Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, October 7, 2018
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
Thank you to everyone who attended Chipotle last Tuesday night! Chipotle donated $337.49 to OCT! Yay! This will help us fund our Future Explorations on Friday afternoons.
This week we will be focusing on "Making friends with someone you don’t know at school" as part of October's Bully Prevention Month. Encourage your child to talk and befriend someone they don't know.
This week Mrs. Whisman and classroom teachers will be discussing "Think Through Their Eyes" on our Conflict Resolution Wheel. Be sure and talk with your child about sharing another person's experiences and emotions. Give advice on how to empathize. As Stephen Covey states, "When you show deep empathy toward others, their defensive energy goes down, and positive energy replaces it. That's when you can get more creative in solving problems."
To the BEST of days,
Principal Young
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.young@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.
OC Taylor Elementary Events
Monday, October 8
No School
Tuesday, October 9
4:00 - 8:00 Panda Express Night, Fundraiser for OCT
Wednesday, October 10
Thursday, October 11
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
Friday, October 12
Tip Your Hat to our Veterans
2:00 - 2:50 Future Explorations
3:00 - 4:00 Running Club
Monday, October 15
PTA Mom's Night Out
Tuesday, October 16
8:00 - 12:00 Yearbook Picture Day
Wednesday, October 17
10:15 - 11:00 Frank Cole Author Visit (3rd - 5th Grade)
2:55 - 4:00 TTT
Thursday, October 18
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
Friday, October 19
2:00 - 2:50 Future Explorations
3:00 - 4:00 Running Club
OCT and GCISD Updates
Congratulations to OCT Counselor, Stacy Whisman
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE LONE STAR STATE SCHOOL COUNSELOR ASSOCIATION:
Congratulations to Stacy Whisman/ O.C. Taylor Elementary for being named a Lone Star State School Counselor Association BRONZE Winner for the 2018 school year.
In 2016, The Lone Star State School Counselor Association (LSSSCA) developed a progressive awards system that includes three levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards. Each level is met with increased levels of rigor designed to elevate school counselor programs to national recognition through The American School Counselor Association (ASCA) Recognized ASCA Model Program (RAMP) awards. Schools receiving the LSSSCA Bronze, Silver or Gold award demonstrated outstanding comprehensive counseling programs that were data-driven, focused on goal completion and aligned to the ASCA National Model.
The LSSSCA Award System evaluates school counseling programs in the following 12 areas: Belief Statement, Vision Statement, Mission Statement, Program Goals, Mindsets and Behaviors for Student Success, Annual Agreement, Advisory Council, Calendars, School Counseling Core Curriculum Action Plan and Lesson Plans, School Counseling Core Curriculum Results Report, Small-Group Responsive Services, Program Evaluation Reflection and Social Emotional Learning. Each application packet was judged according to a rubric that is aligned to the national RAMP award.
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Conflict Resolution Wheel
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Parent Tech Tip of the Week: Check Out Game and Reliable Ratings and Reviews
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No School for Students on Mon., Oct. 8
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Panda Express Fundraiser - 20% of sales will be donated to O.C. Taylor
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Fall Picture Day - October 16
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
Storybook Pumpkin Patch
Calling all Pumpkins! Our annual Storybook Pumpkin Patch begins October 1st. Students are invited to add their storybook pumpkin creations to the display in the Learning Commons any time between October 1st and 31st Guidelines and entry forms can be found here: http://www.pearltrees.com/octlibrary/storybook-pumpkin-patch/id21768894
Author Visits!
We are getting so excited about our visiting authors! Frank Cole will be here on October 17th to speak to 3rd-5th grade, and Tammi Sauer will be here on October 24th to speak to PK-5th.
The deadline for purchasing a book to be autographed is October 7th
The deadline for purchasing one of her books is October 12th
For more information about the author visits check out this link: https://www.pearltrees.com/octlibrary/author-visits/id21655784
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Updates from Art, Mrs. Morgan
Grapevine Garden Club Kids Art Contest
"Adventures of theMonarch".
Students in Kindergarten through Fifth grade are invited to participate in the Grapevine Garden Club Kids Art Contest.
The entry forms are available in Peach Jar as well as the rules and regulations.
All students must have an entry formed signed and attached to their work by a parent or legal guardian.
All entries are due to Mrs. Morgan by 8am Wednesday October 17, 2018.
Winners will be announced during the 21st Annual Butterfly Flutterby on Saturday October 20th.
For more information and entry forms, please visit
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Updates from Music, Mrs. Vencill
Students will learn any music they need to know for upcoming programs in the Music room during their Music Specials time, but some kids enjoy listening to the music at home, too. I created a Google Classroom for every grade level where I will load music for upcoming programs/events. If you would like to join this Google Classroom from a device at home so your student can listen/practice at home, please download the app and enter the grade level code.
