Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, February 18, 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 the Tiger Time News, student video version.
On what is supposed to be a day we celebrate love, this Valentine's Day we all watched in disbelief and horror as we witnessed the reports of another tragic school shooting. This one, at Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, took the lives of students and staff.
I know you are searching, like me, for answers to,"How this could possibly happen again?" and "How in the world can we stop it from happening in the future?" Until we find those answers, please know that keeping your children safe is my top priority as the principal. We are constantly talking about ways to improve our emergency management plan. We conduct drills, have safety protocols and implement security measures. Our staff members know and practice our measures regularly. We work closely with the Colleyville police department and our school resource officer, Officer Clay Williams, to investigate concerns quickly and thoroughly. We want our children to be emotionally safe as well as physically safe. We build strong healthy relationships with students. We have a daily “circle up” time at OCT, where our students begin to build those relationships with their teachers and with each other.
We will continue to practice and refine our safety and security measures. In addition, I encourage you as parents to reach out to your children daily and teach them to speak up if something seems out of the ordinary. Preparation and a personalized environment will help GCISD remain a safe place to learn as we continue to Build Excellent Schools Together.
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, February 19
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS (Perfect day to snuggle up and read!)
Tuesday, February 20
Spring Creek BB, Grapevine Location 5:00 - 9:00
Wednesday, February 21
Yearbook - Group A - 3:00 - 3:45
TTT 2:55 - 3:45
Thursday, February 22
Choir 2:55 - 4:00
Friday, February 23
Kindergarten Rodeo Day Parade @ 2:00
Running Club 3:00 - 3:45
Monday, February 26
Tuesday, February 27
Spring Picture Day - Individual/Class Pictures 8:00 - 12:00
Wednesday, February 28
Boostherthon Pep Rally PreK-2 @ 1:00/3rd-5th @ 1:45
Yearbook - Group B - 3:00 - 3:45
Thursday, March 1
1st Grade Music In Our Schools 2 pm/6:30 pm
Choir 2:55 - 4:00
Friday, March 2
Dr. Seuss' Birthday
Running Club 3:00 - 3:45
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OCT Updates
Spring Creek BBQ - February 20th
Spring Creek will donate 20% of all the evening's proceeds to your school! Students should sign in at the front door. The class with the best attendance will be given a prize by Spring Creek. Come see your teachers serve bread in the Spring Creek dining room!
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DIGITAL FLYER DELIVERY STARTS FEBRUARY 15
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD has adopted an electronic flyer distribution program called Peachjar. Beginning February 15, with the new system, flyers from community organizations will be distributed through a weekly email and accessible through the school websites. This is part of our ongoing effort to focus resources on education while reducing the environmental impact of our activities.
GCISD parents will receive a welcome email from Peachjar that includes a username and password. This is provided to give parents the opportunity to manage their account and flyer delivery preferences. To view a list of Frequently Asked Questions, click here and select the appropriate tab for PARENTS.
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AN OPPORTUNITY TO THANK ONE OF OUR CROSSING GUARDS
CLARIFICATION: THANK-YOU CARDS & PICTURES FOR ONE OF OUR CROSSING GUARDS"
Last week's newsletter re: the stepping down of one of our crossing guards needs clarification. The crossing guard in front of the school, Mr. Bob, is STILL our crossing guard. He will be out for about 1 month but rest-assured he plans to return!
However, the crossing guard who stood closest to Compass Center (at the entrance to Summer Tree) will no longer be a crossing guard, our beloved Mr. Thomas Bailey. If you and/or your children would like to make him a card/picture, we will be collecting them in a box at the front office through March 1st. Officer Williams, from our Colleyville Police Department, will deliver them.
Questions? Contact Betsy Dodson at Betsy.Dodson@gmail.com
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Pre-Kindergarten
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Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
Please click here to see the February Counselor Corner Newsletter.
Our GCISD Rachel’s Challenge Rally will be on April 21, 2018 at CHHS! Start spreading kindness everywhere you go!
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A Note from Art, Mrs. Morgan
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
Doodle 4 Google
Students in grades K-12 are invited to participate in the Doodle 4 Google contest. The theme for the contest is “what inspires me.” Students can use a variety of materials to create their doodle but it needs to include the letters G-o-o-g-l-e. The entry deadline is March 2nd, 2018. For more information please visit, https://doodles.google.com/d4g/
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
Many O. C. Taylor students have completed the GCISD READS Challenge. Remember to submit the list of books that you’ve read this year to Mrs. Bonacci so you can be part of the end-of-year celebration! If you haven’t completed the challenge YET, don’t worry! There is still time. The challenge deadline is May 11th. If you have completed it see if you can do the next challenge. For more information, check out this Smore. Happy Reading!
