The Twain Times
Mark Twain Elementary School 
November 3, 2015 

  

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2015 - 2016 

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Dear Parents,Mark_twain_pto_logo

On Monday, students and teachers attended a pep rally to launch our primary fundraiser to support our new SPARK Park - Huckleberry Park.

Students were given a pledge sheet to take home so please read through the instructions and sign your child up at funrun.com.  The Boosterthon culminates in a Fun Run on Thursday, November 12 during the school day.  We hope to reach 100 percent participation and raise enough to launch our SPARK Park drive.  It is an exciting venture that allows the students to be active participants in making a change to their school playground while impacting the greater community.  The theme of the Boosterthon is Big World Recess and there are six character traits that we will highlight over the course of the next two weeks.
  • Win with TEAMWORK
  • Live with CURIOSITY
  • SCORE with Practice
  • Play with HUMILITY
  • Ride with CONFIDENCE
  • Run with ENDURANCE
The  Fun Run will take place on a modified course much smaller than our actual track.  Children of all ages will be given t-shirts the day of the Fun Run and can easily do the 30-35 laps.  It should be an exciting day!  Please register your child today and assist them with getting pledges if you can.  Thank you in advance for your support.

Information and upcoming events:
  • Friday, November 6 at 8:15 am in the cafeteria; Dual Language informational coffee for the parents of prospective 2016 kindergarten students who are interested in the Dual Language Spanish Immersion program.  Applications will be available at the coffee and are currently available in the office.  
  • Wednesday, November 11 at 8:15 am in the cafeteria; PTO Meeting
  • Friday, November 13 at 8:00 am in the cafeteria; Parent enrichment featuring certified health coach Aimee Taylor discussing healthy living through the holidays.
Testing Calendar
 
Universal Gifted and Talented Testing: CogAT                November 16 - 19 for Kindergarten and 5th Grade
The CogAT is a 30 minute test. We are planning to give this test on Tuesday, November 17.
 
Iowa
December 3 - 11 for Kindergarten and 5th Grade
The IOWA is a longer test. We will begin on December 3 and test a little each day.
 
STAAR

March 29 - 4th Grade Writing and 5th Grade Math

March 30 - 5th Grade Reading
May 9 - 3rd and 4th Grade Math (5th grade math re-test)
May 10 - 3rd and 4th Grade Reading (5th grade reading re-test)
May 11 - 5th Grade Science
 
If you have any questions, please email Michele Rawson at mrawson1@houstonisd.org.
 
Lastly, I read an article on building resiliency in children and thought I would share it with you here. I hope you enjoy it!
 
Melissa Patin
Principal 
 
Save the Date for
Huckleberry Bash
Friday, February 12, 2016
7:00 pm - 12:00 am

Mark Twain Elementary
Literacy Development Center  
25th Anniversary

Dinner and Auction
benefiting students of
Mark Twain Elementary

Julia Ideson Library
550 McKinney Street
Houston, Texas 77002

Dress as your favorite author or literary character.
 
 
Huckleberry Bash
New volunteer meeting 
Wed, November 4 
8:00 am in the cafeteria 

Come join the Huckleberry Bash committee!

The Huckleberry Bash is the largest fundraiser for families and friends of Mark Twain Elementary. The theme for the next Bash is Pages from the Past.  We'll honor and celebrate the 25th Anniverary of the Literacy Development Center at Mark Twain.

Participating on the Bash committee is a great way to get involved in the school and have fun doing it. Stop by to learn more about the Bash and how you can help make it a success. Interested but can't attend the meeting? Email Brittany Weisser at brittany.weisser@gmail.com or Madonna Bauch at madonna5@comcast.net.

Dad's Club
Camp Out
Friday, November 6
5:00 pm at Mark 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 is online only. Click here to register and for details. Contact Mike Feighl at twaindadsclub@gmail.com for questions.

ATTENTION All DAD'S
The Bash committee is looking for specialty spirits and/or wine ($20 value or less preferred but not required) to be donated for the Bash Wine and Spirits Pull.

On November 6, right before you set up camp, stop by to drop off beverages at 3825 Aberdeen Way between 4:15 and 6:15 pm. If that time is not convenient, please email us and we will arrange to pick up your donation.

