tuscany heights elementary 25001 wilderness oak tuscany ... · merit semifinalist and planning to...

www.tuscanyheightspta.org

January 2014

Volume 4, Issue 2

Tuscany Heights

Growlin’ Good News

Special Interest Articles:

From THE PTA President

Staff Appreciation

Reflections Art Contest

Directory Art Contest

PTA Presents...Bike Rodeo

Red Ribbon Week

PTA Presents...Field Day

PTA Presents...Oceans Rock

1st 9 Weeks Award Assembly

Tigers Team Up to Help the

Community

Eat For A Cause

Watch D.O.G.S.

THE PTA Presents...Author Visit Diane Z. Shore

Tiger Spirit Day

PTA Dec General Mtg /

5th Grade Spotlight

PTA Inspirational Contest

Campin' For Cash

PTA Membership

Volunteers

Tiger Book Club

President's Volunteer Service Award

Run For The Heights

Tuscany Heights Elementary 25001 Wilderness Oak

(210)407-8200 San Antonio, TX 78260

Tuscany Heights is "TEAMED" up for the

New Year!! As we look back on 2013, it is amazing at all our Tigers accomplished! They stayed healthy and active during our annual Red Ribbon Week, Bike Rodeo, and Field Day. Thank you to all our tremendous volunteers who made these activities so fun! Not only did they get moving, but they also sharpened the saw to help others. We are so appreciative of our generous students and families for donating candy for the troops, toys for Toys for Tots, and gifts for families at our Sister School. We are so proud of our giving Tigers, and our PTA is committed to helping them find ways to give back to our community. Now with a new year brings new opportunities, fresh beginnings, and a time to put first things first. When you are setting goals for 2014, make one to support Tuscany Heights and participate in our major fundraiser, Run for the Heights on February 22nd! Whether you walk or run the 5K, make this event a priority for you and your family. Take time to enjoy the health fair, visit sponsor booths, and participate in the fun run or 5K. Sign up now and help your child’s class win our exciting class contest! So, be proactive this year and get involved in Tuscany! Whether you register for Run for the Heights, join T.H.E. PTA, or volunteer, there are many ways to support your Tigers. I am so thankful for the strong leadership of our administration, the dedication of our staff and teachers, and the endless support of our families. Tuscany is a great place because of you! As always, for the most up-to-date information, visit our PTA website, tuscanyheightspta.org. Here’s to a great 2014! See you at Run for the Heights!

Mindy Waters T.H.E. PTA President [email protected]

http://tuscanyheightspta.org/


Growlin’ Good News of 19

Celebrating our "Team Tuscany Coaches"

Thanks to all who helped deliver the Thanksgiving gifts to our staff after the

last meeting. THE PTA gave them plates, napkins, and cups with a little card

saying that our thanksgiving wishes were for them to do fewer dishes.

THE PTA also had their 4th annual gift wrapping day for our staff. Volunteers

wrapped around 275 gifts and delivered them to their classes.

We celebrated the birthdays of Mrs. Bailey and Mr. Rafajko and helped Mrs.

Bailey with her 12 Days of Christmas celebration by providing a pizza and

salad lunch for the staff.

After the Winter Break we will be celebrating more staff birthdays and having

a "Souper" Lunch for our Super Staff.

We are so glad to have the support of so many PTA members as we express

our appreciation of our Tuscany Heights staff. If you are interested in helping

or would like more information on Staff Appreciation,

please contact [email protected].

Discovering Art, Photograph by Ellie Waters

The National PTA Reflections Art Contest was held in October.

Since 1969 the Reflections Art

Contest has given positive recognition for the artistic efforts of

students across the country. Students from Tuscany Heights submitted original works of art in

the visual arts, photography, literature and film production

categories.

Congratulations to Sweny Maredia (literature), Anaya Patel (film production) and Ellie Waters (photography) for being recognized with an

Award of Merit at district judging.



Team Tuscany Thinks "WIN-WIN" for

the Directory Art Contest

When the call went out to all artists to submit drawings describing "Tuscany Heights, Think Win-Win"

for the school directory, the artists listened and delivered!

Tuscany Heights students submitted impressive works depicting how they think win-win in different

situations at school. Olivia Wildeman, in Mrs. Davis's 5th grade class, won the Cover Art Award with

her colorful and detailed picture featuring tigers on the basketball court with our slogan, “Think Win-

Win,” displayed above. Olivia has a bright future in the art world as do the talented artists who won

for the other pages.

