CTMS Principal's Pen
Week of April 15-19, 2019
Good Evening Wolf Family,
The 6th annual triple threat shootout is taking place tomorrow at GHS. Our GCISD Special Olympian will be taking on our local fire and police department in a basketball game you don't want to miss. More on that below. On Tuesday, our National Junior Honor Society will induct our newest members in a ceremony that evening beginning at 6:30 pm. Finally, there is no school this Friday or next Monday. There is much more to share in this week's newsletter so let's have a look, shall we?
No School on Friday, April 19th and Monday, April 22nd
GCISD Special Olympics Basketball Shootout- April 15th @ 6:00 pm ( GHS Gym 1)
Special Olympics Triple Threat Shoot Out
The 6th Annual Triple Threat Shoot-Out will take place on Monday, April 15, at 6:00 p.m. at the
Grapevine High School Gym 1. The GCISD Special Olympic Basketball teams will take on the Grapevine and Colleyville Police Department in a charity game to support the GCISD Special Olympics of Texas Team. Admission is $2.00. Refreshments and T-Shirts will be on sale
The Bell Helicopter BLADE group will be hosting a raffle to benefit GCISD Special Olympics with prizes!
GPD Talks - Vaping, Drugs, and More... April 25 @ 6:00 PM ( GCISD Board Room)
GCISD Parent Technology Academy-April 16th 6:15p-7:30p @HMS
Ever wonder what all those apps are your children are using on their phones or personal devices?
Want to learn about the top apps that parents must know about to protect their children from online dangers and bullying? Join GCISD' Chief Technology Officer Kyle Berger as he provides insights into this every changing world of technology. Learn about helpful ways to monitor your child's usage as well as tools that can help you at home. There are thousands of mobile apps let us help you understand some of the dangers! These sessions are free and open to the public. Pre-registration is encouraged to ensure adequate space.
Heritage Middle School - Cafeteria
5300 Heritage Ave, Colleyville, TX 76034
6:15 pm-7:30 pm
Student Transfers - April 8 - May 3, 2019
Applications for the Student Transfer Lottery will begin Monday, April 8th at 10:00 am until Friday, May 3rd at midnight. Check the Transfer Information page on the district website for information and the link to apply. The actual lottery will take place on Friday, May 10th.
Spread the Word About GCISD Pre-K
GCISD pre-K qualification kick off is on April 16th 9:00 am-5:00 pm at Language Assessment Center, 3050 Timberline Drive. Please share this information with your friends and neighbors that have children turning 4 years old by September 1, 2019.
For more information go to https://www.gcisd.net/parents/pre-_kindergarten
FYI : Emerging internet trend on suicide- "Kermit Suicide"
Below is an overview of a recently published blog post. This and other similar app dangers will be reviewed April 16th at Parent Tech Academy
This innocent green muppet is currently making the rounds online in a series of disturbing suicide memes and jokes. There are more than 55,000 posts on Instagram with the hashtag #kermitsuicide, and when you search for it on Twitter, a warning box appears encouraging users to contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline if they’re feeling suicidal. In this post, we’re going to explain what you need to know about this trend, and what it means if your kids are using Kermit to joke about suicide.
The Origin of the Kermit Suicide Phenomenon
“Kermit Suicide” first appeared in a virtual video chat room in October 2018. A person playing as Kermit is chased onto a roof and then jumps off the roof screaming, “I am going to Kermit suicide.” The joke was completely unscripted, but it resonated with the online community and quickly began to spread. Part of the meme’s popularity stems from the obvious pun created by the similarity between “Kermitting” and “committing” suicide.
Within Text messages and other online interactions, kids jokingly say “kms (kill myself),” as in “I’m gonna be late for school again, kms.” As Kermit Suicide has gone viral, so too has the prevalence of kids riffing on it with turns of phrase like, “ima kermit suicide” or “go kermit suicide.”
