Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, April 1, 2018
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
Please remember to scroll down and read our PTA newsletter portion and specific grade level newsletters. Click here to see the Tiger Time News, student video version.
As we transition to the new GCISD website, we are aware that if you search Google for items on the GCISD webpage, it directs you to our old site and will state that the link is broken. The District is working with Google to reroute traffic to the new webpage; however, we do not have a timetable for its completion. If you go to www.gcisd.net and use the search tool at the top of the webpage, you will be able to find all of the content from the old site. We apologize for the inconvenience with Google and will provide any further updates as they are received. If you have any further questions or concerns, please contact the District using Let's Talk.
Our district is having a Rachel's Challenge Rally on April 21. I hope you and your family can join me and some other O.C. Taylor staff members and families. Click here to read more.
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, April 2
World Autism Awareness Day... wear light blue or any shade of blue
Tuesday, April 3
Wednesday, April 4
Thursday, April 5
Choir 2:55 - 4:00
Friday, April 6
PTA Walk to School
Running Club 3:00 - 3:45
Monday, April 9
Closed Campus - no visitors/volunteers
Tuesday, April 10
Closed Campus - no visitors/volunteers
STAAR 4th Writing/5th Math
Wednesday, April 11
Closed Campus - no visitors/volunteers
STAAR - 5th Reading
Thursday, April 12
Closed Campus - no visitors/volunteers
STAAR Makeup
Friday, April 13
Closed Campus - no visitors/volunteers
STAAR Makeup
OCT Updates
Class Group Pictures RETAKE Mon., Apr. 23
After speaking with our representative at Glamourcraft, we have come to the decision to retake the Class Group pictures (only class group pictures). What this means is that anyone that ordered a class group picture before will be able to keep their current photograph they received, and they will also get a copy of the new image that will be taken on Monday, April 23rd.
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World Autism Awareness Day, Mon., Apr. 2
The eleventh annual World Autism Awareness Day is Mon., Apr. 2, 2018. Wear light blue or blue in recognition of people living with autism. Autism-friendly events and educational activities take place all month to increase understanding and acceptance and foster worldwide support.
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A Note from Art, Mrs. Morgan
For the month of April, students will be finishing up parts of a landscape, contour line drawing, drawing/ shading, and one-point perspective.
- Kindergarten will be looking at the artist Piet Mondrian to review primary colors and shape terms. They will create an abstract piece using horizontal and vertical lines.
- First grade will learn how to draw a still life using small and large objects. They will also review different types of lines to add to their still life.
- Second grade will review the terms foreground and background by creating a 3-D landscape. They will also learn about how the sizes of the items are related to the foreground and background.
- Third grade will learn the terms foreground, middle ground and background to create a landscape. Students will also learn about intermediate colors.
- Fourth grade will learn about the different types of shading, like cross-hatching, stippling, blending, and hatching. They will also get to explore contour line drawings.
- Fifth grade will learn about one-point perspective and vanishing points. They will also explore shading to make objects 3-dimensional and identify where the light source is coming from.
We will finish the year by exploring fiber arts (weaving), clay and 3D sculpture.
Cristie Morgan
Art Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary
817-305-4870
You ART What You Eat Art Competition
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A Note from Music, Mrs. Vencill
Happy Spring, OC Taylor Tigers and families! This warm weather makes me so happy and reminds me how close we are to the end of the school year. Wow!!
Kindergarten students continue working on writing, reading, playing and moving to beats of sound and beats of silence. As we begin notating rhythms we use the term WALK for quarter notes, REST for quarter rests and will eventually add RUN RUN for barred eighth notes. Kinder Tigers are also learning songs for their Kindergarten Graduation! Can't believe they're almost 1st graders!!!
1st graders are learning about the 4 instrument families and how sound is produced on instruments in each family. We will take what we learn about the 4 families of instruments and connect to Sergei Prokofiev's musical story, 'Peter and the Wolf'.
2nd graders are working every single day to learn songs for their program, Festival of Friends. This program is a celebration of music from around the world so we're singing songs in several different languages. The students are also working to add folk dances and instruments to their songs. Festival of Friends is Thursday, May 3 at 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Please find more information in the 2nd grade newsletter.
3rd graders finished their unit on instrument families and will take this knowledge to connect to Sergei Prokofiev's musical story, 'Peter and the Wolf'. Students will recognize the musical theme written to voice each character in the story, and identify the family each instrument belongs in.
