🦅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,

Thank you for coming out to our annual book character parade last Thursday! We enjoyed having you. This week we are kicking off an exciting new attendance contest for our students. If your student is present with no tardies on November 3rd and November 10th, they will be entered into a drawing to go on a field trip to the Witte Museum! This field trip is paid for by Friends of CIS! We are so excited for this opportunity.

There will be no school on November 4th for district professional development nor November 11th in observance of Veterans Day. Don't forget this Sunday is Daylight Savings Time! We fall back one hour.

With 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 are recognizing Ms. Herbeck as our Eagle of the Week! We’re so grateful for our amazing Lead Special Education Teacher, Ms. Herbeck! She goes above and beyond every day to support our students and staff. Her thoughtful strategies, caring approach, and dedication make such a difference for our students who need a little extra attention.

Thank you, Ms. Herbeck, for your expertise, compassion, and the positive impact you bring to our school community. We’re lucky to have you on our team! 💙👏

#ThankYou #SpecialEducation #Teamwork

BEAT THE BELL!!!!

Did you know that everyday your student arrives on time and is ready to learn by 7:30, they receive an Eagle Buck! In addition, we recognize a group of students, randomly with a small prize. If a class achieves 15 perfect attendance days, we have a surprise for that class. Lastly, we do POP-UP attendance surprises throughout the week.

Attendance is one key to student success. Please ensure that your students are on time and do not leave early. They will miss instruction that can determine their understanding of information.

"Success doesn’t come from what you do occasionally, it comes from what you do consistently." – Marie Forleo

UPDATE: Permission forms have gone home, along with a supply list. Please sign and return the permission form for your student!

Calling all 5th grade students! Science Camp is around the corner. 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.

We have had 2 opportunities for parent information meetings. There will be another one soon in October. We will provide an overview of Science Camp, what supplies are needed, cover the curriculum and answer all of your questions regarding camp. This is an overnight camp (two nights and three days). Lodging and food are all included in the GRANT that we received!

Parent Volunteers are needed. Dads and Moms who are interested in going would stay overnight with our students and participate in camp also! Volunteer Training MUST be completed and approved for you to attend. This is not optional. THERE IS NO COST for lodging or food for parents. You are covered in the grant. 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

If you have any questions about STEM on campus or how you can support STEM skills at home, please reach out!

Mrs. Smith

lsmith@judsonisd.org

TEA Definition of STEM Education:

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.

Dates and times are subject to change — please check weekly for updates!

📅 Tuesday, November 4
🎓 Student Holiday & District PD

📅 Monday, November 10

🎖️ Veterans Day Program — Honoring our heroes! - see flyer below for information

🍗Golden Chick Spirit Night Fundraiser 4:00-8:00 PM

📅 Tuesday, November 11
🌟 Student & Staff Holiday-No School

📅 Thursday, November 13

💛 World Kindness Day – Let’s make kindness contagious!

📅 Friday, November 13

✏️ Interim Testing – 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Math -

📅 Monday, November 18

✏️ Interim Testing – 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Reading -

📅 Wednesday, November 19

✏️ Make up Interim Testing – 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade - Make-Up date change

📅 Thursday, November 20

✏️ Make-up Interim Testing – 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade - Make-Up - date change

🧪STEM Family Night and 2nd, 3rd, and Honor Choir Performances - 4:00-6:00 PM

🏛️ Board Meeting – ERC | 5:00 PM

📅 Friday, November 21
🎉 Substitute Appreciation Day — Thank you for all you do!

📅 Monday–Friday, November 24–28
🦃 Student & Staff Holiday – Thanksgiving Break!
Enjoy the rest, family time, and all the pie! 🥧

📅 Thursday, December 18

🏛️ Board Meeting | 5:00 PM – ERC

📅 Friday, December 19
🎓 No School for Students

📅 Monday, December 22 – Friday, January 2
🎄 Student & Staff Holiday – Winter Break! - Enjoy time with loved ones and recharge for the new year!

📅 Monday, January 5
📘 Student Holiday

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

At our school, learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door—it grows in the sunshine, thrives in the soil, and blossoms in the hearts of curious young minds. Gardopia, our vibrant outdoor learning space, is transforming education by connecting students with nature in meaningful, hands-on ways.

What is Gardopia?
Gardentopia is a dynamic garden-based learning environment where students explore academic subjects through real-world experiences. It’s a place where science, math, literacy, and social-emotional learning come alive through planting, observing, experimenting, and reflecting.

Why Outdoor Learning Matters
Outdoor learning fosters creativity, curiosity, and confidence. In Gardentopia, students engage with the natural world, building skills in observation, problem-solving, and collaboration. Studies show that time spent outdoors improves focus, reduces stress, and enhances academic performance—and we see those benefits every day in our garden.

