Converse Elementary News

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

Converse has been busy this Fall! We had our annual character parade in which everybody on campus could dress up as their favorite character in a book and be in a parade. We also had our first Hallo-Read in which a small segment of the day was designated to read to the students. Some teachers even dressed up for the occassion. We also had our annual the Fall Festival Check out the pictures.

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

Converse Elementary hosted its second annual NFL Day. The purpose of NFL Day is to build school community and spirit as well as a chance to win a $10,000.00 NFL Pay 60 health and wellness grant for the school. Play 60 is a program sponsored by the NFL to encourage kids (and adults) to play or be active for at least 60 minutes every day.

Most of the school participated by showing their NFL team spirit by wearing their favorite NFL team colors, t-shirts and jerseys. The school was decorated even the cafeteria had a football menu. We had contests throughout the day (Classroom that was decorated the best, the most creative fan, the best cheer, the best football touchdown dance, etc....) . It was so much fun!!!

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

Ms. Mungia, a third grade teacher, is very talented. Mr. Pena Jr. and Ms. Mungia demonstrated "Body Combat" at the Siclovia blast-off event. It is similar to kickboxing and martial arts.

S�clov�a is a free event that turns major streets in the city of San Antonio to a safe place for people to exercise and play.

The streets become temporarily car-free on Sundays for families to run, ride bikes, take exercise classes and enjoy their city streets. The modern day Ciclov�a originated in Bogot�, Columbia 30 years ago. Bogot� began their program with 8 miles of open streets. Ciclov�a was so popular, today, they open over 70 miles of car-free streets to their citizens and connect city parks to provide green spaces for Reclov�as.

S�clov�a will take place on Sunday October 2nd, 2011, where the City and the YMCA will make 4 miles of San Antonio streets temporarily car-free. S�clov�a will be a four-hour event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the event, the streets will belong to pedestrians, bicyclist and recreationalists.

S�clov�a is a great opportunity for families to come out and enjoy biking, running and playing in the car-free streets. In addition to open streets, we will be connecting city parks and local businesses along the route to host Reclovia areas. Within the Reclovia areas there will be free exercise classes, live music, bike repair tents and more.

Be sure to check out Ms. Mungia and Mr. Pena Jr. at the event.

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.