Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, December 10, 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.
One of our Future Explorations classes is our Campus Newspaper. Please take a moment to click here and read our digital version the students wrote in the class, The Tiger Cub!
Thank you to Mrs. Bonacci and all of our Student Book Fair Leaders! This was our most successful book fair on record ever for O.C. Taylor! Yay! Reading is one of the main keys to future success. Keep on reading, Tigers!
Thank you to our Dads' Club for creating an amazing float for the Grapevine Parade of Lights! It was absolutely magical! Way to go dads!
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 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
Santa's Visit - 1:30
Choir Dress Rehearsal 2:55 - 4:45
Yearbook Group A 3:00 - 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
Students and staff are invited to participate in Team Theme Day
Geography Bee - 8:30 am
Saturday, December 16
Pancake Breakfast 8:30 to 11:00
Monday, December 18
Students and staff are invited to wear some holiday socks (Wear a CRAZY HOLIDAY HAT DAY. Please bring $1 in support of 5th Grade Continuation. Thanks for your support!)
Tuesday, December 19
Students and Staff are invited to wear red and white
OCT Chick-Fil-A Fundraiser, Come eat between 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 20
Students and Staff are invited to wear pj's for Polar Express Day
PPCD Class Parties 10:00 - 10:40/2:00 - 2:45
Yearbook, 3:00 - 3:45, Group B
Thursday, December 21
Students and staff are invited to wear festive holiday gear
10:00 (gym) Sing A Long
10:45 Class Parties
Early Dismissal, 11:45 a.m.
Friday, December 22-January 8
No School
Tuesday, January 9
First Day back for Students
OCT Updates
LAST DAY TODAY .... Buttermilk Sky Pie Shop of Collevyille Fundraiser
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Holiday Fun at OCT
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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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.
"Our second Turkey Drive was incredible with 115 turkeys donated to GRACE. Our 5th graders donated the most turkeys winning the Parents Night Out. This will be held on Wednesday, December 20 from 6pm to 8pm. This special night will be for 5th graders only, please do not plan to include siblings. We will watch BOSS BABY and eat popcorn! Please walk your child in through the cafeteria door to sign them in, and then come back through that door to sign them out when picking them up. Mr. Kiehn, Mrs. Knudson and I look forward to spending this time with your children!"
1. Mr. Kiehn, Mrs. Whisman, and Mrs. Knudson will be supervising.
2. This is for fifth grade students only. Please do not plan to leave other siblings.
3. Sign-in your student at 6:00 pm, cafeteria;
4. Sign-out, or pick-up your student at 8:00 pm sharp, cafeteria.
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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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Update from our Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Vision Referrals: If your child failed the vision screening back in September, you should have received a 2nd referral letter. If your child has already been seen by an eye specialist, you can call me/email me with results. I have to have this information for an annual report that gets sent to the State of Texas. 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.
- Cold Weather Guidelines: Please make sure to send a coat with your child daily during the winter months. Texas weather can be crazy! Know that we cannot go outside for PE or recess if the wind chill is 36 degrees or below.
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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 "Use Humor." Talk to your child about ways to use humor when faced with conflict:
Tell a joke.
Exaggerate the situation. “Your day sounds worse than the one in Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day.”
Accomplish a task with reverse psychology. Challenge a friend who is sulking, “Whatever you do, don’t smile.”
Fly a paper airplane to your friends with a note on it.
Speak with an accent or other voice. Try a robot voice or one from a favorite cartoon to make a situation better.
Use fantasy.
Sing a silly song to lighten the mood.
Use props. Groucho glasses, puppets or even a funny hat can help to bring a smile to your friends’ faces.
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2016-17 TEA School Report Card (SRC)
In addition to the School Report Card, the more detailed Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR) for our campus can be accessed online at https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/perfreport/tapr/2017/srch.html?srch=C.
If you have any questions about either report, please contact me. Paper copies of both reports can be viewed in our main office.
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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: 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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January is School Board Recognition Month
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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
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!
This event is open to ALL OCT families and friends. You do not need to be a member of Dads Club to attend.
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
DADS CLUB FLOAT "DAD TOOK ME SLEDDING" WINS 4TH PLACE!
Congratulations to our incredible Dads Club and their fantastic portrayal of Sledding with Dad, which was featured in the Grapevine Parade of Lights Holiday Parade on Thursday, December 7. Over 30 O.C. Taylor students rode the float with their Dads (and a few Moms, too), walking in tow.
Dads, THIS is THE CLUB to join, if you haven't joined, yet.
Contact Ben Stevens for more information
Santa's Texas Team 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!
We will also have a fun option in the learning commons for those students who do not celebrate Christmas.
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. If you have misplaced the audition forms that went out last week 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
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES
How Will You Move Into
The New Year?
We usually don’t compare starting the new year to packing and moving, but it is more similar than you think. How, might you ask? Well, do you plan what rooms you're going to box up first? Do you try to cram as many things into one box as you can, but then realize it’s too heavy? Have you ever called on friends or family to help at the last minute? Consider those same steps as you set goals to stay active this holiday season — and then keep them into the new year.
PLAN
Write workout days on a calendar, put an alarm on your phone to get up and move every hour, or take the stairs/park further out in the parking lot.
BE REALISTIC
Start slow and don’t get overwhelmed, break it up by chunking out ten minutes throughout the day, and create indoor options when the weather gets too cold.
ASK OTHERS
Coordinate times to work out with a friend, post times at the school for a parent exercise group, or ask your kids to join you.
Karen Burnell
Texas PTA Healthy Lifestyle Liaison
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:
12/13 Santa USA
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.