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The Twain Times
A weekly newsletter from Mark Twain Elementary School
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In This Issue
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PTO President Message
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International Festival Planning Meeting, 2/15
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Bash Update
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Box Tops for Education, 2/15
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+Talk III, Cybertechnology, 2/8/2012
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Parent Enrichment - Healthy Cooking, 2/16, 8:15am
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UIL Competition, Meeting (2/9) and Applications Deadline (2/15)
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Dad's Golf Tournament, Friday 3/30
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5th Graders Music Message from Mrs. Bardin
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Lanier Middle School Spring Tours
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Students NOT returning to Mark Twain Fall 2012 - fill out form
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Community News and Events: HLSR Half-price Carnival Tickets, West U Softball Carnival, Willow Pool, and Arboretum Camp
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Order Your Birthday Grams
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Rewards Programs
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Mark Your Calendar
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February
2/7 - PTO Meeting, 6:30pm
2/8 - +Talk III, Cybertechnology, St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School, 6:30pm
2/9 - UIL Meeting, 3:15pm, F-201
2/10 - Huckleberry Bash, 6:30pm
2/15 - Box Tops for Education deadline
2/15 - International Festival Planning Meeting, 8am
2/15 - Deadline for UIL applications
2/16 - Parent Enrichment: A Healthy Family on Any Schedule, 8:15am
2/17 - Monthly Staff Appreciation Luncheon
2/25 - International Festival, 1:00-4:00pm
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Thank You to Our
2011-2012
Corporate Sponsors |
Tom Sawyer Level
Huckleberry Finn Level
Toni Rodriguez Salon
Samuel Clemens Level
Aunt Polly Level
Becky Thatcher Level
Evans and Mossman CPAs
smossman@jbecpa.com
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February 7, 2012
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Dear Parents,
This week many in the Mark Twain community will be attending the Huckleberry Bash. It is an exciting event and if you have had a chance to view the online catalog you know that there are many items that your children would love for you to bid on! One featured item is an instructional tool that will be utilized by all of the teachers, students and parents. The WeatherBug Schools program is a program that the faculty has shown an interest in having here at Twain. Weather objectives are embedded in the math and science curriculum in all grade levels. The WeatherBug program provides a fun and interactive experience for students to learn about weather.
WeatherBug Schools® is a unique program that combines a fully automated Weather Tracking Station with online, standards-based learning to deliver a fascinating educational experience for every grade level. The weather station will give teachers real time access to weather data specific to Mark Twain, as well as lessons to help them use this tool to get the maximum benefit for our students. This program will also increase community awareness through partnerships with local news stations who can include our data in their weather forecast. It provides an exciting opportunity to boost learning across the curriculum.
Join us for a STAAR info session
Feb. 16, 6:30 - 8 p.m.
Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center
Board Auditorium
4400 West 18th Street
A webinar will be available to any parent that may want to view the presentation at their leisure.
STAAR Benchmarks - 4th grade Writing, February 15-16
- Testing will begin immediately following announcements on both days - we will be simulating the actual STAAR test and will follow time limits.
- In our push to improve attendance we will be holding raffles for grade levels and individuals.
Have a wonderful week!
Melissa Patin, Principal
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PTO President Message
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Dear Mark Twain families,
I would like to invite everyone to attend tonight's PTO meeting. As always, the PTO meeting will be held in the Mark Twain library at 6:30 p.m. and babysitting will be provided. We will be discussing the Mark Twain Nominations Process and voting on the 2012 Nominations Committee slate. I encourage anyone who is interested in becoming a PTO Director to attend. One of the primary duties of PTO directors is to attend the monthly (1st Tues.) PTO meetings.
