Pony Express
Connecting GMS in one place!
March 23rd
GMS Families,
I hope everyone had a nice Spring Break. We are now coming into the final stretch and the Ponies have to finish strong! We're smack dab in the middle of March Madness - and I don't just mean the basketball kind.
I'm happy to announce that GMS has selected their Teacher and Paraprofessional of the Year! Congratulations to Mrs. Trelawny Shepherd, our Teacher of the Year, and Mrs. Christine Finlay, our Para of the Year. We are proud of their work with students! Please wish them congratulations when you see them.
GMS is proud to introduce our new GMS Leadership Ambassador Team! This group of 32 seventh graders were nominated by teachers to make up our first group for next year's team. They are modeled after the ambassador groups at the high schools. Mrs. Jamie Nutt and Mrs. Keanan Hall are developing these leaders to represent GMS in the community. More importantly, the students represent all of our campus programs and were nominated for their leadership in and outside of the classroom. See pictures of their first training day below.
As many of you know, I've had talks about acceptable behavior at GMS with all grade levels. The meetings went well and focused on our Ponies stepping up as the leaders that I know they are. Students were encourage to hold each other accountable for showing how a Pony should act at school. This includes calling out any bad behavior that is negative towards our campus and informing school administrators in a timely manner. Please continue positive behavior talks at home.
We have SO many important things coming up that we're excited to share with you throughout this newsletter. As you know, there's always something great happening at GMS and it is THE middle school to attend! Please read through this newsletter so you don't miss out on anything. Here’s what you need to know for this week:
3. Our new website are up! Please check out the district site and the GMS site when you can.
Whether you have kids in high school or a student who just started pre-k, GCISD is a great district to be in. With so many unique student experiences offered, and the sound foundation of LEAD 2021, GCISD is creating an innovative environment where students are inspired, encouraged and supported.
GCISD has been looking to better serve and connect with parents, staff and community members and has migrated to a new website. Not only is there a fresh look and feel, but the simplicity of the site allows campuses to better communicate the incredible stories happening in schools to current and prospective parents and community members. This mobile-friendly site also features news scrolls and quick links to help you see the latest information and navigate quickly to items you need.
Take a look at the calendar on the home page, read our news and events and get to know our school in a whole new way.
Spanish Version:
Si ustedes tienen estudiantes en la preparatoria o un niño que acaba de empezar Pre-Kinder, GCISD es un gran distrito en donde tener a sus hijos. Al ofrecer tantas experiencias estudiantiles únicas y con la sólida base de LEAD 2021, GCISD está creando un ambiente innovador donde los estudiantes son inspirados, motivados y apoyados.
GCISD ha estado explorando como servirles y conectarse mejor con los padres de familia, con el personal y con los integrantes de la comunidad y ha escogido un sitio web nuevo. No sólo van a notar un aspecto fresco, pero la simplicidad del sitio web les permite a las escuelas a comunicar mejor las increíbles historias de lo que está sucediendo en las escuelas a los padres de familia actuales y futuros y a la comunidad en general. Este sitio web que se maneja tan fácilmente desde un celular, también cuenta con un carrusel de noticias, enlaces que les ayudarán a ver la información de último momento y navegar rápidamente a los artículos que ustedes necesitan.
Vengan a darle un vistazo al calendario en la página principal, lean acerca de nuestras noticias y eventos y conozcan a nuestra escuela de una manera totalmente nueva.
English: https://tinyurl.com/y8nfzpdh
Espanol:https://tinyurl.com/y7nkx32w
This session is geared towards students in eighth through twelfth-grade but all are invited to attend. Please Pre-Register here to attend https://goo.gl/forms/gBVSpmWguKt4j0f23
6. Mark Your Calendar for Special Olympics:
March 28, 2018 9 a.m. Mustang Panther Relays Cross Timbers Middle School
We are FAMILY! This is OUR HOUSE! Great students come from GREAT FAMILIES!
