🦅The Candlewood Connection 🦅

Relevance in the real world

• Hands-on learning

• Application to Real-World

• Engineering Design Process

Balance of direct instruction & inquiry

• Direct instruction for more efficient, structured learning
• Inquiry for deeper, conceptual learning.
• Introducing concepts through direct instruction: Then, allowing students to explore the concept further through inquiry

Equitable Access to Grade Level Tasks

• Writing Across Content

• Thoughtful Conversations

• Progress Monitoring

Dear Candlewood Families and Community,

We are excited to continue our December Attendance Challenge.The grade level with the highest attendance rate for the month of December will earn a pizza party! With only 9 days until Christmas break, we want to remind everyone that every day counts. Attendance and engagement are key to finishing this semester strong!

The grading period ends on December 18. If you have any questions about your child’s grades, please reach out directly to their teacher. For additional academic support, our amazing academic trainer, Ms. Gonzales is here to assist you. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure a positive and successful end to the first semester. Let’s make these last few days count!

This week we have our annual Winter Wonderland event. Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be available for pictures, PreK, Kinder, and 1st grade students will be singing, concessions and t-shirts will be sold, and grade levels and departments will have literacy resources and arts and crafts activities. We hope you join us this Thursdays, December 11th 4:30-6:30 PM.

Federal Impact Aid forms are online in Skyward. Please take a few minutes to go in and fill them out under the 25-26 Impact Aid Survey tab.

With heartfelt gratitude,
Principal Diaz

rdiaz@judsonisd.org

Senate Bill 12 requires schools to get annual parental consent before providing routine physical or mental health services. This includes things like first aid, short-term counseling, or vision and hearing screenings. Be sure to complete the parental consent form by logging into your Skyward account or you can fill out the paper form we sent home with your child. We have extra copies in the front office if you need one.

Please login into Family Access today to complete your forms.

https://skyward.iscorp.com/JudsonTXStuSTS

This is an online form only. If you are having trouble finding the forms, please follow these steps:

1. Log into Skyward.

2. Click on the house icon.

3. Use the drop down to locate "Family Access"

4. Click on the last tile (25/26 School Forms/Formularios Escolares)

5. Complete form. The green tile will say "Approved" once completed.

Congratulations, Officer Espinoza!! You are our Eagle of the Week. As our campus resource officer, she is consistently going above and beyond to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for every student and staff member. Her kindness, approachability, and commitment to building strong relationships make a meaningful difference on our campus each day. Thank you Officer Espinoza for your dedication to our students, staff, school, and community. Thank you for your service to Judson ISD!

UPDATE: Parents we need all permission forms and chaperone forms no later than December 10th

Science Camp is quickly approaching Dec. 15-17.This year 5th grade Boys and Girls will be headed to the YMCA Camp Twin Lakes in Cedar Park Texas (Austin)! This trip is educational and will focus on Science Curriculum while integrating math, reading, and writing. There is NO cost to our students OR our Parent Volunteers.

ZOOM MEETING: Monday, December 8th @ 6:00 pm for all parents.

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82455639801?pwd=xhE2SV7fK2KTbj1ovqazaMospCcbR9.1

ZOOM Meeting ID: 824 5563 9801 ZOOM Passcode: JBa2sE

If you are interested in volunteering, it will be on a first come, first serve basis until we reach the number allotted. Unfortunately, we cannot take extra parents due to grant funding restrictions so if you are willing to assist, complete your training and email your child's teacher! Click here to complete the volunteer application: Judson ISD Volunteer Application

Feel free to email or call Ms. Latino for additional information! clatino@judsonisd.org or contact me at 210-662-1060 x30002.

Students are expected to attend this trip as it will cover their academic coursework for those three days.

This week first and second grade students learned about algorithms and created an algorithm for coloring a winter picture! An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions to do a job or accomplish a task. By practicing creating algorithms with a coloring page, students are learning how to think about the order they want to create and practice how to follow directions in sequence. Kindergarten began their directional coding by creating a path on their coding mats and writing down the code using arrows.

