This week we celebrated the first day of Fall. It might not have felt like it, but we have officially left summer behind. The changing of the seasons makes me reflect on not only what the new season will bring, but also what was accomplished in the past season. We have been in school for 32 days, and in these days, our Patrick Henry students and staff have done some incredible things. Our first graders took their first walking field trip to Central Public Library. Our preschoolers planted, harvested, and ate vegetables from our school garden. Our third graders learned how to "level up" - a phrase that reminds them they have to step up this year to their new academic challenges. Our fifth graders experienced art firsthand at the St. Louis Art Museum. Our fourth graders learned how to construct things with Building Futures, a community partner who teaches students how to use real tools so they can experience hands-on learning. Our kindergarteners left their preschool classrooms behind and are already in their guided reading groups. Our second graders learned how to conduct in two and three meter during music class.

Across the building, our students used the beginning of the school year to soak up so much new knowledge from the staff. Our staff also used the last month and a half to grow and learn. We went to professional development hosted by our district that was specific to our subject areas and grade levels, and we also worked together at Patrick Henry to build strong systems and procedures, create plans to achieve our academic goals for our students, and collaborate with our families and community partners. We have used the beginning of the school year to not only build relationships with our new staff (myself included!), but also to reconnect with our returning staff members. Together, we have come together to support one another.

As we look forward to this new seasons of Autumn, we are ready and excited to pursue academic growth in every child at Patrick Henry. We know that kids can accomplish so much in just one school year, and we try to make every minute of every day count. Take a look at the pictures below that highlight some of our special moments from our first season together of the 2019-2020 school year, and let it inspire you for what's to come in the next season!