Tiger Time News
March 28 - April 1, 2022
Mrs. Pedevilla
Mrs. Pedevilla's News
Dear O.C. Taylor Families,
It is that time of year when we start to think about the next school year. If you know anyone who will be attending OCT for the first time next year, including Pre-K or Kindergarten students, please invite them to attend one of our OCT Campus Tours:
Tues., Apr. 26, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
Monday, May 2, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
A special thanks to Mr. Brian Monaghan and his team for the fun Kick-a-Thon! We are raising funds for our outdoor shade structures and we need your help! Because of our partnership with Monaghan's Taekwondo, 100% of funds raised stay right here at O.C. Taylor. Please help us by donating a flat amount or using your student's kick counts and submit your pledge here!
To the BEST of days,
Principal Pedevilla
Grade Level Newsletters
Please read your child's grade level newsletter by clicking on the grade to the right.
Important Upcoming Events:
3/28 - GT Services and/or the ASPIRE Academy Decision mailed
3/31 - 1st Grade Music in our Schools, 6:00 pm
3/31 - OCT PTA Pizza Night, 6:30 pm
4/4 Kindergarten Registration begins online
4/5 - Spirit Night at Papa John's
4/7 Kindergarten Field Trip
4/8 Run Club (3:05-4:00)
4/15 and 4/18 School is in session
4/18 - 4/22 Earth Week
4/19 22-23 PreK/Kinder Welcome Night (6:00-7:00)
4/20 Student Council (3:00-4:00)
4/21 Egg Drop (3:05-4:00)
4/22 5th Grade Camp Thurman
4/22 Run Club (3:05-4:00)
4/27 3rd Grade Field Trip
4/28 Festival of Friends (2nd grade)
4/29 Run Club (3:05-4:00)
See calendar on the right.
Updates
Important Reminders
NEW REMINDERS/UPDATES
WELCOME TOURS: Do you know any new families who will be attending OCT next year? If so, please invite them to a meet and greet, including a tour of the campus, on one of the following days:
4/26, 4:30 - 5:30 p.m.
5/2, 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.
2022-2023 PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN WELCOME NIGHT: All students and families who will be in Pre-K or Kindergarten for the 2022-2023 school year, are invited to O.C. Taylor for a welcome night! Come hear an overview of our programming, meet the teachers, and get a tour of the school.
SKYWARD COMMUNICATION: Report Cards will be available in Skyward beginning this week. To view your student’s Report Card, please follow the instructions below:
Visit www.GCISD.net and click the Skyward icon at the top of the page (or login here)
Click “Progress Reports/Report Cards” on the menu to the left
Select the report you would like to view
For tutorials and more information on Skyward, please visit the website. If you are having trouble accessing Skyward, please submit a Help Desk ticket.
REPEAT REMINDERS/UPDATES
MATH TELESCOPING EXAM: Testing opportunities for telescoping in math for the 2022-2023 school year are available in JUNE and JULY 2022 for GCISD students who are completing Grades K-7. The Math Telescoping Parent Information Packet will be available on the GCISD district website under the “Parents” tab and then click on “Math Telescoping”. Here you will be on the main Math Telescoping, Grades K-7 website page. Also, you can view the Acceleration Testing Calendar for 2021-2022 on the website. Parents will find information about the requirements to qualify for Math Telescoping and instructions about the Online Registration Process and the required Payment Online Process. View the TEKS on the TEA website, and download Study Guides for the exams purchased from UTHS-Austin.
Exam Fee(s). Read more in Mrs. Griffin's GT News section below.
GCISD STUDENT GENERAL AND DESIGNATED PROGRAM TRANSFERS: The general and designated programs (STEM/Dual) student transfer application window for the 2022-2023 school year will open on Monday, March 21, 2022, at 8 am. Because Cannon is a campus-wide STEM school, families requesting Cannon will complete the general transfer application listed under general transfers on the website. Online applications will be accepted through Friday, April 8, 2022, at 4 pm. All students (including employee students) must apply for a transfer if they desire to attend a campus other than their zoned campus and/or when they are moving from the following grades/campuses:
Pre-K to Kindergarten
Elementary school to middle school
Middle school to high school
Students who are already approved on a transfer and are not moving to the next transition level do NOT need to submit a transfer request. For more information and to complete an online application on or after Monday, March 21, click here.
