The Twain Times
Mark Twain Elementary School 
November 19, 2014

  

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Dear parents,  

 

Many of you received a letter regarding class size waivers. This letter went to students in classes where the size exceeds 22:1. The majority of our classes are above this recommended size limit. At Mark Twain we have teaching assistants and hourly personnel that provide support to these classes. This support includes working with students as well as assisting teachers in the classroom in other ways.

 

It was announced at the PTO meeting last week that Glenn Deering, our librarian, will retire in December. Mr. Deering has been a valued member of our community for many years and we wish him only the best as he moves to a new stage in his life. His service to Mark Twain has included not only his work as a librarian, but as a classroom teacher. He will be missed.

 

We are looking for volunteers to help in the library, checking out books and shelving the books. If you wish to volunteer, please email me at [email protected].

 

I am pleased to announce that I have hired an HISD police officer that will assist with traffic during the morning hours. His name is Officer Horton and for the time being he will be assisting at Stella Link and Aberdeen. In addition to Officer Horton, the district has approved an additional crossing guard that should be starting in the near future.

 

The Story Book Parade is today at 8:30 am and Early Dismissal at 12:30 pm.  Today also begins Extended Day registration for Spring. Book Fair Family Fun Night is Thursday, November 20 from 5-7 pm. 

 

The holiday season is getting close and with the hustle and bustle of the season comes not only joyful times with family and friends; but also increased stress levels! (Please see Nurse Hill's note below) Please take care of yourselves, pace yourselves and keep your calendars up to date with all of the happenings at Mark Twain.

 

Have a great week!

Melissa Patin

Principal

 

Mark Twain Book Fair

"Paws for Reading"

November 17-21 in the cafeteria

 

Fair hours:

Wed, Nov 19 - Thurs, 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 the Book Fair and Family Fun Night. Please sign up here


 

Happy Birthday! Birthday Grams! 

 

Make your child's birthday extra special with a birthday gram delivery by the 5th graders!  A cheery serenade, crown, blinking necklace and goodie bag is a great way to start the day.

 

Schedule now! Pick the week before or after if the birthday falls on the weekend or holiday. Schedule a Half-Birthday celebration for your summer birthday child. Did you know your teacher has a birthday too? Teachers receive a photo with the class in a stand and Starbucks gift card along with the serenade and optional crown. 

 

Only $20 - Order and pay online ($1.50 convenience fee). Hard copy order forms are available in the "Birthday Gram" box in PTO workroom or download here. All proceeds support the 5th grade promotion ceremony and celebration. For more information, contact Whitney Anderson [email protected] or Suzy Lattin [email protected].

   

Nurse's_cornerStrep Throat and Flu

 

Several more Mark Twain students have had a confirmed diagnosis of  Strep Throat  during the past week. Several students had headache or vomiting as the first symptom, no fever, and only a mild sore throat. 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. The symptoms of strep throat typically include sore throat, often severe pain with swallowingfever, 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.

 

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.  For tips on preventing and treating the Flu, please click here.  

 

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 School Nurse Andrea Hill about the diagnosis at [email protected].

For more information about Mark Twain Elementary, visit marktwainpto.org or houstonisd.org/TwainesTo receive the Twain Times e-newsletter, please sign-up hereFor submission guidelines, visit marktwainpto.org/communications.