Pony Express
Connecting GMS in one place
Principal's Message 10/20
Happy Friday! I hope this newsletter finds everyone well. Please make sure you read through the newsletter thoroughly - there's a lot happening.
A huge shout out to our choir as they've had great performances this week and also had five students make all region choir! Mr. Nidever is doing a fantastic job leading this talented group of students and the students are excited to step up and work hard. Great job, Pony Choir!
GMS is always a great place to be! Here's what you need to know for this week:
1. GMS received a state accountability rating of Met Standards on student achievement, student progress, closing performance gaps , and postsecondary readiness. We will continue to work to progress in these areas. Go GMS!!
2. We are excited to announce a big event that will occur on October 27th for our students, families, and community: HERO CON 2017!! See below for more details. We would love students and visitors to dress up in their favorite super hero costume or t-shirt next Friday!
3. If you are a parent with extra storage space or know somebody who has storage space, I'm interested in connecting you to our theater booster club to help store some small props. We have limited space on campus and would love your help. Please shoot me an email if you can help.
3. The GMS Counselors are planning their first ever " ‘Google Hangout’ Q&A Session” for Pony parents on October 26th, from 7-7:30pm with Dr. Koehler. Watch for more information on this soon!
4. Electronic report cards will be posted on October 25th!
5. Interested in working for GCISD? See below under 'General Information' for more info.
6. See General Information below for info. on Red Ribbon Week!
Thanks again for all of your support. GMS is a great place to learn and a great place for kids because of our community and parent support. You are very appreciated! #OurHouseGMS
Dr. Laura Koehler
GMS Principal
We are FAMILY! This is OUR HOUSE! Great students come from GREAT FAMILIES!
7th grade football
Cheerleaders
#Winning
Choir Fundraiser
Eager Students
Pep Talk
What's Happening Next Week:
It's RED RIBBON WEEK!
Monday, Oct. 23rd - 7th grade football at GMS
Tuesday, Oct. 24th - Mix it up during all lunches (students sit with new friends)
Wednesday, Oct. 25th - GMS Beginner Band Concert 6:30, Advanced Band 7:45 (cafeteria)
Thursday, Oct. 26th - GMS Volleyball vs. Cross Timbers (Pink Out), 8th grade Parent Google Hangout at 7:00 with the Counselors, AVID Parent Info. Meeting 6:30 in Lecture Hall
Friday, Oct. 27th - HERO CON (1:30-3:25)
Hero Con 2017!
What is Hero Con? Like Comic-Con but a campus event with a HERO focus!
Why Hero Con? It's the opportunity for the STEM program on our campus to share the Science of Heroes with the entire school and community!
What does Hero Con include? There will be the opportunity for STEM students to present some incredible work on heroes that they've researched, there will be a 'Science of Movement' area in which ALL students have a chance to participate in feats of strength, and everyone will get the opportunity to view video clips on the making of a hero! There will be a photo both, mystery boxes, food trucks, and more. It's FUN and LEARNING combined!
When is Hero Con? Friday, October 27th from 1:30-3:25
Do I dress up? ABSOLUTELY! Come dressed as your favorite super hero - students, parents, and teachers - let's do this!!
We're with Marshall Middle School!
Counseling
News Flash!
· We are excited to announce that Arena Scheduling will be available for our current 6th & 7th Ponies for the 2018-19 school year. Watch for information in the coming months!
· The GMS Counselors are planning their first ever “ ‘Google Hangout’ Q&A Session” for Pony parents on October 26th, from 7-7:30pm. Watch for more information on this soon!
Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation Scholarship Program for 8th Graders!!!
The Bobby Bragan scholarship program is a competition open to 8th grade students from various middle and junior high schools in the Dallas Fort Worth area. Two applicants are selected from each school to represent the school in the BBYF scholarship competition. The "finalists" will make up the pool from which 34 scholarship winners will be selected. Each scholarship will be distributed after the recipient, graduates from high school, gets acceptance and enrolls in a college, university or technical school. The scholarship award is the promise $2,500 to the student's college. Essays must be turned in to each student's English teacher by 3:30pm on November 3rd. GMS 8th graders participated in a brief guidance lesson during English class to explain this process on October 20th.
http://bobbybragan.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53
Contact your child's English teacher or counselor for additional information.
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Red Ribbon Week: October 23-27, 2017
GCISD will be sponsoring a drug prevention poster contest.