Congratulations, Tuscany Heights Directory Art Contest Winners!

Kinder: Max Devine, Mrs. Drew’s Class

1st Grade: Makayla Shirley, Mrs. Lunsford’s Class

2nd

Grade: Kamryn Miller, Ms. Balcar’s Class

3rd Grade: Kennady Carlton, Ms. Kramer’s Class

4th Grade: Cara Cervenka, Mrs. Cowan’s Class

5th Grade: Paige Huntsman, Mrs. Hesles’s Class

Title Page: Christopher Cain, Ms. Balcar’s Class



T.H.E. PTA Presents... Tuscany Heights Bike Rodeo

Tuscany Heights Elementary PTA held the annual Bike Rodeo challenge on Friday, October 25, 2013. Officer Gordon Keough, SAPD, was on hand to guide our participants through many different skill tests and obstacles. The top scoring students who will continue on to the city-wide Bike Rodeo held this Spring include: Owen Portillos and Tatyan Koshman (Kinder), Reece Owens and Madilyn Lo Porto (First Grade), Chase Portillos and Alexandra Holeman (Second Grade), Nathan Farmer and Faye Westphall (Third Grade), Chase Castillo and Ainsley Holeman (Fourth Grade) and Ryan Woerhle and Olivia Wildeman (Fifth Grade). All of the 300+ participants are to be commended for their hard work and performance. A great big THANK YOU to all of the volunteers (parents, safety patrols, teachers and students) that came out to help make the Bike Rodeo a success. We certainly could not have done it without you!

http://www.tuscanyheightspta.org/uploads/1/1/1/6/11162718/bike_rodeo_2013_flyer.pdf

http://www.tuscanyheightspta.org/uploads/1/1/1/6/11162718/bike_rodeo_2013_flyer.pdf



RED RIBBON WEEK: BULLY AVENGERS

Tuscany Heights participation for Red Ribbon Week in October, was to help our students to recognize, deal with and prevent

bullying for themselves and their classmates. Daily activities and classroom participation helped stop bullying before it starts.

Students "teamed up against bullies" by wearing team jerseys. They "turned their backs on bullies" by wearing shirts backwards or inside out. On Wednesday, students dressed as "Bully Avengers" by wearing their favorite super hero costume. We finished out the

week by "being our silly selves" and wearing our silliest socks, hats, ties and accessories. On Friday, Team Tuscany showed their pride in our Tiger Spirit wear to "Avenge Bullies!!" Thank you to all the staff, parents, and volunteers for a fun and successful week.



PTA PRESENTS...FIELD DAY

It is confirmed, Tuscany Heights students like to Move It, Move It! We enjoyed

another fun-filled day of activities at T.H.E.'s annual Field Day. Our school

has been blessed with two super coaches, Mrs. Fields and Mrs. Burges, who

always plan a great event. T.H.E. PTA generously sponsored an inflatable

obstacle course, as well as a bounce house and spirit sticks for our students.

Thank you, PTA! With music blaring in the background, the kids also enjoyed

tug-of-war, golf and gymnastics events, to name a few. Beautiful Fall

weather, amazing volunteer support, along with fun activities combined

for a great Field Day. Thanks again to our students, volunteers and

coaches for making this day a great success!!



T.H.E. PTA Presents...OCEANS ROCK

T.H.E. PTA Presents...hosted an interactive and educational show that explored the ocean! Oceans Rock presented 3 shows to our

Tigers on Friday, December 6th. Students learned about the water cycle, continents and oceans, and all about sharks. An over-

sized inflatable shark greeted the kids on the stage, as well as over 30 unique sea life exhibits. At the end of each presentation,

the kids participated in a fossil dig. Students dug for fossils, shark teeth, and beautiful seashells from around the world. Each

student kept 3 specimens they found. It was a fun day of learning and digging!



1st 9 Weeks Awards

Assembly

The Tuscany Tigers celebrated their accomplishments

from the first nine weeks at the "We are Team Tuscany"

awards assembly on November 1st. The value of

making good grades and using the Covey trait "Put First

Things First" were the focus. The students enjoyed

listening to Courtney Kiolbassa, a senior at Reagan high

school, who is in the top 3 of her class, a National

Merit Semifinalist and planning to attend Texas A&M

University in the fall.

