On  two weekends in April (Sat. April 13^th & Sat. April 20^th ), Reliant Park held concerts outside in the yellow parking lot which is directly across S. Main Street from our neighborhood.  After hearing complaints from many of you, the Knollwood Village Civic Club board was able to arrange a meeting with personnel from the Harris County Sports & Convention Corporation (HCSCC), the management company for Reliant Park (SMG) along with representatives from the Houston City Council At-Large Position #1 (Sallie Alcorn) and our Council District K (Donald Perkins and Barbara Hite) as well as HPD Sgt. Tim Sutton and the president of the Braeswood Super Neighborhood (BSN), John Nienhuser, on Friday, April 26^th.  Representing the Knollwood Village Civic Club were Scott Rose and Cheryl O’Brien. Our purpose was to inform them how much of a disruption these two events caused the surrounding neighborhoods and to collaborate on some possible solutions.

From these discussions, we learned that HCSCC puts on events such as these to help cover annual operational expenses on the Reliant Park campus.  Without these events, the burden would fall on us as tax payers so it’s crucial for them to be able to cater to many types of events.  Additionally, it was explained the yellow lot is unique to the rest of the lots in Reliant Park as it is surfaced with grasscrete and not concrete. This allows grass to grow and still allow for vehicles to be parked on the lot. This helps the Yellow Lot to have a more park-like setting than the other parking lots so it’s an attractive location for event planners.  Taking those factors into consideration, HCSCC and SMG are not yet willing to prohibit the use of the yellow lot for outdoor music related events.

However, they did concede on what we think are three crucial areas:

1)     To ensure all speakers would face away from our neighborhoods (more to the south/southeast)

2)     Implementation of a 9pm curfew of music for all outdoor events that occur on the west side of Kirby

3)     Carefully orient any stage productions in the yellow lot to minimize sound projection into the adjacent neighborhoods.

These are important modifications as it was explained to us that during the 4/13 concert, the speakers were pointed N/NW which directed the sound into our neighborhood and the event went until midnight.  For the 4/20 concert, the concert ended at 11:30pm and the speakers were appropriately directed to the east, but the concert was held next to the pond on the lot, right across S. Main and Broadmead and therefore was closer and louder.  HCSCC said that as a result of the curfew, larger music events would not be interested in using the yellow lot. They admitted that this decision could result in lost business but these are concessions they are willing to implement as it’s important for them to be good neighbors.  Both HCSCC and SMG management also offered us an open line of communication should these concessions not improve the noise issues.

As it relates to future events, unhappy residents should either “Like” them on Facebook by searching for “Reliant Park” and provide comments or call Reliant’s Switchboard at 832-667-1400 when they are bothered by noise during events.  If you feel inclined to post comments or call during future events, please let your board know with an email to contact@knollwoodvillagecc.org so we can hear your concerns and use our direct connections to our advantage.

The civic club board along with the BSN will continue to monitor the situation.

A couple of years ago I sent out an email to the Families of South Braeswood group asking for input about our local elementary school, Longfellow Elementary.   I received many responses from neighbors. My daughter has now almost finished her kindergarten year there and many people have asked about our year so I thought I would share this with everyone.

Q: What has your experience been like so far? What did you think of the level of academics?

Our experience so far has been very positive and rewarding. We have been very pleased with the level of academics offered and impressed with the level of concepts that she has learned. Most importantly, her school experience has encouraged her love of learning in general.

Q: How well was she prepared for any standardized tests?

This year my daughter took the Stanford and the Naglieri tests. We were very pleased with her results.

Q: What is the feel of the school/the classroom?

I have had the opportunity to volunteer in my daughter’s classroom for an hour each week allowing me to see firsthand what goes on in the classroom and the school.  The staff is very pleasant and welcoming. In the classroom, I experienced an enriching learning environment, a challenging curriculum, and positive peer interactions. Her classroom has a great mix of cultures and my husband and I remarked that it feels like the United Nations.

Q: What are the other parents like?