IMPORTANT: Please know that incomplete applications (e.g. missing residency documents) will NOT be processed during this round of student transfers. It is very important that families have all the needed documents when submitting transfer applications.
GCISD INSTRUCTIONAL CALENDAR CHANGES- Due to GCISD’s recent closures because of winter weather and COVID-19, the following changes are being made to this year’s instructional calendar. Please note, these changes do not affect the instructional calendars for Collegiate Academy or iUniversity Prep.
Due to GCISD’s recent closure on February 24 due to winter weather, beginning on March 7, ten (10) minutes will be added to the end of each school day to recover the necessary amount of instructional minutes. New release times for GCISD schools will be as follows:
Elementary - 3:05 p.m.
Middle - 3:35 p.m.
High - 4:10 p.m.
Friday, March 11 will no longer be an early release day. Students will attend school for the full day.
Students will be in school on Friday, April 15 and Monday, April 18 which were originally planned for inclement weather days.
Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26 will no longer be early release days, except for high school students. All elementary and middle school students will attend school for the full day.
Click here for an updated 2021-2022 GCISD Instructional Calendar.
NUTRITION SERVICES DEPARTMENT: Apply now: www.gcisd.net/careers.
REPORTING COVID-19 CASES: To report a student or staff COVID-19 case to GCISD, please complete this form. A District or campus nurse will then contact you with the next steps. Please complete the form rather than reporting cases directly to any GCISD staff.
ATTENDANCE: As a reminder, all students in grades K-5 must be in attendance at least 90% of the time (18 days or fewer) to receive credit for classes. Students who have 9 or more absences to date are in jeopardy of being retained in that grade level. While we understand that illnesses and unexpected circumstances arise, please help us ensure that your student(s) are present each day and ready to learn.
STAAR ONLINE: Please visit this link for instructions on how to access the practice site. To view upcoming online STAAR testing windows and dates, please visit our website. More specific information about student testing days will be coming soon. Please submit a help desk ticket if you are having trouble launching a test.
The GCISD EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTER IS HIRING! Full-time applicants can apply here. Part-time applicants can apply here.
GCISD SUBSTITUTES NEEDED: For more information, please contact Robyn Cheek at robyn.cheek@gcisd.net.
MISSING SCHOOL: If you have a child who is out ill or not in attendance, please call the office and let us know. Thank you!
CHECKING OUT A STUDENT EARLY: We kindly ask if you need to pick up a child before our 2:55 p.m. dismissal, please do so before 2:30 p.m.
CHANGE IN DISMISSAL OR PICK UP: Please call the front office by at least 2:00 p.m. A phone call is required. Sometimes we have only one person in the front office, so we want to provide ample time to be able to meet your needs.
VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECK: Please go to the district website, read the Volunteer Handbook then apply to volunteer.
Campus Coordinator for Behavior, Testing, Special Education, and 504
Assistant Principal, Allison Bailey
Mrs. Bailey's Bulletin
Practice STAAR Tests at home: Parents can access the online practice at home by going to texasassessment.gov - Students and Families - Practice Test Log In tile - guest user ON - sign in - select the grade level assessment.
I'm here to support all of our students and families! Please reach out to me anytime with any questions or concerns regarding behavior, testing, or your student's needs. You may call me at (817) 305-4870 or email allison.bailey@gcisd.net.
Kindly,
Assistant Principal Bailey
Mrs. Irwin's News
Read with us! GCISD READS 4th 9 Weeks Due May 2nd: The GCISD Reads initiative is designed to build a love of reading in students--encouraging them to read a large quantity and a wide variety of books. The second challenge starts now and forms are due to the student's teacher or librarian by May 2, 2022.
