Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, March 25, 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 this week's Tiger Time News video version. By the way, a special shout-out to Mrs. Bonacci who produces this each week with our students! Thank you! If you haven't seen it, give it a click. The kids are awesome!
Thank you, once again, to all of those who came out to Potbelly Sandwiches to support OCT!
I hope you will consider attending our PTA Parents' Night Out this coming Thursday, Mar. 29 (see more info below in our PTA section of this newsletter). Mrs. Putman and I, along with several teachers and high school volunteers, will be at the school to entertain your children.
I will be hosting an informal coffee discussion on school safety on Thurs., Apr. 26 from 8:00-9:00 a.m. in the OCT Learning Commons. I have invited GCISD Director of Emergency Management & School Security, Allen Smith. He will try to attend. I hope you will be able to attend. Sadly, we must continue to have ongoing conversations regarding safety.
We would like to wish you a very Happy Easter! May your weekend be an EGG-cellent one!
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, March 26
Tuesday, March 27
Wednesday, March 28
10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies for Special Olympics at CTMS
Thursday, March 29
Wear Red, White & Blue or Rangers attire for Opening Day!
2:00 - 2:55 p.m. Future Explorations
2:55 - 4:00 p.m. Choir
6:00-9:00 p.m. OCT PTA Parents' Night Out
Friday, March 30
No School
Monday, April 2
PTA Executive Board Meeting - 8:15
Tuesday, April 3
Wednesday, April 4
Thursday, April 5
Spring Choir Performance - 2:00
Friday, April 6
PTA Walk To School
Running Club 3:00 - 3:45
OCT Updates
PARENTS of Kinder, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Grade Students...
Please take a brief moment to give the district and campus administration feedback on the GCISD Standards Based Report Cards (SBRC). We want to know your thoughts and opinions on how we are reporting student progress.
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Congratulations to our Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Richardson and our Paraprofessional of the Year, Mrs. Khan
GCISD schools have changed significantly during the years since the LEAD 2021 Strategic Plan was developed. Classrooms are equipped differently, and teachers have embraced practices which are more aligned with a learning platform approach to instruction vs. a teaching platform. As a way to recognize teachers who exemplify the goals of LEAD, the Teacher of the Year process was updated to celebrate teachers who are recognized by their peers as models of the strategic plan’s values.
Teachers being nominated as a campus Teacher of the Year routinely demonstrate the following essential characteristics:
Classroom instruction that models characteristics of a learning platform
Meaningful use of technology to extend learning
Differentiation of instruction according to the diverse needs of students
Valuing of students’ perspectives by incorporating their voice in classroom decision making
Mrs. Richardson's peers selected her to represent O.C. Taylor Elementary. She will now progress to the District Teacher of the Year Competition. We wish her all of our best! Thank you, Mrs. Richardson, for all you do for children, our school, and OCT families!
Congratulations to our wonderful paraprofessional, Mrs. Khan! She is supportive and kind! We appreciate all of the work she does behind the scenes. Mrs. Khan will represent OCT at the upcoming district Paraprofessional of the Year Award.
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Help OCT Try To Win $5000 from the City of Colleyville!
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GCISD Art Show
Please visit the GCISD District Art show! The exhibition will be on display March 20th - 30th inside the Grapevine Convention and Visitors Bureau Center, located at 636 S Main St, Grapevine, TX 76051.
Hours of operations:
Monday-Friday 8am-5:30pm
Saturday 10am-6:30pm
Sunday 12-5pm
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
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Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
Please click here to see the March Counselor Corner Newsletter.
Our GCISD Rachel’s Challenge Rally will be on April 21, 2018 at CHHS! Start spreading kindness everywhere you go!
Rachel's Challenge T-Shirts
Only $8! Cash and checks accepted. Checks made out to GCISD Education Foundation and write "Rachel's Challenge" in the Note section of the check. Click here to see more information.
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
CORRECTION: 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 would like to help please email me at dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net. If you can donate Lysol wipes you can have your child drop them off in the office or in the Learning Commons/Library.
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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Update from our Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Easter Event for special needs children and families: The City of Southlake is partnering with Miracle League Southlake for this free event, ensuring that it is 100% handicap accessible. All activities will take place on or surrounding the Texas Rangers Miracle League Field located at Bicentennial Park in Southlake (450 W. Southlake Blvd). The event will include egg scrambles, photos with the Easter Bunny, balloon artists, crafts, delicious treats, games and much more - ALL FOR FREE!
