Tiger Time News
News from O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young Pedevilla
April 21, 2019
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
Happy Easter! Happy Spring! I hope you are soaking up this beautiful weather and that your children find a lot of eggs! Spring brings forth the reminder of new beginnings. Our 2018-19 school year is quickly coming to an end, every day we come into school we come with a clean slate. This is a time where we can still have a fresh start each day. We enjoy celebrating this with your child. Remind your child each day is new and provides an opportunity to start again.
Enjoy the time outside! Fresh air and sunlight are essential for our children to experience. Walk and talk about nature and the things you observe together.
We will not have school in GCISD tomorrow, Monday, April 22, due to us not using our Bad Weather Days. We will see everyone on Tuesday, April 23 by 7:39 a.m.!
To the BEST of days,
Principal 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.
O.C. Taylor Elementary Events
April 22
No School - Bad Weather Makeup Day
April 23
Kindergarten Online Registration
Earth Week
Egg Drop Entries Due
8:45 - 2:00 Kindergarten Field Trip
April 24
Kindergarten Online Registration
Earth Week
2:55 - 3:25 3rd/4th READING
2:55 - 3:25 TTT
April 25
Kindergarten Online Registration
Earth Week
9:00 - 2:00 1st Grade Field Trip
6:00 NEHS Induction Ceremony
6:00 Grapevine PD to talk about drugs and vaping (see information below)
7:00 - 9:00 Dads Club Meeting - Location - The Londoner
April 26
Kindergarten Online Registration
Earth Week
2:00 - 2:50 Future Explorations
3:00 - 4:30 Egg Drop
April 27
April 29
4/29 - 5/3 - Book Fair
2:55 - 3:25 K, 1, 2 Tutoring
2:55 - 3:25 3rd/4th Math/5th Science
April 30
6:00 - 7:00 Kindergarten Round Up
May 1
2:55 - 3:25 3rd/4th Reading Tutoring
May 2
8:30 Festival of Friends
6:30 Festival of Friends
May 3
PTA Walk to School
8:00 - 12:00 Book Fair
9:00 - 2:00 3rd Grade Field Trip
2:00 - 2:50 Future Explorations
3:00 - 4:00 Running Club
OCT and GCISD Updates
No School Tomorrow, Monday, April 22nd
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No Tardy Party Winner: -Mrs. Arington's Class!
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SPREAD THE NEWS!
Do you have any neighbors or friends who are coming to kindergarten? What about any who have children turning 4 years old by Sept. 1, 2019? If so, please SPREAD THE NEWS:
- KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP! YEEEEEHAWWWW! It is time for Kindergarten Round Up! If you have a child that will begin in Kindergarten in the Fall or know of a neighbor that will, Kindergarten registration is April 23rd-26th. Please stop by the school to pick up paperwork during that week. We want to meet your little buckaroo! We will have a Parent Meeting on April 30th from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.. and your future Kindergartener will have the opportunity to visit a classroom and meet the kindergarten teachers. We can't wait to meet you!"
- GCISD PRE-K QUALIFICATION: Pre-K Qualification kick off is on April 16th 9:00am-5:00pm at Language Assessment Center, 3050 Timberline Drive. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors that have children turning 4 years old by September 1, 2019. For more information go to https://www.gcisd.net/parents/pre-_kindergarten
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STAAR TESTING, No Visitors or Volunteers
Monday, May 13
Third Grade STAAR MathFourth Grade STAAR Math
Tuesday, May 14
Third Grade STAAR Reading
Fourth Grade STAAR Reading
Wednesday, May 15
Fifth Grade STAAR Science
Please remember that we cannot have any visitors or volunteers (for any grade level) in the building during these weeks. This includes during lunch. Thank you for helping us abide by our state regulations.
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Updates from the Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Carter BloodCare blood drive: The Carter BloodCare bus will be here at OCT on Tuesday May 21st from 10-1. Click on the link below and help save a life! The classroom with the most donations will win a popsicle party! https://ww3.greatpartners.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/103883
- 24 hour rule: Please remember our district policy- Students MUST be fever-free (temperature under 100 degrees) and symptom-free (no vomiting or diarrhea) for a MINIMUM of 24 hours without medication before returning to school. Thank you for helping us keep our students and staff healthy!
