Tiger Time News
News from O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young Pedevilla
October 28, 2018
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
We have a fun Red Ribbon Week planned...especially this Weds., Oct. 31. Read below about all of our Red Ribbon Week daily themes and about our Book Character Parade!
- FUTURE EXPLORATIONS: Future Explorations are in full swing at OCT. This is a time for our students to experience what people do to make a living and how to make this world a better place. We introduce possible career pathways and allow our students to experience “jobs” and careers. Students are encouraged to explore their interests, talents, and strengths at a time they might not otherwise encounter until middle school. At this time, students in Texas public schools must select a high school diploma endorsement in 8th grade without having many experiences or exposures to the endorsement possibilities. Endorsements consist of a related series of courses that are grouped together by interest or skill set. They provide students with in-depth knowledge of a subject area. Logistically, students choose a topic or path they want to explore. They spend 5-6 weeks on Fridays from 2:00-2:50 p.m. experiencing these. Be sure to ask your child which Future Explorations they are attending. Click the links to see the sessions offered: K-2 Future Explorations or 3-5 Future Explorations
- PTA FALL FESTIVAL: Please make plans to attend our yearly PTA Fall Festival Event, Saturday, November 3 from 2:00-6:00 p.m. at O. C. Taylor. Read about all of the details in the PTA section at the bottom of this newsletter.
FUSS-FREE FUNDRAISING: Our Fuss-Free Fundraising is well underway! So far, we have raised $7,410. Thanks to the families who have already sent in a check to ensure that 100% of funds raised stay at OCT this year. Don't forget to encourage your family and friends to help out! Checks can be made out to OCT PTA or you may visit https://www.pt-avenue.com/shopGP.asp?sc=Tig3rs
to donate via credit or debit card. If you have a PayPal account, you will be directed to sign in to PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, click on the Pay with Debit or Credit Card button on the bottom of the PayPal login screen.
All classes with 100% participation (regardless of dollar amount) by Friday, November 2nd, will receive an extra recess and a picnic with the principals. Remember, our first goal is to reach 15,000 by this Friday, November 2nd, so that Mrs. Putman and I will KISS A PIG during Fall Festival. You won't want to miss it! Mwah!
To the BEST of days,
Principal Young 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.
OC Taylor Elementary Events
Monday, October 29
Red Ribbon Week (see dress up days below)
Tuesday, October 30
5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Spring Creek BBQ (Grapevine)
Wednesday, October 31
8:00 a.m. Book Character Parade, parents invited to attend
Thursday, November 1
2:55 - 4:00 p.m. Choir
Friday, November 2
Walk to School
Tip Your Hat to our Veterans Day
2:00 - 2:50 p.m. Future Explorations
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Running Club
Saturday, November 3
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Fall Festival
Monday, November 5
8:15 PTA Executive Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 6
9:00 - 2:00 Kindergarten Field Trip
Wednesday, November 7
Thursday, November 8
ETA of Chicks in Chick Cam (see note below)
2:55 - 4:00 Choir
Friday, November 9
8:30 Veterans Day Program
2:00 - 2:50 Future Explorations
3:00 - 4:00 Running Club
Afternoon Car Line Pick Up
Yellow Car Signs
In an effort to efficiently dismiss 450 students in a safe and timely manner, please make sure your yellow car sign is clearly visible in your front windshield when picking your child up at the end of the day. The teachers and staff on duty are noticing that some cars are in need of a yellow car sign. If you need one, please email your teacher or speak with Gene Guinane in the office and we will make sure we get one for you as soon as possible. Thank you for your help!
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Red Ribbon Week - October 29 - November 2
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Spring Creek BBQ - October 30
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OCT Book Character Parade, Oct. 31
All students are invited to dress as their favorite book character on Weds., Oct. 31. Our parade’s goal is to promote the excitement of reading and to allow for a fun activity on this “dress up” holiday. Parents are invited to be spectators in the front hallway. The entire school will "parade" around the school. We kindly ask you to follow our guidelines:
- Students are encouraged not to spend money on costumes, but rather to be “imaginative” in their creativity. Use what is available at home.
- Please send your child to school with a copy of the book to carry in the parade.
