Bronco Bits
September 5, 2019
Principal's Message
Dear Bronco Family,
I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful three day weekend. This week has been a busy, but amazing one here at the home of the Broncos. Each day I walk these halls I am so encouraged by what I see. Our kids are phenomenal! All too often in society I hear people who talk about “kids these days” in a tone that is less than positive, but they couldn’t be further off-base.
Kids these days are AMAZING! I think back to what I was asked to do as a kid and compare that to what our kids are asked to do now and I am completely in awe. They juggle a lot. I think about the rate at which they are asked to learn material, the around the clock activities they’re in, and their ability to navigate the increased pressures of social media and the issues that it can bring, just to name a few. They actually do quite well for being surrounded by so much. When I think of “kids these days” I am hopeful and encouraged. I am so fortunate to be surrounded each day by such a talented, caring, respectful, and diverse group of students. Our future's so bright in the hands of our students.
These students are a reflection of the work you all do in your home. You are to be commended. I know there are times when we all question whether or not we’re doing a good job at this thing called “parenting” and I just want to recognize you for doing such a fabulous job. We know it takes a village to raise our young people. Please know that the staff at HMS is very much your village and we look forward to the journey ahead with you and your family. If we can ever be of assistance to you, please let us know. Have a great rest of your week and an awesome weekend!
Proud to be your principal,
Dr. James Whitfield
P.S. Mark your calendars for 9/13 @ 8:30 am. PTSA will be hosting a Principal's Coffee in the HMS Learning Commons. Hope to see you there.
The 411
ID badges
In the interest of school safety, all GCISD students are required to wear a visible ID badge each day. Replacement costs are as follows:
$1 - Plastic Holder
$5 - New ID Badge
$2 - New Lanyard
Nutrition
A reimbursable breakfast is offered at all schools for $1.45 paid and $0.30 reduced-priced. Breakfast times may vary slightly per campus, see below for advertised serving times:
Elementary schools: 7:15 a.m. - 7:35 a.m.
Middle schools: 7:30 a.m. - 8 a.m. with a second breakfast option per campus schedule
High schools: 7:50 a.m. - 8:40 a.m. with a second breakfast option per campus schedule
Save the Date: Medal of Honor Recognition
Several Medal of Honor recipients will be in attendance and recognized on Friday, September 13 when Colleyville Heritage football hosts Trinity at 7 p.m. at Mustang Panther Stadium. Organized by the Tribute to Valor Foundation, this promises to be a special evening for all involved. For more information, visit our website.
Parent Tech Academy is back for the 2019-2020 school year!
This year's first session will be over Apps Parents Need to Know. With the ever-changing world of technology and mobile apps, come hear what's new that you need to know as a parent.
September 4, 2019 from 6:15-7:30 p.m.
GCISD Professional Development Center
5800 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034
Find more information online at www.gcisd.net/parenttech
or registration can be completed online here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlTqo9Iq9pNj-OoJLCoYlJ49ck7wPvX90pEo2imYulK01mBw/viewform?usp=sf_link
Typing Club
GCISD students in grades 3-8 have access to a touch-typing app available through Classlink. Typing Club is a web-based program that teaches students how to build speed and accuracy while typing. Students in grades 3-8 should use this program during the school day and may also use it at home. Students can easily access Typing Club through Classlink.
Traffic Flow Info
From here, yearbook prices will only go UP
SUPER NICE
LOWEST PRICE
Get your yearbook at the year’s lowest price. Order by Friday, September 13, 2019 for only $40.00.That’s a savings of $10.00.
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LIMITED TIME OFFER
Get four free icons (valued at $16.00) when you upgrade the cover by adding a name for $6.00. Offer ends Friday, September 13, 2019.
The COLD will be here soon enough!
HMS Fall Social: Jeans & Jerseys
Our first social of the new school year is only a few weeks away. You don't want to miss out on all the fun so be sure to purchase your tickets at https://www.heritagemiddlepta.com/online-spirit-shop or tickets will be available for purchase at lunch beginning 9/24/19. Tickets are only $10.
Please also consider volunteering at the event. We have many openings and need your help to make this event a success. As a reminder, all volunteers must complete a GCISD background check and be cleared prior to September 27th. Please sign up below!
PTA Reflections 2019-2020
September 9th-13th is Arts & Reflections Week!
How? Just pick up an Entry Form packet and category-specific Rules in the HMS Office, create your artistic work on the theme “Look Within,” and turn in your entry and form to the HMS Office by Friday, October 25th.
Forms and Rules can also be downloaded from https://www.heritagemiddlepta.com/reflections
Questions? Contact Reflections Chair Jennifer Stark at hmsreflections@broncoptsa.org
It's TIME to JOIN the PTSA!
