Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, May 13, 2018
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
Happy Mother’s Day to all of our Tiger moms! You are beautiful! We hope you enjoy your day and are treated special!
THANK YOU to OCT PTA and parents for showering us with appreciation this past week! From our decorated superhero doors to fabulous food to staff favorites' bags, it was all a breath of fresh air and gives us even more motivation to do the best we can for these precious children. We love and appreciate you!!!
Career Day is right around the corner. Please volunteer a little bit of time to share what you do! (See Mrs. Whisman's section below.)
To all of our friends who are Muslim, we say Happy Ramadan! May you be blessed during your sacrifice.
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, May 14
STAAR Testing all week and campus is closed to visitors
3rd/4th grade Math STAAR - Campus closed to visitors
Tuesday, May 15
3rd/4th grade Reading STAAR - Campus closed to visitors
Wednesday, May 16
5th grade Science STAAR - Campus closed to visitors
Thursday, May 17
STAAR Make-Up Day - Campus closed to visitors
Speech Therapist Day
Friday, May 18
STAAR Make-Up Day - Campus closed to visitors
3rd Grade Field Trip
5th Grade Buddies Picnic - sign in office then go outside to go back to the playround
Monday, May 21
Book Fair
Senior Walk Day - 9:15
Tuesday, May 22
Book Fair
Blood Drive 10 -2 in parking lot
5th Grade Rocks 8:30/6:30
Wednesday, May 23
Book Fair
O.C. Taylor Career Day
Thursday, May 24
Book Fair
Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Field Day
Friday, May 25
No school... bad weather day we did not use
Monday, May 28
No school... Memorial Day
A Note from Dr. Robin Ryan, GCISD Superintendent
Good afternoon,
As we wrap up another great school year in GCISD, we are already looking ahead to next fall and the re-opening of Mustang Panther Stadium. I am sure that most of you have observed the progress on the facility while driving down Highway 26, but I am also sure that many of you have asked the question, “will this be ready by August?”
This year, Texas had a significant amount of rain, compounded with high winds, which has unfortunately delayed the completion date for the project. We have been working diligently with our football coaches and their respective opponents to make any necessary adjustments to the schedule. As a result, we have made the following changes:
Week One:
August 30: Grapevine v. Azle at Dragon Stadium
August 31: Colleyville Heritage v. North Forney at Dragon Stadium
Week Two:
September 7: Grapevine v. Abilene Cooper at Apogee Stadium (UNT)
September 7: Colleyville Heritage v. Carroll at Dragon Stadium
Week Three:
September 13: Colleyville Heritage v. Trinity at Pennington Field
September 14: Grapevine v. Northwest at Northwest Stadium
Week Four:
September 21: Bye week for both teams
At this time, the first planned home game for the 2018 season is the Colleyville Heritage homecoming game against Newman Smith High School on September 28.
We understand that this is not ideal for our families, fans and especially our players; however, the weather and its impact on construction is beyond our control. We have worked with neighboring districts to have great places for our students to perform and I am confident that our students, fans and community will show up and support our teams during these first few weeks of the season.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during the stadium construction. It will all be worth it when we are enjoying the performances from our students at the new Mustang Panther Stadium!
Dr. Robin Ryan
GCISD Superintendent of Schools
OCT Updates
STAAR Testing This Week, No Visitors
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Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast
Words cannot adequately express how very appreciative we are of all you do for us and our school. We would not or could not do all we do without you offering so much assistance, help, time, muscle, sweat, and work. To you, we say a big THANK YOU!!!
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Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
Please click here to see the May Counselor Corner Newsletter.
Career Day 2018 at OC Taylor
Tiger Families! Get ready for another fabulous Career Day here at OC Taylor! Our date will be May 23, 2018! We hope to have many of our wonderful parents come to school to talk about their careers! Sign up today to be a Career Day speaker or give this sign up to someone you know that would like to come speak for Career Day.
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
FREE E-BOOKS (limited time)
Our Tigers have FREE access to a huge selection of interactive e-books by Capstone until June 15th.
username: cap2018
password: cap2018
Website for online reading: www.mycapstonelibrary.com
Sign in with Capstone Interactive
Capstone iPad app that allows for offline reading: "Capstone Interactive"
GCISD READS
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.
BOOKS DUE BY
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!
BOOK FAIR
Our next Book Fair will be May 21st - 24th. If you would like to volunteer please email me at dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net. Click here for the Book Fair SMORE.