Learning Highlights in Gardopia

• 🧪 Science: Students study ecosystems, plant biology, and weather patterns through direct observation and experimentation.

Spotlight on Ms. Powers’ 4th Grade Class
Ms. Powers’ 4th grade students have become true garden mathematicians. Each week, they collect data on plant height, soil moisture, and temperature, then use that data to create charts and make predictions. They’ve even designed a garden layout using area and perimeter calculations, applying geometry in a hands-on way. Their enthusiasm and precision have made them leaders in the Gardentopia space, inspiring younger students to see math as both fun and purposeful.

In classrooms across the country, teachers are an integral part of the school day, doing more than just teaching—they're mentoring, counseling, managing behavior, and often filling in gaps left by strained resources. While their dedication is unwavering, the truth is clear: teachers can't do it alone. To truly nurture the next generation, they need helping hands from parents and the community.

📚 The Expanding Role of Teachers

Today’s educators are expected to wear many hats:

• Academic instructors guiding students through rigorous curricula
• Emotional caregivers supporting children through personal challenges
• Administrative multitaskers juggling paperwork, testing, and compliance
• Cultural ambassadors fostering inclusivity and understanding

This ever-growing list of responsibilities often stretches teachers thin, leaving little time for personalized instruction or creative engagement.

🏡 The Power of Parental Involvement

Parents are a child’s first teacher—and their continued involvement is crucial:

• Homework support reinforces classroom learning
• Open communication with teachers helps identify and address issues early
• Volunteering in classrooms or at events lightens the load and builds community
• Advocacy for school resources and policies ensures teachers have what they need

When parents actively participate, students perform better academically and socially. It’s a win-win.

💡 How We Can Help:

Supporting teachers doesn’t require grand gestures. Here are simple ways to make a difference:

• Attend parent-teacher conferences and school board meetings
• Offer to read to a class or help with a school event
• Donate supplies or contribute to classroom wish lists
• Encourage local leaders to prioritize education funding
• Join the our campuses' Red Apple Club. Volunteer to assist with things like assistance with clerical work the classroom such as laminating, cutting things out, making copies, etc. (For more information, call 210-662-1060).

🌱 Planting Seeds for Tomorrow

Teachers are the backbone of our education system, but they thrive best when surrounded by a strong support network. By lending a hand—whether you're a parent, neighbor, or business owner—you’re helping shape a brighter future for every child.

Students are encouraged to work on learning at home too. 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.

Unfortunately, we need to cancel the Spurs performance due to low ticket sales. The Spurs rep informed me yesterday that only 11 tickets have been purchased, leaving under two weeks to get the remaining 89 tickets purchased. At this point, it’d be hard, especially at the price point.

The Sin Miedo fundraiser raised only $25, so I just don't think it'll be possible for us to reach the 100-ticket goal.

I apologize for the inconvenience and for the sad news. If you purchased a ticket, email RAnderson@spurs.com for a refund.

The honor choir will still be performing on November 10th and November 20th at the Veterans Day Parade and STEM Night. I also added another performance at the Winter Wonderland concert on December 11th.

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

This week in art class, we’re diving deeper into the concepts of textures and patterns. Students will be sketching pumpkins and learning how to make them appear three-dimensional by creatively using patterns and textures in the background. This is a great opportunity for them to experiment with visual depth and artistic techniques while celebrating the season.

Additionally, I’ve been sending home information about an exciting Holiday Card Art Competition. Each student received a flyer with all the details, including how to participate and the deadline for submissions. If your child didn’t receive one, they are welcome to stop by my classroom to pick up a copy.

Participation is completely optional, but there is a special reward for the student whose artwork is selected. If your child is interested, please encourage them to return the signed slip as soon as possible. The due date for the completed artwork is listed at the bottom of the flyer.

Thank you for supporting your child’s creativity!

—

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

Now that we are leaving the spooky season behind and headed quickly towards the end of the year, we are starting our November reading challenge. The "THANKFUL" challenge is coming home with students on Monday! All you have to do is read stories with titles that spell out "Thankful"! Fill out each letter with a unique story and turn it in the first week of December for a treat!

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

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

Did you know that Judson ISD has a VATRE election on the November 4th ballot? A Voter‑Approval Tax Rate Election (VATRE) is an election required by state law when a school district’s Maintenance & Operations (M&O) tax rate exceeds the voter‑approval threshold. When approved, it provides local schools with additional funding to support daily operations such as teacher pay, academic programs, and student services. Have questions about the VATRE? Dr. Fields is hosting several Community Forums. Learn more at www.judsonisd.org/VATRE for more information. Click the picture here for more information ow watch the video below.

• October 27 at 6:30 PM at JTECH on Pat Booker Road (New location)
• October 29 at 5:00 PM VIRTUAL Facebook Live

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