The Candlewood Connection- Week 11

Greetings, Candlewood Families and Community!

We have so much to celebrate here at Candlewood STEM Academy! 🦅💙💚

First, please join us in welcoming our new School Resource Officer, Officer George Campa! We are excited to have him as part of our Eagle family and appreciate the additional layer of safety and security he brings to our campus.

We are also excited to introduce our newest newsletter section, Eagle Eye, which is written by our Yearbook and Journalism Club! 📰👀 They will have a special section in The Candlewood Connection each week. You can look forward to fast facts, fresh stories, surveys, campus highlights, and student opinions. We can’t wait for our young journalists to share their voices, creativity, and perspectives with our Eagle community. Be on the lookout for their very first feature!

This week, we will also celebrate Unity Day on Wednesday, October 21st! 🧡 We invite everyone to wear orange as we stand together to promote kindness, acceptance, and inclusion. Unity Day is an annual reminder that we all play a part in creating healthier, more welcoming communities where everyone feels valued and accepted. Let’s show our Eagle pride by standing united!

As we soar into Week 11, let’s make it a fabulous week filled with learning, kindness, creativity, and connection. And families, don’t forget to review, sign, and return your child’s report card to school. Thank you for your continued partnership and support!

Together, we SOAR! Let’s make it another amazing week at Candlewood STEM Academy! 🦅✨

With Eagle pride,
Mrs. Rachelle Diaz

Our Yearbook and Journalism Club, The Eagle Eye, is excited to be in the weekly newsletter. This will be their dedicated section. This week they want to hear from you. They are asking our famiies to take the survey below. It's easy and fun to answer and they are hoping to get you involved by asking your child.

📲 JISD Families — Stay Connected!

THIS STEP IS VERY IMPORTANT- YOU MUST DOWNLOAD THIS APP FIRST

STEP 1: Download the app today:

iPhone: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/judson-isd/id6748925972

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?

id=com.apptegy.judsonisd&hl=en_US

ONCE YOU HAVE THE APP DOWNLOADED THEN FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

🔐 Login Checklist for Rooms:

1️⃣ Open the Judson ISD App

2️⃣ Tap the Rooms icon at the bottom

3️⃣ Click “Continue to Sign In”

4️⃣ Enter the email or phone number linked to your Skyward account

5️⃣ Check your email or text for a verification code

6️⃣ Enter the code to complete login

📚 Need help? Visit the Rooms Help Center: https://edurooms.stonly.com/kb/en/ or email JISDwebmaster@judsonisd.org.

We are proud to recognize Ms. Hudson as our Eagle of the Week! 🌟 Ms. Hudson consistently brings a friendly, positive attitude to our campus and goes out of her way to check in with colleagues to make sure they have the support they need. She helps create a welcoming and encouraging work environment while building meaningful relationships with her students. Her dedication to helping students grow academically and reach their full potential truly reflects the heart of our Candlewood STEM Academy family. Thank you, Ms. Hudson, for all you do to help our Eagles SOAR! 💙💚🧡💜

The challenge is ON for October! 📚🧪🔬 Every day at school is another chance to earn your way into our next drawing. This month, one lucky Eagle could win an AWESOME STEM KIT! 🚀🧠

Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep SOARING, Eagles! 🦅✨

Arriving late or leaving early disrupts a student's learning journey and overall classroom success.

Lost Instructional Time Even 10 to 15 minutes of missed class adds up significantly over time. Morning routines set the stage for the day, establishing key objectives, introducing foundational concepts, and building focus. Missing this time leaves students struggling to catch up. Similarly, early departures cut off essential end-of-day reviews, instructions for homework, and hands-on activities.

Disrupted Classroom Rhythm Late arrivals and early dismissals do not just impact the individual child; they create constant interruptions for the entire class. Teachers must pause instruction to catch students up or manage departure logistics, breaking the group’s focus and flow.

Social and Emotional Impact Walking into a lesson that is already underway can cause stress, anxiety, and confusion for a student. Consistent routines build confidence, while irregular attendance patterns can leave kids feeling disconnected from their peers and classroom community.

Prioritizing full-day attendance ensures students receive unbroken instruction, build strong habits, and stay fully engaged in their learning environment.