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Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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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 so many unique student experiences offered, and the sound foundation 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.
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Special Olympics Mustang Panther Relays—March 28, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at CTMS
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Making Connections: Disability Resource Fair—April 3rd, 4:00-8:00 PM at PDEC
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GCISD Walk of Honor
Grapevine Colleyville Independent School District and the Walk of Honor Committee are very proud to announce the formation of the “Walk of Honor” to be established in the fall of 2018. The “Walk of Honor” – similar to a Hall of Fame, will recognize those individuals that have served our District with honor, distinction and service. The recognition will be notable alumni, teachers, administrators, groups, teams and community leaders. The Wall of Honor recipients will have permanent recognition displayed at the newly renovated Mustang-Panther stadium. The Walk of Honor Board of Directors will be soliciting nominations starting February of 2018.
If you or your company would like to help sponsor this new GCISD project, please look for information on the GCISD website. Grapevine-Colleyville ISD has a history spanning over 100 years as small nearby schools became incorporated from several towns in the area.
Click here to read more.
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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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PARENTS' NIGHT OUT
Please join us for O.C. Taylor’s first ever Parents’ Night Out!
WHEN: THIS THURSDAY, March 29th from 6-9 pm
WHERE: Sloan & Williams Winery in Grapevine
Sloan & Williams will be giving back 30% of all proceeds spent on beverages and food that evening to our PTA!
We will also be hosting a Silent Auction including a Gift Card Grab, Head or Tails Games, and Fun Packages - including 4 Disneyland One-Day Park Hoppers!!
Childcare will be provided at OC Taylor from 5:30-9:30 for all current students for a $10 donation per child, including pizza, drinks, snacks, and tons of fun! We cannot accommodate children who are not attending O.C. Taylor.
It’s a night you and your kids don’t want to miss!
Please fill out the pre-registration form: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5vVggmO_JnDbG56ZkwxZVljYWV1ZlVTLUIwaHF4ZUtkRXdz/view?usp=sharing
While pre-registration for child care is not required, it will help give us a better idea of how much pizza we need to order!
HEALTHY SNACKS DAY! BRING SOME 7:15 - 8:15 AM WED. APRIL 4TH FOR FACULTY AND STAFF
In honor of National Walking Day, 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 Wednesday, April 4th.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4daaaa2daaf85-healthy
AND PLEASE SIGN UP! THIS IS ANOTHER WAY WE THANK OUR WONDERFUL TEACHERS AND STAFF FOR ALL THEY DO FOR US AND OUR STUDENTS!
Questions? Contact Tamaron Hunt at: tamaron.hunt@gmail.com
NOMINATE SOMEBODY WHO IS OUTSTANDING!
PTA Membership Awards - Due Friday, April 6th!
Do you know an outstanding teacher, staff member, parent volunteer or community member who has made a significant contribution to O.C. 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!
GRAND PRIZE: $5,000!
SECOND PRIZE: $2,000
THIRD PRIZE: $1,000
more info in image below
THIS IS A NO-BRAINER! START SAVING! LET'S WIN THIS!!!!
HELP O.C. TAYLOR PTA WIN $1,000 TO FURTHER SUPPORT OUR SCHOOL! JOIN PTA!
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/
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!
KINDERGARTEN SUPPORTS GRACE CEREAL DRIVE!
MARCH is KINDERGARTEN'S TURN
TO SUPPORT THE GRACE CEREAL DRIVE
Collection baskets will be outside KINDERGARTEN classrooms for the month of March. Buy an extra box of cereal and SPREAD THE LOVE!
This O.C. TAYLOR PTA-sponsored project ends in March, so, if you haven't given a couple of boxes of cereal already-or if you have and want to give more-no matter WHAT YOUR GRADE, PLEASE DONATE AND HELP ANOTHER PERSON JUST LIKE YOU!
WE THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS FOR SUPPORTING THIS WORTHWHILE PROJECT THAT HELPS OUR COMMUNITY!
Questions? Concerns: contact Athena Wiginton at apw@thewigintons.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
March
3/29 WEAR YOUR TEXAS RANGERS' HAT/Support 5th Grade Continuation
3/29 6 - 9 pm PARENTS NIGHT OUT!
3/30 No School
April:
4/6 WALK TO SCHOOL MORNING
4/6 Nominations Due: to PTA Outstanding Awards
4/19 - 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 possibly 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 Holiday (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 8:00am; 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.