OCT Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Pedevilla
November 3, 2019
(BE SURE AND SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS NEWSLETTER AND READ THE OCT PTA SECTION!)
Dear OCT Families,
Thank you for assisting your child and helping them to participate in our annual Book Character Parade! Just the other day my youngest son, who is 22 now, was reflecting on the memory of dressing up as the main boy in the p.e. class from the book, The Gym Teacher from the Black Lagoon. We laughed and laughed. What a great memory you and your child will have one day.
Thank you to everyone who joined our Dismissal Round Table Discussion on Thursday morning. We got valuable feedback and are looking forward to hearing from more of you this coming Thursday evening, November 7, 6:00-6:45 p.m. If you are unable to join us, I welcome your feedback on what you think is working well and what, if any, improvements could be made. Please send me your suggestions.
Wow! What a wonderful Fun Day we had! Thank you, Stephanie Williams and PTA, for organizing this fun day for our students. We loved karate, pizza, and the movie! A special thanks to Mrs. Vencill, Mrs. Morgan, Coach Mester, Coach Mac, and Mrs. Bonacci for having some last-minute fun in our new Learning Commons due to the inflatables being canceled because of freezing temperatures.
As we move into November, please know how thankful I am to serve as the principal at O.C. Taylor. You have the sweetest, kindest children in the world! They are generous with their time and resources. While I see the long-term impact they will have on our world in the future, I also see how they are making this a better world today. Be sure and let them know the good things you see in them. What you tell them... they become.
To the BEST of days,
Principal 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.
Email: lisa.pedevilla@gcisd.net
Website: https://oct.gcisd.net/
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 Events
Sunday, November 3rd
Daylight Savings - "Fall" back/Turn your clocks back one hour
Monday, November 4
Professional Learning Day/Student Holiday
Tuesday, November 5
Kindergarten Field Trip to Crayola Experience
4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. Chipotle Spirit Night - Colleyville (Online orders will NOT be included)
Wednesday, November 6
8:15 a.m. PTA Executive Board Meeting
2:55 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Yearbook
3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. NEHS
Thursday, November 7
Read for the Record
Math STAAR Interim Assessment - 4th grade (students need charged devices)
2:55 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Choir
Friday, November 8
National STEM Day
Spirit Day - Wear your OCT gear! Go Tigers!
Spirit Shop during lunch/2:55 - 3:30 in front foyer
2:55 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Running Club
Monday, November 11
8:30 a.m. Veterans Day Program (All are invited to attend.)
Tuesday, November 12
Math STAAR Interim Assessment - 3rd/5th Grade (students need charged devices)
7:00 pm United in Song (Choir Performing) at White's Chapel
Wednesday, November 13
2:55 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Yearbook
3:00 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. TTT
Thursday, November 14
2:55 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Choir
6:30 p.m. "Hey Dude, Nice Shoes" Program (See PTA section for more information.)
Friday, November 15
"Hey Dude, Nice Shoes" Program
2:00 p.m. - 5:00 Big Kahuna Product Deliver p.m.
2:55 - 3:45 Running Club
Monday, November 18
2nd Grade Field Trip to the Perot Museum
Tuesday, November 19
8:00 - 12:00 Makeup Picture Day (Individual, Clubs, etc)
3:00 - 4:30 CEC
Wednesday, November 20
Turkey Drive
2:55 - 3:45 Yearbook
2:55 - 3:30 NEHS
3:30 - 4:45 TTT - Dancing River
Thursday, November 21
11:00 - 12:00 Kindergarten Thanksgiving Feast
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
Friday, November 22
Inflatables during Specials (makeup from Fun Day)
November 25 - 29
Thanksgiving Break
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Grade Level Newsletters
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Important Links
OCT and GCISD Updates
Dismissal Round Table
Thank you to all who provided feedback on our dismissal survey. We held our first Round Table Discussion this past Thursday morning. If you did not attend, we invite you to attend this coming Thursday, Nov. 7 from 6:00-6:45 p.m.
We would like to hear from parents of students who walk to school, are dropped off and picked up in the car line, and those who park or walk up to the school to pick up and drop off their child in person at the front of the school.
Several of our parents/guardians have communicated concerns. The following safety concerns expressed by families thus far will be discussed at the round table:
How can we ensure my car rider child gets in the correct vehicle?