- No weapons, props, or provocative attire allowed.
- We ask that makeup not be used as it might irritate your child since they will be wearing it all day.
- No blood, or idea of “gore.” The emphasis is on “books” and s"tory characters.”
- Students must comply with the guidelines or they will not be allowed to participate in the parade. Teacher discretion is advised.
- Students are encouraged to wear school clothes under their costumes or bring a costume that can easily be put on over clothes.
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Tip Your Hat To Our Veteran -November 2
Accessing Progress Reports and Report Cards in Skyward
- Once you log in, click on your student's name in the upper left hand corner (if you have more than one child, you will need to click on the arrow next to "All Students" and select the child you are wanting for grade access).
- On the left side of the screen, click on "Progress/Report Card & Letters".
- All progress reports and report cards will be listed. Click on the most recent report to access it.
- It will ask for an "e-Signature" before opening the report.
If you have any trouble logging in, please reach out to Betty Jones at 817-305-4870 or Betty.Jones@GCISD.net. Note: if you have changed your password, she will not be able to help you recover your password.
OCT and GCISD Updates
Conflict Resolution Wheel
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Tech Tip of the Week
TECH TIP OF THE WEEK: Take a "Tech Inventory"
Schedule to take a regular “Tech Inventory” with your kids. Sit down with each child, ask about the sites, apps, social networking accounts they have, ask for usernames and passwords to keep in a log book. Knowing where they are online helps us understand how they use the technology….allowing us to parent it with better understanding.
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
Oct. 29- Nov. 2
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Storybook Pumpkin Patch! Your creations are amazing, and everyone enjoyed seeing your handiwork!
BOOK FAIR
Our first Scholastic Book Fair will be held from December 10-14 and I need volunteers. If you are interested in helping out please email me at dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net. I will need help setting up the fair on December 7th, assistance with sales during the week, and packing everything up on December 10th. Book Fair is always a lot of fun so I hope to see you there!
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Updates from Music, Mrs. Vencill
Veterans Day is a special celebration at O.C. Taylor, and I am encouraging our students to celebrate veterans in the upcoming weeks before our Veterans Day program. Please click this link to learn more about our Veterans Day celebration. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.
Beth Vencill
Music Teacher
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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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Gifted and Talented Information - Parents of Kindergarten and 5th Grade Students
KINDERGARTEN Parent Meeting for Gifted and Talented Services:
What: Kindergarten Gifted and Talented Identification Parent Informational Meeting
Where: Professional Development and Education Center (PDEC)
Panther Den
When: Thursday, November 15th at 5:30 pm
Why: Please join us to learn about gifted and talented identification, referral, testing, and program services for kindergarten students.
AND
MIDDLE SCHOOL: Parent Meeting for Gifted and Talented Identification & Course Offerings in Middle School (This is for parents of current 5th grade GT LEAD students, as well as parents interested in learning more about the identification process for gifted services.)
What: Middle School GT Services Informational Meeting (Current & Interested 5th Grade Parents)
Where: Professional Development and Education Center (PDEC)
Panther Den
When: Thursday, November 15th at 6:30 pm
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Updates from Literacy Specialists/Dyslexia Teachers, Mrs. Griffith & Mrs. Honeycutt
October is Dyslexic Awareness Month so we wanted to share some helpful digital accommodations/accessibility for IPad/iPhone for students with Dyslexia. This link will provide good digital information.
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Updates from the Clinic, Nurse Katy
- Avoidance of touching their face (T-zone)
- Using tissues or the bend of their arm for coughing/sneezing
- Proper hand washing! We teach them to sing their ABCs twice or the Happy Birthday song twice. Be sure they wash the front and back of their hands, in between all of their fingers, and underneath their fingernails.
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OCT Chick Cam Coming
We have had many fun chicken jokes around OCT lately... "I just ordered a chicken and an egg off the internet, to see which one comes first. I'll keep you posted." Hahaha!
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SAVE YOURSELF SOME MONEY by labeling
Each school year we have over 100 items, mostly jackets, sweaters, and coats, left in our lost and found. We have dedicated parent volunteers who inspect the clothes searching for a name or label to return them to the owner. Many go unclaimed.
