Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, December 3, 2017
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
Please remember to scroll down and read your GRADE LEVEL NEWSLETTER and our PTA portion. Click here to see the Tiger Time News, student video version (and read about our student-led book fair)!
What a fun day we had this past Friday for Rule the School! Thank you to the parents who purchased this for their child. You can see me to the left in the photo alongside Miss Richards, the Principal of the Day. We had a faculty meeting, observed some teaching, had lunch in the teachers' lounge and more. Mrs. Putman and I kept hearing how exhausting the job was. Hehehe. We agree.
This week we have a fundraiser at Buttermilk Sky Pies. Please mention OCT when purchasing. We raised over $700 at Chipotle! Thank you SO much to all who supported.
We have many festivities to join and celebrate this season. My hope for you is you and your family choose a few special ones then reserve some time to snuggle up and read together. Being together and having a little bit of downtime is essential, especially for growing children. These are the BEST days! May you savor them.
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, December 4
Book Fair
Buttermilk Sky Pie Fundraiser in Colleyville
Tuesday, December 5
Book Fair
Buttermilk Sky Pie Fundraiser in Colleyville
Wednesday, December 6
Book Fair
Students and staff can wear a Santa hat or any hat to school
Yearbook Group A 3:00 - 3:45
Buttermilk Sky Pie Fundraiser in Colleyville
Thursday, December 7
Book Fair
Choir Dress Rehearsal 2:55 - 4:45
Buttermilk Sky Pie Fundraiser in Colleyville
Grapevine Parade of Lights 7:00 (OCT Dads' Club has a float!)
Friday, December 8
Students and staff are invited to wear red and green
PTA Walk to School
Book Fair
Future Explorations 2:00 - 2:50
Buttermilk Sky Pie Fundraiser in Colleyville
Monday, December 11
Tuesday, December 12
Students and staff are invited to wear a Christmas sweater
Wednesday, December 13
Students and staff are invited to wear blue and white for Hanukkah
Choir Dress Rehearsal 2:55 - 4:45
Yearbook Group A 3:00 - 3:45
TTT 2:55 - 3:45
Thursday, December 14
Students and staff are invited to wear a scarf or dress like a snowman
Holiday Concert - 8:30 am
PTA Meeting/Holiday Concert - 6:30 pm
Friday, December 15
Geography Bee - 8:30 am
OCT Updates
Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop of Collevyille Fundraiser
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Holiday Fun at OCT
Weds., Dec. 6 Wear a Santa hat or any hat
Thurs., Dec. 7 Grapevine Parade of Lights is at 7:00 p.m. (OCT Dads' Club has a float!)
Fri., Dec. 8 Wear red and green (Reindeer Games Begin)
Mon., Dec. 11
Tues., Dec. 12 Sweater Day (Hanukkah begins at sundown... Happy Hanukkah!)
Weds., Dec. 13 Wear blue and white for Hanukkah
Thurs., Dec. 14 Wear a scarf or dress like a snowman, PTA and Holiday Concert 6:30 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 15
Sat., Dec. 16 Pancake Breakfast with Dads sponsored by Dads' Club 8:00-11:00 a.m.
Mon., Dec. 18 Holiday Sock Day, wear festive socks (Pay $1 to wear a hat -see PTA below)
Tues., Dec. 19 Wear red and white
Weds. Dec. 20 Wear your p.j.s to school for Polar Express Day
Thurs., Dec. 21 Winter Party, wear your festive party attire
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Hour of Code, December 4-10, 2017
With technology changing every industry on the planet, computing knowledge has become part of a well-rounded skill set. But fewer than half of all schools teach computer science! Good news is, we’re on our way to change this. If you heard about the Hour of Code last year, you might know it made history. 100 million students have now discovered how accessible and fun computer science can be by doing just one Hour of Code.
The Hour of Code is a one-hour introduction to computer science, designed to demystify code and show that anybody can learn the basics. Learn more at http://HourofCode.com, try an hour yourself. Ask your child about Hour of Code.
