Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, September 23, 2018
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
GCISD and OCT are celebrating National Bullying Prevention Month this October. Every October, schools and organizations across the country join STOMP Out Bullying™ in observing National Bullying Prevention Month. The goal: encourage communities to work together to stop bullying and cyberbullying by increasing awareness of the prevalence and impact of bullying on all children of all ages. Bullying is an intentional behavior that hurts, harms, or humiliates a student, either physically or emotionally, and can happen while at school, in the community, or online. Click here to read more from the Texas Education Agency.
October 1, 2018 Wear blue, World Day of Bullying Prevention
The Week of October 1st: Put an end to Bullying
The Week of October 8th: Make friends with someone you don’t know at school
The Week of October 15th:STAND UP for Others Week
The Week of October 22nd: Week of Inclusion
The Week of October 29th: Start the Week With Conversations Amongst Your Peers
Safety is our top priority at O.C. Taylor. Safety includes emotional and social safety as well as physical safety. Since our vision is to empower our children today to create a better tomorrow, we will be discussing ways to be empowered to stop bullying this month. I encourage you to follow up at home and have conversations.
We have many exciting events coming up in the days ahead. It is sure to be a fun fall around OCT! Be sure and read all the way to the end, especially the PTA section.
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: https://oct.gcisd.net/
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.
OC Taylor Elementary Events
Monday, September 24
Tuesday, September 25
Wednesday, September 26
2:55 - 3:45 TTT
Thursday, September 27
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
Friday, September 28
2:00 Rachel's Challenge Kickoff
Saturday, September 29
1:30pm Dads Club Golf Tournament
Monday, October 1
Stomp Out Bullying- Wear Blue
8:15 PTA Executive Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 2
4:00 - 8:00 Chipotle (Colleyville Location)
Wednesday, October 3
Hearing/Vision Screening Day during grade level Specials
International Walk to School Day
Thursday, October 4
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
Friday, October 5
No School for Students
Professional Learning Day
OCT and GCISD Updates
Be a part of Future Explorations!
This year, students will have the opportunity to choose a topic or path they want to explore. They will spend 5-6 weeks on Fridays from 2:00-2:50 p.m. experiencing these different pathways in a hands-on, authentic, and engaging manner.
We would love to invite you to be a part of our Future Explorations program this year. Please take a minute to complete this informational survey on how you can assist and support our Future Explorations this year! Big or small, we would love for you to join us as we navigate toward our future!
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Congratulations to our PTA for earning the Head Start Award!
Texas PTA announced that our OCT PTA earned the Head Start Award last month. By recruiting 75% of last year’s total membership, our PTA is well on its way to growing our CommYOUnity, as well as the collective PTA voice, as PTA prepares to advocate for every child in the upcoming legislative session. Thank you, OCT families and PTA! Keep up the great work!
Again, congratulations on earning this award and starting the school year off on the right foot. We applaud your amazing efforts!
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Attendance Law
- School children must attend school each day that instruction is provided
- School districts are required to address student truancy by implementing truancy prevention measures
- The school district is required to notify parents after too many unexcused absences
90% RULE: The Texas Education Code section 25.092 (also known as the "90% Rule") requires all students to attend to class 90% of the school year in order to receive credit or a final grade. The 90% rule applies to all absences, including excused absences. Letters are automatically generated in Skyward when students are absent and/or tardy a certain number of days. This is a part of the compulsory attendance law that the district is required to communicate with parents and proactively prevent excessive absences that would cause a student to miss 90% of their school year.
"Parts of Days": All absences and tardies count toward compulsory attendance. Arriving late or leaving school early (even if you check out for an appointment and return before the end day) are marked as missing part of a school day and count toward our daily attendance here at O.C. Taylor. Students are expected to be in their classroom by 7:40 a.m. each morning until 2:55 p.m. when they are dismissed from the instructional school day.
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Parent Tech Tip of the Week: Set Limits and Encourage Playtime
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Chipotle Fundraiser - 33% of profit come to OCT!