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!
Thank you to everyone who has supported our Green Screen Production Studio! The National Education Associationstresses the importance of developing the “4 C’s” (critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity) to prepare learners for the future and the green screen room helps to do that and more. Our Tigers love being able to share their learning and they are highly motivated to improve with each video they produce.
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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Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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Applications Due
The applications for dual language, STEM programs and tuition-based pre-kindergarten will be open online beginning Friday, February 9, 2018. The application window will remain open until March 9, 2018. If more applications are received than there are available seats, a lottery will be held on March 29, 2018, at 10 am.
Once the application system is open, the application link will be available at this website: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/3802
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Watch Dogs
We are so excited to have the Watch Dog program back again this year! Thank you to those who have signed up to be a Watch Dog. The process this year is a little different. Here is the form that needs to be submitted along with your background check and t-shirt purchase. Once those things are taken care, Jennifer Howard will send an email with the Signup Genius so you can choose a day to volunteer. We ask that you plan a week in advance when signing up. The calendar will be closed after Friday mornings for the following week to ensure teachers and the volunteers receive schedules. Thank you for understanding and respecting our process and procedure of this program.
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FREE GCISD Parent Technology Academy, Feb. 20 at 6:00 p.m. LOCATION CHANGE
*important location change Due to overwhelming response, our Feb. 20th meeting has been moved to Colleyville Heritage High School Auditorium.
Come take part in what parents are calling: "Eye-opening event" Danielle D parent of 6th-grade student." The evening was filled with actionable information for parents raising kids in a digital technology-driven era." Lisa D parent of 9th-grade student.
Join us for our next FREE event February 20th at COLLEYVILLE HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL starting at 6:00 pm. Learn about the must know apps that parents need to be aware of on student phones and more! Learn best practices to balance usage at home as well as ways to help monitor usage.
If you have ever wanted to know what that app is your child is using or If its safe to use a particular app? Then this is the session for you.
Join the over 325 parents already pre-registered to attend by signing up now!
Session topics will be repeated later in the year so stay and be informed!
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Math Telescoping Exams
Registration for the April 21 Math Telescoping Exams will open on February 22 and close on March 8. Please click here for more information from the district website. Our second testing date will be June 20th with registration from May 3-23, 2018. Click here to read the flyer.
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Colleyville Middle School 6th Grade Informational Night, February 20, 2018
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Cross Timbers Middle School Showcase Open House, February 20, 2018
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GCISD Nutrition Survey
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GCISD Nutrition Services Farm Fresh Friday, February 23, 2018
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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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WE NEED YOU TO HELP KEEP O.C. TAYLOR GREAT!
The O.C. Taylor PTA Nominating Committee is gathering the names of people willing to be involved and serve as officers or committee chairpersons during the 2018-2019 school year.
The Parent Teacher Association supports the education of all students, and as you have witnessed, our PTA at O.C. Taylor is very active. Our children benefit from this involvement, and from the many special events and programs that our PTA sponsors. Our school curriculum is enhanced by the Arts & Education program, Environmental Science program, and fun activities like All Decades Night, Fall Festival and the Talent Show. These activities can only continue with the efforts of involved members.
No previous experience is necessary, just a willingness to do quality work. New perspectives and ideas are needed to keep our O.C. Taylor PTA vital. Your support of O.C. Taylor through the PTA is one of the best things you can do for your child.
To express interest in being an officer or committee chairperson on the PTA, please return the PTA Interest Form that will be sent home with your child this week or print a copy of the form here.
Forms must be received by February 23, 2018.
Questions?
Lissa Critz
lissa@mymagicjourneys.comNominating Committee Chairperson
SAVE THE DATE! PARENTS' NIGHT OUT Thurs., March 29th, 6 - 9 pm
Please join us for OC Taylor’s first ever Parents’ Night Out!
WHEN: Thursday, March 29th from 6-9pm.
WHERE: Sloan & Williams Winery in Grapevine
Sloan & Williams will be giving back 30% of all proceeds spent on wine and food that evening!
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 $10 per child, including pizza, drinks, snacks, and tons of fun!
It’s a night you and your kids don’t want to miss! Be on the look out for more details!!
FOUNDERS DAY LUNCHEON Feb. 22 - a salute to GCISD PTAs & to RAISE SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS FOR HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
Founder’s Day is Feb 22nd! Founders Day is a reminder of the substantial role that PTA has played locally, regionally, and nationally in supporting parent involvement and working on behalf of all children and families. It’s a time to reflect and take pride in our many accomplishments, and to renew our commitment to be a powerful voice for all children, a relevant resource for parents, and a strong advocate for public education.