Posters must be on 11 x 17 paper or ½ of a posterboard.
Posters must be submitted to Mrs. Lemke no later than Monday, Oct 23, and the first place winner from each grade will compete on the district level.
Please include the student’s name, grade and school on the back of the poster.
District winners will be announced on Wednesday, October 25th
GCISD is also sponsoring a Public Service Announcement (PSA) competition.
All entries must be submitted by Tuesday, October 24th to communication.services@gcisd.net. Please title the email “RRW PSA 2016”. Entries must be no longer that 30 seconds. Winners will be announced Thursday, October 26th.
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GMS will Mix It Up at Lunch on Tuesday, Oct 24! This is a fun annual event where students are encouraged to reach beyond their usual “table mates” and sit and converse with other different students during lunch. For more information about this national movement, click here.
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October 24: College Career, & Financial Night: Come join more than 120 colleges and universities at Colleyville Heritage High School from 6-8 p.m. For more information, click here:
http://files.constantcontact.com/d9acd18a301/6bf55daa-8046-4b99-b18a-6e402618da87.pdf
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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, or enroll your child online:
7th Grade https://tip.duke.edu/programs/7th-grade-talent-search/enroll-now
6th Grade https://tip.duke.edu/programs/4th-6th-grade-talent-search/enroll-now
OR via paper applications at any time during the enrollment periods. Fees are paid only once, and need-based financial aid is available. Students must have attained a qualifying test score at or above the 95th percentile on at least one accepted subtest area of a grade-level standardized achievement test (Stanford or Iowa Test of Basic Skills), or achieved a score of a 125 or above on an aptitude test (OLSAT, CoGAT, NNAT) or mental ability test (IQ test such as WISC), or met the Duke approved score on a state criterion-referenced test (STAAR). Qualifying 2017 STAAR Scores: ENGLISH- 5th Grade: Reading 1774 or greater; Math 1849 or greater, Science of 4702 or greater 6th Grade: Reading 1782 or greater; Math 1879 or greater SPANISH- 5th Grade: Reading 1745 or greater; Math 1710 or greater, Science of 4145 or greater
Here’s a link to information on how access your student’s STAAR scores: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Page/46681
Grapevine Middle School’s Duke Tip school code is: 819555-GA
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Aim for Success:
Aim for Success is an age-appropriate presentation that challenges students to focus on their dreams and goals and to save sex for marriage. More information can be found at www.aimforsuccess.org
Students at GMS will see the Aim for Success presentation on these dates:
6th grade--Feb 7, 2018
8th grade--Nov 29, 2017
Questions may be addressed to Mrs. Lemke at 817-251-5673. Parents will find the opt-out here: Aim For Success Opt-out
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Play It Safe:
Play It Safe is a multi-session curriculum about healthy relationships. It is presented by The Women’s Center.
Students at GMS will see the Play It Safe presentation on these dates:
6th grade-- Nov 1 and March 22
7th grade--Oct 12, Nov 9, and Feb 28
Questions may be addressed to Mrs. Lemke at 817-251-5673. The opt out is here:
English--Play It Safe English
Spanish--Play It Safe Spanish
General Information You Need to Know
RED RIBBON WEEK Dress up days:
Monday - Drugs are TACKY! Dress: tacky tourist
Tuesday - Smart People Don't Do Drugs! Dress: nerdy
Wednesday - Unity Day! Dress: Wear orange and unite against bullying!
Thursday: Put Drugs to Sleep! Dress: PJs
Friday: Scare Away Drugs: Dress: Super Hero
Do you know someone ready to join the GCISD Team? Please help spread the word! Great opportunities are available in our auxiliary departments:
· Nutrition Specialists –Part Time with benefits – Work while your students are in school!
· KidzU Extended Care Program Site Aides – Part Time with benefits – Great schedule for local college students!
· Night Custodians
· Bus Drivers & Monitors
· Maintenance Engineers
Apply online at: www.gcisd-k12.org
Parent Computer Classes
A four-week series of basic computer classes will be offered to parents starting Thursday, Oct. 12 from 8:15 - 9:15 am in the small Learning Commons classroom. Contact the front office to sign-up!
Oct. 12
Oct. 19
Oct. 26
Nov. 2
An Update for GCISD Bus Riders
In June 2017, Governor Abbott signed Senate Bill 693, which requires all buses model year 2018 or newer, to be equipped with three-point seat belts for each passenger. The buses will have 76 seat belts in instances where students can ride three to a row, but can be adapted to seat two per row. While the Bill was signed into law, and the district must comply, there was no additional state funding allocated for this requirement.
In the 2016 Bond, voters approved the purchase of seven new buses. Although seat belts were not included in the original proposal, the buses purchased with bond funds will be equipped with three-point seat belts. These purchases will be spread over a four-year period. The first two buses with seat belts were recently received into the GCISD fleet and will begin service immediately.
Since GCISD is a Robin Hood district and estimates the payment to the State this year will be $44 million, there is no funding to purchase additional buses beyond the seven approved in the 2016 Bond.
Student safety is the number one priority in GCISD and the transportation department practices bus safety on a daily basis with riders. These practices will continue on all buses, regardless of the inclusion of seat belts.
2017 Holiday Greeting Card Art Contest
Theme: Holiday Memories
Elementary, middle and high school students are invited to submit original artwork for the cover of GCISD’s official holiday greeting card. Three student designs --- one from the elementary, middle and high school levels --- will be selected and sent out on behalf of Superintendent Dr. Robin Ryan and the GCISD Board of Trustees. Cards are sent to community leaders, area businesses, organizations and other school districts.
The three final designs for the cover will be selected by a group of District employees and the Superintendent on the basis of originality, theme, use of color and overall design.
The three students whose works are selected for the GCISD Holiday Greeting Card each will receive $25 and recognition at the December 18 meeting of the Board of Trustees. The selected artwork will be featured on the district’s website and in other publicity about the contest.
Entry rules/guidelines:
· Submit only one entry per student.
· Artwork should be appropriate for and reflect our diverse community that celebrates a variety of holidays, while following the theme of “Holiday Memories” as closely as possible.
· Artwork size should be 5½ x 8½ inches or 8½ x 11 inches.
· Submitted art should be easy to scan and reproduce.
· Entries must be submitted to David Zahrndt, GCISD Director of Fine Arts. This may be submitted at the campus or directly to fine arts at 4344 Heritage Avenue, Building A. Grapevine, TX 76051
· ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY FINE ARTS DEPT. by Friday, Nov. 10, 4 p.m.
· Submit art with the entry/parental permission form fastened securely to the back. After winners are selected, artwork will be returned to campuses for distribution to the artist.
Are you interested in getting involved in some way? Then be part of the Student Health Advisory Council! One of our very own GMS parents, Dr. Tanginika Cuascud, is the chair of this council. The GCISD SHAC serves as an advisory council that provides recommendations, changes, or additions to the school's health education curriculum and instruction for consideration by the GCISD Board of Trustees. Here's the link to more information: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Page/46677
Handicap Parking
Don't forget that handicap parking spots are reserved for those that are coming into and leaving the building. It has come to my attention that cars are waiting idle in those spots at pick up time to wait for students. Even if you have a handicap parking sticker or tag, it is not legal to remain idle in those spots. Thanks for helping us out with this!
PTA
Thank you to all the teachers and parents that have joined the GMS PTA. As of October 12, we have 283 members. We would still love for more to join. It's easy! You can find a form in the front office or you can join online at www.joinpta.org.
PTA will have drinks, snacks, and Hip Pop popsicles available for purchase during Hero Con on Friday.
Calling All Artists! PTA Reflections art contest entries are due on November 8, 2017. Entry forms & rules can be picked up in the front office or at www.txpta.org/Reflections. There will be a Reflections workshop on October 28, 2017 from 1:30-4:30pm at the Art House studio in Southlake. Cost is $20 per student & supplies are provided. To register please see their website www.studioarthouse.com/our-classes/workshops or call 817-416-4278.
AVID
SAVE THE DATE!
Ms. Guthrie and Mrs. Shepherd will be hosting an informational parent night on Thursday, October 26th at 6:30pm in the lecture hall for current AVID parents and guardians. In this session, we will be going over the basics of the AVID class and what you can expect from your students. Our goal is to help outline the AVID expectations and give a brief overview and examples of the strategies AVID students use, such as Cornell Notes and Tutorial Request Forms (TRFs). If there is any topic you would specifically like us to cover, please submit them here.
AVID T-Shirts
Thank you so much for your help in getting all of our students outfitted in AVID garb! We hope the shirts will arrive next week.
Family Survey--Last chance!