Why Memes Go Dark
Despite the fun and humor that memes can bring, they’re often used as a means of deflection or a way of coping with stressful situations — laughing or getting others to laugh derails tension. For kids who may have a hard time communicating difficult emotions, memes provide a new medium of expression. They can even become a shorthand language among some children.
Dark memes are examples of a kind of gallows humor, and these types of jokes are common with kids on the internet today. But it’s also possible that there may be truth to the feelings behind the posts.
Student Bright Bytes Survey - (Window April 15th through April 30th)
http://www.BByt.es/RJ94M
Wolves in Action- Colby Aranda
April Edition of the Middle Years
- Reading Tips
- Family Story Hour
- Teaching kids to be appreciative
- Conflict Resolution
- Mental Health Education
- Learning about family heritage
To read about these topics and more, click on the links below.
8th Grade Arena Scheduling (For Rising 9th Graders)
Ms. Griffin and Mr. Flores are going to have guidance with all 8th graders about ARENA scheduling on April 15-16. In this system, students are able to put schedules in their preferred order using their course requests. Online arena scheduling is similar to the systems used in college. Students are given more voice in the creation of their schedules in an easier and more streamlined online venue. It is our goal to ensure that all our students are prepared for Arena Scheduling when it opens for rising freshman on April 29th at 7am. We will also have computer labs open for students if needed the morning Arena opens. If you have any questions or concerns along the way, please reach out to your student’s counselor. Here is the link to our district website for Arena. ARENA There is a video that would be helpful for you and your student to watch on this website.
Credit by Exam for High School Credit- Due before April 18th
Students, in grades 6 through 12, currently enrolled in the District can receive credit for an academic course or subject area, in which the student has had no prior instruction, with a passing score of 80% or higher on an exam approved by the district’s Board of Trustees. If you’d like more information or want to sign up, please see one of your school counselors. Registration for the May CBE is currently open, and forms are due back before April 18. You can find registration forms in the counseling office. For more information: Credit By Exam
GCISD celebrates Rachel’s Challenge
Every Monday in April GCISD will celebrate Rachel’s Challenge to promote kindness, compassion, and inclusion by wearing a Rachel’s Challenge T-shirt. Students and Teachers are encouraged to take pictures and use the hashtag #GCISDRachelsChallenge and tag @RachelsChallenge to show your support. The GCISD Rachel’s Challenge rally is on Saturday, April 27th from 9 am-11 am at Colleyville Heritage High School.
Summer Camp information
Looking to get your teen involved in something other than their cell phones this summer? DFW Child has an eclectic list of summer camps for your teen! https://dfwchild.com/camps/page/2/?category=summer-camps&subcategory=all-camps
Some camps provide scholarships; however, space is limited and camps are filling up fast. Sign up today.
Summer Santa Camp 2019 registration is now open. This is a great opportunity for families that are experiencing financial hardship and would like for their child(ren) to attend summer camp, at no cost! If you have never received a scholarship through Summer Santa in the past and would like to complete a camp application, please contact your Student Advocate Counselor, Mrs. Matthews 817-251-5323 camille.matthews@gcisd.net. Transportation to and from camp is not provided. Camp applications are due to Mrs. Matthews by Friday, April 26th.
OCPE (Off Campus P.E.)- Applications deadline -April 30th
OCPE application window is now open. Applications will be accepted through April 30, 2019. At that time, we will submit all applications to TEA. Facilities will be notified upon approval and will be added to the approved facility list. Reach out to Coach Harper for further information or click on the GCISD website OCPE Information
Secondary Summer School and Summer Bridge Information
Please see the flyer for Summer School information. When the window opens on March 25th, this will include Summer Bridge info as well. Summer School Flyer
Staff Appreciation Week is coming, help us make our CTMS teachers feel special!
We are collecting gift cards to present to all staff members throughout the week. Our goal is to give every CTMS Staff Member a gift card! Please donate gift cards or cash before April 29th.
