Tiger Time News
News from the O.C. Taylor Principal, Lisa Young
Young@Heart, April 29, 2018
Dear O.C. Taylor Parents,
Parents, we need your help! If you know of any friends or neighbors who have children going into kindergarten next year at O. C. Taylor, please invite them to our Kindergarten Round-Up held on Tues., May 1 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. Parents will get to meet other kindergarten parents, hear details about kindergarten and the schedule, and meet the kindergarten teachers. Future little kindergarten Tigers get to play with each other and their future teachers.
Thank you to all who participated in the annual egg drop and especially to our wonderful PTA for organizing this for our students. Be sure and scroll down to the PTA section of this newsletter to see the winners and read more.
PTA, with Mrs. Morgan's assistance, is leading our school-wide end-of-the-year art project we are doing this year. Please read below. Thank you, PTA, for including every student in a creative project to help us beautify our campus!
We need your help! Career Day is right around the corner. Please volunteer a little bit of time to share what you do! (See Mrs. Whisman's section below.)
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, April 30
College Shirt Day
Tuesday, May 1
PreK/Kinder Orientation 6:00 - 7:00
Wednesday, May 2
GT Robotics Field Trip 8:30 - 2:30
Thursday, May 3
Festival of Friends 8:30
Festival of Friends 6:30
Friday, May 4
School Lunch Hero Day
Future Explorations 2:00 - 2:50
Running Club 3:00 - 3:45
Monday, May 7
TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK!
Tuesday, May 8
Wednesday, May 9
Menchies Frozen Yogurt 4 - 6
Thursday, May 10
Friday, May 11
Colleyville Public Library 1:50 - 2:50
Running Club 3:00 - 3:45
PTA Walk to School
OCT Updates
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GCISD College Shirt Day, Mon., 4/30
April 30-May 4 is #GCISDDecisionWeek. This is a week-long celebration of our seniors at all campuses with a focus on what they are doing after high school.To kick-off #GCISDDecisionWeek, wear a college shirt on Monday, April 30! Ms. Young says, "Sic 'em Bears!"
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School-Wide Art Project Starts Tomorrow
We are excited to announce this year's School Wide Art Project! Each student will have an opportunity during art class to paint their very own rock to contribute to a Painted Rock Garden which will surround our mosaic Tiger mascot in the front of the school!
Students will be painting with acrylic (permanent) paint, so please make a note of which day your student will be painting, and have them dress in clothes won't be bothered by a stain or two!
Monday April 30th
5th- Fiffik and Mr. K
4th grade- Steele and Brewton3rd grade- Knudson and Dagger
2nd- Duncan and Davis
K- Richardson and Lind
1st- Weston and Banana Splits (some 1st graders - they know who they are)
Monday May 7th
5th- Vinten and Epperson
4th- Kiehn and Rutter
3rd- A. Lee and Pettit
2nd- .J.Lee and Archer
K- Cave and Brown
1st- Welch and Moore
If you would like the help with this project, here is a link to the signup genius for morning and afternoon painting shifts on April 30 and May 7. There are also shifts to sign up to help seal the rocks with a clear sealant after school May 3 and May 10, and then to install the rocks in the bed on Sun., May 20.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0f44a8a92ea7fc1-octrock
Please pitch in and help with this fun project that will be remembered and enjoyed for a very long time!
Questions? Please contact Betsy Dodson betsy.dodson@gmail.com
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Lunch Hero Day (May 4) & Child Nutrition Week (May 7-11)
Child Nutrition Appreciation Week is May 7-11. Have you thanked a lunch lady today? Let them know how much they mean to the students and the school day!
To kick off Child Nutrition Appreciation Week, Grapevine-Colleyville schools will celebrate School Lunch Hero Day on May 4. School Lunch Hero Day provides an opportunity for parents, students, school staff and communities to thank those who provide healthy meals to 30 million of America’s students each school day.
Thank you to Ms. Cindy, Ms. Mary Jo, and Ms. Anne for all they do!
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Updates from OCT Counselor, Mrs. Whisman
Please click here to see the April Counselor Corner Newsletter.
Career Day 2018 at OC Taylor
Tiger Families! Get ready for another fabulous Career Day here at OC Taylor! Our date will be May 23, 2018! We hope to have many of our wonderful parents come to school to talk about their careers! Sign up today to be a Career Day speaker or give this sign up to someone you know that would like to come speak for Career Day.
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Campus-Wide Art Project
Students will be painting rocks with Acrylic paint during Art Class on:
Monday, April 30th and Monday, May 7th
Check your grade level newsletter for the dates for your child's day and time.
