Tiger Time News
December 1-5, 2025
Embedded Files
🚢 Adventure Awaits: Discover, Learn, and Grow @ OCT ✈️
🚢 Adventure Awaits: Discover, Learn, and Grow @ OCT ✈️
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Mr. Schilleci
Mr. Schilleci
OCT Families,
The cooler weather and holidays are a fun time for children, and we want to celebrate! Creating memories for all of our Tigers is important. We invite all of our students to participate in our Holiday Hullabaloo days. Participation is elective. We try to make participation easy with minimal preparation. Also, parents are invited to attend on Wednesday, Dec. 17th when Santa visits (your students scheduled time is TBD).
A huge thank you to Nicole Crim and our amazing PTA for the cookies and caffeine to finish the week! It was a great treat heading into Thanksgiving Break!
Also, thank you to our Dad's Club and PTA for organizing the Turkey/Ham Drive. We collected 266 turkeys and hams which will be donated to GRACE and benefit those less fortunate during this holiday season!
This is my favorite time of the year approaching and I am excited to finish 2025 strong with our tigers but until then, I hope you all have a refreshing Thanksgiving Break with your loved ones!
See you all in December!
Best,
Principal Schilleci
Schilleci's Weekly News
Schilleci's Weekly News
SANTA VISIT, 12/17- Mark your calendars!! Santa is coming to visit O.C. Taylor on Wednesday, December 17th! More information will be shared this coming week on the schedule!
HOLIDAY HULLABALOO CALENDAR- It is that time of the year with December right around the corner! Please reference our Holiday Hullabaloo Calendar to see all of our fun themed days throughout December. We will begin participating on 12/1!
REFERRALS FOR GT/ASPIRE KINDERGARTEN-4TH GRADE: From December 1–15, parents can refer kindergarten–fourth grade students in Skyward for GT/ASPIRE testing. See this flyer.
MOY iReady Testing Window, 12/1-12: Our MOY iReady Diagnostic testing is about to begin! You should be receiving a message from your tigers teacher giving you some information on this! All of our tigers and staff have worked very hard this semester so we are excited to see their growth on the MOY diagnostic.
District Communications
District Communications
The CTE Experience
Please share with in your campus newsletters information regarding the CTE Experience where the high school CTE programs are showcasing the programs, courses, and certifications to upper elementary students, middle school students, and high school students. Attached is an English version and a Spanish version:
Unlock Your Potential with GCISD CTE! Come discover the incredible opportunities in Career & Technical Education. We'll showcase all middle and high school course options, guide you through our state-of-the art Technology Education and Career Center, provide engaging hands-on experiences, and so much more!
Free and Reduced-Priced Meal Applications Are Still Accepted
Every dollar counts and if you qualify for free and reduced meals for your child, there is still time to complete an application. Applications are available at www.schoollunchapp.com and can be completed at any time during the school year. The sooner the application is completed and if you qualify, the sooner your child can begin to receive meals at the free or reduced price.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Mrs. Priesand
Mrs. Priesand
Assistant Principal Priesand Updates
Assistant Principal Priesand Updates
Hey Tigers!
I love the holiday season. One thing about this time of year is that it reminds us to take a moment and reflect on what we are thankful for. Gratitude is powerful! It helps us notice the good around us, appreciate the people in our lives, and find joy in the little things. I hope you all have a great week and you are able to enjoy the small moments with loved ones.
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving full of appreciation and positivity!
It's a great day to be a tiger!
Mrs. Priesand
Counseling Updates with Mrs. Holley
Counseling Updates with Mrs. Holley
Happy November!
This month during your child's counseling time we will be learning about and practicing GRATITUDE. It is not something that comes naturally, but rather something we can incorporate into our lives. Not only does it show others our appreciation, but it helps with maintaining a positive mindset, navigating challenges, and lowering stress levels. Practicing gratitude as a family is a great way to build connection and create positive conversation.