Other grade levels have explored topics such as soil formation, how magnetism can move objects, and how energy from force transfers.

Texas STEM Education Definition

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is 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.

📆 Thursday, December 11

⛄Winter Wonderland Event 4:30-6:30

📆 Friday, December 12

🍕Food truck Friday - PIZZA Truck - 10:30-12:30

📆Monday December 15- Wednesday December 17th

🔭🧪5th grade Science Camp

📅 Thursday, December 18

🍕 Attendance Pizza Party for the grade level with the highest attendance rate in December and classroom holiday parties

🏛️ Board Meeting | 5:00 PM – ERC

📅 Friday, December 19
🎓 No School for Students

📅 Monday, January 5

📘 Student Holiday

📅 Tuesday, January 6
🏫 School Resumes – Welcome Back!
✨ Start of the 3rd Nine Weeks

📅 Thursday, January 8

📸 Class Photos

📅 Saturday, January 10

🐎 3rd Annual Horse Clinic at Candlewood

📅 Thursday, January 15

☕ Coffee with the Counselor

📅 Monday, January 19

🎓 Student & Staff Holiday

📅 Thursday, January 22

🏛️ Board Meeting | 5:00 PM – ERC

Agents of Change: Letters of the Day!

This week, our “agents of change” were the letters of the day! Ms. Dean’s Pre-K 4 class brought literacy to life by proudly wearing their assigned letters and showcasing what they’ve learned. Students participated in engaging activities such as identifying words that begin with their letter, practicing letter sounds, and creating colorful art projects to represent their letter.

The classroom was filled with excitement as students shared their knowledge during group discussions and interactive games. This hands-on approach not only reinforced early literacy skills but also encouraged creativity, confidence, and collaboration.

We are so proud of our young learners for making learning fun and meaningful!

Field trips are important because they bring learning to life. They let kids experience hands-on activities, make real-world connections, and stay more engaged. They also build social skills, confidence, curiosity, and create memorable learning experiences. Holiday family fun learning field trips help kids explore new places, learn together, and create lasting memories during the festive season. Below are just a few ideas to engage your children during the holiday break.

Holiday Field Trips Ideas for Kids

Local Museum Holiday Exhibits
Boosts curiosity and connects kids to art, history, and culture.

City Holiday Lights Tour
Encourages observation skills and inspires creativity.

Children’s Holiday Theater Shows (Magic Theatre)
Strengthens listening, imagination, and appreciation of the arts.

Nature Walk or Winter Hike
Promotes physical activity and builds awareness of seasonal changes.

Library Holiday Storytime
Improves literacy and listening while fostering a love of reading.

Holiday Market or Craft Fair
Teaches kids about community, creativity, and local traditions.

Farm or Tree Farm Visit
Helps children learn where goods come from and builds environmental awareness.

Ice Skating Rink or Outdoor Recreation Area
Encourages coordination, confidence, and healthy movement.

Volunteering at a Holiday Donation Drive
Builds empathy, kindness, and social responsibility.

Historic Downtown or Landmark Tour
Connects children to local history and strengthens community pride.

Science Center Holiday Workshops
Fosters STEM learning through hands-on experiments.

Child Nutrition and Cafeteria Services:

Candlewood Elementary is a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) campus. 100% of our students will receive free breakfast and lunch. The school menu for breakfast and lunch is posted on the JISD website. While the cafeteria staff carefully plans every menu, sometimes delivery issues may cause a slight change in menu items.

Parents are permitted to eat lunch with their students. After signing in at the front office with their photo ID, parents may proceed to the cafeteria where a designated table has been set up for families to eat together. Adult guests must be listed in Skyward in order to gain access to eating lunch at school. You can check and update this list by accessing Skyward. Please make sure to bring a physical valid photo ID so you can be checked in at the front office.

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

💬 During the first week of school, your child will be added to their class roster so you can start messaging teachers!

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

• With more holidays coming up, this is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of Progress Learning, Amplify, and Zearn. You can access the programs by visiting JudsonISD.org, selecting ClassLink, and having your child log in just as they would at school. Even dedicating one hour a day can make a meaningful difference. Progress Learning provides customized lessons tailored to each student’s needs, helping them strengthen their individual learning paths. We also recognize students’ extra effort through our “Zearn Master” rewards program, which celebrates individual students for completing at least 12 lessons a month.

Students are encouraged to work on learning at home. Students can log into our learning platforms by following the steps below:

1. Go to judsonisd.org

2. Click Students

3. Click ClassLink

4. Enter Login

5. This will open their portal for Zearn (math only) or Progress Learning

The JISD Adventure Club is a program that includes homework time, mind-stimulating games, reading/quiet time, character and leadership-building activities, behavioral and etiquette skills, science centers, storytelling, music, art and crafts, board games, physical activities (games) and much, much, more. The Program Guidelines for Parents and Guardians explain the full policies, procedures, and program. The Adventure Club Program is available at 20 elementary locations throughout the district, proudly serving our K through 5th grade students.

Registration for new and returning students to participate in the campus-based Adventure Club After School Program is open. As per Program Guidelines, if a student's My School Bucks account has any unpaid tuition or applicable fees, the account balance must be paid in full prior to registering for the new school year. If a student was dismissed for behavioral reasons during the 2024-25 school year, the student is not eligible to participate during the 2025-26 school year.

The JISD Adventure Club program is open Monday - Friday with the exception of observed JISD school holidays.The JISD Adventure Club operates from the time of dismissal until 6pm. Be advised a $1 per minute, per child, LATE PICK UP FEE is charged after 6PM. Invoices are added to My School Bucks account accordingly and are due in full upon receipt. Mrs. Regina Lopez is our AC Supervisor. Please call 210-662-2414 for more information.

Spirits Heart childcare: 3155 Ackerman rD Kirby,TX 78219 210-451-9553

Kitz Corner: 4813 Lakebend W Dr San Antonio, TX 78244 210-263-7353

Kooper Kidz: 711 Culebra Rd San Antonio, TX 78201 210-257-8825

Future Mogul Learning Center: 5203 Eisenhauer Rd #103 San Antonio, TX 78218 210-233-6827

Little Scholars Childcare Academy: 6060 Montgomery Dr #112 San Antonio, TX 78239 210-800-3505

⏰SCHOOL HOURS – 7:30 AM – 2:50 PM

• Doors Open at 6:45 AM
• Breakfast Starts at 7:00 AM
• School Tardy Warning Bell Rings at 7:25 AM
• Instruction Begins! Students must be in their classroom seats by 7:30 AM
• Tardy begins at 7:31 AM
• 🚨 Dismissal is at 2:50 PM (Please note this is a change from previous years at 3:00 PM) 🚨

To help ensure the highest quality learning environment of all students, we strive to have minimal interruptions to the classroom schedule. One simple, yet powerful way to help boost this high quality learning environment is to have your child dropped off at school before 7:30 am. In this way, they are able to eat breakfast, unpack their things, and start the day smoothly. Any students who arrive in their classroom after 7:30 am will be marked tardy. In the event that you are running late and arrive after 7:30 am, you will need to accompany your child to the Front Office and sign them in. If you need any assistance with this process, please give us a call. If they arrive after 9:30 AM, they will be considered absent. If you are running late for pick-up, please park and come into the front office to sign them out. We appreciate if all students are picked up by 3:20 PM at the latest.

Congratulations Ms. Mayfield's class. All students had perfect attendance for the entire week and won the bragging rights to the ATTENDANCE MATTERS banner!! Keep up the great work!!

