The Twain Times
Mark Twain Elementary School 
February 2, 2016  

  

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Dear Parents,
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Last week our teachers met with a representative from The Hawn Foundation to discuss the implementation of the MindUP curriculum. During the course of the day our teachers shared their successes and asked clarifying questions. In the evening parents had an opportunity to learn about mindfulness and the MindUP curriculum. We watched a wonderful TED talk The Happy Secret to Better Work, by Shawn Achor. I think you might just enjoy it, so take a few minutes this week, watch the video and think about mindfulness in your life.

As we move into the spring and more families are walking to school I want to remind you that dogs should not be left unattended and dogs should never be brought into the school. Even the most gentle of dogs can react under certain conditions and I know that none of us want children or dogs upset.

At Mark Twain, we do have a dress code. Free dress day is the last day of the month, otherwise please make sure that your children dress following the guidelines outlined in the Student Handbook. We have many options for red, blue or white shirts available in the school store and at very reasonable prices. If students wear shorts, please make sure that they are not shorter than a hands length above the knee. Thank you for your attention to this.

The Huckleberry Bash is February 12 and I am so excited about our literary theme this year. Our love of literature is apparent at Mark Twain. Our Literary Development Center, our classroom libraries and of course, our beautiful main library is always in need of books. It is fitting that we will have this wonderful event at the Julia Ideson Library - one of the most beautiful libraries in Houston. I look forward to seeing you all there!

Important Dates:

Thursday, February 4
  • Science Fair projects due for grades 3-5
  • Math and Science Night volunteer meeting in the cafeteria after drop-off
  • Art Night from 5:30 - 7:30 pm

Friday, February 5

  • Huckleberry Bash online auction opens (see below)

Wednesday, February 10

  • PTO Meeting at 8:15 in the cafeteria

Thursday, February 11

  • International Festival planning meeting at 8:00 am in the cafeteria
Have a great week,
Melissa Patin
Principal

Mark Twain Art Night 
Thursday, February 4
5:30 pm - 7:30 pm
In the cafeteria
 
This Thursday is Art Night! Admission is always free, and the much requested clay table, fish print table, and beading table are back this year. Plus, we have seven new tables guaranteed to spark your child's love for art.

Each child will receive stamps in their Art Passport for a chance to win a raffle prize. In addition, you will be among the first to preview the Huckleberry Bash Auction items which will be on display in the cafeteria. You don't want to miss this fun and hands-on event. Plus, no need to make dinner that night as food will be available for purchase from Cousins Maine Lobster Truck and Firehouse Subs.
 
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We can't make this happen without you! PLEASE volunteer to set up, check-in people or man the art tables. Click here to sign up to volunteer or email Katie Trowbridge at [email protected] or Kinsey Wall at [email protected].
 
Huckleberry Bash 2016
Friday, February 12  
 
  Follow the Bash  
 
TICKET SALES
Limited reserved seating available. If you aren't interested in sitting, individual tickets are available for purchase in the rotunda this week or at bidpal.net/huckleberrybash.
 
BASH T-SHIRTS ON SALE 
If you've not bought a personalized t-shirt for your child, don't fret -  shirts are on sale in the front rotunda this week for $10. Get the 25th anniversary Bash t-shirt to celebrate 25 years of our Literary Development Center!   

CASH FOR BASH 
Now through February 5

In line with our literary theme, we will raise Money for the Minds. The grade level which raises the most money will receive a donut party. Bring your extra change to the collection area in the rotunda or watch for opportunities to donate during carpool.  

AUCTION PREVIEW:
February 4 from 3:30 - 7:00 pm
February 5 from 7:30 - 8:30am

Join us in the cafeteria to preview all the items that will be auctioned at the Huckleberry Bash. This will be the only opportunity to view the offerings in person. February 4 is Art Night so you'll have a special chance to see items up for grabs.

ONLINE AUCTION:
Opens February 5 at 9:00 am
Closes February 12 at 3:00 pm

This year, we will offer all silent auction items through an online auction at http://bidpal.net/huckleberrybash. You can send the link to friends, grandparents, neighbors, and anyone else you choose. Bidding will open on February 5 at 9:00 am and stay open for the week leading up to the actual auction event.