All the best,
Mrs. Holley
817-305-4880
Nurse Katy
Nurse Katy
HaPPy ThAnKsGiVinG Break! 🦃 Please take this time to rest and recover. Love on your family and friends. Focus on GRATITUDE. One of the most powerful ways to rewire your brain for more JOY and less stress is to focus on gratitude... THANKFUL for all of your support!❤️
CLINIC WISH LIST: We are in need of a few items in the clinic, if you are willing/able to donate. Thank you in advance! 🥰
-peppermints, life saver mints, & regular sized bandaids 🩹
POP TABS DONATIONS: We are collecting pop tops! This is an easy way we can help support the families at Ronald McDonald House. Bring in all kinds of pop tops and tabs! There is be a labeled bucket in clinic for donations. :) 🥫
LION'S CLUB RECYCLE FOR SIGHT PROGRAM: This is another way we can be servant leaders. Donate any old eyeglasses/lenses/cases! There are collection boxes in the front vestibule and in the front office. Most of the recycled glasses are sorted and distributed to people in need in developing countries where they will have the greatest impact. 👓
Repeated Information:
FAILED VISION & HEARING SCREENINGS: I am still sorting through screening results and re-screening any students who failed vision and/or hearing. If they fail twice, I will email parents to make sure are on the lookout for a referral letter. My goal is to be finished by Christmas break. 🤞🏼
Mrs. Quinn's Corner📚
Mrs. Quinn's Corner📚
I hope you have a safe and relaxing break filled with many great stories!
When we return, kinder friends will get a lesson on how to identify parts of a book. 1st and 2nd grade will have a lesson on literal versus figurative language. 3rd and 4th grade tigers will have a lesson on text features and compete in a text features relay.
The Friends of the Library Reading Challenge is underway! It's another mystery sticker poster 🧩🤩There are 3.996 stickers to earn in order to reveal the mystery picture! Every picture book logged gets 5 stickers, and every chapter in a chapter book also gets 5 stickers. Logs will also be available in the library and on Mrs. Griffiths door and can be redeemed only on Fridays. Every full log gets a chance to spin the Lucky Library Wheel for prizes! Let's stick to reading to reveal the mystery! The challenge will continue through January 9th, or until the poster is finished.
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! Even if the volunteer schedule is full, please email me - on any given day I might have more tasks that need to be tackled.
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!
Calling all rising 3rd graders! If you are in 2nd grade and interested in joining the Friends of the Library Club for the 26-27 school year have we got a treat for you... in January we will have our Junior Library Ambassadors to come join a Friends of the Library meeting to preview what club membership entails. As honorary Junior Library Ambassadors, you'll have a chance to help with library maintenance, come up with reading challenges, and promote the love of reading. Applications will be accepted from October 6th-January 9th. Families will be emailed with details on the club by January 12th.
Johanna Quinn
email: johanna.quinn@gcisd.net
phone: (817) 305-4885
Instagram: @octquinn
Vencill's Voice
Vencill's Voice
O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update, December 2025
Music - December Update
It’s the MOST wonderful time of the year, and our Tigers are busy making beautiful music in the OCT music room. December is a great time for us to use everything we know about rhythm, pitch, music symbols and music vocabulary words to explore cultures, customs and music celebrating different December holidays. We will use classroom percussion instruments, Orff instruments, Boomwhackers and handbells to reinforce rhythm and pitch reading skills. Please let me know if your family celebrates a specific December holiday you would like us to connect with in the music room.
Congratulations to the Taylor Tiger Choir on a GREAT performance at the Colleyville Tree Lighting! What a wonderful way to kick off the holiday season! Please join us for the choir’s performance of the holiday musical, Surfin’ Santa on Tuesday, December 16 at 8:30 a.m. (for students and staff) and 6:30 p.m. (for parents/guests) in the OCT cafeteria.
