Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, February 4, 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.
Valentine's Day is right around the corner! We sure love our OCT families! Thank you for all you do for your children! Dads, be sure and visit Kendra Scott tomorrow night for all of your Valentine gift needs...Hint. Hint. (Mom will be happy!) OCT will receive 20% of the profits!
Make it a priority; read with your child at least three times a week! Children who are read to at least three times a week by a family member are almost twice as likely to score in the top 25% in reading compared to children who are read to less than 3 times a week. Denton, Kristen and Gerry West, Children’s Reading and Mathematics Achievement in Kindergarten and First Grade (PDF file), U.S. Department of Education, NCES, Washington, DC, 2002.
I know as parents you are busy and have much to balance. Please prioritize and remember the importance of reading with your child every night. We do not have traditional homework at O.C. Taylor, but we do expect children to read every night at home. And, when a parent reads WITH their child and TO their child, the child has greater benefits.
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, February 5
Feb. 5-9 School Counseling Week
100th Day of School, kindergarteners dress like they are 100 years old
Pops for Pals - sold after school thru TTT
Kendra Scott Fundraiser 5pm - 8pm
Tuesday, February 6
Pops for Pals - sold after school thru TTT
Wednesday, February 7
Positive Proof 8am - 12pm
Pops for Pals - sold after school thru TTT
Yearbook - Group A - 3:00 - 3:45
Thursday, February 8
Pops for Pals - sold after school thru TTT
Decades Night @ Skatetown 6:00 pm
Choir 2:55 - 4:00
Friday, February 9
PTA Walk To School
Future Explorations 2:00 - 2:55
Pops for PALS - sold after school thru TTT
Monday, February 12
Cupid Competitions begin on the Taylor Tiger Morning Show
Spinal Screening (5th ) 10:20 - 11:10
Pops for PALS - sold after school thru TTT
Tuesday, February 13
Pops for PALS - sold after school thru TTT
Wednesday, February 14
Class parties 2:00 - 2:55
Yearbook - Group B - 3:00 - 3:45
Thursday, February 15
GCISD Kindness Day
Choir 2:55 - 4:00
Friday, February 16
Future Explorations 2:00 - 2:50
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Kendra Scott Fundraiser
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Positive Proof
February 7th
8am - 12 pm
(Siblings Welcome)
Forms will be going home Monday, January 29th!
OCT Updates
National School Counseling Week, February 5-9, 2018
Thank you, Ms. Whisman! "School Counselors: Helping Students Reach for the Stars," will be celebrated from February. 5-9, to focus public attention on the unique contribution of school counselors within U.S. school systems. National School Counseling Week highlights the tremendous impact school counselors can have in helping students achieve school success and plan for a career. Be sure to tell Ms. Whisman how much she is appreciated. For more information about National School Counseling Week, click here.
Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
Please click here to see the February Counselor Corner Newsletter.
GCISD will be celebrating KINDNESS DAY on February 15! Kindness Day is to promote kindness, compassion, and respect and to remind our students and community to follow Rachel's Challenge. Our GCISD Rachel’s Challenge Rally will be on April 21, 2018 at CHHS! Start spreading kindness everywhere you go!
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A Note from Art, Mrs. Morgan
Don’t Mess with Texas Art Contest
Students in grades K-12 are invited to participate in this art contest to help promote litter prevention and keep our state of Texas beautiful. Students can create artwork that promotes Keep Texas Beautiful or Don’t Mess with Texas. The entry deadline is April 20, 2018. For more information, please visit the website https://www.ktb.org/don-t-mess-with-texas-art-contest#Entry
Doodle 4 Google
Students in grades K-12 are invited to participate in the Doodle 4 Google contest. The theme for the contest is “what inspires me.” Students can use a variety of materials to create their doodle but it needs to include the letters G-o-o-g-l-e. The entry deadline is March 2nd, 2018. For more information please visit, https://doodles.google.com/d4g/
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
Our O. C. Taylor Tigers love listening to audiobooks! We have even earned the Tales2Go Top Listener award for listening to a combined total of over 25,000 minutes in one month!
Some students find it difficult to listen to audiobooks at first. They have to learn how to focus on the reader and block out distractions, but it is worth the effort! Studies show that in addition to improving attentiveness, listening to audiobooks also increases comprehension and vocabulary. For more information check out this article from Reading Rocket or visit Tales2Go to download the app and check out their catalog!
