Colt Corner
Colleyville Middle School
October 16, 2020
Colts,
The first nine weeks grading period is in the books. This first quarter of the school year has definitely been different and an adjustment to everyone. One thing I am very appreciative of is the positive communication from many families, staff, and students as we have worked together during these past few months to make the best out of our current circumstances.
I have included an “In This Colt Corner” section towards the top of the parent newsletters to serve as a high level overview of what the newsletter contains. Knowing that there is a lot of information to digest, especially this school year, I hope this addition helps you to navigate the newsletter that is chunked in sections for you.
A new grading period begins on Monday in addition to many students changing to in-person learning. This new grading period will provide ongoing opportunities for all of our Colts to continue to grow as students and young individuals. More information for our new in-person learners is found below. We will have an orientation during 1st period in the cafeteria to give all of our students new to campus this school year what they need to have a successful “first day” of school. As always, we will have many of our Colts in uniforms along with our staff ready to help out in the halls during passing periods and in class. We look forward to a great week ahead.
Enjoy the weather and weekend!
David Arencibia, Ed.D.
CMS Principal
Facebook: Colleyville Middle School
Twitter: @CmsColts
#TeamCMS - #cmscelebrates - #CMSstrengths
B.E.S.T. - Building Excellent Schools Together
UPCOMING DATES/EVENTS
October 19 - Beginning of the 2nd Nine Weeks
October 19 - 7th Grade A & B Football - schedule linked here (note location change)
October 19 - 7th & 8th Grade A & B Volleyball- schedule linked here (note location change)
October 20 - 8th Grade A & B Football - schedule linked here
October 26 - 30 - Red Ribbon week (See picture for details)
October 26 - 7th Grade A & B Football - schedule linked here
October 26 - 7th & 8th Grade A & B Volleyball- schedule linked here
October 27 - 8th Grade A & B Football - schedule linked here
November 2 & 3 - No School - Professional Learning Day
November 3 - 8th Grade A & B Football - schedule linked here
November 4 - 7th Grade A & B Football - schedule linked here
November 4 - 7th & 8th Grade A & B Volleyball- schedule linked here
In This Colt Corner Edition:
Colt Artwork: Featured Artwork from some of our Colts in Art class (throughout newsletter)
CMS Red Ribbon Week Dress Up: Dress up day themes during Red Ribbon Week (Oct.26-30)
Social Studies Student of the Week
In-person Learning Students - 2nd Nine Weeks Info: Reminders for Monday, October 19. This section includes everything that our new to campus in-person learners need for Monday.
Counselors Corner:
8th Grade four year high school planning
GT Testing
Play It Safe
Red Ribbon Week
Character Strong
Friends For Life Hotline
Destination AggieLand Flyer: Register to join a free A&M Zoom call about the university.
A.C.T. Flyer: Signs of suicide awareness information.
Virtual College Fair: GCISD's annual college fair held virtually and registration information.
Repeated Information:
GCISD October 14, Update: Repeated information from GCISD's Update email overview.
Second-Nine Weeks: The second-nine week grading period begins on Monday, October 19.
Face-to-Face Attendance: Important changes to attendance policies in the 2nd-nine weeks.
USDA: USDA issues nationwide lunch waiver.
Join PTA
PTA Reflections
UIL Eligibility Calendar
Cailee A. Penny
Art 2
Dogs
Simji Choi
Art 1
Recreation of Roy De Forests of Dogs and Horses
Safa Fatima
Art 2
I Matter Because of My Diversity
Red Ribbon Week Themes - Week of October 26th
For students that will have their 1st Day of in-person learning at CMS, Monday Oct. 19
On Monday October 19, many of our remote students from the 1st nine weeks will be attending CMS for in-person learning. School support staff will be holding a first day at school orientation in the cafeteria, beginning 1st period at 8:10 am, for all first time to campus students for the 20-21 school year to help them acclimate to campus. Doors open daily for students at 7:45am, but the orientation will not begin until 1st period begins at 8:10 in the cafeteria.
During the orientation, students will be given an overview of the campus layout, classes, new COVID-19 related school procedures, lunch procedures, passing periods, and everything else your student(s) will need to know for a positive on-campus experience. We will have staff and students ready to assist and help students around to their classes. By beginning the school day with this orientation, all students will have an opportunity to get comfortable and begin the acclimation process to in-person learning at CMS.
Updated: CMS Fall Return to Campus Plan 2020 - 2nd 9 weeks
PIN Numbers for the Cafeteria
With new students arriving on October 19, it is important that all students know his or her PIN number or student ID number. All schools have PIN pads with antimicrobial copper film to prevent the spread of viruses. Please help ensure that you student(s) knows his/her 4 or 5 digit PIN code to access their meal account in the cafeteria. This will help the breakfast and lunch lines move quickly and allow the students more time to enjoy their meal.
VIDEOS
All videos found in this Colt Corner are located in the students CMS 2020-2021 Canvas course as well.
