Tiger Time News
News from O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young Pedevilla
March 31, 2019
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
We hope to see you at Chick-Fil-A off 121 and Glade Road on Tuesday, Apr. 2 wearing blue in honor of World Autism Awareness Day (see below). Remember to mention you are with O.C. Taylor before you place your order. They will be taking orders all day long, so consider breakfast, lunch or dinner! Thank you in advance for supporting O.C. Taylor! Eat more chicken!!!
To the BEST of days,
Principal Young Pedevilla
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.
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.
O.C. Taylor Elementary Events
April 1
8:15 am PTA Executive Board Meeting (Cafeteria)
2:55 - 3:25 4th WRITING Tutor
2:55 - 3:25 5th MATH Tutor
April 2
6:00 am - 8:00 pm Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser
World Autism Awareness Day - wear blue
April 3
2:55 - 3:25 3rd/4th/5th Reading Tutor
April 4
April 5
PTA Walk to School
3:00 - 4:00 Running Club
April 8
Campus closed to volunteers/visitors
2:55 - 3:25 K, 1, 2 Tutoring
April 9
Campus closed to volunteers/visitors
4th STAAR - Writing
5th STAAR - Math
April 10
Campus closed to volunteers/visitors
5th STAAR - Reading
2:55 - 3:25 3rd/4th Reading Tutoring
April 11
April 12
3:00 - 4:00 Running Club
OCT and GCISD Updates
No Tardy Party Winner: Mrs. Cave's Class!
Being on time to begin the day is an important part of life for students and adults. Please make sure your students are at school by the first bell each day at 7:30 am. This will give them plenty of time to get into the building and ready for the day to begin at 7:40 am sharp.
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O.C. Taylor Yearbooks On Sale!
Yearbooks are a great way for students to remember their elementary school experience! Yearbooks will be on sale from March 1st – 31st. March 31st will be the last day to purchase your yearbook for $26. After that date, the link will close and only a very limited number of yearbooks will be sold for $30 when the order comes in. All orders must be placed online at: https://yearbookordercenter.com/
Our yearbook order number is 17833. You can also search up our school on the order site.
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World Autism Awareness Day, Tues., Apr. 2, 2019
Wear blue or light blue in support of World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD). WAAD aims to put a spotlight on the hurdles that people with autism – and others living with autism – face every day. As a growing global health issue owing to its increasing exposure in the press and common knowledge, autism is an issue that is only gaining more understanding ... to further increase and develop world knowledge of children and adults who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
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2019 Keep Texas Beautiful Youth and Educator Award
Nominations for the 2019 Keep Texas Beautiful Awards recognize the efforts made by youth and educators working to improve and beautify their communities. First-place winners in each category will be selected and recognized at the annual KTB Conference, receiving a cash prize and award. One winner per category will be selected and recognized at the annual KTB Conference.
Know an outstanding youth or educator? Nominate them today.
Nomination deadline is April 2, 2019 at 5:00 p.m. CST.
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Chick-Fil-A Spirit Day - April 2nd
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Kindergarten Round Up!
We will have a Parent Meeting on April 30th from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.. and your future Kindergartener will have the opportunity to visit a classroom and meet the kindergarten teachers. We can't wait to meet you!"
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STAAR TESTING, No Visitors or Volunteers
Tuesday, April 9
Fourth Grade STAAR Writing
Fifth Grade STAAR Math
Wednesday, April 10
Fifth Grade STAAR Reading
Monday, May 13
Third Grade STAAR MathFourth Grade STAAR Math
Tuesday, May 14
Third Grade STAAR Reading
Fourth Grade STAAR Reading
Wednesday, May 15
Fifth Grade STAAR Science
Please remember that we cannot have any visitors or volunteers (for any grade level) in the building during these weeks. This includes during lunch. Thank you for helping us abide by our state regulations.
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GCISD District Art Show
Everyone is invited to attend the District Art Show. Student artwork from all campuses will be on display at the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau, 636 S. Main Street.
The Exhibition will be on display from April 2nd- April 28th, 2019. Make sure to stop by and see all the amazing artwork!
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Updates from Art, Mrs. Morgan
We are busy exploring weaving, clay, printmaking and sculpture!
-Kindergarten is continuing to work on their painted paper weaving. Students used a variety of tools to paint their paper, like sponge dabbers, cars, and bubble wrap. Students are learning what a weaving loom is, a weft, a warp and the pattern over-under.
-First grade is learning warm and cool colors. Students will also be learning how to weave using painted paper using a variety of thick and thin paper strips. Students are also learning what a weaving loom is, a weft, a warp and the pattern over-under.
