🦅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,

I hope everyone enjoyed a safe and restful time with family and friends. We are excited to welcome our Eagles back to school on Monday. We have 14 school days until the winter break, and we need every day to count. Attendance and punctuality are essential for academic success, so please ensure your child is at school and on time each day.

As we return to our routine, please help your child get back on their regular sleep schedule. Adequate rest is crucial for learning and overall well-being.

Thank you for your continued support in helping our students shine bright. Together, we can make these next three weeks productive and meaningful.

A big thank you to everyone who has already participated in our SchoolStore program—we’re on our way to reaching our goal! Your support helps ensure our teachers have the essential tools they need to help students succeed.

Next Week’s Book Buddy Distribution:

• Daily (morning and afternoon)

Thank you for helping us make this program a success!

If your family hasn’t joined yet, there’s still time! The SchoolStore Program is 100% online — no face-to-face selling, no money handling, and no product delivery! Participation takes less than 12 minutes, and there are awesome prizes for students who join in. 🎁

Here’s how to get started:
1️⃣ Go to SchoolStore.net to sign up.
2️⃣ Send emails inviting family, friends, and co-workers to support your child. This step earns your child a Book Buddy. No money is required.
3️⃣ Return the Book Buddy Lanyard with the Student Prize Code to school so your child can receive their participation prize!

📅 Book Buddies can be earned until December 18.

Please note it might take a day or two for prizes to show up in the system.

Thank you for supporting our Eagles and helping Candlewood achieve another mission!

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.

This week we congratulate Ms. Salazar, as our Eagle of the week. Ms. Salazar works hard day in and day out in our cafeteria, always bringing a warm smile and positive energy to everything she does. Whether she is serving students, cooking up some delicious lunches, or greeting them at the register, she helps all of our students and staff and ensures we all feel welcome and cared for. We are INCREDIBLY grateful to have her on our Eagle team!!

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

Science Camp is in a few short weeks. 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.

Our Eagles had a blast on STEM night!

Thank you so much for joining us for family STEM night, where Eagles and families drove robots, played games, used microscopes, tested foil boats, and so much more! We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

After our break, our K-2 Eagles will begin learning about coding, starting with unplugged directional coding. Coding, also known as computer programming, is how we communicate with computers and tell them what to do. When students learn to code, they practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills and develop resilience. We will start with simple directional coding and gradually work up to coding with robots! Stay tuned for amazing work from our Eagles!

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 4

🦁 4th grade field trip to the zoo

📆 Thursday, December 8

Parent Chaperone Meeting for Science Camp

📆 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

🏛️ 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

📅 Saturday, January 10

🐎 3rd Annual Horse Clinic at Candlewood

📅 Monday, January 19

🎓 Student & Staff Holiday

📅 Thursday, January 22

🏛️ Board Meeting | 5:00 PM – ERC

This Week’s Agents of Change: Our Families & Community

This week, we are proud to highlight you—our incredible families and community partners—as our Agents of Change. Your commitment, generosity, and presence continue to uplift our scholars in meaningful ways.

From ensuring that families had everything they needed for a joyful Thanksgiving Day, to volunteering your time, donating resources, and attending our school events, your impact has been powerful. Whether you joined us for our Thanksgiving Dinner, participated in STEM Family Night, or simply showed up to support your child’s learning, every act of kindness has strengthened our school community.

Your involvement reminds our scholars that they are surrounded by a village that believes in them, encourages them, and celebrates their growth. These moments—big and small—help shape the confident, compassionate leaders they are becoming.

The Candlewood administrators and teachers would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for being the change our students need each and every day. Your support helps us create a safe, engaged, and vibrant learning environment where all students can thrive.

Let’s continue this journey together. Keep showing up, keep inspiring, and keep helping our Eagles SOAR higher!

In every classroom, something amazing happens each day—not always in big, dramatic ways, but in small moments that show how much our young learners are growing. At our school, we love celebrating these everyday wins because learning is about more than grades. It’s about curiosity, confidence, and kindness blooming a little more each day.

Celebrate Effort Over Perfection
Children learn best when they feel safe to try, explore, and make mistakes. When a student bravely attempts a new math strategy or reads a tricky word out loud, they’re building resilience. These moments remind us that learning is a journey, not a race.

Student Spotlights
We see growth everywhere:

• A kindergartener who kept practicing letter sounds until they clicked.

• A second grader who used to be shy but now raises their hand to share an idea.

• A fourth grader who struggled with fractions but didn’t give up—and now helps classmates.
  These stories show that persistence pays off and that every step matters.

Tips for Parents: Learning at Home
You can support this growth with simple daily habits:

• Read together and talk about the story.

• Ask open-ended questions like “What do you think will happen next?”

• Explore the world outside—nature walks can spark great conversations.

• Celebrate effort: “I’m proud of you for trying something new!”

Words to Grow By
“A little progress each day adds up to big results.”

When we notice and celebrate these small steps, children feel inspired to keep growing. Thank you for partnering with us to nurture their bright, beautiful learning journeys!

🦅🦅CSA celebrates your effort and hard work. SOAR Eagles🦅🦅

• 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

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.

Our Kinder and 1st grade students will be performing at our Winter Wonderland event!

• Arrival Time: Students should return to school by 4:45 PM.
• Important: They will not remain with me after school, so please make the necessary arrangements for them to come back.
• Attire: Red, white, and green

Thank you for your understanding and your support.

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
🎨💻

Kindergarten–2nd Grade:
Our youngest learners will explore creativity and self-expression through a fun and tactile art project using their own fingerprints. Students will design vibrant garden scenes and imaginative animals, transforming simple prints into colorful masterpieces. This activity not only sparks artistic exploration but also helps develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

3rd–5th Grade:
Our older students will take on an exciting STEM challenge that puts their engineering and problem-solving skills to the test. Using only paper and tape, they will work individually or in teams to construct the tallest freestanding tower possible. This hands-on activity promotes critical thinking, collaboration, and perseverance—all while having fun with design and structure.

📧 Email: dcaldwell@judsonisd.org

Ms. C

Academic Enrichment

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!

PE Class:

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.

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.

Please see the message from Officer Garcia:

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

Parent Letter_Safe-Gun-Storage Spanish.pdf

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

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!

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