Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, September 30, 2018
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
Tomorrow, Monday, October 1, we are kicking off National Bullying Prevention Month by celebrating World Day of Bullying Prevention! We invite all students to wear blue tomorrow to show support. We will be discussing preventing bullying and cyberbullying the entire month of October. Click here to read more from the Texas Education Agency.
Parents, your career expertise is needed! Please read the section below about Future Explorations and consider volunteering a little bit of your time to help our teachers provide an experience for our children to help them have an introduction to careers in a kid-friendly experience.
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 1
Stomp Out Bullying- Wear Blue
8:15 PTA Executive Board Meeting
Tuesday, October 2
4:00 - 8:00 Chipotle Night, Fundraiser for OCT (Colleyville Location)
Wednesday, October 3
Hearing/Vision Screening Day during grade level Specials
International Walk to School Day
Thursday, October 4
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
Friday, October 5
No School for Students
Professional Learning Day
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
OCT and GCISD Updates
Be a part of Future Explorations!
This year, students will have the opportunity to choose a topic or path they want to explore. They will spend 5-6 weeks on Fridays from 2:00-2:50 p.m. experiencing these different pathways in a hands-on, authentic, and engaging manner.
We would love to invite you to be a part of our Future Explorations program this year. Please take a minute to complete this survey on how you can assist and support our Future Explorations this year! Big or small, we would love for you to join us as we navigate toward our future!
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Congratulations to our PTA for earning the Head Start Award!
Texas PTA announced that our OCT PTA earned the Head Start Award last month. By recruiting 75% of last year’s total membership, our PTA is well on its way to growing our CommYOUnity, as well as the collective PTA voice, as PTA prepares to advocate for every child in the upcoming legislative session. Thank you, OCT families and PTA! Keep up the great work!
Again, congratulations on earning this award and starting the school year off on the right foot. We applaud your amazing efforts!
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Dads' Club Golf Tournament
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Conflict Resolution Wheel
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Parent Tech Tip of the Week: Screen Time Shouldn't Always Be Alone Time.
When my teenagers joined facebook in 2008, so did I. When they moved over to Twitter, so did I. When they moved to Instagram, so did I. When they asked me to join Netflix, I did. Now I am struggling to understand Snapchat, but I am there too because they are there. I encourage you to be right where your kids are when they are online and using technology. If you are not sure where to start, let your teacher know. We are here to help if you have any questions!
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Chipotle Fundraiser - 33% of profit come to OCT!
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No School for Students on Oct. 5 or 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
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Updates from Art, Mrs. Morgan
We recently celebrated International Dot Day in art class. All students created a ¼ of a circle using a variety of patterns, designs and images. I’m currently getting it ready to hang up in the hallways! October has many creative projects and new learning:
- Kindergarten will learn about different types of lines by creating a cat inspired by the artist Laurel Burch.
- 1st grade will review primary and secondary colors by creating a number or name piece inspired by the artist Jasper Johns. Students will also learn how to mix their own secondary colors.
- 2nd grade will create insects by reviewing the term symmetry. They will learn about the line of symmetry and how to transfer an image.
- 3rd grade will review color theory terms in order to create a monochromatic shape piece. Students will learn how to create tints and shades.
- 4th grade will learn about the terms positive negative space to create a Notan design. Students will cut out a variety of organic and geometric shapes.
- 5th grade will learn about the artist M.C. Esher and his tessellations. Students will create their own tessellation and create a pattern design.
Cristie Morgan
Art Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary School
Twitter-@OCTMorgan
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Updates from Music, Mrs. Vencill
We started this star-spangled school year with all students making historical and personal connections to our national anthem, our state song and our school song. Ask YOUR Tiger to tell you what they know about these important songs!
Kindergarten, 1st grade and 2nd grade students are working on understanding the difference between beat and rhythm by moving to the steady beat and writing, reading and performing simple rhythm patterns on percussion instruments. These students are also exploring pitch by practicing their 5 voices and using their best singing voice.
3rd and 4th grade students are working hard to prepare patriotic songs for the Veterans Day program. Mark your calendars...Friday, November 9 at 8:30 a.m. because you won't want to miss the most beautiful and special program of the school year. Click this link for more information on how YOU can participate in our Veterans Day celebration.
Our talented 5th graders are working to identify, label and define important music symbols in a written score. My biggest hope for these students is for them to feel comfortable and confident reading, writing and performing music before they move on to middle school!
Please visit my web page for more information regarding the Veterans Day program, 4th grade Recorder Order Form, the Taylor Tiger Choir, and important upcoming dates and events!
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 the Clinic, Nurse Katy
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Grapevine Garden Club Kids Art Contest
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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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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
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
STUDENTS! PARENTS! WATCH FOR REFLECTIONS FORM IN STUDENTS' FOLDERS
This week your child should come home with an Entry Form for PTA REFLECTIONS ART CONTEST. Deadline for submission: Fri. October 26, 3:30 pm
Incorporate the theme: HEROES AROUND ME into your artistic submission, Students! You have to be a PTA member (1 person in your family), and your art has to be completely done by YOU! Go to O.C. Taylor's PTA webpage for more info and rules/categories:
Remember, REFLECTIONS is open to students from preschool through grade 12. You are all invited to create and submit student works of art in six categories: dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, and visual arts.
YOUR ART COULD BE SELECTED TO REPRESENT YOU AND YOUR SCHOOL AT REGIONALS, STATE, OR EVEN NATIONAL REFLECTIONS.
Questions? Concerns? Contact Laurie Ackermann, O.C. Taylor PTA Reflections Chair 2018-2019
GCISD Council of PTAs Legislative Candidate Forum Oct 3rd
GCISD Council of PTAs is hosting Education Focused State Candidate Forum on October 3rd at the Colleyville Center in Colleyville from 6:30pm - 8:30pm. See attached flyer.
Use the following link to check if you are registered to vote.
If you would like to register, this link can be used to download the Voter Registration Form, it has to be filled out, printed out and mailed by Oct 9th.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Rakshita Jalandhara.
OCT Dads' Club
Sign up for the Dads Club email list here. Like Our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @OCTDadsClub
APPLE TREE PROJECT
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
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.
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 6 laps, the race is neck and neck with 2nd Grade in 1st place (367), 3rd Grade in 2nd place (366) and 4th Grade in 3rd place (211).
Thank you!
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