Top Reagan dancers performed and Tusky was on hand

for plenty of giggles. Our very own Sophia LaBeau

from Ms. Morris's fourth grade class rapped about the

importance of good grades, and Madison Collins from

Ms. Hesles's fifth grade class gave examples of how she

puts first things first. We are proud of our Tigers'

accomplishments and winning attitude!

In January, the Tigers will be treated to a performance

by the Reagan Soundations show choir and speeches by

state semifinalist Johnson Jaguar football players and

two Tuscany students.

Tuscany Students Team Up to Help Others!!

Once again, our Tigers have stepped up and beyond the call of duty to help our

community. Tiger students reached out the community by donating "Toys For Tots", bringing in extra Halloween candy for

"Tusky Treats for our Troops", and making holiday greeting cards to send to Soldiers. We also supported our Sister School, East

Terrell Hills Elementary, by purchasing gifts for their Angel Tree and donating new books during our Winter class parties.

Community service is a great way for our students to learn to become leaders and

Sharpen the Saw!



Eat For a Cause!! Tiger families came together once again to "Eat For a Cause".

During the Fall events, we ordered dinner at Order Up and also

enjoyed delicious chicken while Raising Funds at Raising Cane's!

Eat For a Cause events are a great way to gather with other Tiger

families for a great meal and support T.H.E. We look forward to

another Eat For a Cause event in the Spring and a night off in the

kitchen. Thank you for your continued support of our PTA and

children!

Say Hello to the Team Tuscany D.O.G.S.

"Dads Of Great Students"

Join the WatchD.O.G.S. and become the "Hero of the

Hallway" one day a year at school. You will help with

drop-off / pick-up, visit your child's classroom, have

lunch with your child, play at recess, and WATCH the

school for safety measures throughout the day. This is a

GREAT way for fathers and father-figures to get

involved at Tuscany Heights. There are still many

available days this Spring for T.H.E. fathers to serve as a

WatchD.O.G. If you have not been a WatchD.O.G.

yet, now is the time to sign up! If you served as a

WatchD.O.G. last year, please consider returning for

another day!

For more information or to sign up please contact

[email protected]

http://www.fathers.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=21&Itemid=60/



PTA Presents...AUTHOR VISIT with Diane Z. Shore

Heights Elementary on Wednesday, November 13th. Ms. Shore met with all grade levels and shared songs, riddles, poems and of

-a-

even invited her friend Filbert the flying squirrel puppet to share his

students loved her energy and enthusiasm and were motivated to READ, READ, READ!

onomatopoeia, similes, metaphors and vivid verbs to enhance their own writing. She also stressed that everyone, no matter their age, should revise and edit their work. To stress the importance of editing, the

½ years and 385 rejection letters before she published her first book! Finally, Ms. Shore gave students insight into the publishing process by showing them how she turned a

Bus-A-Saurus Bop.

writers were inspired by her energetic presentation. Tuscany Heights welcomes celebrated author Aaron Reynolds in February. Find out more about Mr. Reynolds and his work at http://www.aaron-reynolds.com/.

Don't forget EVERY FRIDAY is Tiger Spirit Day

for all staff, students and volunteers!!! Show your

tiger pride with our great spirit items for this

school year. There are grade level contests for the

most classroom participation. If you haven't yet

purchased your spirit items, you may do so on the

PTA website or contact our Spirit Team @

[email protected]

GO TIGERS!!!!!!

http://www.aaron-reynolds.com/



The FABULOUS FIFTH

Grade Spotlight (from left to right):Mrs. Blackler, Mrs. Johle,

Mr. Rodriguez, Mrs. Schlosser,

Mrs. Hesles, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Morrow

The 3rd nine weeks brings exciting new things for 5th graders! They are half way to being a MIDDLE SCHOOLER, but the fun and learning in elementary isn’t over yet, and we are

going to make every minute count! As we move into the second semester of learning, students will be using the world around

us to understand mathematical concepts in geometry and measurement. In reading, students will be applying those higher order thinking skills in book clubs to make

connections and analyze text with peers. And in Science we journey to the center of the Earth to look at the Earth’s 4 layers and how rocks are formed. Lots of new curriculum, lots of hands on understanding, and lots of group interaction is planned to help master an

understanding of exciting real world concepts. Get ready for your 5th grader to come home sounding like a human encyclopedia!!!