Please prevent loss and ensure your child will stay warm in a coat this season with a labeled coat, jacket, sweater. This will save you from having to buy additional outerwear! The following are labeling options:
- You can use a permanent marker on masking tape if you choose to not write on the actual clothing.
- Or, like me, just take that Sharpie straight to the clothing.
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GCISD Community Showcase at Cross Timbers Middle School, Nov. 15
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside of a GCISD classroom? Have you ever been curious about how LEAD 2021 looks in action? Join GCISD for the first Community Showcase at Cross Timbers Middle School on November 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m for a tour led by students and staff. This opportunity is limited to the first 20 participants. Click here to sign up for this Community Showcase.
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Juuling Presentation at GCISD Administration Building, Nov. 7
Have you been hearing about the increase in teens' use of Juuling? Are you worried about the impact on your child's health? Wondering what a Juul is and if your child may have one?
Join us for an informative event presented by Challenge of Tarrant County, Texas Health and Human Services' Organization of the Year. You will learn what a Juul is, how kids are using them and the potential impact on your child's health.
This event will be held on November 7 from 6-8 p.m. at the GCISD Administration Building, located at 3051 Ira E Woods Avenue, Grapevine, Texas.
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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.
If you have questions about the Nutrition Services program, please call ext. 5615 or email julie.telesca@gcisd.net.
City of Colleyville, Mayor for A Day Contest
Colleyville Mayor, Richard Newton, is encouraging students in grades 2-7 to submit an essay for their Mayor for a Day Contest. This is the city's 34th year offering this program and it is so much fun for the student, Mayor, and City employees.
Click here to see the flyer or go to the website to read more:
https://www.colleyville.com/Home/Components/News/News/197/18
On the big day, they pick the Mayor for a Day (MFD) up from school in a police or fire vehicle, take them on a special behind-the-scenes tour of the City, have a pizza party for the MFD and 10 friends, and have the MFD and his or her school recognized during the City Council meeting.
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Join the GCISD TEAM!
Great opportunities are available in our auxiliary departments:
- Nutrition Specialists -PT w/ benefits – work while your students are in school!
- KidzU Site Aides – PT w/benefits – great schedule for local college students!
- Night Custodians
- Bus Drivers
- Maintenance Engineers
Apply now to work with the BEST! www.gcisd.net
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!
Staff Appreciation Holiday Pies
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 9th. SignUpGeniusHolidayPies
Please make checks payable to OCT PTA. In the memo line, please write, "holiday pies" AND the name(s) 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!
Tamaron Hunt
Staff Appreciation Events Chair
tamaron.hunt@gmail.com
214-226-6993
THIRD GRADE IT’S YOUR TURN to Support the GRACE Food Drive
November is Third Grade’s Month to Support the GRACE Food Drive.
Items in Need: Canned Cranberry Sauce
With the holidays approaching lets help out GRACE by supporting their HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE and collecting as many cans of cranberry sauce as possible. Cranberry Sauce is one of GRACE’s most needed items this holiday season.
Collection Baskets are located right outside the THIRD GRADE Classrooms and will be there from October 29th - November 30th. So Remember, the next time you are at the grocery store think of the one thing that goes great with cold turkey sandwiches…… Cranberry Sauce.
Thank you for your help and support in serving our community!
Questions? Concerns? Please contact: Dawn Hall
Please vote!
Just a reminder that early voting for the Tuesday, November 6, 2018 General Election begins Monday, October 22 through Friday, November 2, 2018.
In person early voting is available to any registered voter in Texas. No excuse is needed to vote early in person. Early voting in person is conducted in the building that houses the office of the County Clerk or City Secretary, or in a place designated by the County Commissioners or City Council.
Click here for early voting locations and times in Tarrant County. As a reminder, you can vote at any early voting location in Tarrant County. On Election Day, you must vote at your designated polling place.
Know your candidates! Following link will help you research your candidates.
Here are the videos from the Council of PTAs Candidate Forum from the Senate District 10 Candidates
Here is the House District 92 Candidate Forum Response
Do the research, and go vote!!