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Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
- The Tiger Tree will be back this year with paws that have items that will be donated to the Grace Christmas Cottage. If you would like to have a tour of the Christmas Cottage (it is a WONDERFUL experience) see this informational flyer.
It is the time of year for our Holiday Tiger Tree! We will be collecting items to donate to the Grapevine Relief and Community Exchange (GRACE) Christmas Cottage. Our Tiger Tree with paws will be up after Thanksgiving. The paws will have specific items to be purchased and returned to school to be donated to the cottage. This organization sets up a store in which parents who qualify are able to come and choose the toys and items for their children to receive for Christmas. They are given wrapping paper, tape, and bows along with Christmas cookies when they leave. TTT is partnering with our PTA to organize this collection and get the word out to all of our tigers to join in to help with this great project.
If you choose to take a paw or two off of the tree, please pay close attention to the directions on the back. They say:
1. Purchase the gift.
2. Bring the unwrapped gift to the school ASAP - no later than Friday, Dec. 15th.
Donations of tape, ribbons, and rolls of wrapping paper are always welcome.
Thank you for your acts of kindness by helping those in need! Please see the invitation to tour the Christmas Cottage... they even have a special time in which you can bring your children.
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
Resource Highlight: Every O. C. Taylor student has access to over 7,000 audiobooks through the Tales2Go app. For more information click here.
Book Fair: https://www.smore.com/w93yg-o-c-taylor-student-led-book-fair
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Tips on Dyslexia
We would like to share some helpful tips on dealing with the emotional side of dyslexia. Please enjoy this article and don't forget to click on the ideas for helping kids who are too hard on themselves!
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A Note from the music room, Mrs. Vencill
'Tis the season to be jolly and VERY busy in the music room!
- Kinder, 1st and 2nd grade students will use what they know about steady beat and rhythm to add rhythmic accompaniment on percussion instruments to winter holiday songs. 2nd graders will also begin discussing the lines and spaces of the staff so we can add pitched accompaniment on Orff instruments.
- 4th graders will spend the remainder of the school year learning to play the recorder. Playing recorders strengthens their knowledge of rhythm AND pitch. Students are responsible for bringing their recorder and Recorder Karate book to music every day.
- 3rd and 5th grade students remember, understand and apply what they know about the line and space notes of the treble clef staff to add pitched accompaniment on Orff instruments to winter holiday songs.
Our Choir will perform their holiday musical, The Lights of Jingle Bell Hill, Thursday, Dec. 14 at 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the OCT cafeteria. We hope you will join us for these festive holiday performances!
Wishing you all a very happy holiday season!
Mrs. Vencill
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A Note from the Art Room, Mrs. Morgan
Kindergarten- 2nd grade will be completing their fall art pieces; drawing leaves, creating warm/cool leaves and pumpkin landscapes. Once they are done, they will be exploring winter landscapes and winter themed art.
3rd grade will be looking at the artist Romero Britto to create a winter symbol using patterns and designs
4th and 5th grade will be learning about the art term value to create a winter value landscape.
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A Note from the Gym, Coach Mester and Coach Mac
In the gym, we are concentrating on basketball skills and have progressed to shooting (everyone's favorite). December will have us finishing up basketball and playing some fun winter games.
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Update from our Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Vision Referrals: If your child failed the vision screening back in September, you should have received another referral letter last week. This is the 2nd notification letter that I have sent home. There are still quite a few OCT students who need a professional vision exam and possibly glasses/correction. If you need financial assistance or a list of resources, please feel free to email me or come talk to me in the clinic. I am happy to help!
- When to stay home: Students should remain home when fever is 100 degrees or greater, or they are experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhea. GCISD has a 24-hour policy. Students may not return to school until free of fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea for a minimum of 24 hours without the aid of any medication. If your child is sent home from school with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, you must still abide by the 24-hour policy. If you send your child back to school too soon, they will be pulled out of class and will have to wait in the clinic until they are picked up. Thank you for helping us try to keep everyone healthy!