On December 3rd, we had the second PTA General Meeting and

5th grade performance for this 2013-2014 school year. Special

thank you to the Girl Scouts Troop 766 who presented the colors

and pledge at the meeting. The fifth graders along with their

music teachers did an outstanding job preparing for their

Christmas Play, which they performed amazingly well.

Congratulations!! Thank you to Mrs. Rivera and Mrs. Niebel for

preparing the kids for this day. Our fifth graders will always

remember their last Christmas Play at Tuscany Heights.



T.H.E. PTA Inspirational Writing Contests

T.H.E. PTA holds grade level writing contests before each PTA meeting in support

of our children's creativity and writing success. For December, the fifth graders

were given the topic of "What they would do with their time if there were no cell

phones, TV, video games, or Internet?" We want to congratulate Mariela

Cayetano from Mr. Rodriguez's class who wrote the winning essay with the title:

"Life Without Technology." We all enjoyed hearing her creative writing when she

read it in front of the audience.

Thank you to The Invitation Chicks for providing both Mariela and Mr.

Rodriguez a small token of our appreciation for their efforts.

The next PTA General meeting and 3rd grade performance will be on February

the 4th and the theme of the writing contest will be: "What does friendship mean

to you?" Come support our young writers and hearing the winning essay!

NO TECHNOLOGY by Mariela Cayetano

Have you ever thought of a day without any technology? No cell phones, computers, TV or even video games! Most kids would say they would go

crazy or even die. Well, did you know not long ago your parents or grandparents didn’t have the technology you have nowadays?

If I didn’t have the technology we have today, I would probably play a sport. Play that sport every day and be the best at it. I would probably

choose basketball or tennis, but you can choose which ever you want, all sports are fun and healthy.

I would also read and study more. Reading time would replace TV time and study time would replace computer time. This would help me get

smarter and better grades.

My family and I would be spending a lot of time together. Maybe going to a restaurant and being 100% with the family not talking with the family and

texting at the same time.

There would be a lot of fun ways to spend your day without technology. Surely, you would not go crazy without technology.



A Greenback Donation is a tax deductible contribution to the Tuscany Heights Elementary PTA. 100% of your

donation will fund many beneficial and educational PTA programs planned for your children during the 2013-2014

school year, including:

Field Trips

Red Ribbon Week

Bike Rodeo

Student Enrichment

Grandparents Day

Field Day

Arts in Education

Author Visits

Staff Appreciation 5th Grade End of Year Celebration

Donations may be made online at tuscanyheightspta.org with a credit card, cash or check payable to Tuscany Heights

Elementary PTA.

Double your Greenback donation with a donation from your company’s Matching Gift Program! Contact your

Human Resources Department for a Matching Gift form and program details.

Donation Levels

$150 Tiger

$100 Partner

$75 Gold

$50 Silver

$25 Bronze

Campin' for Cash! Tuscany Heights 4th Annual GREENBACK Fundraiser

Donations

Greenback Goals:

$10,000 - Mrs. Bailey, Mr. Rafajko and Tusky camp out on the

rooftop of Tuscany Heights Elementary!!!

$7,500 - Pajama Day at Tuscany Heights, Friday, September

27th! ACHIEVED!

$2,500 - Look for Tusky around campus as he prepares to

camp out on the rooftop! ACHIEVED!

We are still Campin' for Cash! So far we have

raised over $8,500 in Greenback Donations.

When we raise $10,000 for our school

programs, we will send our principals and Tusky

to the roof top!

Thank you for generously

supporting your PTA!!



JOIN PTA!

Are you a proud member of T.H.E. PTA? It's not too late to join!

Our current membership is at 339 members. We are striving to

surpass our last year total of 373. It's not too late to join!!!

By joining T.H.E. PTA, you not only support our school, but it

allows you to be more involved and informed in matters concerning

your child's education and well being. If you would like more info

on becoming a member, contact Angie Westphall at

[email protected]

Calling all Volunteers!!! Are you interested in helping out at

Tuscany Heights? Our TIGERS need YOU and there is plenty to

do!!! Email [email protected] to get started.

