The Mustang Minute
10-23-17
Principal's Message
This week is always very exciting as it is Rivalry Week. I want to take a few seconds to talk about our expectations for our students. We want all of our students to enjoy this week responsibly. This week should be about cheering for our Mustangs, as we battle the Panthers. Please talk with your students about enjoying this week in a positive and respectful manner. We want to avoid events that take away from the amazing things our students are doing on the courts and fields. We love our Mustangs and that should be the focus for the week! #GHSUnity
GCISD Holiday Card:
Elementary, Middle and High school students are invited to submit original artwork for the cover of GCISD's official holiday greeting card. More information is available at the link below.
UIL Eligibility Waiver
Students are allowed one waiver per academic year. Students, please discuss this with your sponsors/coaches. The following are the deadlines to apply for an academic waiver for the 2017-18 school year.
October 26, 2017
January 12, 2018
March 23, 2018
Mustang Celebrations
GHS Band:
The Grapevine High School Band earned a Superior rating at the UIL Region 31 marching contest on Tuesday, October 17. This is the highest rating that can be earned. The Band has qualified to compete at the area level on October 28 at the Birdville Fine Arts and Athletics complex. Congratulations, Band!
I would like to extend a heartfelt congratulation to all of the students who auditioned for All-Region this weekend. We are so proud of your hard work and dedication to this very grueling process.
Congratulations to the following students:
Morgan Drummond -Mixed Choir
Meredith Christian -Mixed Choir
Haleigh Albrecht -Treble Choir
Julia Richards -Treble
Tess Miller -Treble
Mineko Ramirez -Treble
The following students made the Region Mixed Choir and will advance to the Pre-Area round of the All-State process:
Kj Langham -9th chair Mixed Choir Advance
Rachel Hill -10th chair Mixed Choir Advance
Red Ribbon Week Themes:
Monday – Future too bright for drugs
Wear your favorite sunglasses and neon colors. Guest speaker in the Lecture Hall during lunches.
Tuesday – Team-up against drugs
Wear team gear, jersey’s, etc. "Hugs not drugs." PALS will be giving out hugs during lunches.
Wednesday – Too mature for drugs
Dress like your favorite senior citizen.
Thursday – Morning mugs not drugs
Pajama day! "Hocus Pocus, Drugs aren’t Our Focus." Witch photo booth with the PALs during lunches.
Friday – Hunting Success
Camo day pep rally and rivalry game. PALs will give out Risens (candy) with stay off drugs messages as students come into school Friday morning.
Counselors' Corner
Save the Date: Do you have questions about colleges, career pathways, and/or financial aid? Come get your answers all in ONE EVENING! GCISD College & Career Night is combining with our Annual Financial Aid Night this Tuesday, October 24th from 6-8 p.m. at CHHS. All high school students and parents are invited to attend and connect with representatives from over 125 colleges (4-year, 2-year, technical), as well as military personnel. There will also be financial aid presentations to help families navigate how to pay for college.
Thank you to our Counseling Advisory Committee: The counseling department would like to thank the teachers, parents, and students who have partnered with us on our advisory committee. Your feedback and insight is imperative to a balanced counseling program.
Important Message for Seniors: Please make sure that you are requesting your transcripts for universities, scholarships, and CommonApp through Parchment. Your CommonApp process will stall if you have not requested your transcript through Parchment. Also, remember those using AppyTexas will need to request a transcript to each individual college you listed in your ApplyTexas application. If you are having difficulty requesting transcripts, come by and see your counselor ASAP. Early application deadlines are typically November 1st and December 1st, check on the college website to ensure you are aware of the date!
Seniors Requesting Counselor Recommendations: If students have submitted requests for counselor recommendations to accompany their college application, counselors will have those uploaded into systems such as CommonApp and SendEdu by the admission deadline window indicated. If you are requesting a recommendation letter (required as part of the application) to be mailed to an institution, please provide your counselor with an addressed envelope with postage. Also, please come to the counseling office to pick up a green “About Me” form to help your counselor assist you with these letters.
Attention Class of 2018: The counseling department together with AVID would like to create a wall of success for those of you who have already received acceptance letters to colleges and universities or the Armed Forces. Please make a copy of your letters and black out any personal information that you do not want shared. We will post your acceptance letters near the library on our "Oh the Places You'll Go," bulletin board!
