The Mustang Minute
Week of February 12th - 16th, 2024
Principal's Message
Mustang Family,
We are pleased to announce that Grapevine High School has 10 National Merit Finalists. These students have been selected based on a rigorous set of criteria that includes their academic record, the school's curricula and grading system, two sets of test scores, the high school official's written recommendation, information about the student's activities and leadership, and the finalists' own essay. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation has taken into account all these factors to select winners based on their overall abilities, skills, and accomplishments. We are proud of our students and their achievements, which are a testament to their hard work, grit, family support, counseling guidance, and teacher support! We congratulate these students and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.
Don't miss out on the GCISD Council of PTAs event happening tomorrow, February 12th, at the PDEC. The event begins at noon, so please remember to bring your own lunch. Participants will be viewing a webinar that will discuss invaluable tips on navigating the smartphone era. Register below to secure your spot. This is a great opportunity to network and gain knowledge.
Finally, we appreciate those of you who provided your feedback on our GHS Family Engagement & Satisfaction survey. We are in the process of putting things in place to better your experience in response to the feedback we received. You'll notice that this week's newsletter is sectioned into the following categories below. We hope that this change in organization of information helps you stay informed by providing a little more reason for relevance.
- GHS Campus News & Updates ( GHS updates and reminders, including Who do I Call directory)
- GCISD News & Updates (District updates & reminders)
- Student Spotlights ( Student recognition of their success for the week)
- Clubs & Activities Announcements ( Deadline reminders, fundraising opportunities)
- Counseling News & Updates ( Scholarship opportunities, other student-related reminders from their office)
- PTSA News & Updates ( PTSA sponsored activities and announcements that you can get involved with to support our Mustangs)
Rah, Rah, Rah...Mustangs Fight!
Alex
Congratulations to our GHS 2024 National Merit Scholarship Finalists
Campus Updates & Reminders
GCISD Employee Parent Graduation Presenters - Please respond by February 16th
If you are a current GCISD employee with a Grapevine High School senior and would like to present your child with his/her diploma at graduation, please complete this form no later than February 16, 2024.
Grapevine High School Family Engagement & Satisfaction Survey
We sent this out last Friday and many could not access it. The link has been fixed, we kindly request your feedback on our Family Engagement and Satisfaction survey. Please click on the link below to provide us with your valuable feedback.
Final week to order your Singing Valentines!
AP Deadlines
AP Parents and Students,
There are several deadlines regarding AP testing this semester:
- Feb 23, 2024- Students in second semester only courses need to be signed into the College Board and select “Yes” to indicate their decision to test, and for an exam to be ordered.
- Mar 6, 2024- Final deadline for all students, full year or second semester only, to order a test with the mandatory College Board $40 late fee incurred. The fee is only incurred for exams for full year classes that missed the November deadline.
- Apr 19, 2024- Final payment deadline for all AP exams.
- Exam dates and times
Future Mustang Night - February 20th @ Mustang Panther Stadium
GHS and CHHS Soccer programs will be celebrating Future Mustang and Future Panther night on Tuesday, February 20th during halftime of their games.
Have a specific question? Click on the "Who Do I Contact Directory" below!
GCISD Updates & Reminders
Texas PTA Straight Talk 24 Watch Party - February 12th @ Noon
GCISD Council of PTAs is hosting a Watch Party for the Texas PTA Straight Talk '24 event: Navigating the Smartphone Era. This livestream event will feature top-notch panelists discussing how smartphones are impacting our children's minds, bodies, and classrooms.
GCISD Council of PTAs would like to invite GCISD Administration, Staff, and High School leadership students to attend this Watch Party. We will have a brief wrap up session and ask for a committee to follow up with some district personnel for steps forward to help our students and staff navigate smartphones and their impact in GCISD.
