Converse News

Welcome New PTA Board Members

Fri, 10 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Welcome new PTA Board Members for the 2013/14 school year

President-Melonie Esposito

Vice President-Jose Trevino

2^nd VP-Lindsay Vidal

Secretary-Carolyn Martin

Treasurer-Sara Reid

PTA Agenda 5/9/2013

Wed, 08 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

PTA AGENDA

5/9/2013

1. Call to order

2. Pledges

3. Chairperson of Nominating Committee, Melanie Esposito, to read recommendations

4. Open nominations from floor

5. Vote for 2013/2014 Board Members

6. Old Business

a. World�s Finest Chocolate Fundraiser

b. Read findings from financial reconciliation

c. Playground update

7. New Business

a. 5^th Grade Ceremony

b. Kinder Ceremony

c. Yearbook information

d. 4^th and 5^th Grade field trips

e. Coby Cougar still not purchased

f. Deactivate Coby Cougar Facebook

8. Open floor for questions

9. Adjourn meeting

PTA Special Meeting dated 5/1/2013 CANCELLED

Wed, 01 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The PTA Special meeting scheduled for tonight at 6:30 has been cancelled. Please see below the following statement:

"We are aware of the concerns that have been made and are currently going through the proper steps to do a thorough and unbiased investigation. In this great country of ours, a person is innocent until proven guilty. We will do our due diligence to make sure that the PTA Bylaws are being followed and that these concerns are dealt with in a swift and sufficient manner."

Thank You,

Yvette Hernandez

Converse PTA President

Volunteer Training Goes Online!

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Parent Volunteer Training- NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

To better support the influx of request to provide volunteer trainings, and to create more time to allow campus Counselor and Social Workers to provide more direct services to students, Guidance and Counseling, Professional Development and Technology Services have created an Online Volunteer Training (click link) site. After completing the online presentation, volunteers will be prompted to verify that they understand everything that has been covered, then taken to a page where they will enter their pertinent registration information. Please note that volunteers are required to have a valid email address. This address will be used to send notifications to the volunteers when they are cleared to begin volunteering. The email address may also be utilized by campus administration to send alerts/requests to volunteers when there is a need for volunteer participation. Our goal in creating this tool is to further enhance the volunteer program in JISD. Volunteer Site Direct Link:

ONLINE VOLUNTEER TRAINING

Parent Volunteer Training

Parents...if you would like to volunteer for activities at school, on field trips, etc. you will need to

attend training. Be sure to check the calendar for upcoming dates. Thank you!

Padres.. Si ustedes quieren participar como voluntarios para las actividades en nuestra escuela y en d�as de excursiones, necesitan asistir al entrenamiento. Verifique el calendario escolar para informarse sobre las fechas. �Gracias!
Please bring your picture identification and social security cards.

Converse is Rocking First in Math!

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Converse is in the 9th place overall with the First in Math program.

For the second month in a row, we have had the top student in the district. Congratulations, Toni V in Ms. Mungia's third grade class! She has worked very hard for this honor!

Great job to all our students and teachers!

STAAR Night

Sun, 03 Feb 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Thursday evening Converse hosted a STAAR Night for all 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade parents.

In their child's homeroom classroom, parents had the opportunity to meet with the teacher. Parents were given a file folder packed with

STAAR Blueprints indicating exactly what and where their student need extra help on,
At A Glance page showing where their student is in comparison to those in their homeroom class,
A complete history of their child's testing at JISD.

Parents also had an opportunity to attend a PowerPoint Presentation by Mary Kay Tyson (Principal) giving more details about the STAAR Tests, including dates, and types of questions being asked on the tests. Following the presentation, parents were invited to participate in a Q & A session.

Those parents who were not able to attend STAAR Night, will receive their student's testing history, STAAR Blueprints, and

Click on the file below to see the full PowerPoint Presentation.

CAB Cougars

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Our CAB cougars against bullying club meets once a month to plan awareness activities and create posters and banners to hang in the school.

Converse Elementary celebrates No Name Calling Week on Jan 21-25. Students in the CAB club created banners for the school this past Thursday.

Family Math Night a Huge Success!

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary School students and parents had fun brushing up on their math skills at the Family Math Night on January 10, 2013. There were many game stations that students could choose from to play while practicing their math facts, measurement, shapes, patterns, money, time, capacity, etc. Students were even given supplies so they could play the �educational� games at home. What a great way to make learning fun!

Converse is on KABB Fox 29

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

We�re on TV! KABB Fox 29 News has a school lunch menu segment on their morning news show. Converse Elementary School was chosen to be on the air and read the school lunch menu the week of January 14 � 18. The Converse Student Council Officers were chosen for the job and were fabulous during their taping. One student will appear each morning on KABB Fox 29 reading that day�s lunch menu from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. You can catch Robert on Monday, Tatiyana on Tuesday, Hannah on Wednesday, Gabriella on Thursday, and Molly on Friday.

See links below to see the full videos.

T:\Converse PICTURES 2012-2013\KABB Fox 29 School Lunch Box Video Clips\5. Molly - KABB Fox 29 Lunch Box 1-18-13.VOB

Amir and Destiney have made it to the Royal Court!

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

With the help of the caring and supportive staff of Judson Independent School District�

Amir and Destiney have made it to the Royal Court!

Amir and Destiney will be crowned Pages of the Royal Court on February 16^th.

They will take part in various special Fiesta activities over the next several weeks,

to include making TV appearances and participating in Fiesta parades.

We are SO EXCITED that these two amazing students

will be representing our unique campus and this district.

Thank you to everyone who supported the cause and made this possible!

...and the Spirit of Judson Teaching Award goes to...

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to our 5th Grade teacher, Mr. Robles. He won the Spirit of Judson Teaching Award in acknowledgement of his passion and inspirational attitude toward his job, each and every day! We are so lucky to have him here at Converse Elementary!

C.A.B.

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary had their first working meeting for C.A.B. Cougars Against Bullying. The students are working on banners and posters to "Freeze Out Bullying" for the month of January. Students can show their support for Anti-Bullying by wearing gloves, scarves, and beanies to school on January 15th.

Winter Wonderland at Converse ES

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Each year the Converse ES gym converts into a Winter Wonderland...not like real snow and sleigh rides, but it's still a lot of fun. The students got to practice all they have learned in a PE and Health class in a fun and active way. From "Jingle Bell Basketball" to a fun game of hockey.

To see some of the fun activities, please visit the link below.

Tumbling at Converse

Fri, 21 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

You never know what you'll enjoy sometimes until you try it and the folks at River City Gymnastics gave kids a chance to try out gymnastics at Converse ES. They were guests at the school for two days during PE and Health classes. They set up fun stations for students to get a taste of what the sport is all about. The instruction came from great coaches who know what they are doing with the mission of just having fun.

See the link below for photos of our students tumbling!

San Antonio Fiesta Especial Royal Court

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This year, Converse Elementary will be participating in a competition highlighting some of the unique population our school serves. Converse has nominated Amir as our Converse King, and Destiney as our Converse Queen. They will be competing against children from all over San Antonio for the opportunity to participate as a member of San Antonio�s 2013 Fiesta Especial� Royal Court. In order to win a place on the official court, Converse is helping to support these two student in their fundraising efforts, as the 6 children from across San Antonio that raise the most money will be placed on the official Royal Court. It costs $1.00 to �cast a vote� for our king and queen. Money raised will go to help support Amir and Destiny in their Royal Court Events, and will help fund activities for our special needs students here at Converse Elementary.

