Stafford Elementary School

The Lemonade War by: Jaqueline Davies *One School, One Book" Stafford's Vocabulary Parade on Thursday, October 26th - All grade levels can participate. Last year’s parade was amazing with so much creativity. Students pick a vocabulary word from the book and decorate themselves in a way to explain the definition of the word. We will walk the halls of Stafford and show off our new words and creativity. Please make sure your word is displayed for everyone to see. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume.

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Monday, 23rd *Red Ribbon Week – Be Kind to Your Mind – Live Drug Free! Mindful Monday - mental health and manners. You’re mentally strong and will use good manners! Wear your favorite superhero shirt. Tuesday, 24th *Red Ribbon Week – Be Kind to Your Mind – Live Drug Free! Hats off to healthy nutrition Tuesday! Wear your favorite hat and enjoy extra fruits, veggies, milk, and water every day! Wednesday, 25th *Red Ribbon Week – Be Kind to Your Mind – Live Drug Free! Work Out Wednesday! Exercise and wear your favorite (school appropriate) fitness clothes or sports team attire! Thursday, 26th *Red Ribbon Week – Be Kind to Your Mind – Live Drug Free! The Lemonade War – Vocabulary Parade - All grade levels can participate. Last year’s parade was amazing with so much creativity. Students pick a vocabulary word from the book and decorate themselves in a way to explain the definition of the word. We will walk the halls of Stafford and show off our new words and creativity. Please make sure your word is displayed for everyone to see. Prizes will be awarded for the best costume. *Big Kahuna Product Delivery in the gym 11-4pm, smaller items are sent home with students. *Stafford Fall Festival 5:30-7pm, wear your costumes tonight not at school on 31st *Field trip money is due for PreK Fields, Kinder and 1st grades $10 per student, parents pay at the gate Friday, 27th *No School for Students and Staff Video Link from Mr. Bray: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1aFLdrHyb3WYyg165aM8OcSAgfYx_paP2/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=65313d28 Go Stafford!

Red Ribbon Week Theme at Stafford Elementary: “Be kind to your mind. Live drug free.” Healthy Habits Celebrated - October 23rd-26th

Italy ISD Board of Trustees Vacancy The Italy ISD Board of Trustees currently has a vacant seat on the board with the recent resignation of Shawn Holden. The School Board will be accepting applications from now through 4:00 PM on November 16, 2023. Guidelines for applying as well as the application can be found on the district website at the following link: Application for Italy ISD School Board Vacancy https://5il.co/276y2 Guidelines for Filling a Vacancy on the Italy ISD School Board https://5il.co/276y3 See Above

The Lemonade War by: Jaqueline Davies *One School, One Book - Chapter 10 Tonight! Please look at the attached picture!!! What color will you choose to wear tomorrow Tuesday 17th....Yellow or Pink???

***UPDATED Stafford Big Kahuna Fundraiser Announcement: Thursday, October 26th – Product delivery day. Big Kahuna will notify parents that have larger orders using the phone number that was written on the order form. Items will be in the Stafford Gym from 11-4pm. Smaller items will be sent home with students. Bonus prizes are also delivered today. Any questions regarding your orders please contact Doug Procter at doug@bigkahunafun.com ***NEW Date Monday, October 30th – Monster Party Limo Bus Experience (groups and times tba) To qualify - a student sold 15 items. To qualify for the family plan - sold 20 items, are siblings that attend Stafford and orders are placed on 1 order form with siblings listed on top of the form. A huge thank you to everyone for supporting this fundraiser for the students at Stafford Elementary!

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Thursday, 12th *The Lemonade War – Chapter 9 Friday, 13th *No School for Students or Staff - Intervention Support Days Monday, 16th *National Boss’ Day *National School Bus Safety Week! The week-long observance offers a reminder to all about the importance of following the law and implementing school bus safety tips. More than 25 million children are transported to and from school on big yellow buses! The law in Texas requires all motor vehicle drivers approaching from either direction to stop for a school bus that is operating a visual signal. Students always remember to remain seated, hands to yourself and a level 1 while riding the bus. A huge thank you to our amazing bus drivers who always make sure all students arrive safely: JD Cate, Brad Chambers, John Escamilla, Lynn Lambert, Bobby McBride, Shaun Roberts and to everyone who drives when they are unable or to extracurricular events. *Fall & School Yearbook Retake if you were absent on August 30th, started after this date or want to retake your pictures please send in completed order form with exact cash or checks payable to Lifetouch or you can order online at www.mylifetouch.com using picture day ID EVT2S77HR. Extra order forms are available at Stafford. *School Board Meeting 5:30pm at the High School *The Lemonade War – Chapter 10 Tuesday, 17th *Big Kahuna Fundraiser Limo Bus Day (groups and times tba) *The Lemonade War – Chapter 11 Wednesday, 18th *The Lemonade War – Chapter 12 Thursday, 19th *The Lemonade War – Chapters 13 & 14 Friday, 20th *Staff Development No School for Students October Dyslexia Awareness Month – A teacher educated about dyslexia can be the one person who saves a child and their family from years of frustration and anxiety. That teacher can play a pivotal role in changing the whole culture of a school. Thank you, Mrs. Janek, for your dedication to the students at Stafford! October National Principal Month - These leaders, with their resolute vision and unwavering dedication, aren't merely running schools—they're molding futures, shaping communities, and paving pathways to success for every student. Thank you, Mr. Bray, for all you do! Go Stafford!

