NEWS FROM THE CORRAL
February 12, 2016
Mr. Streeter @gmsYOUmatter
Mustangs and Panthers work together!
Mr. Denning @ gmsYOUmatter
Good Evening Pony Parents,
"Life is good at Grapevine Middle School." As I began thinking about that today I was reminded of all the reasons why. Our students are awesome. Our parents are amazing. Our staff is remarkable. Our district is outstanding. The English teacher in me is reminded that all the above sentences contain adjectives and adjectives are words that describe a noun. We all learned that in elementary school right? Our vocabularies are filled with adjectives as we describe our work at GMS. Even with all the political drama in our world and the unrest of our country, we can look down the halls at GMS and say "Life is good." That's an exciting way to end a busy week.
On Tuesday we had guest speakers Dave Denning, GHS Principal, and Conrad Streeter, CHHS Principal, speak with our students about the importance of relationship building, take care of each other, watching who your friends are, and practicing respect for each other. The gym of 800 students was totally silent as these leaders spoke from their heart. We are so blessed in GCISD to have leadership that will take time out of a busy day to speak to middle school students and encourage them to make a difference in their world. Thank you Conrad and Dave! I am honored to call you my friends.
Have a great week and @gmsYOUMatter!
Linda Young, Principal
PTA FUNDRAISER RESUMES TUESDAY
Our PTA Fundraiser Campaign, "Pony Up for PTA" will take place again next Tuesday and Wednesday. The PTA has developed a campaign where you nor your child has to sell anything! All they are asking is that each family donate as they are able. You may send your form to the office with your student or the PTA will be outside at drop off time again on February 16 and 17. Thank you in advance for supporting all their efforts to make GMS a great place to learn.
PSAT 8/9 SUMMARY REPORT FOR 8TH GRADE PARENTS
Below is information regarding the PSAT 8/9 that your student took in October. Some students have already created an account. If they haven't, they can create an account and view scores online. Paper scores will be sent home next week.
This is the web address to create an account:
GCISD SPECIAL PROGRAMS EXPO
Please share this information with all your GCISD friends! The EXPO is where parents will hear presentations on the districts STEM and Dual Language Programs on February 16 @ CTMS 5:30 - 7:30. Parents will hear presentations on the district's options and plans for next year. If you are currently in these programs and would like additional information, this is night to attend!
CURRENT 6TH GRADERS ACADEMIC PRESENTATION
From 4:00 - 5:00 on February 17th GMS counselors and administrators will share the requirements for course selection in 7th grade. Parents will leave with information to assist their students in developing next's years schedule.
CURRENT 7TH GRADERS ACADEMIC PRESENTATION
From 5:30 - 6:30 From 4:00 - 5:00 on February 17th GMS counselors and administrators will share the requirements for course selection in 8th grade. Parents will leave with information to assist their students in developing next's years schedule. As a 7th grade parent interested in getting a head start on planning for high school, please plan to attend the Mustang Nation and Panther Evenings at the respective high schools. We will share the dates as we get more information.
7TH GRADE MATH OPPORTUNITY
Because we are always seeking ways to ensure all students are working at their peak potential, GMS has chosen to screen our 7th grade PAP Math students for Algebra readiness. Currently students are assessed at 5th grade and make the choice to enter 6th Grade Accelerated Math or not. Maturity can play a big role in a student's ability to perform on assessments so we are going to assess one more time in 7th grade to ensure we are capturing all Algebra ready students. This is exciting for our school and our students and we look forward to seeing what the data uncovers. We will keep you updated. As always we welcome your questions and concerns and look forward to visiting with you at GMS events.
CmPS Students fight West Nile Virus!!
Good Luck Pony Pride at competition Saturday
Sphero Chariots in Social Studies
Ponies in Action
PTA UPDATES
Please remember to continue to turn in your Box Tops for Education to the GMS office. This is a great way for our PTA to earn money on items we need and use everyday in our homes. Just places the box tops in an envelope and Mrs. Bice or Mrs. Serrano will take them!
MUSTANG NIGHT FEEDBACK LINK
If you attended the Mustang Night presentation on Monday, February 8th, please provide the leadership team your feedback. It's our provide parents with the resources and information needed.
RACHELS CHALLENGE
Please see the attached flyer for our district Rachel's Challenge event. We are encouraging all our extra-curricular groups to participate in the Fun Run as well as other planned activities. We hope to have a large crowd for GMS!
6TH GRADE PARENTS AND IMMUNIZATIONS
Students may not start 7th Grade until proof of these immunizations are received: tDap / Meningococcal/ Varicella. GMS Nurse Jansen is now accepting Immunization Records.
District Information
FIRST COMMITTEE
Facility Innovation and Readiness Stakeholder Team (FIRST) to study and prioritize ways to create the best possible learning environment forGCISD students. This facility planning team comprised of parents, community constituents, and campus and district staff will be brought together to consider the district’s financial position and strategic plan as it relates to programs for students, facilities, infrastructure, technology, security, etc. The membership structure of the FIRST is available under the tab marked TEAM.
