Stafford Elementary School

Stafford Elementary parents, we are holding a Read-a-thon, Monday, April 11th - Friday, April 29th and we really need everyone to participate. If you have not already done so, please click on this link to activate your reader’s personal page: https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/iCcGQe You can do it all in a minute or two and really help us meet our financial needs. Go Stafford! Mrs. Jones, Librarian

Dear Parent/Guardian, Stafford Elementary is about to take part in our 2nd annual community wide shared reading event. Every family will receive a copy of Life According to Og the Frog by Betty G. Birney. Reading aloud at home prepares your child to be an effective reader. It’s also a fun, worthwhile family activity. Through this program we aim to build a Community of Readers at Stafford Elementary. Everyone - students, parents, even administrative staff - will all be following along together, reading the same book. I am personally asking you to take the time to read together at home over the next few weeks. Reading professionals recommend reading material out loud that is beyond a child’s own reading level. We also believe that you should continue reading chapter books with your older children, even when they are able to read by themselves. We have selected a title that can be enjoyed and understood by younger students, but will still captivate and stimulate older children. In school, your child will be invited to answer daily trivia questions to encourage and reward attentive listening. In class, students will explore the book through activities and discussion. You will want to make sure your family keeps up so that your child can be included. Everyone will be talking about Life According to Og the Frog. Last year we met Humphrey, the cute beloved hamster. This year we will meet his special friend Og. Og the Frog has just moved into Room 26, and the place is hopping. There are lively kids, new routines, and a furry neighbor who seems to squeak all day. But just as Og is getting used to this new life, there is talk of sending him back to the pond. With your help, we can build a community of readers and make our way through life just like Og. Mr. Bray

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Friday, 8th – End of the 5th Six Weeks Saturday, 9th - Nacho Average Band Dinner - $12 per person - Raffle and Silent Auction - Purchase a ticket from your favorite band member or at the door - Authentic Taco Dinner - Benefiting the Italy Gladiator Regiment Band Booster Club. At the Central Baptist Church Family Life Center 5-7:30pm Monday, 11th – Beginning of 6th Six Weeks Read-a-thon begins today, this will be a fun and exciting journey. We know you have limited time but want the best education for your child. Please activate your reader's account as soon as possible. This is where you can record and view your reader's progress. Activate your reader’s account at https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/iCcGQe/1 Tuesday, 12th – Kinder Graduation Pictures: To order online please go to www.mylifetouch.com using picture day ID: EVTFZS7HV Paper order forms have been sent home with students and extras are available at Stafford. If you do not order online, on picture day please send in completed order form with exact cash or checks made payable to Lifetouch. Questions please contact customer service at 800-736-4753. Wednesday, 13th – SHAC meeting 4:30pm High School Friday, 15th – Holiday - Good Friday - No School for Students and Staff https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bff_A64J_S0pva1-au0tAs25HTFGkmSI/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=624ef629 Go Stafford!

It's time for the Stafford Elementary Read-a-thon! Read-a-thon promises to be a fun, exciting journey that starts Monday April 11, 2022. We will get your children excited about reading. We know you have limited time but want the best education for your child. That’s why we hope everyone will activate their reader's account as soon as possible. This is where you can record and view your reader's progress. We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/iCcGQe/1 and following the simple instructions. Go Stafford!

NACHO average Band Dinner!! Cost: • $12 per person Date & Time: • Saturday, April 9 / 5:00-7:30 p.m. Location: • Central Baptist Church Family Life Center Includes an Authentic Taco Dinner, a raffle, and a silent auction. Purchase a ticket from your favorite band member or at the door. Benefiting the Italy Gladiator Regiment Band Booster Club. We thank everyone for your continued support for the band!!! ihs.italyisd.org #OneTeamOneItaly

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Thursday, 31st - Spring pictures arrived and will be sent home with your student this week. PTO popcorn fundraiser was a huge success! Orders are scheduled to arrive next week and will be sent home with your student. Thank you so much for supporting our amazing PTO!! Friday, 1st - 1st Day of the Month Celebrations Friday, 8th – End of the 5th Six Weeks Saturday, 9th - Nacho Average Band Dinner - $12 per person - Purchase a ticket from your favorite band member or at the door - Authentic Taco Dinner - Raffle and Silent Auction - Benefiting the Italy Gladiator Regiment Band Booster Club - Central Baptist Church Family Life Center from 5-7:30pm https://drive.google.com/file/d/18505AQZzrzuSY6UN_TEd-2A1CK-jjDzn/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=6245da69 Go Stafford!

