🦅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,

As we wrap up our middle-of-year assessments, I could not be prouder of the growth and effort our students have shown! Their progress is a direct reflection of their hard work, the dedication of our teachers, and the continual partnership we share with our families.

Our teachers are thoughtfully fine-tuning instruction to ensure every minute of learning time counts. Grade levels are taking creative approaches—some offering after-school tutoring, others identifying extra pockets of time in the school day to reteach and fill any learning gaps. Every decision is guided by our shared goal: to meet each student where they are and help them reach their fullest potential.

This week and next week, our 3rd–5th grade students will take their Interim Assessments in math and reading, with 5th graders also completing the science assessment. These assessments serve as valuable checkpoints, helping us measure progress toward mastering state academic standards.

Please note that during Interim testing days, Candlewood will operate as a closed campus. This means we cannot welcome visitors or volunteers during the school day. Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to support our students through encouragement, routine, and rest at home. Together, we’re building a learning community where growth is celebrated and every child shines.

Thank you,

Principal Diaz

rdiaz@judsonisd.org

🦅Congratulations Ms. Garibay for being our Eagle of the Week. Ms. Garibay exemplifies what it means to be an Eagle every day. She consistently shows up, is a hard worker who goes above and beyond to support our students, community, and staff. Ms. Garibay steps in and lends a helping hand anywhere needed. She approaches tasks with a positive attitude and a compassionate heart. Most importantly, her dedication to our students shines in all she does. We are grateful for her commitment, teamwork and unwavering care for our school family!🦅

This week students continued to work on using color codes to program Ozobot Evo! Now that students understand how color codes can be used to change Evo's speed, direction, and actions, students can complete challenges that require them to use codes to accomplish different goals. Soon, students will begin working on a new engineering design challenge. Stay tuned for amazing student designs!

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.

📅 The entire months of February and March and ends on April 3rd

🛄Plastic Bag Recycling Challenge

📅 Monday, February 9

👩🏻‍🏫Teacher Prep and Planning Day-no school for students

📅 Tuesday, February 10

👩🏻‍🏫3rd-5th grade Interim tests and 5th grade transition night at Kirby STEM Academy

📅 Thursday, February 12

👩🏻‍🏫3rd-5th grade Interim tests

📅 Monday, February 9-Friday, February 13

💝Kindness Week-see Spirit dress up flyer below

📅 Friday, February 13

🚚Food Truck Friday and Classroom Parties

📅Saturday, February 14

🥰Valentine's Day

📅Sunday, February 15

School Resource Officer Day-Thank you Officer Espinoza 👮🏻‍♀️

📅 Monday, February 16

⭐Presidents' Day-Teacher Prep and Planning-no school for students

📅 Wednesday, February 18

👩🏻‍🏫3rd-5th grade Interim tests

📅 Friday, February 20

🐎2nd grade field trip to the rodeo

📅Wednesday, February 25

💼School-wide Career Day

📅 Thursday, February 26

🐮Kinder field trip to the rodeo

📅 Thursday, February 26

➕Black History Program and Math Night 5-6:30 PM

📅 Friday, February 27

🔊Spring Parent Teacher Conferences-no school for students

📅 The entire months of February and March and ends on April 3rd

🛄Plastic Bag Recycling Challenge

📅 Monday, March 2

🦕Dino George Traveling Museum Visits Candlewood

📅 Tuesday, March 3

🏆 Educator of the Year Award Ceremony | 6:00–7:00 PM

📅Monday, March 9-Friday, March 13

🎉Spring Break-No school all week

📅 Friday, March 20

📝 End of 3rd Grading Period

📅 Monday, March 23

📝 New Grading Period Begins

📅 Thursday, March 26

🏛️ Board Meeting at the ERC

H-E-B Plastic Bag Recycling Challenge!

Our school is participating in the H-E-B Plastic Bag Recycling Challenge! Students may bring in clean, dry plastic bags and plastic film from home to help with recycling. BAGS CAN BE FROM ANYWHERE, not just HEB.

The class that collects the most bags will win a glow dance party!

Thank you for supporting our students and helping care for our environment! Turn all bags into our STEM teacher, Mrs. Smith.

The LAST DAY to bring bags is April 3rd 2026!

🦅💙🎵 Celebrating Our Judson Honor Choir Eagles! 🎵💙🦅

We are thrilled to congratulate Mr. Posada and the newest members of the Judson ISD Honor Choir! 🎶 This prestigious honor is awarded to only 100 students selected from across the entire district, making it a remarkable achievement—and we are especially proud that 10 of those students proudly represent Candlewood STEM Academy!

Selection for Honor Choir is based on exceptional vocal ability, musicianship, discipline, and commitment to excellence. These students prepared diligently, demonstrated outstanding talent, and rose to the challenge of a highly competitive audition process. Their selection reflects not only their individual dedication, but also the strong fine arts instruction and support they receive.