Please be sure to remind students to wear or bring clothes that won't mind getting a stain or two!
Here is a link to signup to volunteer for this fun project!
Updates from Art, Mrs. Morgan (Watch for your child's Art Portfolio to come home!)
For the month of May, we are finishing up our 3D sculptures and fiber arts unit.
- Kindergarten will review different types of lines and colors by creating a 3D line sculpture using constructions paper. They will also learn how to fold paper to make it stand.
- First grade will be reviewing patterns and warm/ cool colors by weaving paper. Students will paint paper to look like grass and weave snakes through. Students will also make patterns on the snakes by reviewing shape names.
- Second grade will be creating their painted paper plate weaving. Students will learn about radial symmetry and learn how to weave using yarn.
- Third grade will be exploring printmaking. Students will learn how to transfer their design onto foam and make three prints.
- Fourth grade will be creating a human mini sculpture by using aluminum foil, tape and plaster strips. Students will look at the artist Keith Haring for inspiration and make their sculpture look like it’s moving.
- Fifth grade will be exploring clay. Students will learn how to score, make a pinch pot and coil the clay.
This year, students made a portfolio to store all of their artwork. I will be passing out the remainder of the work during the month of May. Be on the lookout for your child’s art portfolio!!
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Updates from Music, Mrs. Vencil
May is here, and it's time to wrap up another great school year. Here's what's happening in the Music Room this month.
Kindergarten students are learning songs to sing in their Kindergarten graduation. I can't believe these tiny Tigers are already moving on to 1st grade. Kindergarten students also continue working on writing/reading/playing simple rhythm patterns using quarter notes, quarter rests and barred eighth notes.
1st Graders will also remember and review quarter notes/rests and barred eighth notes this month. They will also use basic music symbols in their rhythm compositions including time signature, barlines and double barlines.
2nd graders are so excited about their upcoming multicultural program, Festival of Friends, Thursday, May 3 at 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. They have worked so hard to learn several songs and dances from around the world. After the program, 2nd graders will make some connections between music and science by experimenting with vibration and sound waves.
3rd graders are wrapping up the school year remembering and reviewing rhythm and pitch. We will use our classroom Orff instruments and a piano app on iPads to practicing reading/performing rhythm and pitch.
The sweet sound of the recorders fills the Music Room every morning with our talented 4th graders still working towards earning another Recorder Karate belt. These students are becoming more and more confident reading and playing music from a written score. This is a skill I hope they will carry with them for a lifetime!
Mark your calendar for the GREATEST SHOW of the year...5th Grade Rocks, Tuesday, May 22 at 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. The 5th graders have created an awesome show, and I can't wait to see the final product.
We're going to enjoy every last second of our time together in the OCT Music Room this school year. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. And, as always, you are always welcome in the Music Room!
Mrs. Vencill
Music Teacher
OC Taylor Elem.
817-305-4870
@OCTVencill #OCT4U
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Updates from P.E., Coach Mester and Coach Mac
We began Fitnessgram testing in the gym this week. Students are being tested on their flexibility, muscular strength and endurance, and cardio-respiratory endurance. These assessments will be sent home with 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders final report card. I am so proud of the progress they have all made this school year. We will continue stressing teamwork and sportsmanship and begin practicing and preparing for Field Day. OC Taylor Field Day is Thursday, May 24th!
Jason Mester
Physical Education Teacher
O.C. Taylor Elementary
817-305-4870
@OCTMester #OCT4U
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Updates from the Learning Commons, Mrs. Bonacci
FREE E-BOOKS (limited time)
Our Tigers have free access to a huge selection of interactive e-books by Capstone until June 15th
username: cap2018
password: cap2018
Website for online reading: www.mycapstonelibrary.com
Sign in with Capstone Interactive
Capstone iPad app that allows for offline reading:
GCISD READS
The deadline for the GCISD READS Challenge is May 1st. For more information check out this Smore-https://www.smore.com/kdz5d-gcisd-reads-2017-level-up
Following a software update, I can no longer print a list of the books your child checked out during the year.
BOOKS DUE BY
All GCISD library books are due by May 18th, but no worries- students still have access to a huge selection of reading options through OverDrive, Tales2Go, and EPIC.
Access to all of our high quality, subscription-based resources is easy through the GCISD ClassLink app. This tool makes it easy to see what is available and it uses just ONE login. If you need assistance accessing any of these resources please email me at dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net I am always happy to help!
BOOK FAIR
Our next Book Fair will be May 21st - 24th. If you would like to volunteer please email me at dawn.bonacci@gcisd.net
For information about the Learning Commons Programs and Services visit this link-
https://www.smore.com/wk447-o-c-taylor-learning-commons
Happy Reading!
