Why We Are Here

"Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony." 

- Mahatma Gandhi

                                                                                    PHE's Why

Sometimes we get so caught up in what we are doing, we don't take the time to pause and reconnect with our purpose.  It is a true gift at PHE to have staff and parents who are united around a common sense of purpose.  Over the last year, we have been asking our PHE community the question, "Who are we?"  The overwhelming response was that we are a COMMUNITY dedicated to advancing the learning of our students.  If you haven't already done so, take a moment to read our full vision statement on our website.  PHE Community - Learn, Grow, Innovate!


PHE Is AVID

1st Grade - AVID Collaborative Strategy - Successful Student

Garden Lab Outdoor Classroom

I am very excited to announce that PHE is now an AVID school!  AVID stands for "Advancement via Individual Determination" and is a program that helps establish school-wide systems designed to empower students to set goals for their future and take ownership of their learning.  Our AVID Leadership team attended a summer institute to receive training in AVID and draft an implementation plan.  I see AVID as a wonderful resource to help align all components of our instructional program.  Elementary school is the foundation of learning for our students.  We hope to inspire them to dream of a future career, and know that with dedication and planning, they can achieve their goals.  PHE's focus areas this year are to help students learn through structured collaborative conversations and reflective learning logs.  Parents can be involved by keeping an eye out for the yellow weekly reflection logs and asking students, "What did you learn today?"

Also new to PHE this year is our Garden Lab!  Our PTA's fundraising efforts were combined with a generous matching offer from MDUSD to fund this outdoor learning opportunity for our students.  All students TK through 5th grade will rotate between our STEAM Lab and Garden Lab throughout the year to provide state of the art science experiences.  Please be sure to check our Twitter feed @PHEdinos to see glimpses of Dino learning both inside and outside of the classroom!

                                                                               Welcome Back PHE Community
It has been wonderful to welcome the students back on campus again after the long summer break.  I have also enjoyed connecting with families both new and old.  During the month of August, we have had a variety of community events to meet and greet the newest additions to PHE.  The TK and kindergarten families got together for a picnic before the start of the year.  Many of you also joined me for a PTA-sponsored Welcome Back Coffee in the cafeteria on the first day of school.  The very next week, we held a well-attended Back-to-School night on a sweltering Thursday evening.  One of the greatest strengths PHE has is our strong community.  I look forward to continuing our connections at events in September and beyond!


At the end of each action-packed day, I have been reflecting on the many positive experiences I have had with students, staff, and parents.  When people ask me what my job is, I respond that it is to help everyone at our school.  If there is a challenge or obstacle to a student's learning, I work collaboratively with others to seek solutions.  I am very humbled and honored to be a member of this mighty PHE Community.  Have a great September!

Upcoming Events:
Check out our Communication Page on our Website!

• School Site Council Elections 9/3-9/6
• PHE Fun Run Program Kick Off 9/10
• Principal Parent Coffee 9/17
• School Site Council Meeting 9/19
• Fun Run Event 9/20
• Picture Day 9/26
• Make a Difference Day (School Beautification) 9/28