Students "Learning to Read" read 25 books near their reading level and complete the
Students "Reading to Learn" read 6 books near their reading level and complete the
Visit the GCISD Reads website at https://bit.ly/GCISDReads2022 for more information and PDF copies of all forms. Students who complete the challenge will receive recognition and a backpack charm for each nine weeks completed!
STUDENT CHECK OUT: Grades K-2nd visit the learning commons (which houses the library) weekly and Pre-K & grades 3th-5th visit every other week. Students may exchange books between class visits as many times as needed and renew books over multiple weeks.
Click Here for Library Circulation Policies
OCT Clinic
Nurse Katy's News
Parents of 5th grade girls: Scoliosis screening day at OCT is scheduled for Monday March 28th. It will be during Specials (1:00-1:55). You will receive an email with details so please be sure to check over Spring Break! Girls need to wear a bra/sports bra/bathing suit top underneath their clothing on this day.
Reporting Covid-19 Cases: GCISD is now collecting reports of COVID-19 cases in a new way. To report a student or staff COVID-19 case to GCISD, please complete this form. A District or campus nurse will then contact you with next steps. Please complete the form rather than reporting cases directly to any GCISD staff.
Art
Mrs. Morgan's Art Class
Buy your Yearbook! Yearbooks are on sale! You can order a yearbook and create an Ad online here. The order number for O. C. Taylor is 17833.
The last day to order a Yearbook is April 16th.
March Specials Curriculum Update
Keep on Creating!
Mrs. Morgan
Music
Mrs. Vencill's Music Class
March Specials Curriculum Update
Parents, please mark your calendars for these exciting, upcoming events. Students are expected to attend the daytime AND evening performance of their grade level program.
1st Grade Music In Our Schools Month Celebration: Thursday, March 31 at 6:00 p.m.
2nd Grade Festival of Friends Multicultural Program: Thursday, April 28 at 6:30 p.m.
5th Grade Rocks!: Thursday, May 19 at 6:30 p.m.
If your 5th grade student will attend CTMS next year, click this link for more information on their BAND program.
Happy Music In Our Schools Month, Tigers!
Mrs. Vencill
bethany.vencill@gcisd.net
P.E.
Coach Mester's P.E. Class
Mrs. Whisman's News
My name is Stacy Whisman, and I am the counselor at OC Taylor. I have a section in the Parent Tiger Den each week, Student Assistance, that is updated with our monthly guidance theme, important dates of upcoming events, and links to get in touch with me for any student needs and concerns.
FUTURE EXPLORATIONS - Career Pathways:
Have you heard from your Tiger all they are learning about the Career Pathways? At O.C. Taylor, we focus on one Career Pathway a month as a campus to learn about the different careers in each cluster and what kind of education and training is needed. In March our focus is on BUSINESS. If you would like more information about our Future Explorations, please click on this link. We will be hosting our annual Career Day. The original date was May 16, but, due to STAAR testing on May 17, we have rescheduled for TUESDAY, MAY 24. If you are interested in being a speaker, please fill out the following form SIGN-UP GOOGLE FORM. (Feel free to share this form with friends, family, or community members who would like to join in the fun!)
IMPORTANT DATES FOR 5TH GRADE FAMILIES:
Spring is the time when our 5th grade families begin preparing to make many choices in regard to ALL THINGS MIDDLE SCHOOL. In the 5th Grade level newsletter, there will also be the link to the updated information and dates from each of the GCISD middle schools. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions throughout this process if you can't find the information you need from the link.
Gifted and Talented GT LEAD
Mrs. Griffin's News
Testing for GT Services and/or the ASPIRE Academy
Kindergarten through 5th Grade currently enrolled students may be referred and tested for GT services and/or the ASPIRE Academy during the window below:
Referral Window: January 10 - January 28
Testing Window: February 1 - February 28
GT Decisions mailed on: March 28
ASPIRE Decisions mailed: April 27
Parent Inventory/Permission to Test (Scroll down to bottom of page. Link will only be LIVE during the referral window.)
_________________________________________________________
CLICK HERE for the GT LEAD Page & Newsletter
STAY CONNECTED in GCISD...
