Tiger Time News
News from O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young Pedevilla
November 11, 2018
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
- VETERANS DAY - A special thank you to all of our veterans for your service to our country! We honor and acknowledge you!
- PTA and 2nd CHANCE AUCTION - Please visit our SECOND CHANCE AUCTION . This week I had the opportunity to provide a "Tuck in Service" to one of our precious kindergarten students and her younger sister (the photo to the left). I arrived at her home and read some of my favorite books and her favorite books. We talked and giggled. I heard all about her family, her favorite things to do, and her birthday. We gave each other a big hug and told each other good night. I left her with a little stuffed Tiger and, of course, a Tiger Tail. It was the highlight of my week! Have I told you I love being your principal? I do. This "Tuck in Service" along with many other unique opportunities provided by the awesome O.C. Taylor staff and PTA are available for donation. Please click on the link above to see what is available. THANK YOU for all who have donated and will donate to our school and children.
- CHICKENS HATCHED - Ask your child about the chickens that hatched this week at O.C. Taylor! We experienced the life cycle in full view on our webcam. Thanks to the fabulous first-grade team and computer technician for this experience.
- READ AND LEARN MATH FACTS - As the holiday season approaches and soon arrives, I encourage you to still make time to read each night, even if for a short time, and to have fun while learning math facts. Think long-term. Committing to these small habits now will benefit your child in their future. You WILL miss these crazy, sweet days one day...one day very soon.
To the BEST of days,
Principal Young 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.
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.
OC Taylor Elementary Events
Monday, November 12
3rd Grade Field Trip CANCELLED. We will reschedule due to the forecast of 100% rain and cold temperatures.
Tuesday, November 13
Wednesday, November 14
2:55 - 4:00 TTT - (Learning Commons)
Thursday, November 15
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
Friday, November 16
Turkey Drive - Dad's Club
2:00 - 2:50 Future Explorations
Monday, November 19-Friday, November 23
No School for Thanksgiving Break
Monday, November 26
Tuesday, November 27
8:00 - 12:00 - Makeup School Picture
Wednesday, November 28
10:20 - 11:10 Scoliosis Screening (5th Grade)
Thursday, November 29
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
Friday, November 30
8:30 - Spelling Bee
5:00 - 8:00 Colleyville Tree Lighting
Veterans Day
One aspect of the GCISD Portrait of a Graduate is Global Citizenship. We believe one cannot become a good global citizen unless first a good local citizen. We teach good local citizenship in many ways including demonstrating patriotism and showing appreciation for veterans. Our O.C. Taylor Tigers were very respectful to all during our Veterans Day program. Be sure and talk to your child about how they were a good citizen last Friday during our program. It was a special time.
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Help Needed with Future Explorations starting in January
Parents, we still need assistance and your career expertise. Please consider volunteering a little time! Future Explorations allows our learners to explore and experience life and possible career paths. We frame careers in a kid-friendly, elementary way.
We are almost finished with our first session. We will start our second session after the holidays on January 11 and will end February 15. We will spend 5-6 weeks on Fridays from 2:00-2:50 p.m. experiencing these different pathways in a hands-on, authentic, and engaging manner. Please consider volunteering time OR resources.
Please take a minute to complete the form below on how you can assist and support our Future Explorations this year! Big or small, we would love for you to join us as we navigate toward our future!
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OCT and GCISD Updates
3rd Annual Turkey Drive
GRACE is a Grapevine, Texas-based non-profit relief agency which provides food, clothing, financial assistance, and other vital necessities to people who are struggling with a limited income or recent emergency.
The class in PK-2nd and the class in 3rd-5th grade with the most turkeys donated will win an extra one-hour recess courtesy of Dads' Club! Thank you for helping us give back to our community during this holiday season!
McAlister's Deli O.C. Taylor Fundraiser
Come Support
O.C. Taylor Elementary
McAlister’s Deli
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
5:00pm – 10:00pm
5615 Colleyville Blvd, Suite 200
Colleyville, Texas
Donating back: 20%
When you purchase your meal mention
O.C. Taylor – click this link to RSVP
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Conflict Resolution Wheel - Apologize
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City of Colleyville, Mayor for A Day Contest
Colleyville Mayor, Richard Newton, is encouraging students in grades 2-7 to submit an essay for their Mayor for a Day Contest. This is the city's 34th year offering this program and it is so much fun for the student, Mayor, and City employees. Essays are due by Dec. 7. Essays received after this date will not be considered.