At 3:00 pm the day of our event, the online auction will close. Anyone who attends the auction will be able to continue bidding through the close of the event via mobile bidding (not on the website); those who do not buy tickets to Bash will be held to the high bid they have entered.

"Pages from the Past"  
Huckleberry Bash Auction and Dinner
Friday, February 12
7:00 pm - 12:00 am

Julia Ideson Library
550 McKinney Street

Come dressed as an author, literary character, or as yourself - someone who loves to read!

The auction portion of the evening will utilize mobile bidding, so remember your smartphones. For those that do not have phones, we will have limited bidding kiosks available. Silent auction items will continue to be available for those attending the event.

Class creations, child socials, adult socials, teacher socials, school perks and treasures, big board, and live auction will ONLY be available to those attending the event.

PARKING AT BASH 
If you drive to the Bash, you can park on the street using the parking meters or in the parking garage (unattended) at 1100 Smith Street for $10 with a credit card. A taxi or Uber is another option. 

Save the Date: 
Math and Science Night:
"Inventors from the Past"
Thursday, March 3
5:30 - 7:30 pm in the cafeteria

Volunteer meeting:
Thursday, February 4 after drop-off
in the cafeteria

This year's theme is "Inventors from the Past". Inventors need to excel in both math and science for them to come up with the ideas that will change the world. 

This year, our children will be challenged with both math and science activities for all ages.  This will culminate in the "LEGO Inventions Challenge" where prizes will be available for their creative ideas.

If you'd like to volunteer at Math and Science Night, please attend our first meeting on Thursday, Feb 4 in the cafeteria after drop off.

To support Math and Science Night, please consider the options below:
  • Give a financial contribution to help purchase supplies
  • Donate a bag of LEGOs
  • If you work for a science or engineering company, donate company give-away items such as stickers or pencils that can be used as door prizes.
Donations can be left in the PTO work room.

Please contact Jason Dyer at [email protected] or Jinny Sisson at [email protected] for additional information.
 
SAVE THE DATE: 
Mark Twain Elementary 
14th annual International Festival
Saturday, April 16 
1:00 - 4:00 pm in the cafeteria
 
Volunteer Meeting: Feb 11 at 8:00 am in the cafeteria

Hi, Hola, Bonjour, Gruezi, Ahlan, Konnichi Wa, Annyonhaseyo, Namaste,
 
Please join us for the 14th annual International Festival! Parents and students are invited to represent your country with a table display, traditional foods and performances AND the entire Mark Twain community is invited to enjoy the amazing experience.

Here are some examples of how you can be part of the festival:  
  • host a country table and display flags, maps, souvenirs, pictures, postcards, things your country exports, food samples. Gather friends together and make it a team effort. 
  • share yours or your child's talents with a traditional dance, singing, instrumental performances, or martial arts demonstration.
  • volunteer to help organize the event - you DO NOT have to be from another country to help. Having a special interest in one is perfectly sufficient.
If you want to help prepare for the festival, please attend a planning meeting at 8:00 am in the cafeteria on:

Thursday, February 11 
Wednesday, March 2 
Tuesday, March 29

To sign up for a performance or to host a country display, please email Sumi Ono at [email protected]. Thank you for your help! Sumi Ono and Seema Gupta

School Store
OVERSTOCK SALE
Now through Friday, February 5

Visit the school store and get youth large and x-large hooded sweatshirts for only $15.  They are available in red and blue - quantities are limited. Buy ahead for next year and save. 

The store is open from 7:45 - 8:15 am and 3:00 - 3:30 pm (closed Friday afternoons).
Box Tops for Education

Keep clipping those Box Tops!

The next submission deadline is mid-February, so please turn in any Box Tops to your classroom. If your class does not collect them, please turn them in to the Box Tops drawer in the PTO workroom.  Remember that the class that turns in the most by April 1 will get a Popsicle party.

Also, sign up at boxtops4education.com to enter current contests. It doesn't take long, and it can earn a LOT of extra eBoxTops for our school.  Currently, 3  contests are available. You can enter daily, so enter as often as you can to increase our chances of winning.

Store promotions are available: Sam's Club offers 100 eBoxTops when you buy 3 participating products, Randall's offers 20 eBoxTops when you buy 5 products, and Walmart offers 5 Bonus Box Tops when you purchase one product.  

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.