Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Pedevilla
June 2, 2019
Dear O.C. Taylor families,
As our academic year draws to a close, we have much to celebrate and many happy memories. We have accomplished so much as a community. The OCT faculty and staff say in our End-of-the-Year video to the students, "We Go Together!" Thank you to Mrs. Bonacci for recording and producing for us! We love our Tigers! Be sure and read, read, read this summer (see below about summer reading)!
Many thanks:
I want to thank you for the support of O.C. Taylor this school year. We had many successes! We continued the great work of growing your children and preparing them to be servant leaders and lifelong learners.
There are countless people to whom I owe an expression of gratitude:
- Parent Teacher Association President, Executive Board, and all PTA members: Thank you, Kristin McElroy, for all you have done this year. You have given so generously of yourself and talents to make O.C. Taylor a better school. It has been a pleasure to work with you! To each person serving on the PTA Executive Board, thank you! YOU make a huge difference. Without your support and dedication, OCT would not be the school it is! I appreciate the many hours you put into your volunteer position. All PTA members, thank you for joining the organization. Thank you for the many gifts and resources you bestowed upon our school. Our students love the new robots and can't wait to code with them next year! Our PTA supports every child's education! Thank you!
- Campus Excellence Committee: Thank you to the following people for serving on our CEC: Cristie Morgan, Rakshita Patel, Liz Payne, Jacqui Vanhorn, Kristin McElroy, Rhonda Schafer, Scott Payne, Stacy Whisman, Cindy Kue, Tiffany Dagger, Sharon Fiffik, Heather Killeen, Kathy Griffin, Wes Critz, Lainie Scruggs, Kimberly McNamara, and Berri O'Neal. This committee's work navigates our school. Your time helped direct us where we went, which direction, and how we got there. Our Campus Improvement Plan was evaluated, and the committee began planning for next year, thanks to you! It will be our best year yet!
- Officer Williams and the Colleyville Police Department: Thank you, Officer Williams, for all you did for us, especially keeping our little Tigers safe. You went above and beyond your job duties. We appreciate you spending time with us and getting to know the children! From having lunch with our kiddos to even running with our kids on Field Day! Wow!
- GCISD Administrative Team: Thank you to Dr. Robin Ryan, Superintendent, and Dr. Shiela Shiver, Executive Director of Instruction. Thank you to the entire GCISD administration for your service. Thank you, Dr. Ryan and Dr. Shiver, for your leadership. I appreciate you coming by OCT and supporting the great things our students, staff, and families are doing. Thank you to GCISD Chief Technology Officer, Kyle Berger, for helping us acquire new coding robots! Central administration, thank you for modeling servant leadership in all you do and say. I am honored to be a part of the GCISD team, the B.E.S.T. (Building Excellent Schools Together)!
- O.C. Taylor Faculty and Staff: Thank you for all you do! You are the BEST! I am so fortunate and humbled to be surrounded by such passionate and committed educators. Your professionalism, positivity, and love of children are second to none. I appreciate you! We have the best careers possible and work in the best school possible. Thank you for loving one another as you do. To the office staff, Ms. Gene, Ms. Betty, and Nurse Katy, thank you for everything. I love the way we work together, laugh, and enjoy coming to OCT each day. We are blessed.
- Parents: Thank you, parents, for all you do each day for your child. I also greatly appreciate your support of me and of OCT! Thank you for the kind emails, cards, and little gifts you and/or your child gave me and our staff members this year. Thank you for supporting our fundraisers: Spring Creek BBQ, Menchie's, Snuffers, Chili's, Chick-Fil-A, McAlister's, and Chipotle! Thank you to our wonderful Homeroom Parents and Grade-Level Coordinators for all you have done this year, especially planning the two wonderful holiday parties! Thank you, all, for your numerous donations to help other people and organizations. From our "GRACE" to our "Pink Pumkin Challenge" and more, you gave generously. YOU have helped many people.
- Dads' Club: Thank you to Wes Critz, Scott Payne and Ben Stevens for leading our Dads' Club this year! The pancake breakfast and TWO real snow hills were so fun!! You topped it off with the coolest Last Day of School Camp Out! The Dads' Club hosted many fun events for dads and their kids. We are appreciative!