How can you know the person in a vehicle is the correct person to pick up my child (authenticating car pick up/carpool/custody, child pick up)?
How can we secure others are in fact allowed to pick up my child (secure delegation)?
How can we keep my child out of the rain or bad weather when it occurs?
How can we prevent my child from being around strangers at dismissal? Is anyone allowed on the grounds?
If you would like to attend this coming Thursday, Nov. 7, please RSVP in this google form.
Thank you!
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Current Dismissal Procedure Reminders
- PRE-K HOT PINK SIGNS GO FIRST: Currently, all Pre-K parents/guardians have hot pink signs to pick up their Pre-K child/children on the north loop. Our Pre-K students dismiss a few minutes prior to the rest of the school being dismissed as they tend to take a little bit longer to load in a vehicle and then to get buckled in. If you do not have a pink sign, we kindly ask that you stay back behind the parking lot to wait until they are all dismissed. This is so we can safely load these students from the sidewalk and avoid walking these little ones in between cars.
- VISITING AND PLAYING: We love that our children and families have relationships with one another, and we want to encourage that. We do kindly ask if you walk up and pick up your child, please move to another location, possibly down to the grassy knoll area in front of the cafeteria to visit or move to the playground to play. Developing and maintaining friendships is valuable, and we want to encourage that growth. By moving to the grassy area, this affords all of the staff members to have a clearer line of sight to the children and to be able to more easily communicate with those waiting on their parents.
- CHANGE OF DISMISSAL: If you need to change the way your child thinks he/she is dismissing, please call the front office before 2:30 p.m. Ms. Gene and/or Ms. Betty will add the change to a spreadsheet that is then sent to all teachers to check at 2:30 p.m. You can email your teacher; however, you must call the office as well. Our teachers are teaching and directed to not check email except for the 2:30 dismissal change. We want our teachers focused on our children. Our campus processes do not allow for parents and students to text teachers on personal cell phones. We ask you to abide by this process for our teachers. If you would like to further read about GCISD Board Policy, click here.
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Assistant Principal Points from Mrs. Bailey
ABSENCES
Are you planning a family trip for the holidays? As you think about your arrangements, we want to stress the importance of sending your child to school every day possible. Every year, absences spike in the weeks before and after the winter holiday as families squeeze in a few more vacation days. It’s time to break that cycle. We know that just a few missed days here and there, even if they’re excused absences, can add up to too much lost learning time and put your child behind in school. This is as true in kindergarten as it is in high school. Put simply, too many absences at any age can affect a student’s chances for academic success and eventually for graduation.
We recognize that holidays are an important time for reconnecting with families far away. The costs of plane tickets often influence when you want to travel. But keep in mind the costs to your children’s education if they miss too much school— and the message you will be sending about the importance of attendance. Even if you’ve got a homework packet from the teacher, it doesn’t make up for the interaction and learning that happens in the classroom. Our teachers will be teaching, and our students will be learning, right up until vacation starts and the first day back. You can help us convey that message. This holiday season, give your children the gift of an education and the habit of attendance.
MATH INTERIM ASSESSMENTS
Students in grades 3-8 will take Math Interim Assessments this fall. The testing window runs from November 4th - November 22nd. Our 4th grade students are scheduled to take this assessment on the morning of Thursday, November 7th. Grades 3 and 5 will take the assessment on the morning of Tuesday, November 12th.
As these assessments are administered online, please make sure that your child brings their charged device (iPad or Chromebook) with them on these dates. Teachers will be conducting
Please reach out with any questions or concerns. I am here to listen and my door is always open.
Allison Bailey
(817) 305-4870
@OCTBailey
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No School for students on Nov. 4
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Chipotle Fundraiser - November 5th, 4-8 p.m.
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Veterans Day Celebration, Mon. Nov. 11
Please join us Monday, Nov. 11 at 8:30 a.m. in the OCT cafeteria for our Veterans Day celebration. The 3rd and 4th grade students will perform patriotic music to honor the brave men and women who serve to protect our country. Friends, family and beloved veterans are invited to attend! Veterans and their families are also invited to a reception in the OCT Learning Commons immediately following the program.
