Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, October 29, 2017
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
Please remember to scroll down and read your GRADE LEVEL NEWSLETTER and our PTA portion.
Click here to watch this version of Tiger Time News with your child.
Thank you to our amazing PTA and parents who brought us tasty fall treats! Wow! We feel appreciated and loved. Thank you!
We are excited about our first annual Book Character Parade coming on Tuesday! Talk with your child about his/her favorite book character. We invite all parents and guardians to come and see the parade at 8 a.m.!
Also, make plans now to attend our PTA Fall Festival on Saturday, Nov. 11 from 1-5 p.m. here on the OCT grounds. Our PTA and Dads' Club have been planning and working to make this a memorable event for all.
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, October 30
Tuesday, October 31
8:00 a.m. Book Character Parade, parents invited!
Mix It Up
Wednesday, November 1
Menchie's Fundraiser by Whole Foods 4:00 - 6:00
Thursday, November 2
Early Dismissal - 11:45
No Choir
Friday, November 3
Tip Your Hat To Veterans - pay $1 wear a hat
Future Explorations 2:00 - 2:50
Running Club 3:00 - 3:45
PTA Walk To School
Monday, November 6
Tuesday, November 7
Wednesday, November 8
2nd Grade Field Trip
Chipotle (Euless Location) 4 - 8
Thursday, November 9
Future Explorations 2:00 - 2:50
Choir 2:55 - 4:00
Friday, November 10
Veteran's Day Program 8:30
Running Club 3:00 - 3:45
Saturday, November 11
Fall Festival 1:00 - 5:00
OCT Updates
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Book Character Parade, Tues., Oct 31 at 8:00 a.m.
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Menchie's Fundraiser
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Chipotle Fundraiser
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OCT Conflict Resolution Wheel
This week we will be focusing on "Make A Win-Win Deal." Talk with your child about using this strategy when faced with a conflict.
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Tech Tip of the Week
Meet Me Mack tries to meet you face-to-face. What should you do if someone wants to meet you? Do not reply, turn off your device and always tell your parents, your guardian, or a trusted adult.
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Box Tops - Fall Version Collection Sheets.
Click here to Harvest All Your Box Tops and send them to school!
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
We are growing our very own storybook pumpkin patch in the Learning Commons, and we need your help!
with this link- https://www.smore.com/c1q3s-calling-all-tigers
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Update from our Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Referrals: If you have received a referral letter about your student needing further evaluation regarding vision and/or hearing, please let me know if you have followed up. If you have lost the paperwork I sent home, feel free to call/email me and let me know what the Dr said/recommended. I need to have this information for an annual State report.
- Puberty Videos: If you are the parent of a 4th grade GIRL, or the parent of a 5th grader and were not able to view the puberty videos at the Administration building, you can call me and we can set up a time for you to view them in the clinic, if you want to see what information is covered. These videos address puberty, menstruation (for girls), and the importance of good hygiene and healthy habits. They DO NOT cover sex education.
- Perfumes/oils/scented hand sanitizers: Please be conservative when using these products. Asthmatics and students/staff with allergies can be greatly affected. We want everyone to be safe while here at school!
- Snacks in the classroom: We have several students at OCT with life-threatening peanut/nut allergies. Please do not send any peanut/tree nut containing products for your child to eat as a snack in the classroom. Since lunch is eaten in the cafeteria, your child will NOT be asked to change his/her eating habits at lunch. Peanut butter and other nuts are acceptable for lunch, just make sure your child knows how important it is to wash their hands afterwards!
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Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
Red Ribbon Week will be October 23 - 27. These are our themes for this year: Red Ribbon Week 2017 The poster and PSA district-wide contest rules are here.
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Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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October is Dyslexia Awareness Month!
Dyslexia affects up to 1 in 5 people but the experience isn't always the same.
Here is a video by Kelly Sandman-Hurley explaining dyslexia:
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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 DISTRICT FLYERS & INFORMATION
An Update for GCISD Bus Riders
In June 2017, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 693, which requires all buses model year 2018 or newer, to be equipped with three-point seat belts for each passenger. The buses will have 76 seat belts in instances where students can ride three to a row, but can be adapted to seat two per row. While the Bill was signed into law, and the district must comply, there was no additional state funding allocated for this requirement.
In the 2016 Bond, voters approved the purchase of seven new buses. Although seat belts were not included in the original proposal, the buses purchased with bond funds will be equipped with three-point seat belts. These purchases will be spread over a four-year period. The first two buses with seat belts were recently received into the GCISD fleet and will begin service immediately.
Since GCISD is a Robin Hood district and estimates the payment to the State this year will be $44 million, there is no funding to purchase additional buses beyond the seven approved in the 2016 Bond.
Student safety is the number one priority in GCISD and the transportation department practices bus safety on a daily basis with riders. These practices will continue on all buses, regardless of the inclusion of seat belts.
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2017 Holiday Greeting Card Competition
Click here to see the flyer for the GCISD Holiday Greeting Card Competition. The theme for the card is "Holiday Memories."
Elementary, middle and high school students are invited to submit original artwork for the cover of GCISD’s official holiday greeting card. ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY FINE ARTS DEPT. by Friday, Nov. 10, at 4 :00 p.m.
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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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FALL FESTIVAL TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
There are 3 ways to purchase your Fall Festival tickets this year:
1. A blue ticket sales form will be sent home with each child. You can fill this form out and send it back to school with your child including your check. Tickets will be sent home with your child.