- Cold & Flu season: Please be sure you are reviewing proper hand washing techniques with your children at home. They can sing Happy Birthday song or their ABCs twice while washing with warm, soapy water. Also, remind them to sneeze and cough into their elbows instead of their hands. If your child is home sick with flu or flu-like symptoms (temperature over 100 AND sore throat/cough), please let the front office know when calling in. I have to report all flu-like illness to the Tarrant County Health Department weekly.
- Upcoming SHAC meeting: If you are interested in being involved with health decisions concerning your child in GCISD, attend the next SHAC meeting. See the attached flyer for details. There will be door prizes! :)
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Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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OCT Conflict Resolution Wheel
This week we will be focusing on "Go Play With Someone Else." Talk with your child about the importance of finding another friend after trying several conflict resolution strategies that do not work. This is an agreed upon technique by both people. Going to play with someone else or "taking a break" from a friendship for a while can be healthy.
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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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Let's Talk
Click here to start a conversation through Let's Talk! This site may be found on our campus homepage.
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GCISD & OTHER FLYERS & INFORMATION
Grapevine Parade of Lights
View a parade route and parking map at http://bit.ly/2AfIJgi.
A parade participants map may be viewed at http://bit.ly/2Aj3RzY.
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School Messenger Automated Calling System Change
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Grapevine: A Visual Journey Through A Beloved Texas Town
Grapevine: A Visual Journey Through A Beloved Texas Town is a 152-page book that highlights Grapevine’s intriguing history, public art, working artists, attractions, and seasonal events. The author will donate 50% of book proceeds to O.C. Taylor Elementary until January 1, 2018, if the books are purchased at www.GrapevineTexasJourney.com. (The buyer will then be given the option to select O.C. Taylor Elementary as the recipient of the donation.)
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City of Colleyville Mayor for a Day Essay Contest
City of Colleyville Mayor, Richard Newton, is giving Colleyville residents in grades 2-7 the opportunity to speak their minds during the 2017 Mayor for a Day Contest. The winner will serve as honorary mayor on one of the City Council meeting dates this upcoming January. He or she will spend part of the day meeting with city leaders and touring city facilities. That evening, they will attend the City Council work session to review city business and co-preside over the City Council meeting that follows. During the Executive Session portion of the meeting, the Mayor for a Day will have a pizza party with up to 10 friends! (The Mayor for a Day winner’s schedule will be subject to approval by his or her parents and school.)
How to Participate:
- Starting November 1st, contestants must submit a one- to two- page essay about what you would do to make Colleyville the best city in North Texas. The winning essay will be posted on the city’s website. Write your essay in any form or style that is comfortable for you and that you feel best expresses your opinions.
- Essays must be at least one page in length and no more than two pages.
- Entries must have your name, grade, address, and parents’ phone numbers included at the top of the essay in order to be entered into the Mayor for a Day Contest.
- No other identifying information should be included in the essay, as all personal information will be redacted prior to review by the committee of judges.
- Essays are due by December 8, 2017. Essays received after this date will not be considered.
- Contest is only open to Colleyville residents.
- The winning essay will be announced the week of December 11th.
Essays may be dropped off at the City Manager’s Office on the third floor of Colleyville City Hall or sent by mail or email to:
Mayor for a Day Contest
Colleyville City Hall
100 Main Street,
Colleyville, TX 76034
Email: ddangli@colleyville.com
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GCISD Parent Technology Academy
More classes are rolling out! Click on the following link to see more or to register: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=48875
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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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HELP OUR COMMUNITY FOR THE HOLIDAYS! CHECK OUT THE TIGER TREE IN LOBBY!
Scroll up to read Ms. Whisman's announcement about this wonderful effort that has become a tradition at O.C. Taylor. The students love it, and you will, too!