Wall of Honor: If you have a picture of a veteran (or someone currently serving in the military) you would like to add to our Wall of Honor, please label your picture with the name of the veteran, the branch of the military they serve(d) in and your student's name. You can turn pictures in to your teacher or Mrs. Vencill. Pictures will be returned to you after Veterans Day.
Support Our Troops: The OCT National Elementary Honor Society is collecting supplies to send to current military troops. As we prepare for Veterans Day, this is a great way to show our support and appreciation to those who are currently serving to protect our country. Donations can be dropped off with Mrs. Vencill, Mrs. Watkins or Mrs. Fiffik. You can see the list of needed supplies here.
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Big Kahuna Fundraiser Delivery of Items
- Delivery time: 2:00 - 5:00 in the cafeteria
- All orders must be picked up on the day of delivery. We appreciate your support and thank you for helping our school! (If you have an emergency and are unable to pick up items at this time, let your teacher know. We will try to make accommodations for you.)
- Please note: Orders with 5 items or less will be sent home with your student.
- Please call Arthur Franzke with any questions at (817)366-2276.
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OCT T-Shirt , Last Chance to Order
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GCISD Gold Card Program
https://www.gcisd.net/our_district/gcisd_glossary
GCISD's new Gold Card program has been incredibly well received and due to high demand, we are offering more sessions in which residents 65 years and older can receive their card.
There is absolutely no cost to join the Gold Card Program, and members receive free general admission to all athletic (excluding playoffs), theatrical productions and musical events hosted by GCISD. To receive a gold card, residents 65 and older are invited to attend an informational session about the District and learn more about the great things happening in our community.
Upcoming Gold Card Sessions
Most locations and times are TBA, so please click the "More Information" button below as locations will be posted there when available.
Tuesday, November 5 - 5:30 p.m. - GCISD Administration Building (Board Room)
Friday, November 8
Wednesday, November 13
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Future Explorations Update
What is STEM?
A common definition of STEM education is an interdisciplinary approach to learning where rigorous academic concepts are coupled with real-world lessons as students apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in contexts that make connections between school, community, work, and the global enterprise enabling the development of STEM literacy and with it the ability to compete in the new economy (Tsupros, 2009).
Our OCT mission is to create lifelong learners and develop servant leaders through real-world, authentic experiences. This is why we are integrating several major career paths and options into our curriculum and day. We want our students to see why they are attending school and begin to discover how they can best fit into the world to make positive changes in a career path that is suitable for them.
Why STEM? Why the importance of learning computer science? The U.S. Department of Commerce reports that STEM occupations are growing at a 17% rate, while other occupations are growing at a 9.8% rate. People with STEM degrees have a higher income even in non-STEM careers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that by 2020 there will be 1.4 million computer-science-related jobs available and only 400,000 computer science graduates with the skills to apply for those jobs. Computer science is the fastest growing profession within the STEM fields, but only 8% of STEM graduates earn a computer science degree. Studies have shown that students from underprivileged backgrounds are 8 to 10 times more likely to pursue college degrees in computer science if they have taken AP computer science in high school. Taking an AP computer science course in high school starts at the elementary level. O.C. Taylor is trying to do our part by developing an awareness and interest in the field and world of work.
Be sure and ask your child about their STEM explorations this month!
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Updates from Music, Mrs. Vencill
Happy November, OCT families! Our Tigers are busy learning and creating beautiful music in the OCT music room. This is what we're working on this month....
- Kindergarten: Our tiny Tigers continue working on steady beat and changes in tempo. Ask them about presto, largo, and 'not too fast, not too slow, just moderato' tempos. We are also adding dynamic changes to our music and using music terms including piano, forte and mezzo to describe the dynamics in our music. Kindergarten students will also begin folk dancing this month. Fun!!!
- 1st/2nd Grade: Students continue working to become confident writing, reading and playing rhythm patterns using barred eighth notes, quarter notes and quarter rests. They are adding dynamics to their music, including pp, p, mp, mf, f, ff, crescendo and decrescendo, to add interest and excitement. 2nd graders will also folk dance in the month of November.
- 3rd/4th Grade: I am incredibly proud of the work our 3rd and 4th graders put into preparing for the Veterans Day program. It takes a lot of work to prepare for this special event, and our Tigers definitely met the challenge. Once the Veterans Day program is over we will begin remembering/reviewing what we know about pitch and note value. This review will help 4th graders prepare to play the recorder and 3rd graders play the Orff instruments!!