I have had the opportunity to serve on the PTA board and have enjoyed working with other involved and dedicated parents. The school is blessed to have a beautiful facility and many resources to offer the students. I have gotten to know both parents living inside and outside our community and have formed new friendships.

Q: What is the magnet program like?

The magnet program offers music, orchestra, band, dance and art.  Students also participate in computer and library, and physical education. The teachers are exceptional and the children perform all over the city and win many awards. I look forward to my daughter getting to pick an area of interest to further develop as she reaches the older grades.

Q: What does the school offer besides academics?

In addition to the excellent magnet program, the school also offers a character development program called The Leader in Me (based off of Seven Habits of Highly Successful People). I have read some interesting articles lately about how many children are taught to perform but not to think outside the box, overcome obstacles, and develop a good character. I feel that this program helps make our daughter a well-rounded person and prepares her to succeed in the real world. There is also a an outdoor teacher who works with the students in small groups to do hands on work planting and gardening and to learn about plants, wildlife, and natural habitats.

Q: Has it made a difference living close to the school?

Most days we walk to school and we enjoy seeing other neighborhood parents on our daily walks. My daughter’s younger siblings also enjoy tagging along for walks to school and it is a fun family time. I have formed a tight network of other neighborhood parents that can help with the occasional pick up or drop off.  We have been able to participate in impromptu neighborhood playdates with friends from school. The proximity of the school has also allowed me to be involved in a way that I wouldn’t be able to be if we attended a school further away. I am able to drop in for a quick lunch with my daughter on occasion and attending school activities at night is very convenient.

Q: How did you make the decision to choose Longfellow?

The most important thing I did I before my daughter started school was to visit Longfellow frequently. We made sure to do a school tour, sit and observe a classroom, attend some school events both with and without my daughter, talk to other parents, and do a lot of hands on research. We also visited many other area elementary schools to have a comparison. Many times statistics and numbers don’t tell the whole story.

When my husband and I moved here over 5 years ago we saw such potential for community in this area. New families with young children have been moving in since we got here. Picking the right school for your child and choosing between private and public options is a very personal choice. I know not everyone will choose their local school, but it would be great if more neighborhood families took advantage of the opportunity. The magnet process is great in that it allows families many different options, but it is also super competitive and stress inducing as many of you know. We have the opportunity to invest in our neighborhood school, build relationships in our community and make our great neighborhood even better.

A school is at the heart of a community and a strong school makes a strong community. I would encourage you to put as much effort into researching your local school as you do other magnet school options. We currently have a great group of neighborhood parents attending who would love to talk to you and answer any questions you may have.

As apprehensive as we felt before starting school, we were pleasantly surprised at what a smooth transition and great experience it has been so far. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or if you want to discuss this further. I would also be happy to take you on a tour and show you around in person.

For further information please contact: familiesofsouthbraeswood@gmail.com

This list is a compilation of parent opinions/reviews of their mother’s day out programs/preschools in the area. The information below is not official information from the schools. If you would like to add information please do so in the comments section.

A Children’s Village at West University Baptist

Hours 9am-2pm; Summer 9am-3pm

Very loving teachers, nurturing environment, great activities that my child loved

Hours 9-2

What we liked- structured with experienced teachers.  You may pick how many days you would like your child to attend, even at age 4. Reasonably priced.

I like the program and curriculum and the fact you can pick the days you want

My kids attended West University Baptist Church’s “A Children’s Village”.  It is the preschool attached to WUBC in West University.

It is a top-notch program! The teachers and curriculum are excellent… professional, deliberate, purposeful.  It is a very Bible-centric preschool, and it provides a solid academic foundation for Kindergarten.

You can choose any day of the week, from 1 to 5 days-per-week.