MAIN PARKING LOT - DROP OFF/PICK UP
TENNIS COURT (BOGART DR.) DROP OFF/PICK UP
GENERAL CAMPUS AREA TOUR
ROOM LOCATIONS
As Monday approaches, we understand that students new to CMS may be anxious since they haven't had a chance to become familiar with our building. Due to security concerns, we have limited access to our campus map. Students can access the map temporarily via the CMS 2020-2021 Canvas course under announcements. There is also a key to understanding where room numbers are located in our building below. In addition, maps will be available for students on Monday and we will have teachers, administrators, and student leaders in the halls on Monday assisting students find their room. Like any first day, there will be grace for those late to class this coming week. Be sure to check out the video above for the "Area Tour".
- All room numbers that begin with a "B" are located in the basement. The stairs down to that level are located next to the Learning Commons.
- All room numbers that begin with a "2" are located on the 2nd floor. There will be teachers at the top of the stairs and signs to help students locate the correct room.
- Room numbers 113-123 are in the Science Hall. This is the main hall next to the cafeteria. Again, there will be signs guiding students.
- Room numbers 125-135 are in the 6th-grade hall. This hall is towards the rear of the building and attaches to the Science hall via a ramp near the Band Hall.
COLTS READY TO HELP!
For our in-person students, we are ready to help our new Colts find their way around CMS. Not only is our staff ready to help but so are many of our amazing students! We will have a lot of our Colts in cheer uniforms, CMS shirts, etc. ready and willing to help anyone in need. Encourage your student to jump in and extend a helping hand and show a new friend the ropes around campus. Every Colt has the ability to be kind and helpful; it is a part of our campus DNA.
CAFETERIA/PATIO - LUNCH PROCEDURES
LUNCH CAFE/PICNIC TABLE Seat
If your Colt did not sign up for a table via this past week's newsletter and or from their Canvas announcement page, we will assist them in finding an open seat during their lunchtime.
Students will also have an opportunity to eat lunch outside, weather permitting, at one of the picnic tables or in any open area while following social distancing guidelines. Those that select outdoor seating will eat in the multipurpose room on bad weather days.
Final Reminders for new in-person learners
*Bus Riders: If your student is a bus rider, it is critical that they know their bus number for the end of the day. We have many buses that service our students and that information will be very important for them to know and have.
*School Supplies: Most teachers have communicated with students about any materials that our in-person learners need to bring to school next week. Since lockers will not be issued this year, we want our students to carry only what they have been using and pack light. The general rule of thumb should be to only bring what your Colt has been using during remote learning and anything else that their teacher specifically has asked them to bring.
*Masks/CMS Neck Gaiter: Please don't forget to have your Colt wear a mask to school. Your Colt will receive a CMS neck gaiter as pictured below during orientation.
*ID's & CMS Planners: Please have your Colt bring their planner and ID that they received during picture day.
If your Colt did not take a picture they will have one taken (not through a vendor nor able to purchase) and receive an ID, COLT lanyard, and planner during orientation. Remember that their first CMS ID is free and cost $5 to replace.
Counselor Corner For The Week Of October 19- 23
8th Grade Parents: Counselors have begun holding individual 4 year planning meetings with 8th grade students! During the week of Oct. 19-23 we will be meeting with students in Mrs. Vandendyck’s 6th period biology class. When we finish with Mrs. Vandendyck’s class, we will meet with students in Ms. Morris’ 6th period Principles of Human Services class. During these meetings, we will review and discuss the high school 4 year plan template that you and your student have been working to complete and the endorsements you have chosen. Counselors will enter the courses and endorsements that you write on the template into Skyward and then email you requesting that you review and electronically sign both the plan and the endorsement(s).
If your student is in either Mrs. Vandendyke’s or Ms. Morris’ 6th period class, it is important that you complete the template attached below before your student’s meeting with his/her counselor next week and either email it to counselors or send it to school with your child on Monday, Oct. 19th.
If the template is not completed prior to the meeting, students will select courses during the meeting with their counselor.
4 Year Planning for Remote Students: Counselors will send Webex invitations to remote learners in Mrs. Vandendyck and Ms. Morris’ 6th period classes this week to review 4 year plans and endorsements. Please have your student check their school email account and accept the invitation when they receive it.
If you have any questions, please email us and we will be happy to help you! We want you and your student to make the most informed decisions possible so that your student is fully prepared for high school and feels confident about their course selections and endorsement choices.
8th grade 4 year plan meeting video
4 Year Plan Template for Parents
GCISD Course Selection Guide 20-21
Freshman Course Selection Sheet
Sophomore Course Selection Sheet
GT Testing on Friday, October 30th
The advanced academics department is hosting districtwide GT testing one more time on Friday, October 30th at PDEC. This will be for remote learners who were referred for GT testing last semester. All elementary and secondary in-person students will be tested on campus. If the parents of these remote learners are still not comfortable sending their child to test in-person, these students will be added to the list of students we test in the spring during our regularly scheduled testing windows.
Play It Safe Student Lessons
Parents of 6th & 7th grade students, a parent preview for the Play It Safe program was hosted via a live Zoom on October 1st at 10 a .m. 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.
