|
The Twain Times
A weekly newsletter from Mark Twain Elementary School |
|
|
Mark Your Calendar |
September
9/13 - Open House, 5:30pm
9/14 - Odyssey of the Mind meeting, 8:15am
9/15 - Parent Enrichment, 6:30pm
9/16 - Deadline for Friends & Family and Directory Ads
9/19 - Odyssey of the Mind meeting, 8:15am
9/19 - International Pot Luck, 5:30pm
9/20 - Spooky T-shirt Design deadline
9/20 - Berryhill Spirit Day - All Day
9/22 - Yearbook cover contest deadline
9/22 - Kinder Pizza Party, 5:30-7:00pm
9/22 - Deadline for Fall Fundraiser
9/26 - Art a la Carte meeting for K-2, 8:00am
9/27 - All Parent Meeting, 6:30pm
9/28 - Art a la Carte meeting for 3-5, 8:00am
9/29 - Entertainment Book Sale begins (ends 10/4) |
|
Thank You to Our
2011-2012
Corporate Sponsors | |
|
|
|
 | September 13, 2011 | |
|
Dear Parents,
These last few weeks I have had an opportunity to speak to you at the Grade Level Coffees and the PTO meeting. The purpose of those meetings was to provide general information. Tomorrow night you will have an opportunity to learn specifics about your child and their class at Open House. In the past we have met in the cafeteria for brief introductions but this year you may go directly to the classroom. This will allow more time for the teachers to do their classroom presentations. The schedule is as follows:
· 5:30pm: Specialists (PE, music, art, science, media, library, Spanish, GT and LDC)
· 6:00pm: K-2 Teachers
· 6:30pm: Specialists
· 7:00pm: 3-5 Teachers
There are several other important events coming up in September and I encourage you to attend.
Monday, September 19th - International Potluck Dinner
Tuesday, September 27th - All Parent Meeting
The drought has taken a toll on our playground and landscaping. Although we are watering to the maximum extent allowed we are simply unable to prevent the ground from cracking, particularly on the large playground. HISD has been notified and will be sending a crew to fill the holes and cracks. In the meantime the areas that are affected will be closed off.
As most of you know we will be administering a new state assessment in the spring. Below I have included a brief description provided by the Texas Education Agency. More information will be provided at the All Parent Meeting.
STAAR will Replace TAKS in 2011-2012
For years, students have been taking the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills (TAKS) to determine whether they have mastered the material and concepts required for their current grade or course. Beginning in 2011-2012, TAKS will be replaced with a new testing program, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR).
STAAR is expected to be more rigorous than TAKS and is designed to measure whether students are on a path to college and meaningful careers. In general, questions on the new exams will have multiple steps and will require higher-level thinking. Students will also have a time limit to complete the tests. For more information, visit www.houstonisd.org/STAAR or the TEA website at: www.tea.state.tx.us
STAAR reemplazará el TAKS para el 2011-2012
Por varios años, los estudiantes han tomado la evaluación de conocimientos y capacidades (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills o TAKS) para determinar si han aprendido los conceptos y material requerido para su grado o curso. Desde 2011-2012, TAKS será reemplazado con un nuevo programa de evaluación, el Examen estatal de preparación académica (STAAR).
Community Conversations - HISD Superintendent Terry Grier wants to hear directly from you. Please make plans to attend one of six upcoming Community Conversations in the month of October. Share your thoughts, ask questions, and find out what HISD is doing to boost student achievement and make this the best school district in America.
The first of the Community Conversations with Superintendent Terry Grier will take place on October 4 at Sam Houston MSTC. A session for staff will be held from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., and a session for the community is scheduled from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. Visit www.houstonisd.org/communityconversations to learn more and see a complete list of dates and times.
Conversaciones con la Comunidad
El superintendente de HISD Terry Grier quiere escuchar sus comentarios. Por favor asista a una de las seis "conversaciones con la comunidad" programadas para octubre. Comparta su opinión, pregunte e infórmese sobre lo que HISD hace para mejorar el rendimiento estudiantil y ser el mejor distrito del país.