Hooray!!! Recorders are here! Please open this link for more information on 4th grade recorders.
Wishing you all a very happy holiday season filled with love and laughter!
Mrs. Vencill
bethany.vencill@gcisd.net
Morgan's Art Announcements
Morgan's Art Announcements
O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update, December 2025
Art - December Update
For the month of December, students will be learning and understanding weaving, organic/ geometric shapes, color theory and sculpture.
Kindergarten will learn about the primary colors and why they are important to color theory. They will learn about the artist Piet Mondrian to create a lined abstract piece.
1st grade will learn about organic and geometric shapes by learning about the artist Henri Matisse. Students will be creating paper collages using a variety of organic and geometric shapes.
2nd grade will learn about radial symmetry. Students will then create a paper plate radial weaving using yarn. Students will learn the terms loom, weft, warp and the pattern over/under.
3rd grade will learn about Frida Kahlo and her self-portraits. Students will learn how to draw facial features for their self-portraits and design a background of their choice.
4th grade will learn how to create sculptures of their choice by using recycled materials as an armature and learn about the artist Claes Oldenburg. Students will learn how to apply plaster strips to make it stable.
5th grade will review radial symmetry to create their own color wheel. Students will learn how to transfer their design and mix their own colors.
O. C. Taylor Yearbooks are on Sale!
You can order a yearbook and create an ad/ dedication page online at yearbookordercenter.com. Our order number for O.C. Taylor is 17833.
We are offering both softcover and hardcover yearbooks this year!
Last day to order an ad/ dedication page is March 14th.
Last day to pre-order a yearbook is March 28th.
Keep on Creating!
Mrs. Morgan
cristie.morgan@gcisd.net
Mester's PE Press
Mester's PE Press
O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update, December 2025
PE Update:
Don't forget to bring your “Fitness Around The World” photos to Coach Mester or Coach Reyna so we can display them on the bulletin board outside the gym.
Please wear tennis shoes that allow you to perform your best and bring your GREAT Tiger attitude each day! We are looking forward to moving and learning in the gym and outside.
See you in the gym!
Coach Mester
jason.mester@gcisd.net
Waters' World
Waters' World
So thankful for all of my GT LEADERS! Thank you for sharing them with me.
What is my child learning in GT LEAD?
1st grade - Authentic Research
2nd grade - Simple Machines
3rd grade - Spy School
4th grade - Detective School
5th grade - Independent Research
Important Dates:
5th Grade testing begins: Nov. 10th - Dec. 12th
K-4 referral window: Dec. 1st - 15th
K- 4th GT testing: January 8th - 30th
WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS!
by Robert Ingersoll
OCT Cafeteria
OCT Cafeteria
Nutrition News
Nutrition News
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FROM NUTRITION SERVICES: Welcome back! Nutrition Services is excited about the upcoming school year. School Menus, the district charge policy, menu item pricing and more can be found on the department website here.
More information including menu item nutritional information and allergens may be viewed through the nutrition services website or by downloading the 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 at https://www.nlappscloud.com/. For those parents that still would like to complete a paper application, they may download an application on the website or stop by the Nutrition Services office at 5800 Colleyville Blvd.
PROCEDURE FOR STUDENTS 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 5 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/text. Students who have exceeded the 5 charged meal limit, will be offered an alternative meal that will be charged to the student’s account.
If you have questions about the Nutrition Services program, please call ext. 5618 or email child.nutrition@gcisd.net.
MEAL PRICES
Pk-8 Breakfast - $1.85
High School Breakfast - $2.05
Reduced Breakfast* - $0.00
Adult/Guest Breakfast - $3.25
Elem. Lunch - $3.10
Middle Lunch - $3.30
High School Lunch - $4.00
Reduced Lunch* - $0.40, after Sept. 1, No cost
Adult/Guest Lunch - $4.75
*(Reduced priced at GHS, CHHS, Bridges is $0.30 breakfast, $0.40 lunch)
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
O.C. Taylor PTA
O.C. Taylor PTA
PTA News
PTA News
WELCOME TO O.C. TAYLOR PTA!
