Embedded Files
May 5th - May 9th, 2025
May 5th - May 9th, 2025
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mr. Schilleci
Mr. Schilleci
OCT Families,
We hope you have all had a wonderful weekend!
Get ready for another busy and exciting week here at OCT. We have several special events coming up that you won't want to miss:
Staff Appreciation is all week! Let's spoil our awesome teachers and staff members! They are incredible people and educators and we are so lucky to have them in our tiger's lives!
Join us in showing spirit and support for Emily as she fights leukemia. We will supporting her with Brave Like Emily Week which will have a different theme each day to raise awareness and show Emily our love for her.
The Literati Book Fair will be open throughout the week – a fantastic opportunity for our students to discover new books and support our library!
Wednesday is School Nurse Day! Please join us in celebrating the amazing Nurse Katy and all that she does to keep our students healthy and safe.
And to wrap up the week, get ready for the fun and energy of Field Day on Friday!
This school year is very quickly wrapping up and we look forward to another fantastic week with our tigers!
Best,
Principal Schilleci
Principal Schilleci's Weekly News
Principal Schilleci's Weekly News
Families Can Access State Assessment Results on Scheduled Dates: Families can access their children’s state assessment scores through Skyward Family Portal on the Texas Education Agency's scheduled release dates:
Monday, April 28, 2025 - TELPAS Alternate Score Release for Listening/Speaking and Reading/Writing for grades K-2 Emergent Bilingual
Tuesday, June 10, 2025 - STAAR End of Course English I, English II, Biology, Algebra I, U.S. History Score Release
Thursday, June 12, 2025 - TELPAS Score Release for Listening/Speaking and Reading/Writing for grades K-12 Emergent Bilingual
Tuesday, June 17, 2025 - STAAR grades 3-8 Reading/Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies Score Release
Tuesday, June 24, 2025 - STAAR Alternate 2 grades 3-8 and End of Course Score Release
Thursday, July 31, 2025 - June STAAR End of Course Score Release
Instructions on how to access scores in Skyward are here. If for any reason, your child’s results are not in Skyward, they can be accessed through the Texas Education Agency’s Family Portal, which will require an access code. Instructions on how to obtain the access code for your child can be found here. To learn more about the exams and what grade levels or students take the respective tests, visit TEA’s website.
Field Day, May 9th: Field Day is this Friday, May 9th. Please see the schedule and map for the events behind OCT on Friday. Please make sure to:
There will not be a FAST Pass this year for Field Day. Please come up throughout the week and collect your badge or you will have to wait in line on Friday to get your badge in the front vestibule.
Please enter the Field Day Event Area through the Primary Outdoor Basketball Court and Playground on the North side of the building where the gate will be open.
Students will all have lunch in their homerooms. However, parents are welcome to sign students out with the teacher if they would like to have lunch with them on campus.
If your student has finished all of their events and you would like to check them out, please do so through their homeroom teacher.
End of the Year iReady Assessments: We just want to make you aware that as we wrap up this school year, students will be taking their end of the year assessments for iReady! Some grade levels have already begun and we have been very impressed by the results. So please let your students know, while we have a lot of excitement and fun events happening in this last few weeks, we do still have some work to get done and finish the year strongly.
Brave Like Emily Week, May 5th-9th: We wanted to invite you to join our school-wide spirit week as we show love and support for our brave Tiger, Emily, in her fight against leukemia. Check out each day’s theme and dress up with us to raise awareness and lift her spirits. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share on social media using #BraveLikeEmily to spread the support far and wide. Let’s show the power of our Tiger community!
REPEATED ITEMS:
Attendance Reminder: Please remember that our academic instruction starts at 7:40. It is vital that our Tigers are in their classrooms at 7:40 and ready to learn at that time.
2025-2026 School Supply Packs: It’s that time of year again — back-to-school prep made EASY! Skip the store runs and order your school supply pack during our early sale to save money and stress.
Each pack is custom-built by your child’s grade level teachers, so you’re only getting what they actually need — no guesswork.
Save $5 when you order by 5/20/2025.
Grade-specific supplies chosen by teachers.
School supply packs are delivered directly to their classroom and ready to go on Day 1.
Visit https://www.educationalproducts.com/ShopPacks to order.
School code: TAY009 (3 letters/3 numbers)
Got questions? Contact octschoolsupplies@gmail.com"
Ready, Set, Register Before May 16: Start your engines by registering your student for the 2025-2026 school year before May 16. The earlier you register, the better we can plan as campuses are staffed based on registration numbers. Registering now helps GCISD avoid last-minute hiring or staff relocations when the school year begins.