Candlewood Eagles have lost:

11343 minutes of instruction due to early pick-ups

56427 minutes of instruction due to late arrivals

This is equal to losing 161.4 days of instruction lost since the first day of school

Help us maximize student learning by arriving to school before 7:30AM and making appointments after school and avoid picking up students early.

It's time to get your Candlewood STEM Academy Spirit Shirt. Our spirit shirts are only $15, and we still have plenty available in children's sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL! We also have a few adult sizes remaining. Shirts are available for purchase in the front office. Don't forget...Spirit Shirt Fridays are EVERY FRIDAY!

• October 20th- School Health Advisory Committee for JISD at ERC
• October 21st-Unity Day, wear orange
• October 26-30th- Red Ribbon Week (flyer below)
• October 28th Attendance Night at Metzger (flyer below)
• October 30th- Bullying Prevention and Watch DOGS presentation at 1:45 followed by Storybook Character Parade at 2:00 PM

Every Wednesday in October, our Eagles are invited to wear pink as we show kindness, love, and support for people in our community who are affected by breast cancer. 💕

Wearing pink is a simple way to remind others that we care, we support, and we stand together! 🩷🦅

Eagles, let’s paint Candlewood PINK! 🌸
#ThinkPink #CandlewoodEagles #BreastCancerAwareness

Attached is the flyer for the upcoming School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) Meeting scheduled for October 20, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the ERC Boardroom.

Judson ISD's Truancy Department invites all families to Attendance Awareness Night on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Metzger Middle School!

Families will have the opportunity to learn about school attendance requirements, understand why regular attendance is essential for student success, ask questions, and receive helpful resources and support for attendance concerns.

Let's work together to build strong attendance habits and help every student succeed! 🦅

The Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program is a school-based family engagement program designed to bring positive adult role models—traditionally dads, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures—onto campus to volunteer, support students, and help create a safe, welcoming school environment. If you are interested in joining, please contact our "Top D.O.G.", Mr. Fetter at CandlewoodWatchDOGS@gmail.com . Follow our Watch DOGS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61595011877509 or scan the QR code on the flyer.

At Candlewood STEM Academy, we don't just teach STEM—we give students opportunities to experience it!

The Texas Education Agency defines STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education as a method of hands-on teaching and learning where students learn to apply academic content by creatively solving real-world problems with innovative design-based thinking to prepare students for future career opportunities.

Core Pillars of TEA STEM

The state's approach focuses on several actionable components to ensure high-quality education:

• Hands-on, Inquiry-Based Learning: Focuses on active participation over rote memorization.
• Real-World Application: Students are challenged to use academic concepts to solve practical, local, and global problems.
• Design-Based Thinking: Encourages iterative design, testing, and creative problem-solving.
• Career Readiness: Aims directly at equipping students with the skills required for the modern workforce.

• Kinder: Kinder Eagles built their houses for the three little pigs this week. They loved getting to test the stability of their build against the big bad wolf (the fan!)

• First: First grade students investigated using different forces to change an object's motion. They used different materials to push and pull a spool, and recorded their observations.

• Second: Second grade students built instruments this week. We can't wait to test them out and see which designs create the loudest sound!

• Third: Third grade Eagles created a model hand using straws and string! Students were able to pull the strings to move the fingers.

• Fourth: Fourth graders created a demonstration to show how energy transfers from one object to another.

• Fifth: Fifth grade eagles explored and constructed simple circuits including bulbs and motors.

If you need to reach someone at our campus, please call 210-662-1060 or send an email. You can request a conference. Below are the emails for our faculty.

Math Is Everywhere! Why Do We Learn Estimation and Rounding?

Estimation and rounding help students develop strong number sense and confidence in math. This week students have been estimating and rounding numbers. These skills allow children to quickly determine whether an answer makes sense, solve problems more efficiently, and make everyday decisions.

Students use estimation and rounding in real life when shopping, measuring, budgeting, telling time, and checking their work in math. By learning these skills, children become better problem-solvers and gain a deeper understanding of how numbers work.

A simple way to support your child at home is to encourage them to estimate before finding the exact answer. This helps build critical thinking and confidence with numbers.

Enjoy The Doorbell Rang by Pat Hutchins, a story about sharing and sharing and sharing some more.

Click here for: Family Access to Skyward for STAAR Assessment Results

Click here for: Texas Standards from Lead4ward.