(7th Grade) Healthy Relationships - Oct. 13
(6th Grade) It’s Harassment - Nov. 5
(7th Grade) Can’t Take It Back - Nov. 13
(7th Grade) Abuse of Power - Feb. 10
(6th Grade) Survivors of Abuse - March 3
RED RIBBON WEEK - GCISD will be celebrating Red Ribbon Week Oct. 26-Oct. 30. During this week, students will have the opportunity to learn about the dangers of using tobacco, vaping, drugs, and alcohol and how these substances can negatively impact students’ futures. We will also emphasize the positive outcomes students can experience when they make the choice to stay drug free and make healthy choices for themselves. This year’s Red Ribbon Week theme is ‘Be Happy, Be Brave, Be Drug Free.”
Character Strong
Our district has adopted Character Strong as a way to support the social/emotional wellbeing and character development of our students. All GCISD secondary campuses will be focusing on the character trait/skill of PATIENCE for the month of October. Students will view the newest character video in school at the beginning of each month. We want to encourage you to also view it together as a family and find ways to work on the monthly trait/skill together. October Commitment Video
Also, as we build a strong connection with our community to support social emotional wellness, we will continue to share out the Family Character Dares for an extension into your home. Here is the latest!
Family Character Dare: Volunteer Day
Friends For Life Hotline
Have a friend in need? Is someone you know the target of violence or bullying? Did you see or hear something? Say something! Make an anonymous call and get them help! It's okay to help a friend.
817-469-8477
TEXT: "TIP117 PLUS YOUR MESSAGE" to 274637
VISIT: www.469tips.comAvery Hall
Art 1
Shapes with Purple Swirl
Ethan Armenta
Art 2
Baseball Player
Ella Freimuth
Cubism
October 14, 2020 | GCISD.net/Fall2020
October 14, 2020 | GCISD.net/Fall2020
In This Past Edition: (click on the link above for details on the following)
Second-Nine Weeks: The second-nine week grading period begins on Monday, October 19.
Campus Safety Protocols: As many students begin in-person instruction on Monday, please be aware of the additional safety protocols that are in place across the District.
Face-to-Face Attendance: Some important changes are being made to attendance policies in the second-nine weeks.
Virtual College Fair: GCISD's annual college fair is being held virtually and students MUST register online to take part in the event.
National School Lunch Week: GCISD joins the rest of the nation in celebrating School Lunch Week! Cafeterias across the District will feature Texas-themed menus this week.
GCISD Offering Free Meals: The USDA has issued a waiver allowing GCISD to offer free meals through December 2020.
What's For Dinner?: GCISD's popular "Take and Bake" Meals program is ongoing in October and includes a new menu item, plus the return of a favorite from this summer.
Second-Nine Weeks Begins on Monday
Second-Nine Weeks Begins on Monday
As a reminder, the second-nine week grading period of the 2020-2021 school year begins on Monday, October 19. If a student was a remote learner for the first-nine weeks, but has chosen to switch to in-person learning, they may begin attending class on campus on this day. In-person learners may still switch to remote learning at any time by contacting the campus counselor.
Face-to-Face Attendance
In an ongoing effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and to provide families with the opportunity to make health and safety decisions based on real-time data, we have permitted students who selected in-person learning to move to remote at any time by simply contacting their counselor. While there are families that have made this adjustment for health and safety reasons, our campuses have experienced an influx in students not reporting for in-person instruction for a variety of other reasons.
Beginning with the second-nine week grading period, the following attendance changes will be implemented:
If a student misses five consecutive days of in-person instruction, or five days total during a three-week period, they will be moved into remote instruction for the remainder of that grading period. Students who are in a mandatory quarantine due to COVID-19 are exempt from this mandatory instructional change.
Special Notes:
If a student is rostered in an all-in-person classroom and unable to attend school in-person, the student will complete their work asynchronously. Teachers with full in-person student rosters will not have live Webex sessions for in-person students that are unable to attend school.
If a student is rostered in a blended classroom (remote and in-person students) and unable to attend school in-person, the student may complete their work synchronously or asynchronously.
USDA issues nationwide waiver for FREE meals
In-Person Learners
The USDA has issued a nationwide waiver, allowing Grapevine-Colleyville ISD to offer meals FREE at no charge through December 2020 at all elementary, middle school campuses, and Collegiate Academy.
On September 22, 2020, GCISD began providing free meals to students as part of the Seamless Summer Option (SSO) program. Sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), this program will allow any student in elementary or middle school to receive a free breakfast and lunch meal in the school cafeteria.
Remote learners have the opportunity to pick up meals curbside every Wednesday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at three locations: Cross Timbers Middle, Grapevine Middle, and Grapevine Elementary. All meals are free of charge until December 2020. For more information please visit www.gcisd.net or email child.nutrition@gcisd.net
Join PTA
Thank you so much to all that have become PTA members. While we appreciate everything you do for our children, your membership and support are very important to us.
The link below will take you to the form.
Please join our fantastic PTA community!
We invite you to sign up for the Colt Connection (our weekly parent e-newsletter), pre-order your school supplies, CMS Spirit Wear, join the PTA and indicate your volunteer areas of interest on one easy form! From the link below, you can easily purchase: