The Candlewood Connection- Week 9

Dear Candlewood Eagles Families,

We have a busy week ahead! Here’s your quick connection to everything happening around campus. 💙💚🧡💜

🍎 Monday | World Teachers’ Day

Let’s show our amazing teachers some extra love! ❤️ Families are invited to help us stock the teachers’ lounge with snacks, drinks, and treats. Donations can be dropped off in the front office.

🚲 Wednesday | Annual Bike Rodeo

Our Bike Rodeo takes place during students’ regular Specials time. Coach Dunham sent home a flyer and permission slip last week. The flyer has your child’s scheduled time and is also found below.

Students bringing bikes should drop them off at the west campus gate near the playgrounds, where Coach Dunham will be stationed during morning drop off.

📚 Wednesday | Dyslexia Information Night

Join us at 4:30 PM for our Dyslexia Information Night! We look forward to connecting with families and sharing helpful information and resources.

💗 Wednesday | Pink-Out Wednesdays Begin!

Wear PINK every Wednesday as we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month and spread hope, kindness, and support. 💗

🎨 Wednesday | Clubs Begin!

Our 2026–2027 clubs kick off this Wednesday! Please make sure you know your child’s club, meeting time, and dismissal/pickup plan.

👀 Screenings

Vision, hearing, Acanthosis Nigricans (visual markers of insulin resistance), and scoliosis screenings (fifth graders only) begin this week. Please watch for information coming home.

🍂 FALL BREAK!

NO SCHOOL:
📅 Friday, October 9
📅 Monday, October 12

That means a FOUR-DAY WEEKEND! 🎉 We hope our Eagles enjoy some well-deserved family time!

Thank you for being such an important part of the Candlewood STEM Academy family. Your partnership makes a difference in the success of our Eagles!

Together, we SOAR! 🦅✈️

Be committed. Be responsible. Be respectful. Be an Eagle!

Have a wonderful week!

Rachelle Diaz

📲 JISD Families — Stay Connected!

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

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

This week, we are proud to recognize Ms. Tovar as our Eagle of the Week!

As an educator, Ms. Tovar demonstrates a genuine commitment to her students and their success each and every day. She creates a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel valued, encouraged, and empowered to grow. Her dedication to teaching, positive attitude, and willingness to go above and beyond for her students make her a wonderful example of what it means to be an Eagle! We appreciate the heart, passion, and care she brings to our campus each day. Thank you, Ms. Tovar, for inspiring our students and helping them SOAR!! 🦅✨

Arriving late or leaving early disrupts a student's learning journey and overall classroom success.

Lost Instructional Time Even 10 to 15 minutes of missed class adds up significantly over time. Morning routines set the stage for the day, establishing key objectives, introducing foundational concepts, and building focus. Missing this time leaves students struggling to catch up. Similarly, early departures cut off essential end-of-day reviews, instructions for homework, and hands-on activities.

Disrupted Classroom Rhythm Late arrivals and early dismissals do not just impact the individual child; they create constant interruptions for the entire class. Teachers must pause instruction to catch students up or manage departure logistics, breaking the group’s focus and flow.

Social and Emotional Impact Walking into a lesson that is already underway can cause stress, anxiety, and confusion for a student. Consistent routines build confidence, while irregular attendance patterns can leave kids feeling disconnected from their peers and classroom community.

Prioritizing full-day attendance ensures students receive unbroken instruction, build strong habits, and stay fully engaged in their learning environment.

Candlewood Eagles have lost:

11343 minutes of instruction due to early pick-ups

56427 minutes of instruction due to late arrivals

This is equal to losing 161.4 days of instruction lost since the first day of school

Help us maximize student learning by arriving to school before 7:30AM and making appointments after school and avoid picking up students early.

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!

• October 5th World Teacher's Day
• October 6th National Coaches Day
• October 7th at 4:30 PM-Dyslexia Information Night, Bike Rodeo, and Pink Out Wednesdays Begin
• October 8th-World Dyslexia Day-wear red
• October 9th-12th-Student and Staff Fall Break, No School
• October 13th-Together we are more! Wear grade level specific colors
• October 14th- Watch D.O.G.S. orientation meeting
• October 21st-Unity Day, wear orange
• October 26-30th- Red Ribbon Week (Details to follow)
• October 30th- Storybook Character Parade at 2:00 PM

World Teachers’ Day is October 5th! 💙💚🧡💜

Our teachers pour their hearts into our Eagles every single day, and we’d love to show them just how much they are appreciated! 🦅❤️

We’re asking our wonderful Candlewood STEM Academy families to help us stock the teachers’ lounge with drinks and snacks as a special treat for our amazing staff! ☕🍿🥤🍫

📅 Donations can be dropped off at the front office by October 5th.

Not sure what to bring? We’ve put together an Amazon Wish List with some snack and drink ideas to make it easy! 🛒👇

Amazon Wish List

Every snack, drink, and thoughtful contribution is a little reminder to our teachers that we see them, we appreciate them, and we are grateful for all they do! 💙

This year’s theme is “Charge Into Fire Safety™. Safe Charging Is a Superpower!” and focuses on helping families practice safer everyday charging habits to reduce the risk of lithium-ion battery fires.