To help with the fundraising, on Friday, December 21st at 11:45 at the ERC Chili Plates will be sold for $5.00 a plate. For more information, please see the attached flier.

Parent Survey to Improve Climate of our School

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

PBIS Parent Survey

We are working to improve our school. We are asking staff, 2nd-5th grade students, and parents to complete a survey. The parent survey is designed to find out what you think about: student safety; how students interact with each other; how students and staff members interact with each other; rules, expectations and procedures; how students feel about the school in general; and general problems on campus.

This survey can be taken either on a computer, or on a Smart Phone with internet coverage.

Thank you for taking the time to help us make our school a better place.

Student Survey

Tue, 13 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This survey will be taken by the students at school. Please do not have your child do this survey at home.

Red Ribbon Week at Converse Elementary

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Celebrates Red Ribbon Week With Lots of Fun Activities!

Taking the message of staying away from drugs to young students is important. And that message can get through even more effectively when it's done in an entertaining way. Magician John O' Bryant brought that drug free theme to students at Converse Elementary School through a unique brand of magic and comedy. The program was just one part of the week's Magical Red Ribbon Week at Converse.

Each class competed daily to see who had the most spirit, by wearing the appropriate Red Ribbon attire, such as Teaming Up Jersies, Silly Hats, Sunglasses, Crazy Socks, and Wearing Red Shirts. The class in each grade level that had the most students participating earned a Red Ribbon Spirit stick to carry around during the day. On Friday, the classes with the most participation--of the week--earned a popcorn party in their classrooms!

District Bike Rodeo--Winners from Converse

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Some of the best bikers in the city converged on Rutledge Stadium for the Judson ISD Bike Rodeo. 13 schools sent students to participate for first, second and third place honors for each grade level. 90 students rolled through the different tests of control and agility on the course and here are the winners. Congratulations to all.

Converse winners are:

Brandon Stinson, 1st Place, 1st Grade

Ryan Baraldi, 3rd Place, 2nd Grade

Congratulations boys!

Converse Cheerleaders to Perform for Rampage Game

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Cheerleading Team will perform at the intermission of the December 16th, Rampage vs. Chargers game.

Come support our Cheerleaders as they cheer for the Rampage!

Orders are due to Coach Pitts by October 31st.

Terrific Tie Tuesday

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Terriffic Tie Tuesday is a brain child of Mr. Robles, 5th grade.

Mr. Robles has a special relationship with all of his students. He had noticed that when students look their best, they feel better about themselves, and focus better on their studies. He started encouraging the boys in his class to wear ties on Tuesdays, and to look their best. Soon girls began wearing ties, and nice dresses.

As a reward, every 5th grade student who wears a tie, or nice dress to school on Terriffic Tie Tuesday, gets to have lunch with Mr. Robles.

Converse's PE Program Gets National Attention

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Converse Elementary P.E. program has been recognized nationally for excellence and has been chosen as a President's Challenge Demonstration Center. Converse was the only public school in the state to be chosen and is one of only 21 picked nationally. A Demonstration Center is a school that incorporates efforts like encouraging health appraisals for all students, identifying inactive students and developing programs that raise their activity levels. Programs like the one at Converse Elementary also promote the importance of physical education through printed materials that are sent home, in the newspaper or found in public relations efforts. Coach Terri Pitts is a big part of those efforts and the program as a whole. Sounds like the school will be getting visitors from all over to observe how it's done at Converse. Congratulations!

YEE HAW! Bike Rodeo a Huge Success!!

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The 9^th Annual Bike Rodeo was a great success. Teachers and students showed off their bike skills. We had an awesome turn out. The Boy Scouts of America opened up a Bike Repair Shop and repaired bikes for free.

The winners were:

Pre K
1. Gabriella Ruiz
2. Madison Taylor
3. Miley Bolton

Kinder
1. Jashaun Kindred
2. Alana Bolton
3. Isabella Guevara

1st Grade
1. Brandon Stinson
2. Spencer Garcia
3. Kaitlyn Cowan

2nd Grade
1. Madison Pauli
2. Ryan Baraldi
3. Roman Haynes

3rd Grade
1. Bianca Martinez
2. Devin Moore
3. Marcus Gonzales

4th Grade
1. Jelani Green
2. Claudia Newton
3. Chris Swanson

5th Grade
1. Isabel Gonzales
2. Hailey Taylor
3. Mathis Velez

Modified bike division:
Sammy Escobedo 1st place
Strable 2nd place
Amin Merrill 3rd place

Teachers: 1st place Ms Krueger
2nd place: Ms Campbell

A boy and a girl from grades 1st through 5th are selected to represent Converse Elementary at the District Bike Rodeo on Oct. 23rd at the Judson Rutledge Stadium. The district winners are below....

District Champions...

1st place girl/1st grade...Kaitlyn Cowan

1st place boy/1st grade...Brandon Stinson

2nd grade: 1st place girl Madison Pauli and boy Ryan Baraldi
3rd grade: 1st place girl Bianca Martinez and boy Marcus Gonzales
4rd grade: 1st place girl Claudia Newton and boy Jelani Green
5th grade: 1st place girl Isabel Gonzales and boy Mathis Velez

Coach Pitts--Advisor to National Company

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

When you're passionate about what you do, it typically comes out in a high level of performance. The folks at the national sporting goods company Gopher Sports has seen that in Converse Elementary School Coach Terri Pitts. The company has asked her to serve as a member of their Advisory Staff. National companies need to know what coaches and kids need to be better athletes or better teachers of physical education and we're proud that Coach Pitts and Judson ISD has caught their eye. Congratulations!

Daughter Gets Surprised by Dad!

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

First grader, Riley Sheldon received the surprise of her lifetime, when her dad, Brandon Ogden, arrived at Converse Elementary during her lunch time. Riley has not seen her father in over a year, as he has been serving our country, on deployment with the Marines.

Dad arrived just in time to share lunch with Riley, and watch her in gym class.

Mom says, "I want to say thank your for allowing my daughter to see her father and step-mother for a surprise visit at school. Even though it was a disruption to the students, we where allowed to have lunch, talk, and participate with her in class. So a big thank you to Coach Pitts, Coach Jones, and Coach Martinez for making this special for my daughter and her dad who just finished serving our great county."

Riley comes from a family who supports our country. Her Dad is a Hero in the Marines and her step-father, who means the world to her, was hit by an IUD on his 3rd deployment. He then received a Bronze Star, and Act of Valor Award and Purple Heart, and is now medically retired.

"A big shout out and thanks to Converse Elementary staff for allowing the special exceptions to all military families currently serving this country or home now with there families, so thank you Converse teachers and staff" from Riley's mom!!

REMINDER...Cookie Dough Pick-UP 10/10

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

ABC GOURMET FOOD DELIVERY IS COMING!!!

Pick up your orders on Wednesday, October 10th

between 7:30 am and 12:00 noon

Between 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm

Orders can be picked up from the Gym.

Please note:

All orders MUST be picked up on Wednesday.

Any order not picked up will be donated.