#OurHouseGMS
Tuesday, March 20th - Exito Hispano, 6:30-8pm, GMS Lecture Hall
Thursday, March 22nd- GMS Track Meet at Carroll MS, 4-7pm
Ink Think
Socratic Seminar
Deep Thoughts
Home Design Challenges
An Open Concept
Beach House Design
We have a NEW POLICY across campuses for students utilizing the Clinic:
1. If a student feels bad and needs to come to the clinic, they can get a pass from the teacher for the school nurse, Mrs. Jansen, to assess them.
2. If a student contacts a parent to pick them up, they can remain in the classroom until called down by attendance. This allows the nurse to assess other students that may need further services.
3. If the nurse assesses a student and does not feel they need to go home, the student will be sent back to class. If the student contacts the parent for pick up anyway, they will need to go back to class and wait until attendance calls them back down.
The district goal is to keep students in class as much as possible. Absences affect learning but illness is a reality of everyday life and we recognize that. If you have any other questions, please contact Nurse Connie Jansen.
In order to make the process of schedule pick-up SUPER easy, all upcoming 7th graders (current 6th graders) will need to provide proof of immunization.
On Thursday, April 19th, the Tarrant County Health Department will be at Grapevine Middle School to administer required immunizations to 6th grade students who return a signed parent permission form and $15. They will also be offering the HPV vaccine and while that is not a required immunization, it is highly recommended by the TCHD.
Parents do not need to be present and completed forms must be returned to Nurse Connie Jansen by Monday, April 16th. The permission forms will be sent home with students after Spring Break during 8th period class. Dr. Koehler will send an email when that form is sent home.
The window to sign up for Credit by Exam is now open. The deadline to sign up for the May 19th test administration @ GHS is April 19th. Classes commonly taken by middle school students are Spanish I A & Spanish I B (1st year of Spanish for high school credit.)
Here’s a link to the GCISD website containing more information:
The GCISD Technology Department is offering a series of parent meetings about social media apps and internet safety. For information about topics and dates, please look here.
GMS is happy to partner with Summer Santa again this year to provide up to 6 scholarships for summer camps for students who meet specific criteria. Please contact Mrs. Lemke, or follow go to www.summersanta.org for more information. The deadline to apply is April 30, 2018.
- 2018-19 GMS PTA Officer Nominations: Are you interested in serving on the 2018-19 GMS PTA Executive Board? Plans are underway for an outstanding 2018-19 school year at GMS PTA! Our PTA is only as strong as our volunteers and together, we can make big things happen for our school. The Nominating Committee is currently accepting nominations to fill the Executive Board for next year. Our 1st need is for volunteers to fill officer positions. Nominations for other positions will also be accepted. We are using a Google form to make it super easy to respond and find the position that best fits you! https://goo.gl/forms/4VXkSuR3OCPqNQZ62
- For questions, please contact Jo Kruzel at jobclayton@yahoo.com. Thank you for your interest!
- 8th Grade Dance: Save the Date for Friday, May 4, 2018. More details coming soon!
- World Wear Project: Time for Spring Cleaning to begin! Please donate your gently used shoes, clothing, purses, belts, wallets, hats, caps, backpacks, hard toys, stuffed animals, & pots/pans into the World Wear Project bin, located in the circle drive near the gym entrance. For every pound collected, we receive $0.12. Help do your part to Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle! Special incentive for April, we can earn an extra $100 if we collect 2,500 pounds or more!
- PTA Scholarships: Thank you to all the applicants! Scholarship applications are being reviewed and winners will be announced in April.
We will hold a drawing at the end of next week for students that submitted Box Tops in early March. Stay tuned!
To stay connected with all the latest PTA news be sure to like our Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/grapevinemiddleschoolpta/
GMS Student Art
Talented Students
Beautiful Colors
Design Challenge
Great Talent at GMS
Congratulations!
