The Twain Times
Mark Twain Elementary School 
October 28, 2014

  

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Dear Mark Twain families, Mark_twain_pto_logo

Spooky Spaghetti was a huge success on Saturday. I hope everyone enjoyed the new layout, games and attractions. A "Spooktacular" thank you to Elicia Wheeler and Frankie Sartin, the entire Spooky team, all parent, teacher, staff and student volunteers, Mrs. Patin, and our Plant Operator, Mr. Lucky and his crew for all their hard work and dedication to our school. The kids had a blast! It was amazing to see the Mark Twain community come together for a night of fun, singing, dancing, games and good food.

The Middle School Forum held last week was a great introduction for many of us with 4th graders looking at our options. Thanks to Deanna Sheaffer and Alva Allen for putting it together. 

Last weekend's Odyssey of the Mind production of "High School Musical, Jr" was also a huge success. Congratulations to Tonya Crombie and the entire cast and crew. Now let's get those kids to World Finals!

Plans are underway for the annual Dad's Club Camp Out on Friday, November 7.  Pitch a tent on the playground, grab some pizza and enjoy the activities and movie. If you are not planning on camping, just come for the food and fun.  Registration is online only - there will be no on site registration.  Look for more details online soon.

 

Have a great week,

Tony Houck

Mark Twain PTO President

tvhouck@msn.com

Pershing's First Look
For parents of 4th & 5th graders  

Tuesday, October 28
6:00 - 8:00 pm in the 
Pershing Auditorium

Join Pershing Middle School's principal, counselor, and current parents to tour the school and learn why Pershing is the best choice for your child.
Friends and Family Campaign Sponsors 

On Wednesday, October 29 we invite all sponsors of $50-$250 to pick up their yard signs. They are sharp so a parent/helper is necessary for pick up. We will be passing gifts out from 7:30-8:30 am in the front rotunda.  If you are a $500-1,000 sponsor we will provide your gifts in the rotunda Thursday, October 30 from 7:30-8:30 am or at the sponsor breakfast. To learn more, contact Heather Barrow at heather@rtlogo.com.
Math and Science Night Leaders Needed

If you have a passion for demonstrating that math and science are all around us in many interesting ways, your help is needed. We invite you to help plan Math and Science Night. Join us at the kick-off meeting on Thursday, October 30 at 8:00 am in the cafeteria. To learn more, please contact Irene Chang at icchang@prodigy.net or Megan Rose at meganrose72@gmail.com.
Middle School Choice Parent Nights
designed for fifth grade students and their families

HISD's Office of School Choice is offering three upcoming events intended to inform parents and fifth grade students about school choice options for middle school.

School representatives will answer questions, provide literature about their programs, and information about how to help students choose the "best fit" school.  Spanish interpreters will be available.

 

Please attend at 6:00 pm at one of the following HISD School Choice Parent Nights at these schools:

 

October 30, Whidby Elementary, 7625 Springhill, 77021

November 18, Crespo Elementary, 7500 Office City, 77012

December 3, Shadydale Elementary, 5905 Tidwell, 77016

 

Visit www.houstonisd.org/magnet for more information.

Magnet Open House
Saturday, November 1
Northwest Mall
9500 Hempstead Hwy, Houston, 77092
10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Learn about your child's school choice options and explore all HISD magnet programs at the open house.

The online application process begins November 1. Please click here to download a detailed flyer with step-by-step application instructions. Applications are due by December 19.

Dual language applications will be available in the Mark Twain office beginning November 3.  The dual language applications are due by December 19 in the office.  Visit www.houstonisd.org/magnet to learn more.
Extended Day

Final fall extended day payments are now due. Please pay with a check or money order to Mark Twain with the child's name in the memo line.  If you have any questions, please email Stacey Karr at skarr@houstonisd.org.
Fall Food Drive for Kids' Meals Houston
October 28-November 6

 

The 4th grade class is helping organize a food drive for Kids' Meals Houston. They will collect stuffing mix and gravy packets (no glass jars). These items will be included in a Thanksgiving care package. Please consider giving back to our community and donating to local Houston children in need. There is a table in the front rotunda and a collection box in the kindergarten hallway for your donations.

 

Kids' Meals Houston is a non-profit organization that delivers meals to preschool children under the age of five who live in poverty. These meals are delivered to their door every weekday, year round.  It is the nation's only meals-on-wheels service for children. Contact Amy Allen, Mark Twain PTO Community Outreach Director at amy.allen@comcast.net with questions.

Bellaire High School Annual Cheer Clinic

 

Saturday, December 13

at Bellaire High School

10:00 am to 2:00 pm (performance at 2:00 pm)

for girls K-8th grade

 

Spend a fun day with the BHS cheerleaders learning cheers and dances.  Cost before November 7 is $45 per person; $50 thereafter. Includes lunch, party favor, and photo with mascot. Please complete the registration form and return it with payment promptly to the address listed on the form.

The Yearbook Needs your Pictures!
Please upload your pictures to images.balfour.com, enter our school's project #: 526207 then enter our password: tigers. Please enter the information in all available fields especially noting the classroom teacher or event where the pictures were taken.

The deadline to buy your yearbook is February 16, 2015, but don't delay.  Go  to www.marktwainpto.org and click on Yearbook to order online. Or print the order form, complete, and return with payment to the parent workroom in the Yearbook mailbox. For more information contact Claire Lynch or Leslie Strug at twainyearbook@yahoo.com.
LOST & FOUND

Lost lunch boxes and water bottles are located on a table on the west wall of the cafeteria. Unclaimed items will be discarded on the 1st and 15th of every month. The first 'clearing out' will occur on Monday, November 3.

All clothes must be hung up and other items placed on the shelves in the Lost & Found closet in the cafeteria. Clothes and other items in the closet will be donated on the 1st of each month. 

Volunteers are needed to help organize the Lost & Found. This can be done on any day and at anytime. Please email twainmom@gmail.com to volunteer. 
For more information about Mark Twain Elementary, visit marktwainpto.org or houstonisd.org/Twaines. To receive the Twain Times e-newsletter, please sign-up here. For submission guidelines, visit marktwainpto.org/communications.