Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, October 1, 2017
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
Please remember to scroll down and read your GRADE LEVEL NEWSLETTER and our PTA portion.
Click here to watch this version of Tiger Time News with your child.
This year's theme, "Education TAYLOR-ed to U," is woven throughout our school. Each child has unique strengths, struggles, learning patterns, and passions. We are developing a personal learning plan with each child. Click here to read more from the GCISD's Strategic Plan, LEAD 2021, and the Learning Plan Strategy. Our teachers continue to study ways to differentiate for each child. On October 6, while your children have the day off, our teachers will be reading and learning about ways to tailor education to each child's needs and strengths. We want each educational experience to be tailored to the individual.
Future Explorations is going full speed ahead! Ask your child how their sessions have been. We have one more week left in this session. Then, students will have the opportunity to select another Future Exploration. Time to explore!
To further tailor each child's educational experience, GCISD has a Student Voice initiative. As part of the "Student Voice" initiative, students across the district will periodically complete questionnaires and surveys to provide feedback on their learning experiences. Sometimes these surveys are informal (such as feedback on a recent unit, etc...), and sometimes they are more comprehensive (such as a Gallup survey, etc...). Most surveys will be anonymous, and all surveys will be used for the purpose of providing the best learning environment possible for students. If you have any questions about the Student Voice initiative, feel free to ask your student's teacher or me for more information.
To the BEST of days,
Principal Young
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.
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.
________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Upcoming Dates
Monday, October 2
8:15 PTA Executive Board Meeting
Blue Shirt Day® World Day of Bullying Prevention™
Tuesday, October 3
Wednesday, October 4
International Walk To School Day
Thursday, October 5
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
Friday, October 6
No School - Students
Staff Development Day
Monday, October 9
No School - Students and Teachers
Tuesday, October 10
3:10 Faculty Meeting
5 - 9 Spring Creek BBQ - Grapevine Location
Wednesday, October 11
2:55 - 3:45 TTT
Thursday, October 12
3:10 CEC
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
6:30 Watch DOGS Kickoff
Friday, October 13
Tip Your Hat To Our Veterans - Donate $1 and wear a hat
3:00 - 3:45 Running Club
OCT Updates
BLUE SHIRT DAY...World Day of Bullying Prevention
Let’s put an end to racism, hatred, digital abuse, bullying and cyberbullying in schools, communities and on your social media pages.
STOMP Out Bullying everywhere!
____________________________________________
NO SCHOOL for students Oct. 6th and 9th
_______________________________________________
Drop Off and Pick Up Procedures Reminder
REMINDER OF THE WEEK:
Hold up your bright yellow car sign (or bright pink if in Pre-K) with your child’s name printed on it that was provided by your teacher, so it can easily be seen by the staff member with a bullhorn.
If you need a bright yellow or pink car sign with your child’s name on it, let your classroom teacher know. You can make one if it follows our campus sign color system and large font.
Make sure your child’s name is written with a black sharpie or printed in large font, so the teacher on duty can read it from a distance.
Car signs will be read and names called out as you pull into either loop, so your child(ren) will be ready to meet you when you pull up.
_________________________________________________
OCT Conflict Resolution Wheel
This week we will be focusing on "Give An 'I Feel....' Message." Talk with your child about using this strategy when faced with a conflict.
_______________________________________________
Tech Tip of the Week
Look-At-Dis Louie will ask you to send him a picture of yourself or will send you pictures of things you don’t want to see. Never send or post pictures of yourself to someone you do not know. If someone sends you a picture that makes you feel uncomfortable or confused, don’t open it or click on it. Tell a trusted adult immediately.
______________________________________________
Watch D.O.G.S.
___________________________________________________
Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
________________________________________________
Update from our Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Flu Season: Flu season has begun! Boo. When calling the front office to report an absence, please let us know if your student has a fever, cough and/or sore throat. I have to report all Influenza-like illnesses to the Tarrant County health department, even if it is not diagnosed as the flu. Remember to get your flu shot and teach your children the importance of good hand hygiene! Tell them to sing the ABC song or Happy Birthday song TWICE while washing their hands. :)
- 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 student is sent home from school with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, you must still abide by the 24-hour policy. Other reasons your student should remain home/may be sent home are listed on my webpage.
- Registered Nurses: GCISD is looking for parents who are Registered Nurses to help cover clinics in the district. If you have an active RN license and are interested in covering the clinic at your child's school when needed, please contact the Director of Health Services Amy Howard at amy.howard@gcisd.net.
_____________________________________________
Updates from Art, Mrs. Morgan
Grapevine Garden Club Kids Art Contest
“Metamorphosis of the Monarch”
Students in Kindergarten through Fifth grade are invited to participate in the Grapevine Garden Club Kids Art Contest.
