Mark Twain Elementary School Newsletter
School Year 2013 - 2014
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February 11, 2014
Online Fundraising, WeatherBug & Calendar
Links
Amazon Button
  
In This Issue
The Great Bashby
5th Grade Recorders
5th Grade Camp
Yearbook Photos Needed
Kindergarten Round Up
Science Fair
Triathlon Training
Name That Book
Pershing Placement Test
Soccer Tournament
Science Night
Bingo Night
School Store Gift Cards
Box Tops For Education
HOLA Water Polo
Pin Oak JR Cheer Clinic
Vivaldi Music Academy
Love & Logic
+Play Well Event
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 Parents and Families,

 

Mark Twain...are you ready!!??.... The Great Bashby!!! is finally here, and I look forward to seeing you all in your Gatsby, flapper and gangster attire on Friday, February 14th at 6:30pm at the Bayou City Event Center. The Huckleberry Bash is a powerful, collaborative effort among our parents, teachers and the Mark Twain administration. The Bash is our largest fundraiser of the year and all proceeds go towards enhancing our children's education.  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! I would like to give a huge THANK YOU to Kim Marosis and Chastiti Houck for co-chairing the Bash - they have done an AWESOME job!

 

Another huge thank you to Sonal Patel, Mrs. Cowan and their team on a wonderful Art Night. What a great community event. I don't know the number of kids there, but it looks like it gets bigger and better every year. Kudos!

 Here are a few reminders for the week:

  • Friday, February 14th at 8:15 Camp and Exhibition meeting in the cafeteria. Hope to see you there. Extra camp forms are available in the office if you need them.
  • Wednesday, February 12th - PTO meeting at 8:15am in the cafeteria.
  • Early Release, Feburary 19th at 12:30.
  • Friday, February 21st -  8:30 Sign-in - Kinder Roundup - Please let anyone the community that has an incoming Kindergartner about the event. It is a great way to introduce them to their new school.
  • Science Night is scheduled for Thursday, March 13th. Please contact Jenny Tchartmchi at jtcharmtchi@gmail.com if you would like to volunteer.

I hope y'all have a wonderful week! Get ready to dance, indulge, spend a little money and have a Twaintastic Time at the Bash on Friday!

 

Tony Houck

Mark Twain PTO President

tvhouck@msn.com

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THE GREAT BASHBY
Bashby Header TOP
"Time to Drink Champagne and Dance on the Table"  The Great Gatsby


Premier Parking Spot EVERY DAY and Event Seating Raffle Tickets This Week!  
Purchase as many raffles tickets as you'd like for a chance to win a Reserved VIP Parking Spot for the entire 2014-2015 School Year PLUS Two (2) reserved prime seats your child's school programs! You do not have to be present at the Bash to win; however, the winner will be drawn that night!  Raffle tickets are on sale now in the front rotunda or online at this link for $100/ticket.

  

Don't Forget to get your Great Bashby Shirts!

 

Check out our Facebook Page Like us on Facebook to preview exciting Auction items!!

 

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.

 

Sponsors    

Thank you to our Sponsors -  Click Here for Listing!  

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5TH GRADE RECORDERS

Dear Parents,

 

The fifth graders are starting their unit on learning to play the  instrument called the recorder.  Your child may purchase a recorder  at the school store.  They are $6.00.  

 

Thank you!  Mrs. Bardin, jbardin@houstonisd.org 

5TH GRADE CAMP

Attention 5th Grade Parents

 

Camp and Exhibition Meeting will be on Friday, February 14th, 8:15-9:00 AM in the Cafeteria

 

Look for camp information to come home in the Tuesday folder.

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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

 

Please label your album to indicate Grade and Class/Teacher OR Event. Contact Laura Solitare, Mark Twain PTO Yearbook Director at twainyearbook1314@gmail.com or lgsolitare@gmail.com 

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KINDERGARTEN ROUND UP

Kindergarten Round Up

All ZONED families with incoming Kindergartners are invited to Kindergarten Round-up on February 21.  Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. with the program beginning at 9:00 a.m.  Children will have a chance to visit a Kindergarten classroom while parents learn more about the school.  Registration packets will be available as well as a sign-up for a registration appointment.  Registration appointments begin the week of April 28.   

 

Mark Twain Elementary is expecting maximum capacity again next year and encourages zoned families to secure their spots as early as possible.

 

Please call the Mark Twain Office with any questions at 713-295-5230. To RSVP,  

contact Sarah Callahan Baker at callhanbaker@hotmail.com.   

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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 3:30-4:15. 

Please remember that Grade 3-5 projects are due February 21
st

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

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
TRIATHLON TRAINING

Houston Kid Triathlon Triatholon

Triathlon Training Opportunities!!

 

 

With the Twain Triathlon quickly approaching, with the Houston Kids Triathlon to follow in April, we are happy to announce a number of training opportunities for our students!!

 

YMCA 7 week Triathlon Training 

Began this week.   Please check with your local YMCA for details

 

Sunday, March 2 @ Pershing  

For Twain Triathlon Registrants, 2-4 pm

Bicycle World will be on site to not only review your child's bike and helmets for safety, fit, and condition, but also to educate everyone on how to transition between triathlon events, ride safely on the road, and enjoy their triathlon experience. You will not want to miss this!

 

Practice and build your endurance for running right at Twain!

4 laps around the Twain track on the playground is equal to a half mile. This is the distance of the run in the triathlon. So use your recess time to train!

 

Counting down to Twain's Triathlon on Sunday, March 9!

AND

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/register-to-race-soon.html  

 

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 regarding the Twain Triathlon, contact Monica Agosta at magosta69@gmail.com.  If you have any questions regarding the Houston Kids Triathlon contact Deanna Sheaffer at deannasheaffer@yahoo.com.

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NAME THAT BOOK

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  

 

Contact Kyrsten Crawford at kyrsten.crawford@gmail.com or speak with our Librarian, Mr. Deering if you have any questions.

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PERSHING MATH AND SCIENCE PLACEMENT TEST
Pershing Middle School Accelerated Math and Science Placement Test For 5th Grade Students

5th Graders come show your math and science skills by taking the Accelerated Math and Science Test.  No registration needed.


Saturday, February 22, 2014

or
Saturday, March 1, 2014

9 AM, Pershing Cafeteria

Click Here For Flyer.  For questions call 713-295-5240
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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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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 

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
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
HOLA WATER POLO

Want to become a stronger swimmer?  

 

Develop a team spirit?  

 

Bask in the glory of scoring the game winning goal?  

 

Then come join HOLA Water Polo! After one season with HOLA Chupacabras, you will be as strong as an ox and as fast as a shark! For our spring season we have teams for 10 Year Old and Under, 12 Year Olds and Under, and 14 Year Old and Under.  

 

We practice at Lamar High School starting February 12th from 6-8pm. For more information email Coach Eamon Kelly at ECKelly90@gmail.com. We'll see you there!! 

PIN OAK JR CHEER CLINIC

Junior Cheer Clinic 2014 - Cheer, Dance, Fun, and Games  

Saturday, February 22 - 9:00 AM to NOON

Show-off Performance begins at 11:45 AM

 

Girls and Boys: Kindergarten - 5th Grade,   

$25.00 (T-shirt and snack included)

 

Registration/payment due by February 21, 2014

 

Click here for Flyer and Click here for Registration Form.  For more information, please contact Cindy Cook at 713-295-6500 ext. 327 or ccook1@houstonisd.org.

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
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 February 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.
+PLAY WELL EVENT
+Playwell +Works

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.comIf 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.