Mark Twain Elementary School Newsletter
School Year 2013 - 2014
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No School Today -January 28, 2014
Due to Potential Icy Weather Conditions

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and Calendar

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January

29  Early Dismissal

30  Art Night

31  Fit Friday

31  Free Dress Day

 

February

4  Grade 3-5 Name That Book Qualifying Test

6  Parent Enrichment

12  PTO Meeting 8:15 AM

14  The Great Bashby! & Valentines Day

19  Early Dismissal

21  Science Fair Project Due

21  Monthly Staff Appreciation Luncheon

21  Kinder Round-Up 8:30 AM

25  Judging of 5th Grade Science Project Finalist Judged

26  Judging of 4th Grade Science Project Finalist 

27  Judging of 3rd Grade Science Project Finalist

25-27  K-2nd Science Projects on Display in Hallway

Feb 27-Mar 5  Dual Language 1st - 5th Grade Stanford/Aprenda Test

 

 

March

1  Soccer Tournament

9  Twain Triathlon

13  Science Night

28  Bingo Night

 

 

April

1   4th Grade STAAR Writing Test

1   5th Grade STAAR Math Test

2   4th Grade STAAR Writing Test

2   5th Grade STAAR Reading Test

22  3rd & 4th Grade STAAR Math Test

23  3rd & 4th Grade STAAR Reading Test

23  5th Grade STAAR Science Test

 

May

5-9  1st - 5th Grade Stanford/ Aprenda Test

13  Make-up Stanford/Aprenda Test  

 

Online Fundraising
Links
Amazon Button
   Mark Twain will receive 5% of your purchase price if you use these links to make your online purchases.  No private information is transmitted to Mark Twain, just a check every quarter based on 5% of the collective purchases you make using the links above.
In This Issue
Art Night
The Great Bashby
Get Fit Friday
Name That Book
Parent Education
Kindergarten Round Up
Soccer Tournament
Yearbook
Twain Triathlon
Science Night
Bingo Night
Science Fair
School Store Gift Cards
Box Tops For Education
Vivaldi Music Academy
Houston Kids Triathlon
Love & Logic
+SNAX
HLSR Carnival Tickets
Calendars and Other Info

 Thank You To Our

2013-2014
Corporate Sponsors
  

Platinum Level

    

  

 

Gold Level   

  

 
  
  
    
 
  Stormy Hayes-Knipe logo  
EBANKS, HORNE, ROTA, MOOS 
   

 

Silver Level   

  Brochsteins_logo

 

Texas Citizens Bank logo   

 

Village_plumbing_logo  

    

 

 

     


 

 

    

 

    

 

 

Community Partners Level

 

gc3_logo_houston   

The Lice Place

TheLicePlace.com 

 

Oakington Logo   

Pure_body_studio_logo
 
Vivaldi Music Academy
 

 

 

Candelaris

Candelaris.com 

 

 

 

  

 

Dear Mark Twain Families,

 

We are in countdown mode to Bash 2014!!! The Great Bashby tickets and table sponsorships can be purchased on-line or in the rotunda before and after school.

You don't want to miss out on the largest fundraiser and event of the year so get ready to get your Gangsta on! Please see the Bash update below for more details and contact information if you have any questions.

 

 

Here are a few reminders for the week:

  • The Nominating Committee is forming and will be announced at the February PTO meeting (Wednesday, February 12th at 8:15 am in the cafeteria). The committee is responsible for reviewing nominations and selecting an officers' and directors' slate for the 2013-14 PTO Board that is representative of the Mark Twain Community. If you are interested in being part of the committee or would like get more involved on the PTO Board next year, please reach out to me at tvhouck@msn.com.
  • Early Dismissal - Tomorrow, January 29.
  • Art Night will be Thursday, January 30th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Please mark your calendars and contact Sonal Patel at sonalpatel628@gmail.com if you have any questions or would like to volunteer.
  • As a parent and resident of Braeswood Place, I am concerned, as you may be, about the increase in crime related activities in our neighborhood. Please remember not leave any valuables in your car at drop-off or pick-up. Also, please be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Constable, if you are a BPHA member or to the HPD non-emergency line at (713) 884-3131, if you are not a member. If your neighbor wants the Constable number, they can join online at  www.braeswoodplace.org.  Please be mindful of all traffic regulations and stops, as the patrols are using traffic enforcement as their first opportunity to determine who is in our neighborhood.