La primera sesión de conversaciones entre la comunidad y el Superintendente Terry Grier se realizará el 4 de octubre en Sam Houston MSCT. La sesión para empleados será de 4:30 a 6:00 p.m. y para la comunidad de 6:30 p.m. a 8:00 p.m. Visite www.houstonisd.org para más información y una lista de las fechas y horarios.
Also, don't forget to donate to the HEB Literacy drive. See related article in this week's Twain Times.
Have a great week!
Melissa Patin
Principal
mpatin@houstonisd.org
Back to Top |
| Message from our PTO President | |
Dear Mark Twain Families,
Fall, football and fundraising - it has all started! About this time every year, the same questions regarding fundraising get asked. 'Why do we do it? Can't we just have one? Or none? Can we just write a check? Do we have to do them all? Do we have to do any?' Here are my three "thoughts" regarding fundraising at Mark Twain.
Fundraising is important. First of all, Mark Twain Elementary counts on dollars that the PTO donates to the school each year. This year, these dollars will be allocated to support PYP training, additional curriculum materials, educational supplies, campus safety, technology support, library books and more. And the PTO needs to raise money so that we can continue to do this for our school. Secondly, I believe that fundraising gives children a sense of empowerment and provides a better understanding of civic responsibility. They see first hand that they have the ability to make a positive change in their school and hopefully, as they grow older their ideas of philanthropy will expand and their acts of helping and sharing will increase.
Fundraising comes in many shapes and forms. Whether through our Friends and Family campaign, catalog fundraisers, eating dinner out one night, or cutting a box top from a product in your house, every little bit helps. Our "Rewards Programs" and "Restaurant Nights Out" are a big hit with the crowd that likes to eat and shop (especially at businesses that donate back to Mark Twain) and of course, we host family events such as Spooky Spaghetti, Book Fair and Bingo that really bring out the "FUN" in fundraising. Not everything will appeal to everyone, but we hope that there is at least one thing that might.
Fundraising is a choice. If you are not comfortable participating in our fundraisers, that is perfectly acceptable. Some families really like to support one and then step back on the others, and that is perfectly acceptable as well. Others do a little bit with everything, and that works too. Basically, anything that you are willing to do is an acceptable choice. There are many ways you can support the school, and fundraising is only one of them.
I love the fall. I enjoy watching my boys play football. And I really do look forward to participating in the school fundraisers...in fact, we have a baggie full of box tops collecting in the kitchen drawer ready to divide between classes when the time is right!
Best,
Deanna Sheaffer, President
Mark Twain PTO: United We Build Community
deannasheaffer@yahoo.com
Back to Top |
| Parent Enrichment, Sept. 15th at 6:30pm | | |
We're All In This Together: Tales from a World School
 Houston Playback Theatre kicks off our Parent Enrichment program with an exciting evening of improvisational theatre for grown ups. Enjoy a delightful evening as the true stories of the Twain community come to life through this unique form of theatre. A story, a thought, or even just a feeling shared ignites an evening filled with real life drama performed on the spot by the Playback actors. Throughout the performance, actor and audience alike are reminded of the many connections we all share, but often forget. Childcare provided.
Back to Top |
| International Dinner, September 19th, 5:30-7:30pm | | |
Come Celebrate Our Diversity & Meet Other Twain Families at the
International Dinner on Monday September 19th
5:30-7:30 pm in the school cafeteria
What to do: Bring a dish for 8-12 people to sample so everyone can share in tastes from around the world. No time to cook but want to come? Order a dish from one of our diverse neighborhood restaurants and join us. Please bring serving utensils.
What to wear: Everyone is welcome to dress up for the occasion in your country's traditional outfit/costume or soccer jersey, or other favorite outfit such as sport or band uniform or ballet outfit, etc.
Want to help set up, clean up and/or welcome people? Please contact Fabia Hill at fabia@live.com
Back to Top |
| Name that Book (K-2 or 3-5) | |
Students interested in trying out for the Name that Book Teams (K-2 or 3-5) should begin reading the books! Book Lists for both teams are available in the Library. Competition will be in the spring (dates TBA). Interested students will take a qualifying test (7 students per each team) in November or December (exact dates TBA). Additional information can be found at http://marktwainpto.org/files/2011/07/NamethatBookTeamFAQs.doc.pdf.
