Neighbors of Allandale and especially John Keohane

Here's a note from Anne Jarriel, Gullett PTA President, posted to the ANA Yahoo group today. Thought I would pass it along:

Thank you - Gullett is a fabulous school - probably the best kept secret in Austin. Things that make us unique are beautiful grounds including a Native Texas Outdoor Classroom, Spanish for all 6 grades (not an afterschool program), animals in the hallways and classrooms that the children help care for, only 4 classes per grade (making it small and we are at our capacity), a terrific staff and hardworking parents!

Our students are competing monthly in math contests, we had a child go to the state Geography Bee, 2nd grade does claymation, ALL the students do marathon kids, the 4th graders perform in costume at Scarborough Faire playing their recorders, ...the list goes on! We recycle cans, paper, computer cartridges and cell phones. We've recycled over 110,000 pounds of cans since the 80s making over $40,000 for classroom materials. Our students graduate and go to many schools throughout

Austin and do FABULOUSLY. They come back to visit their teachers and schools and some become mentors to our children as well as children in other nearby schools.

Thank you John for bringing this up - Gullett is a terrific school with 50 years of incredible history. We want to publicly thank ANA for donating to the school each year, especially in this year when other expenditures were on the plate! We also want to thank the neighbors who recycle with us, come to our carnival and other events, and get involved like John.

Let's hear it for the kids!
Anne Jarriel
PTA President

Comments

[John Keohane]

This is what I wrote that prompted Anne's response:

I had heard good things about Gullett, been to meetings there, but last Friday, I saw that school, as only a sub can see it. I was the sub in Ms. Hampton's 4th grade. It renewed my belief in public education.

I have programmed computers, taught high school math, and subbed in most of the middle schools in this city. Usually, except for some tutoring in math, I don't do anything with 4th graders, but I said "yes" to the opportunity to sub at Gullett, and I'm glad I did!

What a terrific school What terrific kids, what terrific teachers, what terrific interest by parents and administration in making things work. I have seen the praise here in Allandale for Gullett. Guess what?
It's underdone. Gullett is a lot better than it's been praised to be!

--John Keohane
5702 Wynona
(512) 371-3853