• NO SCHOOL ON 2/16: February 16th will be a student holiday. Staff will be on campus engaging in professional development and preparing for your tigers to return on Tuesday. Enjoy the 3 day weekend! We will see you all on Tuesday!

• OCT TEACHER AND PARA OF THE YEAR: Keep an eye out this week for our new Teacher and Para of the Year. Voting has begun and we will be announcing our winners next week.

• BIRTHDAY/EVENT MARQUEE: Our marquee is currently down and we are working on getting it repaired and back up and running. We apologize for the inconvenience.

• RAMADAN ACCOMMODATIONS:  As we prepare for the beginning of Ramadan, we want to be intentional about supporting all of our students during this important time. If your child will be fasting and may need accommodations—such as an alternative space during lunch or adjustments in PE—please notify your child’s teacher and the front office by February 17.

Mrs. Quinn is available to provide a private, quiet space for students if needed. Our goal is to ensure every student feels comfortable and supported while continuing to fully engage in learning.

• SCHOOL START TIME REMINDER: School starts at 7:35.  It is important that the students are in their classrooms at 7:35 for the beginning of instructional time. Our staff who are holding doors open have students waiting on them in their classrooms so they will be closing the doors right at 7:35 to get to their students. 

Please enter through the front doors at the tiger loop and check in through the front office if you arrive at 7:35 or later. Thank you!

• ATTENDANCE REMINDER: If your student will be absent for any reason, please be sure to either submit an Absence Request through Skyward or email Sierra.Salter@gcisd.net  directly. There is no need to call the front office.

As we move into this important time of year, it is vital that our Tigers are present at school as much as possible. This is typically when students make some of their greatest academic growth. For our 3rd–5th grade students especially, every single day counts as they prepare for STAAR and other upcoming assessments. Consistent attendance makes a significant difference in student confidence, progress, and overall success.

Thank you for your partnership and support in helping ensure your Tiger is at school, engaged, and ready to learn each day!

To support our Tiger families transitioning to Heritage Elementary (HES) for the 2026-2027 school year, we will be dedicating this section to important news and updates. Please check back here throughout the remainder of the semester for information regarding next year! 

• 5TH GRADE GIRLS SPINAL SCREENING 2/12: On Thursday 2/12, 5th grade girls will be screened for scoliosis during 5th grade Specials (2:00-3:05).  If you are a parent of a 5th grade girl, please make sure your student wears a bra/sports bra on this day.  

Repeated Information:

• 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. 

Happy February,

OCT PLAY IT SAFE 

Play it Safe will take place on Friday, March 27th during specials rotations. This year you will need to complete the google form (linked above) to opt in/out of the presentation. You DO NOT need to go through Skyward to complete this process. The form also contains more information on the program and dates/times. 

**5TH GRADE PARENTS**

There will be a Webex offered on February 12th @ 9:30am. This time will be used to clarify information regarding courses, talk about upcoming dates and events, and answer questions. Please join us if you are able to!

Link to Webex Information 

Counseling Amazon Wishlist 

All the best,

Mrs. Holley

This week my Kinder- 2nd grade tigers will learn about how Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world. Happy Lunar New Year to those who celebrate! 🧧🐴🎊🎋

Friends of the Library Club will meet February 18th (Group A) and February 19th (Group B). 

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!

Johanna Quinn

email: johanna.quinn@gcisd.net

phone: (817) 305-4885

Instagram: @octquinn

O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update, February 2026

Music - February Update

We have lots of grade level performances this semester. Parents, please mark your calendar with these important dates and times.

Kindergarten Rodeo.  We hope to see all Kindergarten parents in the OCT cafeteria Wednesday, March 11  at 2 p.m. for a rootin', tootin' good time. 

1st Grade Music In Our Schools Celebration, Thursday, March 26  at 8:30 a.m. (students/teachers) and 6:30 p.m.(parents/guests). EVERY 1st grade student is expected to participate in the daytime AND evening performance. 

2nd Grade Festival of Friends , Thursday, April 23 at 8:30 a.m. (students/teachers) 6:30 p.m. (parents/guests). EVERY 2nd grade student is expected to participate in the daytime AND evening performance. 

5th Grade: If your student wants to join band in middle school, please open the link for your middle school campus for more information. 