Kindergarten: hsn6zz
1st Grade: op7dp5
2nd Grade: 8cu5siu
3rd Grade: qoqudk
4th Grade: mehh5mq
5th Grade: rq64hzv
Taylor Tiger Choir: e1noxt
Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.
Mrs. Vencill
Music Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary
@OCTVencill #tOCT4U
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Updates from P.E., Coach Mester and Coach Mac
Kinder, 1st, and 2nd grade students have been enjoying exploring movement and sharing space. Also, many lessons have focused on safety and health. Information on water safety, nutrition, and personal hygiene had been presented and discussed. Moving forward we will be working on jump rope skills and group cooperation activities.
3rd, 4th, and 5th grades have completed their Fitnessgram Testing and we are wrapping our soccer unit. Our next focus will be on short and long rope jumping.
We will be kicking off our Jump Rope For Heart fundraiser on Friday, September 29th. Students will be learning about their heart and how it benefits from healthy habits like physical activity and eating nutritious foods. Students have the choice to collect donations for The American Heart Association with parent permission. Additional information will come home with students collection envelopes.
Jason Mester
Physical Education Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary School
@OCTMester
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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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Updates from Literacy Specialists/Dyslexia Teachers, Mrs. Griffith & Mrs. Honeycutt
October is Dyslexic Awareness Month. Each week, please check out our corner for helpful information regarding our Dyslexic Learners.
Learning Ally-
Founded in 1948, Learning Ally is a national non-profit that supports K-12, college and graduate students, veterans and lifelong learners – all of whom read and learn differently due to dyslexia, blindness or visual impairment, and other disabilities. Through its extensive community events, human-narrated audiobook library and support programs, Learning Ally enables parents, teachers and specialists to help students thrive and succeed. In 2015, we have expanded our reach to include the 1in5 Initiative, a service giving students a voice.
To navigate Learning Ally go to https://1in5.learningally.org/What-is-Dyslexia
Students share, through a short video segment, what it is like and how they adjust in life having dyslexia.
Student Idea:
Watch the Victoria’s story video, as well, and perhaps your students could make a video for you that shares who they are.
Extra tidbits:
Encourage your child to use learning ally for their reading time at home or on the weekends. It is a great resource incorporating the use of technology.
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Updates from the Clinic, Nurse Katy
- If your child passed the hearing, vision, and AN screening- you will not receive any paperwork from me. No news is good news! :)
- If your child did NOT pass the hearing, vision, or AN screening, you will receive a copy of the results along with a referral letter. Your child will need further evaluation, as the state of Texas requires me to follow up on all failed screenings.
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Parent Technology Academy
GCISD Parent Technology Academy is BACK! Sessions are scheduled monthly with more to come! Come and learn along with others about the ever-changing world of technology in which your children are living!
This months Session: Apps Parents Need to Know - Updated just this Month!
Ever wonder what all those apps are your children are using on their phones or personal devices?
Want to learn about the top apps that parents must know about to protect their children from online dangers and bullying?
Join GCISD Chief Technology Officer Kyle Berger as he presents this popular presentation of Apps Parents Need To Know!
October 16, 2018
Start time 6:15 @ Grapevine Middle School Cafe (SAC)
301 Pony Parkway
Grapevine, TX 76051
You will be given insights into this ever-changing world of technology and mobile apps. Learn about helpful ways to monitor your child's usage as well as tools that can help you at home.
There are thousands of mobile apps let us help you understand some of the dangers! The presentation is updated Monthly to include new trending apps and content!
Please Pre-Register https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfEzQev_rjs1g97YQI14Xm_TW823AAPhtwGDskdzHQbhehYaw/viewform?usp=sf_link so we can be sure to have appropriate seating, as well as provide you will follow up material from the session. Be sure to save the date as this favorite session fills fast with over 500 parents attending last year alone! More Sessions can be found on the Parent Technology Academy Webpage
Hope to see you there!
Kyle Berger
CTO Grapevine-Colleyville ISD
Have a question about GCISD Parent Tech Academy or like to request a presentation? Let us know just email kyle.berger@gcisd.net
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David's Law Presentation
GCISD is proud to invite parents to the "Cyberbullying and David's Law" presentation given by David's Legacy Foundation. Maurine Molak, David's Mother, will be presenting. This event will be held on Tuesday, October 23 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Colleyville Heritage High School Auditorium.
Parents will learn facts of David's Law (SB179) and what it means for them and their children. Parents will also learn what to do if their children experience cyberbullying and how to empower their children to take a stand.
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Unity Day
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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.
