Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, October 22, 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.
OCT has met the standard for the Texas Education Association Accountability System. Click here to read more about our state system.
Please click here to read more about our district Community and Student Engagement Survery.
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.
________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
Upcoming Dates
Monday, October 23
Red Ribbon Week - Wear Bright Sunglasses or bright colored clothing
9:00 Fire Prevention Program (Cafe) (PreK-2)
Tuesday, October 24
Red Ribbon Week - Wear White or Light Colors
Wednesday, October 25
Red Ribbon Week - Wear Hawaiian shirts or flower lei
Report Cards go home (We are printing the first and last report cards this year.)
Thursday, October 26
Red Ribbon Week - Wear Crazy Hair Day
Choir 2:55 - 4:00
Friday, October 27
Red Ribbon Week - Wear Pajamas
Future Explorations 2:00 - 2:50
Running Club 3:00 - 3:45
PTA Reflections Due
Monday, October 30
Tuesday, October 31
8:00 a.m. Book Character Parade, parents invited!
Mix It Up
Wednesday, November 1
Menchie's Fundraiser by Whole Foods 4:00 - 6:00
Thursday, November 2
Early Dismissal - 11:45
Friday, November 3
Tip Your Hat To Veterans - pay $1 wear a hat
Future Explorations 2:00 - 2:50
Running Club 3:00 - 3:45
PTA Walk To School
OCT Updates
Red Ribbon Week
_______________________________________________
Book Character Parade, Tues., Oct 31 at 8:00 a.m.
_________________________________________________
Menchie's Fundraiser
__________________________________________________
OCT Conflict Resolution Wheel
This week we will be focusing on "Use Rock, Paper, Scissors." Talk with your child about using this strategy when faced with a conflict. This strategy is used as a choosing method in a way similar to coin flipping, drawing straws, or throwing dice.
_______________________________________________
Tech Tip of the Week
Potty Mouth Pete uses rude and inappropriate language on the Internet. Have you ever met someone like Potty-Mouth Pete? Why do we need to watch out for Potty-Mouth Pete on the Internet? What should you do if you run into a Potty-Mouth Pete on the Internet? Do not reply, turn off your device and always tell your parents, your guardian, or a trusted adult.
______________________________________________
Box Tops
The fall deadline for mailing in Box Tops is November 1st. In order to give adequate time for processing and mailing, please have all Box Tops turned in by Monday, October 30th.
______________________________________________
Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
We are growing our very own storybook pumpkin patch in the Learning Commons, and we need your help!
with this link- https://www.smore.com/c1q3s-calling-all-tigers
________________________________________________
Update from our Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Referrals: If you have received a referral letter about your student needing further evaluation regarding vision and/or hearing, please let me know if you have followed up. If you have lost the paperwork I sent home, feel free to call/email me and let me know what the Dr said/recommended. I need to have this information for an annual State report.
- Puberty Videos: If you are the parent of a 4th grade GIRL, or the parent of a 5th grader and were not able to view the puberty videos at the Administration building, you can call me and we can set up a time for you to view them in the clinic, if you want to see what information is covered. These videos address puberty, menstruation (for girls), and the importance of good hygiene and healthy habits. They DO NOT cover sex education.
- Perfumes/oils/scented hand sanitizers: Please be conservative when using these products. Asthmatics and students/staff with allergies can be greatly affected. We want everyone to be safe while here at school!
- Snacks in the classroom: We have several students at OCT with life-threatening peanut/nut allergies. Please do not send any peanut/tree nut containing products for your child to eat as a snack in the classroom. Since lunch is eaten in the cafeteria, your child will NOT be asked to change his/her eating habits at lunch. Peanut butter and other nuts are acceptable for lunch, just make sure your child knows how important it is to wash their hands afterwards!
_____________________________________________
Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
Red Ribbon Week will be October 23 - 27. These are our themes for this year: Red Ribbon Week 2017 The poster and PSA district-wide contest rules are here.
_________________________________________________
Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
____________________________________________
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month!
9 Strengths of Dyslexia
_____________________________________________
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
An Update for GCISD Bus Riders
In June 2017, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 693, which requires all buses model year 2018 or newer, to be equipped with three-point seat belts for each passenger. The buses will have 76 seat belts in instances where students can ride three to a row, but can be adapted to seat two per row. While the Bill was signed into law, and the district must comply, there was no additional state funding allocated for this requirement.