Congratulations Elijah Blair

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Mayor Julian Castro's push to encourage students across the city to live a healthier lifestyle, has tapped two elementary school students from Judson ISD to help carry out his plan. Elijah Blair, a 5th grader from Converse Elementary and Roree Steward, a 5th grader from Olympia Elementary were both selected as ambassadors for the Mayor's Student Fitness Council . The two were chosen to serve out of only 35 available positions city-wide this first year of the program. As Ambassadors, both Elijah and Roree will be involved in projects to promote healthy living on their campuses and in their communities. They will do that by choosing a special project to put in place this school year that will encourage healthy eating, physical activity or other healthy ways of living. They started off their new ambassadorships September 22nd attending the Dream It training at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center. Congratulations and thanks for taking the time to help all of us live healthier lives.

More information about the Mayor's Fitness Council can be found on the link below!

October Spirit Sticks

Fri, 28 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

October Spirit Sticks are here!!!

Purchase yours for $1.00 each.

BOO! Grover Eyes and Glow in the Dark Venus!

Available at school every Friday morning from 7:00-7:30, AND at all school functions (Gatti's and Bush's Nights too!)

Fall Pictures

Thu, 20 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Fall Picture Day is scheduled for Friday, September 28th.

On this day, your child will be permitted to be out of Dress Code; however, your child should wear school appropriate attire (no spaghetti straps, short skirts/shorts, or baggy clothing).

You will be receiving a payment envelope soon, and we will send home reminders the day before picture day.

No Cell Phones in School Zones

Sat, 08 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Parents,

Please be aware that when you are driving on campus you are in a school zone. This means that when you are picking up or dropping off your precious child, or just waiting in line, you should not be texting or talking on your phone.

As a campus, we realize that we are in a high technology world, and that many of us multi-task while driving, however we want your undivided attention on your child, other students, and the staff that are working hard to keep each student safe.

If you are seen on the phone while driving (or waiting in line), teachers or administration will remind you that you are in a school zone, and that no cell phones are allowed.

The fine for being on your phone in a school zone is $200.

Spirit Sticks are Here!!!

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Students received their Key Fob and their first Spirit stick on Friday!

This month our students have the opportunity to purchase their grade level spirit sticks, as well as two feature spirit sticks:

Elmo's Eyes
Glow in the dark planet: Mercury

As always, lanyards, and key fobs are available as well.

Students will receive spirit sticks for attending the Cookie Dough Assembly, and for selling at least one cookie dough product.

Mark your Calendars: BIKE RODEO--October 5

Mon, 03 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Converse Bike Rodeo will be held on Oct. 5^th (Half Day-Friday).

The Bike Rodeo is a time when the students are taught about bike safety. As they ride through the Bike Rodeo course they do four courses that demonstrate control of their bikes.

Required items include: helmet, bell and reflector.

We will begin the Bike Rodeo with our Pre-K students, and work our way up the grades to grade 5. It is impossible to know when each grade will be participating, as the length of each grade level rodeo will depend on the number of participants, typically the 2nd, and 3rd have the most participants.

Students participating in the Bike Rodeo can drop off their bikes in the gym in the morning. Those not participating in the rodeo itself, will be on hand to cheer their peers on.

Teachers are encouraged to participate as well, and can bring their own bike, or borrow a bike from one of their students.

Winners will be announced on Monday morning's announcements.

Good luck to all our Bike Riding Cougars!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Parent Volunteers

Mrs. Pitts would love to have parent volunteers on October 5th. If you are interested, please see file below for form. Also, remember that to volunteer, you must be Volunteer Trained by Ms. Semper, our school counselor.

VOLUNTEER TRAINING at 5:00 on Thursday 8/23/2012

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Volunteers are an integral part of our learning community, and we want you to be involved in your student's education. Volunteer training is manditory if you plan on attending school parties, field trips, classroom activities, or helping in other ways at the school.

Tonight Ms. Semper will be providing Volunteer Training at 5:00.

Federal Accountality Letters

Sun, 19 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Click on the below links for the Federal Accountability Letters in English and Spanish.

Thank You for Giving!

Sun, 05 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

With your help, Converse Elementary will be given a gift card from Target in the amount of $175.

Target closed their deadline early, as they had received enough votes, nation-wide, to donate a total of $2.5 million.

Thank you for participating!

Spirit Sticks Coming Soon to a Student Near You

Thu, 26 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Spirit Sticks Coming Soon to a Student Near You

This year Converse Elementary will be selling and giving away Spirit Sticks by Spirit Monkey. Students will have an opportunity to earn Spirit Sticks by attending various after school activities such as Bush�s Night, Gatti�s Night, as well as Science, Math, and Reading Nights. They can also earn sticks for good attendance, good grades, good behavior, and for participating in clubs.

In addition to the sticks that your student might earn, your student can also purchase Spirit Sticks for the low price of $1.00 each. The funds from your student�s purchases will be used to purchase more Spirit Sticks for give-away.

Keep your eyes peeled on our website to see what Spirit Sticks are available to purchase.

Be sure to attend Meet the Teacher Night!!!

STAAR Results

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For update on STAAR results, please see the following link from Dr. Mackey, Superintendent of JISD.

School Supply Lists

Sun, 01 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

For your child's 2012-2013 school supply list please click on link below, then click on your child's grade level.

2012-2013 Converse Calendar

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The Converse Calendar is updated for the 2012-2013 school year! To access this calendar from JISD Homepage follow these steps:

click on "CALENDAR AND EVENTS."
When the new screen pops up, click on FILTER BY "CAMPUSES."
Click on "CONVERSE,"
then "FILTER RESULTS"

This will give you a calendar of events for Converse only.

New Student Registration

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

New Student Registration for the 2012-2013 school year is listed below:

Morning Registrations:

July 23-26 7:30-11:30 am

July 30-August 2 7:30-11:30 am

August 6-August 9 7:30-11:30 am

August 13-August 14 7:30-11:30 am

August 20-August 23 7:30-11:30. am

Evening Registrations:

August 14 5-8pm

Please remember to bring the following documents to register your student(s).

Birth Certificate (State Certified)
Social Security Card
Shot Records
Parents' Drivers Licenses
Proof of Residence (current utility bill--water or electric, OR lease agreement/owner must fill out Proof of Residence form and have it notarized if living with other family members)

Standardized Dress Code

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

MANDATORY STANDARDIZED DRESS

The mandatory standardized dress will be strictly enforced during the 2012-2013 school year. Students are expected to be in dress code on the first day of school. Highlights are below:

TOPS

**Polo-style with collar� solid or stripe

**T-shirts with college or JISD campus spirit logos

**Tucked in

BOTTOMS

**Pants, slacks, jeans, capris, skirts, skorts, dresses, walking shorts

**Must be a solid color � tan, brown, black, khaki, blue, or gray (no designs, plaid or stripes)

**Walking shorts, skirts, dresses, and skorts must be knee length or longer

**All bottoms must fit properly at the waist, and not dragging on the ground (no "slicing" or "ragging")

**Belts required with bottoms designed with belt loops

**No overalls, zip off pants, oversized clothing, or exercise wear (leggings)

HAIR

**Must be neat, clean, and well groomed

**No head covering of any kind in the building

**Symbols or designs cut into hair are not permitted

**No extreme hairstyles including "mohawks, "Faux Hawks" and/or coloring that is a distraction to educational process

SHOES

**no house slippers, flip flops or shoes with skates/wheels

**Tennis Shoes for PE

***Full Standardized Dress Regulations may be found on the JISD website.

HEB and Water?

Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Mr. Greg Wukasch (HEB) came to talk to Ms. McGarity's students about water. Some of the items discussed were... How to not waste water, what and who needs water and things that have water in it.

Dr. Ross Rewards A-B Honor Roll Students Throughout the Year

Thu, 31 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Dr. Ross, a local children's dentist, rewards A-B Honor Roll Students at Converse with a limo and lunch.

Converse Cheerleaders Rock!

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

This year was the first year that Converse Elementary had a 3rd-5th grade cheerleading team. They did really well this year and were able to perform at the Alamodome, several restaurants, and pep rallies. The coaches are Coach Martinez (Asst. P.E. Coach) and Coach Tobin (School Nurse.) Next year, they are planning on performing at one of the Spur's games.

Coach Kirby Wins $5,000.00 Grant

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Lowe's offered a nationwide grant and Coach Kirby won $5,000.00 for Converse. The money will be put towards a new playground. PTA will match funds and Sparks Parks may help too. We have a year to build this playground, so be looking for the new addition.

'Salute with Supper' Banquet

Fri, 25 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Converse had its first "Salute with Supper" Banquet. Soldiers and athletes were honored. Dinner was catered by Bill Miller's and awards were given out.

Converse Celebrates Dr. Seuss!!

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Converse celebrated Dr. Seuss week. We started the week with a balloon launch. The balloon launch was our way of kicking off Our Dr. Seuss week and Read Across America. Attached to each balloon was a class� favorite book and why they liked it. On the back of the tag was our address so that if someone finds it they are to reply back with what their favorite book is. It was a fun week!

Fabulous Family Science Night at Converse

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Family Science Night was a huge success at Converse. Many Families along with community organizations participated. It was a very fun and educational night!

Coach Terri Kirby (O'Bryant) Wins $15,000.00 Grant for School

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT

H.E.B. has selected 12 schools from across the state to receive the Excellence in Education Healthy Campus Grant - and Judson ISD's Converse Elementary School is one of them! Coach Kirby (O'Bryant) wrote the grant. Converse will receive a three-year, $15,000 grant to enhance existing health and fitness programs or to add new ones. The schools that were chosen for this grant showed a robust plan for actively promoting H.E.B.'s three pillars of health - food, body and life. Recipients were selected by a panel of fitness and nutrition experts from the Oliver Foundation, ACTIVE Life, the Texas Education Agency, the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Texas Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance.

Converse Has Been Busy This Fall

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Red Ribbon Week Door Decorating Contest

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

We have some creative people at Converse!!!

4th Grade Attends the Symphony

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The 4th Grade received grant money to attend the Symphony. All 4th graders and teachers dressed up formally. It was a wonderful event!

Bike Rodeo - Yeehaw!!!!

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The 8th Annual Bike Rodeo was very successful at Converse. The Judson Police and the Converse Police Alumni helped with the Bike Rodeo. The Bike Rodeo teaches the students bike safety in a fun way.

Our winners this year were:

Grade	Name	Gender
1^st	Jordan Gottschalk	Male
1^st	Kamari Harris	Male
2^nd	Kayden Kelly	Male
2^nd	Ariana Smith	Female
3^rd	Cody Holte	Male
3^rd	Jelani Green	Female
4^th	Ladeija Kimbrough	Female
4^th	Chase Reynolds	Male
5^th	Miguel Martinez	Male
5^th	Caleb Vidal	Male

Chase won a district award at the District Bike Rodeo.

Rampage Hockey - JISD District Day at the Nov. 5 @ 7pm

Tue, 04 Oct 2011 00:00:00 GMT

JISD District Day at the Nov. 5 @ 7pm

SA Rampage vs. Toronto Marlies Game.

What does this mean for your campus?

?Discounted tickets for parents, students & staff just direct people to our judsonisd.org homepage & clickthe JISD District Day button to order tickets.

?A chance for the school that sells the most tickets to receive one of 3 great prizes:

?1stplace -T-Bone (Rampage Mascot) appearance at your school

?2ndplace �Zamboni ride for the Principal on game night

?3rdplace �Exclusive viewing of Rampage Warm-Up

?Increase your chances of winning one of the 3 great prizes by by posting JISD District Day Nov. 5 @ 7pm -Rampage vs. Toronto Game, go to judsonisd.org on your school marquee.

?Wear your red & black at the game to show your school spirit!

$2.00 from every ticket sold benefits the Judson Education Foundation

The Kids On the Bus Go...

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

All students at Converse were taught how to evacuate a bus during emergency situations. The JISD Transportation did a wonderful job!

Judson ISD Community Sweep

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Judson ISD is doing what it can to get and keep students in school. Dozens of volunteers went door-to-door throughout the district to spread the message that attendance is crucial to education. This "community sweep" is an annual event with several goals in mind. The district-wide initiative is to hold parents and students accountable, to change the culture of schools from passive acceptance to high expectations, to empower citizens to take action against truants and to promote the importance of school attendance within the community.

Some of the Converse Elementary staff and JISD Board Members were involved in this wonderful effort.

Converse Elementary Shows NFL Spirit!!!!

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Coach O'Bryant Makes Cover for Magazine

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary School P.E. teacher, Terri O'Bryant is featured in the fall edition of Peak Life S.A. Magazine - and she even made the cover! O'Bryant is being recognized for her commitment to fighting childhood obesity through a number of creative programs that help keep students healthy and active.

http://peaklifewellness.com/yahoo_site_admin/assets/docs/PeakLife_SA_Fall2011.24671249.pdf

Coach O'Bryant Turns Helplessness into Hope

Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary School P.E. Teacher, Terri O'Bryant , is taking a personal tragedy and turning it into something positive, with an award from Kia Motors and the San Antonio Spurs. O'Bryant had an overwhelming feeling of helplessness as her father lost his battle with cancer. That experience inspired her to start a group called "Loving Hands." The program will involve families who are going through a cancer diagnosis and students at Converse ES. They'll all work together to make Christmas cards and proceeds from those cards will be donated to cancer research. O'Bryant wrote about her plans to start this group and entered the Kia Motors and San Antonio Spurs essay contest. She was selected to win $500! Congratulations!

Nutrition is Important at Converse

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jeremy Santorro, a Nutriion Intern, taught 3^rd graders at Converse Elementary about My Plate. He made a creative and interactive poster to teach the students about the food groups. He also led the students in an activity that involved running and listening. The students were very interested in his presentation.

Ms. Mungia is Very Talented!!!!

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Coach O'Bryant Invited to the White House

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Coach O'Bryant has been invited to the White House to meet Mrs. Obama. She wrote the Physical Education component on behalf of the district for the U.S. School Challenge.

Meet the Teacher Night

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Please come by the school between 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. on August 17th, and briefly meet the teacher and drop off supplies.

New Student Registration Information

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

New Student Registration will be from 7/27/11 to 8/9/11 from 8:00am until 12:00pm

There will also be new student registration on 7/27/11 & 8/3/11 from 5:30pm to 7:30pm

We are closed on Fridays.