On a different note, BASH is finally here! I cannot wait 'til "Lights, Camera BASH" on Friday night and I look forward to seeing everyone in their Hollywood finest! The Huckleberry Bash is a powerful collaborative effort between parents, teachers and the Mark Twain administration and is our largest fundraiser of the year. Congrats and much appreciation to all the parents, students and teachers for their volunteer work and contributions to make this event a night to remember! And a tremendous THANK YOU to Dawn Koenig and Kathryn Schultz for co-chairing the Bash - they have done a GREAT job!
Have a great week!
Best,
Deanna Sheaffer, PTO President
deannasheaffer@yahoo.com
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International Festival Planning Meeting,
2/15, 8am | | |
Come celebrate the diversity of the cultures and backgrounds represented in our school with a festival of performances and country displays.
As of 2/2/12 the following countries will be represented at the festival:
Argentina, Belgium, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Iran, Italy, Jamaica, Korea, Mexico, Peru, Phillipines, Puerto Rico, Switzerland, Taiwan, Vietnam
If the country you love is not on this list, please consider hosting a table for it!
We will have our next planning/informational meeting on Wednesday, February 15th at 8:00 a.m. in the cafeteria. Please join us!
Don't have time to come to the meeting?
If your child wants to walk in the "Parade of Countries" at the opening of the Festival, please have them be in the 2nd grade hallway @ 12:45 on the day of the Festival!
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| Bash Update | | |
Catalogs are going home today in the Tuesday folder for all those that purchased tickets to Huckleberry Bash. Study it, highlight it, mark it up, tab or whatever you want but be sure to BRING IT TO BASH! This is your one and only copy in the Tuesday folder. We will NOT be handing them out at check-in.
See you on Friday!
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| Box Tops for Education Deadline, 2/15 | |
 All Box Tops are due February 15, 2012. Please continue clipping to help reach our goal of 30 Box Top coupons per student, which is a total of 21,600 coupons. 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. There are designated Box Top collection containers in each classroom where your child can turn them in. The class collecting the most Box Tops wins a pizza party!!
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.
Thanks for helping and keep clipping until February 15!
Questions, contact Amy Allen at amy.allen@comcast.net or 281.501.3544.
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+Talk III, Cybertechnology: Catching Up with our Kids!, 2/8/2012 | |
+TALK III: CYBERTECHNOLOGY: CATCHING UP WITH OUR KIDS!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
6:30-8:00PM
St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School
6802 Buffalo Speedway, Houston 77025
Technology shapes our lives today in a way we could never have imagined as children ourselves. It is an exciting time, although the knowledge gap many of us feel as parents can be daunting! How do we balance our need for our children to be prepared for their future with our desire to keep them safe? How do we engage them in this ever-expanding world and somehow protect their privacy? What are our responsibilities as parents? Why is it important to tune in to, support, and assist our children in developing the critical thinking skills needed to navigate these new waters?
Join us for a presentation and panel discussion that will address the opportunity we have as a community to teach our children the importance of "digital wellness" and digital citizenship and the weighty consequences that can hang in the balance when we find ourselves falling behind our children in this compelling, new digital world. Our expert panel will include:
- AMY ACOSTA, PHD, Assistant Professor, Baylor College of Medicine and Licensed Professional Psychologist, Texas Children's Hospital
- LARRY KAHN, Chief Technology Officer, The Kinkaid School
- SPECIAL AGENT AMANDA HOUSTON, Houston FBI Cyber Crime Squad
ALL are welcome! FREE admission to +Works' nine +School members. $5 for other community members.
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| Parent Enrichment - Healthy Cooking, 2/16, 8:15am | |
 Mark Twain Parent Enrichment
February 16, 8:15 am
Healthy Cooking Techniques for Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meals, Twain Cafeteria
Are you frustrated with not having enough time to get dinner on the table, much less a healthy meal? Are you tired of the whining and continuous food battles with your children over eating anything other than chicken nuggets or pizza? Healthy food does not have to be a battle and it does not have to take more than 15 to 30 minutes to get healthy and delicious food on the table. Join Aimee Taylor as she shares healthy cooking techniques for quick and delicious weeknight meals, as well as tips on getting your kids to eat more healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Click here to view the flyer.