For information about the Learning Commons Programs and Services visit this link-
https://www.smore.com/wk447-o-c-taylor-learning-commons
Happy Reading!
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Updates from the Clinic, Nurse Katy
- OCT Carter Blood Drive- Teach your kids to #GiveForLife: Tuesday May 22nd from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm in the front parking lot. There are posters throughout the school with QRS codes to sign up, or you can always come in the clinic and I will be happy to sign you up! *All donors will receive a free t-shirt and be automatically entered to win one of 100 annual family zoo passes! *Each student who recruits a donor will receive a Jr. Leader medal! *The class with the most donors will win a popsicle party!
- Medications: If your child has a medication in the clinic, it will need to be picked up on or before June 1st. Medication will be sent home in your child's backpack if you checked the appropriate box on the Medication Permit form I have on file.
- 5th grade parents: Be sure to check your child's folder/backpack. I sent home a form with information about vaccinations/medications/procedures that may better help prepare you and your student for the upcoming transition to middle school.
Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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Math Telescoping Testing
On Thursday, May 3, at 9:00 a.m. registration for the June 20th administration of math telescoping tests opened. The registration window will remain open through midnight on May 23, 2018. Parents must complete a two-step registration process by going online from this webpage to register their child and then printing their online confirmation to attach to their fee payment. Payment is due by 4:00 p.m. on May 24, 2018. Payments may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Administration Building but MUST arrive by the deadline in order to be accepted. No exceptions.
What is GCISD Math Telescoping?
Students currently enrolled in grades K through 7 in the District and meet specific eligibility criteria, may accelerate in math beyond their enrolled grade level or course. Because the acceleration process involves “skipping” classroom instruction for a grade level or course, students must demonstrate mastery of the math content above their current grade level and for which s/he has not received any formal classroom instruction. Mastery is determined by meeting the district criterion on a state-approved exam chosen by the district. Students in grades K through 5 must score 90% or higher on the state-approved exam for the grade level to be skipped. Students in grades 6 through 7 must score 80% or higher on the state-approved exam for the course to be skipped. Students will have two opportunities to take the exam.
A student may be a high achieving learner in their current grade level math course, but that knowledge base is not sufficient to pass a math exam for the next level course when they have not received any instruction. A student must be thoroughly prepared by learning the TEKS of the course in which s/he is attempting to skip. A link to view the TEKS is provided below. Also, parents should refer to "Is Math Telescoping Right for My Child?" (included in the packet) for additional factors to consider.
Taking a math examination will not provide you with enough information to judge how your child is performing academically in math. These examinations are the property of UT-Austin and you will not receive information about objectives or skills missed or allowed to see a copy of the examination. Knowing a score or how many questions a child missed does not help in guiding instruction. GCISD uses a variety of assessments throughout the year that will give parents information with regard to how a student is performing academically.
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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 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.
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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SCROLL DOWN, FOLKS! COOL PTA STUFF GOING ON AT O.C. TAYLOR! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS!
COME TO THE O.C. TAYLOR BOOK FAIR May 21st - 24th WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!
Please signup here https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c48acaa2ca5f85-spring
to volunteer a bit of your time at the Book Fair, coming up on
Monday, May 21st - Thursday, May 24th.
You can help our students, school and community all at the same time by donating just a bit of your time and energy to staff our Book Fair.
To volunteer at the Book Fair, here is the link, once, again.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c48acaa2ca5f85-spring
Questions? Concerns, Email Mrs. Bonacci here: dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net
SAVE THE DATE! FIELD DAY, THURSDAY MAY 24th
Questions?
Mendi Huffman
UPCOMING DAD'S CLUB EVENTS
OC Taylor Dad's Club is planning great events in May! Please save the following dates and check our Facebook page https://FB.com/octaylordadsclub or https://twitter.com/OCTDadsClubfor details!
May 20th Dad's Club Golf Tournament
May 31st Dad's Club LAST DAY OF SCHOOL CAMPOUT!!!!! (More information will be coming home soon.)
Contact Ben Stevens ben@benLstevens.com for more info
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
May
5/14 - 5/18 STAAR TESTING (3rd, 4th & 5th grade)
5/20 Dad's Club Golf Tournament
5/22 6:30 pm PTA General Mtg. and Fifth Grade Rocks
5/24 Field Day
5/25 No School
5/28 Memorial Day (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 8:00 am; 3rd: 8:30 am; 4th: 1:45 pm
5/31 Fifth Grade Continuation Ceremony
5/31 Dad's Club Last Day of School Campout
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.