Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, December 17, 2017
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
Please remember to scroll down and read your GRADE LEVEL NEWSLETTER and our PTA portion. Click here to see the Tiger Time News, student video version.
Our mission is ringing true even more during the holiday season... create lifelong learners and develop servant leaders through authentic, real-world experiences. Our children have the privilege of seeing lifelong learners and servant leaders by living with YOU and by being with our staff. Thank you!
THANK YOU...
- To our PTA for delivering the real Santa from a helicopter on Wednesday! This was a yearly tradition for years. The students loved it!
- To Mrs. Vencill and the OCT Taylor Tiger Choir! What an amazing and engaging performance of The Light on Jingle Bell Hill. Thank you to the Mr. Stevens, Mrs. Ackermann and all of the parents for helping with the props, costumes and late practices! We appreciate you!
- To the parents who purchased Party with the Principals at the silent auction! We ran around the school in the dark, played freeze tag, .....
- To our OCT Dads' Club for organizing a fun, snow-filled breakfast for our children! You guys are awesome!
- For all of the goodies and treats many have brought us!
- To all who have donated items for the GRACE Christmas Cottage. You are making a difference in a child's life. Bless you!
CONGRATULATIONS to...
- Geography Bee Winner = 1st Place Winner, 5th grader, Oscar Torres and 2nd Place Winner, 5th grader, Caleb Taylor. Oscar will now advance to the online regional competition held in January.
- Ugly Sweater contest winners = Kindergarten team
- The following teachers for being nominated by community members for HEB Excellence in Education Award: music teacher Beth Vencill, 4th grade teacher Don Kiehn, and 2nd grade teacher Laree Archer. Woohoo!
Parents, please remember, especially during the holidays, to monitor your children on their iPads, Chromebooks and any other devices they use. We have found some students searching on Google and YouTube. This is not acceptable or safe for children. They have been told and trained. We are trying to keep your kids safe. According to the GCISD Acceptable Use Policy, the district devices are to be used for educational purposes by the student to whom they were assigned. No one else is to be on the device, including a sibling or friend. Thank you in advance for your assistance.
To the BEST of days,
Principal Young
Email: lisa.young@gcisd.net
Website: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=16665
Location: 5300 Pool Road, Colleyville, TX, United States
Phone: (817) 305-4870
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OC-Taylor-Elementary-School-361871583888299/
Twitter: @OCTYoung
OCT Vision: To empower our children today to create a better tomorrow.
OCT Mission: To create life-long learners and develop servant leaders through authentic, real-world experiences.
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Upcoming Dates
Monday, December 18
Students and staff are invited to wear some holiday socks (Wear a CRAZY HOLIDAY HAT DAY. Please bring $1 in support of 5th Grade Continuation. Thanks for your support!)
Tuesday, December 19
Students and Staff are invited to wear red and white
OCT Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser, Come eat between 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 20
Students and Staff are invited to wear pj's for Polar Express Day
PPCD Class Parties 10:00 - 10:40/2:00 - 2:45
Yearbook, 3:00 - 3:45, Group B
Thursday, December 21
Students and staff are invited to wear festive holiday gear
10:00 (gym) Sing A Long
10:45 Class Parties
Early Dismissal, 11:45 a.m.
Friday, December 22-January 8
No School
Tuesday, January 9
First Day back for Students
Thursday, January 11
Kendra Scott Night, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
OCT Updates
OCT Spirit Night at Chick Fil A
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Holiday Fun at OCT
Mon., Dec. 18 Holiday Sock Day, wear festive socks (Pay $1 to wear a hat -see PTA below)
Tues., Dec. 19 Wear red and white (and eat dinner at Chick-Fil-A!)
Weds. Dec. 20 Wear your p.j.s to school for Polar Express Day
Thurs., Dec. 21 Winter Party, wear your festive party attire
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OCT PPCD Gently Used Toy Request
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OCT Cleaning
In order to help create a safer and cleaner environment for our students and staff, the GCISD Maintenace and Facilities Department used a cordless electrostatic sprayer to disinfect our school. The container on the sprayer is filled with our liquid disinfectant and when in use the sprayer places a positive charge on the chemical disinfectant before it leaves the tank. This ensures that every particle will stick to the neutral or negatively charged surfaces it contacts. The spray mist disinfects surfaces and provides a cleaner and safer environment for our staff and students. Thank you, GCISD Maintenance and facilities for helping keep our little and big Tigers healthy!
