The Twain Times

Mark Twain Elementary School

November 4, 2014

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Dear Mark Twain Families,

A few weeks ago we learned that our magnet program was placed on probationary status because we did not meet and maintain a non-zoned enrollment of 20 percent required of magnet schools. This decision should be finalized this week and shortly thereafter I will appeal the decision. Once a final decision has been made I will notify the community. If the decision stands then we will work to meet the 20 percent requirement. If we do not, then our magnet program will be slated for closure. Regardless of the outcome, we are committed to maintaining our program, including the Literary Development Center.

For those of you who are current magnet students, Mark Twain will continue to be your home until your children complete fifth grade. If you have incoming kindergartners, please apply for magnet. Our magnet coordinator Janelle Wade, jwade@houstonisd.org, can answer questions regarding the application process.

Mark Twain thrives, in part, because of the relationships we have built in the community. Together we will tackle any challenges that arise. Please join me at the PTO meeting on Wednesday, November 12 at 8:00 am in the cafeteria. At that time I will answer questions and give updates.

And now, one of my favorite events of the year - Book Fair! Book Fair is November 17-21 and the week is full of fun activities. The annual Storybook Parade is Wednesday, November 19. Students are encouraged to dress as their favorite storybook character. The parade starts at 8:30 a.m. so bring your cameras and cheer on your children! This day is a Free Dress Day for all students thanks to the incredible turnout at Spooky Spaghetti.

Thank you to the Spooky Spaghetti co-chairs Elecia Wheeler and Frankie Sartin who led a team of terrific volunteers to create an event our children will never forget. The tree in the front is quite a sight and will soon be transformed into a book tree. And thank you to Heather Barrow who organized the Friends and Family breakfast to honor our special donors. We have so much to be thankful for at Mark Twain and your generous donations make big things happen!

Have a great week!

Melissa Patin

Principal

PS: Please check the lost and found as soon as you know an item is missing. Lost and found items will be donated more frequently because of limited space and an immense quantity of unclaimed items to manage.

Art a la Carte (AALC) Tutorial
Thursday, November 6

Cafeteria after drop-off

Calling all Art a la Carte volunteers! If you signed up for the November lesson, please join the AALC coordinators to receive your prepared lesson plan and brief tutorial. Great art picks up where nature ends. -Marc Chagall

To learn more, contact Sonal Patel at sonalpatel628@gmail.com.

Fall Food Drive for Kids' Meals Houston

Through Thursday 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) in the front rotunda and in the kindergarten hallway.

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 at amy.allen@comcast.net with questions.

Pershing's Spaghetti Supper

Thursday, November 13

6:00 - 8:00 pm

Learn more about Pershing Middle School's exciting magnet program including Gymnastics, Dance, Pep Squad, Choir, Jazz Band, Orchestra, Guitar, Drama, and Music Production. Stroll the halls and enjoy art created by Pershing students. Pershing parents, students, teachers, and staff will be in attendance.

Admission is free. Purchase dinner tickets online at pershingpto.org. Tickets are $10 per dinner. For questions, contact Allison Diano adiano@sbcglobal.net or Ilse Rassin ilserassin@gmail.com.

Planning a Winter Break ski trip on VRBO? Ordering holiday gifts on Amazon?

Mark Twain can receive up to 5% cash back on your online purchases when shopping at over 150 retailers through the www.4ourschool.com portal. This year, we have earned more than $950 simply by shoppers using the www.4ourschool.com portal. Please spread the word to grandparents, family and friends to support our great school! For questions, contact Chrissy Abaza at cabaza@clearpointco.com.

The Parent Enrichment Committee presents

A Book Discussion

CrazyBusy: Overstretched, Overbooked, and about to Snap! Strategies for Handling Your Fast-Paced Life

by Edward Hallowell

Friday, November 14 at 8:15 am in the cafeteria

Look at what's happened to the usual exchange. It used to be: "How are you?" "Fine." Now it's often: "How are you?" "Too busy." Or simply "Crazy." Join us to discuss how this book teaches where this peculiar life comes from and how to turn it to our advantage.

ChargerFest

Pin Oak Middle School at 4601 Glenmont Street

Saturday, November 15 from 12:00 - 4:00 pm

The exciting afternoon of ChargerFest includes an international fest celebrating the school's language magnet focus, fine arts performances showcasing the performing arts talents of students, carnival games and activities, kid-oriented raffles, prizes, food, and lots of fun.

For performance schedule, tickets, and more information, visit www.pinoakpto.org.

Mark Twain Book Fair

"Paws for Reading"

November 17-21 in the cafeteria

Fair hours:

Monday Nov. 17 - Thursday Nov 20 from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm

Friday Nov 21 from 7:30 am - 12:00 pm

Save the Date:

Wednesday Nov 19 at 8:30 am - Story Book Parade

Thursday Nov 20 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm - Family Fun Night

We need lots of volunteers to help with Book Fair and Family Fun Night.

Please sign up here.

Cognitive Abilities Test (CogAT)

For all kindergarten and 5th grade students for Gifted and Talented identification

Tuesday, November 18

The CogAT is a 30-minute timed test that assesses spatial visualization, serial reasoning, and pattern completion. It is non-verbal, given with paper and pencil, and administered by the classroom teachers.

The three other criteria for GT identification are:

Achievement test
Teacher recommendation
Report card grades

HISD will process these Kindergarten and 5th grade applications electronically. There is no need to request any of this from your child's teacher. Mark Twain will mail results of the CogAT to parents when they become available to the campus - usually in February. If you have any questions, please contact Kathleen Blakeslee at KBLAKESL@houstonisd.org.

Several Mark Twain students have had a confirmed diagnosis of Strep Throat during the past four weeks. Strep Throat is caused by a bacteria called Group A Streptococcus. It can cause Strep Throat, Scarlet Fever, Necrotizing Fasciitis and Rheumatic fever. It is important to take Strep Throat seriously as Rheumatic Fever can damage the heart, kidneys, brain, skin and joints.

Group A Strep can spread easily by droplet. If a child with Strep Throat coughs on the table, your child touches the table and then touches their own eyes, nose or mouth, it is likely your child just caught Strep. The symptoms of strep throat typically include sore throat, often severe pain with swallowing, fever, usually 101 F or higher, red swollen tonsils, sometimes with white spots, headache or body ache, nausea/vomiting, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Several students had headache or vomiting as the first symptom, no fever, and only a mild sore throat. We need your help to control the spread of Strep Throat. Teach your child to wash hands often. Do not allow them to share food, eating utensils, towels, toothbrushes or toothpaste. If you have a confirmed case of Strep Throat then wash your towels, get a new toothbrush, and toothpaste. Teach your child to cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze, especially if they have a sore throat.

If your child complains that they do not feel well, check their temperature. If your child has a fever, keep them at home. If they have a fever and a sore throat then take your child to the doctor. If your child's doctor diagnoses Strep Throat your child may not return to school until 24 hours after antibiotics have started. Complete antibiotics as prescribed and inform the School Nurse about the diagnosis.

LOST & FOUND

Donation of lost and found items is postponed until Wednesday, November 5 at 10:00 am because there are so many unclaimed items. Lunch boxes and water bottles are on a table on the west wall of the cafeteria. All clothing and other items are in the lost and found closet in the cafeteria.

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.