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Updates from Gifted and Talented, Mrs. Griffin
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Results for April Grade 5 Reading and Math STAAR
Results for April Grades 5 and 8 Reading and Math STAAR will be posted at www.texasassessment.com in the FOR FAMILIES section in the STUDENT PORTAL on May 1, 2018. Parents will need their student's unique access code to retrieve the scores. This code is located in SKYWARD or on any previous STAAR Report Card at the bottom of the page. Parents can also go to www.texasassessment.com and retrieve the unique access code with their student's first name, social security number, and date of birth.
The performance labels and descriptors are as follows:
Masters Grade Level: Students at this level have exceeded the assessment requirements and TEA expects students at Masters Grade Level to succeed in the next grade or course with little or no academic intervention. Students in this category demonstrate the ability to think critically and apply the assessed knowledge and skills in varied contexts, both familiar and unfamiliar.
Meets Grade Level: Students at this performance level have met the assessment requirements and have a high likelihood of success in the next grade or course but may still need some short-term, targeted academic intervention. Students in this category generally demonstrate the ability to think critically and apply the assessed knowledge and skills in familiar contexts.
Approaches Grade Level: Students at this level have met the assessment requirements for purposes of Student Success Initiative grade promotion and graduation and are considered to have met at least the minimum passing standard. A student achieving Approaches Grade Level is likely to succeed in the next grade or course with targeted academic intervention. Students in this category generally demonstrate the ability to apply the assessed knowledge and skills in familiar contexts.
Does Not Meet Grade Level: Students at this level have not passed since performance indicates a student is unlikely to succeed in the next grade or course without significant, ongoing academic intervention. Students in this category do not demonstrate a sufficient understanding of the assessed knowledge and skills.
If you have any questions, please ask your 5th grade teacher.
New GCISD Website: www.GCISD.net
Whether you have kids in high school or a student who just started pre-k, GCISD is a great district to be in. With s of LEAD 2021, GCISD is creating an innovative environment where students are inspired, encouraged and supported.
GCISD has been looking to better serve and connect with parents, staff and community members and has migrated to a new website. Not only is there a fresh look and feel, but the simplicity of the site allows campuses to better communicate the incredible stories happening in schools to current and prospective parents and community members. This mobile-friendly site also features news scrolls and quick links to help you see the latest information and navigate quickly to items you need.
Take a look at the calendar on the home page, read our news and events and get to know our school in a whole new way.
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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SCROLL DOWN, FOLKS! COOL PTA STUFF GOING ON AT O.C. TAYLOR! YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS!
CALLING ALL O.C. TAYLOR Super-Hero Kids & Parents! Your help is needed to CELEBRATE STAFF APPRECIATION May 7 - 11
O.C. Taylor Staff Are Our SUPER HEROES!
May 7th – 11th
Join your PTA in Celebrating the Heroes of O.C.Taylor with a week full of
delicious food and gifts!
THE PLAN
- Monday let's kick off with the opportunity for you to provide our HEROES a Power Breakfast!
- Tuesday and Thursday we’ll fuel our HEROES with SuperSonic Snack Days!
- Wednesday we’ll serve Hero’s for our HEREOS from Firehouse Subs!
- Friday we'll providing Super Gyro’s for our SUPERS HEREOS from Luna Grill!
Along with fueling our Heroes, we will be holding a raffle each day AND for the grand finale we will send each Hero home on Friday with a bag full of their favorite things!
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
Below are the links to two Sign Up Genius forms that provide many opportunities for you to show appreciation to our Heroes.
Sign up here to help provide the Power Breakfast, Snacks, Drinks, and Raffle
Sign up here to provide for our Heroes Favorite things on Friday!
Print out form on link below for your child to write a special note to staff!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5vVggmO_JnDUVRJZ1RGUUphREltZjVZdHZ6WGx0LTZ3aV9F/view?usp=sharing
Feel free to make additional copies so you can show your appreciation to all our SUPER TEACHERS and STAFF MEMBERS!!!
Thank you to our SUPER kids and Parents for making this week a success! Let us know if you have any questions!
Beth Kobes
O.C.Taylor PTA
512-663-9954 2bethnjeff@sbcglobal.net
SAVE THE DATE! FIELD DAY, O.C. TAYLOR, THURSDAY MAY 24th
RAISING CHANGE FOR GRACE...STAY TUNED FOR FINAL TALLY
TO OUR TERRIFIC TIGER FAMILY:
We're still tallying up final numbers and will publish in next week's newsletter. But to see how many of you reached into your pockets and donated was wonderful.