Donations can be sent to the front office or via PayPal. Details in the link:
Volunteer Opportunities for 8th Grade Banquet- May 4, 2019
8th Grade Photo Slideshow
Thank you to everyone who submitted photos on the CTMS Class of 2023” shared site using the link -https://ctmsclassof2023.shutterfly.com/
We hope to include every 8th grade student in the photos that are a part of the slideshow. Stay tuned for more information about this special compilation of photos!
8TH GRADE BANQUET | TICKET SALES
Tickets are on sale this week only in the SAC during lunch for the 8th grade banquet, Saturday, 5/4. $25. Cash or check. Payable to CTMS PTA. Or buy online here: https://www.ecwid.com/store/ctmspta/
Find more info in the Principal's Pen. See you soon!
Tickets will also be sold during lunch April 15-18th
Registration - Click on link below.
GCISD Chic Boutique- March 23rd - April 27th
PTA Platinum Award (Still Striving)
Join PTA
Who can join CTMS PTA?
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, your CommYOUnity and all CTMS STUDENTS!
Perks for being a CTMS PTA:
Join today:
www.joinpta.org ($1.50 convivence fee applies online)
We can do this all with your help! *CTMS students who join this month will be entered into a drawing to win a special treat. Thank you for your continued support!- CTMS PTA
Monthly Volunteer Hours- Please Report
It’s time to log in your volunteer hours! If you volunteered during the month of March, please click on the link below to log in your volunteer hours. This includes any volunteering you did for PTA, a teacher or staff member, or CTMS booster clubs like band, choir, cheer, athletics, theater, Dad’s Club, etc. Pretty much anything CTMS related we want to know about it! Thanks to all of our fantastic CTMS volunteers!
https://tinyurl.com/ctmsmonthlyvolunteerhours
Student Clubs & Organizations
Students Standing Strong
Students Standing Strong meetings take place every Friday from 7:20 am - 8:00 am and in the afternoon from 3:30 - 4:10 pm in room A3. Students participating in Students Standing Strong in the mornings will need to enter through the main entrance and our office staff will buzz them in.
Calendar Note- SSS will meet Friday, Aprin12th at the normal time for an EGGSTRAVAGANZA Fun Time
*****They will NOT meet on April 19th for Good Friday.
Student Council
All student council members need to join our Google Classroom and Remind 101 pages to stay up to date!
Stuco x iFratelli Fundraiser- April 29th
Come support Student Council on Monday April 29th by ordering iFratelli pizza. This is an all day fundraiser and can be ordered at any location! 15% of the profits come back to CTMS StuCo.
NJHS Induction Ceremony
7th Grade students accepted into NJHS received their invitations on Thursday at our surprise “tapping in” ceremony! The Induction Ceremony will be held this Tuesday, 4/16 at 6:30pm in the SAC. Students need to arrive by 6:15 and meet in the library to go over the ceremony procedures and line up in their correct alphabetical order. If your student will be unable to attend, please email melissa.carpenter@gcisd.net as soon as possible.
Choir Auditions for All New and Returning Members, April 15-19th
Students are not required to Audition for Choir, however, if they would like to be placed in Advanced Choir, they need to come by during Wolf Time. If they are unable to audition April 15-19th during Wolf Time, please contact Mrs. Flory to set up an alternative time as soon as possible. If you have any questions, please email kari.flory@gcisd.net.
The Show Must Go On . . . in Dessert Theater!
Dessert Theater, Thursday, May 2nd at CTMS Cafeteria from 6:00-8:00 PM - All Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Students will perform at this spectacular event! We hope to see you there!
Dessert Theater Auditions, April 8th-12th
Students will audition for small group and solo numbers for our Final Concert. These auditions will happen during wolf time. If there is a conflict, they are welcome to email Mrs. Flory to schedule an alternative time.
Dessert Theater Tickets Go On Sale
Dessert Theatre Tickets
OK, Wolves! It's not too late to buy your tickets for CTMS CHOIR'S Dessert Theatre, held Thursday, May 2nd from 6 - 8 pm.
