Stafford Elementary School

ITALY ISD 2021-2022 YEARBOOK - TURN MOMENTS INTO MEMORIES Learning and growing together has never meant more than today. Look back on fond memories as we move forward together with new experiences captured in the yearbook. Reserve a copy for your student today. Italy ISD Yearbook is still on sale and the current price is $40 until this Friday, January 28, 2022! Buy now before the price increases! This one book will include Stafford, JHS and HS! All orders must be placed online at www.Jostens.com or the links below. Elementary https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1141454/Stafford-Elementary-School/Yearbook/2022010804164856379/CATALOG_SHOP/YB_BOOKS/001_006_1ST-LINE_22/2022010804164861079/?fbclid=IwAR3XZXeN06Er1csYalJz-flQQIv7HSywV6-cRv9BSSoE4VlgLJgoPXN6QPg#design/0 JHS & HS https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productDetail/1079390/Italy-High-School/Yearbook/2022010804164856379/CATALOG_SHOP/YB_BOOKS/001_006_1ST-LINE_22/2022010804164861079/?fbclid=IwAR1R6Oilq4U5xym40OqMkrgSgblre8uIzx_88EMLbYZ2mm2xRUERv5QNw6w#design/0 Win the Day, Go Gladiators! Jeremiah J. Glover Italy Yearbook Teacher Jglover@italyisd.org

Stafford Elementary - 100th Day of School Thursday, February 3rd - In honor of making it that long in school, we are going to do another reading challenge. Starting Thursday, January 20th by sending home the "100 Minutes of Reading Challenge" form. Kids will read for 10 minutes every day at home and keep track of it. They will turn in their form on Friday February 4th. They will be entered in a drawing to win 2 free movie or bowling passes compliments of ShowBiz in Waxahachie. Happy Reading! Mrs. Jones, Stafford Librarian

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Monday, 24th – Board Meeting at the High School 5:30pm Wednesday, 26th - Carter Blood Drive at the High School in the Carter Bloodcare Bus. Seniors if you would like to earn your red blood cord to wear at graduation, please see Nurse Hopgood to schedule an appointment! An adult may also donate on behalf of a senior. Any questions please contact Kim Hopgood 972-483-7411 or khopgood@italyisd.org Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dJAh9W0uGL0nOmK2BhmZeBEkO24tQONv/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=61e9bd08

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Friday, January 14th - No School for Students Monday, January 17th – Holiday Martin Luther King Day - No School for Students & Staff Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ULAKI-cw1lHRkvhGxYnVGBe0PkT-hPRT/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=61e04fc7

Italy ISD School Closure Friday, January 14, 2022 Due to rapidly increasing COVID cases and staffing shortages (both current and projected), we are changing this coming Friday, January 14 to an in-person staff workday. The day will be a student holiday. We have additional minutes built into the school calendar and this time will not have to be made up for students. Currently scheduled extra-curricular activities (UIL games, etc.) will continue as scheduled unless you are contacted by your coach or sponsor. All staff should report to their campus from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. All staff should be working in their classrooms or offices alone and refrain from any group gatherings including meals together. All staff must be in-person or have an absence documented for the day. While the COVID Omicron variant is quickly spreading and we expect mass population coverage soon, we will continue to monitor active cases each week to mitigate the spread. We apologize to our families for the inconvenience but feel this decision is in the best interest of Italy ISD students and staff. We are feeling the impact of staff absences throughout the district. This will allow for an extra day apart along with the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday on Monday, Jan. 17. Please contact your campus if you have any questions. Rachel Kistner Italy ISD Superintendent

Stafford Weekly Announcement: We hope that each of you enjoyed a restful and restorative break filled with special moments with your friends and family. Friday, January 7th 3rd Six Weeks Report Cards Monday, January 17th Holiday No School for Students and Staff Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Pw-tEf2Fd1LmcWV8tvlZqO68R0BgI1OY/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=61d70d5b

A Merry Christmas to everyone from Stafford Elementary!!! May you enjoy this holiday season surrounded with your loved ones and celebrating this festive time! We will see you on Thursday, January 6, 2022!! Happy New Year! Go Stafford!