ASVAB: The Armed Services Vocational Assessment Battery (ASVAB) will be offered at GHS on November 7 at 8:40 am in the Library (Lecture Hall) Open to 10th grade - 12th grade. GHS, CHHS, and Bridges students welcome. So far over 30 GCISD Students have registered!!!! The ASVAB is a validated assessment that assesses aptitudes and predicts success in a wide variety of occupations. Seniors and Juniors are encouraged to participate. No charge and No Military obligation. For more information go to http://asvabprogram.com Signing up for this test must be done through http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Page/46199
Parents of Dual students: Progress report grades for Dual can be viewed through your student’s TCC blackboard account. Be sure to ask your student to share their progress in Dual with you!
Did you Know?: The counseling office provides weekend food on Friday afternoons for students who qualify for the free and reduced lunch program. Send your student to the counseling office to pick up a bag.
Follow us on Twitter @gvinecounseling
An invitation from GHS STEM Academy:
It is time for SENIOR YEARBOOK TRIBUTES!
If you have or know a senior who is graduating in either December or May, please consider honoring them in their senior yearbook by submitting a senior tribute from family and friends!
Facts you need to know:
1. DEADLINE: Friday, Dec. 1st, 2017
2. Prices: Vary by size
3. Reasons Why Senior Tributes are a brilliant idea:
a. Allows you to acknowledge your senior’s accomplishments.
b. Something your senior will be able to reflect on for years to come.
c. You are supporting GCISD and GHS.
d. There are limited spots available. DON’T GET LEFT OUT!
Now that you are excited and ready to get all the details and place your order, please email erin.quassa@gcisd.net for a design and pricing information.
Please follow the link and instructions below to order YOUR 2018 GHS YEARBOOK!
2. On the right-hand side of the page you should see “No Customer Number?” Please fill in the information requested for city and state.
3. Once you click “Locate your school” it will take you to another page which asks you to select your school. Please select the option for Grapevine High School.
4. Once you click on GHS you will be taken to the order and selection page. On the left-hand side of the page you will an “Individual Items” section. The yearbook its self is at the top, the rest are customizations you can add as you like. If you are not sure what something is, click on the item to bring up a description.
5. On the right-hand side of the same page you will see “Start your order”. Please fill in the information requested and click next.
6. You will add your yearbook 1st, then click the next button to add any additional items that you would like.
7. The final page will allow you to review your order to ensure that it is correct and it will prompt you to fill in your paymehttps://www.smart-pay.com/nt information.
**You will be receiving notice via regular mail, to purchase your yearbook online, if you have already submitted an order please disregard the mailer. If you are unsure if you order one or not, please don’t hesitate to reach out and the yearbook staff can double check for you!
Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for this great GHS tradition, this will be our 102nd publication of the yearbook and it would not be possible without you!
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.
Rivalry Shirt for sale!
SENIORS: It's time to order graduation announcements, caps and gowns!
Your senior was given a graduation packet to take home for parents following the Balfour graduation presentation on October 17th. Balfour will be back on campus to take orders for graduation caps & gowns, announcements and class rings on Tuesday and Wednesday, October 24th & 25th in the SAC during all lunches. All graduates are required to have a cap and gown.
You may also place your order online at http://www.balfour.com/texas/grapevine/grapevine-high-school/
Please remember the sooner you order the sooner you will receive some of your products.
For questions feel free to contact Balfour at customerhelp@balfourfortworth.com.
The link below is a short video to assist parents with the ordering process.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/cqr24xef74g7oyd/2018%20Grad%20Products%20Video.mp4?dl=0
Student Fee Invoices and Refund Update
All student fee refunds have been processed. If the student fees were paid at registration by a credit card, the refund was credited back to that credit card. If fees were paid by cash or check, a refund check was mailed to the address on file in Skyward. Note that refunds may be less than the class dropped if other classes were added.
Invoices for unpaid fees were mailed on October 19. There may be fees on these invoices that were added to student schedules after initial fees were paid in August. Look at the date that the fee posted. It can be found in the column just right of the fee description.
Unpaid fees may be paid in person by check, cash, and credit or debit card. Fees may also be paid on line for a $5 fee through Parent Access. Feel free to call Donna Gunn on 817-251-5290 if you have questions about fees or if you need to set up a payment plan.
FFA fundraiser October 24th:
Band fundraiser October 25th:
GHS Annual Goblin Day!