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
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Updates from Counseling and Guidance, Mrs. Whisman
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Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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Updates from the Clinic, Nurse Katy
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David's Law Presentation
GCISD is proud to invite parents to the "Cyberbullying and David's Law" presentation given by David's Legacy Foundation. Maurine Molak, David's Mother, will be presenting. This event will be held on Tuesday, October 23 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Colleyville Heritage High School Auditorium.
Parents will learn facts of David's Law (SB179) and what it means for them and their children. Parents will also learn what to do if their children experience cyberbullying and how to empower their children to take a stand.
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GCISD Safety First
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Fort Worth Stock Show Art Contest
No need to own an animal to show at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo!
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is proud to present the Star-Telegram Stock Show Art Contest. The competition, open to ALL students ages 5-19 that are enrolled in a Texas public, private or accredited homeschool, presents an opportunity to showcase artistic abilities and offers a great chance to win awards, college scholarships or cash prizes in excess of $20,000. Belt buckles will be presented to the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion along with official Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo rosettes to the 1st–7th placings.
A panel of local art professionals will judge the competition and placing entries will be displayed during the Fort Worth Stock & Rodeo, January 18–February 9. Additionally, select qualifying non-placing entries will be showcased as a special exhibit at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History and National Cowgirl Museum and Hall of Fame. The contest has something for everyone: five (5) age divisions for individual entries, three (3) classroom divisions for two-dimensional entries and a three-dimensional division, for high school students.
The Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo is proud to honor and recognize young artists. For more information contact Jordan Simons at 817.877.2534 or email Art Contest.
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Cafeteria and Menu Updates
Attached is a copy of the calendar menu, it may also be viewed on the district's website. Nutrition information may be viewed through the nutrition services website or by downloading the new Meal Viewer app through the apple or android store.
In accordance with program guidelines, the Free and Reduced application will be available online as part of skyward registration. The free and reduced application should be filled out electronically atwww.schoollunchapp.com. For those parents that still would like to complete a paper application, they may download an application on the website www.gcisd.net or stop by the Nutrition Services office at 5800 Colleyville Blvd. Paper copies will not be distributed to the campuses this year, please allow families to apply online on a computer on campus or have them come to the Nutrition Services department for assistance.
If you have questions about the Nutrition Services program, please call ext. 5615 or email julie.telesca@gcisd.net.
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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
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
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. We are excited about the new LEAD 2.0 and hearing from all parents! 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
We think your kids are..... G-G-G-G-reat!
Join the PTA!
Thank you to all our parents and staff that joined the PTA already! We truly appreciate your support!
If you did not join the PTA at Meet the Teacher, we encourage you to do so. The annual dues are only $7.50 per membership. That's the lowest price in town for PTA memberships and its the BEST, in my opinion! Membership in the PTA allows you to improve the education and opportunities for our students. When you join the PTA, you become a member of the Texas PTA and you will receive a copy of our 2018-2019 Paw Prints student directory! This valuable directory contains classroom lists, phone numbers, addresses and other vital information you will use all year! To join the PTA it's so simple, visit http://www.joinPTA.org.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Liz Payne- VP Memberships scottlizpayne@yahoo.com
STUDENTS! PARENTS! WATCH FOR REFLECTIONS FORM IN STUDENTS' FOLDERS
This week your child should come home with an Entry Form for PTA REFLECTIONS ART CONTEST. Deadline for submission: Fri. October 26, 3:30 pm
Incorporate the theme: HEROES AROUND ME into your artistic submission, Students! You have to be a PTA member (1 person in your family), and your art has to be completely done by YOU! Go to O.C. Taylor's PTA webpage for more info and rules/categories:
Remember, REFLECTIONS is open to students from preschool through grade 12. You are all invited to create and submit student works of art in six categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts.
YOUR ART COULD BE SELECTED TO REPRESENT YOU AND YOUR SCHOOL AT REGIONALS, STATE, OR EVEN NATIONAL REFLECTIONS.