Stafford Head Start: The Head Start application for the school year 2022-2023 is now open! Students must be 3 or 4 years old on or before September 1, 2022. Submit your application at headstart.region10.org Space is very limited! Questions can be answered by sending an email Jaclyn Babers, Family Support Specialist at jaclyn.babers@region10.org

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Friday, 25th – FFA (Future Farmers of America) high school students will visit Stafford Elementary with some of their animals, teaching the younger students about animals and agriculture. Monday, 28th – Carter Bloodcare Drive – Italy High School 9-3pm PTO Popcorn Fundraiser ends today. Completed order form and money are due, please send exact cash or checks payable to Stafford PTO. Questions, contact staffordptopresident@gmail.com Board Meeting 5:30pm at the High School Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/15I6pY3ZJWdchzGZ_bh8rDcdC7nk4VAGr/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=623c7b94

Stafford Elementary has decided to hold a Read-a-thon this year! Read-a-thons actually get your reader excited about reading and it gives friends and family the opportunity to encourage your child to read even more. Our Read-a-thon starts Monday, April 11, 2022. About one week before our Read-a-thon starts we will send home instructions on how to activate your reader's personal page. This is where you will be able to view and record their progress. We encourage you to activate your reader’s account today by clicking on https://www.read-a-thon.com/readers/r/iCcGQe/1 and following the simple instructions. We've chosen Read-a-thon because it will not take much of your time, gives your child a reason to read and helps in the development of stronger reading skills. We hope EVERYONE participates. Thanks so much, Stafford Elementary

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Friday, 11th – Early Release for Students - Elementary 12pm Saturday, 12th – Incoming 7th-12th Italy Cheer Tryouts at 10am in the High School Dome Sunday, 13th – Daylight Savings Time – Spring Forward an Hour Monday, 14th through Friday, 18th – Spring Break for Students and Staff Tuesday, 22nd - PTO Meeting in the cafeteria at 4pm Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MafBKCxyHABOCuEbOuUzBrwxLSmC35Ya/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=6228c452

NEW Date for Stafford Elementary PTO Meeting: Tonight’s meeting has been moved to Tuesday, March 22nd at 4pm in the cafeteria. There is an opening for PTO president, if you are interested please contact PTO. This position will be voted on the 22nd. A few great reasons to attend: Connect with other parents. Hear about important news and upcoming events. Volunteer your time, at school or at home, to make a difference in our school community. If you are unable to attend but would like more information or to stay involved, please email staffordptopresident@gmail.com Thank you!

Stafford Reminder: Wednesday, March 9th – Spring Picture Day - Individual Student and Class To order online and choose different background options please go to www.mylifetouch.com using picture day ID: EVTCKTRFV. Paper order forms have been sent home with students and extras are available at Stafford. If you do not order online, on picture day please send in completed order form with exact cash or checks made payable to Lifetouch. Thank you!

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Friday, 4 – Sleep Book – Wear school appropriate pajamas or dress as your favorite Dr. Seuss book character! Saturday, 5 – Friends of Italy Mardi Gras Parade, Downtown Italy, 2-8pm, parade starts at 7pm Monday, 7 - Incoming 7th-12th Grades Italy Cheer Clinic 7:30-9:30pm High School Dome Tuesday, 8 – PTO Meeting Cafeteria 4pm Wednesday, 9 - Spring and Class Picture Day – To order online and choose different background options please go to www.mylifetouch.com using picture day ID: EVTCKTRFV. Paper order forms have been sent home with students and extras are available at Stafford. If you do not order online, on picture day please send in completed order form with exact cash or checks made payable to Lifetouch. Incoming 7th-12th Grades Italy Cheer Clinic 7:30-9:30pm High School Dome Thursday, 10 - Incoming 7th-12th Grades Italy Cheer Clinic 7:30-9:30pm High School Dome Friday, 11 – Early Release for Students - Elementary 12:20pm Saturday, 12 – Incoming 7th-12th Italy Cheer Tryouts at 10am High School Dome Monday, 14 through Friday, 18 – Spring Break for Students and Staff Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1drzu1uPpaAb8YiyXZHO3QdA8eHo-4cvO/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=6220e78d

Happy Dr. Seuss Week! Chief McAuley, Lieutenant Willbanks, and Officer Rumsey with the Italy Police Department read Dr. Seuss books to Stafford students! We appreciate you taking the time out of your day to read to the kids, they really enjoyed it!