If registering after 8/9/11, please call for an appointment 945-1210.

PRE-K STUDENTS MUST BE 4 YEARS OF AGE AS OF SEPTEMBER 1^st,2011 AND MUST QUALIFY TO ATTEND PRE-K � QUALIFICATIONS WILL BE ON CAMPUS DURING REGISTRATION

PRE-K STUDENTS WILL HAVE TO QUALIFY AND HAVE DOCUMENTATION FOR ONE OF THE REASONS LISTED BELOW:

1. Is unable to speak and comprehend the English language; or

2. Is educationally disadvantaged; or

3. Is homeless, as defined by 42 U.S.C. Section 1143a, regardless of the residence of the child, of either parent of the child, or of the child�s guardian or other person having lawful control of the child; or

4. Is the child of an active duty member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who is ordered to active duty by proper authority; or

5. Is the child of a member of the armed forces of the United States, including the state military forces or a reserve component of the armed forces, who was injured or killed while serving on active duty; or

6. Is or ever has been in the conservatorship of the Department of Family and Protective Services following an adversary hearing held as provided by Section 262.201, Family Code

KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS MUST BE

5 YEARS OF AGE AS OF SEPTEMBER 1^ST, 2011.

FOR ALL NEW STUDENT REGISTRATIONS YOU MUST HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

Birth Certificate

Shot Record

Student Social Security Card

Proof of Residence (water, electric, gas, telephone land line only)

Parent�s Driver�s License

YOU MUST HAVE ALL DOCUMENTS AT TIME OF REGISTRATION. ANY PAPERWORK MISSING, THE CHILD WILL NOT BE ENROLLED.

School Supply List for 2011-2012

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 00:00:00 GMT

http://www.judsonisd.org/district/parents/Supplies/index.cfm

Jeremiah Frias, Donnae Elkins and Coach O'Bryant Attend the City School Summit

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

In an effort to improve the health of the City of San Antonio, Mayor Jul�an Castro launched the Mayor�s Fitness Council as part of a larger effort to transform the health and fitness of the citizens of San Antonio. This effort includes improving the health and fitness of students in San Antonio schools. The Mayor�s Fitness council Student Ambassadors Program will provide students with an opportunity to participate in this effort by promoting healthy living in their schools and communities.

Jeremiah Frias and Donnae Elkins along with their Coach, Terri O'Bryant, were invited to represent all the elementary schools in San Antonio at the Healthy School Summit at Region 20. There were many of the city's prominent people at the summit. Jerimiah and Donnae sat on a panel and answered questions. After the summit, KSAT News interviewed them. Jeremiah and Donnae represented Converse Elementary and the District well.

Field Day at Converse

Mon, 23 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Field Day at Converse was a blast!!!!

Mrs. Krueger, Converse Art Teacher, Shines!!!!

Sun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Mrs. Krueger was recently featured in a magazine of the San Antonio Museum of Art called "View."

Nationwide Poster Contest

Tue, 26 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

All 5th graders in the nation were invited to create a poster that reveals their understanding of the significant purpose bicycling can play in their community. The 5th grader that will be representing Converse Elementary will be Ailiah Vargas. The runners up were Reggie Clark and Celeste Ellis. Ailiah's poster will be sent to Austin and if selected, she will be representing Texas. Everybody cross your fingers and be sure to congratulate these students.

Converse Speed Stacking Team Perform at the Alamodome

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Converse Speed Stacking Team taught kids at the Alamodome during the "Go Kids Challenge" field day event. They also performed on the center stage. Kens 5 showed a clip of the team performing on the news.

Converse 5th Grade Boys' and Girls' Basketball Teams Place 1st in District!

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Judson ISD 4th and 5th grade boys' and girls' Basketball League had over 380 students participate this year. This is the second year this league has been in existence. This League is free of charge and the only requirements are maintaining good grades, behavior, and attendance. The 5th Grade Boys' and Girls' Basketball League had their 2nd annual tournament.

The tournament was held at Judson Middle School and a big thank-you goes out to Ted Haynes (the principal) and the coaches for allowing the league to use their facilities. Also, a thank you goes out to the coaches that volunteered their time to help the kids in this developmental league. The coaches were Mr. Garcia, Mr. Spencer, and Coach O'Bryant. Mr. Pippert, a teacher at Judson Middle School, volunteered his time as head referee and students from Texas State and UTSA helped officiate throughout the season.

Converse boys' and girls' 5th grade basketball teams placed first in the district!!!

Converse Elementary in the City of Converse's Parade

Sun, 10 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The City of Converse turned 50 years old. They had a parade and Converse Elementary was in it. Faculty and students participated. Our theme was "Life is a Highway of Learning." Some of the Student Council members (in blue carrying the sign in the 2nd picture), followed by the Pedometer Walking Team with the Jump Rope Team closely behind.

WOAI Channel 4 Puts the Spotlight on Converse Students

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

San Antonio Sports challenged all the elementary schools in the San Antonio area to do the �Go Kids Challenge.� Converse Elementary took on the challenge. They had to exercise 30 minutes a day either during Physical Education Class and/or at home for a 8 weeks. Along the way, the students earned nutritional treats. WOAI Channel 4 along with Cleto Rodriquiz visited Converse to broadcast to San Antonio about the Go Kids Challenge Field Day inside the Alamodome on Sunday, April 10^th from noon until 3 p.m.. The football field in the Alamodome will be the site of this very special day for Go!Kids and their families. This is where you�ll get your finisher�s medal and Go!Kids backpack. There will be lots of fun activities planned just for you and your family! Jared from Subway, the Spurs Coyote, and other special guests and entertainment. Converse Elementary Speed Stacking will also be performing on the center stage. The Go!Kids Field Day is FREE, so bring the entire family. Parking is $5 in Lot B of the Alamodome, a special discounted Fiesta rate for Go!Kids only.The Fiesta Carnival will be going on in Lot C of the Alamodome. Come to the Field Day and then head to the carnival.

Speed Stacking Competition Results

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary had a Speed Stacking Competition. The 1st place winner was Isaiah Hicks (in the middle). The second place winner was Victoria Gonzales (on the left), and third place was Josiah Ramon (on the right). They will be performing at the Alamodome on April 10th.

River City Gymnastics Visits Converse

Sun, 03 Apr 2011 00:00:00 GMT

River City Gymnastics visited Converse students for two days during P.E. classes. Stations were set up and students were able to learn the basic skills of gymnastics. River City Gymnastics brought equipment to the school along with coaches that are safety certified by USA Gymnastics. Fun was had by all.

It Takes Heart to be a Hero!

Thu, 31 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary has many heroes. It takes heart to be a hero. Converse just completed their annual Jump Rope for Heart and Hoops for Heart. The students learned the value of community service and contributed to their community's welfare. They also developed heart-healthy habits while being physically active.

This year, Converse Elementary raised nearly $4,000.00. Our goal was $2000.00, however, we did something different this year. We ducked taped Coach O'Bryant to the wall. A student could purchase 1 foot of duck tape for $1.00. Coach O'Byant stood on a stool for 2 hours as each student that brought money taped her. At the end of 2 hours, the stool was removed. Anticipation filled the campus....Would she stick...check out the photos. Also, something really cool happened. It was not planned at all....notice the shape at the end of the taping. Remember...this event was for the American Heart Association. Doesn't it look like a heart? Students just randomly put the tape up. Wow....Unbelievable!!!!!

