The Candlewood Connection- Week 13

Dear Families,

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend and a safe Halloween! It's hard to believe we are already heading into Week 13 of the school year. Our Eagles continue to SOAR, and we are looking forward to another great week at Candlewood STEM Academy!

Our Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) altar is on display in our library until November 6th! Families are welcome to send in a photograph of a loved one they would like to honor and celebrate. We will gladly make a color copy of the photo so we can include it in our display as we celebrate and remember the lives of those who hold a special place in our hearts. 💙💚

November 2 is a student holiday, making it the perfect time to take care of your family's health and get your flu shot. JISD is partnering with HEB to make it more convenient for you!

Walk-ins are welcome but you can avoid the wait by signing up here. Be sure to bring your ID and insurance card.

Event Details

Date: November 2
Location: JISD Educational Resource Center
Address: 8205 Palisades Drive, Live Oak, TX 78233
Time: Noon - 2pm

A few important reminders for the upcoming week:

• Monday, November 2: No school for students – Teacher Preparation and Planning Day.

• Tuesday, November 3: No school for students – District Professional Development Day and Parent-Teacher Conferences.

We appreciate our families taking time to partner with us during parent-teacher conferences. These conversations are so important as we work together to support every Eagle's success!

Enjoy the long weekend, take time to recharge, and we look forward to welcoming our Eagles back to campus soon!

Be committed, be responsible, be respectful, be an Eagle! 🦅

Mrs. Rachelle Diaz

Congratulations to Ms. Dean, our amazing Pre-K teacher! Ms. Dean demonstrates love, patience, and dedication to her students each and every day. She is committed to helping every child grow, learn, and reach their fullest potential. Her caring heart and passion for teaching create a nurturing environment where her little Eagles can thrive and soar!

Thank you, Ms. Dean, for pouring into our youngest learners and helping them build a strong foundation for success. We appreciate all that you do!

Picture Day Reminder! Mark your calendars! Fall picture retakes will take place on November 18th. This will be the LAST opportunity to have your picture taken for the 2026–2027 yearbook, so don't miss out!

Our Yearbook & Journalism Club is hard at work capturing memories and helping create this year's yearbook. We also have the results of last week's Superpower Poll! 🦸

If you could have one superpower, which would you choose?

• 💪 Super Strength: 25%

• 🦅 The Ability to Fly: 75%

Looks like our Eagles would rather soar through the skies! Thank you to everyone who participated in our poll. Keep an eye out for more fun questions and updates from The Eagle Eye!

Our library was bursting with creativity during this year's Storybook Pumpkin Decorating Contest! We had an amazing turnout, and our Eagles truly outdid themselves with their imaginative designs, colorful creations, and incredible attention to detail. From beloved storybook characters to fun and unexpected ideas, every pumpkin was a masterpiece!

A big congratulations to our contest winners:

🏆 Funniest Pumpkin: Everleighrose Villanueva – Olaf ☃️

🏆 Cutest Pumpkin: Albert Cedillo – BBQ Pit 🍖

🏆 Scariest Pumpkin: Elias Lopez – Coraline’s Mom 🕷️

A HUGE thank-you to everyone who participated and helped make this contest such a success! We were blown away by the creativity, imagination, and talent displayed in every entry. Our Eagles certainly know how to bring stories to life!

💙💚 Click the video below to see all of the amazing entries! You won't want to miss these creative masterpieces!

Way to go, Eagles! Keep dreaming, creating, and letting your imaginations SOAR! 🦅

📅 General Club Schedule
All clubs, with the exception of iPlay and NEHS, will meet twice a month on Wednesdays from 3:15–4:15 p.m.

• October: 7, 21
• November: 4, 18
• December: 2, 16
• January: 6, 20
• February: 3, 17
• March: 3, 24
• April: 7, 21

🎮 iPlay
iPlay meets Monday–Thursday from 3:30–4:30 p.m. and will also participate in four Saturday tournaments.

🎓 NEHS (National Elementary Honor Society)
NEHS will meet twice a month on Thursdays from 3:15–4:15 p.m. on the following dates:

• October: 8, 22
• November: 5, 19
• December: 3, 17
• January: 7, 21
• February: 4, 18
• March: 4, 25
• April: 8, 22

📚🧪🔬 Every day at school is another chance to earn your way into our next drawing. One lucky Eagle will win an AWESOME STEM KIT! 🚀🧠 Our SEL team will be drawing a name from our list of our students who had perfect attendance in October!