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Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
- "Our second Turkey Drive was incredible with 115 turkeys donated to GRACE. Our 5th graders donated the most turkeys winning the Parents Night Out. This will be held on Wednesday, December 20 from 6pm to 8pm. This special night will be for 5th graders only, please do not plan to include siblings. We will watch BOSS BABY and eat popcorn! Please walk your child in through the cafeteria door to sign them in, and then come back through that door to sign them out when picking them up. Mr. Kiehn, Mrs. Knudson and I look forward to spending this time with your children!"
1. Mr. Kiehn, Mrs. Whisman, and Mrs. Knudson will be supervising.
2. This is for fifth grade students only. Please do not plan to leave other siblings.
3. Sign-in your student at 6:00 pm, cafeteria;
4. Sign-out, or pick-up your student at 8:00 pm sharp, cafeteria.
"Our Tiger Tree gift collection was a HUGE SUCCESS! Thank you so much for the outpouring of kindness and generosity! Many families through the GRACE Christmas Cottage will benefit from our O.C. Taylor Tigers' huge compassionate hearts!"
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
Our very first student-led Book Fair was a HUGE success thanks to the hard work of our students, and the generous support of our O. C. Taylor families and staff. We appreciate each and every one of you and we hope you had a great time at the Book Fair.
I would like to thank PTA for generously supporting our Green Screen Production Studio! By purchasing the Green Screen app for our students you have opened a whole new world of possibilities for our tigers.
For free access to Capstone's Interactive e-book collection (for a limited time) please check out my newsletter here.
Information about the GCISD Reads Challenge can be found here: https://www.smore.com/kdz5d-gcisd-reads-2017-level-up
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Update from our Clinic, Nurse Katy
- When to stay home: Students should remain home when fever is 100 degrees or greater, or they are experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhea. GCISD has a 24-hour policy. Students may not return to school until free of fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea for a minimum of 24 hours without the aid of any medication. If your child is sent home from school with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, you must still abide by the 24-hour policy. If you send your child back to school too soon, they will be pulled out of class and will have to wait in the clinic until they are picked up. If they are to stay at home for any of the above reasons, that means home. Per district policy, students cannot come up to school for programs or lunch during the school day. They are also unable to participate in after- school activities such as choir performances , TTT, yearbook, etc. Thank you for helping us try to keep everyone healthy!
- Cold & Flu season: Please be sure you are reviewing proper hand washing techniques with your children at home. They can sing Happy Birthday song or their ABCs twice while washing with warm, soapy water. Also, remind them to sneeze and cough into their elbows instead of their hands. If your child is home sick with flu or flu-like symptoms (temperature over 100 AND sore throat/cough), please let the front office know when calling in. I have to report all flu-like illness to the Tarrant County Health Department weekly.
- Cold Weather Guidelines: Please make sure to send a coat with your child daily during the winter months. Texas weather can be crazy! Know that we cannot go outside for PE or recess if the wind chill is 36 degrees or below.
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Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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OCT Conflict Resolution Wheel
Our goal is to teach your child to work through conflict and maintain the friendship. Of course, there are times when that is not possible. Teaching the times to continue solving the conflict or to walk away is now before the pre-teen years. Let us know how we can help!
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Faculty and Staff Sweater Contest
1st Place = Kinder
2nd Place = 5th grade
3rd Place = PPCD
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2016-17 TEA School Report Card (SRC)
In addition to the School Report Card, the more detailed Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) for our campus can be accessed online at https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/perfreport/tapr/2017/srch.html?srch=C.
If you have any questions about either report, please contact me. Paper copies of both reports can be viewed in our main office.
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Watch Dogs
We are so excited to have the Watch Dog program back again this year! Thank you to those who have signed up to be a Watch Dog. The process this year is a little different. Here is the form that needs to be submitted along with your background check and t-shirt purchase. Once those things are taken care, Jennifer Howard will send an email with the Signup Genius so you can choose a day to volunteer. We ask that you plan a week in advance when signing up. The calendar will be closed after Friday mornings for the following week to ensure teachers and the volunteers receive schedules. Thank you for understanding and respecting our process and procedure of this program.
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Let's Talk
Click here to start a conversation through Let's Talk! This site may be found on our campus homepage.
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GCISD & OTHER FLYERS & INFORMATION
Grapevine: A Visual Journey Through A Beloved Texas Town
Grapevine: A Visual Journey Through A Beloved Texas Town is a 152-page book that highlights Grapevine’s intriguing history, public art, working artists, attractions, and seasonal events. The author will donate 50% of book proceeds to O.C. Taylor Elementary until January 1, 2018, if the books are purchased at www.GrapevineTexasJourney.com. (The buyer will then be given the option to select O.C. Taylor Elementary as the recipient of the donation.)
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January is School Board Recognition Month
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GCISD Parent Technology Academy
More classes are rolling out! Click on the following link to see more or to register: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=48875
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Note from GCISD Nutrition Services
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GCISD is Now Hiring! Join the GCISD TEAM!