We commend our students for their perseverance and Mr. Posada for his outstanding leadership and dedication to developing student voices and confidence through music. 🎼✨ Thank you to the Judson ISD Fine Arts Department for providing such meaningful opportunities for student growth and artistic excellence.

Way to dare to soar and represent Candlewood with pride! 👏🎉

#AgentsOfChange

#DareToSoar

#CandlewoodSTEMAcademy

#JudsonISD

#JudsonISDFineArts

Outdoor learning—teaching that takes place in natural environments—enhances student engagement, supports mental well-being, and strengthens academic achievement through hands-on, sensory-rich experiences. It nurtures critical thinking, creativity, and environmental responsibility while providing a refreshing, lower‑stimulus, and often more collaborative setting than traditional four-walled classrooms.

Key Elements of an Effective Outdoor Lesson

Active Engagement:
Experiences such as building campfires to explore survival concepts, highlighted in Trevor Muir’s blog, encourage critical thinking and kinesthetic learning.

Curriculum Integration:
A wide range of subjects—science (habitats, ecosystems, life cycles), literacy, and mathematics—can be meaningfully taught outdoors.

Nature-Based Learning:
Leveraging the natural environment itself, rather than completing typical indoor tasks outside, creates deeper, more authentic connections to content.

Structured Freedom:
While exploration is encouraged, successful outdoor lessons balance openness with structure to maintain focus and prevent students from slipping into a “recess mindset.”

3rd Grade had a blast exploring number lines with chalk. Taking number lines outdoors with chalk transforms math practice into a dynamic, hands‑on learning experience that strengthens number sense.

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.

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.

• 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

It's Kindness Week at Candlewood! We hope you all participate in our spirit days and help ensure Candlewood spreads kindness!

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.

Our students are bringing incredible energy, creativity, and a genuine love for music every single day. They are actively engaged in singing, movement, and musical exploration as we prepare for our Black History Month Program, which will be held on Thursday, February 26, starting at 5:00 PM. Our 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will be performing, and we are excited to showcase their hard work, talent, and growth. We look forward to celebrating history, culture, and music with our families and community.

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

Josh Posada

Music Teacher

Candlewood Elementary School

jposada@judsonisd.org

Students are currently completing their James Rizzi–inspired cityscape projects and primary color monsters, showcasing their creativity and artistic growth. As we move into February, our focus will shift to spreading kindness and love through art.

Students in grades 3–5 will be creating Valentine’s cards for senior citizens and veterans, using their artwork to brighten someone’s day and give back to our community. Students in grades K–2 will be making Valentine’s cards for their loved ones, practicing fine-motor skills while expressing care and appreciation.

To support these projects, we are seeking donations of Valentine’s sticks and card-making supplies, such as construction paper, cardstock, stickers, markers, glitter, ribbon, and any Valentine-themed items. Your support will help our students create meaningful, heartfelt cards that share joy beyond our classroom walls. ❤️

Thank you for helping our artists spread love this Valentine’s season

Ms. Morales

Art/Tech Teacher

Candlewood Elementary
🎨💻

Eagles LOVE to read!

Please check student folders for any overdue book notices! Check cars, couches, closets, beds, bookshelves, etc. Students will have the chance to visit the library on the following weeks:
February 9-13

February 23-27
March 16-20

Grades K-2
1 book at check-out

Grades 3-5
2 books at check-out
*only 1 comic at a time. If a student has an overdue comic, they must return that comic before they get a new one.

Dear parents of 5th grade Eagles!

Battle of the Books is getting started here at Candlewood! If your student elects to join the Battle of the Books, please encourage them to read their books at home! Read together with them, ask them questions about their books, and make it a fun experience for your family!

Campus battle: Teams from each 5th grade homeroom will compete on April 27th, 2026 in a Campus Book Battle. The team that wins will represent Candlewood at the District Battle on May 13th.

District Battle: Students who sign up to join battle of the books should be prepared to attend the district battle on May 13th at 5:30 pm at the Judson Performing Arts Center.

To see the books that are on the battle list, please click here.

Thank you for being a part of your child's reading journey!

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.

In our Makerspace, K–5 students are diving into an exciting hands-on learning experience as they study major terrestrial and aquatic biomes. Students are exploring the unique climates, plant life, and animal species found in each biome. To reinforce these science concepts, students are applying their knowledge by designing and building detailed biome models using LEGOs. This creative process encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration, and innovation as students bring their learning to life. Through this project, students are strengthening their understanding of ecosystems while developing engineering and design skills in a fun and meaningful way

📧 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 still open while supplies last. We encourage you to purchase a school t-shirt for $10 (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