🦅The Candlewood Connection 🦅
Community and Family Weekly Newsletter
Vision, Mission, and Instructional Priorities
Campus Logo and Eagle Mascot
Mission IS Possible-School-wide Theme
Mission IS Possible-Cracking the Code to Student Success
Dear Candlewood Families and Community,
What an incredible turnout we had at our first 9 weeks Award Ceremony! Thank you to everyone who joined us—it was a joy to see our school and home partnership coming together in celebration. A heartfelt thank you goes out to our amazing staff who helped make the events so special.
This week we celebrate Red Ribbon Week! Red Ribbon Week exists to raise awareness and prevent drug and violence. It began in 1985 as a tribute to DEA special agent Enrique Camarena, who was murdered while on duty. The campaign is the largest and longest-running drug awareness program in the United States, observed annually in October. We will have another spirit week along with a poster contest and ending with two culminating activities on Thursday, our Family Safety Meeting and annual Character Parade. We hope you join us at 1:30 PM in the cafeteria. We will have special treats on sale to start raising funds for our 5th grade science camp. Please bring your cash!
A quick reminder: consistent attendance and arriving on time are key to student success. Every minute of instruction matters, and when students start their day on time, they’re better prepared to engage, learn, and thrive. Thank you for partnering with us to build strong habits that support academic growth.
With gratitude,
Principal Diaz
⭐Congratulations⭐ Ms. Williams
This week we celebrate Ms. Williams as our Eagle of the Week. Ms. Williams and her students have shown incredible dedication and teamwork. Her class is a model of excellence - their hallway behavior is exemplary, and her students are always eager to learn, share, and help others. In Ms. Williams' classroom, every student feels heard, valued, and excited to take on new challenges. Her enthusiasm and care inspire her students to volunteer participate, and give their best each day. Thank you Ms. Williams for creating such a positive and engaging learning environment!
PERMISSION FORMS DUE. . .
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
Our STEM Mission
This week in STEM, kindergarten students have been working on making plans to create characters or objects from a story out of shapes. Learning how to make and use a plan will help students develop critical thinking and organizational skills. Next week, they will use their plan to create their pictures.
Other grade levels have been investigating topics such as forces, light energy, and circuits. A big shout out to our special guest from the Prairie View A&M 4H Extension Program for coming to do a special lesson on pollination with two of our second grade classes!
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.
🎃 OCTOBER EVENTS🍂
💝 Red Ribbon Week October 23-31
👪Bullying Prevention Overview on October 29th at Judson HS 6:00-7:00 PM
🎃 Family Safety Meeting and Annual Character Parade October 30th at 1:30 PM
💬 No School for students and parent teacher conferences October 31st
🦃 NOVEMBER EVENTS 🦃
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 4-8:00 PM
📅 Tuesday, November 11
🌟 Student & Staff Holiday-No School
📅 Thursday, November 13
💛 World Kindness Day – Let’s make kindness contagious!
📅 Friday, November 14
✏️ Interim Testing – 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Reading - date change
📅 Monday, November 17
✏️ Interim Testing – 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade Math - date change
📅 Wednesday, November 19
✏️ Interim Testing – 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade - Make-Up date change
📅 Thursday, November 20
✏️ Interim Testing – 3rd, 4th, & 5th Grade - Make-Up - date change
🧪STEM Family Night - 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! 🥧
📚🐝 Pollination in Action! 🌸🍯
Second-grade students recently enjoyed a hands-on science lesson led by Shelby Wood, our Agent of Change this week from the Prairie View A&M 4-H Extension Program!
In this interactive activity, students became part of the pollination process—some played the role of flowers, while others acted as bees. The “flowers” offered nectar, and the “bees” returned the favor with a sticker to represent pollination. Through this engaging experience, students discovered how flowers and pollinators depend on each other to produce the fruits, vegetables, and seeds we enjoy every day.
This meaningful community partnership provides our scholars with real-world, hands-on learning experiences that bring science to life in exciting and memorable ways.
It was a buzzing success! 🐝🌼
Her innovative spirit and commitment to students perfectly reflect our school theme, “Mission Possible: We Are Agents of Change.” Thank you, Ms. O, for showing us that when passion meets purpose, learning always finds a way!
📚✨ Mission accomplished, thank you to Mrs. Smith, our STEM teacher, for making this connection!
Enhancing Early Childhood Learning: PRK4 and the Frog Street Curriculum
Early childhood education sets the stage for lifelong learning, and high-quality programs help children grow socially, emotionally, cognitively, and physically before kindergarten. PRK4, the Pre-K program for 4-year-olds, provides a structured, engaging environment that meets these developmental needs.
PRK4 uses the Frog Street Curriculum, a research-based program that supports literacy, math, science, social-emotional learning, and physical development. Through play-based activities like storytime, music, movement, and learning centers, children build language, problem-solving, and social skills while exploring and having fun. Teachers use ongoing assessments to tailor learning to each child’s needs.
Families are also involved, with resources and activities to continue learning at home. By combining PRK4’s supportive classroom environment with Frog Street’s hands-on curriculum, children gain the confidence, skills, and curiosity they need to succeed in kindergarten and beyond.
Progress Learning
Raz-Kids
Zearn Math
Bluebonnet Learning Math
Family Tip sheets for Bluebonnet math=click here
Amplify Reading
Notes from Nurse Guzman
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.
An Experience to Remember for Honor Choir
The Honor Choir club has been invited to perform at the Spurs vs Warriors game on Friday, November 14th at 8pm on center court. If your student is in the club, they have an opportunity to perform that night, which is so exciting! We've received a special link with 20% off to purchase tickets and we need 100 tickets to be purchased by students, families, staff and community members in order for them to perform. Each student that wants to perform needs their own ticket.
I have 2 asks:
1. Would you consider buying a ticket in support, even in your student is not in honor choir club?
Supporting our Singing Eagles? Wemby vs Curry? 20% off? What a deal!
2. Would you share the link below and flyer with your family and friends to support your student? Any ticket purchased through the link below will count toward the 100 tickets goal.
Please join us in making this performance and unforgettable experience happen!
https://www.gofevo.com/event/CandlewoodChoir
Reach out to me on Dojo or email me at jposada@judsonisd.org
Josh Posada
Music Teacher
Candlewood Elementary School
jposada@judsonisd.org
Exploring Textures & Patterns + Holiday Card Contest Info
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
🎨💻
Creative Minds at Work: Academic Enrichment Adventures
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
Happy Spooky Season Eagles!
If you've found a spooky book that you think others should know about, find me in the library to fill out a readers beware review! I can't wait to put some great reviews out in the "graveyard" so that everyone can find something new to read! Remember, it can be a picture book, a graphic novel, a chapter book, or even something non-fiction about Halloween, mysteries or fall-themed stories!
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.
📲 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
💬 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.
Message from the Director of School Safety
Please see the message from Officer Garcia:
Adventure Club (Onsite)
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.
Attendance Matters-Every Student! All Day! Every Day!
⏰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.
And the ATTENDANCE Winner of the Week is...
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!!
Ms. Pulido CIS Site Coordinator hpulido275@judsonisd.org
Mrs. Morris School Social Worker tmorris@judsonisd.org
Mrs. Wilson Counselor awilson@judsonisd.org
Eagle Boutique
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!
Family Engagement
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
VATRE Information
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.
Values and Beliefs
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.
Cafeteria Breakfast and Lunch Menus
JISD Health Forms
Skyward and Parent Portal
My School Bucks
School Website
JISD Calendar
Class Dojo
Judson ISD school website
Candlewood Elementary Facebook page
Zearn Math
Progress Learning