-Second grade started weaving their radial weaving! Students reviewed the terms loom, weft, warp and the pattern over/under.
-Third grade is learning about the history of printmaking. Students will be creating three relief prints of desserts and learning the process of printmaking.
-Fourth grade is adding finishing details to their value scale piece. Once done, they will be exploring the large dessert sculptures of Claes Oldenburg. Students will learn how to sculpt a doughnut using paper and plaster strips.
-Fifth grade is learning about different clay vocabulary words like; coil, slab, pinch pot and score. Students will create a texture slab and learning how to score (attach) the initial of their first name.
Cristie Morgan
Art Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary School
Twitter-@OCTMorgan
817-305-4870
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Updates from Music, Mrs. Vencill
A Note from Mrs. Vencill...
Happy Spring, OC Taylor Tigers and families! The end of the school year is getting closer and closer, and we still have LOTS of learning to do in the OCT Music room!
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 RUN RUN for barred eighth notes. We will use classroom percussion instruments to play their rhythm compositions.
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 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 2 at 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Please mark your calendar for this fun program.
3rd graders are continuing 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 21 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. See you in the Music room!
Beth Vencill
Music Teacher
@OCTVencill
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Updates from P.E., Coach Mester
Physical Education News
We have been taking advantage of the beautiful weather and getting outside as often as possible. In April we will learn how to play soccer both indoors and outdoors. Also, we will complete our EOY Fitnessgram Testing . It will be fun to witness the students improvement as they have put in so much hard work this school year! With the warmer weather on the way, please remember your tennis shoes (no flip flops ). See you in the gym!
Physical Education Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary
@OCTMester #OCT 4U
817-305-4870
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Updates from the Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Vision and hearing referrals: If you received a referral letter and/or email regarding a failed hearing or vision screening, and have not yet had your child evaluated, please take the time to schedule them an appointment. I have to report all failed screenings to the State of Texas every year. Your child may need glasses or or hearing aids!
- Lice prevention: Spring has sprung! While head lice is certainly not limited to the Spring season, we tend to see more cases with the return of sports and the sharing of head-gear. Please routinely monitor your student for lice, eggs, and nits. Reinforce prevention education with your child, emphasizing head-to-head contact avoidance.
- Carter BloodCare blood drive: The Carter BloodCare bus will be here at OCT on Tuesday May 21st from 10-1. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for details! :)
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
If you are interested in helping out in the Learning Commons (Formerly known as the Library) please email me at dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net
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Updates from Counseling and Guidance, Mrs. Whisman
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Bus Rider Information
Your child needs to be a registered bus rider in order to ride a GCISD bus. If you are wanting to register your child to ride the bus, please do so in Skyward. If you are needing to temporarily change your child's bus transportation (i.e. riding home with a friend for a day, etc.), please complete this form. This form must be completed 48 hours in advance. To ensure the safety of our bus riders, we do not accept notes from parents or administrators in place of the form.
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Spring Parent Technology Academy Sessions
GCISD Technology is excited to announce our Spring Session line up with several new sessions. Stay tuned as more will be added to our list as we keep receiving the request from the community.
April 16th - Apps Parents Need to Know -SIGN UP HERE
Take part in this interactive discussion around the growing world of apps that students are using. Go being the scenes to hear the truth behind the apps and what dangers there are to those who use them
Virtual Session Coming Soon - Fortnite (a Parent's Guide ) - SIGN UP HERE
Many have asked some come and experience Fortnite for parents. Hear about details of the game and dive into parental settings for the various gaming systems students use to play online.
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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.
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 HIRING!
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD - Open Positions
- Bus Drivers: Provide safe and efficient transportation service so that students may enjoy the greatest possible advantage from the district’s curriculum and extracurricular programs. Paid training available; starting salary once CDL is obtained is $17.43/hr!
- Cafeteria Food Service Workers (Nutrition Specialist): Prepare and serve nutritious meals for students and staff following USDA and TDA guidelines.
- After School Care Aides (Kidzu): Responsible for assisting the Site Coordinator with daily activities at their individual school; supervision of the children in the program; and the communication with students, staff members, and parents. Great opportunity to work w/students after school & be a role model!
- Early Childhood Caregivers: Assist the Lead Caregiver in providing child care with appropriate learning activities, instructional assistance, and other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Coordinator. Maintain a safe, enriching and inviting atmosphere working directly in a daycare with children 0-4 years old.
- Bus Monitors: Assist the bus driver in transporting students with disabilities to and from home and the complete range of curricular and extracurricular activities offered.
- Custodians: Follow routine cleaning and maintenance procedures to maintain a high standard of safety, cleanliness, and efficiency of building operations and grounds. No weekends!