Extra Class Shirts Available on the Spirit Shop!
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!
For 2025-2026 our Back to School PTA forms will continue to be all digital! Forms will go live on August 11th, once Homeroom Teachers are announced! Visit https://octaylorpta.membershiptoolkit.com/ for all your PTA needs & purchases! CLASS SHIRTS CLOSE ON SEPTEMBER 1ST (these are mandatory and worn for several different events). If you plan on volunteering this year, make sure to complete your volunteer background. It must be done yearly. Volunteer Background Check
STAFF FAVORITES
DAD'S CLUB & GRACE TURKEY DRIVE
Thank you to everyone who donated to the Turkey Drive this past Friday. Dad's Club and the GRACE Chairs were able to donate 266 turkey
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST 5TH GRADE FUNDRAISER: HAT OR STUFFED ANIMAL DAY!
Join us for Sip and Shop at The Gift Bar on December 3rd from 5:30pm - 7pm! Come get some holiday shopping done while supporting our Tigers!
SAVE THE DATE!
December
12/1 PTA Executive Board Meeting/Luncheon
12/3 5:30pm - 7pm Sip and Shop at The Gift Bar
12/4 7:00 pm - Grapevine Parade of Lights (Dads’ Club)
12/5 3:15 - 4:00 Run Club
12/12 3:15 - 4:00 Run Club
12/16 Holiday Choir Performance - 8:30 am and 6:30 pm
12/17 Polar Express Day (Winter Movie Day)/ Santa Visit (Pre-K through 2nd before lunch, 3rd through 5th after lunch)
12/18 11:45 a.m. PreK - 5th Early Release/Last Day of First Semester
12/18 Spirit Rally/Attendance Recognition/School Sing-a-Long, 9:30 (PreK-2nd) and 10:00 (3rd-5th)
12/18 Class Holiday Parties at 10:45 a.m.
12/19 - 12/31 Winter Break for Students
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!
Veronica Walker
President / O.C. Taylor PTA
octaylorptapresident@gmail.com
Dads' Club News
Dads' Club News
🎄✨ BACK-TO-BACK CHAMPIONS! ✨🎄
The OC Taylor Dads’ Club brought the magic again and won FIRST place at the 46th Annual Grapevine Parade of Lights — two years in a row! 🏆🏆 We’re beyond excited to take that trophy back home to our Tiger family!
A HUGE thank you goes out to our float captain Brian Greaves for leading this entire operation with vision and grit. Marcello Polidori and Clifton Hensley for all of their engineering genius — this float would still be an idea in our minds without you two. Thank you to Scott Streicher for your vision and the beautiful (indestructible) fireplace.
Thank you to Olu Ogunsola for generously donating the trailer, and a special thank you to Mr. Schilleci for letting us build on school grounds (even during school hours 😅). We also loved having you join the crew and ride with us this year. We also appreciate the teachers who helped keep the kids at a safe distance while we turned the float into GREAT ELF LODGE.
To every single dad who showed up, put in hours, creativity, tools, and money — YOU made this a huge success once again. This community is unmatched. Thank you to the moms who spent many nights putting the kids to sleep while the dads were out late getting this done - we couldn’t have done it without you!
Also, we want to thank all our local dads’ clubs. Many of you pushed us to strive for more every year. Congrats to all the other winners, your floats (as always) were amazing. Thank you to the Grapevine Chamber of Commerce, and the judges for giving us this opportunity. We had a great time.
Once again - The Kings of Christmas. 👑🎅
Happy Holidays to all! ❄️💫
Important Dates for Dads' Club
1/14 7pm Dads' Club Meeting. Location TBD (prep for snow hill)
2/7 8am SNOW HILL
Page updated
Report abuse