I hope y'all have a wonderful and safe week! Stay warm!

 

Tony Houck

Mark Twain PTO President

tvhouck@msn.com 

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ART NIGHT
Hello, parents!  Art Night is a fun family event created by our very own Ms. Cowan! You can come to Mark Twain after school and let your children create inspired artworks! There will be Art Cars!!! Origami!!! Painting Fluorescent!!! Painting Picasso!!! Clay!!! And so much more!

 

This year it will be held on Thursday, January 30th from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.  

 

We are looking for volunteers to help set up, sell Candelari's pizza slices and drinks, and help supervise the art tables.  There will be 10 fun-filled stations that the children can use their art passports for to enter into the raffle at the end of the evening!

 

I am asking for brown paper grocery bags to be held onto and delivered into the PTO workroom by the morning of Art Night, or this Thursday. Each child will take one at the entrance of Art Night. This bag will hold all of the art works safely throughout the evening.

 

This is a great event with a very small time commitment.  If you are interested in helping, please log into "sign up genius" at 

www.signupgenius.com/go/409044FA8AB29A75-mark  and look for the Mark Twain Art Night sign up.   

 

For any questions, concerns, or comments, please contact Sonal Patel at sonalpatel628@gmail.com , or 240-888-6732.

 

Looking forward to seeing the Mark Twain Community on Art Night!

 

Thank you,

Sonal Patel

Arts Enrichment Director

Mark Twain Elementary 
THE GREAT BASHBY INVITATION AND SPONSORS!
Bashby Header TOP

GET YOUR HUCKLEBERRY BASH TICKETS!

Ticket sales continue in the front rotunda, Kinder hallway and on-line at this Online Ticket Purchase Link. Check out our Facebook PageLike us on Facebook to preview exciting Auction items!!  Don't miss the excitement!

 

VIP Parking and Program Seating Raffle

New and exciting raffle this year...One lucky family will win "PRESIDENTIAL PARKING & 2 RESERVED SEATS" at each of their children's programs for the 2014-2015 school year beginning September. Raffle tickets go on sale February 3rd in the front rotunda for $100/piece.

 

Wine Pull With A Gatsby Twist

You may drop off your donations to the home of Chastiti Horne (3606 North Braeswood) or contact Dan Crowder for pick up.  Contact Dan Crowder for more information at dfcrowder@thecrowderlawfirm.com or 713-503-5308.

 

Volunteers Needed

If you would like to help in any way - decorations, reservations, auction set up, check-in, clean up or take a shift at the Wine Pull or Big Board . . . contact Kim Marosis at kmarosis@clearpointco.com .

 

Donations

We still need cash/check donations towards purchasing airline cards. These cards will be coupled with other big ticket items at the Bash.  

 

Sponsors    

Thank you to our Sponsors -  Click Here for Listing!  

 

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GET FIT FRIDAY

 Fit Friday will be held on Friday, January 31st!  All students, faculty and parents are welcome to jog or walk the track before starting their day!  The fun starts 7:30 in the morning!

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NAME THAT BOOK

3-5 NTB Event
The NTB qualifying test for Grades 3 - 5 will be Tuesday, February 4th.  Students will meet in Ms. Vamvakias' room next to the library immediately after school.  You may send them with a snack.  The test will begin at 3:30 pm. 

K - 2 NTB Event

The K - 2 NTB event will be March 3 - 7.  For more information about the Name That Book reading incentive program please click on the following link http://www.houstonisd.org/Page/93027  

 

Parents need to be aware that coaching the team will be a shared effort among the parents.   Contact Kyrsten Crawford at kyrsten.crawford@gmail.com or speak with our Librarian, Mr. Deering if you have any questions.