Back to Top |
|
| Spirit Day at Berryhill, September 20th | | |
 Come and join us at Berryhill at 5110 Buffalo Speedway at Westpark on Tuesday, September 20th. All day a portion of the proceeds will benefit Mark Twain Elementary. Click here to print out the flyer to bring with you or mention Mark Twain Elementary when ordering. Visit online at www.berryhillbajagrill.com or call 713-667-8226.
|
| Kindergarten Pizza Party, Sept. 22nd, 5:30pm | | |
All Kindergarteners and their families are invited to join us for a Pizza Party on Thursday, September 22nd from 5:30-7pm. Cost is $4 per person (which includes a slice of pizza, drink and dessert; additional slices can be purchased for $1). Siblings are welcome! |
|
|
|
| Strategic Planning Committee: We need Kinder and 1st Grade Reps | | |
The Strategic Planning Committee was created by the PTO Board to identify opportunities and plan for the expenditures of funds that you have generously donated to the PTO. The Board is currently seeking nominations to fill two openings, one each for the Kindergarten and First Grade levels. If you are interested in becoming more involved or know someone who might be interested, please reply to Kurt Stratmann (Strategic Planning Committee chair) at kaseng@aol.com by Friday, September 15. The Committee generally meets in the afternoons (3:30 - 4:30 pm) 6-8 times per school year, with the first meeting on Tuesday, September 20.
Back to Top |
| Great Gifts Fall Fundraiser | | |
Sale ends September 22nd! Don't be left holding an empty bag! There are great gifts for everyone on your list for the upcoming holidays and birthdays! The best part is it supports Mark Twain PTO!
Order forms can be turned in to the parent workroom, but don't delay because the sale ends September 22nd. All orders will be delivered to your child's class in November before the Thanksgiving break.
Samples of many of the items are now on display in the library windows near the front office. Check them out and order today!
Still have questions? Contact Kris Edelheit at GiftQueen@aol.com or 713.666.9404.
Back to Top |
| Art a la Carte | | |
Please join me in the cafeteria for an informational meeting regarding our parent driven art program! Get involved in your child's classroom and have some fun as well! The first meeting will focus on kindergarten-second grade and will be held on Monday, September 26th at 8:00 am. The second meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 28th at 8:00 am and will look at the third-fifth grade lessons. Samples of lesson products will be shown. If you have any questions, please contact me, Suzy Brown, at brown.suzy@comcast.net.
Back to Top |
| Odyssey of the Mind | |
Odyssey of the Mind is is an international educational program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. They then bring their solutions to competition on the local, state, and world level. OM offers kids the opportunity for creative artistic and technical expression, problem solving, teamwork, and increased self-confidence. To learn more, go to http://www.odysseyofthemind.com/learn_more.php
If you are interested in hearing about Odyssey of the Mind at Mark Twain, please come to one of the following informational meetings: Wednesday, September 14 or Monday, September 19 in the cafeteria immediately following drop-off. For additional information please contact Tonya Crombie at tonyacrombie@comcast.net
If you are interested in coaching an Odyssey team, please mark your calendar for the Houston-area coaches training session on Saturday, October 8th at Sharpstown International school, 8330 Triola Lane, Houston, TX 77036 . Registration begins at 7:30 AM and the session lasts from 8:00 AM until noon. For additional information, please contact Alice Reuter/Judy Moore at info@txodyssey.org.
Back to Top |
| Yearbook News for 2011-2012 | |
Yearbook Cover Contest - Win a Free Yearbook
It's competition time! The student competition for this year's yearbook cover design starts now. We need your artwork so the Contest Committee can choose the most creative and unique artwork that best demonstrates our theme:
- Twain Tales: Artwork should show our school and what it means to you, other students and the community.
- Deadline: Entries must be received by 9/22/2011 by 3:00 pm. Please place entries in the brightly covered box in the front hallway.