Representing GMS
Outstanding Students
These students were nominated by their teachers as Outstanding Students of the 9 Weeks and the Grapevine Rotary Club recognized these students this week. Pictured left to right: Rylee Landrum, Lizbeth Flores, Emma Vertachnik, Yadeliz Perez, Nandini Senthilkumar, Kayden Ferguson.
Dual Language
**DATE CHANGE**
College Recruitment Fair--Hosted by AVID 7 and 8
Please join us at our Mock College Recruitment fair on Friday, April 6th from 2:00pm-2:30pm! AVID 7th and 8th graders will be representing a college and will try to “recruit” as many new students as possible! We would love to see you there
6th Grade Field Trip
AVID 6th graders will be visiting the UTA campus on Monday, March 26th. Please send your student with a sack luck, water, and comfortable clothing appropriate for the outdoor weather, and a small bag to carry their items.
7th Grade Field Trip
AVID 7th graders will be visiting TCU on April 16th! Field trip forms have been sent home, but can be printed here. Please return the permissions slips by Friday, April 6th.
8th Grade Field Trip
AVID 8th graders will be visiting Tarleton State University on April 18th! Field trip forms have been sent home, but can be printed here. Please return the permissions slips by Friday, April 6th. We are also in the need for Chaperones! Please see the form for more information.
Save the date!
AVID will be helping with Rachel’s Challenge, both with race activities and then hosting a booth at the rally after. The event will be April 21st from 7am-11am. Save the date! We will have a signup closer to the event.
What’s happening in AVID?
Check out our Facebook page for class updates, pictures and more!
Community Service
6th-
Please help students remember to read each night for at least 20 minutes each night. Sixth grade will begin reviewing for STAAR in mid-April.
7th-
Students are working hard to prepare for their upcoming Writing and Math STAAR tests on April 10th and 11th. Make sure there are no appointments scheduled for these days. Please encourage them to stay caught up on classwork as it is vital practice in preparation for their exams. We also want them to find time to relax, so help them unplug. Science and Reading STAAR tests will take place in May.
8th-
Eighth graders will be taking the Algebra and Biology EOC on May 8th and 9th. Please make sure that there are no appointments scheduled those days. Teachers will be sending out information about review sessions and Saturday tutorials in the near future. National History Day State tournament is set for April 28th. Congrats to those attending!
All Girls-
The Expanding your Horizons Conference is April 7th. Students who are still interested can still register by contacting Mrs. Adkins. The registration form is available HERE. Students will be bussed to and from GMS.
Schedule:
March 19th-23rd- ABACB
BAND:
ART:
Our District art show is March 19 - April 2nd. Please come out and see our talented student work.
Applications are now being accepted for all current 7th and 8th grade students for membership in the National Junior Honor Society of GMS.
The National Junior Honor Society is the nation's premier organization established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the ares of scholarship, leadership, service, citizenship and character. These characteristics have been associated with membership in the organization since its beginning in 1929.
Today, it is estimated that more than one million students participate in the official Honor Society activities. NHS and NJHS chapters are found in all 50 states. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
Applications may be picked up in the front office, or in Mrs. Sloan's or Mrs. Kirby's rooms.The due date for completion of all paperwork is Monday, March 26, 2018. We encourage you to apply for this highly honored and recognized organization.
The induction ceremony into this prestigious group is scheduled for the evening of April 18, 2018 here at GMS
Here's a link to the application: https://tinyurl.com/ycezof4x
Mahogani Ray
Crysjon Scott
Kayla King
Kameron McCutchen
Honesty Cantu
Jada McNutt
Magi Reyes
Natalie Salter
Makenna King
Alexa Ramirez
Paige Hobbs
Hudson Hege
Peyton Lain
Ashley Rose
Jaeda Vittali
Bailee Swenson
Joana Anaya
Natalie Pitzer
Brooke Gray
Aiyonna Marshall
Ellorie Jones
Ayden Cheek
Sydney Engel
Vanessa Rodriquez
Aliya Anderson
Amanda Coy
Katy Gossett
1. The Pony Pride Dance Team is preparing for tryouts. Make sure that you get tryout packets in by March 26th. Anyone interested should email Mrs. Mercer!