- 5th Grade: 5th graders have worked hard to remember and understand note name/value, pitch and basic music symbols, and now we are applying that knowledge to reading a written score. Our goal is for every 5th grade student to move on to middle school as a confident reader and player of written music. We are using Orff instruments to play/layer melodic ostinati.
Please visit the OCT Music web page for upcoming dates and events. Feel free to contact me anytime with questions or concerns.
Mrs. Vencill
Music Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary
@OCTVencill #OCT4U
Updates from Art, Mrs. Morgan
I can’t believe that it’s already November. Students have been working hard creating, designing and problem solving.
Kindergarten through 4th grade will be using SeeSaw to reflect about their art projects and explain how they created it. Be on the lookout for posts in their SeeSaw account.
Kindergarten will learn about primary and secondary colors. They will learn how to mix paint to create new colors.
1st grade will learn how to create a collagraph. Students will learn about different types of textures. They will use a variety of textured materials to create a design and then make prints using ink.
2nd grade will learn how to draw 3-dimensional shapes to create their own still life. Students will also learn how to shade the shapes to make them look 3-dimensional.
3rd grade will learn about landscapes and the term middleground. Students will create a landscape of their choice by reviewing the terms foreground and background.
4th grade will learn how to create sculptures of their choice by using recycled materials as an armature. Students will learn how to apply plaster strips to make it stable.
5th grade will learn about one-point perspective. Students will design their dream bedroom by drawing the room, furniture and extra details in 3-dimensions.
Cristie Morgan
Art Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary School
Twitter-@OCTMorgan
817-305-4870
Updates from P.E., Coach Mester
November will find us finishing up soccer and switching our focus to basketball skills and gameplay. Dribbling, passing, and shooting will be practiced in drills and emphasized in fun lead up games. Please remember to wear the appropriate shoes to perform your best in these activities. With the falling temperatures, I have noticed some boots showing up in the gym recently.
See you in the gym!
Coach Mester
Physical Education Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary
Jason.mester @gcisd.net
817-305-4870
@OCTMester #OCT4U
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Updates from Counseling and Guidance, Mrs. Whisman
Classroom Guidance: November's guidance lessons will focus on gratitude and having a positive attitude.
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Updates from Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
You’ve probably heard your child mention the Epic e-book app. It is a great resource that provides free access to e-books, audiobooks, read-a-longs, and educational videos while students are at schools. Home access is available by subscription.
While I cannot endorse this product I do want you to know your options. I have used many e-book apps and Epic for Kids is superior to all of them. It’s easy to use and completely kid-friendly. It offers the latest titles, and students can earn badges for various achievements.
If you would like to preview Epic you can sign up for a free month of home access. Email me at dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net if I can assist you.
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Updates from Art, Mrs. Morgan
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O.C. Taylor Staff Shout-Outs
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Updates from our Nurse Katy
- Vision/Hearing referrals: If your child failed their vision and/or hearing screenings, I will re-screen them in the next couple of weeks. If they fail twice, I will send home a referral letter and they will need to be seen by a specialist. If you have any questions regarding screenings, please feel free to call or email me.
- Field Trips: Did you know?!? If your child has medication that is kept at school (inhalers, Epi-pens, Diastat, etc.) it will be sent with their teacher before leaving campus for field trips. All teachers are informed of their student's health conditions and are trained on medication administration.
- Flu Season: Did you know that everyone 6 months and older can receive a yearly flu vaccination? Adults aged 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic medical conditions are highly encouraged to get one. There have been positive flu tests out in the community already, so BE WISE- IMMUNIZE!
- If your child is sick: Please keep students at home until they are fever and/or symptom-free for at least 24 hours without any medication. In GCISD, a temperature of 100 degrees is considered to be a fever. Encourage healthy habits at home to help prevent the spread of illnesses. Washing hands with soap and water (sing Happy Birthday song or ABCs twice!) Coughing and sneezing into elbows or a Kleenex instead of hands. Not touching the face- especially the T-zone. Getting plenty of rest. Staying hydrated.