Questions? Concerns? Contact Laurie Ackermann, O.C. Taylor PTA Reflections Chair 2018-2019
FIFTH GRADE - Support the GRACE Food Drive
September is Fifth Grade’s Turn to Support the GRACE Food Drive
ITEMS IN NEED: Canned Tuna and/or Mayonnaise
This is the LAST week for all Fifth Graders to help support the Grace Food Drive. So far we have collected 35 cans of Tuna and/or Mayo. Just 37 more to go to reach your class goal. You can do it!
Collection Baskets are right outside the FIFTH GRADE Classrooms. So remember, the next time you are at the grocery store please consider buying the only canned fish that is made out of 2 sodium atoms. 2 Na
Thank you for your help and support in serving our community!
Questions? Concerns?
Please contact: Dawn Hall at ddahall74@gmail.com
OCT Dads' Club
Dads, come join us for another exciting year!
Important Dates for Dads Club:
Sign up for the Dads Club email list here. Like Our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @OCTDadsClub
Dads Club Golf Tournament
Please join the OC Taylor Dads Club for our 2nd Annual Dads Club Golf Tournament benefiting the OC Taylor Elementary PTA on September 29th. Shotgun start at 1:30pm. The event includes a 4-person scramble, dinner immediately following the fun on the course. Fun on the course includes but is not limited to: long drive contest, closest to the pin, drink stations every four holes, and amazing raffle packages. Raffle prizes and more contests will be announced closer to the tournament.
Register now, remember to invite your friends to play and thank you for supporting Dads Club
Paw Prints Student Directory - Deadline September 30th
Be a part of the Student Directory! The Paw Prints student directory includes names and contact info for every student in the school. It is a GREAT resource for birthday parties, play dates, etc. Make sure YOUR child is included! The deadline is September 30.
PTA members ( https://www.joinpta.org ) will receive a Paw Prints directory when it is available.
Click here to enter your information. Contact Sara Stricherz for additional information.
OC Taylor PTA Presents Moms Night Out
Moms' Night Out - Monday, October 15th from 5-9pm. Join us at Sloan and Williams Winery in Grapevine for a Moms' Night Out. Sloan and Williams will donate 30% of all food and wine purchased back to the OCT PTA. It's a great chance to visit with old friends and meet some new ones! We'll have a Gift Card Grab and Games of Heads or Tails as well. And the best part?!?! Childcare is taken care of! The OCT Dads' Club will be watching the kids at school from 6-8pm while the moms enjoy a night out. There will be pizza, games, movies, and more! Please complete the google form to register your students for childcare. Reservations are not required, but will give us an estimate of how much food we'll need. We are requesting a $10 donation per child at the door to help cover the cost of food, drinks, and fun for the evening. Unfortunately, we can only accomodate current OCT students - no tiny tigers. It's a night you and your kids won't want to miss! We hope to see you there!!
Fall Festival November 3rd 2p - 6p
Save the date Saturday November 3rd for the OCT Fall Festival from 2-6 pm. There will be tons of friends, food, and fun including new inflatables like Human Whack-A-Mole, and our First Annual Chili Cook Off. You don't want to miss the fun! Be on the look out for more details coming soon!
Would you or your business like to help sponsor our fall festival? See the attached packet to learn more about how you can become a “Paws”itively “Tiger”ific Sponsor!
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Box Tops and Amazon Smile
This year, we will be increasing donations to the OC Taylor PTA thru Box Tops for Education and Amazon Smile! It's a simple way to donate to our school! Here's how you can help:
#1 Clip out Box Tops for Education and place them on the Box Top collection sheet or in a Ziploc bag. Be sure to place your child's grade level on the bag or collection sheet! We will be counting box tops for our Racing to Recess Challenge. The grade level with the highest level of Box Tops each semester will earn an extra recess and Popsicle party!
After 5 laps, 1st place: 3rd grade (292), 2nd place: 2nd grade (245), and 3rd place: 4th grade (211).
Thank you!
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