Also, our Hoops for Heart shooting champion of our school was 5th grade, Hunter Benson . Check out his picture. He won the American Heart Association basketball. Way to go Hunter!!!!!

TAKS Camp at Converse

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary has gotten busy the last few Saturdays. Students have been attended TAKS Camp. The Camp lasts from 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Educational games are set up in station format, and students rotate in a timely manner.

Converse Student Helped the Community During Spring Break

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Judson High School cheerleaders gave up some time during Spring Break to give back to our community. Students volunteered at Meals on Wheels, bringing smiles and food to homebound residents in the Bexar County area.

Pictured: JHS cheerleaders, Mr. and Mrs. Parker, and Converse Elementary student Kristelle Topete.

Converse Recognized during Spurs' Halftime

Mon, 21 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jeremiah Frias, a 5th grader, represented Converse's Yellow Ribbon Gang during the Spurs' Halftime last night. He paraded around the court along with the other Team Up school representatives. Please do not forget to vote for Converse at www.spurs.com/teamup.

Judson ISD 6th Annual Volleyball Tournament

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Judson ISD Elementary 6th Annual Volleyball Tournament this past week-end was very successful. Many faculty members practiced and scrimmaged for several months before the tournament at Judson Middle School. What a wonderful example of staying fit and fit these teachers showed their students.

The tournament lasted from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. The teams that placed were: 1st - Olympia, 2nd - Rolling Meadows and 3rd - Park Village.

The Converse team did pretty good. They wish they could have played more games. The team players were: Mr. Garcia, Ms. King, Mr. Spencer, Ms. Young, Ms. Mitchell, Ms. Miller, Mr. Brown, Ms. Camacho, Mr. Carlos, Ms. Ana, Ms. Dietz, Mr. Helkey, and Coach O'Bryant.

Mr. Carlos Muniz, Mr. Dale Spencer, and Coach Terri O'Bryant

Sun, 06 Mar 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Mr. Muniz was selected to represent Converse as "Distinguished Support Personnel Manual Trades." Mr. Spencer, 5th grade teacher, was selected by his peers to represent Converse as "Distinguished First Year Teacher." Coach O'Bryant was selected by her peers to represent Converse as "Distinguished Educator of the Year." Coach O'Bryant was also selected as "Judson ISD Educator of the Year." She will be representing the district in the "Trinity Prize for Excellence in Teaching."

'To Be, Or Not To Be'

Mon, 21 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Jeremiah Frias, Converse 5^th grade TAG student, was invited to perform at the University of Texas� Shakespeare at Winedale Outreach Fundraiser�s Luncheon. Jeremiah performed a soliloquy from Hamlet and received a standing ovation for his performance.

Limo Ride and Red Lobster

Sun, 20 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Dr. Ross, a local Pediatric Dentist, treated the 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to a limo ride and lunch at Red Lobster. These students received straight A's on their report cards along with having excellent conduct and no absences. Kens News was also their to record this wonderful event.

Yellow Ribbon Gang and Student Council Team Up

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Spurs Team Up Converse Yellow Ribbon Gang and the Converse Student Council visited a local soldier nursing home. They sang songs, delivered handmade valentines, and made a doorknob hanger with the soldiers. The doorknob hangers will hang on doors throughout the nursing home.

Converse First Grade Students Celebrate....

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Converse First Graders celebrated 100 days of school. The first grade did a great job and had a wonderful exhibit in the library.

Yellow Ribbon Gang Sends a Little Love

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary Spurs Team Up "Yellow Ribbon Gang" made a special Valentines Wreath for the troops overseas. This particular wreath will go to a group of soldiers in which one of our student's dad is serving with. The student is David Ellis.(2nd row and two in from the left).

Celeste Ellis is Officially a Calendar Girl

Sun, 30 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

A Converse Elementary student can honestly call herself a calendar girl. Celeste Ellis is featured in the 2011 Eye on Fitness Calendar, produced by H-E-B. The 5th grader was pictured while jumping rope at a recent health fair. Everyone agrees Celeste makes February look fun!

The New Buzz at Converse is....

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The annual Converse Elementary Spelling Bee was held January 25^th. The top three winners are pictured with the judges and the Bee coordinator. The winners are as follows: 3^rd- Brittney Crosby; 2^nd- Sage Wesley; 1^st- Autumn Johnson who will go on to the Regional competition to be held at Trinity University in March.

Converse Elementary said, �Aloha!�

Wed, 26 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary said, �Aloha!� as they traveled to Hawaii. The Ukulele Ladies and Gents of San Antonio took the students on a musical trip. The students were able to sing and dance. Fun was had by all!

Students Show Love To the Troops

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary students on the San Antonio Spurs Team Up "Yellow Ribbon Gang" are busy making Valentine wreaths for deployed troops.The decorations will hang in mess halls during Valentine�s Day season. Each wreath is large, holding 23 heart shaped letters from the students. Each heart has a small yellow ribbon and a picture of the students attached.

Converse Students Entertain Wounded Warrior Families

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

The Converse Elementary "Team Up - Yellow Ribbon Gang" went to the Fisher House at Brooke Army Medical Center over the Christmas break. The students delivered handmade crafts and letters they had written. Each package had a yellow ribbon tied around it. The students brought Christmas Carol Books and sang with the families. The books were left so the families could have sing-a-longs again. The Fisher House is a non-profit that hosts wounded soldiers and their families while the injured service members are healing from serious wounds.

Students Earn Character Awards

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Judson ISD is proud to announce five 5th grade students at Converse Elementary have received the Tim Duncan Character Award. Each of the students have learned and demonstrated core character traits at school. After being nominated by their P.E./Health teacher(Coach O'Bryant), Tim Duncan�s Character Award winners were chosen by a selection committee comprised of representatives from the Tim Duncan Foundation, the Spurs Foundation and the San Antonio Spurs. Each student received tickets to a Spurs game, a t-shirt, and a certificate. Picture: L-R: Arthur Almanza, Brianna Cuellar, Marilyn Guiterrez, Justin Rodriguez, and Deja Goode.

Spurs Help Converse Students Make Gifts for Military

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT

Spurs Forward Richard Jefferson and Point Guard Gary Neal of the San Antonio Spurs spent some time at Converse Elementary Monday afternoon. The NBA players helped students in the "Yellow Ribbon Gang" make holiday gifts. The "gang" is made up of 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders who participate in the after school program, Cougar Club. The handmade items are going to Fisher House and the Warrior Transition Unit at Brooke Army Medical Center. The items are also going to a squadron in Iraq. San Antonio Spurs gave the school $2,500 to carry out this year�s effort. The school, along with Judson ISD's Crestview Elementary, is also in the running for a $20,000 grant from the Spurs that aims to improve education, environment, health & wellness, arts & culture, or uniformed services.

Converse is Going to be in the Guinness World Record Book

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary helped break the Guinness World Record in Speed Stacking. During the course of a selected day, each speed stacker will be up stacking and down stacking various pyramids in prescribed patterns at lightning speed for at least 30 minutes, combined with a variety of fitness activities. Over 300,000 participated from around the world.