2. Audition for CHS Pantherettes JV Dance Team!
CHHS Pantherettes JV Dance Team Auditions for the 2018-2019 school year are just around the corner! Current 8th grade girls who are interested in auditioning for a position on the 2018-2019 Panthettes JV Dance Team are required to attend the audition registration orientation meeting along with a parent/guardian on Tuesday, April 3rd, 6:00 pm at the CHHS Lecture Hall/Library.3. Audition for GHS Belles JV Dance Team!
GHS Belles JV Dance Team Auditions for the 2018-19 school year are just around the corner! Current 8th grade girls who are interested in auditioning for a position on the 2018-19 Belles JV Dance Team are required to attend the audition registration and orientation meeting along with a parent/guardian on Monday, April 2nd, 6:30pm, in the GHS Lecture Hall.
We Like the Way you Roll!
Celebrate the kindness you’re seeing at GMS! Students and staff will have the opportunity to recognize each other for the great things they are seeing on campus April 9th-20th! Submit their name and their act of kindness and StuCo will deliver a tootsie roll to them to let them know that “We like the way they roll!”
Save the date!
StuCo will be helping with Rachel’s Challenge, both with race activities and then hosting a booth at the rally after. The event will be April 21st from 7am-11am. Save the date! We will have a signup closer to the event.
Meeting
Our next meeting will be Tuesday, March 27th during Corral
Boys Track and Field Results
March 22nd
The Ponies ran in their 3rd meet of the year last night at Carroll MS. Despite some very windy conditions, the Ponies had a great night of competition. The 8th Grade Boys placed 1st with 198 points. The 7th Grade Boys placed second with 164 points. Great job of competing Ponies.
7th Grade Results:
1st place finishers
Gabe Aldaco-1600m Run-5:46
Tyler Meers- 400m Run 1:04
Tate Scarborough-Triple Jump-32’5”
4X100m Relay-Ryan Wolter, Tate Scarborough, Dennis Rivera, Victor De La Cruz-50.09
2nd Place finishers
Ryan Wolter- 100M Dash-13.5
Mario Resendiz-2400m Run-9:12
Tate Scarborough-High Jump-5’0”
Drew Nelson-Pole Vault-7’6”
4x200m Relay-Ryan Wolter, Gabe Aldaco, Tate Scarborough, Dennis Rivera-1:53.3
4x400m Relay-Tyler Meers, Victor De La Cruz, Elijha Canafax, Alberto Rayon-4:17.5
3rd Place finishers-
Keller Shamberger-Shot Put-29’.75”
Victor Del La Cruz-Triple Jump-32’0”
Ryan Wolter-Pole Vault-7’0”
Chris Price-Long Jump-15’6”, 110m Hurdles-19.9, 300m Hurdles-50.5
Dennis Rivera-200m Dash-28.24
8th Grade Results:
1st Place Finishers-
Leon Covington-Triple Jump-37’ 5”
Josue Granados-1600m Run-5:22
Blake Burgess-Pole Vault-9’0”
2nd Place Finishers
Leo Covington-Shot Put-36’0”, Discus-106’ 1”
William Leon-100m Dash-12.5
Saivaihn Shockley-25.5
Josue Granados-8:27
Gabriel Ponce-400m Dash-1:06
Leon Covington-18’11”
Joseph Avilla-High Jump-5’6”
4x100m Relay-Leon Covington, Dylan Hohenberger, William Leon, Leo Covington-47.59
4x400m Relay- Michael Allen, Juan Jasso, Gabriel Ponce, Walker St. John-4:08.5
3rd Place Finishers
Leo Covington-100m Dash-12.5
Julian Secrest-1600m Run-5:31, 2400m Run-8:37.0
Dylan Hohenberger-200m Dash-25.8
Michael Allen-400m-1:01.2
Rhett Dugan-Discus-105’ 10”
Girls Track and Field Results
March 22nd
The Lady Ponies fought hard at the Carroll Middle Dragon Relays Thursday night. There were both outstanding individual and group efforts from these young ladies and the points spoke for them. 7th grade girls took third with 141.5 total points and the 8th grade girls took second place with a total of 145 points, only losing by 3 points to Heritage Middle. 7th grader, Samantha Jackson, broke the school record in shot put. These girls continue to work hard and are excited to see what great things they can do at our district track meet next week.