We are happy to welcome families to join their students for lunch during their designated 30-minute lunch period! We love having families be part of our school community and enjoy sharing this special time together.

To help ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone, we kindly ask that visiting family members:

• Arrive in school appropriate attire.
• Check in at the front office upon arrival and receive a visitor tag.
• Wear your visitor tag at all times while on campus.
• Remain on campus only for your child’s designated 30-minute lunch period.
• Sit together with your child at the designated family lunch tables.
• Please remain in the designated lunch area and do not wander around campus or visit other areas of the school.
• Once lunch has ended you should return to the front office for checkout.

Thank you for helping us maintain a safe, welcoming, and organized environment for all of our students. We look forward to seeing you at lunch! If you are visiting for lunch, please understand that your visitor's badge only gives you access to our cafeteria. Parents should not be following students out to recess or back to classrooms without authorization through the front office.

Please be advised that effective September 1, 2026, adult meal prices will increase across the district. This increase is necessary to ensure that Judson ISD Child Nutrition adult meal paid prices accurately meet strict USDA regulations.

New Adult Meal Pricing

• Breakfast: $3.52

• Lunch: $5.34

Click below for our daily menu.

https://schools.mealviewer.com/school/CandlewoodSTEMAcademy

We believe that students can make responsible decisions regarding their behavior when they understand the rules and the consequences of violating them. We ask students and families to please carefully read this Handbook, especially Section III, which sets out the Student Code of Conduct, and request all students to listen attentively and actively participate during class discussion/presentations on this topic at school. If students are in need of assistance, they should ask for help before a problem arises.

At Candlewood STEM Academy, grades are intended to reflect each student's understanding and mastery of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS). Teachers use a variety of assignments, classwork, assessments, and observations to monitor student progress and provide meaningful feedback throughout the year.

Families are encouraged to regularly monitor their child's academic progress through Skyward Family Access, communicate with their child's teacher, and review graded work sent home. Working together helps ensure every student has the support they need to be successful.

For detailed information regarding grading practices, report cards, progress reports, and district grading guidelines, please refer to the Judson ISD Grading & Reporting Handbook.

Zearn is an online math program that gives students extra opportunities to practice, build confidence, and strengthen their math skills. 💻🧠

🏆 How do you become a Zearn Master?
It’s simple! Students need to complete at least 3 Zearn lessons each week, for a total of 12 lessons during the month.

💻 Students can practice at home, too!
All students can access Zearn from a device at home through ClassLink. They already know their ClassLink login information and password, so they’re ready to get started!

🔄 A NEW CHALLENGE EVERY MONTH!
At the end of each month, we’ll pull our Zearn report to see how many of our Eagles have earned the title of ZEARN MASTER! 🦅🏆
🎉 And there’s an extra reward… Zearn Masters will receive a special treat! 🍭
So, Eagles, log in, get practicing, and show us what you can do!

Who will become our next Zearn Masters? 🤔🏆

The 2026–2027 Judson ISD Campus Volunteer application is now open. To streamline background history checks, all applications are now processed online. Approved status carries through the entire school year, so we encourage you to apply today, so you are ready before your first event!

Eligibility & Clearance Guidelines:

• Age Requirement: All volunteer applicants must be at least 18 years old.

• Annual Renewal: Volunteer applications must be renewed every school year.

• Volunteer Code of Conduct

• How to Apply: Applicants must submit an application online. You can visit Judsonisd.org (Careers > Campus Volunteers)

  
  

Do I need to apply online?

• YES – The online application is only required if you are:

  • Attending an off-campus field trip

  • An athletics event worker (non-district staff)

  • A non-parent volunteer

  • Assisting with any after-school event

    
    Click here to complete the Volunteer Application: https://judsonisd.schoolspring.com/

• NO – On-Campus Events: If you are volunteering in the classroom or helping with an on-campus event during school hours, simply bring a valid photo ID and check in using the Verkada Verification System at the school's front office.

• EXEMPT – Active JISD Employees: Current district employees do not need to fill out the volunteer application. To get campus clearance, simply present your official JISD employee badge and check in using the Verkada Verification System at the school's front office.

What happens after I apply?

• Check Your Inbox: Once you submit your application, look out for an automated status update email from the SchoolSpring application system.

• Notify Your School: Provide a copy or confirmation of the approval email to your child's campus to finalize your clearance.

