Stafford Elementary School

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Friday, 13th - 4th Grade Field Trip We have had a successful Safety Week! We conducted a drill each day: Secure, Lockdown, Evacuate (Fire), Shelter (Tornado), and Hold. Safety is our top priority! Monday, 16th – MLK Holiday - No School for Students and Staff January is School Board Recognition Month, and we are honored to celebrate our trustees for their dedication and commitment to the district’s schools and students. School board members are selfless volunteers who spend long hours at no pay working to ensure all our students have the same opportunity to learn and grow. We appreciate all they do! Italy ISD’s Board of Trustees: President Allen Richards, Vice President Dennis Perkins, Jr., Secretary Courtney Janek, Tessa South, Kyle Holley, Ashton Russ, Shawn Holden, and Superintendent Rachel Kistner. Video link from Mr. Bray: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1A2lLJ8T1bk9I9Xpgu9HRRoCEwdZqiCpY/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=63c01b17 Go Stafford!

The PTO meeting tonight at Stafford has been postponed to Tuesday, January 31st at 4:30pm in the Cafeteria. President Nicole Franklin VP Kaitlin Leach Secretary Haley Mounce Treasure Cassandra Enriquez Facebook: Stafford Elementary PTO Stafford Family - 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. You do not need to be a member to attend. If you are unable to attend but would like more information or to stay involved, please contact the PTO by emailing: staffordptopresident@gmail.com Thank you!!

CALLING ALL LOCAL BUSINESS COMMUNITY! Italy ISD Yearbook Staff is needing your help from your business! We are currently selling advertisement space in the 2022-23 yearbook. Advertising constitutes a significant portion of the income budgeted for the Italy ISD yearbook. Participation in our advertising program by local business community members is essential to our continued financial success and our ability to keep costs down for students. Our four different advertisement options are:  FULL PAGE: 8.5” wide by 11” tall for $300  HALF PAGE: 8.5” wide by 5.5” tall for $160  QUARTER PAGE: 4.25” wide by 5.5” tall for $80  EIGHTH PAGE: 2.25” wide by 2.75” tall for $40  If you are interested in purchasing an advertisement please contact the yearbook advisor Jeremiah Glover at jglover@italyisd.org. In your email send us a good contact name and phone number. A student will call you to help you with the design details and answer any questions you might have.  Win the Day, Go Gladiators! Jeremiah J. Glover Italy Art / Design Teacher

Stafford Weekly Announcements: January is school board appreciation month and ours are amazing!! School boards are the caretakers of public education. Education empowers our youth to realize their aspirations and dreams. Thank a school board member today! Thursday, 5th - First day of the 4th six weeks Friday, 6th - Report Cards sent home and available on parent portal Monday, 9th - Safety Week (different drill each day) The Ned Show! 2nd-6th Grades Tuesday, 10th – PTO Meeting 4:30pm Stafford Cafeteria Friday, 13th - 4th Grade Field Trip Video link from Mr. Bray: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1GT1jKIMdFtFDI9kaBLC8gBLH16kikvUG/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=63b6fcc4 Go Stafford!

NED's Mindset Mission is a character education program that centers around three important messages that have lifelong relevance: Never give up, Encourage others and Do your best. On Monday, January 9th, during the assembly, 2nd-6th grade students will learn about the importance of these three life skills while also enjoying storytelling, magic, humor and yo-yo tricks.

To all Italy ISD Headstart and PreK families, As we continue to work through plans and respond to situations arising from our Christmas flooding at Stafford, we have discovered additional classrooms that will be impacted by the repairs.  The Headstart and Prekindergarten classrooms will need to temporarily relocate. Central Baptist Church has graciously agreed to allow those classes to utilize their Family Life Center for the short period of time we anticipate needing to be out of our Stafford classrooms beginning January 5th. STUDENTS WILL CONTINUE TO BE DROPPED OFF IN THE MORNING AND PICKED UP IN THE AFTERNOON FROM STAFFORD.  Students will eat breakfast at Stafford. After breakfast, a bus will take them to Central Baptist Church.  Lunch will be delivered to them at Central Baptist by our Food Service department.  At the end of the day, students will be brought back to Stafford for regular dismissal procedures.  If you need to pick up your student during the school day, you MUST come to Stafford first to officially check them out of the office.  You will be provided a checkout pass to take to Central Baptist and present to the teacher.   STUDENTS WILL NOT BE RELEASED FROM CENTRAL BAPTIST WITHOUT A CHECKOUT PASS THAT WAS GIVEN FROM THE STAFFORD OFFICE!     Thank you so much for your patience, understanding and cooperation during this time.  It's just another example of our strong and supportive Italy ISD Family!!!