In accordance with program guidelines, the Free and Reduced application will be available online as part of skyward registration. The free and reduced application should be filled out electronically atwww.schoollunchapp.com. For those parents that still would like to complete a paper application, they may download an application on the website www.gcisd.net or stop by the Nutrition Services office at 5800 Colleyville Blvd. Paper copies will not be distributed to the campuses this year, please allow families to apply online on a computer on campus or have them come to the Nutrition Services department for assistance.
If you have questions about the Nutrition Services program, please call ext. 5615 or email julie.telesca@gcisd.net.
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-k12.org
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!
OC Taylor PTA Presents Moms Night Out
Moms' Night Out - Monday, October 15th from 5-9pm. Join us at Sloan and Williams Winery in Grapevine for a Moms' Night Out. Sloan and Williams will donate 30% of all food and wine purchased back to the OCT PTA. It's a great chance to visit with old friends and meet some new ones! We'll have a Gift Card Grab and Games of Heads or Tails as well. And the best part?!?! Childcare is taken care of! The OCT Dads' Club will be watching the kids at school from 6-8pm while the moms enjoy a night out. There will be pizza, games, movies, and more! Please complete the google form to register your students for childcare. Reservations are not required, but will give us an estimate of how much food we'll need. We are requesting a $10 donation per child at the door to help cover the cost of food, drinks, and fun for the evening. Unfortunately, we can only accomodate current OCT students - no tiny tigers. It's a night you and your kids won't want to miss! We hope to see you there!!
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
2018 PTA Fuss-Free Fundraising Campaign
This week we are kicking off our Fuss-Free Fundraising campaign. Be on the look out for the packet in your child's folder or click here! Thanks for helping keep 100% of all funds raised here at OCT!
FOURTH GRADERS - Support the GRACE Food Drive
October is Fourth Grade’s Turn to Support the GRACE Food Drive
ITEMS IN NEED: Chef Boy-ar-dee
Now that the weather is cooling down, let’s bring the kids at GRACE a warm bowl of Chef BOYARDEE. Canned Ravioli, Lasagna, Beefaroni, and Spaghetti & Meatballs are all welcomed!
Collection Baskets are located right outside the FOURTH GRADE Classrooms
and will be there for the duration of the month. So remember, the next time you
are in the grocery store, think back to that little jingle from when you were a kid
and say to yourself, “Thank goodness for Chef BOYARDEE!”
Thank you for your help and support in serving our community!
Questions? Concerns?
Please contact: Dawn Hall at ddahall74@gmail.com
APPLE TREE PROJECT
The O.C. Taylor Apple Tree is back! 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 the 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.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C48ACAA2CA5F85-oc1
Jill Tate - VP of Volunteers jhbu99@aol.com
Unity Day – Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Together against bullying. UNITED for kindness, acceptance and inclusion.
Make it ORANGE and make it end! What are your true colors when it comes to showing that you believe that all youth should be safe from bullying? Come together in one giant ORANGE message of hope and support, WEAR AND SHARE ORANGE to color our nation, and even the world, visibly showing that our society believes that no child should ever experience bullying.
Please submit your volunteer hours
Thank you to all our OCT volunteers! Please remember to log your September hours on the attached google form. Because the Raptor system did not keep track of volunteer hours for the month of September, please include any and all hours spent volunteering both at school as well as at home during the month of September. Thanks for all your do for our OCT students and staff!
OCT Dads' Club
Sign up for the Dads Club email list here. Like Our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @OCTDadsClub
Advertise in the Paw Prints Student Directory
Parents and business owners! Our Paw Prints Student Directory is looking for people who would like to place advertisements in our 2018-19 student directory "Paw Prints". It is a great way to reach new clients and support our school! Please consider placing an add in our directory this year. For more information and pricing, please email Sara Stricherz sara.stricherz@gcisd.net by October 5th.
Advertise and support the Paw Prints Student Directory Price
Third Page Ad (4.5” x 2.5”) $55
Half Page Ad (4.5”x 3.75”) $75
Full Page Ad (4.5” x 7.75”) $150
Center Staple Ad (4.5”x 7.5”) $165
Inside cover - full page ad (4.5” x 7.5”) $180
Outside back cover -full page ad ( 4.5” 7.5”) $225
Fall Festival November 3rd 2p - 6p
Save the date Saturday November 3rd for the OCT Fall Festival from 2-6 pm. There will be tons of friends, food, and fun including new inflatables like Human Whack-A-Mole, and our First Annual Chili Cook Off. You don't want to miss the fun! Be on the look out for more details coming soon!
Would you or your business like to help sponsor our fall festival? See the attached packet to learn more about how you can become a “Paws”itively “Tiger”ific Sponsor!
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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 7 laps, 2nd Grade has taken the lead with (447), 3rd Grade is in 2nd place (366) and 4th Grade is in 3rd place (211).
Thank you!
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