Click here to see the flyer or go to the website to read more:
https://www.colleyville.com/Home/Components/News/News/197/18
On the big day, they pick the Mayor for a Day (MFD) up from school in a police or fire vehicle, take them on a special behind-the-scenes tour of the City, have a pizza party for the MFD and 10 friends, and have the MFD and his or her school recognized during the City Council meeting.
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
BOOK FAIR
Our 2018 Fall Scholastic Book Fair will be held from December 10-14 and we need volunteers to help with setup after school on December 7th. If you are interested in helping out please email me at dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net. We will also need assistance with sales during the week, and packing everything up on December 10th. Book Fair is always a lot of fun so I hope to see you there!
COSTUMES ANYONE?
Please consider donating your Halloween costumes to our green screen room! Our students are very creative and love to make videos to reflect their learning.
Updates from Music, Mrs. Vencill
Many thanks to everyone who helped make our Veterans Day program a huge success. Your pictures on the Wall of Honor filled our school with thoughts and memories of our loved ones who selflessly served to protect our country, and your generous donations will to to the Ft. Worth veterans hospital to help those local veterans in need of financial aid. Heartfelt thanks to the OC Taylor students for filling the cafeteria with their beautiful voices. I am proud of my OCT Tigers and thankful for our supportive OCT families.
With love and thanks,
Mrs. Vencill
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Updates from Art, Mrs. Morgan
Students are invited to participate in the GCISD 2018 Holiday Greeting Card Contest. The theme this year is "Holiday Magic". Please submit the artwork with the completed entry form to Mrs. Morgan by Monday, November 26th at 8 a.m.
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Updates from Counseling and Guidance, Mrs. Whisman
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Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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Gifted and Talented Information - Parents of Kindergarten and 5th Grade Students
KINDERGARTEN Parent Meeting for Gifted and Talented Services:
What: Kindergarten Gifted and Talented Identification Parent Informational Meeting
Where: Professional Development and Education Center (PDEC)
Panther Den
When: Thursday, November 15th at 5:30 pm
Why: Please join us to learn about gifted and talented identification, referral, testing, and program services for kindergarten students.
AND
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Parent Meeting for Gifted and Talented Identification & Course Offerings in Middle School (This is for parents of current 5th grade GT LEAD students, as well as parents interested in learning more about the identification process for gifted services.)
What: Middle School GT Services Informational Meeting (Current & Interested 5th Grade Parents)
Where: Professional Development and Education Center (PDEC)
Panther Den
When: Thursday, November 15th at 6:30 pm
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Updates from the Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Avoidance of touching their face (T-zone)
- Using tissues or the bend of their arm for coughing/sneezing
- Proper hand washing! We teach them to sing their ABCs twice or the Happy Birthday song twice. Be sure they wash the front and back of their hands, in between all of their fingers, and underneath their fingernails.
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GCISD Community Showcase at Cross Timbers Middle School, Nov. 15
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside of a GCISD classroom? Have you ever been curious about how LEAD 2021 looks in action? Join GCISD for the first Community Showcase at Cross Timbers Middle School on Thursday, November 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m for a tour led by students and staff. This opportunity is limited to the first 20 participants. Click here to sign up for this Community Showcase.
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GCISD Safety First
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Cafeteria and Menu Updates
Attached is a copy of the calendar menu, it may also be viewed on the district's website. Nutrition information may be viewed through the nutrition services website or by downloading the new Meal Viewer app through the apple or android store.
If you have questions about the Nutrition Services program, please call ext. 5615 or email julie.telesca@gcisd.net.
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Join the GCISD TEAM!
Great opportunities are available in our auxiliary departments:
- Nutrition Specialists -PT w/ benefits – work while your students are in school!
- KidzU Site Aides – PT w/benefits – great schedule for local college students!
- Night Custodians
- Bus Drivers
- Maintenance Engineers
Apply now to work with the BEST! www.gcisd.net
School Health Advisory Council (SHAC)
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. We are excited about the new LEAD 2.0 and hearing from all parents! 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
We think your kids are..... G-G-G-G-reat!