Last night, December 24th, a broken water pipe was discovered in a classroom in the 1st/2nd grade hall at Stafford Elementary. The hallway, restrooms, and a majority of classrooms in that area sustained significant water damage. Late last night our maintenance and custodial crew moved furniture out of classrooms as a company arrived to pump water out of the building. This afternoon, a restoration company arrived to begin the process of removing wet sheetrock, wet carpet, etc.... to begin restoring the space for use. You will see activity going on at Stafford for the remainder of the break and for a period of time when we return. Please stay away from the campus so the workers are able to work without interruptions. When students return to school on January 5th, classes affected by this unfortunate incident will be temporarily relocated within Stafford so school can continue until the work is complete and they can return to their classrooms. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work together through this challenge and restore Stafford Elementary.

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Friday, 16th – Sweater Weather: Tacky or terrific, wear your favorite Christmas sweater! Early Release Staff and Students 12pm End of 3rd Six weeks Monday, December 19th – Tuesday, January 3rd - No School for Students and Staff Wednesday, 4th - Staff Development No School for Students Thursday, January 5th – Students Return January is School Board Appreciation Month!!! Video Link from Mr. Bray: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19RLdfujLBWaoFOEEAVDpWuUc1hixsvFP/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=639b8aeb Go Stafford!

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Parents, our attendance this year is really good, we just need your help on morning tardies. Please know we open our doors at 7:25am and we have plenty of help for a smooth drop off around the backside of Stafford (around the playground like for dismissal). Tardies start at 7:50 a.m., so please have your student dropped off before then. Thursday, 8th – Italy FFA Christmas Meeting 6-7:45pm at the High School, Games, Food, Prizes and Cocoa Bar, everyone is welcome to this meeting, however we ask all guests and members to bring a children’s toy upon entry for our toy drive our officers are hosting. Friday, 9th – Christmas Vacation: Hawaiian shirts, hula skirts, sunglasses! Monday, 12th – Santa’s Ho-Ho-Hoedown: Dress in your favorite western wear and cowboy hats to celebrate Texas style! Tuesday, 13th – Mad About Plaid: Wear your favorite flannel shirt, pants, suits! Wednesday, 14th – It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas: Dress like your favorite Christmas character, reindeer, elves, Santa Thursday, 15th - Polar Express Day: Wear your favorite school appropriate pajamas and slippers! Friday, 16th - Early Release Staff and Students 12pm End of 3rd Six weeks Sweater Weather: Tacky or terrific, wear your favorite Christmas sweater! Saturday, 17th – Wreaths Across America for Veterans at Italy Cemetery Monday, Dec 19th - Saturday, 31st - Christmas Holiday No School for Students and Staff Monday, 2nd and Tuesday, 3rd – Holiday No School for Students and Staff Wednesday, 4th - Staff Development No School for Students Thursday, 5th – Students Return Video Link from Mr. Bray: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1njTNGCEoSNlE_z1xYgezKaCjwS00Bs-6/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=63922561 Go Stafford!

Please see flier.