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, and this year my students and I decided that they should be a part of explaining dyslexia to Stafford. For some of my students, being labeled dyslexic can be a relief. It answers why they struggle in spite of adequate instruction and effort. For others, this label can be a source of anxiety. Although the label helps explain many of their challenges, it does not describe the whole person. My students are short, tall, good at math, storytelling, art, and sports. They are so much more than their label! You can ask any one of my students what it means to have dyslexia, and most of them will tell you that it simply means they learn differently. But if you really want to know who we are, ask us what we CAN do! Dyslexics are some of the most creative people you will ever meet, and some of the world’s greatest thinkers, inventors, entrepreneurs and even billionaires. One of the leading researchers in dyslexia, Dr. Sally Shaywitz, said it best when she said, “Dyslexia is an island of weakness surrounded by a sea of strengths!” Please stop by the trophy case and view the “I AM” artwork some of my students created for Dyslexia Awareness. Each piece represents how they see themselves, and what they want others to know about their “sea of strengths.” Angie Janek, CALT Dyslexia Specialist

Stafford Fall Festival Flyer Here is the link for the QR code: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1tD4V2mQS1FYsR2nOpkMGVcW0evFPD9kmEKZFHdTCw-Q/viewform?fbclid=IwAR0ErxWa-mWU7Q9PXV4qsjLAiAeu-Q3Y7tyfoR9y7zwrC_-fgWN3vAiuOns_aem_Ab-gXZpl1mcGc7ZvxcAZvfPggOVsHIufOeRJ2OU7X7EsDzDUm6wpif7QXEUySY2l-es&edit_requested=true&mibextid=2JQ9oc

The Lemonade War by: Jaqueline Davies *One School, One Book - Chapters 4 & 5 Tonight! *The attached letter is also being sent home with students for the The Lemonade War – Vocabulary Parade on October 26th!

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Thursday, 5th *Last Day for ONLINE Big Kahuna Orders (thank you for supporting our fundraiser!) *The Lemonade War – Chapters 4 & 5 Friday, 6th *Intervention Support Days – No School for Students and Staff *National School Coach Day – A special SHOUT out to Coach Fossett and Coach Mounce! Thank you for your hard work, guidance, and shaping athletes into future leaders! Monday, 9th *This is not a holiday; all students and staff attend school today. *National School Lunch Week: The National School Lunch Program serves nearly 30 million children every day. President JFK created this week in 1962 to promote the importance of a healthy school lunch in a child’s life and the impact it has inside and outside of the classroom! We appreciate our amazing cafeteria staff Ms, Martinez, Ms, Clingan, Ms. Maloney, Ms. Solis and Ms. Varner! *The Lemonade War – Chapter 6 Tuesday, 10th *PTO meeting at 4:45pm in the Stafford Cafeteria – 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 their school. You do not need to be a member to attend. We look forward to seeing you there! *The Lemonade War – Chapter 7 Wednesday, 11th *The Lemonade War – Chapter 8 Thursday, 12th *Headstart parent activity at 3pm in the Stafford cafeteria - painting pumpkins! *The Lemonade War – Chapter 9 Friday, 13th *No School for Students and Staff - Intervention Support Days Video Link from Mr. Bray: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1QK0JwD5aWjbKLU0bDS88u8n5ySPPtEwJ/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=651ee2b4 Go Stafford!

Stafford Big Kahuna Fundraiser Announcement: September 28th – order forms and money due October 4th – Late orders, if you have not turned yours in, this is the final day order forms and money will be able to be accepted. October 5th - ONLINE orders end October 17th – Monster Party Limo Experience (groups and times tba) To qualify - a student sold 15 items. To qualify for the family plan - sold 20 items, are siblings that attend Stafford and orders are placed on 1 order form with siblings listed on top of the form. October 26th – Product delivery day. Big Kahuna will notify parents that have larger orders using the phone number that was written on the order form. Items will be in the Stafford Gym from 11-4pm. Smaller items will be sent home with students. Bonus prizes are also delivered today. Any questions regarding your orders please contact Doug Procter at doug@bigkahunafun.com A huge thank you to everyone for supporting this fundraiser for the students at Stafford Elementary!

