The Twain Times
Mark Twain Elementary School 
December 16, 2014

  

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Dear Mark Twain Community,  

 

As we head into the Winter Break I want to thank all of you for a wonderful fall semester. I hope that the holiday season will be a time of good cheer for you. Enjoy the time with your precious children and make some happy memories that will be cherished for years to come. Be safe and be joyful!

  • Tuesday, December 16 is the Spelling Bee for students in grades 3-5. It will begin at 8:30 am.
  • Wednesday, December 17, our librarian Mr. Deering will be honored at a retirement reception. Parents are invited between 2:30-3:15. The staff will honor Mr. Deering from 3:15 - 4:30.
  • Thursday, December 18 is the Faculty Holiday Breakfast from 8:00-9:00 am in the library - thanks to the parent volunteers that will cover classrooms so that the staff can come together.
  • Friday, December 19 is Field Day! See below for details. If the field is too wet or if it is raining Field Day will be held on Friday, January 9, 2015.
  • Science Fair packets will be in the Red folders today. If you have any questions, please contact your child's teacher or Ms. Paschal, our science lab teacher.
  • Extended Day Registration for the spring semester is due Friday, December 19 if you will need extended care for the first day of the spring semester. Forms are available in the main office.

Happy Holidays!

Melissa Patin

Principal
Name That Book

Join us for an Informational meeting for students and parents interested in Name That Book on Tuesday, December 16 after school in Ms. Gee's room.

For more information, please contact Brandy McDaniel at brandymcd@gmail.com.
Magnet Applications 

Magnet applications are due Friday, December 19. 

You may apply online at www.hisdchoice.com or turn in a paper application to the school or schools you want to attend.

Dual Language Applications for Mark Twain are available at the front desk and due by Friday, December 19.
 
If you are zoned to Mark Twain, there is no need to fill out a Magnet application. For more information, please contact Janelle Wade at jwade@houstonisd.org or (713) 295-5230.

Field Day

Field Day 2014

Friday, December 19   

(Rain date January 9, 2015) 

 

Our students will have some fun and exercise before heading off to Winter Break!  

 

Some important information:

  • Parade of Classes and Opening Ceremony at 8:15 am on the Field. K-2 events from 8:30 to 11:00 am and 3-5 events from 12:00 to 2:30 pm.
  • Each grade level will compete in four events. Points are awarded for performance as well as cooperation and sportsmanship.
  • Each classroom will carry their own nutritious "GO" snack. Snacks during the event are welcome but not necessary.
  • Remember to stay hydrated and drink plenty of water in reusable sports bottles.
  • Dress appropriately. Sneakers and socks but no cleats please. Students may wear gloves, especially for Tug of War. Sunscreen must be applied before arriving to school.
  • Remember this is a +Works and +PlayWell event.  Cooperation, empathy, respect and integrity are key to a successful Field Day.
  • Have fun!
Lost and Found

Please claim your child's lost items before Thursday, December 18 at 3:00 pm when all items will be donated.

Field Day often produces lots of lost items.  Please check the closet after school on Friday. Next semester, please check weekly for lost items as the closet is small and fills up quickly. Thanks in advance!

Register for the

Mark Twain Track Team 

 

Calling future track stars! Registration is open for the 2014/2015 Mark Twain Track Team. Practice will be held once a week after school for 30 minutes beginning in January, with a goal of attending at least one Spring tournament. All interested 3-5 graders need to return a registration form to Coach Jody by December 19.  Click here to download the registration form.

West University Softball Association
West University Softball Association the largest recreational girls' softball league in Texas, is proud to announce the opening of the spring softball season.  Register today to secure a spot for the spring season. Registration ends January 6, 2015. Practices begin the week of January 19. All girls who register will tryout and be placed on a team. We hope you can join us! Registration and more information about Spring Ball 2015 are available online at wusa.org.  
SAVE THE DATE
Parent Enrichment
Friday, January 16 at 8:10 am
in the cafeteria 

Join us for a Book Discussion
Mindsets: The New Psychology of Success
Carol Dweck, PhD

Dweck explains why it's not just our abilities and talent that bring us success, but whether we approach them with a fixed or growth mindset. She makes clear why praising intelligence and ability doesn't foster self-esteem and lead to accomplishment, but may jeopardize success. With the right mindset, we can motivate our kids, help them raise their grades, and reach our own goals - personal and professional. Dweck reveals what all great parents, teachers, CEOs, and athletes already know: how a simple idea about the brain can create a love of learning and a resilience that is the basis of great accomplishment in every area.

For questions or suggestions regarding the parent enrichment group please email Moya Varner moya.varner@gmail.com or Kahla Malinsky at kahlavet@gmail.com.

Did you know that Parent Enrichment has a Living Tree group?  If you want to be added to this group for meeting reminders and updates, please email kahlavet@gmail.com.

SAVE THE DATE:  

Mark Twain Bingo Night  

 

Mark Twain Bingo Night

Friday, January 16 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm

In the cafeteria 

 

Twain students and their families always enjoy this fun evening filled with bingo games, amazing prizes, food, and treats.

 

Bingo night could not happen without our wonderful volunteers to help hand out the bingo cards. To sign-up to help that night, please click here or email Kathleen Fenoy at kathleenfenoy@yahoo.com or Nicole Shah at nicoleallman74@hotmail.com.


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.