Speed stacking is in more than 32,000 schools. It's benefits include improved reaction time, hand-eye coordination, and concentration and focus.

Converse Elementary Celebrates Big Accomplishments

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The President�s Challenge Program named Converse Elementary a �State Champion School.�Only four schools in Texas received the honor. Champion schools are those with the highest percentage of students qualifying for the Presidential Physical Fitness Award�by earning scores in the 85th percentile or higher on the physical fitness test. Because of its history of producing healthy children, Converse Elementary is one of six schools in the nation with the designation of �Active Lifestyle Model School.�

The school held a pep rally Friday afternoon to celebrate. Guests at the pep rally included WNBA All-Star Marie Ferdinand Harris, T-Bone (S.A. Rampage Mascot), Converse Mayor Al Suarez, Judson High cheerleaders, drum line, and mascots.

The event also served to encourage the 76 Converse Elementary students running in this weekend�s ING Kid�s Rock Run, that�s held in conjunction with the San Antonio Rock and Roll Marathon.In addition to the state and national recognition, Converse Elementary was recently selected to have a student representative on the San Antonio Mayor�s Fitness Council.

Interim Principal Chris Helkey grabbed the most attention at Friday's rally for a smooch with a miniature horse. A dance-off between Rocket Man and T-Bone also got children stirred up with excitement.

Mr. Helkey and Coach Terri O'Bryant also received the "Expanding Horizons" award from the City of Converse. It was presented by Mayor Al Suarez for the fitness and wellness programs offered at Converse Elementary and the positive results the programs have on the students.

Coach O'Bryant and Mr. Helkey Recognized By Mayor of Converse

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Meets Eli Whitney

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Mrs. Emilee Trlica from the Texas Farmers Bureau visited Converse Elementary School. She introduced the students to Eli Whitney . Eli Whitney was known for inventing the cotton gin. Mrs. Trlica even demonstrated how a cotton gin works by using a replica of one.

Coach O'Bryant Rock the Students at Converse

Sun, 28 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Coach O'Bryant took over 85 students to the 2nd Annual Kids Rock Marathon at the San Antonio Zoo. The students received scholarships to attend, and the bus transportation was provided also. Every student completed the marathon. Everybody had so much fun and many families went to the zoo afterwards. The students got in free.

Red Ribbon Week

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary had an incredible "Red Ribbon Week." They had a theme for every day including "Let's put a cap on drugs." The whole school wore different kinds of caps/hats (as shown in the picture)

Also, a special visitor spent time at Converse Elementary. John O'Bryant did a presentation called, "Say 'No' Magic Show." It was a show enjoyed by all. "The Say "NO" Magic Show" attacked MULTIPLE issues surrounding BOTH alcohol and drugs while capturing the students attention using visual magic, storytelling, music, audience participation, and much more!

Bike Rodeo - Yeehaw!!!!

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Converse had their Bike Rodeo. The Boy Scouts of America came to our school the night before the rodeo and helped repair bikes. This was a free repair shop. The Boy Scouts have been doing this event for 3 years now. Every year, an Eagle Scout emerges.

The Judson Police Dept., the Converse Police Alumni , and the Converse Elementary Student Council Members helped organize this event. This was a great way to promote bike safety!

What Does Kaci Lovell and Coach O'Bryant Have in Common?

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

In May the Mayor of San Antonio, Mayor Julian Castro, contacted Terri O'Bryant. Terri O'Bryant is a P.E./Health Teacher at Converse Elementary School. He asked her to belong to his Mayor Fitness Council. Only 26 individuals throughout Bexar County were asked to belong to this committee.

Terri currently represents the State of Texas as "Elementary P.E. Teacher of the Year." Terri was interviewed by a small group (on behalf of the Mayor) and was found to be a beneficial asset to the committee. She is the only P.E./Health Teacher on the committee. The mission of the Mayor's Fitness Council is to transform San Antonio and surrounding cities into healthier and more active communities in which citizens, businesses, community groups, and other organizations achieve targeted health and fitness goals through the following initiatives: Media and Community Outreach, Physical Fitness and Active Transportation, Healthy Schools, Nutrition and Fresh Food, and Corporate Wellness.

Kaci Lovell, a 5th grader, at Converse recently was selected to be a Mayor's Fitness Council Student Ambassador. This program will allow students the opportunity to represent their school by promoting and encouraging healthy living at their campus and in their communities, and to inform fellow students about activities of the Mayor's

Fitness Council.

Kaci submitted a poster depicting a healthy activity or healthy habits. Her poster stood out and she was chosen by a select committee to be an Ambassador.

Recently, Coach Terri O'Bryant and Kaci Lovell attended a Mayor Fitness Council Kick-off event and they took pictures with Mayor Castro and Sean Elliott (former Spurs player and current commentator for the Spurs.)

'Stop, Drop, and Roll'

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

The Converse Fire Department visited Converse Elementary School. The department educated all the students on Fire Safety. The students learned about what to do during a fire, what a fire engine contains, and how a fireman or woman puts on their gear before a fire. They were also educated on how often a fire alarm in the house should be changed, and they were asked to go home and initiate a family fire exit plan (if one was not already planned).

Child Nutrition Important at Converse

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Sharon Glosson, Head of the Judson's Child Nutrition Dept., knows the importance of educating our youth on the benefits of eating right. She always has interns come to Converse Elementary and teach the students. So far this year, the students have been taught about the "Importance of Breakfast" and "The True Facts of Energy Drinks". Both lessons were followed up with an educational physical activity. What a wonderful program!!!!

Coach O'Bryant Takes Converse Students and Their Families to Health Fair

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

�Healthy Lifestyle Event�

ACTIVE Life, H-E-B, Kraft Foods, and Colgate-Palmolive invited Converse Elementary Students and their families, to the Healthy Lifestyle Event. The event represented an opportunity for youth, families, and community organizations to join together in celebration of the ACTIVE lifestyle. The Event consisted of three main zones, Move, Fuel and Honor. The Move (physical activity), Fuel (nutrition) and Honor (health and environment) Zones include numerous interactive stations, games and booths that provide physical activity, meaningful health education and most importantly, fun!

The event extended and enhanced the coordinated school health efforts our school puts forth, particularly regarding physical education, nutrition, family/community involvement, health education, health services and staff wellness. We had several students win contests. Keshawn Jones was recognized for his shooting skills. Converse won 2nd (Rebekah Jowers) and 3rd (Brianna Schultz) in the Jump Rope Contest for kids. Coach O'Bryant won 2nd in the Jump Rope Contest for adults. Xavier Smith won an Outdoor kit with 5 games for answering an estimation health question correctly.

Professional photographers were in attendance to capture photos of the students and their families. The best of those photographs will be featured in the 2011 San Antonio Health & Wellness Calendar.

Former Dallas Cowboy Visits Converse Elementary

Thu, 23 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Former Dallas Cowboy Visits Converse Elementary

Former Dallas Cowboys player Wane McGarity recently visited students at Converse Elementary. McGarity spoke about the importance of goal setting. On September 17th, Converse Elementary entered a contest to win $10,000 and a visit from an NFL player. All students and staff had to do was show NFL spirit while stressing the importance of health and wellness on campus. Only 34 schools nationwide will be selected. The winners will be announced in November. Many students and faculty members wore football outfits or cheerleading outfits showing off their favorite NFL teams. The cafeteria had a surprise menu. P.E. had games and prizes centered on football and cheer-leading. Music and Art were also included. There were prizes given away to the most creative dressed football fan, and to students who had a great cheer-leading routine or touchdown dance. The class with the most spirit was also recognized.

