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The Warrior Weekly
Volume 2, Issue 10
October 29, 2009

In This Issue
Natural Wonder
Fun on the Farm
Art with Heart
Community Connections
Sports Snippets
What's Happening?
Lakehill in the News
Quick Links
Community Partners
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Join Our Mailing List
Natural Wonder
Parents Explore Environmental Science Center
ESC Open House Lakehill rolled out the welcome mat at The Alice and Erle Nye Family Environmental Science Center on October 21 with a special Open House just for parents.

The dreary weather did not dampen the spirits of the more than 50 visitors who were able to experience the new center first hand. Parents were able to explore the new LEED Silver certified facility, while enjoying coffee and snacks and visiting with friends and school administrators. "I wish I could sign up for a science class here," was the sentiment most often expressed by those who visited.

Those who missed the event need not worry. A special Open House at the Environmental Science Center has been planned for November 24, immediately following the Grandparents' Day celebration. Lakehill families are invited to bring their relatives and tour the facility from 11:30am - 12:30pm. Other upcoming events at the Environmental Science Center include an Environmental Summit, open to parents and community members, which is currently being planned for February.

Fun on the Farm
FDO.1
Bonding Opportunities Abound at Fall Day Out
Each fall, Middle School students spend a special day outside of the regular classroom on an all-day field trip known as Fall Day Out. This year's event was held on October 23, a crisp, fall day that invited sweatshirts and camp fires.

Students in grades five through eight enjoyed a full day of play at Sisters' Grove Farm, Ms. Gajkowski's farm/homestead in Princeton, Texas. A refreshing break from academics, Fall Day Out gave students a chance to socialize across grade lines, while enjoying exercise, fresh air, and the great outdoors.

Ms. Gajkowski remarks that very little structure is needed to make the day a success. Games and strolls are impromptu. Rides on hay bales pulled by a small tractor are always full of laughing children. The front yard is set up for badminton and volleyball, the back for a rope swing. The porch houses games of checkers and chess while the garage offers exercise equipment and games of Trivial Pursuit and Cranium. After an outdoor cookout, kids may explore the nearby pond, field, and pecan orchard.

Certainly Middle School students love the idea of freedom from school responsibilities, but Fall Day Out seems much more about the "out" - enjoying the outdoors and each other in a context unlike anything in their ordinary school routine. It offers the chance to make new friends, to play non-competitively, to wear their favorite clothes, and to just relax and enjoy. It is no wonder that Fall Day Out continues to be an annual favorite.
Art with Heart
Triangle Rules.1Triangle Rules Take Shape in Lower School Poster Contest
Students in Lakehill's Lower School recently unveiled their artistic entries for the annual Triangle Rules poster contest.

Winners were announced on October 22 in a Lower School Assembly. Assistant Headmaster Lara Gajkowski and Lower School Coordinator Patti Brooks presented the awards.

This year's winners were:
Gabrielle Gard, 4th grade - first place
Claire Plumlee, 4th grade - second place
Tyler McCall, 3rd grade - third place
 
Honorable Mention was awarded to Anders Ekstrom, 2nd grade; Mena Bova, 2nd grade; Lillian Brown, 3rd grade; McKenna Martin, 4th grade; and Bailey Hollingsworth, 4th grade.

Each fall, students in the second through fourth grades participate in a poster contest to show support for the Lower School Behavior Code. Art teacher Cat Huitt helps students produce their posters during their art classes. 

The three rules of the Lower School Behavior Code, known as the Triangle Rules, are based on respect, safety, and providing a welcoming environment to all. The Respect Rule teaches students to respect themselves, their classmates, and their teachers. The Safety Rule instructs students to act in such a way that they do not endanger themselves or others while the  Welcome Rule encourages students to include one another in classroom and playground activities. Based on the participation in the assembly and the poster contest, Lower School students clearly understand that the Triangle Rules represent how they want to be treated and how they should treat others in return.
Community Connections
Lakehill Recognized for Service to Public School
FRI A Dallas Independent School District resolution was recently presented to members of the Ferguson Road Initiative for their involvement with Bayles Elementary School. Bayles moved from a Low Performing School to a Recognized Campus, thanks in part to its collaboration with community members.
 
In a special ceremony during the DISD Board Meeting on October 22, Trustee Leigh Ann Ellis honored the Ferguson Road Initiative with a Resolution of Recognition. The award was presented by Ms. Ellis and DISD Superintendent Michael Hinojosa. Also in attendance was Bayles Principal Maria Tafur.
 
Vikki Martin, President of the Ferguson Road Initiative, took time to recognize the community partners who have been instrumental in helping Bayles Elementary achieve success. She sited Lakehill's ongoing commitment to Bayles which includes participating in carnivals and health and safety fairs as well as hosting of an annual Kite Day for Bayles' children and families.
Sports Snippets
Varsity Football40 yard line
Warriors Take a Week Off
Lakehill continued its struggle on the road last Saturday with a 56-6 loss to Greenville Christian.

The Warriors have this week off to regroup and prepare for their November 5 challenge against top-ranked Dallas Covenant.

Middle School Football
Middle School Team Closes Successful Season

The Middle School Warriors lost Wednesday night to Irving Universal 51-20 to finish out an otherwise successful season (4-2).

Cross Country
November 1
Dallas Running Club Half Marathon/5k at White Rock Lake; 8:00 am

View the complete Athletic Calendar here.
What's Happening?
October 30
Halloween Parade and Carnival, Gym, 1:30 - 3:00pm
Lower School goblins will show off their costumes during Lakehill's annual Halloween parade. Fourth grade students will lead the procession down the main hallway and through the building at 1:30pm, before proceeding to the gym for the Carnival. Parents are welcome to attend both the parade and Carnival.  

October 30
MS Fall Social, 7:00 - 8:30pm
Join in the fun in the Lakehill Cafeteria and Middle School hallway.

October 31
Don't Forget to Trick or Treat for UNICEF

The orange collection boxes can be turned in at any time to your child's  teacher or class sponsor. All boxes are due by November 20. The grade that raises the most money for UNICEF will receive the Global Citizen Award and a limited edition commemorative pin.

November 3
Admission Preview, Main Campus, 9:30am
Admission Previews are held at the Main Campus and are open to prospective families of children in kindergarten through grade 12.

November 6 and 7, 7:00pm
Upper School Play
5 in 10: An Evening of Short Plays
The Upper School Performing Arts Department presents 5 in 10: An Evening of Short Plays on November 6 and November 7 at 7:00pm. Get more information here.

November 7
Be a Trekker!
He's a Trekker, she's a Trekker...wouldn't you like to be a Trekker, too? Don't Get Left Behind - register here for Trek for Tech!
See Trek volounteers in carpool to buy raffle tickets, pick up t-shirts, and turn in equipment donation forms. View the Wish List here. Download a Donation Form here. Check out the race course map here.

November 10
8th and 11th Grade Social at Perry Campus
5:30 - 7:30pm
Eighth and eleventh grade students will join Mr. Perry for a fun-filled evening including dinner, games and activities on the field, and cookies by the fire in the Environmental Science Center. ALL eighth and eleventh grade students should attend!

Senior Pansy Sale
Purchase pansies from any senior. Proceeds help fund the annual Holiday Luncheon service project. See the information and order form here.
Leading to success.