AVID Families we need your help! We are looking for parent/guardian help in several different areas! Click here for more info
What’s happening in AVID?
Check out our Facebook page for class updates, pictures and more!
Community Service
STEM
HERO-CON is Friday, Oct 27th. This is the first of what will hopefully become an annual event on campus. STEM students have been working on projects to display and share with the rest of campus during this event. Additionally, students will be able to participate in several interactive stations/presentations throughout the building on this day. While STEM students are using this a a content connection, the rest of campus will participate in the event. We hope that you will be able to join us….... (LAURA-- I am unsure as to times when parents can see projects, can you please add?)
As a part of this project, STEM students are being asked to wear/create a costume related to their HERO. This is different in each grade level, so please check with your student about the details. Please note, that we are not asking parents to buy anything new. Students can create their costume from bits and pieces of clothing they already own. Encourage them to get into this aspect of the project. As the hosts of the event, it is important that they participate.
You are also more than welcome to visit and enjoy the hard work the STEM students have put into Hero Con. Parents can visit 1:30-3:25 next Friday. More details will be sent directly to all GMS parents.
We recognize that our students are feeling some pressure as this is the first major project they have completed for our campus. Students are working diligently to finish the work related to HERO-CON. We are so proud at how hard they are working. Please reassure your student that as long as they are working in class, they will finish the project in time for the event on Friday.
Fine Arts
Band https://www.smore.com/trcxm
Art:
Mrs. Montalvo is accepting entries for the GCISD 2017 Holiday Greeting Card Art Contest. If your child is not in Art, then please have them stop by room C123 for details. Winners will receive $25 and recognition at the December 18th meeting of the Board of Trustees.
Yearbook:
ATTENTION 8th Grade Parents!! Celebrate your child's milestone with a yearbook recognition ad. Visit www.jostensadservice.com for more details.
Veterans Day:
The Grapevine Middle School Fine Arts Department is proud to announce our Annual Veterans’ Tribute program held on Friday, November 10th at 2:15 p.m. in the GMS Gym. If your student has a Veteran he would like to feature on our Veterans’ Wall of Honor, and/or will be having a Veteran attend our program, please click on the link below. We are looking forward to honoring your Veteran!!!!
https://goo.gl/forms/TyEWbYNGrYEJ8n6n1
Choir:
GMS Choir had 14 students compete at All-Region over the weekend and had 5 of those students place in the All-Region Choir.
This is the best GMS has done in several years! We are SO proud of them!
Aliyah Anderson - Honor Treble
Peyton Lain - Concert Treble
Tasiana Naputi - Concert Treble
Vanesa Rodriguez - Honor Treble
Kylie Schwab - Concert Treble
Dual Language
Next week Dual Language's "Hispanic Heroes" project that will be displayed at our GMS Hero-Con! Students at each level researched Hispanic Heroes and designed their superhero costumes, selected superhero powers that match the hero's characteristics, and even designed a comic strip highlighting some of their adventures and successes!
We are excited to highlight the products of their research on October 27th!
GMS Holiday Babysitting Night
All funds raised will support the 8th Dual Language Puerto Rico Trip
The holiday season is right around the corner!
8th Grade Dual Language students would like to give you an evening to yourself to get ready for the holidays!
Who: Any GMS student and siblings can participate (minimum age of 4 years old and potty-trained)
What: Students will have a night filled with a holiday movie, games, activities, and fun!
When: First Fundraising Night-November 10th; Second Fundraising Night-December 15th
Drop off: 5:30pm Pick up: 9:00pm
Where: GMS cafeteria drop-off and pick-up
Why: To give parents a night off to get holiday shopping done and to raise money for our 8th grade Puerto Rico trip!
How: Sign-up with the Sign-up Genius link below. You can register for one night or both!
Cost:
$20 per child, $30 for two children, $45 for three children
Cash or check (checks made out to Grapevine Middle School)
Food: Pizza will be provided
Bring: Pillow and blanket for the movie, additional snacks (no nuts)
Holiday gift wrapping available at the December 15th event. Drop off your gifts and Dual Language parents will have your gifts wrapped and ready at pick -up.
For more information please contact: Ms. Haley Wise, Dual Language Teacher
haley.wise@gcisd.net 817-251-5660
Register at: (http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b4aa4ab2ca7f58-gmsholiday)
Athletics
Athletics
Support the GMS Athletic Program and have some tasty snacks to enjoy!!