Every O. C. Taylor student has 2 licenses for Tales2Go. Students can log in on their school device, AND on their personal devices! Some families like to listen to audiobooks in the car where they enjoy stories together. This year we have also expanded our collection of ebooks and audiobooks through the Overdrive Media app.
Access is easy through the GCISD ClassLink app. This tool makes it easy to see what is available and it uses 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!
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
We are still looking for costumes and/or props for our green screen production studio! Thank you so much for all of your support.
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Update from our Clinic, Nurse Katy
- 5th grade parents: Scoliosis (spinal) screenings will be conducted during Specials on Monday February 12th. Parents of girls: Make sure your student wears a bra, sports bra, tube top or bathing suit top underneath their clothing on this day. If your child needs a second opinion after being screened, you will be notified. Otherwise, no news is good news! :)
Cold & Flu Season: Although we have not yet seen a spike in flu-like illnesses here at OCT, flu trends are on the rise in our area. Here are some healthy habits to practice at home. * Frequent handwashing. Wash with soap and warm water if available. If not, hand sanitizer is next best thing. *Avoid touching the "T-zone"- one's eyes, nose, or mouth . This is a BIG habit to try and break, but if you never touched these mucous membranes, you would almost never get sick!! * Cover your cough/sneeze. Use a tissue. If a tissue is not available, use the bend of your arm. DO NOT use your hands. * Avoid contact with those with a known illness. *Stay home AND isolate yourself if you become ill until fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea free for a minimum of 24 hours without the aid of medications * Clean/disinfect surfaces frequently.
Handwashing Incentive: I have been handing out "High Fives" when I see students performing proper hand hygiene at the restrooms and in the clinic. They show their teacher their "High Five" and get a reward in return! Have your child show you that they know HOW to wash their hands (in between fingers, underneath nailbeds, etc) and that they know HOW LONG to wash their hands (by singing Happy Birthday or ABC song twice.
Donations to the clinic: I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your generosity/donations to the clinic. At this time, I do not need any clothing. Nut-free snacks and peppermints are always needed!
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Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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GCISD Personalized Programs Expo
Applications Due
The applications for dual language, STEM programs and tuition-based pre-kindergarten will be open online beginning Friday, February 9, 2018. The application window will remain open until March 9, 2018. If more applications are received than there are available seats, a lottery will be held on March 29, 2018, at 10 am.
Once the application system is open, the application link will be available at this website: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/3802
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Dyslexia
Digital Accommodations
February 5, 6:30PM, PDEC, 5800 Colleyville Blvd, Panther Den
Join the GCISD Literacy Intervention team to learn what your student's device can do in regards to digital accommodations (speech to text & text to speech). This experience will give hands-on opportunities on how technology equalizes the learning/production experience for students with dyslexia. Students are encouraged to attend with their digital device to get the most out of this hands-on experience.
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Watch Dogs
We are so excited to have the Watch Dog program back again this year! Thank you to those who have signed up to be a Watch Dog. The process this year is a little different. Here is the form that needs to be submitted along with your background check and t-shirt purchase. Once those things are taken care, Jennifer Howard will send an email with the Signup Genius so you can choose a day to volunteer. We ask that you plan a week in advance when signing up. The calendar will be closed after Friday mornings for the following week to ensure teachers and the volunteers receive schedules. Thank you for understanding and respecting our process and procedure of this program.
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Colleyville Middle School 6th Grade Informational Night, February 20, 2018
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Cross Timbers Middle School Showcase Open House, February 20, 2018
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GCISD Parent Technology Academy
More classes are rolling out! Click on the following link to see more or to register: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=48875
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GCISD Nutrition Survey
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GCISD Nutrition Services Farm Fresh Friday, February 23, 2018
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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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WE NEED YOU TO KEEP O.C. TAYLOR GREAT!
The O.C. Taylor PTA Nominating Committee is gathering the names of people willing to be involved and serve as officers or committee chairpersons during the 2018-2019 school year.
The Parent Teacher Association supports the education of all students, and as you have witnessed, our PTA at O.C. Taylor is very active. Our children benefit from this involvement, and from the many special events and programs that our PTA sponsors. Our school curriculum is enhanced by the Arts & Education program, Environmental Science program, and fun activities like All Decades Night, Fall Festival and the Talent Show. These activities can only continue with the efforts of involved members.