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GET TO KNOW THE O.C. TAYLOR STAFF
OCT PPCD and Pre-K team
Heather Potter, Pre-K teacher
Bri Conte, Pre-K paraprofesional
Sara Stricherz, PPCD teacher
Rhonda Schafer, PPCD teacher
Gabriela Haynes, Pre-K teacher
Front row:
Amy Richardson, PPCD paraprofessional
Allora Khan, Pre-K paraprofessional
Lorrine Evans, PPCD paraprofessional
Pre-K Teacher, Mrs. Potter
Mrs. Potter attended San Joaquin Valley College and received an A.S. degree in Health Care studies. She received a B.S. degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of North Texas. She is currently studying hard and working on earning a M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Literacy Studies from the University of Texas at Arlington. Her target completion date is next spring! She will complete her state certification as a Reading Specialist in 2020. Her current teaching certifications include Generalist EC-4, ESL, and Art EC-12. She has enjoyed teaching Transitional Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and Pre-K.
Mr. and Mrs. Potter have two sons who also attend O.C. Taylor. When asked what she is currently reading, she quickly asked, "Do textbooks count?" Why, yes they do, Mrs. Potter! Way to go!
Her advice she has for our OCT parents is "Give to others but save the best of yourself for your own tribe." Some interesting facts about Mrs. Potter are she has been robbed, been in the midst of a gang riot, and survived multiple car crashes. These crazy events taught her at an early age to "never give up". Mrs. Potter is a firm believer in the following quote: "When you get knocked down in life, find a way to get back up!"
She most enjoys running in her free time and has been able to meet Deena Kastor, the American, Olympian, long-distance runner. One of her favorite running memories is being awarded her Dallas half-marathon medal by Mebrahtom "Meb" Keflezighi who is a retired Eritrean-born American long-distance runner and Olympian.
Mrs. Potter's superhero power would be "To make this world a better place by removing the suffering of others from health illnesses." Her dad was a volunteer firefighter, and her favorite memory when she was in school was when he came to school as her "show & tell" in 1st grade.
Glad you are at O.C. Taylor, Mrs. Potter!
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Join Us for a Special Screening of Angst
Angst is an IndieFlix Original, documentary designed to raise awareness around anxiety. The film includes interviews with kids, teens, educators, experts, parents and a very special interview with Michael Phelps.
November 5 at GHS Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.
November 13 at CHHS Auditorium at 6:30 p.m.
Appropriate for ages 10+ | Video length: 55 minutes
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Parent Tech Academy
The GCISD Parent Tech Academy will be held on November 6 from 6:15 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. and will be covering Internet Safety at School and Home.
Hear about the signs of online dangers, cyberbullying, viral trends, and more. We will then dive into tools you can use to protect your home computers just like we do those at school.
GCISD Professional Development Center | 5800 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScO0I7IlUsc_YhtHfLF8k4h4CeX59AsTGIm_LmBQDJvrXMG6w/v
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GCISD is Now Hiring! Join the GCISD TEAM!
Many opportunities are available in our auxiliary departments:
- Nutrition Specialists -PT w/ benefits – work while your students are in school!
- Kidzu Site Aide – PT w/benefits – this schedule works well for local college students!
- Night Custodians
- Bus Drivers & Monitors
- Maintenance Engineers
Apply online at: www.gcisd.net
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
We think your kids are..... G-G-G-G-reat!
FUN DAY was SO FUN!
A HUGE THANK YOU to Mr. Brian Monaghan with Monaghan's Taekwondo! He donated his entire Friday to ensure that our Tigers had a blast on Fun Day. All the kids learned basic stances and blocks, played the "Yes, Sir; No, Sir" game, and even got to break boards! Monaghan's Taekwondo is offering a discount to all O.C. Taylor families. Click here to print out your coupon for 4 weeks of karate, including a uniform, for only $89.
Even though the weather didn't cooperate for inflatables, it was still a Fun Day! The kids loved watching "The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" while they enjoyed their pizza and ice cream lunch. They had a blast dancing in the learning commons with the Specials teachers. A huge thanks to the parents who helped out in the cafeteria during lunch time. Be on the look out in next week's newseletter for a sign up and schedule for the inflatable fun on Friday, November 22nd - Fun Day Part 2!
O.C. Taylor Tigers Salute our Veterans!