Dessert Theatre features our 6th through 8th grade CTMS Choir vocalists who will sing your favorites while you enjoy a variety of delectable desserts!
VIP and Premium tables are going fast. To get yours, join CTMS BOOSTER CLUB! Tickets for Booster Club Members, and, our faculty and staff went on sale after school Monday, April 8th, and Tuesday, April 9th. If you were unable to make it, be sure to email ctmsbooster@gmail.com to reserve a ticket today!
VIP and Premium seating means you get the best seats! Not sure if you already joined the Choir Booster Club? Just email ctmsbooster@gmail.com and they will let you know.VIP and Premium seating will sell fast, so make sure you stop by after school next Monday or Tuesday to reserve yours.
Tickets will be open to Non Booster Members and Faculty by April 22nd. We hope to see you there!
VIP Seating for Dessert Theater: $12 a seat
Preferred Seating for Dessert Theater: $10 a seat
General Admission for Dessert Theater: $5 a seat
Band
Be sure to follow us on social media
- Twitter - @ctms_wolfband
- Facebook - @CrossTimbersMSBand
- Instagram - @ctmswolfband
- Website - www.crosstimbersmsband.com
Big "Finale"!
We are starting our BIG FINAL project! Students will be creating a Theatre History lesson plan to teach to the rest of the class!
Musical Rehearsal Schedule
It’s the week before Tech Week! We only have SIX REHEARSALS LEFT before performances! It is of utmost importance that your student is at every rehearsal the entire time so that our show can be the best it can be! Don’t forget Shrek Camp on 4/22 from 10AM to 4PM at Grapevine High!
Please remember to check rehearsal schedules and to have your students attend any rehearsals to which they are called! If your student is not called, they are not required to attend but are still welcome!
There are still lots of volunteer opportunities for parents and GHS students-- just check these two links!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f44aca923a2fd0-ghsstudent1
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f44aca923a2fd0-shrek
We still need volunteers in a lot of different areas! Check out the Sign Up Genius links below!
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0f44aca923a2fd0-ghsstudent1
Off Campus P.E.
OCPE - Please make sure you are filling out your weekly time logs and are prepared to turn in them in to Coach Harper by the due dates on the bottom of the sheets!
http://crosstimbersms-gcisd.ss18.sharpschool.com/activities/physical_education/o_c_p_e
Tennis Website / Tennis Google Classroom / Remind 101
CTMS won their last match against GMS! We will not have a match this week due to STAAR testing. Our next match will be on Monday April 15th at 4:30 against Coppell East at CTMS!
All practice information is posted on Google Classroom and sent through the Remind messages.
All Tennis information is posted on this website
- https://ctms.gcisd.net/cms/one.aspx?pageId=271046 and tennis google classroom- wo4elt
Please join the tennis remind 101 to get updates and reminders- text @tennisctms to the number 81010. If you have any questions please email Coach Teeter-Stocz brooke.teeterstocz@gcisd.net
Wolves' Athletics
Athletics Physicals
$10 Physicals given by medical doctors will be available at Cross Timbers on Tuesday, April 23rd from 3:30-5:30 pm. The Medical History side of the physical form MUST be filled out and signed in order for your student to get their physical done at school. Students will not be permitted to complete the physical with the doctor unless is the Medical History side is signed by a parent/guardian. Cash and checks made out to CTMS Athletic Booster Club (ABC) will be accepted. Scholarships are available upon a need by need basis. Physicals will take place in the weight room. Please have your student check in with Coach Harper outside of the weight room on April 23rd. We will work to get student athletes through the process as efficiently as possible.
We will make copies of all physicals completed at school and keep them for the 2019-2020 school year. If your athlete is going to GHS for the 2019-2020 school year, we will make a copy of their physical and give it to the GHS trainers. All originals will be returned to your student for your records.