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

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!

Nov. 2: No school for students

Nov. 3: No School for students

Nov. 4: Special Olympics Get Active Day

Nov. 6: 5th Grade and Mr. Posada attend Alamo City Arts Mariachi Academy and Ballet Folklorico Dia de los Muertos concert

Nov. 10: 3rd-5th Math Interim Testing -No campus visitors

Nov. 10: 4th Grade attends Kids, Cows, and More

Nov. 11: No School-Veterans Day

Nov. 12: STEM Night and Veterans Day Program

Nov. 13: JA in a Day-Junior Achievement Volunteers from TX A and M

Nov. 17: 3rd-5th Reading Interim Testing-No campus visitors

Nov. 18: Fall Picture Retakes (see flyer below)

Nov. 23-27: Thanksgiving Holiday Break

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 read the story "Gustavo the Shy Ghost" and had to make their ghost blend into different backgrounds.

• First: First grade Eagles read the story "Creepy Carrots" and designed and built a fence with a partner to keep those spooky carrots in their patch!

• Second: Second grade Eagles built instruments or completed a math challenge to calculate the total cost of building materials for their fence.

• Third: Third grade Eagles investigated different forms of energy, including mechanical, thermal, and light.

• Fourth: Fourth grade Eagles used an online simulation to test different objects' conductivity. Here is the link to the simulation! (Many students requested the website!)

• Fifth: Fifth grade Eagles investigated reflection and refraction using laser pointers! In their design challenge, students had to use mirrors to change the path of a beam of light.

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.

Never miss an important update! The Judson ISD App is the easiest way to stay informed and connected throughout the school year. With everything in one convenient place, you'll have quick access to the information you need to support your child's success.

With the Judson ISD App, you can:

• 📰 Receive campus and district news and announcements
• 📅 View upcoming school and district events
• 🍎 Access breakfast and lunch menus
• 🔔 Receive important notifications and emergency alerts
• 💬 Communicate directly with your child's teacher through Rooms
• 🌎 Use built-in translation features to communicate in your preferred language
• 📚 Stay informed about classroom updates, assignments, and reminders

Whether you're at home or on the go, the Judson ISD App helps you stay connected to your child's education every step of the way.

Download the free Judson ISD App today and stay connected with Crestview and Judson ISD all year long!

November is a great time to celebrate National STEM Day and encourage our Eagles to think like scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and problem-solvers! STEM is all around us, and learning doesn't have to stop when the school day ends. Families can join the fun by trying simple STEM activities at home!

Here are a few ideas to try together:

• 🏗️ Build It Challenge: Use Legos, blocks, or recycled materials to build the tallest tower or strongest bridge.

• 🧪 Kitchen Science: Explore science with simple experiments using household items.

• ✈️ Paper Airplane Challenge: Design, build, and test paper airplanes. Which design flies the farthest?

• 🧩 Math & Logic: Practice problem-solving with puzzles, card games, and everyday math challenges.

• 💻 Digital Learning: Log in to your device and spend some time learning with Zearn or Progress Learning! Students already know how to access both programs through their student portal from home.

Save the Date: November 12th!

Join us from 4:30–6:00 p.m. for our special Veterans Day Program & Family STEM Night! We will honor our veterans with musical performances and invite families to enjoy hands-on STEM activities together.

We can't wait to see our Eagle families learning, creating, exploring, and discovering together! Remember, great things happen when curiosity takes flight! 🦅🚀

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. The first one is the camp brochure and the second one if the permission slip. Both have been shared at our first meeting and with students during their lunch period. We will also share the documents in the JISD app under rooms.

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! 🦅💙

Big transformations start with tiny, intentional choices. From staying hydrated and soaking in daily sunlight to moving your body, limiting screen time, and practicing kindness, small daily actions compound into a healthier, brighter tomorrow.

Daily Highlights Included in the Guide:

• Stay Hydrated: Fuel your body with more water for daily energy.

• Get Sunlight & Move: Boost your mood with a little sunshine and take small daily steps toward active living.

• Rest & Reflect: Prioritize quality sleep and clear your mind by writing out your thoughts.

• Nourish & Focus: Eat well, limit mindless scrolling, and make time for what brings you true joy.

Better habits today, a happier and stronger you tomorrow

Don’t let the Cruellas of the world intimidate you. 🐾 Real strength isn't about control or cruelty—it’s about standing together, supporting your pack, and choosing kindness every single time. Stand up against bullying.

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.