Stafford Elementary School

Due to ongoing inclement weather, Italy ISD will be closed on Thursday, February 2nd. Even though the afternoon forecast for tomorrow shows temperatures increasing, the morning will still have significant icing that will be treacherous for our buses and families to be on the road. We plan to see everyone back on Friday! Continue to be safe if you have to venture out.

Due to ongoing inclement weather, Italy ISD will be closed on Wednesday, February 1st. Please be safe if you have to venture out.

Italy ISD 2023 Yearbook price will increase after this Friday. Share in the savings by placing your order today! The current sales price is $50 which will last until Friday, February 3, 2023. If you are unsure that you have already purchased this year's book, contact Mr. Glover at jglover@italyisd.org. HURRY, ACT NOW! ONLY 5 DAYS REMAINING FOR THE SPECIAL YEARBOOK OFFER! ORDER YEARBOOK › https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1079390/Italy-High-School/2023-Yearbook/20220927211503373125/CATALOG_SHOP/?utm_content=453273&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=YBK_CMP_HS_BE_LC2_NL_E3_20230124&utm_source=sfmc&utm_id=8788018a-f7cc-4223-90ca-1747777f160a&utm_term=All+Subscribers

Due to the quickly changing weather conditions, Italy ISD will be closing early today. Stafford Elementary will dismiss at 2:00 and Italy JH/HS will dismiss at 2:15. School tomorrow, January 31st, will also be cancelled as conditions are not expected to improve within the next 24 hours. The Boys and Girls Basketball games in Hamilton originally scheduled for Tuesday evening have been rescheduled for Thursday, February 2nd in Hamilton at 4:00 and 5:30 PM..

2022-2023 Italy ISD Yearbook – Prek-12th Grades All in One Book! Share in the savings by placing your order today! The current sales price is $50 which will last until Friday, February 3rd. If you are unsure that you have already purchased this year's book, contact Mr. Glover at jglover@italyisd.org. Hurry act now, only 5 days remaining for the special yearbook offer! Online orders only ORDER YEARBOOK › https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1079390/Italy-High-School/2023-Yearbook/20220927211503373125/CATALOG_SHOP/?utm_content=453273&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=YBK_CMP_HS_BE_LC2_NL_E3_20230124&utm_source=sfmc&utm_id=8788018a-f7cc-4223-90ca-1747777f160a&utm_term=All+Subscribers JPay® is the affordable, easy way to pay for your yearbook. Spread the cost over three payments and enjoy no interest or fees. Credit card installment plan available on orders of $30 or more. Win the Day, Go Gladiators! Jeremiah J. Glover Italy Yearbook Teacher

Due to the weather forecast, all after-school activities for Italy ISD have been canceled for today. We will continue to monitor the evolving weather situation and will let you know if there are any further cancelations.

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Tuesday, 31st - 100th Day of School - When the 100th day of school rolls around, the year is over halfway completed! It is a fun time to reflect on some of the major accomplishments that have been achieved in the school year and what they look forward to learning in the future. PTO Meeting Stafford Cafeteria 4:30pm, 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 contact the PTO by emailing: staffordptopresident@gmail.com Wednesday, 1st - Carter Blood Care Drive 9-3pm at the High School Old Gym Friday, 3rd – Spring and Class Pictures - To order online and choose different background options please go to www.mylifetouch.com using picture day ID: EVTPWNH9X (Class) or EVTPPFPTJ (individual) Paper order forms were 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 800-244-4373. Video Link from Mr. Bray: https://drive.google.com/file/d/13LHNPEA3s4DgWQzvuDlDdcxUcWwWASs4/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=63d29cfb Go Stafford!

Italy Independent School District 300 College Street Italy, Texas 76651 972-483-1815 Italy ISD Approves 2023-2024 4-Day Instructional Week School Calendar On Monday, January 23, 2023, during the regularly scheduled meeting of the Italy ISD Board of Trustees, the 2023-2024 School Calendar was approved. The 2023-2024 school calendar will be different from previous calendars as it includes a 4-day instructional week for students and staff. Students and staff will attend school Monday-Thursday with most Fridays set aside for campuses to use as Intervention and Support days or for staff to attend and participate in professional development. Fridays will also include opportunities for extra-curricular activities. The research and planning for the possible change in the calendar began earlier in the fall with a general staff survey on how much interest there might be in pursuing the change. District representatives also attended workshops in the area being conducted for other districts interested in the alternate calendar. Campus presentations were made to provide additional information as well as meetings with the district’s site-based decision making committee. Finally, a survey along with a draft calendar and frequently asked questions were made available to students in grades 7-11, parents, families and community members via Facebook and the district website. Why did Italy ISD consider a four-day instructional week and approve the change? The primary reasons are to retain and attract quality teachers and staff, provide stability and quality instruction for students, boost student and staff well-being, maintain strong student attendance and give time back to students and staff to improve overall performance and quality of life. Italy ISD is unable to pay employees the same salaries as the larger school districts that are in the area. The district hopes this helps give Italy ISD a competitive edge in hiring employees. By being able to hire and retain the highest quality and experienced teachers and support staff, the quality of instruction and student success should increase. The 4-day Instructional week also has the potential to attract more students to the district. Making this change should have a positive effect on student and staff morale and having off one day a week will help with attendance rates of students and staff alike. Staff and families can use the day during the week to schedule appointments, take care of family obligations, etc… that often take them out of school. The 2023-2024 board-approved calendar and FAQ document can be found at this link: https://5il.co/1li36 https://5il.co/1li37 Further information will be provided as it becomes available.

Stafford Weekly Announcement: January is School Board Recognition Month! School boards are designed to serve as a link between the community and the classroom. We are grateful our board members support the work of this district and the ultimate goal of preparing students for success in school and beyond. 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, Superintendent Rachel Kistner. Monday, 23rd – School Board Meeting 5:30pm at the High School Thursday, 26th – Character of the Month SELebration Integrity – doing the right thing even when it’s hard or when no one is looking. Go Stafford! Video Link from Mr. Bray: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HuOyZHiId_ACPQ3ZUvaM-bo9KiLGlv38/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=63c96da9

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