- Students: To our stellar 5th graders, who are now officially 6th graders, we will miss you. You made an indelible mark on me and many others! Your leadership and kindness legacy lives on here at OCT. To all of our Tigers, thank you. Thank you for your loving and thoughtful hearts. May you all enjoy a much-deserved summer break!
2018-19 Accomplishments
This year's theme was "Navigating Our Future!" We have so much to celebrate and many accomplishments for the 2018-19 school year. Below are a few of our highlights:
-
Our Future Explorations was a success! Students LOVED the time on Fridays where they explored and learned about things they would not normally learn or do in school. Each week I heard many say "I can't wait until Future Explorations!"
We hosted our second annual Book Character Parade where students dressed as their favorite book characters and paraded through the halls. It just happened to align with Halloween. :)
More than 1/2 of our student body completed the GCISD Reads Challenge! Four students read over 10,000 pages.
We collected over $13,000 for the American Heart Association through ourJump Rope for Heart in Coach Mester's P.E. class. Thanks for organizing, Coach Mester and Coach Mac!
This year, Common Sense, the national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids and families thrive in a world of digital media and technology, has recognized O.C. Taylor Elementary with the award of Common Sense Certified School: Digital Citizenship. We have demonstrated our commitment to taking a whole-community approach to preparing our students to use the immense power of digital media to explore, create, connect, and learn while limiting the perils that exist in the online realm, such as plagiarism, loss of privacy, and cyberbullying. Thank you to Cindy Kue, our Learning Liaison, for submitting the application.
We hosted a successful Hour of Code. This is a global movement by Computer Science Education Week and Code.org reaching tens of millions of students in 180+ countries through a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer programming.
Our TTT (Taylor Terrific Tigers) Student Council hosted many outreach events! Our TTT Student Council raised over $1,000 with the Pink Pumpkin Challenge and donated the amount to Susan G. Komen Foundation. Thank you to Mrs. Whisman, Mrs. Knudson, Mrs. Mankins and Mrs. Epperson for sponsoring our student council, TTT!
5th grade Safety Patrol and dads greeted outside each morning and opened car doors. These kids and dads help keep our Tigers safe...plus it helps parents get to work faster. We appreciate ALL you did this year! Thank you to 5th grade teacher, Corey Kowalewski, for coordinating our Safety Patrol.
We had over 150 dedicated dads come and spend the day at OCT helping in our Dad of the Day Program. Thank you for sacrificing and serving!
Our Dads' Club hosted our Turkey Drive, and thanks to our families, we collected a record number of turkeys for those who needed one for Thanksgiving.
Thank you to Mrs. Acrea for establishing OCT's first chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society for fourth and fifth-grade students. The chapter inducted 47 members at our formal ceremony with families, teachers, board members, and Dr. Ryan in attendance, serving as our keynote speaker.
We had a successful Portrait of A Graduate Showcase, opening up the entire school in a family-friendly event. Thank you to all of our teachers for making this a fun family night and for planning the activities.
We had so many unbelievable choir and musical performances. I have never seen any music teacher host as many as our very own rock star, Beth Vencill! She is simply amazing.
We had four students participate in Special Olympics this year - three in bowling and four in track and field. They all placed in many of their events and two qualified for regionals. Most importantly, they had a great time!
We have another wonderful yearbook full of memories! Thank you to Corey Kowalewski and the Student Yearbook Staff! They put in many long hours.
- We had many facility improvements and updates. In front of O.C. Taylor, the front bed, where the Tiger is, has been cleaned and cleared. We have more special rocks the OCT students have painted. The back faded wall was painted a bright blue. Thank you to our OCT Beautification Committee: Stephanie Cook and her team! What an accomplishment! Thank you also to Jim Hoey and his team in GCISD facilities for working with me to repair our various leaks and issues.
Student Class Assignments for 2019-20
We have been working diligently on class assignments for next year. Our process for class placement is for the staff to meet in our Professional Learning Communities to discuss. The classroom teachers, OCT administration, counselor, and special teachers review these recommendations, make additional suggestions to accommodate needed professional support, and then the final approval rests with the principal and assistant principal. As we did this school year before Meet the Teacher in August, our teachers will be calling home to let your child know he or she will be your child's teacher. Make sure the front office has a good phone number to reach you on the Thursday before school starts.