4th graders continue growing as musicians every time they play their recorders and earn a new Recorder Karate belt. They sound better and better every day and are improving their ability to read music from the treble clef staff in leaps and bounds. I am incredibly proud of the effort they show every day.
5th graders have voted on a story line and songs for their big end of the year finale, Fifth Grade Rocks! This program is created by the students so their voice is heard during every step of the creation process. The month of April involves writing a script, signing up for parts and re-writing lyrics. It's a big job, but these creative kids already have some great ideas in the works. Parents - please make sure you mark your calendar for this fun program....Tuesday, May 22 at 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. EVERY 5th graders is expected to attend BOTH performances.
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. You are always welcome in the OCT music room!
Beth Vencill
Music Teacher
817-305-4870
@OCTVencill
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A Note from Physical Education, Coach Mester and Coach Mac
We have been enjoying the warm weather, but the rain has kept us in the gym more than a few times lately. We will continue playing soccer outdoors when possible and indoors as needed. Next week we will take a break from soccer and spend the week working out to Drumfit. It will be a lot of fun! Following Drumfit we will begin our final Fitnessgram assessments. See you in the gym
Coach Mester and Coach Mac
Physical Education Teachers
Twitter: @OCTMester
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Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
Please click here to see the April Counselor Corner Newsletter.
Our GCISD Rachel’s Challenge Rally will be on April 21, 2018 at CHHS! Start spreading kindness everywhere you go!
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
The Learning Commons will host author Shelly Brown on April 18th. Students can preorder a copy of her book, Mustaches for Maddie, for $15.00 and she will sign copies on the day of her visit. The book is appropriate for our 3rd-5th graders.
If you are interested in purchasing a copy of this book for your child please send a check for $15.00 to Mrs. Bonacci by April 15th. Click this link for more information about this book http://www.mustachesformaddie.com/
The deadline for the GCISD READS Challenge is May 1st. For more information check out this Smore-https://www.smore.com/kdz5d-gcisd-reads-2017-level-up
Following a software update, I can no longer print a list of the books your child checked out during the year.
All GCISD library books are due by May 18th, but no worries- students still have access to a huge selection of reading options through OverDrive, Tales2Go, and EPIC.
Access to all of our high quality, subscription-based resources is easy through the GCISD ClassLink app. This tool makes it easy to see what is available and it uses just ONE login. If you need assistance accessing any of these resources please email me at dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net I am always happy to help!
To help combat germs we are currently cleaning the covers of every book in the collection. As you can imagine this is a monumental task! If you can donate Lysol wipes you can have your child drop them off in the office or in the Learning Commons/Library, and they will get a cool bookmark for their generosity!
For information about the Learning Commons Programs and Services visit this link-
https://www.smore.com/wk447-o-c-taylor-learning-commons
Check out our YouTube Channel to see the student version of the Tiger Time News- https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNyhxtBhBp-_OPAja5yoffQ
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Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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Making Connections: Disability Resource Fair—April 3rd, 4:00-8:00 PM at PDEC
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD will be hosting the regional Disability Resources Fair for families of children with disabilities. This resource fair is a joint venture between The Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Council of Tarrant County, Northwest ISD, HEB ISD, and GCISD. This free event provides training sessions on topics such as Life Planning, Social Security Disability, and Accessing Services through My Health My Resources (MHMR). Resources and vendors will be available to assist families with assistive/adaptive technology, Day Habilitation/Respite Care, Guardianship, Medicaid Waivers, Special Needs Trusts & Wills and many more areas.
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Parent Safety Meeting
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New GCISD Website: www.GCISD.net
Whether you have kids in high school or a student who just started pre-k, GCISD is a great district to be in. With s of LEAD 2021, GCISD is creating an innovative environment where students are inspired, encouraged and supported.
GCISD has been looking to better serve and connect with parents, staff and community members and has migrated to a new website. Not only is there a fresh look and feel, but the simplicity of the site allows campuses to better communicate the incredible stories happening in schools to current and prospective parents and community members. This mobile-friendly site also features news scrolls and quick links to help you see the latest information and navigate quickly to items you need.
Take a look at the calendar on the home page, read our news and events and get to know our school in a whole new way.
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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HEALTHY SNACKS DAY! BRING SOME 7:15 - 8:15 am WED. APRIL 4TH FOR FACULTY & STAFF
the front desk from 7:15 - 8:15 am on Wednesday, April 4th.