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PARENT EDUCATION
UT Health Children's Learning Institute
Mark Twain Elementary  Parent Education Presents: 

"Back to Basics: How You Can Help Your Child be a Successful Learner"
Thursday, February 6th at 8:15 AM in the Cafeteria

 

Featuring

 

Linda Ewing-Cobbs, PhD
Neuropsychologist
Director, Dan L. Duncan Children's Neurodevelopmental Clinic
Professor, Children's Learning Institute, a part of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

 

Anson J. Koshy, MD, MBE
Developmental and Behavioral Pediatrician
Dan L. Duncan Children's Neurodevelopmental Clinic
Assistant Professor, Children's Learning Institute, a part of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

 

Rosanna Polifroni, PhD
Clinical Psychologist
Dan L. Duncan Children's Neurodevelopmental Clinic
Children's Learning Institute, a part of The University of Texas Medical School at Houston

 

The Dan L. Duncan Children's Neurodevelopmental Clinic is part of the Children's Learning Institute at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston. The clinic is dedicated to enhancing children's opportunities for successful living by providing them with individualized, research-based assessment and clinical services. Our team works closely to provide continuing care for each child's developmental, psychological and education needs. Through diagnosis, referral for recommended interventions, and periodic follow-up, we address each child's needs throughout childhood, adolescence, and young adulthood. www.childrenslearninginstitute.org

 

For more information about the program contact Tonya Crombie tonyacrombie@comcast.net
KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP

Kindergarten Round Up

All ZONED families with incoming kindergartners are welcomed and encouraged to attend the 2014 Mark Twain Kindergarten Round Up February 21st.  

 

Check-in starts at 8:30 AM with the program starting at 9 AM. Please bring proof of residency - two recent copies of utility bills or lease agreement with most recent rent receipt attached.  

Contact Sarah Callahan Baker at callhanbaker@hotmail.com with any questions.  

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PICK-UP SOCCER TOURNAMENT

soccer_ball

The Dual Language Program at Mark Twain would like to invite everyone out to a friendly pick-up style soccer tournament. It will be held at Mark Twain on Saturday, March 1, 2014 from 10 AM-2 PM.
 
Twain family and friends will be divided into teams according to their ages. K-2nd grade, 3-5th grade, and parents (Co-ed).
More information on how to sign up to play and t-shirt sales dates to follow. Profits from tournament T-shirts and snacks will go towards the 5th grade Gift Fund. We will need parent volunteers to be coaches, referees, sell concessions and T-shirts. Thanks in advance for your support. 
  
For more information contact Rita Garcia-Prats at ritagarciaprats@gmail.com.

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YEARBOOK

Photos Needed!

 

Electronically upload any 2013-2014 School Year classroom or Twain function photos into Mark Twain Elementary's Community Shutterfly site that can be found at this link:

https://marktwainyearbook.shutterfly.com/ 

Password: tigers

 

To add pictures you'll need a Shutterfly account (setting up an account is free, quick & easy).   Please label your album to indicate Grade and Class/Teacher OR Event. Without the label information, we can't use your photos.   Contact Laura Solitare, Mark Twain PTO Yearbook Director at twainyearbook1314@gmail.com or lgsolitare@gmail.com 

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TWAIN TRIATHLON
TriatholonThe First Twain Triathlon will be held on Sunday, March 9th.

Don't forget to ask family and friends to help support you and your school in what will be a great accomplishment! Extra sponsorship forms may be found in the drawer labeled Triathlon in the Parent Workroom if needed!

 

For questions contact Monica Agosta at magosta69@gmail.com.  
SCIENCE NIGHT - 
Explore The Extraordinary!

 

Mark your calendars for Thursday, March 13th 5:30 - 7:30 pm for this fun filled event.

 

To volunteer or get more information contact Megan Rose at meganrose72@gmail.com.

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BINGO NIGHT

Mark Twain Bingo LogoBINGO night is Scheduled for March 28th.  

 

We look forward to seeing you then for lots of BINGO fundraising FUN! 

 

If you are interested in helping the BINGO Night team, please contact Laura Bumgarner at Laura.L.Bumgarner@wellsfargo.com 

SCIENCE FAIR PROJECT
Science Fair With Eye ProtectionIf students have questions or need help Ms. Reese will be holding "open lab" Science Fair Tutorial, Tuesday and Thursday from 3:30-4:15. 