- 7 Bs: Spring has sprung! Injuries and allergies are on the rise. To help keep clinic traffic to a minimum, please review the 7 Bs (reasons to come to the clinic) with your children at home. This list is posted in every classroom for teachers (and students) to refer to before leaving the classroom and missing important instruction time. * Bleeding * Broken Bones * Barfing * Bee Stings * Big Bump * Breathing Bad *Burning Up
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
Dear OCT Families,
I am excited to share that our Learning Commons will be renovated this summer! We look forward to having an updated space where kids can continue to explore and grow. We will begin packing the books soon and need all library books returned no later than April 26th (sooner is better). We will be packing on Saturday, May 11th and you are welcome to join us! Let me know if you would like to help.
Our Spring BOGO Book Fair is just a week away! This annual event helps put books in the hands of our Tigers for their summer reading. The fair will begin on April 29th and end on May 3rd. If you are interested in volunteering for the Book Fair please contact Mrs. Bonacci (dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net).
To get a sneak preview of what we will have at the fair check out our Book Fair Homepage:
The deadline for the GCISD Reads Challenge is May 1st. If your child has met the requirements for this challenge please remind them to notify their teacher so that information can be shared with the district. We want all of our Tigers to be recognized for their hard work and dedication. Forms can be found at: https://www.smore.com/snt5p-arrgg-2018-2019-gcisd-reads
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Updates from Counseling and Guidance, Mrs. Whisman
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Updates from Literacy Specialists/Dyslexia, Ms. Griffith and Ms. Honeycutt
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A Conversation with Grapevine Police Officers about Vaping, Drugs, and Other Current Trends
GCISD counselors are pleased to host this informative evening on Thursday, April 25 at 6:00 p.m. in the GCISD Board Room, 3051 Ira E. Woods Ave, Grapevine.
In 2015, more than 3 million youth in middle and high school, including about 1 of every 6 high school students, used ecigarettes in the past month. More than a quarter of youth in middle and high school have tried e-cigarettes.
-an excerpt from the Surgeon General’s warning about e-Cigarettes
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Bus Rider Information
Your child needs to be a registered bus rider in order to ride a GCISD bus. If you are wanting to register your child to ride the bus, please do so in Skyward. If you are needing to temporarily change your child's bus transportation (i.e. riding home with a friend for a day, etc.), please complete this form. This form must be completed 48 hours in advance. To ensure the safety of our bus riders, we do not accept notes from parents or administrators in place of the form.
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Technology Update
The Tellonym app is a new dangerous app that allows students (and strangers) to receive feedback anonymously online from others. The Tellonym app can be linked to a user’s Instagram, Snapchat, or Twitter account, allowing students to get inbound anonymous messages from their friends (and strangers). When teens connect anonymous apps to their Instagram or Snapchat they open themselves up to being targeted by strangers across platforms (and bullying/threats from people they may not know).
This app is in the Smart Social RED ZONE and is not safe for your student to use (at any age).
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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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GCISD IS HIRING!
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD - Open Positions
- Bus Drivers: Provide safe and efficient transportation service so that students may enjoy the greatest possible advantage from the district’s curriculum and extracurricular programs. Paid training available; starting salary once CDL is obtained is $17.43/hr!
- Cafeteria Food Service Workers (Nutrition Specialist): Prepare and serve nutritious meals for students and staff following USDA and TDA guidelines.
- After School Care Aides (Kidzu): Responsible for assisting the Site Coordinator with daily activities at their individual school; supervision of the children in the program; and the communication with students, staff members, and parents. Great opportunity to work w/students after school & be a role model!
- Early Childhood Caregivers: Assist the Lead Caregiver in providing child care with appropriate learning activities, instructional assistance, and other responsibilities as assigned by the Assistant Coordinator. Maintain a safe, enriching and inviting atmosphere working directly in a daycare with children 0-4 years old.