If your student has a picture of a veteran they wish to hang on the Wall of Honor, please label the picture with their name, the veteran’s name and the branch of the military they served in. Have them turn in pictures to your teacher or Mrs. Vencill by Wednesday, Friday, Nov. 6th. Your pictures will be returned to you after Veterans Day.
We thank you all for helping us honor our veterans, and can't wait to see you there!
Hey Dude, Nice Shoes!
FACTS:
70.6% of young people say they have seen bullying in their schools
When bystanders intervene, bullying stops within 10 seconds 57% of the time!
At 6:30 p.m., Thursday, November 14th, O.C. Taylor and Bransford Elementary Schools will be co-hosting Carolyn for a parents' presentation in the O.C. Taylor cafeteria. During that time, all O.C. Taylor students are invited to participate in our "Acts of Kindness" night where we will have our kiddos engaged in acts of kindness.
On Friday, November 15th, all Pre-K through 5th grade students will hear "Hey Dude, Nice Shoes" at O.C. Taylor in the morning!
Mark your calendars! We will post more information soon on this incredible presentation!!
World Wear Donation Bin
HALLOWEEN CANDY
Do you STILL have lots of leftover Halloween Candy? Looking for a healthy & helpful way to get rid of it? Then look no further and donate it all to GRACE.
GRACE would greatly appreciated any leftover Halloween Candy to use at their Christmas Cottage.
Please look for the Decorated Pumpkin Bag in the lobby area and leave your donations there.
Donations will be accepted from Nov 4th - Dec 13th! Thank you for supporting your community.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th
Don't forget that Election Day is Tuesday, November 5th. We encourage you to be a good example for your Tiger by taking a few minutes to cast your vote and make your voice heard! Tarrant County is even offering free rides to and from all Polling locations.
SUPPORT GRACE and…. EARN EXTRA RECESS!
CALLING ALL THIRD GRADERS… DO YOU WANT EXTRA RECESS?
NOVEMBER is your month, THIRD GRADE!
ITEMS IN NEED: CANNED FRUIT (16 oz or smaller cans preferred)
GRACE is in need of canned fruit. As soon as this stuff hits the shelves, it is gone. Collection baskets will be outside the 3rd Grade Classrooms beginning Monday, November 4th and will stay there until December 6th. The next time you are in the grocery store, please consider supporting your community by picking up a can of their favorite fruit, Peaches & Fruit Cocktail! Thank you in advance for your support.
LOST AND FOUND
Many nice items need to be reunited with their owners. If your child missing their jacket and/or hoodie, please have them stop by the Lost and Found to claim their item that is patiently waiting to be worn again.
ALL UNCLAIMED ITEMS WILL BE DONATED TO GRACE ON NOVEMBER 22nd.
Birthday TigerGrams
Does your child have a birthday in November or December? Would you like to see their "Name in Lights" on the school marquee or surprise them with a TigerGram? Typically, these fun items are only available for purchase during our Silent Auction. However, because our Silent Auction is not until December 1st through December 9th this year, we are pre-selling these items ONLY for those students with birthdays in November and December. All other students will be able to purchase these items (along with TONS of other fun items) during the Silent Auciton for the 2020 calendar year. If you are interested in purchasing a "Name in Lights" or "TigerGram" for your child this November or December, please contact Stephanie Williams at octsilentauction@gmail.com.
Box Tops
Wow! Over $500 in Box Tops have been counted, bundled, and submitted for the November 1st deadline! Continue to send in those Box Tops still found on participating products. If you haven't already, be sure to download the Box Tops App so that you can scan your receipts and earn money for our school instantly!
AMAZON SMILE
Be sure to shop smileamazon.com so that .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 amazingly easy way to earn money for our school!! Remember, you must log on to smileamazon.com every time you shop Amazon to ensure that your purchases earn money for our school.
Tom Thumb Good Neighbor Program
You can now earn money for our school, simply by shopping for groceries at Tom Thumb! Designate O.C. Taylor PTA as your organization by completing a Reward Application at any courtesy booth. Fill in the top portion and the "Good Neighbor Program" section, indicating account number 8332 to link your grocery purchases to O.C. Taylor. If you already have a Rewards Card, simply stop by a courtesy desk to link our school to your existing account. Pharmacy, fuel, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco products do not count toward the purchase amount credited to the Good Neighbor Program accounts. 1% of all eligible purchases made at Tom Thumb will be given back to our school!
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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.