When: Monday, February 12th, Noon-1pm
Where: PDEC, Panther Den
What to bring: Bring your own lunch and learn with us
The panelists include:
Tabitha Branum, Richardson ISD's superintendent
Titania Jordan, Bark Technologies Chief Marketing and Chief Parent Officer
Marvin Ruiz-Martinez, senior at Robert Turner College and Career High School in Pearland ISD
Laura Tierney, Founder and CEO of The Social Institute
If you are able to attend this event and/or help GCISD Council of PTAs facilitate this discussion with GCISD Parents, Community Members, and GCISD Administration please RSVP here.
GCISD Council of PTAs Straight Talk RSVP
JoAnna Avakian
President
Grapevine Colleyville ISD Council of PTAs
817-597-7813
Emergent Bilingual Parent University
Do I Need to Submit a Transfer Request?
The general and STEM student transfer application window for the 2024-2025 school year will open on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 8 am. Online applications will be accepted through Friday, February 16, 2024, at 4 pm.
Transfer Window Dates
Window 1: February 5-February 16: (Elementary/ MS) STEM/General Transfers
Window 2: March 4-March 22: STEM (Elementary/ MS)/General Transfers
Window 3: June 3- June 14: (Elementary/ MS) STEM/General Transfers
Students who are already approved on a transfer and are not moving to the next transition level do NOT need to submit a transfer request. For more information and to complete an online application on or after Monday, February 5, click here.
IMPORTANT: Please know that incomplete applications (e.g. missing residency documents) will NOT be processed during this round of student transfers. It is very important that families have all the needed documents when submitting transfer applications.
Stop the Bleed Course - February 19th (5:30 - 7:00 PM @ PDEC)
In accordance with HB 496, GCISD will be offering instruction on the use of a bleeding control station to students enrolled in seventh grade or higher from 5:30 p.m.-7:00 p.m., February 19, 2024 at at the PDEC in the Mustang Corral Room. This training is intended for parents and students to learn together.
Interest List Forming for Education Advisory Committee
GCISD invites families, community members and staff to express their interest to serve on the Education Advisory Committee that is being formed to discuss several topics, including but not limited to, high school bell schedules for 2025-2026, GPA policies, local graduation requirements and more. The spring committee is currently forming and dates are set for February 21, March 7, March 20 and April 10. Locations and times will be communicated with those selected to serve on the committee.
To express your interest, sign up via the GCISD Committee Application. Those interested will be added to a pool of applicants to reference when filing committee seats. This form will remain open throughout the year to capture interest from staff, parents, and community and business members. Click here to see an overview of this and other committees.
Mustang National Signing Day
Ellie Lackey - University of Texas Arlington (Cheer)
Alexandria Navarro - Stephen F. Austin University (Cross Country)
Sammy Kelley - Tyler Junior College (Baseball)
Derrius & Dereon Burns - Henderson State University (Football)
Bryson Davis - Evangel Valor University (Football)
Harrison Hackbarth - Evangel Valor University (Football)
Brady Wagner - Yale University (Football)
Layton Towery - United States Merchant Marine Academy (Football)
Once A Mustang Always A Mustang
Lady Mustangs @ Jay Brewer Memorial
After round 1, Lady Mustangs sat in 5th place 1 shot out of a T-3 @ The Jay Brewer Memorial Tiger Classic. Jules' 3 consecutive birdies on the back 9 propelled her to 16th place. Chloe's 3 consecutive birdies & 5 birdies total on the back 9 led her to an even par 72 & leading by 2 shots.
Big win for Mustang basketball against Argyle
Fillies & Belles Showcase
Julia Penny - Most Unique Cookie @ GHS Mustang Cookie Contest!
Congratulations to Julia Penny for winning Most Unique Cookie in our GHS Mustang Cookie Contest.
Lady Mustangs for the Win on Senior Night!
GHS Winterguard earns 1st Place @ Red Oak NTCA Contest
Congratulations to our Mustang Winterguard for bringing home our first ever First Place trophy. Our Winterguard competed at the Red Oak NTCA Contest last Saturday and will be competing again this Saturday at the Chisholm Trail NTCA Contest.