Please remember that Grade 3-5 projects are due February 21st.  K-2nd graders will be doing a project with their class, ask your teacher if you'd like to know more.

Attached is a copy of the Science Fair Packet (Click Here For Packet) for your reference.

Like last year, the top three projects from each classroom will go on to the judging phase.  Top projects will be judged:
  • February 25th - 5th Graders,
  • February 26th - 4th Graders, and
  • February 27th - 3rd Graders.

Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade Projects will be exhibited in their hallways between February 25th and February 27th.


If you have any questions, contact Becky Reese, Science Lab Teacher
Mark Twain Elementary, rreese@houstonisd.org
SCHOOL STORE
Buy your regal cinemas Gift Cards at the School Store!
Jan2014School Store Movie Gift Cards
Get That Gift Card From The School Store!   
Jan2014School Store Birthday Cards

BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION

$1,051.20 Just Received from Box Tops For Education!    

 

Thank you to all who took the time to clip those Box Tops off of product packaging that could have easily been tossed in the garbage.  Many thanks also to those of you who go to BTFE.com to click on those Bonus Sweepstakes!   

 

Click Here for Box Top Collection Sheets. 

 
Click on the Bonus Sweepstakes images below to enter for a chance to win eBoxTops for Mark Twain. Note that PO Box addresses are typically not accepted for online Bonus Sweepstakes and will be marked void should you win. Each eBoxTop is worth $0.10 (10 cents). 

BTFE GoGurt Sweepstake
Click on Image above to enter. One (1) Entry per person/email address through 2/10/2014.


BTFESendCheer
Click on Image above to enter. One (1) Entry per person/email address per day through 7/17/2014.
Please register at btfe.com to support Mark Twain Elementary in Houston Texas! Visit Kroger's RewardYourSchool.com to see bonus offers and Randall's 2Ways2Earn.com to see more bonus offers.
  
For more information, contact Jacqueline Leggington at btfe.marktwain@yahoo.com.
VIVALDI MUSIC ACADEMY
Vivaldi Music Academy
Dream Big.  Be Creative.  Play Music. 

Vivaldi Music Academy is a new music school in the Bellaire/West University area on Gramercy Street.  Our school is owned and operated by a renowned Houston Symphony violinist, Zeljko Pavlovic.  

Vivaldi Music Academy offers private instruction in piano, violin, guitar, cello, voice and more, group lessons in guitar and choir, ensemble lessons in jazz ensemble, classical ensemble and rock band, and early childhood music development classes with Kindermusik in ONE location! Whether it's Kindermusik for your toddler, a performance-driven program for your teen, or something in-between, the exceptional staff at Vivaldi Music Academy can instruct, nurture, and help instill a passion for music that leads to academic and social success.
Click Here to learn more about our music programs.

For questions, contact Courtney Park, Suzuki Program Director at courtney@vivaldimusicacademy.com or 713-858-9617
HOUSTON KIDS TRIATHLON TEAM
Houston Kid Triathlon Mark Twain Team On Houston Kids Triathlon 

Registration is now open for the 3rd Annual Houston Kids Triathlon to be held on April 12-13,2014. 

Click here to register www.houstonkidstriathlon.org. 

Mark Twain Elementary School will receive $10 back for every child that registers as part of the Mark Twain Elementary School team.  Please just write "Mark Twain Elementary School" in the space next to Team Name on the registration form. 

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Deanna Sheaffer at deannasheaffer@yahoo.com.
LOVE AND LOGIC
Love & Logic Parenting the Love & Logic Way

This series of courses offers solutions for families of children from early childhood to beyond adolescence. This parenting program is designed to give you practical skills that can be used immediately!