GCISD has not called a bond election but is researching the possibility of a May 2016 referendum through this process. http://www.gcisdfirst.net/
LETS TALK
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is excited to offer Let's Talk!, a new way to engage the district in conversation for parents, staff and the community. In an effort to continually improve the district's communication with stakeholders, Let's Talk! streamlines the process for parents, staff and community members to submit a question, comment, suggestion, concern or compliment.
SPECIAL PROGRAMS EXPO February 16
From engineering challenges to advanced academics to language immersion and early childhood education, GCISD offers a world of opportunities for students. Families are invited to learn more about these opportunities at the Special Programs Expo on Tuesday, February 16 from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. at Cross Timbers Middle School. The expo will feature stations showcasing our STEM programs, ASPIRE Academy and Dual Language programs. New to the Expo this year, families may also learn about the proposed tuition-based Pre-Kindergarten program, iUniversity Prep and Collegiate Academy. In addition to program stations, presentations focusing on the instructional components and benefits of these programs will be delivered in the lecture hall and Student Activity Center (SAC).
The applications for dual language, STEM academies and tuition-based pre-kindergarten will be available online beginning Friday, Feb. 17 and are due by Friday, March 25. If more applications are submitted than the maximum number of students each campus may accept, then a lottery will be conducted on Friday, April 1, and streamed live on the district’s website. More information will be available on the website after the Expo.
http://www.gcisd-k12.org/site/default.aspx?PageID=1
SPEAK UP
In Grapevine-Colleyville ISD, our number one priority is student safety. The entire counseling department has worked to foster and develop a climate where students feel comfortable speaking to a campus counselor not only about future college and career plans, but also to address issues or situations that are not representative of the positive culture we are striving to create. We understand that while many students take advantage of our services, not everyone feels comfortable coming forward and reporting an incident to a counselor for a multitude of reasons.
In an effort to provide students with an additional outlet to report behavior that detracts from our positive culture, GCISD has partnered with Speak Up! for the first partnership of its kind in the United States. Speak Up! is an app that students download on their smartphone, from which they may anonymously report bullying, theft, suspected drug use, etc. The report is then sent to a counselor so that they may investigate the claim and take appropriate action. The app is of no cost to students and will be available for all students in grades sixth through twelfth.
We wanted to make you aware of the new app before your student is sent registration information. On Friday, February 5, your student will receive an email from Speak Up! that gives step-by-step instructions on how they can register and download the app on their smartphone. From there, they may begin to use the app to report suspicious behavior and help promote good citizenship by assisting counselors and campus administrators in maintaining a positive learning environment for all students.
If you have any questions about the Speak Up! app, please feel free to contact myself or your campus counselor.
The 2016-2017 GCISD Student Staff Calendar is available for viewing at:
Should further updates come from state decisions our Board will continue to provide parent this information.
Next Weeks Events
Saturday February 13
GMS Math / Science Team @ Franklin MS 7:00 - 1:30 pm
Pony Pride MA Regional Competition @ GHS all day
Monday February 15
No School for Students
Tuesday February 16
1/2 8th Grade to Dallas Museums
Boys Basketball 5:00 p.m. @ CMS 7th & 8th
GCISD Programs EXPO 5:30 - 8:30 CTMS
Wednesday February 17
1/2 8th Grade to Dallas Museums
GCISD Choir Pre UIL Benchmark 9:00 - 2:00 CHHS
Course Selection Information for 6th graders 4:00 - 5:00 in cafeteria
Course Selection Information for 7th graders 5:30 - 6:30 in cafeteriaFriday
Thursday February 18
Symphonic I Band MS Pre-UIL Benchmark 8:30 - 12:30 CHHS
Tennis Meet @ GHS 4:30
Boys Basketball Tournament 7th grade @ GMS 8th Grade @ Dawson MS 5:00
Friday February 19
Progress Report period ends
5th Grade Fine Arts Showcase 9:00 - 11:20
Cheer Tryout Forms Due in Front Office by 3:30
Boys Basketball Tournament 7th grade @ GMS 8th Grade @ Dawson MS 5:00
Future Events:
February 20 GMS Math Science Club to Long MS in Dallas
STEM to Visioneering Event @ SMU 6:45 - 1:30
February 21 Engineering Week!
February 22
7th Grade STEM to UTA
6th Grade STEM to UNT
GCISD UIL One Act Play Festival @ GHS all day
Tennis Meet @ Carroll HS
February 26
Region 24 Non-Varsity Choir UIL Contest @ CHHS
GHS Dance Team Performs @ 1:05
February 23
Symphonic I & Honors Band Clinic 9:00 - 10:35
Track Meet @ HMS 4:30
Exito Hispano 6:30 Lecture Hall
5th Grade Academic Night 5:30 - 6:30 in cafeteria