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Monday, 28 - Fox in Socks – Wear Crazy Socks! Board Meeting 5:30pm High School Italy Cheer Open Gym Incoming 7th-12th grades 6:30-8:30pm HS Dome Tuesday, 1 – Green Eggs and Ham – Wear Green! New Date - FFA Can Food Drive Ends - Benefits Manna House! Class with the most wins a donut party! Wednesday, 2 – Dr Seuss Birthday - Wacky Wednesday – Wear your mix-matched or wackiest clothes! Italy Cheer Parent Meeting Incoming 7th-12th grades 6:30pm High School Cafeteria Thursday, 3 – The Cat in the Hat – Wear a Hat! Friday, 4 – Sleep Book – Wear school appropriate pajamas or dress as your favorite Dr. Seuss book character! Saturday, 5 – Friends of Italy Mardi Gras Parade, Downtown Italy, 2-8pm, parade starts at 7pm Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/13ppAaLy3Ob4UtxD-ZQMo_eGU1RUrq90p/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=6219362f

Early release on February 23. No school on February 24. Dear Italy ISD Families, Out of an abundance of caution, we will be releasing students early today before substantial precipitation is expected to begin. We will release Stafford students at 2:30p.m. and JH/HS students at 2:40 p.m. All after-school activities for today are cancelled. Given the forecasts for precipitation and freezing temperatures overnight, we have also made the decision to cancel school tomorrow, Thursday, February 24. Please contact your child’s campus if you have any questions or concerns. Thank you for your flexibility as we work to keep all students, families, and staff members safe. We will continue to monitor weather conditions and will announce a decision about any potential delays or closures on Friday as soon as we are able to do so.

2022-2023 Incoming 7th-12th Grades Italy ISD Cheer Questions? Please contact Coach Lacey Brown lbrown@italyisd.org **UPDATED DATE…Monday, February 28 - Open Gym 6:30-8:30pm High School Dome** Wednesday, March 2 – Parent Meeting 6:30pm High School Cafeteria Monday, March 7 – Clinic 7:30-9:30pm High School Dome Wednesday, March 9 – Clinic 7:30-9:30pm High School Dome Thursday, March 10 – Clinic 7:30-9:30pm High School Dome Saturday, March 12 – Tryouts 10am High School Dome

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Wednesday, 16 – 4th Six Weeks Report Cards sent home with students and are available on Parent Portal. Friday, 18 – Staff Development Day No School for Students Monday, 21 – Presidents Day Holiday No School for Students and Staff Tuesday, 22 - Kindness Week - Be a servant – dress as someone who serves others! FFA can food drive begins, benefits Manna House! Class with the most win’s donuts! Wednesday, 23 – Kindness Week - Have no excuses - wear college or kindness shirts! Thursday, 24 - Kindness Week - Don't judge others by how they look - wear sunglasses! (teachers may ask students to remove them during class time) Friday, 25 - Kindness Week - Stand up for one another - school spirit day! Can food drive ends, donations will be collected by 9am. Thank you for supporting FFA and Manna House! Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jjq2Vke5NHxfK2_ONVbR6TvmeUM6Hl9H/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=620d1344

Stafford PTO is Hosting a Valentine’s Day Fundraiser. Val-O-Grams can be purchased during student’s lunch time on Thursday, February 10th and Friday, February 11th. They are $1 each and will have candy attached. If you would like to send a Val-O-Gram to your child, please write on the back of the announcement that was sent home with your student or a piece of paper, their name, grade, teacher and who it is from, and include exact cash. Please note that these will not include any personal messages. Thank you very much for supporting our wonderful PTO!

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Thursday, 3 – Closed Due to Weather Friday, 4 – Closed Due to Weather Monday, 7 - 100th Day of School 100 Minutes of Reading Challenge Form Due Wednesday, 9 – SHAC Meeting 4:30pm at the High School Thursday, 10 - PTO selling Val-O-Grams during lunch time, $1 each and will have a blow pop or airhead attached Friday, 11 – End of 4th Six Weeks PTO selling Val-O-Grams during lunch time, $1 each and will have a blow pop or airhead attached **New Date for Spring and Class Picture Day will be on Wednesday, March 9th** Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_LKfAi9RBuchRPxOkUwSx69pTUW6kgTi/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=61fadcc5