No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to do quality work. New perspectives and ideas are needed to keep our O.C. Taylor PTA vital. Your support of O.C. Taylor through the PTA is one of the best things you can do for your child.
To express interest in being an officer or committee chairperson on the PTA, please return the PTA Interest Form that will be sent home with your child this week or print a copy of the form here.
Forms must be received by February 23, 2018.
Questions?
Lissa Critz
Nominating Committee Chairperson
DECADES NIGHT AT SKATETOWN IS THIS WEEK!!! ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FUN?
Pull out your poodle skirt! Dust off your go go boots! Put your collar up on your polo shirt and join us for...
Decades Night at Skatetown!
February 8th
6-8 pm
Come dressed from your favorite decade!
All OCT students and their siblings will get to skate for free!
OCT students will receive a wristband for:
1 free slice of pizza, 1 drink, and 1 popcorn
Tickets may be purchased for additional food/drink items.
We need many volunteers to make the night a success, parents, please sign up for a spot to volunteer below:
Decades Night Volunteer Sign Up
Questions? Contact Dotty Ponder at dottylynnponder@gmail.com
WALK TO SCHOOL MORNING Fri. Feb. 9th
Please join us for our upcoming Walk to School Day on Friday, February 9th to show our support for a greener environment and a healthier body by encouraging students, parents and teachers to walk to school wherever possible.
Need a safe route to walk 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 7:10 am, and departure is at 7:15 am. We have two locations:
1. Compass Center parking lot (southeast corner of Hall Johnson and Pool Rd)
2. Colleyville Senior Center parking lot (2512 Glade Road)
Did you know active kids learn better? Check out this article to learn more!!!
If you have any questions or comments, please contact:
CHOCOLATE DECADENCE!! SIGN UP!!
Please sign up to bring a dessert to share (list what your dessert will be so we can be sure have a variety). Chocolate Decadence Sign Up
Please drop off your dessert between 7:15 and 8:15 am on Tuesday, February 13, 2018.
Thank you!
Tamaron Hunt
ATTENTION 5TH GRADE PARENTS!
The Colleyville Middle School PTA and Cross Timbers Middle School PTA are soliciting members and officers for next year's PTA. If interested, fill out the form for the school you will be attending below.
FIRST GRADE SUPPORTS GRACE CEREAL DRIVE!
February is 1st Grade's turn
TO SUPPORT THE GRACE CEREAL DRIVE
(We mistakenly had the wrong grade last week, although ALL GRADES are encouraged to donate!)
Collection baskets will be outside FIRST GRADE classrooms for the month of February. Buy an extra box of cereal and SPREAD THE LOVE!
Thank you for helping our community!
Questions? Concerns: contact Athena Wiginton at apw@thewigintons.com
WE NEED 5 MORE PEOPLE TO JOIN AND COULD RECEIVE $1,000 FOR OUR SCHOOL!
Chrysler is partnering with Texas PTA to award three $1,000 prizes to those local PTA's who have increased their previous years membership by 5%. The O.C. Taylor PTA is only 5 members away from being eligible for the contest. If you haven't already, please consider joining the PTA. Plus if you join, you get the super useful O.C. Taylor phone directory!
To join our O.C. Taylor PTA, click on this link: http://www.joinpta.org/
HELP KEEP YOUR CHILD SAFE! POSITIVE PROOF-WE NEED A FEW VOLUNTEERS
If you can donate a bit of your time, please contact Jennifer Ditto at Jennifer.ditto@tx.rr.com
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
February:
2/7 8 am - 12 noon Positive Proof
2/8 6 pm All-Decades Night at Skate Town
2/9 Walk to School Morning
2/13 Staff Appreciation Event
2/14 Valentine's Day parties
2/19 Professional Learning Day/Presidents' Day Holiday - No School
2/27 Spring School & Club PIctures
2/28 Boosterthon Pep Rally
March
3/8 6:30 pm Open House
3/9 Boosterthon Fun Run
3/12 - 16 SPRING BREAK
TBD 1st Grade Music Program
3/22 6:30 PTA Spaghetti Dinner, Choir Program & Spirit Shop
3/30 No School (if no Inclement Weather Days)
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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.