Here’s how to cross the finish line:
Returning students: Register via Skyward Family Access
New families: Request a Skyward Family Access account first
Pre-K: Complete the pre-K online application first
New siblings: Log in to Skyward Family Access and add a new student by selecting the “New Student Online Enrollment” tab.
While families can register all year long, let’s cross that finish line together before summer to make next year a smooth ride!
Class Placement Considerations for 25-26: We are starting to think about the 2025-2026 school year. Should you have any information that you would like us to know, we would ask you to fill out the Student Consideration Form to request additional information that you feel will help us in the important task of class placement (Please complete one per child.).
Letter of Intent for 2025-2026 School Year: In preparation for the 2025-2026 school year, we need to know if your child plans to attend O. C. Taylor or not. This helps us as we begin to consider student enrollment in each grade level, staffing, and class placements for next year. Please complete a separate form for each child who currently attends O. C. Taylor.
DAC End-of-Year Potluck: See this invitation for more information. Everyone is invited- the more the merrier!
GRADE LEVEL NEWSLETTERS
GRADE LEVEL NEWSLETTERS
Please read your child's grade level newsletter by clicking on the grade to the right.
Upcoming Important Dates
5/5 - 5/9 - Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week
5/5 - 5/9 Book Fair
5/6 - 5th Grade Field Trip
5/6 - 5:00pm - 9:00pm Chipotle Spirit Night
5/8 - 6:30 - 7:30 Kinder Parent 101 Night
5/9 - Field Day
5/14 - 3:00 - 3:45 Friends of the Library
5/15 - 6:30 5th Grade Rocks
5/19 - 3:00 - 3:45 Student Council
5/22 - 9:00 5th Grade Continuation
5/22 - 11:45 Early Dismissal (last day of school)
Mrs. Priesand
Mrs. Priesand
Assistant Principal Priesand Updates
Assistant Principal Priesand Updates
OCT Families,
I hope everyone had a great weekend! With all of the wonderful events happening this week and in the coming weeks, please help us ensure student safety by making sure you are signing in at the front office and collecting your visitor badge when you are on campus.
I also want to take a moment to say how incredibly proud I am of how our campus performed on all of the STAAR tests. From the weeks of diligent preparation by our students and staff, to the focus and concentration shown on testing days, and the amazing support from our primary grades – our entire campus really came together to do its absolute best. Thank you all for your hard work and support!
It's a great day to be a tiger!
Mrs.Priesand
Holley's Herald
Holley's Herald
As we begin to wind down on the 24-25 school year please continue to have conversations with your kiddos on how to continue to show GREAT Tiger behavior. We encourage and expect for students to show respect, kindness, honesty, and leadership. Spring can be a crazy time but we hope that they are able to finish the year strong!
Career Day will be taking place this Friday 5/2. While our presentation shots are already set we would love some "on-demand" videos to be able to show during the day. If you would like to record a short video of your self in the workplace/or in the job please share it with me or send it to my email. Thank you in advance!
All the best,
Mackenzie Holley
email: mackenzie.holley@gcisd.net
phone: (817) 305-4880
Nurse Katy
Nurse Katy
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL: Parents of 5th graders, please click on this link for more information.
IMMUNIZATION UPDATES: When your child receives immunizations, please submit a copy of the immunization record so I can update the school records in Skyward.
2024-2025 School Immunization Requirements Texas Minimum State Requirements for Students Grade K-12
NOTIFICATION OF ILLNESS/INJURY: If your student is absent due to an illness/injury, please be sure to email Paola (paola.cervantes@gcisd.net) and myself (elissa.faught@gcisd.net). You do not need to call the office. If you have a doctor's note (sick note, dentist, orthodontist, therapy, dermatologist, counseling, etc) please email it to Paola for attendance purposes.
WHEN TO STAY HOME: Students must stay home from school if any of the following are present:
● fever of 100 degrees or higher in the past 24 hours
● vomiting and/or diarrhea in the past 24 hours
● itchy, red eyes with discharge
● unknown rash
● jaundice
● ringworm of the scalp (until treatment has begun)
GCISD has a 24-hour policy related to stomach illness or fever. Students may not return to school until free of fever, vomiting, and/or diarrhea for a minimum of 24 hours without the aid of any medication. If your student is sent home from school with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, you must still abide by the 24-hour policy, and keep your child home for a minimum of 24 hours after symptoms have subsided without the aid of medication.