Two ways to JOIN...
- online: pay with credit/debit card (PayPal account not required)
- in person: send this form to school's main office. Place cash/check in envelope labeled HMS PTSA
HMS PTSA membership...
- is valid from August 1 to July 31, and must be renewed each year.
- supports student programs, staff appreciation activities, campus enhancements (like the new digital sign!), scholarships, and more
- includes parents, students, grandparents, community members! Sign everyone up!
Questions? Contact Rachael Abell- HMSmembership@broncoptsa.org
Washington DC Trip for Next Year - June 2020
Registration for the HMS trip to Washington DC for next summer is LIVE! Trip is open to HMS students in 7th and 8th grade during the 2019-2020 school year. Visit www.worldstrides.com/signup for details. Use Trip ID# 174661. Contact Coach Landau for more information.
HMS Volunteer Hours
Did you volunteer on behalf of HMS in May 2019?
Bronco Parents! Please log any HMS volunteer hours at www.heritagemiddlepta.com/volunteer
Click on "Log Volunteer Hours".
Time volunteering for ANY HMS activity (band, athletics, choir, drama, dance, cheer, PTA, etc) count! Log any hours done at home, school, or in the community.
We compete with the other GCISD schools each month for top volunteers! Help us win!
Counselors' Corner
Duke TIP
The Duke University Talent Identification Program (Duke TIP) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving academically gifted and talented youth. Duke TIP's talent searches serve as the entry point to academic benefits and programs for gifted and talented students in grades 4-12. HMS Counselors will be notifying students, September 6 for those 7th graders who qualify for the program. Parents will also be notified at that time. For more information, click here: https://tip.duke.edu/programs
8th Grade Parent Meeting for All Middle Schools at the PDEC on September 18th at 6pm
Middle school counselors are excited to start high school planning with our current 8th grade students. This future planning is in accordance with House Bill 5. In order to begin this decision-making process, all 8th grade parents are invited to the PDEC on Wednesday, September 18th at 6pm to learn exactly what the planning entails. Middle school counselors will present to families about endorsements, four year plans, and more. Each middle school campus will be in a different room at PDEC. Plus, the Collegiate Academy counselor and GHS and CHHS counselors will be present for support as well. After this meeting, middle school counselors will begin individual planning with each of their 8th grade students. This individual planning will be complete by the start of the 2nd semester. We look forward to seeing our 8th grade families on September 18th!
Guidance
SOS
During the month of September, the HMS counselors will be leading guidance lessons from the S.O.S (Signs of Suicide) curriculum. This program will be shared with all GCISD middle and high school students and staff. Students will learn how to respond to a friend who may need extra support. One tool they will gain is the acronym ACT.
A: Acknowledge the problem
C: Care. Let the person know you care.
T: Tell a responsible adult.
Counselors will also discuss the difference between sadness and depression.
6th Graders will have their lesson Tuesday, September 10.
7th Graders will have their lesson Thursday, September 12.
8th Graders will have their lesson Monday, September 16.
A parent letter was sent home. This needs to be returned by September 6th only if you do NOT want your child to participate in this guidance lesson. To view the Parent and Student videos and access an electronic copy of the letter, you can go to this website: https://www.gcisd.net/cms/one.aspx?portalId=96313&pageId=748694
If you have any further questions over this curriculum, please contact Sarah Burey, the Student Advocate Counselor.
Friends for Life
This is an anonymous way to make a report if a student sees or hears about anything that is concerning. To access information with the phone number, number to text, phone application, and website to make this report, you can go to our counseling website by clicking HERE.
Please don't hesitate to contact us if you ever have any questions or concerns!
Thank you,
Chandra Manuel (A-K Counselor) - chandra.manuel@gcisd.net
Renae Garrett (L-Z Counselor) - joyce.garrett@gcisd.net
Sarah Burey (Student Advocate) - sarah.burey@gcisd.net
HMS Mission, Vision, and Core Beliefs
Mission
Heritage Middle School will empower all students to develop the knowledge and skills to be college and career ready in a global society.
Vision
Our school community will inspire a passion and sense of value for lifelong learning.
Core Beliefs
- Provide a safe and secure environment
- Maintain high expectations for all learners
- Build and maintain positive relationships
- Celebrate diversity
- Communicate and collaborate effectively
Doing Things The Bronco Way!
Website: http://hms.gcisd.net/
Location: 5300 Heritage Avenue, Colleyville, TX, United States
Phone: 817-305-4790
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Heritage-Middle-School-145970672210425/
Twitter: @HeritageBroncos