give it to her. Abe is grandmother, “Ms. Boring”, came to score and seven years meant 87 years, probably one of the most recognizable visit the kids in the library. She felt the which was the age of the United States presidents of all time. He had a very kids should “not have any fun in the of America (“USA”) during the presi- distinguished look and was the first library, no matter what Ms. Shafer may dency of Abraham Lincoln (“Abe”). president with a beard. Unfortunately, have told them.” So, she introduced Abe was the 16th president of the there were those that weren’t happy with them to several reference books. The USA and is famous for writing the law his decision to free the slaves so he was dictionary contains an alphabetical list to free the slaves, giving his Gettysburg killed in 1865 because of it. of words, with information given for Address speech, issuing the Emancipa- Shafraham Lincoln delighted the each word, usually including meanings tion Proclamation (meaning freedom children by singing and playing a song and pronunciations. Her favorite one is announcement), and his role in reuniting on her guitar called “Why Does Every- rather large, which she wanted to read the USA following the end of the civil one Remember My Name?” The song cover to cover. They unfortunately war. His portrait can be found on the included many facts about Lincoln, wouldn’t have time to do that. The penny and the five dollar bill. and the children enjoyed singing along atlas contains maps, and the almanac Lincoln was born in a log cabin in with her for parts of the chorus. It was is a reference book with topics such as 1809. He only spent a few weeks each a very catchy tune. She also read a museums, jokes, languages, religion, year in school because he was poor and story called “Abe Lincoln’s Dream,” fashion, sports, space and environment. his family needed him to work in the which was a fictional book with true Almanacs are updated annually. The fields. He was very smart, though, and facts about Lincoln. If he were around World Almanac for Kids is actually was able to teach himself how to read. today, would he wonder why everyone very interesting. Your kids would enjoy reading this just for fun. Most reference books, though, are generally not used for pleasure reading or to be taken home. Parents, if you are at Parker and have a few minutes to spare, please consider volunteering in the library. Ms. Shafer can always use help shelving books. Please contact me at jmhuff3@ sbcglobal.net to set up an appointment for training. I hope to hear from you. Until next time, happy reading! Jan Huff PTO Library chairperson

Code of Cooperation Make bright decisions Use good judgment Speak with respect Interact with others positively Control your own behaviorfff Shafraham Lincoln Ms. Boring 9 Parker Elementary’s Saturday,

th February 9 !!

The Best Day Ever Begins with:

The Big Garage Band Sale!! 7am -1pm in the Cafeteria

Accepting donations of gently used items Friday Feb. 8th from 3pm-6pm and on the morning of sale in the cafeteria!

Contact Susan Phillips for more information on Garage Sale at (832)387- 8320 or [email protected]

MEANWHILE, the MUSIC BEGINS!

It’s the Parker Band PLAYATHON!MEANWHILE: Cheer our tireless performers in the Front Hall from 8am until it’s over! Pledges and donations welcome (strongly encouraged)!!

FINALLY, COME OUT FOR THE FUN FINALE!

The Magnet Feud Quiz Showdown and Mini Auction! Starting at 5:30pm in the Cafeteria

Featuring Contestants from all five Magnet areas!

Come root for YOUR FRIENDS!!

Look for next week’s flyer for further details!

10

BANDA DE PARKER ESTA PATROCINANDO UNA VENTA DE GARAJE GIGANTE !

SABADO, FEBRERO 9, 2013 DE 7:00 AM- 1:00 PM CAFETERIA PARKER

PARA RECAUDAR FONDOS PARA NUESTRO PROXIMO VIAJE A NEW ORLEANS Con mucho gusto estamos aceptando donaciones de Muebles, juguetes, ropa ligeramente usada, articulos electrodomesticos para el hogar que funcionen. VIERNES, FEBRERO 8, 2013 DE 3:00PM – 6:00PM O EN LA MANANA EN EL DIA DE LA VENTA 6:00 AM Ven y compra a los sonidos de la Banda de Jazz y Avanzada durante su Playathon ! Para hacer una donacion directamente para el viaje de la Banda, por favor visite la pagina web de Parker y seleccione la “Banda” bajo la ficha de “Donaciones”

PAINLESS FUNDRAISING Music Quote "You don’t have to practice every Parker Elementary participates in all of these fundraising programs. day; only on the days you eat." Please turn in your box tops, bottle caps, UPCs, etc., on Wednesday S. Suzuku so that YOUR school can benefit. Thank you. Googled by B. Haverkamp

10626 Atwell Phone no. 713-726-3634 Website address: http://www.parkerelementaryschool.com 11 PARKER CALENDAR February 1 Fridays with Frodine – 8:15-9 AM - Library Cello Ensemble performs at State of Schools Luncheon – 9:15 AM Jazz Band performs at Exxon Mobil – 10 AM-2 PM Chorus fundraiser Movie Night – 6-8 PM 4 Suzuki rehearsal at WBC – 8:30 AM Tempo Session II – 9:45 AM 5 Workshop Clinician concert – 3 PM SDMC Meeting – 3:30 PM 6-8 Suzuki Workshop 8 Suzuki Workshop Concert @ Westbury Baptist Church - 6:30 PM 9 Band Fundraiser – BEST DAY EVER – Garage Sale, Plaython & Magnet Feud 11 Tempo Session II - 9:45 AM 14 Valentines Parties - 2:15 AM 15 Jazz & Poetry – 8:30 AM - for 4th & 5th grades Dental Presentation – K, Pals, Pre-K – 8:15 and 8:45 AM 16 Benefit Concert – Band – 4:30-6:30 PM - at Parker 17 Jazz Band performs at Phil & Derek’s 18 Tempo Session II - 9:45 a.m. 19 PTO Meeting – 6 PM Los Tios Family Night benefiting Parker Elementary 20 Early Dismissal – 12:30 PM Chik-Fil-A Family Night benefiting Parker Elementary 21-23 Piano Workshop GENE AUTRY’S 22 GO TEXAN DAY! Trail Riders - confirmation pending COWBOY CODE Spanish Club Meeting – 8:15 AM A cowboy never takes unfair advan- 25 Tempo Session II -9:45 a.m. tage, even with an enemy. 26 Spring Fling Pictures A cowboy never betrays a trust. 28 Magnet Matinee – 3 PM A cowboy always tells the truth. Chorus pre-ACDA Concert – 6:30 PM – location TBA A cowboy is kind to children, old folks and animals. March A cowboy is free from racial or reli- 1 Solo/ Fest Strings gious prejudices. Zoned Kinder Info Day/Visit Day A cowboy is helpful and, when anyone Friday’s with Frodine – 8:15 AM is in trouble, lends a hand. 2 HISD Solo & Ensemble Contest - 7 AM to 5 PM A cowboy is a good worker. 4 Tempo Session II - 9:45 a.m. A cowboy is clean in person, thought, word and deed. 5 All-City Orchestra Rehearsal A cowboy represents womanhood, SDMC Meeting – 3:30 PM parents and laws of the country. th 5-8 5 Grade Camp A cowboy is a patriot. 8 Field Day Attendance Jam 11-15 Spring Break

Items on the calendar are accurate as of press time. For questions regarding possible cancellations and new times, please call the main office at 713-726-3634.