SIGN UP GENIUS LINK BELOW FOR EASY SIGN-UP! PLEASE SIGN UP!
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4daaaa2daaf85-healthy
Questions? Contact Tamaron Hunt at:
NOMINATE SOMEBODY WHO IS OUTSTANDING!
Do you know an outstanding teacher, staff member, parent volunteer or community member who has made a significant contribution to OC. Taylor's success this year and deserves a PTA Membership Award? If so, please send your nomination to: hs_dutton@yahoo.com
Due date for nominations: Fri. April 6th
PTA Membership Awards Committee:
Heather Dutton
Dida Abrahams
Jennifer Ditto
Laurie Ackermann
COLLEYVILLE RECEIPT RACE! HELP O.C. TAYLOR WIN $5000 BY SIMPLY SHOPPING IN COLLEYVILLE!
SOME TIPS for THIS AMAZING RECEIPT RACE:
- The total number of receipts is what will be counted, not the value spent;
- photocopies of receipts are acceptable (in case you need to keep yours);
- you may redact any identifying info (your name, etc.);
- receipts from ANY Colleyville business (not just those along 26 corridor) that are dated anytime during the month of April will count
Prizes will be awarded by the City of Colleyville, with the funds to be paid to the winning PTA's.
So, let's spread the word and help stimulate some businesses that have been affected by the construction!
Questions: Please contact Stephanie Turner, President, GCISD Council of PTAs
TIGER PRIDE! O.C. TAYLOR TIGER RECEIVED AN AWARD OF MERIT AT STATE REFLECTIONS JUDGING!
See all of the Texas results here: https://www.txpta.org/reflections-results
Emily's piece was a beautiful expression of the theme, WITHIN REACH. Please congratulate her and her family.
See all of GCISD Artists' results after State Judging:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-GjuJnSL3bDXe5oOd2hrsBIr71ROUGacjK9wdfCyPro/edit?usp=sharing
These students will also be recognized at GCISD Board of Trustees meeting on
April 23rd.
While GCISD didn't any entries advancing to National PTA, 2 of our students received award of excellence.
THANK YOU, again for participating, and get ready for more REFLECTIONS next year!
Questions: Please contact Laurie H. Ackermann at Laurietamar@gmail.com
PLEASE DONATE! GALLON-SIZED ZIPLOC BAGS & EARBUDS
As part of our support for Rachel's Challenge, O.C. Taylor has been asked to collect donations of gallon size Ziploc bags and earbuds. All donations will support the 2018-2019 GCISD Back To School Fair.
Please drop all donations in the box in the lobby.
We are excited about the other Rachel's Challenge activity, the Fun Run and Rally on April 21st!
Contact OCT Diversity Council Chair, Rebecca Rodriguez at beckeg@yahoo.com with any questions.
Thank you!
APPLE TREE PROJECT
Don't forget the O.C. Taylor Apple Tree! 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
April
4/6 WALK TO SCHOOL MORNING
4/6 Nominations Due to PTA Outstanding Awards
4/9 - 4/13 STAAR TESTING (4th & 5th Grades)
4/18 - 4/20 Sky Ranch Trip (4th Grade)
4/19 EARLY RELEASE DAY
4/23 - 4/26 Earth Week
4/24 Egg Drop Entries Due
4/26 Egg Drop (or 4/27 if we need to use the inclement weather day)
4/27 Inclement Weather Make-Up Day
May
5/3 Festival of Friends 8:30 am & 6:30 pm
5/11 WALK TO SCHOOL MORNING
5/14 - 5/18 STAAR TESTING (3rd, 4th & 5th grade)
5/22 6:30 pm PTA General Mtg. and Fifth Grade Rocks
5/24 Field Day (or 5/25 if we need to use the inclement weather day)
5/25 Inclement Weather Make Up Day
5/28 Memorial Day (No School)
5/29 Kindergarten, First, Second Grade EOY Ceremony
K 8:15 am; 1st: 9:45 am; 2nd: 1:45 pm
5/30 Pre-K, Third & Fourth Grade EOY Ceremony
Pre-K 8:00 am; 3rd: 8:30 am; 4th: 1:45 pm
5/31 Fifth Grade Continuation Ceremony
5/31 Last Day of School (Early Dismissal at 11;45)
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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.