Fall Festival November 3rd 2p - 6p
Fall Festival is November 3rd from 2-6pm. 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! Wristband order forms will be sent home in your student's folder this week! Be sure to send them back no later than Wednesday, October 31st to ensure that you receive your wristbands and tickets by Friday, November 2nd.
We need your help to make Fall Festival a success! A Signup Genius for activity volunteers will be sent out by your home room parents this week! Please be sure to sign up for a spot. High school and middle school volunteers are more than welcome! We ask that all middle school volunteers please be accompanied by an adult. Please remember to bring their volunteer paperwork so that we can sign off and give them credit for their time volunteering.
We need to borrow a few items for Fall Festival. Please see the attached sign up to see if you have anything we need! Please be sure to label your item and deliver them to the PTA workroom between Monday, October 29th and Wednesday, October 31st.
Here's a tentative Fall Festival Schedule to help you plan your afternoon:
2:30 - Chili Cook Off Judging with Celebrity Judge Colleyville Police Chief Michael Miller
3:30 - Game 1 of Heads or Tails - 2 NRH2O 2019 Daily Admission Tickets
4:00 - Principal/Vice Principal KISS THE PIG event (keep sending in those checks so that we can reach our goal of $15,000 by November 2nd)
4:30 - Game 2 of Heads or Tails - Certificate for Pine Cove Winterfest ($199 value)
5:30 - Game 3 of Heads or Tails - 2 Hawaiian Falls 2019 Water Park Daily Admission Tickets
The OC Taylor Online Auction will "Go Live" on Wednesday, October 31st at 9am. Be on the look out for a 32auctions.com link in next week's newsletter. You won't want to miss out on Rule The School, Game On, Teacher Packages, Front Row Seats, Priority Parking, and much more!! This year, the auction won't close until Sunday, November 4th at 5pm to ensure you have plenty of time to browse all the auction has to offer and still spend time with your kids at Fall Festival.
Don't miss out on the fun!
The OC Taylor Online Auction will "Go Live" on Wednesday, October 31st at 9am. Visit www.32auctions.com/OCTFALLFESTIVAL2018. You won't want to miss out on Rule The School, Party with the Principals, Game On, Teacher Packages, Front Row Seats, Priority Parking, and much more!! This year, the auction won't close until Sunday, November 4th at 5pm to ensure you have plenty of time to browse all the auction has to offer and still spend time with your kids at Fall Festival.
Fall Festival Chili Cookoff
Do you have the best chili in OC Taylor? Well, here's your chance to prove it! It's our first annual OC Taylor Chili Cook Off. Sign up to bring a crock pot of your amazing chili to Fall Festival on Saturday, November 3rd! We'll have all the fixins! Colleyville Police Chief Mike Miller will be our Celebrity Judge, along with OC Taylor teachers and staff! Click here to sign up. First and Second Place winners will receive front row seats (4 seats total) to the OC Taylor school event of their choice!
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Calling all Tiger artists!
YOU could have your Art be on our Paw Prints Student Directory! We are looking for creative, school-spirited art to go on the front and back covers of our directory. If you are interested, please submit a drawing (NO COLOR please!) to the OCT front office for Mrs. Stricherz by Wednesday, October 31st. We will inform the winners in the first full week of November.
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Fuss Free Fundraiser
Our Fuss Free Fundraising is well under way! So far, we have raised $7,410. You should have received a packet in your child's folder. If not, please click here! Thanks to the families who have already sent in a check to ensure that 100% of funds raised stay at OCT this year. Don't forget to encourage your family and friends to help out! Checks can be made out to OCT PTA or click here to donate via debit or credit card. If you have a PayPal account, you will be directed to sign in to PayPal. If you do not have a PayPal account, click on Pay with Debit or Credit Card on the bottom of the pop up screen. If we reach our goal of $15,000 by Friday, November 2nd, our principals will KISS A PIG during Fall Festival. You won't want to miss it!
APPLE TREE PROJECT
The O.C. Taylor Apple Tree has grown new branches! 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 this link 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.
Jill Tate - VP of Volunteers jhbu99@aol.com
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 10 laps, 3rd Grade is in 1st place (809), 2nd Grade in 2nd place (577) and 4th Grade and 1st Grade are neck and neck in 3rd place (337 & 327).
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
Thank you!
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