Students that are interested in participating may pick up a form from Mrs. Morgan or from the front foyer of the school.
All students must have an entry formed signed and attached to their work by a parent or legal guardian.
All entries are due to Mrs. Morgan by 8am Wednesday October 11, 2017 or parents may bring the artwork to the Bessie Mitchell House at the Grapevine Botanical Gardens on Wednesday, October 11 between 3-4 p.m.
Winners will be announced during the 20th Annual Butterfly Flutterby on Saturday October 14.
For more information about Butterfly Flutterby, please visit https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/events/butterfly-flutterby.
Cristie Morgan
Art Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary
817-305-4870
__________________________________________________
Updates from Music, Mrs. Vencil
Happy Fall, OCT Tigers and families! Students continue to work hard and do their best to be GREAT Tigers every day in the music room. We will spend lots of time during the month of October talking about and preparing for our annual Veterans Day program. Please mark your calendar for these exciting events!
Tip Your Hat to Our Veterans Day: Friday. Oct. 13 and Friday, Nov. 3 If you donate $1 to the local veterans hospital you can wear a fun hat to school! Give your dollar to your teacher the morning of these fun events.
Walmart gift cards: In the past several years, OCT has donated more than $1000 annually to the Ft. Worth Veterans Hospital as our way of giving thanks for their service and sacrifice. We will be collecting Walmart gift cards to donate with our Tip Your Hat day money. Even the smallest donation can make a big difference. Thank you for your generosity, Tigers.
Wall of Honor: If you have a picture of a veteran you would like to add to our Wall of Honor, please label your picture with the name of the veterans, the branch of the military they serve(d) in and your student's name. I will return these pictures to you after Veterans Day.
Please join us Friday, Nov. 10 at 8:30 a.m. for our Veterans Day program. The 3rd and 4th grade students will perform patriotic music to honor the brave men and women who serve to protect our country. Friends, family and beloved veterans are invited to attend! See you there.
Kindergarten: Kindergarten students will continue moving, playing and singing to the steady beat following a largo (very slow), presto (very fast) and moderato (medium) steady beat. We will also practice using our 5 voices and add dynamic differences to our music (piano=soft, forte=loud, mezzo=medium).
1st and 2nd Grade: We will practice reading, writing and performing rhythm patterns in 4/4 time using quarter notes (walk notes), barred eighth notes (run run notes) and quarter rests (rest). These students will also practice using dynamic differences to create interest and excitement in their music.
3rd and 4th Grade: Our 3rd and 4th graders are hard at work preparing songs for the Veterans Day program. Every student was given a code to join their grade level Music Google Classroom. Ask your child to sing for you at home!
5th Grade: Our 5th graders are reading, writing, and performing rhythm patterns in 4/4 time using sixteenth notes, eighth notes and rests, quarter notes and rests, half notes and rests, and whole notes and rests. The rhythm patterns are getting more and more challenging, but my talented Tigers are always ready to rise to the challenge.
Please visit the OCT Music webpage for upcoming dates and more information about the OCT music classes. Feel free to contact me anytime with questions or concerns.
Mrs. Vencill
Music Teacher
OCTaylor Elem
#OCT4U
__________________________________________________
Updates from P.E., Coach Mester and Coach Mac
We had our Jump Rope For Heart kickoff assembly on Thursday and sent home collection envelopes on Friday. Remember, we are all going to jump and learn about our heart, but asking for donations is completely optional. We have set an incredible school goal of $12,200.00! This is our 20th year to partner with The American Heart Association, and we are excited to teach heart-healthy habits while raising money for research and education. We are asking that donation envelopes be turned no later than Friday, October 20th.
Good luck tigers!
Coach Mester and Coach Mac
Physical Education Teacher
#OCT4U
817-305-4870
__________________________________________________
Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
GO BLUE!
Blue Shirt Day® World Day of
Bullying Prevention™
SAVE THE DATE
10.2.17
The first Monday of each October is Blue Shirt Day® World Day of Bullying Prevention™ which signifies the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month each October.
_________________________________________________
Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
________________________________________________
Let's Talk
Click here to start a conversation through Let's Talk! This site may be found on our campus homepage.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
GCISD DISTRICT FLYERS & INFORMATION
The Parent Technology Academy
The Parent Technology Academy will be conducting presentations and classes on various topics including: family access classes, social media and apps to be aware of on your child's devices, ways to encourage proper usage of technology at home, understanding txt lingo and the apps students use to communicate as well as ways older students can promote themselves online to increase visibility for scholarships and more.
Please click here to give the district feedback on what kind of classes you would like.
_________________________________________________
Note from GCISD Nutrition Services
_______________________________________________
GCISD is Now Hiring! Join the GCISD TEAM!
