Stafford Elementary School

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!

Please read: Navarro Flier

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!!

Stafford Families, After watching the weather forecast the past few days, it is increasingly likely cold, rainy weather is going to play a factor in having an outside picnic on Friday the 28th. With that in mind, we have decided to do two things: 1. If you come to lunch on Friday, we will do an inside picnic in the Stafford Library, Art classroom, etc. Please bring a blanket/towel 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. I completely understand if you choose to wait until the outdoor picnic time is rescheduled. Thank you for your cooperation. God bless and Go Stafford! J. Lance Bray Stafford Elementary (Italy ISD) Principal

Italy vs. Kerens Varsity Football Game RESCHEDULED!

Car Window Decals

Shout out to Italy ISD Principals

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Thursday, 20th *Join Cub Scouts – Boys and Girls Kinder through 5th Grade - 7pm at the Cargill Gallman Pavilion – 108 Harpold Street. Any questions please contact Emily Thomas 214-902-6747 emily.thomas2@scouting.org or Khrystian Jones 817-312-4180 khrystian.jones@scouting.org Friday, 21st *Football Spirit Dress Up Day - Future Career Day *5th Grade Field Trip *Italy Gladiators vs. Cayuga Wildcats home game at 7pm (Senior Night) Healthy Habits Week “Celebrate Life” Monday, 24th *Mindfulness Monday - Mental Health! Dress up as a superhero because you’re mentally strong! (no masks/face paint) Tuesday, 25th *Hats Off to Nutrition/Health Tuesday - Food! Wear your favorite hat! Wednesday, 26th *Workout Wednesday – Exercise! (school appropriate) fitness clothes or sports team attire Thursday, 27th *Wake Up Bright and Early Thursday - Sleep! Wear your sunglasses! *Big Kahuna product and prize delivery *Last day to turn in the Healthy Habits Poster Contest to Mrs. Barrett, decorate a poster to depict how you choose to be healthy! There will be a winner for PK-2nd and one from 3rd-6th! *5:00-6:15pm Stafford Open House/Fall Festival wear costumes tonight not on 31st at school. *6pm FFA “Fangtastic” Chapter Meeting High School Cafetorium. Costume contest, games, snacks and drinks. Everyone is welcome to attend. Friday, 28th *Friendship Friday – Friends! Twin Day! *Family Picnic Day during student student lunch times. Please fill out this form so we know you are coming for security purposes. https://forms.gle/qGbUEg3SCFZJ6r6n9 *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 *Italy Gladiators vs. Kerens Bobcats away game at 7pm https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rx6ZLSVkjyA6LKW_HSEyFQtPxZT5G4sJ/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=63517548 Go Stafford!

Order today with our JPay™ interest-free payment plan.* ORDER TODAY WHY PAY MORE LATER? Order a yearbook for your student by Friday, October 28, 2022 and you’ll get it at the lowest price of the year! $45 Early Bird Sale! http://click.e.jostens.com/?qs=8a0e3d05e744ef52592b591fa6059e34a8631b409a1374a359fc08a03af0ac89461e6e2dbf683056b98d3abce1b4eae749b70fbc286b13bcb0a2a9c2ce4332b4› LIMITED TIME OFFER Get four free icons (valued at $20.00) when you upgrade the cover by adding a student name for $8.00. Offer ends Friday, October 28, 2022. http://click.e.jostens.com/?qs=8a0e3d05e744ef52b326e491323fb17e8febfa3849b214137888a5ea7373148cacff720787f00ae6ce0dbc6b4094845f4c7214e2193706819fafc14e529c71c6 › *Credit card installment plan available on orders of $30 or more.

Stafford Families, We have some important information on exciting events next week during October 24th-28th. *All week is Healthy Habits Week. We will have special dress up days for each day. School appropriate attire: 24th Superhero; 25th Hats; 26th Fitness/Sports; 27th Sunglasses; 28th Twin *Thursday, October 27th is Stafford Fall Festival/Open House from 5:00-6:15 p.m. We encourage students to wear their costumes to this evening event. We will not wear Halloween costumes to school this year. *Friday, October 28th, during your child's lunch time, is Family Picnic Day at Stafford. Bring a blanket and find a place on our playground to enjoy lunch with your student. Bring their grandparents. Please fill out this form so we know you are coming for security purposes. https://forms.gle/qGbUEg3SCFZJ6r6n9 *We are not wearing Halloween costumes to school on Monday, October 31st. We hope you and your family have a safe Halloween night, if you so choose to participate. Go Stafford!

Stafford Parents, At Stafford, we want to improve our processes, policies, academics, etc. to be the very best for Italy ISD. Through our Targeted Improvement Plan, partnered with the Texas Education Agency and the Region X Educational service center, we ask you to participate in this survey to share your unique perspective on Stafford Elementary. This survey is anonymous, and we would LOVE 100% participation. Please let me know if you have any questions. Please fill out this survey by November 1, 2022. surveys.panoramaed.com/esf/2022family God bless and Go Stafford! J. Lance Bray Stafford Elementary (Italy ISD) Principal Stafford. Professional. (Excellence is a Habit)