The following fourth grade students were recognized as Highest Ranking Boy: Collin McGovern and Highest Ranking Girl: Marli McAdams. In addition, the following students received the Citizenship Award - Erik Chavez and Bailey Seal.

C.H.I.C.K.E.N CLUB which stands for COOL, HONEST, INTELLIGENT, CLEAR HEADED, KEEN, ENERGETIC,and NOT INTERESTED IN DRUGS sponsored by the Noon Optimist Club held a "Clucking and Crowing" contest for the 4th grade students. The girls entered their best performance of clucking (hens) and the boys performed their best crowing (roosters).

The 1st place winners received a portable dvd player and a dvd, 2nd & 3rd place winners won a dvd. Girls' winners: 1st place: Madison Racca; 2nd place: Mikalyn Dugas; 3rd place: Marli McAdams. Boys' Winners: 1st place: Matthew Dozier, 2nd place: Dakota Hungerford, and 3rd place: Andrew Johnson.

The ECE kindergartners gave their rendition of the movie The Polar Express on Tuesday, December 8, 2008, in the cafeteria. From the conductor of the train to Santa Claus himself, the children sang songs like “Jingle Bells” and “Let It Snow!” For one morning, the Bucs Galley transformed into a cozy living room, the North Pole, and back again. The stage was complete with a brand new train made by kindergarten parent Buck Thornton, and the story was narrated by Mr. Dennis DeMoss. The Polar Express is a story of one little boy's experience with determining whether or not the spirit of Christmas is real and a silver bell!

Ms. Lauren Millner is the music director.

East Chambers Elementary hosted the elementary district UIL academic meet on Tuesday and Thursday of this week. EC won the overall meet with 462 total points, followed by Anahuac 264, Hardin 206, and Deweyville 141.

East Chambers Elementary has chartered a new organization according to Vicki Bauer, principal. The Principal’s AAA Club is made up of third and fourth grade students that meet specific criteria during a six-weeks grading period.

“The AAA stands for Academics, Attendance, and Attitude,” stated Bauer. Students must earn all A’s, have perfect attendance, and have an E (excellent) on their report card in Conduct.”

The first group of students to earn this designation was taken by Mrs. Bauer to visit the Superintendent of Schools Scott Campbell. They also were introduced to Mr. Campbell’s staff in the administration building and given an overview of each person’s job. Students shared with Mr. Campbell their favorite subject and what they wanted to be when they grew up.

“I am extremely proud of these students,” commented Bauer, “because they do everything we expect of them and more! I applaud the parents of these students, also.”

Pictured from left to right (front row): Catalina Vargas, Shelby Johnson, Joanna Martinez, Darla Spencer; Lance Long, Erik Chavez, Kimverli Chavez. (2nd row): Kelli Silcox, Maegan Sonnier, Ana Torres, Nathan McGill,  Marli McAdams, Bailey Seal, Kody Thibodeaux. (Back row): Collin McGovern, Mr. Scott Campbell. Not pictured: Frankie Moeller.

East Chambers kindergartners were treated to a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast. Donning headdresses and vests, each student was seated at the banquet table for their Thanksgiving Day meal.

Linsey May, and Quincy Wilcox; 1st Grade - Madison Kirkpatrick, Amelia Sims, Emily Strain, and Bo Stobart; 2nd Grade - Peyton Bertrand, Gavin Kirker, Montana Smith, and Kaelyn Rhame; 3rd Grade - Kelli Silcox, Tanner Toucher, Koi Spencer, and Terry Rodriguez; and 4th Grade - Hannah Holt, Maegan Sonnier, Mikalyn Dugas, and Erik Chavez.  All entries - Slideshow

Kindergarten through fourth grade students were entertained in an assembly by artist Mark Kistler who is a master of his craft. Mr. Kistler has taught over 40 million children in 17 countries how to draw in 3-D. He deeply believes that learning how to draw in 3-dimensions builds a child's critical thinking skills while nourishing self esteem. More information regarding Mark Kistler and his drawing programs can be found at his web site:  www.draw3d.com.

On Thursday, October 2, 2008, East Chambers Elementary joined Jumpstart’s national challenge to READ for the RECORD. Read for the Record is a nationally organized event to promote literacy. It is a campaign to set a world record for the largest shared reading experience ever! The goal is for as many children as possible to be read the same book on the same day. In 2006, 150,000 children heard The Little Engine that Could. Last year, 258,000 enjoyed The Story of Ferdinand. This year’s book selection, made by the Jumpstart organization, was Corduroy by Don Freeman. Guest readers from the Winnie-Stowell community read the book to 510 students in the Pre-K through 4th grades. Guest readers were escorted and introduced to the classes by members of the East Chambers Elementary Student Council. Teddy bears were donated and given to each Pre-K student to take home as a “Corduroy” of their own.

East Chambers Elementary would like to thank the following volunteers for giving of their time and talents to our students: Diane Devillier, Sandra Jones, Randy Wilber, Melissa Hodges, Maria Garcia, Angie Kear, LouAnn Rainey, Bro. Calvin Sanders, Bro. Sammy Little, Buck Thornton, Rhonda LeBlanc, Tan Williams, Darren Smith, Darlene Smith, Brenda Wilber, Tony Valastro, Regina Rutherford, Beverly Morris, Tammie Gilfillian, Bro. Kenneth Hodges, Steve Franzen, James Gibson, and Scott Campbell.

We were successful in helping break the world record again this year. According to Jumpstart, over 400,000 students participated in this year’s campaign! The students enjoyed the experience and we are looking forward to helping break the record again next year!