Tiger Tree Directions:
1. Purchase the gift.
2. Attach paw to the outside of the gift.
3. Bring the unwrapped gift to school ASAP - no later than Friday, Dec. 15th
Questions? Concerns? Contact Athena Wiginton
Dad's Club Holiday Float from last year
Dad's Club Holiday Float from last year
COME SUPPORT O.C. TAYLOR & THE DADS CLUB HOLIDAY FLOAT!
Thursday, December 7th at 7 pm.
Come see the OCT Dad's Club float -- "Dad Took Me Sledding" -- in the Grapevine Parade of Lights THIS Thursday Dec. 7th at 7:00. The route and parking are in the "Route Map," and remember Main St. will be closed by 5:00.
CLICK HERE FOR THE PARADE ROUTE MAP
GRAPEVINE HOLIDAY LIGHTS PARADE LINK
Get involved with Dads Club because it’s for the kids.
Organizers:
Ben Stevens – ben@benLstevens.com 972.839.5599
Matt Smith – vernomas@yahoo.com 817.228.1822
O.C. Taylor Dads Club Facebook Page: https://facebook.com/OCTaylorDadsClub
PANCAKE BREAKFAST & SLEDDING WITH DAD
Saturday, December 16, 8:30 to 11:00 am
Dads…Give Mom a break and come out with the kids to enjoy a morning of breakfast and SLEDDING! (Yes, you read that, it wasn’t a typo!) Enjoy breakfast made by Dads Club and have fun riding a sled, what else could you ask for? (Moms are welcome, too!)
Space is limited and the snow is expensive, so hurry and get your reservations in early!
CLICK HERE TO PRINT RESERVATION FORM
Paid reservations must be in by December 11th.
Make checks payable to O.C. Taylor PTA.
Students must be accompanied by an adult.
Questions?? Contact Martin Pinero
martinpinero@outlook.com or 469-618-8401
Santa USA Visit!
Wednesday, December 13th at 1:30 pm.
After a little break, we are happy to announce that Santa Claus and all his friends will be “flying in” to visit O.C. Taylor again this year!
Santa and his party will be arriving by helicopter to spread some holiday cheer and to pick up those important letters to deliver to the North Pole.
Parents and siblings are invited to join us for a holly jolly good time!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
O.C. TAYLOR TALENT SHOW!
The 2017-2018 Talent Show is quickly approaching! What better way to showcase all of the awesome talents of our very own O.C. Taylor Tigers?!
There are many ways you can participate or audition, including video submissions, and 2 audition date options. Please keep an eye out for the audition form that will be going out this week or, simply click on the link below.
Completed audition forms are due Wednesday, December 20th!
LINK TO AUDITION FORM HERE
Students must be in 3rd-5th grade to participate in the Talent Show.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: TALENT SHOW is Friday, Jan. 26 at 8:30 am & 6:30 pm
Start preparing your acts now...we cannot wait to see you at auditions!
Please feel free to contact Stephanie Wilkerson with any Talent Show questions or concerns:
Stephanie Wilkerson
Talent Show Coordinator
817-721-3288
CRAZY HOLIDAY HAT/SOCK DAY!
Questions? Concerns? Contact Stephanie Williams
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
December:
12/1 Rule the School
12/8 Walk To School Morning
12/14 6:30 pm PTA Meeting & Choir Concert
12/15 Party with the Principals 3;00 - 5:30 pm
12/16 Dad's Club Pancake Breakfast
12/20 Polar Express Day
12/20 Talent Show Applications Due
12/21 School Sing-Along
12/21 Class Holiday Parties
12/21 Early Dismissal at 11:45 LAST DAY OF FALL SEMESTER
January:
1/8 Teacher Work Day
1/9 Back to School!
1/15 Martin Luther King Holiday/No School
1/26 Talent Show 8:30 am & 6:30 pm
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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.