Registration is February for the following fall

I have had two children attend West U Baptist and they have both done well. I like the flexibility of picking your preferred days. Most of the teachers have been there a long time and have lots of experience. They genuinely love the children and want to see them thrive. There is a good mix of structured activities and play. Some days there is music and Spanish instruction. Good preparation for kindergarten.

http://www.wubc.org/ministries/kidstuff/acv/

Becker Early Childhood Center

My daughter has attended Becker Early Childhood Center (at Congregation Emanu-El, 1500 Sunset, at Rice Blvd) for the past four years. They offer M-F, M/W/F, and T/Th options. The normal day is 9-12:30 but there is early drop off and stay & play, so you could have 8-5 if you needed full time care. We are not Jewish, but I have never found that to be a problem. Most years, half of the students in her class were not, or came from a mixed religious family. I have been very happy with Becker; it is not Montessori, but has a similar type of approach to learning and behavior. The only drawback is the cost – you will find it is significantly more expensive than other programs. But I honestly believe Becker does the best job in bringing out the best in every child.

http://www.beckerschool.org

Bethany Methodist Weekday School

My four-year-old son has gone to Bethany Methodist Weekday School since he was 3 months old. We love it. He learned sign language as a baby and is learning Spanish in preschool. I began working there and am going on my second year. I teach an older infant class and being on both ends of the spectrum I can tell you that the teacher really care about the school and the families they serve. I am proud to be an employee and a mom at Bethany.

Hours 7am-6pm, 9am-6pm, and part time 9-2:30

Our daughter (20 months) has been at Bethany Methodist since she was 3.5 months old.  The program there is full time, as in 5 days a week.  They do offer several partial day programs, but all are 5 days.  We applied mostly for the location.  Having worked at St. Luke’s Methodist all through college I am familiar with their program and have many friends whose children attend there.  I have to say I could not see us being anywhere but at Bethany.  I absolutely LOVE this school.  The teachers are so nurturing.  Anyone who has left their infant with strangers knows the anxiety.  These women were as good to me as they were to my daughter.  I would HIGHLY recommend Bethany to anyone.  Now that we are in the toddler class, these teachers keep the children engaged and busy with age appropriate activities that foster learning.  This is NOT childcare, this is school!  The administration is also very accommodating.  I’m happy to speak with anyone about Bethany if you would like more details.

http://www.bethanydayschool.com

Blossom Heights Preschool 

Our daughter started at Blossom Heights last September when she turned 18 months, and we LOVE it!  Most importantly, my daughter loves going there and being there.  When my husband picks her up in the afternoons, they often stay and play because she is having too much fun to leave!

Linda Draper was the director at the very highly recommended Poe Cooperative in the Heights before turning her dream of opening a preschool into a reality two years ago.  She has created an amazing outdoor play based environment for children to learn and grow.

PROS:

* Amazing, loving, and responsive staff with experience

* Out-door play based – school is surrounded by play areas, fruit and vegetable gardens, and nature – there are fish, a bunny, and they grow butterflies

* Full and part-time options – 2, 3, or 5 days (core hours are 9-2, but extended care is available from 7:15-5:30)

* Open year round except August (we found if very challenging to find year round full time programs in the area)

* Director has run NAEYC accredited programs in the past and is the process of completing NAEYC accreditation for BH

* True pre-school environment, not a day care

CONS

*Location – 8702 Lipan Rd – just west of the Galleria and north of the Westpark tollway.  BUT, it only takes me 15 minutes each way to drop her off in the morning.  We felt the quality of the program was worth a few extra minutes in the car.

http://blossomheights.com

Faith Lutheran MDO

Tues and Thurs 9AM – 2PM

Very small classes, caring teachers, weekly chapel service

http://faithbellaire.org/learning/mothers-day-out/

First Christian School

(Rice & Sunset)

Hours- 7-6 pm all day & 2,3,4 days available

Caring staff, great curriculum, great directors, low to minimal turnover, Christian environment

http://www.fcchou.org/school.html 

First Presbyterian Church—Kid’s Day Out

9 – 2:30 can add an hour before and after–2 or 3 days a week

Very loving teacher

My daughter has fun and stays happy

Pros

*Loving staff who really care about kids and families

*Flexible schedule (M, W, or F 9:30-2:30 = regular hours, pay extra for early drop at 8 a.m. and late pick up until 3:45)

*Infant programs you can choose one day, others you have to choose 2 or more (great for first time moms who need a little break

Cons

*Wouldn’t work for full-time needs

*Currently they only offer 3 days; they’re looking at offering 4 but 5 days will not be an option

*This year they started a 4 year old program, but I’m not sure if it will continue next year; could mean that you have a gap year between preschool and kindergarten

http://fpchouston.org/children_sub.php?id=43

Footsteps at West University United Church of Christ

Located on Bisonnett St –A Mother’s Day Out Program.

Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays, 9:30-2:30

My daughter started there when she was just under 2 years old.  I wanted somewhere that was safe.  There is only one way in and out, the director’s office is right off the main hallway so she can potentially see everyone that comes in and out, there is usually another staff member there to greet children as they come in, and the playground is fenced in and connected to the building.  It is a small program.  Therefore ALL the teachers know my daughter, not just HER teachers.  The classes have been small but they keep the ratio at 1 teacher to 5 children although my daughter is currently in a class with 6 kids and 2 teachers.  I feel that my daughter learns a lot…. days of the week, numbers, bible stories, songs, art, etc.  The teachers have been wonderful.  My daughter has loved it since the first day.  The director and staff have been wonderful, kind, people that love and understand children (and new Moms).

http://www.westuchurch.com/footsteps

Kinderspiel

Hours 9-1:30 MF

What we liked- German/English immersion program, 2,3, or 5 days a week for children 2-4.  Lots of play time and songs.

What we didn’t like- Very little academics. More play focused.  No opportunity to volunteer or see what the children are doing.  Very few to no children whose families do not speak German at home.

Overall- would only recommend to families from Germany or moving to Germany.  Supplement learning numbers, letters and phonetics at home.

http://glchouston.com

Palmer Preschool

6221 Main Street

Core hours: 9:30-2:30, optional early and/or late hours 7:30-9:30, 2:30-5:30, 5 days a week, no 2 or 3 day program.

Constructivist curriculum; highly trained and experienced staff, intergenerational program on church campus.

We have been at Palmer Preschool in the medical center since my children were babies (now 4 and 5.)  Their core hours are 9:30-2:30.  They offer morning care starting at 7:30 and after-care until 5:30.  The teachers are great, vary caring.  It is very much a family atmosphere there.

http://www.palmerpreschool.org

School for Little Children–Bellaire United Methodist Church

We go to The School for Little Children, at Bellaire United Methodist Church on the corner of Newcastle and Bellaire.  They have MDO starting at 15 mos old. They are two day Classes; You can either do Mon-Tuesday or wed-thurs and its 9-12 one day, 9-2 the next day, they nap / rest on the longer day.

My older son did all of his preschool here, MDO through prek and he’s now in kinder at west u elementary…my younger son is now in MDO there….so I’m in my 5th year there and love it.  Even in the MDO classes they are learning through play, everything they do has a purpose, but its all fun, very low key and play based.

They start doing tours this month, and I think they have applications for 2013-2014 in February, they’re usually due the first week of march if I remember correctly, but check their website for official dates!

http://bellaireumc.org/preschool/school-for-little-children/

St. Andrew’s Children’s Place

Day school:  9-2:00 (M-W-F, T-TH, M-F); Extended day:  7:00-6:00 (M-F)

NYAEC accreditation, family oriented, Christian, reasonable price, personal relationships with teachers and director, willing to try new and different methods to support your child’s learning

http://www.standrewschildrensplace.org

St. Luke’s Day School

We go to St. Luke’s Day School at Westheimer & Edloe. I like it because the teachers are wonderful and they have a lot of fun programs for the children and educational events for the parents. Depending on the age of the child, they have any number of days available from just one day a week to all five days for the older children. They go from 9am-2:30pm (except Mondays are from 9am-12pm).  I believe it starts at 6 months and goes to 5 years old. You do have to apply very early in the year in February for a late August start date. The link to the website is: http://www.stlukesdayschool.org/

My daughter is at St. Luke’s Day School at St. Luke’s Methodist Church in the 3 year old class. Out older daughter also attended Mothers Day Out/ school there. The environment is very warm and nurturing and it is a play-based program.  A full-day schedule is offered but the normal hours are Mondays 9-12 and Tuesday-Friday 9-2:30. There are 2, 3, and 5-day options.

