Art

Art has an important and unique place in the total education, growth and development of children.  All pupils, to different degrees and in different ways, have creative ability which can be encouraged and developed at school.  All students at Poe Elementary have the opportunity to think, act and feel creatively with visual arts materials.  Proper guidance leads children to become more independent, critical and resourceful in their reasoning.  The development of these skills translates to their academic performance.

Dance

In dance class, students learn fundamental dance techniques that allow them to move rhythmically with confidence and skill. Class participation provides all students with opportunities to:

• Discover special awareness and self-expression through creative movement
• Learn the basic elements and the cultural diversity of  a variety of dance forms including jazz, ballet, modern, hip hop and folk dance
• Develop self-confidence, poise and self-esteem by preparing for and participating in special performances
• Create an appreciation for the art of dance as a future performer and/or audience member

Extended Day

The Extended Day Program is lead by Ms. Reichle, Ms. McQueen and Mrs. Britt.  Certified teachers work with your children each day as the students rotate through four centers of activities including homework, board games, soccer, outside play, computer, movie day and other stations. This year we have additional instruction in soccer (twice a week) and students have the opportunity to participate in the Name That Book program and Jr. Achievement (grades 3-4 and 5). Snacks are also provided each day for your student.
           
A telephone extension is provided for extended day in case you have an emergency and need to contact us after regular school office hours.   The phone number is the same as the main office (713-535-3780).

Waiting list forms are provided in the office for easy sign up.  As soon as space is available, one of the directors will contact you.  For questions about tuition prices, you can check with the extended day directors. 

Kids' College

Music

Music at Poe is based on the Kodàly Philosophy of Music Education.  This process prepares children to be composers, performers, listeners, creative human beings and stewards of their own cultural heritage through critical thinking and music literacy.  This method allows students to learn the technical aspects of music as well as the appreciation of music for pleasure.  Aspects of the music curriculum include:

• Learning about social interaction in the classroom
• Building esteem through competence developed in the music classroom.
• Practice using critical thinking skills.
• Developing creativity through self expression.
• Developing motor skills, both large and small, eye had coordination and listening skills.

Physical Education

The objectives of the Physical Education program are to equip students with lifelong skills in fitness and recreation, and to beneficially influence their psychological and social development by exposure to the principles of team work, fair play, and self-discipline. Curriculum includes the fundamentals of individual sports, recreational games, problem-solving cooperative games, some team sports, and fitness conditioning and testing.

Poe Pals

Poe Pals is a fifth grade leadership program.  A group of twenty-four fifth graders are trained to teach monthly character education to the younger grades.  These students are also considered role models and helpers for younger students.  This student teaching program has shown benefits to both those teaching and their classes. 

Safety Patrol

Safety patrol is a program for fifth grade students who have shown good citizenship during their years at Poe.  They are responsible for both before and after school duties.  Each student has an assigned area where they patrol.  Their job is to help other students follow the rules of the school to insure their safety. 

Spanish

Poe provides a Spanish program to all students.  The objective of the Spanish program is to provide an environment in which students can acquire skills to express ideas, feelings, and thoughts using the Spanish language.  Instructional methods will include role playing, songs, conversations, and skits.  These methods will enable the students to learn Spanish in a creative and fun environment.

Suzuki Violin

Suzuki Violin is offered for students in all grades at Poe.  Instruction is based on the Suzuki philosophy that the teacher, parent and child work together to help every child to be successful.  Each child in the program receives two lessons each week, one private and one small group.  A parent attends the private lesson every week so that they are able to guide the home practice.  Children learn to play the violin using the Suzuki repertoire and have several opportunities to perform throughout the year.

Vanguard Neighborhood

Poe’s Vanguard Neighborhood program (formerly known as Neighborhood G/T) is designed to meet the needs of our G/T students in grades K-5. Poe’s Vanguard Neighborhood program offers a differentiated curriculum by modifying the depth, complexity, and pacing of the general school program. HISD’s Advanced Academics Department develops the criteria for G/T admission, which is based on the Texas State Plan for the Education of Gifted/Talented Students.  The teachers who work with your child (ren) on a daily basis at Poe are trained in G/T strategies and are ready to provide differentiated curriculum to ensure students are challenged. In addition to differentiated curriculum in the classroom, Poe also offers an enrichment program for students identified as gifted and talented. This program is known as FROGS (Friends with Really Outstanding Gifts who Succeed), and students are served in FROGS on a weekly basis.