Italy ISD is exploring the idea of a 4-Day Instructional Week calendar to pilot beginning in the 2023-2024 school year. For many, a 4-day Instructional Week may seem like a new idea. However, more than 1,600 schools around the US and more than 40 schools in Texas currently offer a 4-day instructional week calendar. Even more Texas schools are considering the move to a 4-Day Instructional Week Calendar for the 2023-2024 school year. The 4-day instructional week calendar has allowed innovative school districts across the country to attract and retain high-quality teachers to provide effective instruction for students. Please take a few minutes to access a Sample Calendar, a document with Frequently Asked Questions, as well as a survey to provide your input at (Survey Closed) Your time, attention and input is appreciated. Or Visit https://www.italyisd.org/ News to view and complete Survey

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Friday, 2nd – Tree Topper: Dig out your favorite holiday hat, headband, or tree topper to wear! Santa Shop PTO 11-1:15pm on Stage UIL Writing Contest Saturday, 3rd – City of Italy Christmas 10am-8pm; 8-10am breakfast with Santa at the Central Baptist Family Life Center $8 for adults $5 for children under 10; 10am Festival starts, Gary Fox and the Fox Family Band takes the stage at 2pm, The Pocket Change Bluegrass Band 4-6pm, Raffle at 6pm, Parade line up at 6:30pm at the high school, Parade at 7pm City of Italy Carter BloodCare Drive 10-1pm at 108 Harpold Road Monday, 5th – Baby It’s Cold Outside: Wear your over-the-top faux fur, earmuffs, scarves, jackets, vests, boots! School Board Meeting 5:30pm at the High School UIL Competition 2nd-5th Grades Progress Reports Tuesday, 6th – Deck the Halls: Bring out your favorite holiday accessories, jewelry, necklaces, garland! Wednesday, 7th – Jingle Bells Rock: This is simple – wear bells, make sure Santa knows where you are! UIL Competition 6th Grade Thursday, 8th – Shine Bright Like a Light: Light up your wardrobe with holiday lights, glitter, tinsel, light-up necklaces! Italy FFA Christmas Meeting 6-7:45pm at the High School, Games, Food, Prizes and Cocoa Bar, everyone is welcome to this meeting, however we ask all guests and members to bring a children’s toy upon entry for our toy drive our officers are hosting. Friday, 9th – Christmas Vacation: Hawaiian shirts, hula skirts, sunglasses! Link for December Menus: https://www.italyisd.org/page/food-services Link to Mr. Bray’s Weekly Message: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NsiSN87tv9AU7CAUYb5rj9KvuGffB-mV/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=6388e9a5 Go Stafford!

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Friday, 18th - Vocabulary Word Dress Up Parade for The One and Only Ivan *Early Release 12pm for Students and Staff *Last day to register for IYAA Basketball at https://www.jotform.com/222936954526163 Registration fee is $65, payment is due at fittings, cash, check or Venmo will be accepted. All players Pre-K through 6th grade must live in Italy or go to Italy ISD. Follow us on Facebook IYAA Sports. Monday, 21st through Friday, 25th - Thanksgiving Holiday – No School for Students and Staff Friday, 25th - Last Day to Order - The Italy Cadet Squadron applied to have our local cemetery approved for a Wreaths Across America site. On December 17th, squadrons across the nation will conduct wreath laying ceremonies to honor our military veterans. The wreaths are $15. It’s a day that’s been set aside to lay wreaths at the places where we remember, honor and teach about our veterans: cemeteries, monuments, parks… Anywhere we can pay tribute to their sacrifices. https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/171680 Monday, 28th - Friday, 2nd - PTO Santa Shop during student's lunch time on the cafeteria stage. Stafford is needing career day presenters for Friday, February 24th! Please sign up to represent a career. Students will visit your station and ask specific questions about your field. You will have access to questions in advance. When you sign up, please note any specific accommodations you made need for your station. Please contact Natalie Barrett at nbarrett@italyisd.org for any questions. Thank you! https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/10c0e4daba62ea0f9ce9-needing Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eDswrCMDogniosmDKwh75tOfxq74viHI/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=637649dc