Please contact your child's campus secretary if you have any questions or need assistance with the process

One of the biggest highlights of 5th grade is their annual trip to YMCA Camp Twin Lakes! Our students will get to participate in the Moody Outdoor Education Program at Camp Twin Lakes in Cedar Park December 14-16, 2026.

This opportunity will provide our students with an exceptional, hands-on learning experience that promotes exploration, teamwork, and personal growth. The program’s immersive outdoor environment is designed to support academic connections, social-emotional development, and meaningful engagement beyond the classroom. If you are interested in becoming a parent volunteer/chaperone, please complete the volunteer application as soon as possible. (see volunteer flyer above or click here https://judsonisd.schoolspring.com/ ) The Point of contact for the camp is our Assistant Principal, Ms. Latino. Her email is clatino@judsonisd.org.

CLICK THE FILES BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.

All fees associated with the Judson ISD Adventure Club After School Program must be made via the My School Bucks website. We do not accept cash or check payments in-person or over the phone. Beginning the 2026-2027 school year, a 4.95% recurring program fee paid to My School Bucks will be added to each transaction during checkout. This is a consumer transaction processing fee

Kitz Corner

4813 Lakebend West Drive

San Antonio, TX 78244

210-263-7353

Spirits Heart Childcare

3155 Ackerman Rd

Kirby, TX 78219

210-451-9553

Blocks N Tots

6322 FM 78

Old Seguin Rd Ste. 119

San Antonio, TX 78244

The Judson ISD Health Center, in partnership with University Health, is open throughout the summer and offers a variety of healthcare services, including:

• 💉 Required immunizations
• 🩺 Sports physicals
• ❤️ Wellness visits
• 🤒 Care for minor illnesses

📍 Judson ISD Health Center
3000 N. Foster Road
San Antonio, TX 78244
(Located in front of Wagner High School)

📞 To schedule an appointment, call 210-644-2750.

Additional immunization services are also available throughout the San Antonio area. Please review the immunization flyer below for other clinic locations, dates, and times.

Additional Appointment Numbers

• UIW Nursing Cardinal Clinic: 210-283-6331
• University Health: 210-358-8680
• San Antonio Metro Health: 210-207-8790

For more information about required school immunizations, please visit the Judson ISD Health Services webpage using the link below.

Ms. Kia Bailey-Counselor

Mrs. Tiona Morris-Social Worker

Ms. Sabrina Borges-Communities in Schools

At Candlewood STEM Academy, we know that students learn best when they feel safe, supported, and connected. Our Social-Emotional Health and Counseling team is here to support the whole child and help our Eagles navigate the many feelings, friendships, challenges, and experiences that come with growing and learning. Ms. Bailey and Ms. Morris loved seeing all our Eagles back on campus! They would like remind all returning families to complete their updated registration in Skyward for the 26-27 school year. There are forms that must be completed for them and Nurse Guzman to be able to support your child throughout the year.

Our counseling team can support students with:

• 🦅 Social skills and friendship building
• 💙 Managing emotions and developing coping strategies
• 🌱 Building confidence, resilience, and self-awareness
• 🤝 Conflict resolution and problem-solving
• 🎯 Goal setting and positive decision-making
• 🏫 Adjusting to school, new routines, or changes at home
• ❤️ Connecting families with campus and community resources
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Providing families with support, resources, and referrals when needed

Our counselors may work with students individually, in small groups, or through classroom lessons and campus-wide activities. We also partner with families and teachers to help identify ways we can best support each student.

You Are Never Alone!

If your child is experiencing a challenge, having a difficult time adjusting, or you simply have a concern and aren’t sure where to turn, please reach out to us. You do not have to wait until a problem becomes big to ask for support.

At Candlewood STEM Academy, we are more than a school—we are a community. Together, we can help every Eagle feel supported, valued, and ready to soar! 🦅💙

When overwhelming emotions take over, responding in the heat of the moment can often lead to actions or words we later regret. The STOP Skill is a simple, effective mindfulness framework designed to help you pause, regain control, and choose a thoughtful path forward:

• S – Stop: Don’t react yet. Freeze for a moment before typing that message, making a decision, or blurting something out.

• T – Take a Step Back: Give yourself some space. Take a breath, put your phone down, or step into a quieter room. You don't have to address the issue this exact second.