CTMS Band Program    

CMS Band Program.   

HMS Band Program 

GMS Band Program 

5th graders will also begin brainstorming for the BEST show of the year, 5th Grade Rocks! Parents, please click the link to find details on this performance and mark your calendars. EVERY 5th grade student is expected to participate in the daytime AND evening performance. 

See you in the Music room!

Mrs. Vencill

bethany.vencill@gcisd.net

O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update, February 2026

Art Update - February 2026

Kindergarten will learn how to weave using painted paper strips and construction paper. Students will learn the terms loom, weft, warp and the pattern over-under.

1st grade will finish their Henri Matisse Still Life with Goldfish and paper cuts out. Students will learn the difference between organic and geometric shapes. Then students will learn about artist Chris Uphues to create a heart inspired piece.

2nd grade will finish their paper plate radial weaving by using the pattern over/under. Students will learn the terms loom, weft, and warp.

3rd grade will learn about the process and history of printmaking. Students will review the artist Wayne Thiebaud and his paintings of food and everyday objects. Students will create three prints that are inspired by his work.

4th grade will learn about the abstract artist Wassily Kandinsky. They will be learning how to create an abstract piece using a variety of lines, shapes and balance. They will then learn how to blend watercolors for their background, as well as different watercolor techniques.

5th grade will learn about different types of sculpture. Students will learn clay techniques like coil, pinch pot, slab, and scoring. Students will create a pinch pot animal of their choice.

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

O.C. Taylor Specials’ Curriculum Update, February 2026

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

Congratulations to Greyson for getting to round 9 in the Area Spelling Bee! 

Join Sage for this fun Event: https://gcsage.membershiptoolkit.com/15-year-anniversary. 

What is my child learning in GT LEAD?

1st grade - Game Maker

2nd grade - Brain Research

3rd grade - Building a Business

4th grade - Enigmas

5th grade - Geometric Wonders

Important Dates:

•  K-4GT decision available March 1, 2026

• K-4 ASPIRE decision available online in Skyward on March 6, 2026 

WE RISE BY LIFTING OTHERS! 

by Robert Ingersoll

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

Staff Favorites Found Here!

INTERESTED IN JOINING THE PTA EXECUTIVE BOARD?

Make sure to fill out the interest form by February 22nd!  PTA Interest Form For 2026-2027 

COLLEYVILLE RECEIPT RACE GRADE LEVEL CHALLENGE

THE COLLEYVILLE RECEIPT RACE is ON!

Starting Tuesday, February 17 through Feb 28, the grade level that brings in the most receipts from Colleyville businesses wins a popsicle party at school!

How to help:

Shop at ANY Colleyville Business!

Drop your receipts in your child’s grade-level box at the front of the school

Each receipt counts for ONE child

Electronic receipts? No problem! Email: octaylorptapresident@gmail.com (include grade level!)

Every receipt helps our school in the Receipt Race with the City of Colleyville + Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District —Let’s shop local, support our school, and win some sweet treats!

RUN CLUB IS BACK IN FEBRUARY

We had the best time with our Tigers this past Friday. The weather was perfect for the return of Run Club. Next Run Club is February 20th. Can't wait to see all our Tigers out there!

GRACE FEBRUARY DONATIONS

GRACE had such an amazing turn out of donations that this month they are needing help with some home essential items instead of food. Grace is in need of the following items: laundry detergent, dish soap, hand soap, cleaning products, cleaning wipes, lysol, sponges, and other home cleaning essentials. Remember multipack items count as one item. Items can be dropped in the grade level baskets. The grade that donates the most items wins a PJ day!

SAVE THE DATE!

February

2/16 GCISD Professional Development Day/No Students 

2/16 - 3/27 TELPAS Window

2/16 - 3/27 STAAR ALT Window

2/17 - 2/28 Collevyille Receipt Race Grade Level Challenge

2/20 3:15 - 4:00 Run Club

March

3/2 8:15 a.m. PTA Executive Board Meeting

3/5 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Open House

7:00 - 9:00 p.m  Dad’s Club Movie Night 

3/6 Rule the School AND Spirit Rally/Attendance Recognition 8:30 (PreK-2nd) and  9:00 (3rd-5th)

3/6 3:15 - 4:00 Run Club 

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 

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