TIGER BOOK CLUB is a great way to share your child's birthday, teacher appreciation or birthday, and other

special occasions at Tuscany Heights. Donation forms will go home around your child's birthday to purchase a

book for the library. You may include a picture and special message that will be placed in the front cover of

the book. Your child will be the first to check out the book and once returned it can be shared with all

Tuscany Tiger Readers!!!

mailto:[email protected]



The PTA will once again be awarding T.H.E. students for their volunteer efforts. Students will be provided a log to record their volunteer activities from May 2013 through April 2014 in an effort to promote leadership and good citizenship. Students who turn in a log with 10 hours of volunteer service will receive a “community service” spirit stick. Students that record 50 or more hours in their log will be eligible to attend a special reception and receive their official Presidential Volunteer Service Award pin. Students will be keeping the service logs in their “Leader in Me” data notebooks. Teachers will send these home at the beginning of April. Please encourage your child to keep track of service hours at home and school. Throughout the year we will be providing opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference in our community. They are also welcome to record any service work they have done through scouting, religious establishments, or any other opportunity that they have had. Don’t forget to add any volunteering done last summer! Students who are involved in the following activities will also receive hours for their service: 1. safety patrols 2. broadcasting 3. newspaper clubs 4. student council Some other ways to earn volunteer hours include: 1. helping at your place of worship 2. babysitting or pet sitting for free 3. helping an elderly neighbor with yard work 4. making a card to send a soldier Student volunteer logs will be collected April 18. Those who have 50 or more hours will need to have them logged by this date on the PVSA website to be eligible for the award. Spirit Sticks will be awarded in May and those who qualify will receive an invitation to the PVSA reception on May 21st at 7:15 A.M. in the library. For information on how to sign up your child for the PVSA award, please go to tuscanyheightspta.org. You can find the link and instructions for PVSA under THE PTA Events. The Tuscany Heights “Record of Service” Key code is listed here as well.

President’s Volunteer Service Award



Register Today for the

4th

Annual Run for the Heights!

Come with your family and friends for a morning of health and wellness at the 4th Annual Run for the Heights, a 5K Run/Walk, Kids’ Fun Run, and Health Fair, to be held at 8:00 am Saturday, February 22, at Tuscany Heights Elementary.

Register on-line or download a registration form at: http://runfortheheights.tuscanyheightspta.org/. Don’t forget to get your family, friends, and neighbors to register as well so that your class can win fun and healthy rewards in the Class Registration Contest. The contest runs now through January 31st. Just make sure your referral enters your name on their on-line or paper registration form. Prizes include extra recess, the Tusky 50 Yard Dash, an Orange Leaf Yogurt party, and an awesome party at Flip City!

Run for the Heights offers something for everyone. Check out the exciting event schedule!

Saturday, February 22, 2014 Tuscany Heights Elementary

Event Schedule 8:00 am Opening Ceremony with emcee, Vinnie Vinzetta, KENS 5 Sports Anchor & Reporter

The National Anthem with the T.H.E. Honor’s Choir

8:05 am Kids’ Fun Run (3/4 mile loop)

8:30 am Chip-timed 5K Run/Walk

9:30 am Awards Ceremony

8:30 – 10:30 am Sponsor Expo, Health Fair & Fitness Demonstrations

All elementary age kids will receive a Run for the Heights Spirit Stick for participating in either the Kids’ Fun Run or the 5K. In addition, there will be awards for top participants of all ages, including medals, Dick’s Sporting Goods and iRun gift certificates, and YMCA Youth Sports Registrations.

Following the races, enjoy the Sponsor Expo and Health Fair where you can learn about the products and services of area businesses, with many free screenings, samples, and product giveaways. North Central Baptist will be checking Blood Pressure, Body Mass Index, Glucose, and Cholesterol. Kaiser Medical Management will be offering B-12, B-Complex, and Vitamin C shots for a small fee. You can also learning about various types of fitness by watching the demonstrations by the Jumping Dragons and Victory Martial Arts. See the website for more exciting details!

Start 2014 with a commitment to health and wellness by registering today for the 4th Annual Run for the Heights! All proceeds benefit the Tuscany Heights Elementary PTA, a 501(c)3 charitable organization.

Once again this year's event is sponsored by the City of San Antonio's Mayor Fitness Council. Way to Go!!!

http://runfortheheights.tuscanyheightspta.org/



Special thanks to all our generous sponsors who support Run for the Heights!

PLATINUM SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

SILVER SPONSORS

tuscany heights elementary 25001 wilderness oak tuscany ... · merit semifinalist and planning to...

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