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Friday, 11th - Veterans Day Program 10am - Veterans and Italy citizens, please be our guest, as we honor the veterans of our community. Italy High School will host its annual Veteran's Day Ceremony in the Old Gym. Veterans, come let us honor you on this special day. Italy citizens, come show our students the importance of honoring those who fought for our freedom. You may park at the east end of the Old Gym and enter directly in the front doors of the gym. Wednesday, 16th - Big Kahuna Fundraiser Limo (for those who qualified final day to turn in your permission slip is tomorrow Friday, 11th) Last day for the canned food drive and/or pet supplies drive, the class with the most items wins a prize! Friday, 18th – Vocabulary Word Dress Up Parade for The One and Only Ivan Early Release 12pm for Students and Staff Monday, 21st through Friday, 25th - Thanksgiving Holiday – No School for Students and Staff Monday, 28th – Last Day to Order -The Italy Cadet Squadron applied to have our local cemetery approved for a Wreaths Across America site. On December 17th, squadrons across the nation will conduct wreath laying ceremonies to honor our military veterans. The wreaths are $15. It’s a day that’s been set aside to lay wreaths at the places where we remember, honor and teach about our veterans: cemeteries, monuments, parks… Anywhere we can pay tribute to their sacrifices. https://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/171680 https://drive.google.com/file/d/10z_ya4-WNitzfohutfQwTajHLOKC8C2a/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=636d5e98 Go Stafford!

Veterans, parents, and Italy citizens, Please be our guest on Friday, November 11, 2022, as we honor the veterans of our community. Italy High School will host its annual Veteran's Day Ceremony on Friday at 10:00AM in the Old Gym. Veterans, come let us honor you on this special day. Italy citizens, come show our students the importance of honoring those who fought for our freedom. We hope to see you on Friday at 10:00AM in the Old Gym. You may park at the east end of the Old Gym, and enter directly in the front doors of the gym.

Stafford Families, Please help us out by taking a moment to fill out this survey for Stafford Elementary/Italy ISD. The Texas Education Agency has requested us to get as many families as possible to fill this out, and we would like to hear from all families at Stafford at how we can support education in Italy ISD. Family: surveys.panoramaed.com/esf/2022family

Stafford Weekly Announcements: November 1st-17th Canned food drive and pet food/supplies drive, class with the most items win a prize! Thursday, 3rd - End of 2nd Six Weeks Friday, 4th - Staff Development - No School for Students Sunday, 6th - Daylight Savings Fall Back an Hour Tuesday, 8th - PTO Meeting 4:30pm in the cafeteria Wednesday, 9th – Report Cards 2nd Grade Field Trip https://drive.google.com/file/d/1P149C98pMYo2Ag-C0rMpJTW2VgMDx_NW/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=6363ebd0 Go Stafford!

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Stafford Weekly Announcements: Thursday, 27th *5-6:15pm Stafford Open House and Fall Festival (wear your costumes) *Italy Gladiators vs. Kerens Bobcats away game at 7pm Friday, 28th *Friendship Friday - Friends - Twin Day! *Family Picnic Day during the student lunch times; most likely the weather is going to play a factor in having an outside picnic. With that in mind, we have decided to do two things: 1. If you come to lunch today, we will do an inside picnic in the Library, Art classroom, etc. Please bring a blanket to sit on. Limited chairs and tables will also be available. 2. We will reschedule an outside picnic day very soon, when we believe the weather will be better. We completely understand if you choose to wait until the outdoor picnic time is rescheduled. *Last day for early bird special on the 22/23 Italy ISD Yearbook PreK-12th Grades all in one book. Online purchase only www.jostens.com *One Book One School Begins – The One and Only Ivan – Author Katherine Applegate Monday, 31st *Not a dress up day at school – no costumes *Kinder and 1st Grade Field Trip *City of Italy Trunk or Treat on Main Street from 4-5pm (wear your costumes) Thursday, 3rd - End of 2nd Six Weeks Friday, 4th - Staff Development – No School for Students Sunday, 6th - Daylight Savings Fall Back an Hour https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ambUFaHYZzBXeYFrvvFPJonPO38WATYJ/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=635ad1cf Go Stafford!

Stafford Families, We are excited to see you tonight, Thursday, October 27th, at our Open House/Fall Festival. From 5-5:35pm teachers will be in their classroom to visit. At 5:35pm, teachers will transition to the gym and cafeteria for activities and games. Please feel free to visit all activities. Go Stafford!!