The Twain Times

Mark Twain Elementary School

October 27, 2015

Thank You To Our

Corporate Sponsors
2015 - 2016

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Dear Mark Twain Families, Mark_twain_pto_logo

Thank you all for your help and support for our Spooky Spaghett Fall Carnival. It takes a lot of volunteers for this event to be a success. This is one of the biggest PTO events for the kids all year! Thank you to our Co-chairs, Frankie Sartin and Annette Rodriguez, for working so hard to ensure all went smoothly and everyone had a fun night!

Book Fair is November 16-20 in the cafeteria. I hope you all can participate in some way. The team has a great week celebrating literacy and our 25th year of LDC. Look for more details in the article below and stay tuned for ways you can volunteer.

Don't forget, this Wednesday is Spirit Night at Molina's! Take the night off from cooking and come eat and visit with friends and neighbors while supporting the school. Download and print the flyer here. I hope to see you there.

Have a great week!
Jennifer Hyman, PTO President
jennyhyman@gmail.com

Dear Parents,

The phone messaging system for HISD, School Messenger, has an option for you to receive text messages from our school. I would send text messages to those interested only about important or time sensitive issues. If you would like to receive text messages from me, please type YES to 68453. If you have not provided us your cell phone number, please contact the office to do so. Visit houstonisd.org/texting to learn more.

Last weekend our students performed the musical Alice in Wonderland, Jr. to benefit our Odyssey of the Mind program. It was truly spectacular. Congratulations to those that participated and a big thank you to the parents that organized and directed the musical. Good job!

Over the last few weeks we have sent communications home regarding a number of extra-curricular activities. On Saturday, we had students compete in the Code.org competition in Sugarland. Congratulations to all that participated. Also, we have a few more openings in our Robotics club for students and coaches. If you are interested, please email Michele Rawson at mrawson1@houstonisd.org. Opportunities are only made possible by volunteers.

Have a great week,

Melissa Patin, Principal

Red Ribbon Week is recognized nationwide to address Anti-Bullying/Drug Prevention. During this week, we will focus on being an "Up-stander" instead of a "By-stander," making Positive Choices, Respecting our School, Administrators, Teachers, and Peers. Morning announcements will focus on how children can identify and report bullying and how to peacefully resolve conflicts. We have created 5 theme days to ignite fun and creativity.

Tuesday, Oct. 27: Wear mismatched shoes and "Kick Out Bullying"
Wednesday, Oct. 28: Wear jeans to say "I'm A JEAN-ius, Not A Bully"
Thursday, Oct. 29: Wear crazy socks and "Sock It To Bullies"
Friday, Oct. 30: Wear a college/team shirt and "Team Up Against Bullying"

Mark Twain PTO Friends and Family Campaign

Thank you to all the parents and teachers who have generously contributed so far to the PTO Friends and Family Campaign. Each of you has strengthened our school for years to come.

You are invited to pickup your reward items in the front rotunda between Tuesday, October 27 and Friday, October 30 from 7:45 - 8:15 am. Because the yard sign posts are sharp we ask that they be picked up by an adult.

Journeyman ($100), Reporter ($250) and Cub Pilot ($500) Levels: Pick up on Tuesday, Oct. 27 and Wednesday, Oct. 28; River Pilot ($1000) and Mark Twain ($2000) Levels: Pick up on Thursday, Oct. 29 and Friday, Oct. 30

Thank you for supporting our school! You can still contribute. Please click here to give online or learn more. For questions, please contact Megan Rose at meganrose72@gmail.com.

Pershing Middle School: First Look

Tuesday, October 27 at 6:00 pm
Pershing Middle School
3838 Blue Bonnet Blvd

Pershing Middle School invites parents of zoned 4th and 5th graders to come see why Pershing is the right choice for your child. The principal, counselors, teachers and current parents will be on hand to provide information and answer questions regarding the 6th grade curriculum, electives, the fine arts department, athletics, and much more. Tours of the campus will be given. For more information, contact ilserassin@gmail.com.

Click here to print this flyer.

Mark Twain's

Annual Middle School Forum

Thursday, October 29, 5:30 - 7:00 pm

in the cafeteria

Representatives from area middle schools will be on hand to provide information and answer your questions. Students are welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Deanna Sheaffer at deannasheaffer@yahoo.com.

Fall Food Drive for

Kids' Meals Houston

November 2 - 13

Mark Twain's annual Fall Food Drive will benefit Kids' Meals Houston. This year we will collect boxed macaroni and cheese and instant mashed potatoes. These items will be included in a Thanksgiving Care Package. Please support our community and donate to local Houston children in need. There will be a table in the front rotunda and a collection box in the kindergarten hallway where donations may be dropped off.

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.

If you have any questions, please contact our PTO Community Outreach Co-Chairs, Elaina McNulty at ekmcnulty@sbcglobal.net or Paige Schulz at paigemschulz@yahoo.com.

Dad's Club Camp Out
Friday, November 6 at 5:00 pm
Mark Twain Playground

The Mark Twain Dad's Club hosts this annual event - one of the most popular traditions at Twain. Pitch a tent on the Mark Twain playground, grab some pizza and enjoy the activities and a movie. If you do not plan to camp, please join us for the food and fun.

Registration MUST be done online - no on site registration will be available. Please click here to register and for more details. Contact Mike Feighl at twaindadsclub@gmail.com for any questions.

Save the Date for the

Huckleberry Park Fun Run
Thursday, November 12
at Mark Twain Elementary

This year's main fundraiser for Huckleberry Park is the Huckleberry Park Fun Run. We'll kick off the 9-day program with a Pep Rally on Monday, November 2.

You and your student will have time to get pledges for every lap your student runs at the Fun Run. With our big goal to raise funds for Huckleberry Park, we asked the Fun Run experts at Boosterthon to power our Fun Run and make it more profitable, easier, and fun. Students also will experience Big World Recess - a global fitness theme about playing with character.

Look for more details in Tuesday's red folders and through communications from your classroom teacher(s). Donations will go toward Huckleberry Park and to the entire 9-day experience. Please help raise funds by reaching out to sponsors.

All families are invited to come out and cheer on your student at the Fun Run. Thank you for your support! Visit huckleberrypark.org to learn more.

Save the Dates:

Paws for 25 years of Reading!
Book Fair

Monday, November 16 - Friday, November 20
in the cafeteria

Mark Twain's "Paws for Reading" Book Fair will celebrate 25 years of the Literary Development Center.

Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm
Wednesday from 7:30 am - 1:00 pm
Friday from 7:30 am - 12:00 pm

The hallmark Storybook Parade will take place on Wednesday, November 18 at 8:30 am on the school grounds.

This year we welcome younger siblings and neighbors to a Preschool Story Time in the cafeteria on Wednesday, November 18 following the Storybook Parade. Adults and little ones can watch the elementary school kids parade around the school dressed as their favorite storybook character and then join a special guest reader for story time. Browse the fantastic selection of childrens' books and pick up some holiday gifts!

LDC's 25 year Anniversary Party and Family Fun Night is Thursday, November 19 from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Don't miss guest author Chris Cander, Twain teacher storytelling, face painting, Firehouse Subs, special desserts, games and more!

For more information, contact Book Fair Co-Chairs: Jenny Tcharmtchi at jtcharmtchi@gmail.com or Camora Kuo at camora.kuo@gmail.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.