• O – Observe: Notice what’s happening. Tuning into your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations without acting on them just yet.

• P – Proceed Mindfully: Choose what to do next. Ask yourself what action will improve the situation rather than make it worse, then take that next step with clarity.

The Eagle Boutique is a resource for our Candlewood STEM Academy families and community, offering gently used clothing, shoes, and hygiene products at no cost. We have children and adult sizes available and welcome families and community members who may benefit from this resource.

If you would like to visit the Eagle Boutique, please contact our CIS Site Coordinator, Ms. Sabrina Borges, at sborges@judsonisd.org, or our Social Worker, Ms. Tiona Morris, at tmorris@judsonisd.org. We are happy to help!

When our community is cared for, our Eagles can soar! 🦅💙

Thank you so much for your continued partnership as we work together to make arrival safe, smooth, and successful for all of our Eagles!

Morning Arrival

Walkers or car rider students are dropped off in the front or back of the school. One important reminder we’d like to emphasize: once students arrive on campus, we ask that families allow them to enter independently rather than walking them into classrooms or staying on campus. A member of the school staff is always present at the car rider lane to welcome students. Morning arrival is anytime between 6:45 am-7:25 am at the front and back of the school. ALL students should be in their classroom by 7:30 AM. If arriving before 7:00 am, students should report to the cafeteria. If arriving anytime between 7:00 - 7:25, the students should report to their classroom. Gates in the back will be shut at 7:25 AM, and all drop offs will be in the front of the school. If students arrive after 7:25, they MUST be brought in by a guardian and signed in at the front office. He/She will be considered tardy.

School personnel are always present in the car drop off area for reasons of security and to help students with any bags or heavy loads.

Those first few minutes of the school day are incredibly valuable! At 7:00 AM, our teachers are already busy:
🍎 Serving breakfast in the classroom
💙 Building relationships and classroom community
🧠 Providing social-emotional learning
📚 Beginning instruction and getting students ready to learn

We want to make every single minute count! When families enter classrooms or remain with students after arrival, it can interrupt these important routines and take valuable time away from our teachers and students.

Dismissal

Please note: Dismissal is at 2:50 PM, not 3:00 PM.

We will dismiss our car riders from the cafeteria. All car riders must have the 2026-27 car rider tag available. If not, you will be asked to present your ID. Walkers will be dismissed on the east side of the campus.

🚗 DISMISSAL – CAR RIDERS
• All car riders will be dismissed through the back car rider loop.
• A pink car rider tag must be displayed in your windshield.
• Please have your pink tag ready to help us quickly and safely identify students.

🚶‍♀️ DISMISSAL – WALKERS
There are several dismissal locations depending on how your student is going home:
• Family Pick-Up: Walkers being picked up by a family member will be dismissed near the playground or west end of campus. Please have your pink tag ready to show identification. Families must park in the parking lot (not the fire lane) or walk up to get their walker.

• Pre-K Walkers: Pre-K students who are walkers and do not have siblings will be dismissed through the Pre-K door.

• Independent Walkers: Students who are walkers and will not be picked up by a family member will be walked and escorted to the corner of the street, where they will be released.

💙 We truly appreciate everyone’s patience, cooperation, and understanding as we work through arrival and dismissal each day. Our number one priority is making sure every Eagle arrives at school and gets home safely and securely.

Texas Compulsory Attendance Law - each school year a student is required to attend a minimum of 90% of the days, within a school year, to be considered for promotion to the next grade. If a student has 17 or more absences, Texas Attendance Law states a student has NOT met expectations and should be retained. The Attendance Law includes both EXCUSED and UNEXECUSED absences when calculating the 90% rule.

TRUANCY - refers to unexcused absences only. A parent can only provide five parent notes to justify an absence, per school year. A note covers ONE DAY, not a span of days. ALL NOTES must be submitted by the third day following the absences. We will not accept notes after the third day.

A student who misses:

3 days (unexcused) - will receive an attendance warning letter.

5 days (unexcused) - will place the parent on an attendance contract, complete attendance classes with the truancy department.

8 days (unexcused) - parent will be referred to court ordered remediation at the courthouse with the Bexar County Truancy Court Judge.

10 days (unexcused) - parent will be required to appear before the Bexar County Truancy Court Judge.