Every year on this day, the GCISD Council of PTAs organizes ‘Founders Day Luncheon’ to raise scholarship money for several high school seniors. It includes auction of basket or fun items put together by each school. This year's silent auction will be available to view and bid online. The auction starts Feb 19th 10 a.m. and ends Feb 22nd 1:15 p.m. The link for the silent auction is: www.32auctions.com/GCISDCOUNCIL
Thanks to all the donations received, O C Taylor’s PTA has put together a basket with the theme ‘First things first’!
If you bid on an item and need assistance to pick up the item, or if you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact me.
Rakshita Jalandhara
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!
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES: GET IN TUNE WITH YOUR HEART
Get in Tune with Your Heart by Pfizer Love is in the air each February when Valentine’s Day arrives, but it’s also American Heart Month, an annual observance that shines a light on the importance of the health and well-being of this vital organ. With so much focus on healthcare in our communities and country today, it seems hard to believe that there are still diseases and conditions that can have devastating effects on people, yet are widely underdiagnosed. Atrial fibrillation – or AFib – is one such example. More than five million people in the U.S have been diagnosed with AFib, but some estimates are that as many as one-third of Americans may be undiagnosed. AFib is an irregular heartbeat, but it’s also associated with serious health complications and conditions. And, many Americans simply don’t understand their risk. AFib is also a leading cause of stroke. Patients with the most prevalent type of AFib are five times more likely to suffer from stroke, which currently is the fourth most common cause of death and long-term disability in the U.S. Beyond the devastating human toll, AFib and strokes rack up billions of dollars of costs in our healthcare system each year. Yet, AFib is complex and often patients don’t even know they have the disease until a doctor’s visit or a more serious medical issue occurs as a result.
And, what can you do to protect yourself from AFib? Find out if you're at risk. Risk factors for Afib include diabetes, heart disease, prior heart attacks and high blood pressure. Underlying lung disease or metabolic disorders such as thyroid disease may also play a role. The use of alcohol, caffeine, or medications with stimulant effects may also increase your risk of AFib. Track your symptoms. Keep a record of your symptoms. Note when they occur, what causes them to come on or go away, how long they last, and how often they occur. Keep track of other medical conditions you may have and their effect on your symptoms. AFib is caused when two chambers in the heart beat rapidly and in an unpredictable pattern. Many who experience Afib feel a flutter or heavy beating of their heart, but some people feel no symptoms at all. Talk with your doctor. After discussing your symptoms and completing a physical examination, your doctor may order some tests. These may include blood work, an ECG (electrocardiogram, which is a tracing of the heart’s electrical rhythm), and possibly a chest X-ray. To learn more about risk factors and treatment options, visit Tune Into AFib.
REFLECTIONS RECEPTION, Wed. March 7th, 6 - 7:30 pm PDEB
A REFLECTIONS RECEPTION will be held on Wednesday, March 7th at 6:00-7:30p, in the Bronco Bowl Room at the Professional Development Educational Building located at 5600 Colleyville Blvd. Map link is here: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Page/18852
The Reception is informal, so you may come and go. Light refreshments and pizza will be provided.
We'll have a slideshow of advancing entries to Council
Mr. David Zahrndt, GCISD Fine Arts Director, is our guest speaker.
We are excited about promoting this program so even more students participate next year! Please stop by!
Questions? RSVP Laurie H. Ackermann at :Laurietamar@gmail.com
ATTENTION 5TH GRADE PARENTS!
The Colleyville Middle School PTA and Cross Timbers Middle School PTA are soliciting members and officers for next year's PTA. If interested, fill out the form for the school you will be attending below.
FIRST GRADE SUPPORTS GRACE CEREAL DRIVE!
February is 1st Grade's turn
TO SUPPORT THE GRACE CEREAL DRIVE
Collection baskets will be outside FIRST GRADE classrooms for the month of February. Buy an extra box of cereal and SPREAD THE LOVE!
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
February:
2/19 Professional Learning Day/Presidents' Day Holiday - No School
2/27 Spring School & Club PIctures
2/28 Boosterthon Pep Rally
March
3/1 2 pm and 6:30 pm First-Grade Music In Our Schools Program
3/8 6:30 pm Open House
3/9 Boosterthon Fun Run
3/12 - 16 SPRING BREAK
3/22 6:30 PTA Pizza & Salad Dinner, Choir Program & Spirit Shop
3/30 No School (if no Inclement Weather Days)
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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.