Fuss Free Fundraiser - Thank you
Fall Festival Silent Auction - Thank you
If you missed out on the auction, we still have plenty of amazing packages available, including Party with the Principal, the Specials' Amazing Race, Awesome Grade Level Packages, Event Parking, Front Row Seating, & Game On. Please visit our SECOND CHANCE AUCTION for your chance to purchase these amazing packages including a WFAA Behind the Scenes Tour! Bidding for this amazing tour will begin at $200 and will increase in $25 increments per sign up. All other items are available for the buy it now price listed on the sign up.
Game On! Thursday, November 15th 6-8pm
Game on! This is such a fun night that the kids LOVE to participate in! We still have plenty of spots available for each grade level that can be purchased at our Second Chance Auction. PreK, Kinder, 1st, & 2nd grades will play Trash Your Neighbors Yard and 3rd-5th Grades will play Newcomb. You don't want to miss this fun evening playing against our fun teachers and staff!!
Library Volunteers Needed
Volunteers are needed in the library to help shelf and organize. Scheduling is flexible. Please see Ms. Bonacci the librarian for details.
Thanks!
Jill Tate
VP of Volunteers
OC Taylor Elementary PTA
214-354-9443
Mosaic Tiger Mascot
Howdy Parents!!
Please continue to remind your tiny tigers never to climb on our beautiful Mosaic Tiger in the front of the school. This type of mosaic art is not capable of withstanding that kind of wear. Remember what happened to the last one?
Paw Prints Directory
Congratulations to our Paw Prints Art Contest winners!
Camryn Schroeder- 4th grade Mankins
Avery Hall- 4th grade Lee
These talented artist will have their art featured on the covers of our Paw Prints Student Directory. Thank you so much for your hard work ladies!!
Leftover Halloween Candy
Do you 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 this year. Please look for the Decorated Pumpkin Bag in the lobby area and leave your donations there. Donations will be accepted through November 16th! Thank you for supporting your community.
Questions? Comments? Contact: Dawn Hall
O.C. Taylor’s - GRACE FOOD DRIVE
Thank you to all our Fourth Graders for supporting the GRACE Food Drive Last month. Your donations were greatly appreciated. All together your class donated 93 items which averaged 127.4% Way to go!
So Who’s Leading the GRACE FOOD DRIVE?
Fifth Grade: 63 items / 72 Students = 87.5%
Fourth Grade: 93 items / 73 Students = 127.4%
Third Grade - NOVEMBER IS YOUR MONTH TO COLLECT
Item in Need: CANNED CRANBERRY SAUCE
Third Grade is off to a great start. They have all ready collected 38 items. Can they collect 40 more items to reach their goal of 100%? Or will they collect 62 more cans of Cranberry Sauce and take the lead away from Fourth Grade.
Collection Baskets are located right outside the THIRD GRADE Classrooms and will be there from October 29th - November 30th. So Remember, the next time you are at the grocery store think of the one thing that goes great with cold turkey sandwiches…… Canned Cranberry Sauce.
Thank you for your help and support in serving our community!
Questions? Concerns? Please contact: Dawn Hall
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APPLE TREE PROJECT
The O.C. Taylor Apple Tree has grown new branches! 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 this link 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.
Jill Tate - VP of Volunteers jhbu99@aol.com
Box Tops and Amazon Smile
This year, we will be increasing donations to the OC Taylor PTA thru Box Tops for Education and Amazon Smile! It's a simple way to donate to our school! Here's how you can help:
#1 Clip out Box Tops for Education and place them on the Box Top collection sheet or in a Ziploc bag. Be sure to place your child's grade level on the bag or collection sheet! We will be counting box tops for our Racing to Recess Challenge. The grade level with the highest level of Box Tops each semester will earn an extra recess and Popsicle party!
After 12 laps, 3rd Grade is in 1st place (888), 2nd Grade in 2nd place (655) and 1st Grade is in 3rd place (496)
We received our first Amazon Smile check for $44.51!
Join the PTA!
Thank you to all our parents and staff that joined the PTA already! We truly appreciate your support!
If you did not join the PTA at Meet the Teacher, we encourage you to do so. The annual dues are only $7.50 per membership. That's the lowest price in town for PTA memberships and its the BEST, in my opinion! Membership in the PTA allows you to improve the education and opportunities for our students. When you join the PTA, you become a member of the Texas PTA and you will receive a copy of our 2018-2019 Paw Prints student directory! This valuable directory contains classroom lists, phone numbers, addresses and other vital information you will use all year! To join the PTA it's so simple, visit http://www.joinPTA.org.
Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Liz Payne- VP Memberships scottlizpayne@yahoo.com
Thank you!
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