Personnel Departures
This year we have several staff members leaving us. We will miss them all and wish them the very best life has to offer. Remember, once a Tiger, always a Tiger! Come back and visit! The following are leaving OCT:
- Leslie Cave, a kindergarten teacher, is retiring. Thank you to all who celebrated her and her 29 years of service to OCT children and families!
- Aimee Vinten will be an assistant principal job at a new school in Carrollton. We are thrilled for her to use her leadership to help others.
- Jenna Hutto is looking for a different opportunity. We appreciate her paraprofessional assistance this past year!
Staff Changes
We had to make some changes to the existing personnel. With our enrollment slated for next year, we will have three sections of first grade; therefore, Allison Moore will teach special education. With Mrs. Cave leaving kindergarten, Whitney Arington will be teaching kindergarten. We will have five sections of 2nd grade next year, so we will add Kim Knudson (currently 3rd) to 2nd grade along with Chloe Rodenberger (currently special education). Mrs. Acrea will be teaching 5th grade, and Mrs. Epperson will move to 3rd grade. With all this, it should be noted that there is a possibility of additional changes when we return in August as unforeseen events tend to happen.
As I come to the end of this long letter, I extend my thanks to the entire OCT community for the way you continue to support us, our teachers, and our students. I am beyond blessed to serve this school and community. I have the best job in the world and love coming to work each day. I will miss you this summer! I wish you all an excellent summer, wherever you may be, and I look forward to an exhilarating 2019-20 school year! See you in August!
To the BEST of days,
Principal Pedevilla
Empowering our children today to create a better tomorrow!
Email: lisa.pedevilla@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, July 22
Returning student registration (online only)
Wednesday, July 31
8:00 - 12:00/1:00 - 4:00 New Student Registration at Heritage Elementary School
Thursday, August 15
5:00-6:00 p.m. Meet the Teacher
Monday, August 19
7:15 a.m. Doors open for the 2018-19 school year
7:40 a.m. Tardy bell rings
7:40-8:40 a.m. Kindergarten Parent BooHoo/Yahoo Breakfast in the Library
Wednesday, August 22
5:00-6:15 p.m. Curriculum Night for PreK, K, and 1st grade
Wednesday, August 28
5:00-6:15 p.m. Curriculum Night for 2nd & 3rd grades
Thursday, August 29
5:00-6:15 p.m. Curriculum Night for 4th & 5th grades
OCT Updates
Tigers, We Go Together! Happy Summer, 2019!
______________________________________________
Summertime Boredom Busters
GCISD put together some activities students could do all summer plus specific ones for each week of the summer. For each week, you'll see a Humanities, Math, Science and Maker challenge. Not all the activities are iPad related so everyone could do something even if they don't take an iPad home. Click here to see the links.
_____________________________________________
Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
For information about the Learning Commons Programs and Services visit this link-
https://www.smore.com/2ek1j-happy-summer-reading
Happy Reading!
____________________________________________
Read, read, read, then retell!
Please spend time developing the LOVE of reading with your children. Talk about books, go to the library, snuggle up, buy books and READ the books together. After you finish reading a story with your child, ask him to retell it to you. This is the best way to check comprehension and boost his understanding of the story. Retelling a story requires your child to think about the details and decide what's really important. Give your child these three rules for retelling a story:
- Tell what's important.
- Tell it in a way that makes sense.
- Don't tell too much.
Your child should be able to tell you what happens at the beginning, the middle, and the end of the story. He should also be able to name the main characters.
You can prompt your child by asking open-ended questions, such as, "What happened next?" It's OK if he doesn't remember all the details. That gives you a chance to say, "Hmmm, let's go back and look at that part of the story again." Revisiting parts of the story will show your child that he sometimes has to read things more than once to gain a thorough understanding.
Studies show that this simple activity will help your child become a more thoughtful reader. He will start to pay attention to words whose meanings he doesn't know. He will focus on the story structure and pay more attention to important details. All of these things will improve your child's reading comprehension and make him a better reader-and a more successful student!