Do you know someone ready to join the GCISD Team? Please help spread the word! Great opportunities are available in our auxiliary departments:
- Nutrition Specialists –Part Time with benefits – Work while your students are in school!
- KidzU Extended Care Program Site Aides – Part Time with benefits – Great schedule for local college students!
- Night Custodians
- Bus Drivers & Monitors
- Maintenance Engineers
Apply online at: www.gcisd-k12.org
GCISD is looking for new Subs! Apply Online!
Hey parents and community members! Do you find yourself always on campus volunteering and helping out? Want to be more involved in the classroom and get a paycheck? Then subbing might just be for you!
We are hiring qualified candidates to substitute teach for GCISD. If you are looking to impact kids and help make a difference, we want you! You must have a minimum of 60 college hours to apply. Apply online: www.gcisd-k12.org
If you have any questions, contact erica.pasvar@gcisd.net.
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School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
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Wishing all our Tiger families a safe and happy holiday season! See you in 2018!
O.C. TAYLOR TALENT SHOW!
The 2017-2018 Talent Show is quickly approaching! What better way to showcase all of the awesome talents of our very own O.C. Taylor Tigers?!
There are many ways you can participate or audition, including video submissions, and 2 audition date options. If you have misplaced the audition forms that went out last week simply click on the link below.
Completed audition forms ARE DUE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20TH!!!!!
LINK TO AUDITION FORM HERE
Students must be in 3rd-5th grade to participate in the Talent Show.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: TALENT SHOW is Friday, Jan. 26 at 8:30 am & 6:30 pm
Start preparing your acts now...we cannot wait to see you at auditions!
Please feel free to contact Stephanie Wilkerson with any Talent Show questions or concerns:
Stephanie Wilkerson
Talent Show Coordinator
817-721-3288
CRAZY HOLIDAY HAT/SOCK DAY!
Questions? Concerns? Contact Stephanie Williams
Missing a coat? Check the Lost & Found!
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
How Will You Move Into
The New Year?
We usually don’t compare starting the new year to packing and moving, but it is more similar than you think. How, might you ask? Well, do you plan what rooms you're going to box up first? Do you try to cram as many things into one box as you can, but then realize it’s too heavy? Have you ever called on friends or family to help at the last minute? Consider those same steps as you set goals to stay active this holiday season — and then keep them into the new year.
PLAN
Write workout days on a calendar, put an alarm on your phone to get up and move every hour, or take the stairs/park further out in the parking lot.
BE REALISTIC
Start slow and don’t get overwhelmed, break it up by chunking out ten minutes throughout the day, and create indoor options when the weather gets too cold.
ASK OTHERS
Coordinate times to work out with a friend, post times at the school for a parent exercise group, or ask your kids to join you.
Questions? contact: livingstonmarisa@gmail.com
Texas PTA Healthy Lifestyle Liaison
December:
12/20 Polar Express Day
12/20 Talent Show Applications Due
12/21 School Sing-Along
12/21 Class Holiday Parties
12/21 Early Dismissal at 11:45 LAST DAY OF FALL SEMESTER
January:
1/8 Teacher Work Day
1/9 Back to School!
1/15 Martin Luther King Holiday/No School
1/26 Talent Show 8:30 am & 6:30 pm
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Thank you!
We think your kids are..... G-G-G-G-reat!
GCISD - Building Excellent Schools Together
GCISD LEAD 2021- BUILDING EXCELLENT SCHOOLS TOGETHER!
The mission of Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is to be THE BEST and through the district’s strategic plan, called LEAD 2021, we continue building on the foundation started in 2011-2012. LEAD stands for Leading Excellence – Action Driven. For more information about LEAD 2021, please visit the district website. There are some exciting educational experiences going on in GCISD!
GCISD’s WHY?
Redefining Education because your future matters today!
GCISD’s Portrait of a Graduate
Skilled Problem Solvers
Communicators
Global Citizens
Self-regulated Learners
Collaborators
Stay Connected at O. C. Taylor Elementary School
We have a number of ways to keep in touch with our school. Be sure to read, subscribe to and join these resources to get all the latest news.
Facebook: If you’re a Facebook member be sure to join the O.C. Taylor Elementary Facebook Group to get updates in your feed. This group is meant to provide another way to get news and updates.
Website: The school’s website has the latest news, updates, and calendars, as well as general information about the school, resources for parents, volunteer opportunity information, event information and ways to donate.
Twitter: We regularly post events and upcoming news on Twitter. Follow me on Twitter: @OCTYoung and follow our hashtag #OCT4U.