If you don’t receive the form, you may print one here: LINK TO TICKET FORM
2. Tickets will be on sale after school in the front lobby, November 10th 2:30pm-3:00pm.
3. Tickets will be on sale the day of Fall Festival at the regular prices.
If you can help sell tickets the day of Fall Festival, please use the Sign Up Genius link below:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20f0c48acaa2ca5f85-201719 - Day of FF
Thank you!
Jennifer Ditto
jlditto@gmail.com or 817-291-0962
FALL FESTIVAL HELP NEEDED!
Fall Festival is right around the corner! We need everyone’s help to make this the best year yet!
WE LOVE VOLUNTEERS!
- Please consider volunteering at one of our Fall Festival booths. Your homeroom parent(s) will be sending home a link to sign-up next week.
- We also need Silent Auction help. If you are able to help pick up donations, call local businesses, or print out displays, please reach out to Courtney at octsilentauction@gmail.com.
WE LOVE DONATIONS!
There are three ways to donate to the Silent Auction:
- Donate items to the Silent Auction. Anything and everything we receive as a donation will be auctioned.
- Donate to the class basket. Each class is creating a fun basket to be included in the auction. Basket donation pledge forms went home with your child last week.
- Donate to Teacher Packages. Teachers and staff donate their time to create memorable activities for students that can be bid on in the auction. If you have connections to a local business that provides fun activities, please let us know so we can contact them about sponsoring a package.
Remember, the more we earn, the more we can do for all of the kids!
Want to help? Questions? Concerns? Please contact Amy Godwin or Courtney Click.
HEALTHY LIFESTYLES: TIP OF THE WEEK: TRY NEW THINGS!
Try new things. Channel your inner fearlessness by trying unfamiliar vegetables. Try adding them to stir fry, salad or smoothie to make it less scary!
Here are some wonderful recipes to try that may do just that!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND TURKEY CHILI RECIPE LINK
MUSHROOM KALE LASAGNA ROLLS RECIPE LINK
Questions? Concerns? Contact our PTA Healthy Lifestyles Chair, Marisa Livingston
ELVES ON THE RUN 5k, Sat. Dec. 2, HOLIDAY FUN RUN, FOOD, BEVERAGES--JOIN US!
Show off your holiday spirit: Prizes for the best elf costume, and best registered group in costume.
For every student and family member that registers, $2 will be donated directly back to our PTA. Please enter “OC Taylor Elementary School" in the participant question. https://ElvesOnTheRun5k.com
BOOK CHARACTER DAY! TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31st
Questions? Concerns? Contact Stephanie Williams
PROVIDE A HOLIDAY PIE FOR OUR TEACHERS AND STAFF!
It's that time of year to show your support of our fabulous OC Taylor Teachers and Staff by sponsoring a holiday pie.
Pies are $15 each and will be delivered to the staff the Friday before Thanksgiving Break.
You can sponsor one (or more!) by clicking the following link and then turning your check into the front office before Friday, November 10th. SignUpGeniusOCTHolidayPies
Please make checks payable to OCT PTA. In the memo line, please write, "holiday pies" and the name of the person you are sponsoring.
You are also welcome to include a personal note of thanks that we will deliver with the pie.
THANK YOU!
Questions? Concerns? Please contact Tamaron Hunt
MESH WREATH-MAKING CLASS
Mesh Wreath-Making Class - Thursday, November 16 from 7 - 9 pm
Please join us Thursday, November 16th from 7 - 9 pm at the Merlot Room in Grapevine. Amy Kaspar will be teaching a class on how to make holiday mesh wreaths. The cost of the class is $20 per person (supplies not included). All money raised will go to support 5th Grade Continuation. Please click on the Sign Up Genius link below to sign up! Please see the attached Wreath Making Supply List as supplies are not provided.
We hope to see you there!
SIGN UP GENIUS FOR MESH WREATH-MAKING CLASS HERE
Questions? contact Stephanie Williams
APPLE TREE PROJECT
School has been in a few weeks and the 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
GRACE FOR NOVEMBER IS 3rd GRADE!
- November is 3rd grade's month to collect cereal for GRACE! Collection baskets are outside the 3rd grade classrooms for the duration of the month.
- O.C. Taylor PTA is also continuing to help our adopted Katy ISD School, Creech Elementary by donating gift cards to Target, Walmart, Half-Priced Books, Teacher Heaven, Ikea and Amazon. Please send any items to school with your child and label as a "Hurricane Harvey Donation". Let's help get our Houston neighbors back on their feet!
Thank you for your help and support in serving our community!
Questions? Concerns: contact Athena Wiginton at apw@thewigintons.com
October:
10/31 Book Character Parade
November:
11/2 Early Dismissal
11/3 Walk to School Morning
11/9 Reflections Advancing Entries Announced
11/10 8:30 am Veterans' Day Program
11/11 Fall Festival!!!! 1 - 5 pm
11/16 Camp Thurman (5th Grade)
11/17 Staff Appreciation Event
11/20 - 24 Thanksgiving Holiday
11/28 Make Up Picture Day
11/28 Game On!
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
12/20 Polar Express Day
12/21 School Sing-Along
12/21 Class Holiday Parties
12/21 Early Dismissal at 11:45 LAST DAY OF FALL SEMESTER
12/21 Talent Show Applications Due
January:
1/8 Teacher Work Day
1/9 Back to School!
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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.