Game Changer Event
Thursday, December 3rd- Friday, December 4th
My Southwest Airlines Experience
The people of Southwest Airlines are the creators of what we have become--- and of what we will be.
Our people transformed an idea into a legend. That legend will continue to grow only so long as it is nourished—by our people’s indomitable spirit, boundless energy, immense goodwill, and burning desire to excel.
Our thanks – and our love – to the people of Southwest Airlines for creating a marvelous family and a wondrous airline. -Herb Kelleher, Founder & Former CEO of Southwest Airlines
This is the message displayed on a glass wall as you enter the building of Southwest Airlines in Dallas.
I had the opportunity to attend a Game Changers Event hosted by Friends of Texas Public Schools, Engage2Learn, and Southwest Airlines where a limited group of Superintendents and Principals from all over the state of Texas gathered to learn about Southwest Airlines unique culture and ways these experiences could be transferred into public schools.
Established in 1967, Rollin King and Herb Kelleher got together and decided to start a different kind of airline. They began with one simple notion: If you get your passengers to their destinations when they want to get there, on time, at the lowest possible fares, and make sure they have a good time doing it, people will fly your airline. And you know what? They were right (https://www.southwest.com/html/about-southwest/index.html).
Today, more than 38 years since the airline was founded, they’ve always known the secret to success was its customers and the people that serve their customers – their employees. During the Game Changers event we heard from leaders of Friends of Texas Public Schools, Engage!, and the CEO of Southwest Airlines, Gary Kelly and his team, who confirmed that the world’s most successful organizations build their brand and unite their people by having a warrior spirit, servant heart, and fun-luving attitude.
So what does this mean for us as educators?
Warrior Spirit
Having a warrior spirit does not mean we are going to war with anyone. It simply means that the people that make up our organizations are passionate about their professions and don't give up easily when faced with challenges. Having a warrior spirit is more about having a winning attitude where you're constantly exploring solutions to ensure that our customers (students, staff, families, community) stay engaged. QVE Example: This was demonstrated by our strong commitment to winning the 1st Annual Sugar Shindig event! Each day Ms. Portugal, our Sugar Shaker, found ways to inform and motivate staff members to purchase tickets. The outcome? Well we all know what happened next!
Servant Heart
I believe that having a servant heart comes easy for us as educators. Many of us enter this profession because we want to help others and make our world a better place. In our school, this doesn't mean just serving the students and families in our care but reaching out into the community and teaching our students the importance of service. I believe that we are all here to serve in one way or another - teaching our students to have a servant heart by modeling through our own behaviors help prepare our students for learning beyond the classrooms. QVE Example: This was demonstrated by our GENTS and QVE Student Council as they collected can goods for families in our community.
And last but certainly not least -having a Fun-LUVing attitude.
The Leaders of Southwest Airlines stressed the importance of hiring people with the right attitudes. The people and their personalities, behaviors, and attitudes help to create the right culture. Having a Fun-LUVing attitude does not mean that we play all day. It simply means that we take our work seriously but not ourselves. We work hard to play hard! QVE Example: Each month our students participate in "Synergize" pep rally's to celebrate our success! Students and staff show their Eagle Spirit through cheer, skits, and songs!
So when you think about building Quail Valley's brand- what are some of the things that set us apart from other schools? How does your heart feel when you hear Quail Valley Elementary? What is your Quail Valley Elementary Story? Share your story with me for an opportunity to appear in our next Parent Updates, Facebook, and other social media!
With something to think about. This is you spirited leader Ms. Spears. Make it a great week or not. The choice is yours!
Thank you message from Former CEO
Culture Centers
Mission
How may I serve you?
Break Time
Coffee?
December Calendar
- December 9th Chick-Fil-A Spirit Night 5:00PM - 8:00PM
- December 14th Spelling Bee 4:00PM - 6:30PM
- December 16th Polar Express Day/Students wear pajamas(no gowns)
- Oyster Creek Manor Visit at 6:00PM - Holiday giving
- December 17th Classroom Holiday Parties - 2:15PM
- Winter Program 6:00PM - 7:00PM
- December 18th Early Dismissal at 12:10PM for students
- End of 1st Semester
You're Invited!
Greetings Eagle Families!
One of the greatest gifts we can share with others this season is the spirit of “Giving.” This time of year, many of our students are so focused on what they will receive for the holidays, that they never experience the true meaning of the season- the kindness and gratitude we give to others.
We would like to take this opportunity to help our students experience the gift of giving by adopting a nursing home community. We have participated in this for the past two years and each year our students are overwhelmed with a spirit of giving. The nursing home we are adopting this year is Oyster Creek Manor located at 3505 FM 1092 Road in Missouri City, TX 77459.
We would like to provide the residents of these facilities with a small gift that will warm their hearts and brighten their spirits.
We are asking students to bring “one” item from the list below by Tuesday, December 15th. The Office Staff will wrap gifts so that they can be delivered.
On Wednesday, December 16th at 6:00 pm – you are invited to sing carols and help deliver these wrapped gifts to the residents of Oyster Creek Manor.
This opportunity is to totally voluntary as we know you have a lot to do this holiday season. You and your family are invited to join us as we teach our students the importance of service. We have outlined a list of items which can be donated to residents. Please only choose from the list below as occupants are on a strict diet/routine.
Word Finds/Pencils
Books
Comb/Brush
Stationary
Socks
Toothbrush/Toothpaste
Unscented Lotion
Throws/Blankets
Photo Album
Puzzles
Chap Stick
Gloves
We appreciate your partnership!
QVE Spelling Bee
Spelling Bee News!
The 2015-2016 QVE Spelling Bee is scheduled for Monday, December 14 at 4:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.
All participants will stay after school. We will be ordering pizza and providing juice boxes for all participants. We are asking for a $3.00 donation from each parent to help with the cost of the pizza and juice. If you choose for your child to not have pizza, please provide them with a snack or meal of your choice on that day.
We will call all Spelling Bee Students to the Library at 3:00 – provide pizza & juice, restroom breaks, pass out numbers and line up to sit on the stage at 3:40. The doors will open to parents at 3:45 and the Spelling Bee will begin promptly at 4:00 in the cafeteria.
If you are unable to attend, please make sure you are at QVE to pick up your child at 6:00 p.m. While we cannot predict how many rounds we will have, it usually runs 2 hours.
If you have questions- please contact Ms. Portugal at 281-634-5040.
We are looking forward to a great Spelling Bee!
Happy Spelling!
Ruby Portugal,
Reading Specialist