7th Grade Results:
1st place finishers
Samantha Jackson Discus -59’5.5”
Samantha Jackson- Shot put – 29’9” – NEW SCHOOL RECORD!
Marina Barrera – 400M – 1:09
Marina Barrera – 800M – 2:51
2nd Place finisher-
Jaycee Martin -1600M Run – 6:34
3rd Place Finishers
4x200M Relay – Jaeda Vittali, April Augustus, Lili Olmos, DeNae Vasquez-Dickson
4x400M Relay – Scarlett Reed, Lexi Crome, Jade Juline, Marina Barerra
Alexa Crome – Discus – 57’.5”
Savannah Burgin – Shot put – 26’6.75”
April Augustus – Triple jump – 26’7.5”
8th Grade Results:
1st Place Finishers-
Claire Newton – High Jump – 4’8”
Maddie Clague – 100M Dash – 0:13.64
Danny Navarro – 2400M Run – 9:27
2nd Place Finishers
Lila Nicodemus – 1600M Run – 6:14
Lila Nicodemus – 2400M Run – 9:40
Maddie Clague – Long jump – 13’8”
Claire Newton – Long jump – 13’8”
Maddie Clague – Triple jump – 29’8.75”
Danny Navarro – Pole vault – 7’0”
3rd Place Finishers
4x400M Relay – Ella Williams, Michaela McGuire, Mya Teegardin, Megan Theilen
Jackie Molina – Pole vault – 7’0”
We have many exciting things happening in our Dual Language classes!
The Spanish IV AP students are getting ready for their capstone trip to San Antonio and will be a wonderful opportunity to gain more cultural experiences to speak and write about on their AP Spanish exam in May.
Additionally, the Spanish II and III PAP classes have been reading cultural novels in small book clubs that incorporate traditions, customs, and varied tenses, all in an engaging story written for teens. To wrap up the novels, students will be creating movie trailers for their books to show the class and to highlight the main events of their book.
24 students represented GMS and participated in the UIL competition on February 23rd and 24th. We are proud to announce the following awards:
Individual Awards:
6th grade calculator:
Nandini Senthilkumar- 2nd place
7th grade calculator:
Aneesh Mazumder- 4th place
Team Awards:
6th grade Calculator-3rd place
Isaiah Bryant
Nandini Senthilkumar
Shiv Mishra
7th grade Math-5th place
Sierra Smith
Haley Collins
Cindy Hernandez
7th grade Calculator-4th place
Aneesh Mazumder
Katlyn Conklin
Kylie Schwab
8th grade Math-3rd place
Ben Kobel
Julia Rabinovich
Ariyan Abed
*Any time at VISTA
*2 or more times in ISS
*UIL academically eligible
*No more than 2 "N"s or "U"s on their citizenship grade for the 3rd 9 weeks
Remember, it they're not taking care of business in their classes, they are NOT attending this field trip privilege.
Did you know that our entire GMS staff has now been trained on how to support students with autism? Throughout April, GMS will share facts about autism and strategies that support students with autism. Watch our school monitors and check out our newsletter.
Grapevine Middle School
Email: laura.koehler@gcisd.net
Website: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/gms
Location: 301 Pony Parkway, Grapevine, TX, United States
Phone: 817-251-5660
Facebook: facebook.com/GrapevineMiddleSchool
Twitter: @GrapevineMiddle