If you cannot attend the event, I strongly encourage you to sign up for Aimee's blog through her website at http://www.greenpeasandblueberries.com/
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UIL Competition (3/31) , Informational Meeting (2/9), Application Deadline (2/15)
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The next UIL Tournament is scheduled for March 31st at Davis High School. Below are the events by grade level. Each competition will have 4 contestants and 2 alternates. Preference will be given to those children who attended the UIL Tournament on January 28th. If you are interested in having your child participate, please sign up on the community bulletin in front of the school store. Deadline to register is February 10th.
We are hoping to have a parent volunteer for each of the events in an effort to help coordinate practice/informational meetings prior to competition. If you can help out, please contact Susana Monteverde at monsing@swbell.net. Mr. Castillo (5th Grade) will be coordinating the academic events and Mrs. Zamarripa-Hicks (5th grade) will be coordinating the performance events. An information meeting about our next event will be held on Thursday, February 9th at 3:15 p.m. in room F-201. In the meantime, a blog has been created for the Mark Twain Community at http://marktwainuil.blogspot.com/ for updates and information.
Academic Competitions
- Art 4/5/6th Grade
- Creative Writing 2nd Grade
- Dictionary Skills 5/6th Grade
- Ready Writing 3/4th Grade and 5thrade
- Listening Skills 5/6th Grade
- Social Studies 5/6th Grade
- Maps, Graphs & Charts 5/6th Grade
- Music Memory 3/4th Grade and 5Grade
- Number Sense 4/5/6th Grade
Performance Competitions
- Oral Reading 4/5 (English/Spanish)
- Public Speaking K-2nd Grade and 3-5th Grade
- Solo Acting K-2nd Grade and 3-5th Grade
- Spelling 3/4th Grade and 5/6th Grade
- Storytelling 2/3rd Grade (English and Spanish)
- Impromptu Speaking K-5th Grade (English and Spanish)
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| Annual Dad's Club Golf Tournament, 3/30 |
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 The annual Dad's Club golf tournament is set for Friday March 30th with a 1:00 PM shotgun Start at Wildcat Golf Club.
This tournament is a good way to spend a Friday afternoon in the Spring with a bunch of Twain parents. Individual tickets can be purchased for $95.00 and all players are treated to hot or boxed lunch prior to play, green fees, and open bar after golf for 1 hour.
Hole Sponsor ships are $500.00 and includes a foursome to the event, lunch, open bar after event, hole sponsor sign and event recognition. This is great way to sponsor a team and host new players or for 4 dads to get together and share a foursome.
Keep up to date on the event by checking the PTO website or the Twain Times. I am in the process of setting up an event registration link and will get that out to all parties as soon as available.
Please contact me if you want to discuss or volunteer at: 713-240-8282 or samsmith@fnf.com.
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| 5th Graders Music Recorders Message from Ms. Bardin | |
Dear Fifth Grade Parents,
I am so excited to share with you that your Fifth Grade Student is learning to play the recorder in music class. I have enough instruments for one classroom so I clean the instruments everyday before the next class. I have ordered some recorders if you would like your child to have his\her own.
The recorder can be purchased for $5.25 from the school store.
School store hours are: Monday-Friday 7:45-8:15a.m. and 2:45-3:15 p.m.
Janet Bardin
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| Lanier Middle School Spring Tours | |
Lanier will be hosting several tours this spring:
- Thursday, March 22 at 9:00am
- Thursday, March 29 at 9:00am
- Wednesday, April 4 at 6:00pm (school tour and 6th grade teacher meet and greet)
- Thursday, April 5 at 9:00am
- Thursday, April 12 at 9:00am
www.purplepups.org
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| Students NOT Returning to Mark Twain Form for Fall 2012 | |
Dear Parents,
Please inform us of your plans for the 2012-2013 school year. Forms went home in the Tuesday folders. If you could please fill them out if you will not be returning in the fall and please check the reason. This will help us plan for the next year. Please return to your child's teacher this week. If you're returning to Mark Twain for the 2012-2013 school year, you do not have to fill out this form. Thanks so much for your assistance.