Many opportunities are available in our auxiliary departments:
- Nutrition Specialists -PT w/ benefits – work while your students are in school!
- Kidzu Site Aide – PT w/benefits – this schedule works well 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.
_________________________________________________
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
_________________________________________________
THANK YOU FOR JOINING THE PTA!
TIGER BINGO REMINDER
Try a daily review of your Tiger Bingo card with the goal of completing another square. Read over all the things your student has done and those they still need to do, such as:
Have you tried kiwi WITH the skin or had a Kitchen Dance Party?
Turn on some music instead of the TV!
**Please remember to have Parent/Caregiver initial each completed square to confirm participation.
Questions? Contact Marisa Livingston, Healthy Lifestyles Chair
INTERNATIONAL WALK-TO-SCHOOL DAY!
Join students, families, school leaders and community partners around the country on to celebrate the benefits of walking & biking to school during International Walk to School Day.
Need a safe route to school? Meet up with the “walking school bus”. Adult volunteers will be present to walk with the students as a group. Drop off at 7:10am and departure is at 7:20am. We have 2 locations: 1. Compass Center parking lot (SE corner of Hall Johnson/Pool Rd) 2. Colleyville Senior Center parking lot (2512 Glade Rd) Join children and adults around the world to celebrate the benefits of walking and biking. Learn more at walkbiketoschool.org Thanks!
SAVE THE DATE! O.C. TAYLOR FALL FESTIVAL
We hope you are as excited as we are for one of the year's favorite events...Fall Festival! Fall Festival is SATURDAY November 11th, from 1:00-5:00.
To make this one of the best Fall Festivals yet, we need your help!
We need your suggestions!
We are deciding on booths for this year and are always looking for new ideas! If you have a suggestion for a new or different activity that your kids would love please reach out to Amy Godwin at octfallfestival@gmail.com!
We need donations!
- If you own a business, or have connections with a local business, please consider making a donation. A unique way for your business to donate is to purchase an item for us to promote as a "Sponsored Item". Examples of past sponsored items include a WII or PlayStation.
- We also love personal donations! If you have an item you never use and want to donate it, let us know! For those with vacation homes, season tickets, etc. we would be so grateful if you considered donating those types of items as well.
- Another fun way that a parent, friend, or neighbor can donate is a "behind the scenes" look or VIP tour if they work in an industry that kids often would not get to see. Please reach out to you connections and see if they would be willing to help.
Other ideas or questions? Please reach out to Courtney Click at octsilentauction@gmail.com
JOIN THE PAW PRINTS STUDENT DIRECTORY!
If this is your first year at O.C. T., the directory is a great way to get to know your student's classmates and families. it is a helpful resource for play dates and parties.
The directory also contains teacher emails, conference times, and other helpful information that you won't want to miss!
For your information to appear in the phone directory, we need your help! Click the link in blue below and enter in the information that you would like to display in the directory.
TO BE INCLUDED WE MUST RECEIVE YOUR INFORMATION BY THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5th!
PAW PRINTS STUDENT DIRECTORY INFORMATION ENTRY FORM
Only those families that have a paid PTA membership will receive a copy of the directory.
Questions? Concerns? Email the Paw Prints Directory Coordinator Laurie H. Ackermann
GRACE FOR OCTOBER IS 4TH GRADE!
- October is 4th grade's month to collect cereal for GRACE! Collection baskets are outside the 4th grade classrooms for the duration of the month.
- O.C. Taylor PTA is also continuing to help our adopted Katy ISD School, Creech Elementary by donating gift cards to Target, Walmart, Half-Priced Books, Teacher Heaven, Ikea and Amazon. Please send any items to school with your child and label as a "Hurricane Harvey Donation". Let's help get our Houston neighbors back on their feet!
Thank you for your help and support in serving our community!
Questions? Concerns: contact Athena Wiginton at apw@thewigintons.com
APPLE TREE PROJECT
School has been in a few weeks and the teachers need items from the Apple Tree. Apple Tree is an easy way to donate items teachers and staff need at the school
Simply click he link below to see different "needs" around the school. If you choose to help, please make sure to mark as taken! Once taken, please send your item(s) to school with your child, attaching the name of the staff member for who it is intended.
Apple Tree List
Thanks so much! If you have any questions, please contact:
Jenifer Richards – Apple Tree coordinator
Jennifer Ditto - VP Volunteer
October:
10/4 International Walk to School Day
10/6 NO SCHOOL
10/9 Columbus Day Holiday-NO SCHOOL
10/17 Yearbook Picture Day
10/20 Staff Appreciation Event
10/27 Red Ribbon Week
10/27 PTA Reflections Submissions due
November:
11/3 Reflections Advancing Entries Announced
11/11 Fall Festival!!!! 1 - 5 pm
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
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