GREAT BENEFITS!
- Part-time or Full-time hours! Weekends Off!
- Competitive salary!
- Health & Retirement benefits!
- Fun team environment!
Please visit our website at www.gcisd.net and select Employment
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!
O.C. Taylor’s GRACE Food Drive
Calling all Kindergarteners!!!!!
April is your month to Support the GRACE FOOD DRIVE.
Items in Need: Ketchup
The families of GRACE are always in great need of condiments, especially Ketchup. Let’s try to bring in a bottle for each kinder this month to help support our community. Collection Baskets are right outside the Kindergarten Classrooms and will be until May 3rd. Let’s go Kindergarten!
Questions? Concerns? Please Contact: Dawn Hall ddahall74@gmail.com
Earth Week at O.C. Taylor!
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day events in more than 193 countries are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network.
Join us this year in these fun Earth Week Challenges!!!
Tuesday, April 23rd: REDUCE CHALLENGE! Find ways that you can reduce your environmental footprint today. Take a shorter shower to save water, walk or bike to school to reduce gasoline usage and emissions, pack your lunch using reusable containers to reduce the amount of trash you throw away.
Wednesday, April 24th: REUSE CHALLENGE! Go through your recyclables and make your best Earth Day hat! Get creative and use old boxes, plastic bottles, newspapers, or anything else recyclable that can make a fun and creative hat that you can show to all of your friends!
Thursday, April 25th: RECYCLE CHALLENGE! Bring in old electronic devices so they can be safely recycled. The City of Grapevine offers e-cycling and we are offering O.C. Taylor families the opportunity to drop off any approved items to school to be e-cycled. Please see the reverse of this flyer for important guidelines. Drop off will be between 7:15-8:00 am on Thursday morning only.
Friday, April 26th: EGG DROP CHALLENGE! On Friday, April 26th, at 3:00 pm, we will host our Annual Egg Drop at O.C. Taylor. All students, K to 5th grade, are invited to design 1 package to protect a raw egg. O.C. Taylor staff will drop the students' egg packages from the roof of the school. Students will be able to watch from the bus circle and cheer on their eggs.Staff Appreciation April 5th
In honor of National Walking Day and that Spring is finally here, we are providing a healthy snack buffet for our teachers and staff. Please sign up to bring a healthy snack! You may drop your items at the front desk from 7:15-8:15 am on Friday, April 5th. Thanks for your continued support of our wonderful OCT staff!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4daaaa2daaf85-healthy1
Tamaron Hunt
Staff Appreciation Events
Parent's Night Out April 29th
SAVE THE DATE for our 2nd Annual Parents’ Night Out event on Monday, April 29th from 5-9pm at Sloan and Williams Winery in Grapevine. We’ll have a great Gift Card Grab, fun games of Heads or Tails, and fun Silent Auction packages. While you take a break, drop off your kids at Altitude in Grapevine. For $20, your tiger can jump from 5-9pm and enjoy pizza and cookies with some of our fabulous OC Taylor teachers! Stay tuned for more details!
Colleyville Receipt Race
The Colleyville Receipt Race is BACK! The City of Colleyville and GCISD have partnered to help businesses affected by SH26 construction. Shop anywhere in Colleyville March 1st through April 30th and turn in your receipts! Send them in to your child's teacher in an envelope marked "Colleyville Receipt Race" or drop them in the box in the front office! Help us support local Colleyville businesses and earn money for our PTA all at the same time!
Amazon Smile
Be sure to shop smileamazon.com. 0.5% of all your purchases will go to the OC Taylor PTA. Log on to smileamazon.com and select PTA Texas Congress 1610 O C Taylor Elementary as your preferred charity. It's an amazoningly easy way to earn money for our school!! Remember, you must log on to smileamazon.com every time you shop to ensure your purchases earn money for our school! We just received another check for $68.37! That’s $112.88 in just one semester. Keep up the good work!
Box Tops Fundraiser
It's a new semester and time for a new Box Top Racing to Recess Challenge! The winning grade level will earn an extra 30 minute recess! Clip out Box Tops for Education and place them on the Box Top Collection Sheet or in the Ziploc Bag that was sent home last semester. If you've already sent in that bag, just write your child's grade level on a new ziploc bag. Send your Box Tops in to your child's teacher or place them in the blue bin in the front lobby.
After 11 weeks, 3rd grade has taken a huge lead with 653 box tops! 2nd grade is in 2nd place with 204 and 5th grade is in 3rd place with 189.After 11 weeks, 3rd grade has taken a huge lead with 653 box tops! 2nd grade is in 2nd place with 204 and 5th grade is in 3rd place with 189.
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 it's 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
Thank you!
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