Join SAGE, (Supporting and Advocating for Gifted Education), which is a gifted parent advocacy group that provides a wealth of information regarding social/emotional well-being of gifted children, information on camps for gifted learners, and information on what GT is like in our district and how to navigate it through high school and beyond. Please follow this link to join: https://gc-sage.org
Articles to Meet the Affective Needs of our Gifted Learners:
Please feel free to contact me at any time via email at kathy.griffin@gcisd.net
Twitter: @OCTGriffin
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MATH TELESCOPING TEST
Students in grades K - 5th have an opportunity to take an End of Course math assessment in order to skip a grade of math. The testing will be in the summer, and the results will apply to the 2022-23 school year. A parent can register his or her child for testing through the second link below or by calling the number below. There are two deadlines for two testing events. If you have questions about this process, I am happy to answer those.
In order for your child to telescope in math, a student must take a grade level end of course exam and score 90% or higher. For example, a first grader would take an end of course 2nd grade exam. If that child scored 90% or higher on it, then the next year as a 2nd Grader, that student would take 3rd Grade math. If you are wondering if this could be a good fit for your child, reach out to your child's math teacher to discuss this opportunity. If you choose to move forward with testing, then you can register online using the link above once the window opens, or you can contact the Assessment Department at GCISD Administration Office (817-251-5524) to schedule and pay for testing.
O.C. Taylor PTA
Tamaron Hunt
President / O.C. Taylor PTA
PTA News
WELCOME TO O.C. TAYLOR PTA!
NEW THIS WEEK:
MONAGHAN'S KICK-A-THON - FRIDAY, MARCH 25th
Thank you for joining us in this FUNdraiser sponsored by Monaghan's Taekwondo!
We still need your help with raising funds for our new shade structures over our playgrounds!! Please help us by donating a flat amount or using your student's kick counts and submit your pledge here!
PIZZA NIGHT - THURSDAY, MARCH 31st
Join us for our Pizza Night + March General PTA Meeting! Pizza will be available for purchase from Wise Guys - order here! ORDERS ARE DUE TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT!!
5TH GRADERS - PIZZA NIGHT + YARD SIGNS
Please see this SignUpGenius for additional information on our upcoming Pizza Night on Thursday, March 31st. We would really appreciate any help to make this event a success! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Robin.
We have designed a 5th Grade Continuation Yard Sign which is available for preorder. The cost is $25 per yard sign, and the proceeds will be used for our 5th Grade Continuation. If you would like to order one for you or your family, please fill out this Google Form AND make payment via Venmo or PayPal.
Venmo: @Robin-Thomas-Weier (last numbers of phone is 8655)
PayPal: r3thom@hotmail.com
Deadline to order AND pay is Wednesday, April 6. Please note that we will only be ordering a few extra signs which will be available as first come, first serve. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Robin.
Robin Weier
5th Grade Level Coordinator
r3thom@hotmail.com
214-403-8655
GCISD COUNCIL OF PTAs SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM
The GCISD Council of PTAs School Board Candidate Forum will be held on April 13th from 6:30 to 8:00 pm at the PDEC. To help us prepare for that event, we want to get input from our PTA membership about what topics they would like discussed during the forum. Please fill out the survey below and help us get the word out to local PTA members that we want their input. The deadline to complete the survey is 11:59 pm on April 1st. Let me know if you have any questions.
Survey to provide input for the Council of PTAs School Board Candidate Forum: https://forms.gle/vHPHzutRMqeN22jK6
Sincerely,
Kim Farbisz
Legislative Advocate
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Council of PTAs
ONGOING / REMINDERS:
DADS' CLUB GOLF TOURNAMENT - APRIL 1st
Dads' Club is excited to announce our 4th Annual Golf Tournament! Check out all the info, including how to register here!
SECOND CHANCE AUCTION
We had a few items from our original auction that we wanted to offer again. Items include Front Row Parking, Front Row Seating for events coming up Game On spots. These are FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE items that are BUY IT NOW prices (no bidding). This auction will be a link on our website and will go LIVE on TODAY, Sunday, March 6th at 3:00 p.m.. Link will stay open until all items are purchased. Items will be hidden once they are out of stock. Please read the items/dates carefully! SHOP HERE!