Mrs. Water's GT News
Mrs. Water's GT News
The last day for GT LEAD is May 16th.
What are we learning in GT LEAD for the 3rd nine weeks?
1st Grade - Getting the Dirt on Soil
2nd Grade - It's Extinct
3rd Grade - Career Exploration
4th Grade - Rube Goldberg
5th Grade - Exploring Sports and Games
Resources:
Byrdseed Articles
A video of me talking about why gifted kids are different than just “smart kids”
Related: how being repeatedly called “smart” can become a burden.
Does your child seem anxious? This is common.
Why your gifted kid shouldn’t be tutoring other students in class.
Gifted kids can be squirmy, fidgety, have high energy… and that’s ok!
Be thoughtful about how you praise kids.
Books
Books
Mrs. Quinn's Corner 📚
Mrs. Quinn's Corner 📚
THE BOOK FAIR IS HERE! Our Spring Book Fair is May 5-9th. 40% of ALL Book Fair purchases THIS week will benefit the OCT Library! Please feel free to visit the school to shop with your child this week! Can't come in person? The online fair is open all school year long and includes exclusive items like toys, educational games, science kits and the more popular series (like Babysitter's Club, Dogman & Diary of a Wimpy Kid). If you would like to volunteer to help run the bookfair, you can sign up here. All volunteers get 20% their purchases at the fair.
The Library is closed for the year starting May 9th as I try to recover all my checked out books and start my annual inventory. I do still need parent volunteers! If you would like to help scan books, sort books, repair books, and prepare Makerspace for the summer, I would LOVE your help! You can sign up here, or contact me directly.
The Spring Reading Challenge is still happening! The challenge will continue until the last day of school!Students need only to fill out their reading logs each week, and bring the log to either myself or Ms. Griffith to move spaces. On the board there are several challenge spaces that offer prizes for a bonus reading challenge (challenge cards must have an adult signature to verify completion). When tigers reach the finish line they get a treasure box prize, their token gets a sticker and they have the chance to play again or move to the Winners Circle. The second finish line gets 2 prizes and if they complete the challenge 3 times they can adopt a stuffie of their choice from the library or get a 3D printed object from our 3D printer! Let's get reading!
Cleaning out closets? Our Morning Show could use new props (plastic food, party accessories, etc) hats, dress up or halloween costumes and outfits like blazers for filming. You get a clean closet and we get restocked - it's a win-win!
You can find out more about the OC Taylor library policies (including how many books each grade can checkout) on the school webpage. You can view District policies on library materials on their webpage. To see a list of Board Approved books, you may visit the District website.
As always, if you have any questions, concerns, would like to volunteer or donate books and supplies please feel free to contact me! I do accept gently used books so if you are cleaning out your child's room and find there are stories that could live in the OCT Library, send them my way 🤩 The most requested picture book titles are video game characters, mermaids, Disney Princesses, superheroes and popular tv characters (like Paw Patrol, Bluey, Peppa Pig, etc), but I'll be happy to accept whatever you'd like to give!
Johanna Quinn
email: johanna.quinn@gcisd.net
phone: (817) 305-4885
X: @OCTQuinn
Instagram: @octquinn
Mrs. Vencill
Mrs. Vencill
Vencill's Voice
Vencill's Voice
O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update, May 2025
Music - May Update
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 celebrate all they learned in Kindergarten and all they have to look forward to next year. 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 use basic music symbols in their rhythm compositions, including time signature, barlines, double barlines and repeat signs.
Congratulations to our talented 2nd graders on an excellent Festival of Friends performance. We will spend our last few weeks together remembering note and rest value and making 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 Quaver activities to practice reading/performing rhythm and pitch.
The sweet sound of the recorders fills the music room every afternoon with our determined 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!, Thursday, May 15 at 8:30 a.m. for students/staff and 6:30 p.m. for families/guests. The 5th graders have created an awesome show, and I can't wait to see the final product. *All 5th graders are expected to attend the evening performance!
See you in the music room,
Mrs. Vencill
bethany.vencill@gcisd.net
Coach Mester
Coach Mester
Mester's PE Press
Mester's PE Press
O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update, May 2025
See you in the gym!
Coach Mester
jason.mester@gcisd.net
Mrs. Morgan
Mrs. Morgan
Morgan's Art Message
Morgan's Art Message
O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update, May 2025
Art - May Update
I can't believe it's the last month of school. The 2024-2025 school year has flown by!