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Thursday, 16th – Last day to shop at the PTO Santa Shop 9-2pm Board Meeting 5:30pm at the High School Friday, 17th – End of 3rd Six Weeks Early Release Stafford 12:20pm and JHS/HS 12:31pm; Buses could potentially arrive 10-15 minutes early Saturday, 18th through Wednesday, 5th Winter Holiday Break Students will return on Thursday, January 6, 2022 We hope you enjoy this time off with your family and friends! Go Stafford!! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Apvba939694ksrNZKPozp5r4oHrjfQv3/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=61bb715e

Future Lady Gladiators: Saturday, December 18th will be the last Free Basketball Clinic at 8am at the High School Dome for grades 2nd through 8th. You will have an opportunity to learn essential fundamentals of the game from the current Lady Gladiators of the 2021-2022 season!! Players don’t forget your water bottle and ball if you have one! Looking forward to seeing you there! Any questions please contact Coach Jamie Moore at jmoore@italyisd.org

Stafford Reminder, today Thursday, December 16th is the last day for the PTO Santa Shop from 9am-2pm. They accept Cash, Visa/Mastercards or checks payable to Stafford PTO. Or Gift Certificates are available at https://gift-certificates.schoolholidayshop.com if you prefer to not send your child with cash. Thank you all for supporting our amazing PTO!!

Friday, December 17th is an early release for Stafford at 12:20pm. On early release days, our buses could have less students than normal and could potentially arrive 10-15 minutes early. Thank you and Go Stafford!!

Stafford Weekly Announcement: Friday, 10 – Santa's Ho-Ho-Ho-down! Dress in your favorite western wear (cowboy hats, boots) to celebrate Texas style! Deadline for GT Program Nominations to Mrs. Barrett Sunday, 12 – 37th Annual Ellis County Toy Run Fundraising Event, begins at 11am in downtown Midlothian and will follow 287 to Ennis, where the festivities continue at Sokol Hall. Italy ISD Christmas Band Concert 6th-12th Grades, 3pm High School Cafeteria Monday, 13 - Mad about Plaid! Wear your favorite flannel shirt, pants, suits! PTO Santa Shop 9-2pm; Parents can shop with their students during students' lunch time. Tuesday, 14 – It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Dress like your favorite Christmas character, reindeer, elves, Santa! PTO Santa Shop 9-2pm; Parents can shop with their students during students' lunch time. Spinal Screening: Girls screened two times age 10 & 12. Boys screened one time at age 13 or 14 Wednesday, 15 - Polar Express Day! Wear your favorite (school appropriate) pajamas! PTO Santa Shop 9-2pm; Parents can shop with their students during students' lunch time. Headstart Pre-K parent program 2-3pm Cafeteria FFA Meeting All Grades 6-7pm High School Cafeteria, Food, Drinks and Games! Please bring a $10 or under gift to donate! Thursday, 16 - Sweater Weather! Tacky or Terrific, wear your favorite Christmas sweater! PTO Santa Shop 9-2pm; Parents can shop with their students during students' lunch time. Board Meeting 5:30pm at the High School Friday, 17 – End of 3rd Six Weeks Early Release Stafford 12:20pm and JHS/HS 12:31pm December 18th through January 5th Winter Holiday Break. Students will return on Thursday, January 6, 2022 Go Stafford!! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZfdEWR-J9CryT6raKWLoghqlow4hx0ke/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=61b23c9f

Stafford Family, Friday, 3 - Baby It's Cold Outside! Wear your over the top faux fur, ear muffs, scarves, jackets, vests, boots! Saturday, 4 - City of Italy Christmas Festival 3-9pm located in downtown Italy. Food trucks, vendors, arts & crafts, Midtown Playboys take the stage at 5:30pm and a lighted parade at 8:00pm. Monday, 6 - Deck the Halls! Bring out your favorite holiday accessories, jewelry, necklaces, garland! Tuesday, 7 – Jingle Bells Rock! This is simple - Wear bells! Make sure Santa knows where you are! PTO Meeting 5:30pm Stafford Cafeteria Wednesday, 8 - Shine Bright like a Light! Light up your wardrobe with holiday lights, glitter, tinsel, light-up necklaces! 3rd Six Weeks Progress Reports SHAC Meeting 4:30pm at the High School in the old cafeteria Thursday, 9 - Christmas Vacation! Hawaiian shirts, hula skirts, sunglasses! Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ajQpodP3-XsyClfoipZDKnJSPBLQ5L_4/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=61a925be