- Bus Monitors: Assist the bus driver in transporting students with disabilities to and from home and the complete range of curricular and extracurricular activities offered.
- Custodians: Follow routine cleaning and maintenance procedures to maintain a high standard of safety, cleanliness, and efficiency of building operations and grounds. No weekends!
GREAT BENEFITS!
- Part-time or Full-time hours! Weekends Off!
- Competitive salary!
- Health & Retirement benefits!
- Fun team environment!
Please visit our website at www.gcisd.net and select Employment
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!
School Supply Pack Pre-Sale Begins April 30th!
OC Taylor PTA is working hard to make back-to-school time as easy as possible for our families! We are moving to online-only ordering for school supply packs for 2019-2020. This will help us eliminate the lines at Meet the Teacher night in August, and allow you and your child to focus on meeting their teacher. Here's how the online school supply sale will work:
1. Order your child's school supply pack online between April 30th and June 16th through the Educational Products website. (We will send the direct link out next week when our sale website goes live). Make sure to choose your child's grade for next year, not their current grade level.
2. Your child's school supply pack will be waiting in your child's classroom on Meet the Teacher night.
That's it! Stay tuned to next week's Tiger Time newsletter for more information!
Questions? Contact Melissa Adkins, School Supplies Chair at melissa.adkins@gmail.com
WE WILL WE WILL ROCK YOU! FOR THE O.C. TAYLOR ROCK GARDEN!
Students! Parents! On April 29 and May 10, students will paint their very own rock to add to the O.C. Taylor Rock Garden. Many thanks to Cristie Morgan our wonderful O.C. Taylor Art Teacher, who is helping us achieve more artistic expression at the foot of our Tiger.
We also wanted you to know because you may notice some of the rocks missing--do not worry! They will be returning in finely painted form done by our very own TIGERS!
Interested in volunteering? Contact Laurie H. Ackermann to lend a hand!
Staff Appreciation Week
Staff Appreciation Week – May 6-10
You Mean the World to Us!
Our staff is such an amazing group of individuals! We appreciate all they do every day, but we have one week to show them just how much we appreciate them!
Our theme this year is, “You Mean the World to Us.”
We are going to spend the week showering our staff with goodies, gift cards, food and fun!
Sign-ups are available to help with lunch duty on Monday, May 6th, provide food for the trail mix bar and the breakfast we will provide, gift cards for drawings each morning, and finally, the staff members' favorite things so that we can shower them with some of their favorite things on Friday morning, May 10th to finish the week of fun!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0e4aa4ac2ba5fe3-staff2
Rachel's Challenge Rally - April 27th
April 27, 2019 | 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Colleyville Heritage High School | Panther Den (cafeteria)
5401 Heritage Avenue Colleyville, Texas 76034
Information Flyer
The community, as well as all GCISD students, staff and parents are invited to join in this fun annual event that celebrates kindness, respect and compassion for others. The theme of this year’s event is “Kindness is my super power”.
- Free 1-mile fun run (Sign Up)
- Local vendors
- Samples of popular and new food items from GCISD Nutrition Services
- Free games and activities for children
- Motivational speaker
Dads Club Meeting - April 25th
Thursday, April 25th – Final Dad’s Club Meeting of the School Year – The Londoner – Social starts at 7pm, Meeting starts at 7:30pm
Friday, May 24th – Field Day – We will need help setting up for Field Day the evening before, work the Water Stations throughout the day, and help disassemble/clean up – Sign-Up Genius will be sent leading up to the event
Thursday, May 30th – End of the School Year Bash/Camp Out – Event on the last day of the school year for all members of the family at the back of the school with jump houses, movie, snacks, dinner and camping for those who’d like to camp out (Camping not required). Sign up to be sent leading up to the event.
O.C. Taylor’s GRACE Food Drive
Calling all Kindergarteners!!!!!
April is your month to Support the GRACE FOOD DRIVE.
Items in Need: Ketchup
The families of GRACE are always in great need of condiments, especially Ketchup. Let’s try to bring in a bottle for each kinder this month to help support our community. Collection Baskets are right outside the Kindergarten Classrooms and will be until May 3rd. Let’s go Kindergarten!