For the month of May, students will finish up their current projects. We will review some of the topics we have learned this year like line, color, form, balance, texture, and shape.
Students will be taking home all of their artwork that they have created. Be on the lookout for their art portfolios
Keep on Creating!
Mrs. Morgan
cristie.morgan@gcisd.net
Keep on Creating!
Mrs. Morgan
cristie.morgan@gcisd.net
OCT Cafeteria
OCT Cafeteria
Nutrition News
Nutrition News
GCISD NUTRITION SERVICES: Click here to see the school menus.
FREE AND REDUCED LUNCH APPLICATIONS: Starting on July 10, 2024, free and reduced-price meal applications were made available to fill out for the 2024-2025 school year. Families are encouraged to complete the Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals available online at www.schoollunchapp.com. A paper copy may be downloaded from the website or requested at any campus or Nutrition Services office.
The application will determine a child’s eligibility for free and reduced-price meals and may assist in the determination of eligibility for other state or federal benefits. Only one application needs to be completed per household. Schools will notify the household of the child’s eligibility. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers school nutrition programs in Texas and offers an eligibility calculator at www.SquareMeals.org/ProgramEligibility.
Decisions regarding payment for school meals are made at the national-government level, not by the school nutrition team or TDA. The dedicated staff in Nutrition Services is looking forward to serving healthy, balanced meals to students in the new school year. If you have any questions, please call 817-251-5617 or email child.nutrition@gcisd.net.
Texas legislation has approved a 2024-25 biennium budget, which includes $3.3 million per year to cover the cost of school breakfasts for students eligible for reduced price meals. Students that are approved for reduced-priced meals may eat breakfast at no cost this school year. Lunch price is $0.40.
PROCEDURE FOR FAMILIES WITH UNPAID MEAL CHARGES: Parents/Guardians shall monitor their student’s school meal account to ensure that they always have a positive balance. In the event that a student does not have a positive balance, the student may charge up to 6 meals to their account. Only reimbursable meals may be charged. A la carte items may not be charged. Communication about a negative meal balance will be sent to parents/guardians via email. Students who have exceeded the 6 charged meal limit, will be offered an alternative meal that will be charged to the student’s account.
O.C. Taylor PTA
O.C. Taylor PTA
PTA News
PTA News
WELCOME TO O.C. TAYLOR PTA!
Our goal is to connect with our school community by hosting fun events such as Tiger Fest, Grandparents' Day, Neon Night and so much more. We provide classroom needs and support our teachers in any way we can. We partner 100% with our wonderful school to make it the very best! We continue to raise funds for much-needed upgrades to our outdoor play area.
We hope you'll join us in our efforts to make O.C. Taylor the best it can be!
PTA WEBSITE & PURCHASES
For 2024-2025 our Back to School PTA forms will continue to be all digital! Visit https://octaylorpta.membershiptoolkit.com/ for all your PTA needs & purchases!
TEACHER FAVORITES
SAVE THE DATE!
5/5 - 5/9 Book Fair
5/5 - 5/9 Staff Appreciation Week
5/6 - 5th Grade Field Trip
5/6 - 5:00pm - 9:00pm Chipotle Spirit Night
5/7 - 7:00 Mom's Night Out
5/8 - 6:30 - 7:30 Kinder Parent 101 Night
5/9 - Field Day
5/15 - 6:30 5th Grade Rocks
5/22 - 9:00 5th Grade Continuation
5/22 - 11:45 Early Dismissal (last day of school)
BIRTHDAYS AT O.C. TAYLOR
We love to celebrate birthdays BIG at O.C. Taylor! We provide two options to purchase through our PTA to help celebrate:
Name In Lights - Your child's name on our marquee for the day - $25
Tiger Gram with Taylor the Tiger - Have Taylor the Tiger deliver a goody bag and balloons to your child's classroom - $40
Save $5 and purchase BOTH for $60.
Please purchase these AT LEAST two weeks in advance. We cannot promise our availability if not purchased in advance. Purchase on our website https://octaylorpta.membershiptoolkit.com/
If you have any questions or need assistance of any kind, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Looking forward to a GRRREAT year!
Jessica Schmulen
President / O.C. Taylor PTA
octaylorptapresident@gmail.com
O.C. Taylor Dad's Club
O.C. Taylor Dad's Club
Dad's Club News
Dad's Club News
Questions? Contact oc.taylor.dads.club@gmail.com
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