Art Showcase
CTE Auto Body Class
GHS Senior Finishes as a State Qualifier at UIL Congress -Jack Hasper
Congratulations to Grapevine High School senior Jack Hasper who finished as a UIL Congress Conference 5A state qualifier. UIL Congress is an individual contest that models the legislative process of democracy, specifically, the United States Congress. Contestants draft legislation and research bills and resolutions dealing with real-world social and political policies prior to the contest to prepare their speeches. Read the full story to learn more about the skills students develop and how Hasper is using them to prepare for college and future.
Students Take Over Social Media in Celebration of Career and Technical Education Month
February is Career and Technical Education Month. Check out GCISD’s Facebook reels where students share what they are learning in the various programs of study. Different reels will be posted throughout the month. Videos that have been posted thus far include, certified medical assistant and graphic design. Click on the picture to view video.
Mustang Soccer - Defeated Denton 2-1
The Men's soccer team has embarked on a captivating journey in district play, kicking off with four thrilling consecutive ties, clinching two victories in heart-pounding penalty shootouts. However, their fortunes took a dazzling turn as they triumphed 2-1 over the previously undefeated Denton Broncos on Tuesday night. The match was an electrifying showcase, highlighted by Tanner Anstis and Ashwin Benegal delivering awe-inspiring goals, complemented by a strong defense and Victor Avila’s agile, cat-like goalkeeping prowess. In the aftermath of the victory, the air was charge as Anstis eloquently described it as a triumph of teamwork, embodying the spirit of unity and collective effort that defines their pursuit of excellence.
Gear up for an electrifying showdown as Grapevine takes center stage for their next home game on Tuesday, February 13th! Witness the adrenaline-fueled clash as your Mustang team battles against the Richland Royals at Mustang Panther Stadium, with kickoff set for 7:30 PM. Mark your calendars, rally your spirits, and be there to roar in support of your Mustang squad!
Mustang Soccer Senior Night
Amidst the biting chill of 30-degree weather, the Men's soccer team gathered on Monday, January 17th, to honor their esteemed Senior team members. Despite the frosty temperatures, it was a heartwarming evening dedicated to acknowledging those who embody the essence of GHS with unwavering pride. They spoke eloquently of the bonds forged through teamwork and camaraderie and expressed heartfelt gratitude to Coach Hammonds and Coach Martinez for their transformative guidance, shaping not only their skills on the field but also their character as individuals.
A heartfelt thank you to our Seniors for their unwavering school spirit, steadfast support, leadership, and exceptional representation of Grapevine High School.
Front Row: Gavin Arendse, Marvin Andrea, Angel Mata, William Meriwether, Josue Pedraza, Nicholas Daly, Dillon Nguyen, Hayden Rhodes, Sebastian Greuling
Back Row: George Sakakeeny, Cole Estes, Aidan Buckley(C), Coach DJ Hammonds, Ashwin Benegal(C), Andrew Smith, Anthony Amante, Tanner Anstis
Mustang Soccer
Another great week of soccer for our Lady Mustangs with two big wins over Lake
Dallas and Denton High Schools! See highlights below and come on out to support the
team as they next face Richland High School home on Tuesday, February 13th. JV
plays at 4:00 and Varsity at 5:30! This game also features our annual Teacher
Appreciation Night where our players will honor a special group of teachers!
Lake Dallas Game Highlights:
Save the Date - Future Mustang Night
On Tuesday, February 20th our Mustangs will face rival CHHS once again! This game
is also our annual “Future Mustang & Panther Night”, where we invite future high
school players to enjoy a night of soccer, support their local team, and come out on the
field at halftime for some fun!
Varsity plays at 7:40 pm – let’s fill the stadium with our Mustang Fans!
Denton Game Highlights
Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo - Congratulations to Priscilla Roberts
At this year’s Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, senior Priscilla Roberts proudly exhibited the 10th-place lightweight Angus steer, which was purchased by a local community member. Congratulations to Priscilla for making a sale in Fort Worth! Her hard work and dedication paid off🐄 #WeAreGCISD Fun fact: Priscilla Roberts’ steer weighed a whopping 1128 lbs!