The Athletic Booster Club is selling Lord Nut seasoned peanuts to raise funds to purchase new uniforms, equipment, and host all athletic events.
This year we are so excited to covering the cost of a brand-new announcer stand on our football field. One of our very own GMS dads, Matt Price, is building this for us- thank you Matt!! We appreciate all the support from our parents and families. See attached forms or have your student pick one up from Coach Hill or Coach Hudnall.
All orders need to be turned in by October 25th. We will be delivering the peanuts the week before Thanksgiving break. Top 3 sellers receive Prizes!!!! Questions- contact the coaches or Melissa Pavlicin
Boy's Athletics
8th grade:
This week, the ponies took on the Heritage Broncos. The Ponies started the game off with two great defensive series. After falling behind 8-0, the Ponies stormed back to close the score to 8-6. The second half saw the Ponies fall behind 24-6. That would be the final score and the Ponies fought hard all night. The Offensive Player of the Game was Leo Covington. Despite there not being a lot of running room along the room, Leo did a great job carrying the ball. Defensive Player of the Game was Solomon McKenzie. Solomon had an interception and couple of big tackles. The Hustle Player of the Game was Josh Logan. Josh played hard in the trenches on both side to the ball. Next week the Ponies take on the Carroll Dragons.
The White team extended its win streak to 3 games beating the Broncos 22-0. The offensive player of the game was Blake Burgess who had a receiving touchdown on offense. The defensive player of the game was Henry "Dexter" Esses who led the team in tackles and had 5 tackles for loss. The hustle player of the game was Wyatt Harrison who second on the team in receptions, and had multiple tackles on
7th grade:
The Ponies opened up the scoring with a Christian Maeder touchdown. Tate Scarborough scored the Ponies second touchdown on a 42 yard pass from Keller Shamberger. The ponies defense would make big plays all night as the Ponies rolled to a 30-0 win. Offensive Player of the Game was Christian Maeder-Baldwin. Christian ran for 3 touchdowns and ran hard all night. Defensive Player of the game was Drew Nelson. Drew had a interception and a couple of tackles. Hustle Player of the Game was Victor Mar. Victor made 3 PAT attempts out of 4. Victor also had great kickoffs all night. Next week the Ponies will take on the Carroll next week.
Grey:
The Grey Ponies fought a hard game against Heritage, but came up just short with a final score of 20-21. Offensive player of the game goes to Jose Contreras. Defensive player of the game goes to Kindre Jackson. Hustle player of the game goes to Angel Garza.
White:
The White team Ponies came out scorching hot against the Heritage Broncos and end up winning in a dominating fashion with a final score of 19-6. The offensive player of the game goes to Ryan Wolter for his amazing job running the ball. Defensive player of the game goes to Ian Garcia. Ian did a fantastic job from his defensive line position. Hustle player of the game goes to Brady Fitzgerald for his awesome performance on both sides of the ball. Great game Ponies!
The Lady Ponies ended Thursday nights battle against the Carroll Middle School Dragons with two wins between 7th and 8th grade. 7th grade A team had an amazing night beating the Dragons in two sets. 8th grade B team had a back and forth competition and ended the game on top. 7th grade B and C and 8th grade A and C all had great games, leaving it all on the court. They have all worked so hard this year.
Next week we will play at Grapevine High School against Cross Timbers. Both 7th and 8th grade will play on Thursday night. Come out and support the Lady Ponies.
7th Grade C team:
Player of the Week - Brooke Gray
Player of the Game - Katy Gossett
7th Grade B team:
Player of the Week - Simran Shirmankar
Player of the Game - Devyn Conway
7th Grade A team:
Player of the Week - Jade Juline
Player of the Game - Sydney Engel
8th Grade C team:
Player of the Week - Kaylee Amos
Player of the Game - Addison Galante
8th Grade B team:
Player of the Week - Riley Cossette & Jadyn Campbell
Player of the Game - Danny Navarro
8th Grade A team:
Player of the Week - Kiyahra McDonald
Player of the Game - None
Way to go ladies!! Go Ponies!!!
Grapevine Middle School
Email: laura.koehler@gcisd.net
Website: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/1029
Location: 301 Pony Parkway, Grapevine, TX, United States
Phone: 817-251-5600
Facebook: facebook.com/GrapevineMS
Twitter: @GrapevineMiddle