• The Texas attendance rules say that a student has to be in a class at least 90% of the time if they want to be sure to get credit for that class. This rule applies even if your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 plan.
• Prekindergarten and Kindergarten Students enrolled in prekindergarten or kindergarten are required to attend school and are subject to the compulsory attendance requirements as long as they remain enrolled. Ages 6-19 State law requires that a student who is at least six years of age, or who is younger than six years of age and has previously been enrolled in first grade, and who has not yet reached their 19th birthday, shall attend school, as well as any applicable accelerated instruction program, extended year program, or tutorial session, unless the student is otherwise excused from attendance or legally exempt.
• [If a student pre-k through 12th grade is absent from school for 10 or more days or part of days without an excuse within a 6-month period, the parent and/or student are subject to legal prosecution.]

Ms. Pulido CIS Site Coordinator hpulido275@judsonisd.org

Mrs. Morris School Social Worker tmorris@judsonisd.org

Mrs. Wilson Counselor awilson@judsonisd.org

Please plan to join us for our annual horse clinic!

Is your family in need of food? Please take a look at the 2025-2026 Food Distribution guide below!

Do you need clothing or school supplies? With generous donations from our community we have a boutique for our students and members of the community. Ask for a member of our counseling department for access!

Hello Families,

As most of you are aware, SB12 recently went into effect as law. It states that health professionals at school cannot provide care (except for emergencies) without written consent by the parent. This includes basic first aid such as ice packs, Band Aids, etc. However, emergencies will still be addressed. The forms are located in the Skyward portal under 25/26 Student Forms. There will be multiple forms in this section. Please complete the Health Services form with a YES or NO. You have the right as a parent/guardian to change your designation at any time. I do ask that if you decide to change your decision, to please contact me so that I can honor your request. Please complete these forms as soon as possible. I've included an image instructing how to navigate to them in Skyward.

Winter Wonderland Concert – Thursday, December 11th
We’re excited to announce that our PK, Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, and Honor Choir students will be performing at this year’s Winter Wonderland concert!

• PK & Kindergarten: 5:00 PM
• 1st Grade & Honor Choir: 5:45 PM

Please make sure your child returns to school on time for their performance. Students will not remain after school, so plan accordingly.

Attire: Red, white, and green, winter-themed outfits, or any festive clothing.

Permission slips have already been sent home, but extra copies will be available. Please sign and return them so your student can shine on stage!

✨ We can’t wait to celebrate this magical evening with you and see our students spread holiday cheer!

Reach out to me on Dojo or email me at jposada@judsonisd.org

Josh Posada

Music Teacher

Candlewood Elementary School

jposada@judsonisd.org

As we go into December, students 2-5 will be painting a wintery night. They will be using different tones of blue to blend out in an ombre way and then use black to make shadows of mountains and trees. As kinder is preparing for their Christmas concert, they will be making their very own snowflake to hang up for display to show parents.

In technology 3-5 is learning how to make PowerPoints. They will choose their favorite movies, dissect them and then present a slide show of key parts and characters. 1st and 2nd will continue to learn more about keyboarding and keep practicing by typing sentences and playing keyboarding games.

Ms. Morales

Art/Tech Teacher

Candlewood Elementary
🎨💻

The "THANKFUL" challenge has been extended to December 17th! Due to my split schedule across 2 campuses, I am extending the challenge so that all Eagles have 8 more days after thanksgiving break to find and read THANKFUL books.

Remember, they can be any kind of book (fiction, non-fiction, early fiction, graphic novel - CWE or SAPL library books or books at home)!

Eagles who complete the challenge by December 17th will be invited to a hot cocoa party at the end of the week. Happy Reading!

Students will participate in physical education (PE) class 2-3 times per week. To actively participate in PE class, students must have the proper shoes. This is for their own personal safety, and to protect the gym floor. If students are wearing dress shoes, boots or sandals, please send a pair of gym shoes in their backpacks. Teacher can easily provide a quick minute for students to change footwear prior to the beginning of PE class. Students without the proper footwear will have to sit out from class.

Also, if students have a doctor's note stating any restrictions to their activity or movement, please send this note to the teacher. The school will ensure that the PE coach has the proper documentation to assist your child in the process of recovery. Medical notes that limit a student's participation in PE do not have any impact on a student's final grade. Additionally, the school will ensure that classroom teachers have these notes and that the limitations are applied to recess as well.

