White Oak ISD’s presence was felt in a big way the week of February 6 – February 11, 2011 at the Texas Computer Education Association’s (TCEA) annual convention in Austin, Texas. White Oak was well represented by the fifteen employees who descended on Austin during the week. Employees of White Oak ISD presented ten separate workshops, served on two panels, participated in one focus group, and made connections with countless school districts across the state. Most importantly, three of White Oak’s own were honored during two separate events. Michael Gilbert was honored as one of the top three Superintendents of the state while Michael Gras was named the TCEA Technology Administrator of the Year. Mr. Gilbert received a plaque and check for $500, while Mr. Gras received a plaque and check for $1,000. Both educators have committed their award money to building a fish pond at the nature center. Scott Floyd received the Making IT Happen Pink Jacket award at a luncheon on Wednesday.  Making IT Happen is an internationally recognized awards program for educators and leaders in the field of educational technology integration in K–12 schools. The program identifies and rewards educational technology leaders around the world for their commitment and innovation.  This is just one more example that demonstrates there is no better place to be an educator or student than White Oak ISD!

White Oak's own cheering section!

Happy Valentine’s Day to all of the students and teachers at White Oak Elementary. Primary students will have their Valentine’s parties Monday afternoon with parents invited, but Intermediate students will be involved in teacher-planned Valentine’s Day activities all throughout the day without parents.  We want this to be a special day for our Roughnecks. We love them all!

Snow Day today and our schools are closed due to the bad road conditions. So what will you do today?  Let me recommend that you go to Highlight’s Magazine link here and play a game of Hidden Picture “Snowy Feast”.  When you finish, you might want to create your own online snowflake at Popular Front Snowdays.  Enter your FIRST NAME ONLY – Remember Digital Safety always! On the line that asks, “Where are you from?” just enter “White Oak”.  I will be looking throughout the day to see if I can find your snowflake.  See if you can find mine, “Mrs. Cranford.”

We will be making up this weather day on Monday, February 21st.  It will be very important that you be there. Enjoy your day!