MARCH PTA MEMBERSHIP
Help us reach this month's Lucky Leprechaun award! We need 17 new PTA members this month. Please sign up yourself, students, spouses here!
Grandparents, Extended Family and Community Members please join here!
GRACE DONATIONS
Every year, we team up with Grace Grapevine to help stock their food pantry.
March Items: Ramen Noodles
The Grade with the most donations each month will get an extra recess.
Thank you for supporting Grace and our community!
**CONGRATULATIONS Pre-K!! Pre-K won an extra recess for the most donated items in February!**
FUSS FREE FUNDRAISING - CHECK THE PROGRESS HERE!
What exactly is Fuss Free Fundraising? Fuss Free Fundraising is our easiest form of fundraising at OCT! Instead of your child going door to door-to-door selling cookies, wrapping paper, candles, etc., we ask for a donation.
Why should I contribute? 100% of the funds raised stay at our school!! Your donations support our teachers and staff, make improvements to our facilities, cover school programming and leadership opportunities, and provide equipment that enhances learning for your kids!
What's our Goal? Our Fuss Free Fundraising goal this year is $15,000 and we are about $5,000 short. Once we reach the goal, all families who have donated this year to date will be put in a drawing. We will also reward the class with the most donations! Winners will get to throw the ball to try to dunk Mrs. Bailey and try to dunk me in a dunk tank. How fun! Thank you for supporting our school. Please donate here!
Fuss Free Fundraising, Volunteer, Happy Birthday* and Membership forms are open anytime.
*We do request two weeks advance notice for birthday orders to help our volunteers plan for your student's special day!
VOLUNTEER NEEDS
Please see Mrs. Pedevilla's section for more information on volunteer opportunites. We can't wait to see you get involved at our school. We love our volunteers!! Please reach out to Stephanie Wilkerson, VP of Programs at octptavolunteers@gmail.com to find a volunteer position for you!
5th GRADE PARENTS!!
New facebook pages have been created for incoming 6th grade families going to Colleyville Middle School and Cross Timbers Middle School. To keep up with the latest and connect with other families, join here!
CMS: Future Colts Incoming 6th Grade Parent Group 2022-2023
CTMS: CTMS Incoming 6th graders
5th GRADE CONTINUATION
5th Grade Parents, please mark your calendars for our 5th Grade Continuation on Thursday, May 26th 9am at O.C. Taylor Elementary and our 5th Grade End of Year Party on Friday, May 27th 7-9pm at the Grapevine Rec Center. Since the party is optional and not a PTA sponsored event, we are asking for donations of at least $25 per student. You can Venmo donations to @Robin-Thomas-Weier (last 4 of phone number is 8655).
Also, we need your help in making the 5th Grade slideshow a success! A Shutterfly share site has been created to allow you to upload your photos and check the spelling of your student’s name. The instructions are detailed on the site. Please make note of the 3/11 deadline for this.
Go to https://octclassof22.shutterfly.com
Password: tigers
SAVE THE DATE!
Thursday, March 31st - 4th Graders to Camp Thurman
Thursday, March 31st - General PTA Meeting + Pizza/Keno Night (more info coming!)
Friday, April 1st - Kick-a-Thon Pledges/Donations Due
Friday, April 1st - Dads' Club Annual Golf Tournament at Bear Creek Golf Course
Friday, April 1st - Run Club
Monday, April 4th - PTA Executive Board Meeting 8:15 a.m. at OCT
Tuesday, April 5th - Spirit Night at Papa John's
Thursday, April 7th - Kinder to Dallas Zoo
Friday, April 8th - Run Club
Tuesday, April 19th - PreK/Kinder Welcome Night (more info coming!)
Wednesday, April 20th - Mom's Night Out at Sloan and Williams 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. (more info coming!)
Thursday, April 21st - Egg Drop (more info coming!)
Friday, April 22nd - 5th Graders to Camp Thurman
If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Tamaron Hunt
President / O.C. Taylor PTA
octaylorptapresident@gmail.com