Mrs. Crystal Gregory has been our school counselor since August, 2021, but it feels like she has been a part of our family for years! Mrs. Gregory has a kind, silly, and fun way about her that immediately puts people at ease and lets children feel like they can be themselves around her. Mrs. Gregory completed her first year as a school counselor in the Riverview Gardens School District, but she wanted to play more of a relational role in a school setting. She joined Patrick Henry in order to find the right balance between the paperwork side of school counselor life and the social/emotional/relational support side of being a counselor. Mrs. Gregory joined the Leadership Team and became the class clown among us - she always has something silly to keep us laughing, but she always has a sincerity about her to show she cares. She has become a true team player, and moves from task to task to make sure that every classroom is covered, every child is well cared for, and every teacher feels supported.

Mrs. Gregory, we have truly enjoyed having you on our team this year, and we appreciate everything you do! Happy School Counselors' Week to YOU!

On Friday, February 11th, we celebrated "Frozen Friday," where we invited staff and students to wear their Disney attire. The Patrick Henry community could wear pajamas, sweatshirts, tshirts, mouse ears, and colors of their favorite characters from Disney movies. Take a look at some of the fun outfits of the day!

Ms. Jackson's students were highly engaged in their small group centers during their Guided Reading time last week even when they were not meeting with Ms. Jackson at the Guided Reading table. Students were able to explain exactly what a compound word was and the rules around creating and spelling compound words.

Our classrooms have a wonderful way to start their day - a morning meeting with their peers and teacher! Each classroom does it just a little differently. This week, Ms. Ivory and Ms. Jackson's class allowed Dr. Rogers to participate in the fun and welcoming routine, and it was so encouraging to hear from students as soon as they entered the classroom. It was also special to see how each grade level has their own age-appropriate routines - kudos to our teachers for creating such welcoming environments every day!

It might be chilly outside and difficult to exercise in the winter months, but our students are staying active! With our AIM Zones in every classroom, outdoor and indoor recess, PE class with Mrs. Ralphs, and our "brain breaks" in our academic day, we know how to get kids moving! It is so important to keep children moving, dancing, playing, and enjoying the physical side of life to keep them healthy and happy! Take a look at photos from this week's physical activities in PE (learning how to jump with two feet) and at recess (crazy St. Louis weather means there's snow on the ground but it's 50 degrees outside). For resources of how to keep children active even in the winter months, see below!

Webster University in St. Louis donated a beautiful arrangement of new and used books for our staff to take advantage of, and it was a frenzy for our teachers to choose their books. We are so thankful for this donation and the way it impacts our students to have beautiful books on topics that are exciting and interesting to them!

Ms. Jackson's class received their latest supplies from DonorsChoose, new hats and gloves to combat the winter cold. The students enjoyed them so much that they convinced Ms. Jackson to go outside for recess even with snow still on the ground!