- Artwork: Must be on 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper in portrait orientation. Artwork should be bright and colorful and reflect our theme: Twain Tales. You must put your name, grade and teacher's name on the back of the artwork.
- Questions?: email: marktwainyearbook@yahoo.com or call 713.256.0852
Back to School Photos Needed!
Did you take pictures of your kids first day of school? Please send them to the yearbook directors at marktwainyearbook@yahoo.com or you may copy them to a drive or cd and place them in the yearbook box in the parent workroom.
Photos throughout the School Year
Remember, in order to have a great yearbook we need your pictures. Please send them throughout the year. When submitting photos, please advise us of the grade and teacher. Thank you.
Back to Top |
| Art Fundraiser Comes to Twain!! | |
 Back by popular demand, our children will be creating special works of art with Ms. Cowan during their Art ancillary period from Sept. 8 - Sept. 23. Square 1 Art will be transforming your children's artwork into a diverse selection of incredible custom products. Order forms will be distributed the last week of October, so keep a look out for them. If you have any questions, please contact Tracey Bailey at twb42701@yahoo.com or 713-857-3731.
Back to Top |
| Spooky Spaghetti is October 22nd, 4-8pm | | |
 The t-shirt design competition is underway! Students may enter their artwork to help design this year's Spooky Spaghetti t-shirt. There will be prizes given to the overall winner, as well as, a winner for each grade level. Competition deadline is Tuesday, September 20th at 3pm and the winners will be announced on Friday, September 23rd. Guidelines for the t-shirt design are as follows:
There is a limit of one design submission per student, using markers or bold crayons with a maximum of five colors. Please include your name, grade and teacher on the back. If you would like it returned to you, write "return" on the back.
Pre-order your tickets, wristbands and t-shirts to avoid the lines at the event beginning September 26th.
Please look for your class booth volunteer sign up sheet outside your classroom and at your class Open House on Tuesday. Parent volunteer participation is an integral part of the event's success so please sign up early.
For other volunteer opportunities and generator loans, please contact Jenny Hanks at j_hanks@att.net or Allyson Plummer at allysontplummer@yahoo.com.
Back to Top |
| HEB Literacy Book Drive ends September 19th | | |
Kindergarten-3rd Grade Chance to Win a Classroom Pizza Party! September is National Literacy Month. To celebrate this event, HEB is collecting gently-used books to donate to the local community. Beginning Wednesday, September 7, HEB will have collection bins in the Media Center at Mark Twain. Students may place their donation of gently-used books in the collection bins between September 7 and 19. HEB bags will be provided for the donations. Parents will need to complete the form (Student's name, grade and teacher) and place the form in the bag along with the donation. The class from each grade level that donates the most books wins a Pizza Party. The collected books will be distributed to children during H-E-B's "Feast of Sharing" on Sunday, December 11 at the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Back to Top |
| Sign up for Marathon Kids Today! | | |
Marathon Kids:
- Is a FREE running and nutritional program that promotes the development of a healthy lifestyle in your child!
- Challenges children to run/walk 26.2 miles over six months, in quarter or half mile increments.
- Helps your child feel a sense of accomplishment and pride by tracking progress on a mileage and food intake log, while earning free rewards along the way!
- Can help parents, children, and families develop life long healthy habits when they participate in the program together.
Click here to print out the registration form. Return registration forms to Coach Jody by Friday, October 7th. * Please include an email address on the registration form if possible.
Back to Top |
| Put a Smile on Your child's Face by Placing an Ad in the Student Directory | |
Support the printed directory by buying an ad today!! You can create your own parent ad or have the Directory Team create an ad for you. Click here to download the Parent Ad form. Business ads may also be purchased and ad revenue is used to cover printing costs. Click here to print the business ad from. Simply fill out the attached parent ad form or business ad form and return it to the PTO workroom by Friday, September 16th. Contact twaindirectory@hotmail.com if you have any questions.