All athletes signed up for Athletics in the 2019-2020 school year must have a current physical dated April 2019-August 2019. This is a great opportunity to get your student’s physical done and turned in before summer break!
If you have any questions, please email rachel.harper@gcisd.net.
Girls Athletics
8th graders will begin working with GHS coaches during the period on Tuesday, April 9th through the end of the year. Information was emailed out to parents and students. A calendar is posted in Google Classroom and in the locker room for athletes to reference.
Physicals will be offered for $10 for incoming 7th-9th graders at CTMS on Tuesday, April 23rd from 3:30-5:30 pm in the weight room. More information will be emailed to parents this week.
Girls’ Athletics Website:
http://crosstimbersms-gcisd.ss18.sharpschool.com/activities/athletics/athletics-_girls/
Boys Athletics
8th Grade Athletes will begin April 9th going to GHS/MAC 2:45-4pm. This will take place normally Monday-Thursday until May 24th.
Athletic Physicals: Friday April 12th 3-6pm at GHS MAC $20
Boys Athletics Website:
https://ctms.gcisd.net/activities/athletics/athletics-_boys/
7th Grade Track Zone Champs
Boys Athletic Physicals
Friday April 12th 3-6pm at GHS MAC $20. Please bring completed Athletics Physical Form with you. This form can be found on the GCISD website under Departments>Athletics>Athletic Form Physicals or at the link below:
https://www.uiltexas.org/files/athletics/forms/PrePhysForm17-18.pdf
8th Grade Humanities
Students are wrapping up our study of the reform movements of the 19th Century. This week we looked at the abolition movement and drew comparisons to some of the social movements of the present. This will all set the stage for the Civil War, which we should start getting into the next week. Additionally, humanities students will start transitioning from our dehumanization study to a comedy writing study to conclude the school year.
Spanish II PAP
Students are working in their new unit "when we were little children" In this unit, students use skills to communicate in the past about themselves, their families and holiday celebrations. Students will be able to describe what they were like as a child and what activities they used to do. Students were asking you about the pictures of when they were babies for our unit project. This is a good time to go over those unforgettable memories with your child. Please take a look at the beautiful pictures and notice how big they are now. iYa no soy un Bebe!
Core Courses
6th Grade World Cultures
This week students finished Unit 8 by working on their Asian pizza cultural project and taking a test over 8. Next week students will start Unit 9 over Australia and New Zealand!
7th Accelerated Math
Students created two different cylinders from transparency paper with the same dimensions. They predicted which cylinder would hold more or if they would hold the same. They filled the cylinders with beans to test their predictions and used the dimensions of the paper to calculate the radius and volume of each. Many students were surprised by the results!
After School Library Calendar
The normal after school library hours are Monday - Thursday from 3:30-4:00 pm. However, there will be times when the library will be closed after school on these days. We are adding this information on the CTMS campus calendar to keep you informed of the closures. We will continue to update this calendar to communicate the foreseen and unforeseen events that impact its hours. Below is the link to our CTMS campus calendar. https://ctms.gcisd.net/calendar
Media Moms & Digital Dads
Parenting in the Digital Age can be tough, but GCISD wants to help. The CTMS library has been given seven copies of Dr. Yalda Uhls’s Media Moms & Digital Dads. If you would like to borrow a copy, please see Mrs. Kaker in the library, or email her at angela.kaker@gcisd.net.
Readers Save the World
Fact: Avid readers are more likely to donate to and volunteer for non-profit organizations. Why? Because, avid readers are more empathetic to the problems that others face.
Sora
Have you seen the new Sora app?! It is the app that was developed to work with Overdrive. It’s FREE and allows your student to easily download e-books and audiobooks to any device. Parents, click on the link below for more information.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LmrENKQFPq2YfAy4vBQi4l08fbzXKnk9HahA1Y0zHhc/edit?usp=sharing
Overdrive
Overdrive
If you haven’t checked out Overdrive, you’re missing out on some fantastic books! In addition, this year we have the new app, Sora, which allows students to download e-books and audiobooks to a phone.