The classes are small and the teachers are fabulous.

http://www.stlukesdayschool.org

St. Mark’s Episcopal School

Our daughter attends St. Mark’s Episcopal School on Bellaire. She is in the five day Preschool 2′s program (which is offered starting at age 2), although they offer a two-day (T/Th) program for 2 year olds and a 3-day program (M/W/F) for 3 year olds. The hours are 8-12:30, with the option of extending the day until 2:30. Beginning in PK, the hours can be extended until 6:00. We LOVE our daughter’s teachers, and we appreciate that they really focus on character development, along with age-appropriate learning.

Prior to her starting St. Mark’s our daughter attended Bethany Methodist Weekday School on Linkwood, which we were also happy with. They offered extended hours of 7-6, and I believe they started at 6 weeks old, through PK.

I also teach at St. Mark’s, so I might be a little biased.

http://www.stmes.org

St Nicholas School

Corner of Greenbrier and Main Street in medical center.

Open Monday-Friday from 6am to 6 pm.  Flexible schedule am only 8am-11am, 8am till 2pm, 7am till 2pm, 8a-4p, etc.

http://www.snschools.com is the website.

I love it as my son has been there for over 3 years.

Teaching respect of others.

They are very organized.

Foreign languages:  Spanish, French, Latin and English.

Hot meals and snacks.  No need to pack your lunch.

Children are learning manners– my five year old just taught me how to set a table with where the fork, knife, and spoon belong.

Very, Very strong academics, teaching academics through play.

From newborn to 8th grade.

Do tours each morning.

Call Bernadette Castro admissions director at 713-791-9977 and tell her that Dee Davis sent you.

St Nicholas on Greenbriar and Main.  It’s amazing! They take infants through 8th grade and it’s open from 6am-6pm.  It is a school, so it’s closed on holidays, which is the only negative thus far.  My baby has been going there since she was 3 months and I’m so happy. She has thrived there.  All the staff is friendly and fun!  They use the babywise schedule method-, which is what I started her out on.  They teach French, Spanish and Latin, have reading class and music. It really is an amazing little school.  I work in healthcare, and have run into many other healthcare professionals who send their children there.

St Nicholas

1920 N Braeswood 77030

713-791-9977

www.snschools.com

St. Paul’s School

They offer MWF or T/TH 9-2:30 with extended day options for children over 12 months. Extended day is 8-9am and 2:30-4pm. They take children starting at 6 months up through Kindergarten. There are a couple kids in the class that go 5 days a week by stacking the classes.

We are VERY happy with St. Paul’s.  My daughter started when she was 10 months old in the youngest class. The school is NAEYC accredited. My daughter’s class has a ratio of 6 children to 2 teachers (only 6 children in the class). All of the office staff have been at the school for a very long time, as well as a lot of the teachers. They are in a brand new building and just redid the playground. I think we will keep her there at least until she goes to Kinder. We were planning on waiting until age 2 to put her in school but the wait list is long so we wanted to get her in as soon as we could. Now, I’m so glad we started when we did. So far it’s been great. They also offer a lot of extracurricular activities for older/preschool children (Arts Alive, Music, Ballet, Lego class, Chinese (I think) and Spanish. The NAEYC accreditation is very strict and requires a lot of the school, which only benefits the children and parents. There is a lot of parent volunteer expected, but it’s not excessive and for parents that work and/or are unable to help as much, it’s not a problem. It’s all truly volunteer. All of the families and parents are very nice and welcoming.  My daughter has been very comfortable there since after her first couple weeks. After the Christmas break, I was surprised to see how excited she was to be back.