Learn Solutions For:
  • How do I get them out of bed on time?
  • How can I stop my children from bickering and fighting?
  • How do I get my children to help with the chores without arguments?  
$35 DROP-IN FEE, Optional Workbook $10.  Classes on January 29, February 5, 12 and 19 at:
  • The Post Oak School, 4600 Bissonnet St @ Ave B from 6:30 - 8 PM, Or
  • St. Mark's Church, 3816 Bellaire Blve at Noon
No childcare provided.  You must register with Phylis Tomlinson,  phylistomlinson@gmail.com, 713-661-6688 x176 or 713-668-6558 prior to attending.
+SNAX
Add a description Still water reflects. 

Are you in a power struggle with someone? Is your child struggling with another child or group of children or with a teacher or coach?  It's very normal, but it's not a lot of fun.

 

If it's your struggle, think about the last time you engaged in the negativity. How did you respond? If your child is struggling, what did you recommend as a next step?

 

It can be tempting to put a person who's attacked us or our child "in their place" - and it feels good for a few minutes and maybe even a few more than that! The question is: does an equally negative response end a power struggle - or does it fuel our ego, and, the drama?

 

Sometimes, when negativity darkens our or our child's door, silence is an excellent option. Silence is not only dignified; silence, in and of itself, forces contemplation. Silence allows the waves of anger and spiraling one-upsmanship to calm and settle. And when it settles, the still water that remains can provide a clear picture - a reflection in the stillness - of the negativity. 

 

If your personal power struggle again ensues, next time, perhaps, be still. Consider it an experiment. The next time your child comes to you for advice on how to respond within a power struggle of their own, consider suggesting silence. No one can see anything clearly in a choppy, stormy sea, and it's good to learn in these fast-paced times that sometimes we don't need to do anything just now.  

 

Sometimes we just need to be quiet, to reflect, and to create an opportunity for reflection that only still water provides.

.........................................

©2013 +Works

www.blog.positivethinkingworks.org     

For more information, visit www.positivethinkingworks.org.

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HOUSTON LIVESTOCK SHOW AND RODEO
Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo HLSRHalf Price Carnival Tickets
 

It's that time of year again.  Attached here is a flyer detailing how to order your tickets.  Please feel free to pass it on to any family, friends or co-workers. If you have any questions please contact Cathy Biediger at cathy@biediger.com or 713-851-8839

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CALENDARS AND OTHER USEFUL INFO

 

HISD Lunch Menus: www.houstonisd.org/Page/68611 
 
HISD Lunch Payment Online: www.parentonline.net/Public/Login.aspx
  
VIPS Approval--need to volunteer or go on field trips: marktwainpto.org/membership/vips-approval/

Grades 3 - 5 LDC Blog: wwwmarktwainldc35.blogspot.com     

HISD Parent Student Connect Login (daily grades, progress reports): https://psc.houstonisd.org/ParentStudentConnect/Login.aspx  
For more information check out:
Mark Twain Elementary PTO website marktwainpto.org 
Mark Twain Elementary School website houstonisd.org/Twaines
HISD website houstonisd.org

 

Forward questions to twaintimes10@yahoo.com.  If you have information you would like to include in the Twain Times please follow the following procedures: 
  • For Parents - send information to our PTO President, Tony Houck at tvhouck@msn.com for approval, copy twaintimes10@yahoo.com.
  • For Staff - send information to Ms. Patin for approval at mpatin@houstonisd.org, copy twaintimes10@yahoo.com.
  • Details needed for Twain Times:
    • Each Volunteer needs to copy twaintimes10@yahoo.com on your request to have something published in the Twain Times.   It is your responsibility for sending the posting and attachments to twaintimes10@yahoo.com.  It is not Mr. Houck or Ms. Patin responsibility to forward emails to twaintimes10@yahoo.com.
    • Provide text for your listing in the email or in a WORD document.
    • If you want a flyer included, it must be submitted in PDF format.
    • If you want a logo or image to appear in your listing, provide it in jpg, gif or png format.  Go to this link for guidance on logos and images.
      • If you want the logo or image to be linked to a website, please include the website address for your image or logo in your email.
      • If you want the logo or image to have a caption, please specify text for caption.
    • If you want a video link, provide the URL for the video
  • Submission deadlines for all approved articles are Thursdays by 5pm for the Twain Times that will be issued the following week.
  • Note that we will not include student full name unless we have parent permission.