Becker Cited for Academic Performance, Historic Designation & More

An update on goings on at Bouldin's neighborhood school from BCNA officer and new parent Ronnie Dittmar, and Becker Mom, AISD teacher and neighborhood volunteer Ellen Grady Sessa.

Here are some recnet good things that are going on at our neighborhood school.

TEA Commended TAKS performance; AISD Recognition
Among seventy-one Austin schools awarded 170 Gold Performance Acknowledgments from the Texas Education Agency in 2007 for high performance in areas critical to academic success, Becker was one of 58 elementary schools to receive Gold Performance Acknowledgements from TEA and was recognized by the AISD Board of Trustees at its Monday, Jan. 28th meeting. Becker received recognition for Commended TAKS performance (90% or above) in Science.

National Historical Site
Becker has been recognized as a National Historical Site and will receive the marker sometime in the Spring. We'll let you know about it as the date gets closer. This is a really big deal for the school and our neighborhood. It couldn't have happened if we didn't have great support. Thanks, Lori, Pat and the others.

Green Classroom/Gardening:
It continues to be a great experience for all of the kiddos. The Fall crops are being harvested and eaten. Ben brought home some delicious arugula for our dinner salad. We thank some the neighbors who have been volunteering thier time and energy: Paula, Kelly,Linda, Sara and Colin are the first who come to mind. Thanks to all of the others.

Did you notice the new trees and polishing of the school gardens? This Fall there was a big Saturday work day where AYW and other volunteers came to green up the grounds. It's lookin' good.

Music and Dance:
We had a lovely Holiday program with an international theme. All of the students participated. Their enthusiasm was contagious. The school is now preparing for a program to celebrate Black History month.

The Stomp Team and Chorus have been very active. The students practice after school with the new music teacher, Kim Pollini. They performed for community centers during the Holiday season and will also be a part of the Black History Performance.

After school clubs and classes.
Becker has a Prime Time, grant funded, after school program. The Fall session was great fun with classes such as Gymnastics, Story Time Drama, Soccer and, my favorite, Everything Green (my class~ we spent our afternoon exploring and playing at the Green Belt while collecting trash and "recyclables"). We are about to start the Spring session. A running club will be added by our neighbor Kris. I'll be her faithful sidekick.--Ellen

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