Back to Top |
|
Join the Friends and Family Campaign | |
Deadline is Friday, September 16th to join our Friends & Family Campaign. It is an important part of our overall PTO fundraising program and funds raised help support many programs as well as items early in the academic year such as teacher start-up funds, communication vehicles and event expenses.
Please consider supporting these endeavors and more by making a tax-deductible donation to the Mark Twain PTO and participating in our Friends & Family Campaign. For online donations go to: https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/register.asp?m=216&c=49. Or click here to print out the form and for information regarding giving levels and associated benefits as well as information on Corporate Matching Gift Programs. Please return the form along with your gift by Friday, September 16, 2011.
In advance, we thank you for your support! - Stormy Hayes-Knipe, VP Membership
Back to Top |
| Early Robotics at Twain | | |
Early Robotics - Coaches Needed
The coach's responsibilities include: encouraging a team atmosphere, teaching the team the fundamentals of building which can be accomplished by simply having the team complete the LEGO® Simple Machines Activities, organizing the construction of the playing field, and organizing the team's participation at events. Furthermore, to be a coach, engineering skills are NOT necessary. If you are interested in coaching, please contact Jackie Norris via email at jnorris3@houstonisd.org
Robotics - Grades 3 - 5
Mark Twain's Robotics is beginning to plan for the new year. If your child is interested in being part of this team, please fill out an application. To obtain an application, please see Jackie Norris. Teams are selected via a lottery system.
Back to Top |
| Box Tops for Education | |
 As you are getting breakfast ready and packing lunches, don't forget to clip the Box Top coupons found on hundreds of participating products. Each coupon is worth $.10 and will earn cash for our school. Last year, Mark Twain received over $2,000 from the Box Top coupons that were collected throughout the year.
The goal for the 2011-2012 school year is for each student to turn in 30 Box Top coupons,which is a total of 21,600 coupons. You can help by simply cutting the coupons and bringing them to your child's classroom or PTO workroom. There will be a designated Box Top container in both locations. Don't forget to get the kids involved in finding and clipping the Box Tops and by asking family and friends to save the coupons as well.
Not sure where to find Box Top coupons? Look on General Mills cereal, Pillsbury products, Betty Crocker products, Hefty products and more. Click here for a complete list of products.
The class that collects the most Box Tops throughout the year will win a pizza party as their reward! Thanks for helping and keep clipping! It's a free and easy way to earn money for our school. |
| Corporate Sponsors | | |
Thank you so much to our list of Corporate Sponsors for 2011-2012. Our Corporate Campaign is an important part of our overall PTO fundraising program. This is the sixth year we have partnered with businesses in our community to raise funds for teacher, student, classroom and technology support, curriculum enrichment, staff appreciation, facility enhancements such as the new Huckleberry Park (garden and outdoor classroom) as well as our playground project (phase II) and much more as we move into the new school year.
We invite you to become our corporate partner and enrich the educational experience of each child by making a tax-deductible donation to the Mark Twain PTO. Click here to view the Corporate Campaign letter. Click here to view the giving levels, associated benefits and form to become a 2011-2012 Corporate Partner.
Support from our business community is an important part of our fundraising efforts!! If you would like more information regarding becoming a corporate sponsor, contact Jennifer Castillo at: castillojeneric@sbcglobal.net.
|
| Order your Birthday Grams Today! | |
 Do you want to make your child feel special at school on their birthday?
Then sign up for a Birthday Gram to be delivered to their classroom! Forms are available in the Parent Workroom or may be completed online. Click here to order online now! (Please allow 4 days notice if ordering online.)
Questions or interest in helping to deliver B-day Grams please contact: Bea Davies at (713) 667-4644, beadavies@yahoo.com OR Marta Fonseca at (713) 667-3394, ed-n-marta@att.net.
Back to Top |
| Positive Actions at Mark Twain | | |
In hallways & stairways, Mark Twain students are:
Caring by looking at other's work and walking quietly,
Knowledgeable that others are working,
Principled by going directly to our destination
In the cafeteria, Mark Twain students are:
Balanced in our food choices,
Communicators by listening to classmates & talking with "inside" voices,
Caring by recycling items and throwing away trash.