SUMMER READING OPPORTUNITIES:
______________________________________________
Specials
Thank you for a great year, Tigers. We are so proud of each and every one of you for your growth and accomplishments this school year. We've done LOTS of learning and had a LOT of fun, and now it's time to rest, relax and enjoy some time off. We hope you will continue to sing, exercise, paint, dance, move and create this summer. Have a safe and fun-filled break, Tigers. See you in August!
~Mrs. Vencill, Mrs. Morgan, Coach Mester and Coach Mac
___________________________________________
Updates from the Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Vaccinations: If your child receives any vaccinations over the Summer, please be sure I get a copy for their permanent file. You can scan/email them to me if that is easiest for you. When I am back on contract in August, I will be notifying everyone who still needs shots or an updated shot record. My wish is that every student will be completely up to date with all of their immunizations and able to come to OCT on the first day of school!
- Medication forms: If your student will be taking a medication DURING SCHOOL HOURS next year, please get the appropriate Medication Permit/Physician's Orders signed by a physician over the Summer. We have to have a new one on file every school year. The form can be found on the GCISD website- Departments- Health Services- Forms and Authorizations.
- THANK YOU: Thank you for allowing me to serve you another year! If you have any questions or need anything from me, please do not hesitate to ask. Have a spectacular Summer vacation! Stay safe and healthy! :)
____________________________________________
Results for May STAAR
STAAR results are forthcoming from TEA. As we did last year, we will not be sending out the Confidential Student Reports in the mail as this information will be in the student portal provided by TEA. Student Portal Access codes are currently available in SKYWARD for students who previously tested with GCISD. Other student access codes will be added to SKYWARD as scores become available.
Starting on June 13, if the student has tested this year to date, their code is in SKYWARD or they can look it up at www.texasassessment.com with the student's first name, DOB, and Social Security Number.
Click here to see a flyer of what to do. Click here to see the Skyward Parent Portal View.
The performance labels and descriptors are as follows:
Masters Grade Level: Students at this level have exceeded the assessment requirements and TEA expects students at Masters Grade Level to succeed in the next grade or course with little or no academic intervention. Students in this category demonstrate the ability to think critically and apply the assessed knowledge and skills in varied contexts, both familiar and unfamiliar.
Meets Grade Level: Students at this performance level have met the assessment requirements and have a high likelihood of success in the next grade or course but may still need some short-term, targeted academic intervention. Students in this category generally demonstrate the ability to think critically and apply the assessed knowledge and skills in familiar contexts.
Approaches Grade Level: Students at this level have met the assessment requirements for purposes of Student Success Initiative grade promotion and graduation and are considered to have met at least the minimum passing standard. A student achieving Approaches Grade Level is likely to succeed in the next grade or course with targeted academic intervention. Students in this category generally demonstrate the ability to apply the assessed knowledge and skills in familiar contexts.
Does Not Meet Grade Level: Students at this level have not passed since performance indicates a student is unlikely to succeed in the next grade or course without significant, ongoing academic intervention. Students in this category do not demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the assessed knowledge and skills.
Link to the Student Data Portal: https://txparentportal.emetric.net/login?returnUrl=/list
The Student Data Portal is maintained by the TEA and already houses all scores from previous years.
____________________________________________
Registration for Returning Students
Registration for returning students will open on July 22 . All returning families will need to go to the district website under Student Registration to complete the registration process. Remember, if you are currently living at the same address, you will confirm the residence in Skyward. If you have moved during the summer and have a new address, you will be required to provide proof of residency at the campus during the designated time in August.
_____________________________________________
Registration for New Students to O.C. Taylor
________________________________________________
New Visitor Procedures Video
___________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Thank you!
As we wrap up the 2018-2019 school year, and my term as PTA President comes to an end, I would like to extend a huge thank you to all of the PTA volunteers who have helped our school succeed this year! I truly appreciate the support you have provided our students, staff, and me.
Next year, Berri O'Neal Gormley will be serving as PTA President and Lissa Critz will be President-Elect! I'm looking forward to an amazing year next year with these fabulous ladies!
Thank you for everything,
Kristin
Kristin McElroy
President
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.