Questions? Concerns? Please Contact: Dawn Hall ddahall74@gmail.com
Earth Week at O.C. Taylor!
Earth Day is an annual event celebrated on April 22. Worldwide, various events are held to demonstrate support for environmental protection. First celebrated in 1970, Earth Day events in more than 193 countries are now coordinated globally by the Earth Day Network.
Join us this year in these fun Earth Week Challenges!!!
Tuesday, April 23rd: REDUCE CHALLENGE! Find ways that you can reduce your environmental footprint today. Take a shorter shower to save water, walk or bike to school to reduce gasoline usage and emissions, pack your lunch using reusable containers to reduce the amount of trash you throw away.
Wednesday, April 24th: REUSE CHALLENGE! Go through your recyclables and make your best Earth Day hat! Get creative and use old boxes, plastic bottles, newspapers, or anything else recyclable that can make a fun and creative hat that you can show to all of your friends!
Thursday, April 25th: RECYCLE CHALLENGE! Bring in old electronic devices so they can be safely recycled. The City of Grapevine offers e-cycling and we are offering O.C. Taylor families the opportunity to drop off any approved items to school to be e-cycled. Please see the reverse of this flyer for important guidelines. Drop off will be between 7:15-8:00 am on Thursday morning only.
Friday, April 26th: EGG DROP CHALLENGE! On Friday, April 26th, at 3:00 pm, we will host our Annual Egg Drop at O.C. Taylor. All students, K to 5th grade, are invited to design 1 package to protect a raw egg. O.C. Taylor staff will drop the students' egg packages from the roof of the school. Students will be able to watch from the bus circle and cheer on their eggs.Parents' Night Out April 29th
Our 2nd Annual Parents’ Night Out event is Monday, April 29th from 5-9pm at Sloan and Williams Winery in Grapevine. We’ll have a great Gift Card Grab, fun games of Heads or Tails at 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 pm, as well as fun Silent Auction packages. While you take a break, drop off your kids at Altitude in Grapevine. For $20, your tiger can jump from 5-9pm and enjoy pizza, drinks, and dessert with some of our fabulous OC Taylor teachers! While pre-registration is not required, it will help us have an idea of how much food to order. Please click here to register for Kids' Night Out at Altitude on April 29th from 5-9 pm. In order to expedite the check in process that night, please click here to complete the Altitude Waiver (online form) prior to arriving that evening (all children from your household may be included on one waiver). We hope to see you there!
Colleyville Receipt Race
The Colleyville Receipt Race is BACK! The City of Colleyville and GCISD have partnered to help businesses affected by SH26 construction. Shop anywhere in Colleyville March 1st through April 30th and turn in your receipts! Send them in to your child's teacher in an envelope marked "Colleyville Receipt Race" or drop them in the box in the front office! Help us support local Colleyville businesses and earn money for our PTA all at the same time!
Amazon Smile
Be sure to shop smileamazon.com. 0.5% of all your purchases will go to the OC Taylor PTA. Log on to smileamazon.com and select PTA Texas Congress 1610 O C Taylor Elementary as your preferred charity. It's an amazoningly easy way to earn money for our school!! Remember, you must log on to smileamazon.com every time you shop to ensure your purchases earn money for our school! We just received another check for $68.37! That’s $112.88 in just one semester. Keep up the good work!
Box Tops Fundraiser
It's a new semester and time for a new Box Top Racing to Recess Challenge! The winning grade level will earn an extra 30 minute recess! Clip out Box Tops for Education and place them on the Box Top Collection Sheet or in the Ziploc Bag that was sent home last semester. If you've already sent in that bag, just write your child's grade level on a new ziploc bag. Send your Box Tops in to your child's teacher or place them in the blue bin in the front lobby.
After 14 weeks, 3rd grade has a huge lead with 681 box tops, 2nd grade is in 2nd place with 358, and 5th grade in 3rd place with 189.
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 it's 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 JOINPTA.ORG
Please feel free to contact me with any questions. Liz Payne- VP Memberships
Thank you!
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