Colt Corner
#TeamCMS
September 13, 2019
Colts,
It was exciting to see many learner-centered lessons going on and engaging our Colts this week. A big part of the activities and events that happen at CMS come directly from our students' feedback, whether the information is passed through our staff or even our student voice wall outside the cafeteria where students can leave various forms of feedback throughout the school year.
A great example of student voice is seen in the creation of our club days. These began a few years ago and are held during our advisory period once to twice a month. Today was the first official club day of this school year! It was neat to have one particular club make its debut today: Medical Club. This club came about because Daniel T., one of our 6th grade students, took the initiative this summer to email me about wanting to start it up. Daniel did his research and even lined up potential guest speakers. Mrs. Vandendyck, our Biology teacher, stepped up and took on the responsibility of overseeing the club and partnering with Daniel and the rest of the Colts who signed up for it this semester.
There are a lot of choices in the clubs our Colts choose from and enjoy throughout the school year. Club days and student voice are just a few of the things that help make CMS one of the BEST middle schools around!
David Arencibia, Ed.D.
CMS Principal
Facebook: Colleyville Middle School
Twitter: @CmsColts
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B.E.S.T. - Building Excellent Schools Together
UPCOMING Events
September 16 - 7th Grade Football - A&B Teams at CMS - schedule linked here
September 17 - 8th Grade Football - A&B Teams at Carroll Middle School - schedule linked here
September 18 - 8th Grade Parent Night - 6:00 - 8:30 pm at the PDEC
September 19 -- 7th & 8th Grade Volleyball - schedule linked here
September 21 - Cheer Competition Team Lock In - CMS
September 23 - 7th Grade Football - A&B Teams at CMS - schedule linked here
September 24 - 8th Grade Football - A&B Teams at Carroll Middle School - schedule linked here
September 26 - September 19 -- 7th & 8th Grade Volleyball - schedule linked here
Congratulations Players & Coaches!
Skyward Contact Information
Girls Athletics
Boys Athletics
Theater News
Week of September 16-20
8th GRADE PARENT NIGHT
8th grade parents are encouraged to come to an informational meeting about the 8th to 9th grade transition to high school. This meeting will be held on September 18th from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the PDEC. At this meeting, parents will learn about high school endorsements, 4 year planning, and other topics related to the 8th to 9th grade transition. High school counselors will be available at this presentation to help answer your questions. CMS counselors will begin meeting with 8th grade students individually after this meeting to create their 4 year plans and select their endorsements.
PLAY IT SAFE PREVIEW
Parents of 6th & 7th grade students, we will host a parent preview for the Play It Safe program on Sept. 30th at 10 a.m. and 6p.m. at the Admin Building 3051 Ira E. Woods, Grapevine, Texas 76051. Students will view the lessons on the dates listed below. The lessons, taught in partnership with The Women’s Center of Tarrant County, encourage and teach students how to recognize, report and reduce the risk of being in an abusive and/or dangerous situation. If you would like your student to opt out of this program, please use the link below to obtain an opt out form and turn the form in to your child’s counselor by Friday, Oct. 4, 2019.
(7th Grade) Healthy Relationships - Oct. 9
(7th Grade) Can’t Take It Back - Nov. 13
(6th Grade) It’s Harassment - Nov. 19
(7th Grade) Abuse of Power - Feb. 6
(6th Grade) Survivors of Abuse - March 5
SIGNS OF SUICIDE (SOS)
During the month of September the CMS Counselors will be leading guidance lessons for all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from the SOS (Signs of Suicide) curriculum that has been approved by the district. 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; and
T: Tell a responsible adult.
Counselors will also discuss the difference between sadness and depression.
If you were unable to attend one of the preview meetings offered this past month, you can find information about the SOS curriculum and view the SOS videos using the link below. If you would like for your child to opt out of the SOS presentation, fill out and return the opt out form linked below to your child’s counselor.
7th Grade SOS Presentation - Sept. 17
8th Grade SOS Presentation - Sept. 25
David’s Law Presentations - David's Law was enacted in September, 2017, to protect Texas children from cyberbullying. It provides for schools to collaborate with law enforcement when serious or life-threatening cyberbullying situations arise. David’s Law (anti-bullying) presentations will be on the following dates:
Tuesday, October 1 - 6th Grade
Tuesday, October 22 - 7th Grade
Wednesday, October 16 - 8th Grade
Credit by Exam
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 Fall CBE will be open until 4 p.m., October 9th. You can also find more information at
https://www.gcisd.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=96313&pageId=195701.
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. For more information, click here:
BOBBY BRAGAN
This past week, 8th graders watched an information video in their English classes about the Bobby Bragan Scholarship. Students wishing to apply for the scholarship, need to complete an application and a 500-700 word handwritten essay and submit both to their counselor to be judged by a panel. The panel will judge each essay blindly (without knowing who wrote each essay). The top scoring male student and the top scoring female student will have their applications and essays sent to Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation for the final judging. Applications and essays are due back to CMS 8th grade English teachers – Mrs. Sloan or Mrs. Engle by November 15th at 3:25. Students may obtain applications in the counseling office or by clicking on the link below.
REMINDER – Please make sure that you are checking Skyward. You can download the Skyward app for your phone or for your child’s phone so you can monitor grades.
Lynn Brizzi– Counselor A-K – 817-305-4916
Amy Bouchelle – Counselor L-Z – 817-305-4917
8th Grade Parent Meeting for All Middle Schools at the PDEC on September 18th at 6 P.M.
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!