St Paul’s School

Typically 9am – 2:30pm.  Mon, Wed, Fri; Tues, Thurs; Mon- Fri programs.  Mon- Fri, typically 3 yr old+.  Early drop off and late pickup offered

Like:  Newly remodeled, teachers and staff are great, lots of after school activities, very supportive to parents, like trying to do potty training,

LUV LUV St. Paul’s School!! (St. Paul’s Methodist Church) This is our first year, so I’m not an expert…

Pros:

-Practically a brand new facility- it’s huge!

-Loving, caring teachers.  Excellent teacher to student ratio

-Each classroom walks directly out to specific playgrounds, and they’re outside everyday unless the weather is bad.

-Awesome hours- 9am-2:30pm  We go T/Th.  I believe they also have M/W/F and probably some type of full time care.  Some of the MDO programs are so short (10-2pm or 9am-12 etc.) that’s it’s not even worth dropping them off because you’re turning around to pick them back up.

-I’ve met some fantastic moms!  They encourage parent involvement and do tons of activities/events

-The Director’s office door is always open and she greets everyone that walks into the office.

The only con is the location- Binz/Main.  It’s a little bit of a drive, however the drop off is easy.  :)

They do frequent tours and enrollment starts February 1st- register that day!!!  They book up quickly!

http://www.stpaulspreschool.org

St. Thomas Moore Preschool

I decided to check it out even though it was a few miles further away and I LOVE the Director of the program, Nina Coltharp.  They have been wonderful to work with and I am incredibly impressed with how great they have been to my son and to us as parents.  I wanted to let you know how happy we are with the school.

http://stthomasmore-school.org

West University Methodist School

Depending on the age you can go 2,3 or 5 days a week. Hours are 9-2. They have an early drop/ extended day from 8-3. You can go extended on a drop in or regular basis.

It is a very sweet school. The kids go to art, science and motor skills. You can also add on gymnastics or ballet for an additional fee. I’ve been really pleased with the teachers and the school has a close community feel.

Hours–9am – 2pm, with either 8-9am and 2-3pm available for an extra fee. I love the school community (staff and families).  It is a great school for play based learning in a warm and nurturing environment where you make friends that you will see at school or on the sports fields for years to come.

http://www.westumethodist.org/for-our-community/school/

 Westbury Methodist Day School

My daughter was there for 4 years and they had different schedules to accommodate different needs of families.

My older daughter attended two other schools during her MDO/preschool days, and we found Westbury Methodist, where we sent our youngest daughter for 4 years, to have excellent teachers and school leaders, great families, and the most age appropriate curriculum.

We LOVE Westbury Methodist — exactly seven minutes from the neighborhood.

MDO for one and two yr olds– 9:30-2:00 Mon and Fri.

Day school for two, three, and four yr olds– 9:00-1:00 either five days or three day program (Tue,Wed,Thur). They also have one two-day class for two yr olds (Tue,Thur).

We have been there for going-on seven years now, and I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else! It truly is like a second family there.

http://www.westburyumc.org/day-school

If you are zoned to Longfellow Elementary and have a child entering Kindergarten, please come to Longfellow’s annual Kindergarten Round Up on Tuesday, April 9, 2013. At our Round Up you will be able to enroll your child, learn about our school’s programs, sign up for the PTA, discover what is expected at our school and in kindergarten, get questions answered, and see performances from our talented students! The presentation and performances will be from 9:00am to 10:00am, and registration will be from 9:00am to 2:00pm on April 9th. For questions, please contact the school at 713-295-5268.

When you come to enroll your child, please bring the following information:

*   Original Birth Certificate
*   Up-to-Date Shot Records
*   Proof of Residence (Lease/Rental Agreement, Homestead Exception, Escrow/Deed,  Utility Bill-Electric/Water/Gas, or a Statement of Residency)
*   Social Security Card of the Child
*   Parent/Guardian Driver’s License or State ID

St. Luke’s Easter Egg Hunt

St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church is having their annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 30 at 11:00 a.m. More than 1,000 plastic eggs, with candy and treats inside, will be hidden on the church grounds. Prizes will be awarded to those who find some very “special” eggs. Rev. Harbison will lead the children in “egg hunting exercises” and then release them for the hunting frenzy. Children 10 and younger are invited to bring their parents for a morning of fun, sharing one of springtime’s favorite activities. A special area will be reserved for young children. Bring your Easter basket to collect your eggs and your camera to capture some great photos. St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church is located at 8915 Timberside Drive. For more information, call 713.667.6531 or visit the website at http://www.stlukespres.org.