Stafford 12 Days of Christmas!! Wednesday, 1 - Spirit of the Season! Wear red and green and start the countdown! Thursday, 2 - Tree Topper! Dig out your favorite holiday hat, headband, or tree topper to wear! Friday, 3 - Baby It's Cold Outside! Wear your over the top faux fur, ear muffs, scarves, jackets, vests, boots! Monday, 6 - Deck the Halls! Bring out your favorite holiday accessories. Jewelry, necklaces, garland! Tuesday, 7 – Jingle Bells Rock! This is simple - Wear bells! Make sure Santa knows where you are! Wednesday, 8 - Shine Bright like a Light! Light up your wardrobe with holiday lights, glitter, tinsel, light-up necklaces! Thursday, 9 - Christmas Vacation! Hawaiian shirts, hula skirts, sunglasses! Friday, 10 – Santa's Ho-Ho-Ho-down! Dress in your favorite western wear, cowboy hats to celebrate Texas style! Monday, 13 - Mad about Plaid! Wear your favorite flannel shirt, pants, suits! Tuesday, 14 - It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas! Dress like your favorite Christmas character, reindeer, elves, Santa! Wednesday, 15 - Polar Express Day! Wear your favorite (school appropriate) pajamas and slippers! Thursday, 16 - Sweater Weather! Tacky or Terrific, wear your favorite Christmas Sweater!

Stafford Weekly Announcement, *Canned Food Drive ended today and was a HUGE success! Thank you!! *Thanksgiving Break – November 22nd through 26th - We hope you all enjoy this time off with family and friends, Happy Thanksgiving! Go Stafford!! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OlenAcSw0j4ziigIIWGmxVBSMeeJMqbC/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=619686ae

Stafford Grandparents Day Reminder – Friday, November 19th during student’s lunch time. At this time, we are only able to serve students through the cafeteria line. You are always welcomed to bring outside food for you and your student. Thank you! Italy ISD Visitor Updates *Please bring your driver’s license to sign in and receive your visitor sticker. You will receive your license back when you bring your visitor sticker to the front office as you exit. Thank you for helping us keep our school safe and organized. See lunch schedule below: PreK 11:00-11:30 1st 11:15-11:45 Kinder 11:30-12:00 2nd 11:45-12:15 5th 11:55-12:25 6th 12:00-12:30 4th 12:20-12:50 3rd 12:30-1:00

The Lady Gladiator Basketball Program would like to invite students in grades Kinder-3rd to become a Lil’ Lady Gladiator! This program is a commitment by the Varsity Lady Gladiators to mentor their Lil’ Lady Gladiator for the duration of basketball season. Lil’ Lady Gladiators is available on a first come, first serve basis for the first 15 Kinder-3rd grade students. Attached is a registration form or we have them available at Stafford. The basketball meet and greet and basketball game day date/time will be announced at a later date. Please drop off registration forms with $10 (cash or check made out to Italy ISD) at Stafford front office by Friday, December 3rd. This program includes: T-shirt, digital picture with your varsity Lady Gladiator, dinner with your varsity Lady Gladiator, warmup run out and break out before a varsity game, and if you wear your t-shirt to a home game you will get in free!! Any questions please contact Coach Jamie Moore at jmoore@italyisd.org Thank you!

Stafford Families, *Book Fair Family Night is tonight 3:30-5:30pm. Last day is tomorrow, closing at 1:30pm! *2nd Six Weeks Report Cards went home yesterday and are available on parent portal *Canned Food Drive November 1st - 17th the class with the most wins a prize! Go Stafford! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ie3pKvpC-jbwVr9Eg8J2DOCWArotpL-o/view?usp=sharing_eil_dm&ts=618d83b8

Stafford Reminder: Book Fair this week November 8th-12th Thursday is Family Night 3:30 - 5:30pm. Parents can also shop with their student during their lunch time. We will be closing the Book Fair Friday at 1:30pm! Monday - Friday - Students will also go with their class throughout the day. Thank you for supporting our book fair!!

Good Morning, The PTO Meeting that was scheduled for this evening has been cancelled. The next PTO meeting will be on Tuesday, December 7th at 5:30pm in the Stafford Cafeteria. Thank you!