In the restrooms, Mark Twain students are:
Knowledgable by washing hands with soap.
Caring by throwing away used paper towels
Principled by rejoining class quickly and quietly.
During assemblies, Mark Twain students are:
Principled by following teachers' directions and respecting the performers' effort,
Knowledgeable by practicing concert manners,
Caring by sitting appropriately.
On the playground, Mark Twain students are:
Reflective by winning and losing with positive attitudes,
Caring by treating others the way you want to be treated,
Balanced by knowing your limits,
Risk-takers by including all.
In the specialists' classrooms, Mark Twain students are:
Open-minded by learning from different teachers in different situations,
Inquirers by asking questions,
Risk-takers by trying something new.
Back to Top |
| Rewards Programs | | |
Help with Fundraising through Rewards Programs. The PTO is grateful to participate in programs which reward our school based on the customer loyalty and patronage of our families. A percentage of the proceeds spent are donated back to the school! For detailed information, visit our PTO website rewards page at: http://marktwainpto.org/fundraising/rewards-programs/
Here are some highlights:
- Box Tops - Clip these box tops and turn them in; see related article in this week's Twain Times.
- Kroger Rewards - Link your Kroger card to Mark Twain Elementary
- Randall's - Designate Mark Twain as a beneficiary on your Remarkable card
- Target Rewards - Go online to link your Target card to Mark Twain #98794
- School House Partners - Use a School House Partners home maintenance service provider and designate Mark Twain as your school. This local owned business connects homeowners to dependable, pre-screened home maintenance providers; painters, plumbers, landscapers, most everything pertaining to home maintenance. Schools receive 20% of what SchoolHouse Partners earns from referrals fees paid by the home maintenance provider.
- Office Depot - Link the Twain Elementary code #70097851 to your Office Depot reward card and the school gets 5% back.
- Bouquelle Cleaners - For the month of September, 20% of the purchases made by Mark Twain families and Staff will be donated to Mark Twain Elementary PTO. Bouquelle Cleaners, (Schnelle Family) has been providing dry cleaning and laundry services for 14 years in the Bellaire area located at 5118 Bissonnet (HEB Shopping Center); Bellaire, TX 77401 or call 713-666-3450.
- Drink Pouch Brigade® - Volunteer needed in order for us to participate in this program. Every year BILLIONS of drink pouches end up in dumpsters and landfills across America. TerraCycle, Capri Sun® and Honest Kids® are working together to put an end to this awful loss of resources. As an eco-friendly innovator, TerraCycle converts the drink pouch material into unique from tote bags and pencil cases to plastic lumber and pavers! TerraCycle is proud to team up with the largest producer of drink pouches in the country, Capri Sun, and a young organic entry into the market, Honest Kids, to help address this problem! Together with your help we CAN make a difference!
Back to Top |
| Community Activities and News | | |
Chess Classes Available - Register now for Fall Chess classes:
Parents must call Stephen Jacobs to register. Call the SJ Chess School at 832-582-0007.
Join Cub Scout Pack 34 now!
Mark Twain Elementary School is the largest source of boys for Cub Scout Pack 34. Pack 34 is a very active pack with over 100 families, 4 camping trips per year, pinewood derby, scout fair, and too many other opportunities to list. The Boy Scouts of America just celebrated its 100th anniversary and the skills it teaches such as leadership, communication, and organization are more relevant than ever. All boys who will be entering 1st through 5th grades in the Fall of 2011 are welcome to join. If you want to join or have any questions please email Cubmaster Sean O'Connor at oconnorhook@earthlink.net.
Westbury Soccer
Westbury Soccer Club offers a great soccer experience for elementary aged boys and girls. Teams are forming now. Register on-line at www.westburysoccer.org through September 15, 2011. Don't miss out on a wonderful opportunity. If you have any questions, feel free to contact the in-house director, Pat Huttenbach at phuttenbach@hirschwest.com.
Back to Top |
| Need to put something in the Twain Times? | |
If you have information you would like to include in the Twain Times please follow the following procedures:
|
|
|