Congratulations to the twenty talented & hard working Longfellow students who auditioned and got accepted for a role in The Nutcracker this year. The following students have been tirelessly rehearsing and did a fabulous job performing at Jones Hall for the Greater Houston Youth Nutcracker on November 27th: Kelley Bass, Blessing Bediako, McKenzie Crissman, Julian Forte, Gabrielle Grinstead, Mourice Gage, Camren Harrison, Michael Hoston, Elijah Lawrence, Xander Lindsey, Zion Martin, Dasha Nkembe, Amani Randall, Jackson Spencer, Nevaeh Tyler, Kamryn Williams, Makayla Williams, Jasmyne Waters, Jacob Young & Khaleb Young.

Additionally, Longfellow’s Chamber Orchestra was invited to play carols in the lobby prior to the morning and evening performances. The talented and professional string players amazed audience members with their skills as they entered the theater for the show.

Longfellow’s Choir and Orchestra WIN BIG at the Renaissance Fair

Select Longfellow Elementary students attended a field trip and competition at the Texas Renaissance Fair. Congratulations to the Longfellow Choir for being awarded 1st place in the Elementary Category. The award winning vocalists even beat out an Honors Elementary Choir! Also congratulations to the Longfellow Chamber Orchestra for receiving 3rd place in the Youth Orchestra Category. Our Orchestra placed behind two “Intermediate” Orchestras that had 6th and 7th graders. Longfellow was the only Elementary Orchestra to place at ALL out of MANY Orchestras that played all day. Way to go! WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!

There is a new U-Pick Farm that is not too far away (40 min. on Westpark tollway) that has the most delicious strawberries! The kids absolutely loved getting to pick and eat the strawberries.  We ended up staying for several hours because the kids really liked playing on the giant sand hill and slide. They also went on a fun hay ride.

The farm (Blessington Farms) is now open on Saturdays from 9:30am-2:30pm because their strawberries are in season from December through April.   It is lots of fun!!

Here is a link for directions… http://www.blessingtonfarms.com/index.html

They said that they are adding several other amenities before their grand opening in Spring 2013.

Just wanted to pass this along for those who are looking for a great family outing.

Dive into your closets and find that cold weather clothing you no longer wear or your children have outgrown and bring those gently used items (coats, sweaters, gloves, hats, scarves) to St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church. All sizes for children and adults are needed. Our collection will go to the Star of Hope  Transitional Family Center. The drive thru site will be at the covered church entrance in the south parking lot. For more information, please call 713.667.7531, or visit the website at www.stlukespres.org.

Live Nativity on December 12th 6:30pm-8 p.m.

Come to St. Luke’s Live Nativity Wednesday, December 12, for an evening of reflection in the midst of the busyness of the season. The Christmas story will appear before your eyes! Re-enactments will take place at 6:30 & 7:30 p.m., accompanied by choir, narration, and carols. Members and friends of St. Luke’s set the scene at the manger and our nativity animals make a return appearance for the sixth year.

The Nativity will be set up on Timberside Drive, under the large stained glass window. Refreshments will be served, as we share Christmas joy with our friends and neighbors!

St. Luke’s Presbyterian Church
8915 Timberside Drive (77025)     713. 667.6531
www.stlukespres.org
Look for us on Facebook too!

Magnet Open House

November 3, 2012

Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center (4400 West 18th Street), 9:00 a.m.–Noon: Information sessions and school booths for interested parents and students
All Schools: 9:00 a.m.–Noon
Magnet Awareness Week 

November 5–9, 2012

Tours for parents available at each Magnet program daily beginning at 1:00 p.m., except for Wednesday when tours begin at 9:00AM.