Attendance Matters The school day, from start to finish, is vital for the proper educational development and learning for every student. School Hours Italy JH/HS 7:35-4:05 Stafford Elementary 7:45-4:15 Tardies/Early Pick-Ups/Absences are counted throughout the school year, and when a student reaches a certain amount, attendance/learning recovery will be required. Promotion/Course Credit Students risk promotion to the next grade or loss of course credit, even if they are passed, if they have not been in school 90% of the days. Parent Portal Log into your parent portal to see your student’s attendance, grades, and test scores. More Information on Attendance Refer to the Student Handbook at 23-24 Italy Student Handbook

Italy ISD Cafeteria Announcement: If you have already filled out the free and reduced application for this school year or received a letter saying you do not need to fill one out, please disregard this message. The extension period from last school year has expired for free and reduced breakfast and lunch. If you received benefits last year and have not filled out the application this year, your student will be charged full price for breakfast and lunch starting today, Monday, October 2nd until the application is turned in and approved, select this link to submit application https://www.myschoolapps.com/ For more helpful information regarding the cafeteria please go to https://www.italyisd.org/page/food-services Thank you!

Stafford Weekly Announcements: Thursday, 28th *Cub Scouts parent meeting at the pavilion downtown Italy at 7pm *One School, One Book is Back! Books are sent home with the oldest grade level student. A parent note and bookmark are included with our reading schedule. *State Fair student tickets were sent home this week. *Report cards for 2nd-6th grades are available on the parent portal and paper copies were sent home with your student. Friday, 29th *No School for Students or Staff *Homecoming parade at 2pm, pep rally immediately after at pavilion downtown, kick off at 7pm Saturday, 30th *If you have not filled out the free and reduced cafeteria form and would like to continue these benefits. Please select this link and complete the application before school on Monday https://www.myschoolapps.com/ OCTOBER Dyslexia Awareness Month – A teacher educated about dyslexia can be the one person who saves a child and their family from years of frustration and anxiety. That teacher can play a pivotal role in changing the whole culture of a school. Thank you, Mrs. Janek, for your dedication to the students at Stafford! National Principal Month - These leaders, with their resolute vision and unwavering dedication, aren't merely running schools—they're molding futures, shaping communities, and paving pathways to success for every student. Thank you, Mr. Bray, for all you do! Monday, 2nd *National Custodian Appreciation Day! Thank you, Mr. Mayberry, Mr. Perez, Mr. Ross, Ms. Stanford, and Mr. Tovar. We appreciate you, keep up the great work! Thursday, 5th *Last day for ONLINE Big Kahuna orders Friday, 6th *No School for Students and Staff *National School Coach Day – A special shout out to Coach Fossett and Coach Mounce! Thank you for your hard work, guidance and shaping athletes into future leaders. Video Link from Mr. Bray: https://drive.google.com/file/d/17pna0mWi15GuietKKJarZoNmlt2BnS6l/view?usp=sharing_eil_se_dm&ts=65159c3f Go Stafford!

ITALY HOMECOMING ALUMNI RECOGNITION

Italy ISD Cafeteria Announcement: If you have already filled out the free and reduced application for this school year or received a letter saying you do not need to fill one out, please disregard this message. If you have not filled out the application and would like to continue these benefits, the form must be filled out before September 30, 2023. Each year parents have a 30-day grace period, this means that you have 30 operating days to fill out a new application form and the last day to submit one is September 30th. Every student without an application will automatically start paying full price for breakfast and lunch. Please select this link for the application https://www.myschoolapps.com/ For more helpful information regarding the cafeteria please go to https://www.italyisd.org/page/food-services Thank you!

Stafford Announcement for Thursday, 28th *Last day for the Book Fair, families can shop with their students during the students’ lunch time, please bring your driver’s license. Closing today about 1:30pm *Big Kahuna Fundraiser Ends Today, all money and orders must be turned in today to Ms. Martinolich - Stafford Front Office. Online orders end on October 5th. Thank you for supporting our Book Fair and Fundraiser!!

Stafford - One School, One Book is Back!

Stafford Elementary Library Book Fair Announcement: https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/staffordelementaryschool6 Monday, 25th through Thursday, 28th - Book Fair! Families can shop with their students during their students’ lunch time. Lunch Times PreK: 11-11:30 Kinder: 11:15-11:45 1st: 11:30-12 2nd: 12:45-1:15 3rd: 11:45-12:15 4th: 12:15-12:45 5th: 12:30-1 6th: 12-12:30 ECSE: 11:10-11:40 CBI: 11:30-12 Thank you for your support!