In the 2016 Bond, voters approved the purchase of seven new buses. Although seat belts were not included in the original proposal, the buses purchased with bond funds will be equipped with three-point seat belts. These purchases will be spread over a four-year period. The first two buses with seat belts were recently received into the GCISD fleet and will begin service immediately.
Since GCISD is a Robin Hood district and estimates the payment to the State this year will be $44 million, there is no funding to purchase additional buses beyond the seven approved in the 2016 Bond.
Student safety is the number one priority in GCISD and the transportation department practices bus safety on a daily basis with riders. These practices will continue on all buses, regardless of the inclusion of seat belts.
_________________________________________________
2017 Holiday Greeting Card Competition
Click here to see the flyer for the GCISD Holiday Greeting Card Competition. The theme for the card is "Holiday Memories."
Elementary, middle and high school students are invited to submit original artwork for the cover of GCISD’s official holiday greeting card. ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY FINE ARTS DEPT. by Friday, Nov. 10, at 4 :00 p.m.
______________________________________________
Note from GCISD Nutrition Services
_______________________________________________
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.
_________________________________________________
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
_________________________________________________
FALL FESTIVAL HELP NEEDED!
Fall Festival is right around the corner! We need everyone’s help to make this the best year yet!
WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS!
- Please consider volunteering at one of our Fall Festival booths. Your homeroom parent(s) will be sending home a link to sign-up next week.
- We also need Silent Auction help. If you are able to help pick up donations, call local businesses, or print out displays, please reach out to Courtney at octsilentauction@gmail.com.
WE LOVE DONATIONS!
There are three ways to donate to the Silent Auction:
- Donate items to the Silent Auction. Anything and everything we receive as a donation will be auctioned.
- Donate to the class basket. Each class is creating a fun basket to be included in the auction. Basket donation pledge forms went home with your child last week.
- Donate to Teacher Packages. Teachers and staff donate their time to create memorable activities for students that can be bid on in the auction. If you have connections to a local business that provides fun activities, please let us know so we can contact them about sponsoring a package.
Remember, the more we earn, the more we can do for all of the kids!
Want to help? Questions? Concerns? Please contact Amy Godwin or Courtney Click.
BOOK CHARACTER DAY! TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31st
Questions? Concerns? Contact Stephanie Williams
YOU'RE NOT TOO LATE! STILL TIME! REFLECTIONS ENTRIES DUE FRI. OCT. 27th!
IMPORTANT! Please mark the back of your entry with your name, teacher, grade and FOR PTA. Mrs. Ackermann will be up front collecting entries after school, in the lobby from 2:55 pm - 3:30 pm on Friday. You may also give your entry to your teacher and the PTA will make sure to collect them Friday afternoon.
Remember to attach your written statement on the Student Entry Form--click link below to print!
Click here for the STUDENT ENTRY FORM
Click here for the OFFICIAL PARTICIPATION RULES
Please read the rules (link above). There are requirements as to size dimensions, formats for video and film, use of copyrighted material is prohibited. Entries that are not within the rules' specifications may not be considered for advancement.
Questions? Concerns? Want to Help? Don't hesitate to email or call me!
MESH WREATH-MAKING CLASS
Mesh Wreath-Making Class - Thursday, November 16 from 7 - 9 pm
Please join us Thursday, November 16th from 7 - 9 pm at the Merlot Room in Grapevine. Amy Kaspar will be teaching a class on how to make holiday mesh wreaths. The cost of the class is $20 per person (supplies not included). All money raised will go to support 5th Grade Continuation. Please click on the Sign Up Genius link below to sign up! Please see the attached Wreath Making Supply List as supplies are not provided.
We hope to see you there!
SIGN UP GENIUS FOR MESH WREATH-MAKING CLASS HERE
Questions? contact Stephanie Williams
PLEASE NO CLIMBING ON TIGER AND PROTECT OUR MOSAIC BENCHES!
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:
10/23 - 27 Red Ribbon Week
10/25 - Science Program Assembly
10/27 PTA Reflections Submissions due
November:
11/2 Early Dismissal
11/3 Walk to School Morning
11/3 Reflections Advancing Entries Announced
11/10 8:30 am Veterans' Day Program
11/11 Fall Festival!!!! 1 - 5 pm
11/16 Camp Thurman (5th Grade)
11/17 Staff Appreciation Event
11/20 - 24 Thanksgiving Holiday
11/28 Make Up Picture Day
11/28 Game On!
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
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.