Converse Elementary Calendar for September 2011

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Please see attached.

"Life is a Highway of Learning"

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

Converse Elementary's theme for the school year 2010-2011 is �Life is a Highway of Learning�

�driving� to success
�road� to opportunities
Eliminating �road blocks�
�steering� toward the future
�gearing� up for a great year

8 Keys of Excellence

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 00:00:00 GMT

This school year , everybody is using the 8 keys of Excellence.

INTEGRITY
Match behaviors with values
Conduct yourself in the state of authenticity, sincerity and wholeness that results when your values and behavior are aligned.

FAILURE LEADS TO SUCCESS
Learn from mistakes
Embrace the concept that failures provide you with the information you need to learn and grow so that you can succeed.

SPEAK WITH GOOD PURPOSE
Speak honestly and kindly
Speak in a positive sense with good intent, being responsible for honest and direct communication.

THIS IS IT!
Make the most of every moment
Focus your attention on the present moment, knowing that how much attention you pay to now determines the quality of your tomorrow.

COMMITMENT
Do whatever it takes
Follow your vision without wavering. Keep your promises to yourself and to others.

OWNERSHIP
Take responsibility for actions
Be accountable and responsible for what you feel, say and do. Be someone who can be counted on, someone who responds.

FLEXIBILITY
Be willing to do things differently
Recognize what�s not working and be willing to change what you�re doing to achieve your desired outcome.

BALANCE
Keep a healthy mind, body and spirit
Make positive choices. Experience a sense of well-being and fulfillment by focusing on your highest priorities.

Parade of Books

Sat, 28 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We had a parade at Converse! Faculty/staff and students dressed up as their favorite book character.

Jazmyne Martell Takes 3rd Place

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

When Ms. Krueger asked for students to enter the Fire Prevention Poster Contest, Jazmyne Martell jumped on the opportunity. Over 60 schools participated. Jazmyne came in 3rd place in the 4th grade division. She won a Silver Stars' t-shirt, an autographed Silver Stars' basketball, a Silver Stars flag, a trophy and many more prizes.

Converse - Through the Eyes of Our Students

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The students were challenged by Ms. Kruegar to draw our new school. Some of the pictures are on display throughout the school and also at the JISD administration building. A 1st place winner was selected from each grade level.

Coach O'Bryant - Texas Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year

Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Coach O'Bryant received recognition for her contributions and leadership in the field of physical education. She was selected to represent Texas as "Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year." She will be competing for the Southern Division and then move on to National.

Photo: The Judson ISD Board recognized her at the Oct. Meeting.

Recycle Today for a Better Tomorrow

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

We have a new paper recycle bin located in the back of the school. Please help recycle. We will take the money we earn from the recycle program and purchase a new awning for the amphitheater.

What Goes in the Paper Retriever� Bin

Yes, Please��

Newspaper and Inserts � New newsprint can be made from 100% recycled paper. No virgin fiber has to be

added when using this type of process.

Magazines/catalogs � Our Retriever program is happy to take magazines and catalogs, all slick paper. We

can use all this high quality/high fiber paper with the exception of any paper coated in wax.

Office/School papers � These types of paper are highly recyclable. Because of the proliferation of paper

created by offices and schools, please use the Retriever bin to recycle all that you can. We are able to accept

window envelopes, paperback books, workbooks and staples without a problem. Shredded paper is acceptable

but please bag the shreds before putting them in the Retriever bin. However, please do not recycle colored

paper, wrapping or tissue paper, carbon paper or sticky notes.

Mail � Most direct mail is printed on high quality recyclable paper. Please recycle the mail that you feel

comfortable putting in our recycling bin.

No, Thanks�..

No Cardboard � We do not accept cardboard in any of our Retriever bins. We supply our mills with the

recycled fiber we collect through the Retriever program to create new newsprint. Cardboard should not be

used in making newsprint due to the excessive bleaching required.

However, cardboard is a valuable recycling commodity and should be recycled. Please research cardboard

recycling options in your area.

No food boxes, fiberboard or chipboard. Cereal boxes, soda boxes and other paper food containers should

be recycled with your cardboard. Please do not put these in the Retriever bin.

No textbooks or hard cover books. We do not have the equipment to modify these types of recyclables in

the Retriever system. Please research other options for recycling these items.

No Phone Books � We do not accept phone books in our Retriever bins. We supply our mills with the

recycled fiber we collect through the Retriever program to create new newsprint. Phone Books cannot be used

in making newsprint. The fibers in the pages of the phone book are in their smallest form and do not

contribute to the fiber needed for newsprint. Also, it is very hard to remove the ink from a phone book page.

However, phone books are a valuable recycling commodity and should be recycled in the proper capacity.

Please research phone book recycling options in your area.

A New Beginning at Converse

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The sweet music and the voices of children rang out at the dedication ceremony for the new Converse Elementary School. Mrs. Tilton worked hard with the students, and a new Converse school song emerged. Here it is...

Verse 1

We're Converse Cougars and we stand up for our school,

In red and white our spirit and pride forever rule!

We come together to learn each day,

And help each other along the way,

We're the Converse Cougars, it's the school for me and you!

Verse 2

We're the Cougars and we like our brand new school,

It is an outstanding place, we think that it's so cool!

Respect and teamwork go hand in hand,

We do our best job, that is what we demand,

We're the Converse Cougars this is the school for me and you!

Yeah!!

The school song was composed this year as a joint music class project with our fourth and fifth grade students. The tune was selected from a list of songs. The words were written by several students and then merged together to create the song. The students performing were the co-composers and student representatives selected from each fourth and fifth grade class.

Performers were - Richard Spencer*, Victoria Gonzales, Emily Riojas*, Christopher Mills, Ryan Clark, Donnae Elkins, Garid Rice, Joshua Rodriguez, Nyomie Hinojosa, Justin Ezcaman, Alena Longoria-Miranda, Sydney Pearson*, Nyasha Shannon-Hatchett*, Erica Williams, Marjorie Love-Krooms, Mariah Harris*, Alicia Simon*, Kennedy Torres, Irvin Torres * - Co-composer of Words

Converse Is Sitting Safe!

Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The University Health Care System and Safe Kids Foundation teamed up together to provide booster seats at Converse Elementary. The new law in Texas states:

That children between 40 and 90 lbs or 8 years of age and under must be in a booster seat. All of the people in the vehicle, front and back seat, must have a seat belt on at all times.

Costco Has Our Back...Pack!

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

Costco was very generous this year and donated backpacks to the students at the beginning of the school year. Each backpack had school supplies inside them.

Thanks Costco!

Hispanic Heritage Month - 3rd Grade Performs

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 GMT

The Third Grade perfomed an outstanding Hispanic Heritage program under the direction of Ms. Tilton. There was a special guest, Alyssa Bailey, granddaughter of Melita Wise (Our librarian). She performed dances from the state of Jalisco, Mexico - land of the mariachis. Dances were Las Alazansas and El Son de la Negra . Alyssa studies with the "Ballet Folklorico Festival" Dance Group.