Bryker Woods Elementary

Dear Families,

While the dedicated BW staff is working hard to finish strong, we are also planning for the 2017-18 school year! Determining the best fit for Panthers is a very thoughtful process that will soon begin. If you have information which you believe we are not aware of, and need to consider regarding your child’s placement (please refrain from requesting teachers), you may send a letter to my attention, via e-mail by Friday, April 21st. Class placements are a collaborative process and I will be sharing your information with the grade level teams, special area team and counselor in this important decision-making process.

I recently met with the construction team and AISD project managers to discuss our summer bond projects, which will begin June 5. Projected completion date is Aug. 3. The campus will be closed during that time, however, I will be on campus and provide updates via Living Tree. We will have another pre-construction meeting in May, with progress meetings weekly for three weeks of the renovation stage.

I was so impressed with our talented Panthers who participated in the traditional AXBW visual and performance arts showcase on Friday–check out the art displayed in the hallways while visiting.  Creative expression and community spirit–what better way to celebrate spring at BW!

Bryker Woods Forever,
Jane Kronke
Principal

Dear Families,

It’s hard to believe we are well into the spring semester of the 2016-17 school year. Through the course of this year, I have shared a school vision that through the three Ps (Purpose, Passion and Play) and four Cs (Communication, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, Creativity) we will promote a learning community of thinkers and doers. These 21st century skills (or Power Skills) have evolved into the six Cs, adding the interpersonal skills of Connection and Cultural Proficiency.

At Bryker Woods, students have opportunities to develop these Power Skills through hands-on learning experiences, project-based learning, student-led discussions and responsive classroom strategies of community building. The Power Skills mirror our SEL competencies of self-awareness, social-awareness, relationship skills and responsible decision-making, connecting to our mission of developing the whole child.

As a life-long learner, I’m excited about an upcoming learning experience at High Tech High in San Diego with principals of the Austin HS vertical team and look forward to sharing with staff and community as we work together to promote the academic, social and emotional development of Panthers.

I hope to see you Tuesday, Feb. 21, for morning assembly and at my next Principal Coffee on Feb. 24. I will be sharing more information from the Facilities Condition and Educational Suitability Assessments and upcoming bond work for the summer, during which our campus will be closed to all activities.

Bryker Woods Forever,
Jane Kronke, Principal

Dear Families,

Welcome back to a new semester, a new year, and a new website for “The Best School in Our Town!”  Many thanks to Edward Tasch and PTA members who have combined their talents to streamline and enhance our communication efforts–stay tuned and connected at https://brykerwoodspta.org/.

I’m so very proud and appreciative of our Panthers’ efforts, the staff’s dedication, and your support during the first semester. We celebrate the students’ academic successes, creativity, participation in service learning projects and the SEL competencies/life skills they are developing and demonstrating: self-awareness, social-awareness, self-management, relationship skills and responsible decision making.

With the new year comes new opportunities for professional growth. On Jan. 3, the BW staff joined Barton Hills, Casis, Davis, Hill, Mathews, Oak Hill, Patton, Pease and Zilker elementary schools for a collaborative learning event, “Innovation in Elementary Education: Leading the Way to the Future.” Superintendent Paul Cruz gave welcoming remarks and commended teachers for promoting 21st century learning skills and the development of the whole child. Staff participated in sessions on Transformational Technology, Flexible Learning Environments, Design Thinking, Maker Education, Project Based Learning and Mindfulness, presented by campus teacher leaders; including BW 6th/5th grade science teacher, Haley Vincent, and technology specialist, Marlene O’Keefe. We are excited to welcome back Panthers and to begin the spring semester!

Many thanks for the lovely cards and gifts–your thoughtfulness really brightened my holidays! I hope you all had an enjoyable, restful winter break and best wishes for a happy and heathy 2017!

Bryker Woods Forever,
Jane Kronke, Principal

Dear Families,
The season of giving to others is upon us at Bryker Woods! In modeling kindness toward others, 6th grade is sponsoring their traditional campus-wide food drive for the Capital Area Food Bank. The food drive officially kicked-off at Monday’s morning assembly for the community when our 6th grade leaders presented our SEL word of the month–Compassion. Grade level collection bins are located in the main hallway. I am so very proud of our Panthers for putting their caring values into action through community service. Thank you Matt Nelson, Emily Shirey, Haley Vincent and Alex Rodgers for providing this campus-wide service learning opportunity.

Many thanks to Ms. Nicky Britton, who for several years has organized “Santa’s Gift Shop” for our sister school, Zavala Elementary. Donations are currently being collected and can be placed in the decorated box in the front hallway. Thank you for your contributions in making the holiday season bright for the children and families of our extended community.

My final Principal’s Coffee of 2016 will be on Dec. 16 at 8:00 in the library. My topic will be “Mindfulness at BW.” Sommer Maxwell, BW parent and yoga instructor, will share an inspiration for mindful living.

What are the benefits of mindfulness in educational settings?

For Teachers:
• Increases responsiveness to students’ needs.
• Supports stress management and stress reduction.
• Enhances classroom climate.

For Students:
• Strengthens attention and concentration.
• Reduces anxiety before testing.
• Improves classroom participation.
• Enhances social and emotional learning.

Quoted from Mindful Teaching and Teaching Mindfulness
by Deborah Schoeberlein

Stay warm and see you soon at “The Best School in Our Town!”

Bryker Woods Forever,
Jane Kronke