THANK YOU, O.C. TAYLOR TIGERS! And watch next week's newsletter for final tally!
We THANK YOU for your desire to act and help GRACE, an organization that helps so many in our community.
Questions? Contact Athena Wiginton at: apw@thewigintons.com
ANY LAST RECEIPTS FOR COLLEYVILLE RECEIPT RACE--TURN THEM IN MONDAY APRIL 30!
RULES:
- The total number of receipts is what will be counted, not the value spent;
- Photocopies of receipts are acceptable (in case you need to keep yours);
- You may redact any identifying info (your name, etc.);
- Reciepts from ANY Colleyville business (not just those along 26 corridor) that are dated anytime during the month of April will count
Prizes will be awarded by the City of Colleyville, with the funds to be paid to the winning PTA's.
Help our local businesses that have been affected by the construction!
Questions: Please contact Stephanie Turner, President, GCISD Council of PTAs
DAD'S CLUB! UPCOMING AWESOME ACTIVITIES! WATCH NEWSLETTER! SAVE THE DATES!
OC Taylor Dad's Club is planning great events in May! Please save the following dates and check our Facebook page https://FB.com/octaylordadsclub for details!
April 30th Mountasia Dad's and Kids' outing
May 2nd Dad's Club meeting at David Walker's shop
May 20th Dad's Club Golf Tournament
May 31st Dad's Club LAST DAY OF SCHOOL CAMPOUT!!!!!
Contact Ben Stevens ben@benLstevens.com for more info
EGGSELLENT EGGCITEMENT AT O.C. TAYLOR--2018 ANNUAL EGG DROP WINNERS & PHOTOS
The results are in--CONGRATULATIONS to our students' below, who showed creativity and hard work in their quest to create the safest and/or most creative design to protect a raw egg dropped from the roof of O.C. Taylor!
And THANK YOU to our teachers and staff who make amazing, exciting projects like this one a reality for our students!
Lightest surviving egg- Simon Tilley (3.1 ounces)
Most creative- Tie -Emme Moyle and Karina Tilley
1st:
Lightest surviving egg- Lucy Weier (3.3 ounces)
Most creative- C.J. Smith
2nd:
Lightest surviving egg- Matthew Williams (2.9 ounces)
Most creative- Mason Morelli
3rd:
Lightest surviving egg- Ava Hennessy (4.9 ounces)
Most creative- Chole Ogeda
4th:
Lightest surviving egg- Connor Dutton (3.3 ounces)
Most Creative- Libby Dodson
5th:
Lightest surviving egg- Jackson Williams (3.2 ounces)
Most creative- Sammy Ditto
HONORABLE MENTION TO the 2nd grade, which had the most entries, as well as the most whose eggs "survived" the fall. WE MAY HAVE SOME POTENTIAL ENGINEERS, INDEED! WAY TO GO, O.C. TAYLOR STUDENTS!
HEALTHY TIGER BINGO BIKE WINNERS!
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS, Andrea Barba-Hernandez (3rd/Pettit),
Addie Gormley (3rd/Lee), Loreli Dodd (K/Richardson), and Spencer Stricherz, (2nd/Lee),
along with Dr Rebecca Gray & Dr Jeff Livingston WHO, ON BEHALF OF
MacArthur Medical Center, donated THE BIKES
thanks, O.C. Taylor neighbor,
MacArthur Medical Center
972-256-3700
Questions? Concerns? Contact Marisa Livingston,
Healthy LIfestyles PTA Committee Chair
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
April
4/30 Dad's and Kids Outing to Mountasia
May
5/2 Dad's Club Mtg. at David Walker's shop
5/3 Festival of Friends 8:30 am & 6:30 pm
5/11 WALK TO SCHOOL MORNING
5/14 - 5/18 STAAR TESTING (3rd, 4th & 5th grade)
5/20 Dad's Club GOLF TOURNAMENT
5/22 6:30 pm PTA General Mtg. and Fifth Grade Rocks
5/24 Field Day
5/28 Memorial Day (No School)
5/29 Kindergarten, First, Second Grade EOY Ceremony
K 8:15 am; 1st: 9:45 am; 2nd: 1:45 pm
5/30 Pre-K, Third & Fourth Grade EOY Ceremony
Pre-K 8:00 am; 3rd: 8:30 am; 4th: 1:45 pm
5/31 Fifth Grade Continuation Ceremony
5/31 Dad's Club LAST DAY OF SCHOOL CAMPOUT!
5/31 Last Day of School (Early Dismissal at 11:45)
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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.