Contact Brent Johnston at beejertx@gmail.com, Jennifer Rupe at jenniferjrupe@gmail.com, or Brittany Weisser at brittany.weisser@gmail.com.

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

The Huckleberry Park Fun Run fundraising event is underway. Family and friends can support Mark Twain and our new SPARK Park by giving pledges toward the number of laps your student runs at the Fun Run. Every student, no matter his or her financial participation, is invited to run in the Fun Run.

How Can You Support Mark Twain Elementary? 
  • Register your child on funrun.com.
  • Reach out to friends and family who could make donations to help our school.
  • Cheer for your student at the Fun Run. Parents are invited!
If you would like to volunteer to hand out prizes each day at school now through November 12 or help mark laps at the Fun Run, visit signupgenius.com/go/4090a44acaf29a57-huckleberry.

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.

 
Paws for 25 years of Reading! 
Book Fair 
November 16 - 20 in the cafeteria
 
Mark Twain's "Paws for Reading" Book Fair will celebrate 25 years of the Literary Development Center.

We need lots of volunteers to help with Book Fair and Family Fun Night. Please sign up at: signupgenius.com/go/9040c4daaac2a1-book2 

Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm 
Wednesday from 7:30 am - 1:00 pm (early dismissal)
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.

Mark Twain Track Team

Calling future track stars!  Registration is open for the 2015-2016 Mark Twain Track Team.  Practices will be held Tuesdays and/or Fridays after school beginning in January 2016. 

Spots are limited and students will be chosen based on athletic ability.  Tryouts will be held in December.  All interested 3-5 grade students need to return a registration form to Coach Jody by Friday, November 20.

Support Mark Twain While You Shop

The Mark Twain PTO is grateful to participate in national programs which reward our school based on your purchases of grocery store items, holiday cards, clothes, and more.  These programs cost you nothing but can help Twain earn dollars each year.
 
At smile.amazon.com, you'll find the same convenient shopping as Amazon.com. On your first visit to AmazonSmile, select Mark Twain as your charitable organization. Every eligible purchase you make at smile.amazon.com will result in a donation.
 
Are you thinking about ordering from Shutterfly, Nordstrom, Gap, or Target? Start your online shopping at 4ourschool.com, select Mark Twain Elementary, pick a retailer, and shop online as usual. Our school will earn up to 5% in donations from your purchases.  
 
If you have a Target® Visa® or Target® Card, visit target.com/tcoe to designate Mark Twain Elementary #98794. 

Randalls_logoIf you have a Randall's Remarkable card, add Mark Twain Elementary #1085 as your charity of choice by filling out the Good Neighborhood Form. Return the form to any Randall's store or the PTO workroom.


 
Don't Miss Their Special Day... 
Order a Birthday-Gram for the 2015-2016 school year 

Order today for delivery to your child's classroom on their special day. Click here to order online or download an order form to pay by check. Proceeds benefit 5th grade commencement activities.

**A Birthday Gram is $20 and includes a classroom "Happy Birthday" serenade performed by 5th grade students just after morning announcements, crown, light-up necklace, picture and a special gift presented by 5th grade students.

Does your child have a birthday in June, July, or August? Surprise them on their ˝ Birthday  - the day 6-months after their last birthday. And don't forget the birthdays of your teacher and aids.

Please submit your Birthday Gram at least one week prior to your child's birthday. We cannot guarantee last minute Birthday Grams will be delivered on the date requested.

For more information or to help deliver Birthday Grams please contact Dyan Gutierrez at dgutierrez519@hotmail.com or Missy Nichols at mynichols3@gmail.com.

Lanier Dance Clinic
Saturday, November 14
9:00 am to Noon
at Lanier Middle School
2600 Woodhead

Spend a morning with the Lanier Expressions Dancers!  For students in grades K-6.  Students are invited to learn a dance and see what Lanier Middle School is like. Cost is $25 for pre-registration or $30 at the door. T-shirt and snacks included. Complete the registration form and return by mail or bring it to the clinic.

For more information, contact Suzanne Barrall at suzanne.barrall@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.