From phones and tablets to laptops and other rechargeable devices, safe charging habits can help protect our homes and families.

⚡ Plug in. Power up. Stay safe. 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️

Take time this week to talk with your family about charging devices safely and making fire prevention a priority!

Fire Prevention Week 2026 Safety Tip Sheet

🔥 Fire Safety Facts for Kids

• 🔋 Charge devices safely. Phones, tablets, laptops, and other rechargeable devices use batteries that can get very hot if damaged or charged incorrectly.
• 🔌 Use the charger made for your device. Ask an adult for help if you aren't sure which charger to use.
• 🛏️ Never charge devices under a pillow or blanket. They need space for heat to escape.
• 🚪 Keep exits clear. Never leave charging devices where they could block a doorway or walkway.
• 👀 Tell an adult if something looks wrong. If a battery is swelling, leaking, smells strange, or feels unusually hot, stop using it and tell an adult.
• 🚨 Know the sound of a smoke alarm. When you hear it, get outside quickly and safely.
• 🏠 Have a family fire escape plan. Know at least two ways out when possible and where your family will meet outside.
• 🧯 Never hide during a fire. Get outside and stay outside.
• ☎️ Call 911 from a safe place if there is a fire.
• 🦸 You can be a fire-safety superhero! Safe choices with batteries and chargers can help prevent fires.

Every Wednesday in October, our Eagles are invited to wear pink as we show kindness, love, and support for people in our community who are affected by breast cancer. 💕

Wearing pink is a simple way to remind others that we care, we support, and we stand together! 🩷🦅

Eagles, let’s paint Candlewood PINK! 🌸
#ThinkPink #CandlewoodEagles #BreastCancerAwareness

The Watch D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) program is a school-based family engagement program designed to bring positive adult role models—traditionally dads, grandfathers, uncles, and other father figures—onto campus to volunteer, support students, and help create a safe, welcoming school environment. If you are interested in joining, please contact Mrs. Diaz at rdiaz@judsonisd.org and she will put you in touch with our "Top D.O.G.", Mr. Fetter.

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 & First: This week our kinder and first grade Eagles practiced their creativity! The four STEM fluency skills include collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking. By practicing coming up with new and unique ideas, students become better equipped to design multiple different solutions to solve a problem. Students watched a short story titled "Not a Stick," came up with nine different ideas that they drew on their papers, communicated their ideas, and then made a plan to turn a stick (pipe cleaner) into something new!

• Third: Third grade Eagles investigated falling objects by answering the question: "will a heavier bag of marbles fall faster, slower, or the same as a lighter bag of marbles?" They tested their predictions and learned that gravity affects objects the same, no matter their weight!

• Fourth: Fourth graders investigated the mass of a mixture before and after mixing, helping them understand that mass in a mixture is conserved.

• Fifth: Fifth grade students investigated matter they could not see by observing how air changes the shape and feel of balloons. Sometimes, scientists have to learn by observing the changes that matter causes rather than observing the matter itself.

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.

Math Is Everywhere!

Did you know that some of the best math learning happens outside of school? Research shows that children build strong math skills when families include math conversations and activities in their daily routines.

Some ways you and your child can enjoy math are:

1. While shopping, ask your child to estimate costs or compare prices.

2. While cooking, talk about measurements and fractions.

3. During car rides, practice counting, estimating distances, or identifying patterns.

4. Even games, sports, and family schedules provide opportunities to explore math concepts.

The good news is that you do not need to be a math expert to help your child succeed. Simply talking about numbers, patterns, shapes, time, and problem-solving in everyday situations can make a big difference in your child’s mathematical thinking and confidence.

Enjoy 7 Ate 9: The Untold Story by Tara Lazar. Listening as Private I investigates his frightened client, the number 6, who claims 7 ate 9 and is coming for him next.

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.

What is Zearn?
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

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

Virtual Passes will be implemented beginning this school year. We appreciate your assistance in helping communicate this important information to our families.

Additionally, our School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) is currently looking to recruit two additional parent representatives from the district, as well as two student representatives from our secondary campuses.

If you know of a parent or student who may be interested in serving on the SHAC committee, please have them contact me, or feel free to send me their information so I can follow up with them directly.

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.

Families, please be on the lookout for the Judson ISD Elementary Physical Education Parent/Guardian Participation Acknowledgment Form. This form provides important information regarding PE participation, temporary activity restrictions, and procedures for communicating any health-related concerns that may impact your child’s participation.

Please review, sign, and return the form to your child’s teacher as soon as possible. Your signature acknowledges that you have received and understand the district’s PE participation procedures.

Thank you for helping us keep our students safe, active, and ready to learn! 💙

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.

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! 🦅💙

Giving kids small responsibilities is one of the best ways to build their confidence and help them feel connected at home. From setting the table and feeding a pet to helping with recycling, simple everyday tasks teach valuable life skills and show children that their contribution matters. Remember, it doesn't need to be perfect—focus on praising their effort and making them feel part of the team!

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! 🦅💙

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.