All Books Due April 26th
Next summer our Learning Commons will be renovated, which means I’ll be spending the last month packing books away. Because of this, we’ll need all books returned by the end of April. If students are already familiar with Overdrive and Sora, this will be much easier when the e-books and audiobooks are their ONLY option!
Nurse's Corner
Thank you in advance for keeping your student at home when they are sick! Staying home when you are ill, good hand washing habits, and getting the flu shot yearly are important in helping keep our community healthy and safe!
*** Students must be free of fever, vomiting, or diarrhea for AT LEAST 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
Frequent hand washing also helps prevent the spread of germs. Wiping down commonly shared surfaces such as door handles, sinks, and keyboards can also help prevent the spread of germs. If you missed getting the flu shot it’s not too late. Flu season can continue into spring, so getting vaccinated now may help prevent illness over Spring Break!
Immunizations (Tdap & MCV)
Parents: Please make sure I have a copy of your child’s most recent immunization record. You can check in their Skyward account or contact me or your physician if you have any questions regarding what your child needs. In order to enter 7th grade, they will be required to have Tdap and MCV immunizations. These immunizations are usually given at the 11-year-old child checkup. Please contact Nurse Flowers if have any questions at 817-251-5337 or karol.flowers@gcisd.net. If you would like to know the specific statute that pertains to this requirement, please see the following link. Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part I, Chapter 97, Subchapter B, Section 97.66 and 97.69).
CDC Recommendation
Attention 6th grade Parents !
Please make sure I have an updated copy of your
student’s vaccination record. Many 6th graders have already had these vaccines and I need proof before your student may view or pick up their schedule in August.
The vaccines required for 7th grade are Tdap and MCV (meningococcal).
Please contact me at 817-251-5337 or karol.flowers@gcisd.net if you have any questions.
HPV Vaccination (Ages 11 - 12)
Dress Code:
The beginning of the Spring Season has brought us good weather. Remember that we have Dress and Grooming Regulations in our Student handbook that must be followed.
The following clothing and accessory criteria include, but are not limited to the following:
Pants must fit properly and be worn at the waist level.
Students are to wear appropriate shoes or sandals at all times.
Proper underclothing must be worn at all times. Underclothing must not be visible.
Shorts or skirts must be long enough to extend mid-thigh and allow students to be able to stand, sit and/or bend with modesty 47.
Opaque or colored hosiery will not be considered pants when worn with a shirt.
Shirts must cover the midriff at all times.
Tank/tube tops with proper underclothing must be worn with an over blouse buttoned halfway up. • Sleeveless blouses/top
Upcoming Events
04/15- TennisVs. East @ GHS / Silver Dancers Mtg-LH 5-6 pm
04/16- NJHS Induction 6:30-8:30 pm / Soccer vs DMS @ CTMS-BTeam @ 5/ATeam @ 6:15
04/19- Bad Weather Makeup Day/No School
04/22- Bad Weather Makeup Day/No School
04/23- CTMS Musical Tech Practice@GHS 4-8 pm/Tennis vs CMS@GHS/Ath Physicals 3:30-5:30
04/24- CTMS Musical Tech Practice @ GHS 4-8 pm
04/25- CTMS Musical Elem Showing @ GHS 8:30-11 am/"Shrezk Jr". Musical @ GHS 4-9:30 / Soccer @ CMS-BTeam 5pm/ATeam 6:15 pm
04/26- Math/Sci Field Trip-San Antonio /8th Collegiate Acad FT-8:30-1:30 / "Shrek Jr." Musical @ GHS 4-9:30
04/27- 7th & 8th Choir to Hurricane Harbor
04/29- Choir Dessert Theater Practice/SAC @ 3:35-5 pm
04/30- Choir Dessert Theater Dress Rehearsal/SAC @ 3:35-5 pm