GHS Wrestling @ Regionals
Regional Wrestling - Louden Park
Regional Wrestling - Devin (Debo) Thomas
Pep Rally Honorees - Special Olympians
Mustang Special Olympics Honored at Pep Rally
The highlight of the GHS Pep Rally today came when multiple remarkable athletes from the Special Olympics program received recognition from Coach Curtis amidst thunderous applause from the #grapevinenation Please click here to watch the video
Speech & Debate
GHS Debate - State Qualifiers
Grapevine Speech and Debate divided the team this weekend for the last tournaments of the regular season, going to both Dallas Jesuit Debate tournament and McMillen “Last Word” Speech tournament. Grapevine had great results at both.
Dallas Jesuit Debate Tournament:
Benjamin Hu – Champion – Lincoln Douglas Debate and qualified for TFA State.
Jack Hasper and Peyton Squires – 2nd place team– Public Forum Debate
Jack Hasper – 1st place Speaker – Public Forum Debate
Peyton Squires – 3rd place Speaker – Public Forum
McMillen “Last Word” Speech Tournament
Davis Marino –6th place – Program of Oral Interpretation – TFA State Qualified
Ayse Tutwiler and Davis Marino – 5th place – Duet Acting
Manar Elmahi and Lane Bratten - 6th place – Duet Acting
Grapevine HS has 8 students qualified for TFA State to be held March 6-9 in Houston.
National Honor Society - Applications Due February 16th ( Attention Juniors)
The Spring application for the National Honor Society is now open! Visit the NHS page on the GHS website to view the application. The 4 main requirements are a 4.2 weighted gpa, 15 community service hours, involvement in extracurricular activities, and demonstration of leadership. Applications are due February 16th at 4pm to Mr. Bristow or Ms. Armstrong. Any student that did not attend the application information meeting on January 9th please see Mr. Bristow in room 704S.
Feel free to email Mr. Bristow at sterling.bristow@gcisd.net if you have any questions.
Speech & Debate Interest? See the Winter Showcase - Feb. 28th (GHS Lecture Hall)
Counseling February Newsletter
February counseling newsletter - https://www.smore.com/p48qz
- National School Counseling Week (Feb 5-9)
- Course Requests and Preferred Scheduling Timeline
- 2024-25 Student Transfer Information
- ASVAB Testing – Feb 28th
Juniors' DARN College Fair
Counselors- Students are assigned to by their last name.
The GHS counseling team consists of:
Marnie Pape (A-D) - marnie.pape@gcisd.net
Abbey King (E-Le) - abbey.king@gcisd.net
Moises Flores (Li-Ri) - moises.flores@gcisd.net
Katherine Partridge (Ro-Z) - katherine.partridge@gcisd.net
Mary Parsley (Lead Counselor) - mary.parsley@gcisd.net
Jennifer Lemke (Student Advocate) - jennifer.lemke@gcisd.net
GHS PTSA Executive Board Interest Form 2024-2025
We are looking for a few good volunteers to be on our PTSA Board for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. It takes lots of helping hands to continue our legacy of supporting our school, staff and students. Please fill out this form if you are interested in volunteering for any of these positions.
We are looking forward to hearing from you and please reach out to us if you have any questions.
Grapevine High School PTSA needs you!
Membership dues are only $10 each school year! Students, remember that if you will be applying for any PTA/PTSA scholarships, you need to be a member of PTSA. Click here to join!
Donate a door prize for Project Graduation 2024!
Volunteer Background Check
We sincerely appreciate the investment of your time as a volunteer. Whether it is just volunteering with PTSA, a school field trip, or in any capacity in connection with our partnership with Big Brothers-Big Sisters, you must complete a background check.
All volunteers are required to reapply each year. Due to a large number of applicants, we will not notify you of your volunteer status. To get your status, please check with the school office for this information before you volunteer.
Click below to apply:
https://www.gcisd.net/o/gcisd/page/volunteer-background-check