Sincerely, Melissa Patin
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| Community News and Events | | |
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo 2012 Half-price Carnival Tickets
Each year the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) committee sells half-price carnival tickets. Click here to view the order form in English. Click here to view the order form in Spanish. For more information, contact Alicial Laidler at hlsr.carnival.tickets@gmail.com or Alicia.Laidler@chevron.com. You can also purchase online at https://secure.rodeohouston.com/carnivaltickest/?salescode=1118434.
West University Softball Opening Ceremonies and Carnival
West University Softball welcomes all to attend their Opening Ceremonies and Carnival, Saturday, February 11th from 9am -2pm. Attractions this year include: Climbing Wall, Mechanical Bull, Dunk Tank, Inflatables, Petting Zoo, Karaoke, Confetti Eggs and MUCH MORE! Come out and let the kids run around and have fun! Wristbands for the games are $20 and include a James Coney Island Lunch. The Carnival will take place on the softball fields behind West University Elementary School.
Willow Pool Board Needs the Community's Help
Dear Community Member,
The Willow Pool board was recently informed that there is an interest in buying the land that the pool currently resides. As many of you may not be aware, Willow Pool is on a piece of property that is owned by the city. The plot of land is leased to the pool, by the city, at a predetermined monthly rate and has done so since the 1960s. In fact, the pool was built by neighborhood people using their own funds.
Because of the recent interest in the land, we are asking that all community members write a letter to Council Member Larry Green at districtk@houstontx.gov by Monday, January 30th or ASAP. We are also asking that you cc: a copy of your email to Julia Floyd, VP Willow Pool Board at 4511floyd@msn.com.
So that the city knows exactly what we are asking for, please include the below bullet points in your email:
I am specifically requesting that the city:
- Protect Willow Pool's lease by extending it for 20 years.
- Not allow Willow Pool's lease to be sold privately, or at auction, to an entity other than Willow Pool.
- Protect this community asset from permanent change that would damage strong, growing Houston neighborhoods.
It is unclear if, or when, the issue will be presented to Council. Your timeliness in the manner is greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Willow Pool Board
Arboretum and Nature Center Spring Break Camp
The Houston Arboretum and Nature Center is holding a Spring Break Camp for kids, ages 5-12. Click here to view the flyer.
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| Don't Forget to Order your Birthday Grams! | |
Do you want to make your child or a teacher feel special at school on their birthday?
Then sign up for a Birthday Gram to be delivered to their classroom! Information and 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.)
All proceeds go towards the 5th grade end of year activities. Please support Mark Twain's 5th grade classes this year!
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.
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Rewards Programs
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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
- Balance Meals To Go - They will give 10% of all purchases made by Mark Twain families back to Mark Twain Elementary. Balance Healthy Meals To Go, is a new store in the Braes Heights Shopping Center on Bellaire Blvd. Balance makes individually portioned healthy meals and snacks for take-away. To ensure Mark Twain receives proper credit, tell the store "I attend/work for Mark Twain!" at the register while checking out. www.balancemealstogo.com Phone: 281.501.1968
- 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.
- Champion Energy Services - Special Rates for You and a $25 Donation to Mark Twain Elementary School. With your switch to Champion Energy for your residential electricity service using the promo code MARKTWAIN, you will receive a special rate. In addition, Champion Energy will make a $25 donation for each enrollment and renewal. Click here: http://www.championenergyservices.com/promo.asp?promo=MARKTWAIN
- Bouquelle Cleaners - A percentage 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® - 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! For information, contact Liliana McKean at lmckean1@comcast.net
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