Winter Wonderland Classroom Activities

Grades 3–5:
Students will kick off a creative project by designing and building their very own Winter Wonderland scene using cardboard and other materials available in the classroom. This hands-on activity encourages imagination, teamwork, and problem-solving as they bring their winter visions to life!

Grades K–2:
Our younger learners will explore the magic of light and shadow by creating and using a “magic flashlight.” Through this fun experiment, they’ll uncover hidden images and learn how flashlights work while discovering the science behind light and shadows

📧 Email: dcaldwell@judsonisd.org

Ms. C

Academic Enrichment

Please see the message from Officer Garcia:

Parent Letter_Safe-Gun-Storage English (1).pdf

Parent Letter_Safe-Gun-Storage Spanish.pdf

Parent Involvement :Thank you for being our partner in your child's education! When we communicate and work together, your child succeeds! At Candlewood we pride ourselves on being transparent and doing what is best for kids. If you ever have any concerns, questions, or suggestions, please reach out to your child's teacher or anyone on the admin team. We are here to serve the children of our community. Thank you for trusting us with your children.

Shining a Positive Light: Our teachers, students, parents, and community are a direct reflection of Candlewood. What we say and represent about our school through our words, social media posts...etc. is critical to our school culture. Please join us in shining a positive light on all of the amazing things your students are doing at Candlewood. When we speak life, success and positivity into our school, we are speaking the same into our students...our future! What a bright future our Eagles have!

Volunteering: The volunteer application is for individuals who are attending OFF CAMPUS Field Trips ONLY. If you are volunteering to help in the classroom or at an on-campus event, you are ONLY required to check in using the Verkada Verification System at the campus front office.

https://www.judsonisd.org/departments/human-resources/volunteering

Spirit Shirt sales are open while supplies last. We encourage you to purchase a school t-shirt for $16 (cash only). Our 25-26 school t-shirts will be available in youth sizes XS-Large and adult sizes S-XL. They are navy blue with red and white lettering on the front and our new STEM logo on the sleeve.

We will be selling retired Candlewood t-shirts too!

1 shirt- $3.00

2 shirts- $5.00

3 shirts-$7.00

4 shirts- $10.00

Each day our students recite the following campus-wide expectations and creed, repeating the mindsets that CSA is working to instill.

As a Soaring Eagle, I will:

Show self-control and Be Safe

Offer Kindness

Act Responsibly

Respect Myself and Others

I will S.O.A.R. with creativity!

Eagle Creed

• I am a Candlewood Eagle. I belong here.

• I have great expectations for myself. I know that I can succeed.

• I accept the challenge to become the best that I can be. I know that I learn more when I try hard.

• I will make today the very best day of all. I will share my important ideas and create new ones too.

• I promise to SOAR like an Eagle and shine like a star because this is important to me.

Parents are allowed to bring treats to the class for a student's birthday. You can drop these items off at the front office anytime of day. The office will deliver items to the classroom during break times so that learning schedules are uninterrupted. Teachers will ensure that treats and drinks are distributed to all students at the end of the day typically around 2:30.

Communication is key! To help keep our families and community updated, we will send out a weekly newsletter with information from our school and district websites, along with other important updates. In addition, please check:

• Class Dojo for announcements and messages

• Teacher updates and club sponsor information via email

• Our school website for key info, forms, and links to the student handbook

If you have any questions or need clarification, please call the office or email one of our admin team: Mrs. Diaz rdiaz@judsonisd.org, Ms. Latino clatino@judsonisd.org, or Mrs. Miles rdavismiles@judsonisd.org

When sharing information with our community, we use the following methods:

• paper flyers
• all calls-text, automated phone calls, and emails
• Class Dojo
• Candlewood Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/candlewoodelementary/
• JISD school website at https://candlewood.judsonisd.org/
• Campus Website at https://candlewood.judsonisd.org/

School Marquee