Goblin Day is scheduled for October 31st. This is a long standing tradition at GHS, where students can wear costumes and clubs and organizations set up booths and sell items. It occurs at the beginning of the school day. We ask that student costumes be in dress code with the exception of hats and hair color. Masks, face paint and look alike weapons are prohibited. Students will report to their first period class, where we will conduct a dress code check. Once the dress code check is complete, students will be released to the SAC for the festivities.
Fillies Technique Workshops for prospective team members:
The Fillies will be hosting five Dance Team Technique and Training Workshops for girls who are interested in preparing for dance team auditions. The five workshops will focus on the different aspects of dance team training and technique. Workshops are $10 each, or discounted if pre-paid for four or more classes. The workshops will be held in Gym 3 on the following Mondays -- Oct. 23, Oct. 30, Nov. 6, and Nov. 27, & Dec. 4. Registration forms are available in Gym 3 or online at ghsfillies.org
Scholarship Applications for Seniors and Faculty Available Now!
Faculty and High School Senior guidelines and applications are now available on the Texas PTA website! Texas PTA offers $500 scholarships to eligible faculty members and $1,000 to eligible high school seniors. Join your PTA today to complete your first step toward eligibility. All applications are due Friday, December 1.
Reflections Contest
Participate in the 2017-2018 Reflections Program at Grapevine High School! Here’s how:
Download entry forms and guidelines at http://www.txpta.org/reflections-participation or pick up a copy from the front office. Create as many pieces from as many categories as you wish. Submit entries to front office by Thursday November 2nd. Plan to attend the awards ceremony in January to be recognized for your work/s of art
Contact kirtirathie@yahoo.com with questions.
Mustang Belles JV Dance Team fundraiser:
10/27 7:30pm
Bid sheets located by Ticket Stand
Up for bid:
*Dallas Maverick tickets
*Kendra Scott jewelry
*Movie/Restaurant gift cards
*Photography session
Bidding closes at the end of the 3rd quarter.
GCISD Hiring
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
CALENDAR
Monday, October 23 (A Day)--Red Ribbon Week
Extended Day 7:15am Library
Cross Country Region 1 Championship in Lubbock
Fillies Technique Training for Prospective Fillies 5:30pm Gym 3
Board Meeting 7:00pm Admin Bldg
Tuesday, October 24 (B Day)
FCCLA meeting 7:45am in Room 911
GSA meeting 8:00am in Room 110
Tennis Regional Quarters
Balfour taking cap & gown orders during lunches in SAC ($80 deposit)
Extended Day 4:15pm Library
Current Events team 4:05pm Room 615
Swim/Dive v Frisco Heritage at GCISD Swim Center
FFA fundraiser at Kendra Scott 5-8:00pm
Volleyball JV @ Polytechnic 5:30pm
Volleyball Varsity @ Polytechnic 6:30pm
GICSD College, Career & Financial Aid Night 6:00pm at CHHS
Wednesday, October 25 (A Day)
UNITY DAY--wear orange
Young Feminists Club meeting 8:00am Room 114
HOSA meeting 8:10am or 4:00pm in Room 903A
Library Council meeting 8:00am Library
Redefining Beautiful meeting 8:00am Room 111
Balfour taking cap & gown orders during lunches in SAC ($80 deposit)
Extended Day 4:15pm Library
Ecology Club 4:00pm Room 705
Band fundraiser Luna Grill 11:00am-9:00pm
STEMposium Water Project 5-7:00pm GHS 100 Hall
Thursday, October 26 (B Day)
Young Progressives 8:00am Room 106
Tennis Regionals (through Fri.)
Extended Day 4:15pm Library
Student Forum 4:00pm Room 707
UIL Waivers due at 4:00pm
Water Polo Tryouts 4:15pm GCISD Swim Center
Softball JV v Southlake 6:00pm
Softball Varsity v Southlake 7:30pm
Football 9th Blue @ CHHS 5:30pm
Football 9th Red @ CHHS 7:00pm
Football JV v CHHS 6:00pm
Friday, October 27 (A Day)
Pep Rally "Camo"--8th and 1st periods will be reversed today!
Students Standing Strong 7:30am Library
Debate @ UNT (through Sat.)
Golf Varsity Girls B @ Southern Oaks GC (through Sat.)
Football Varsity v CHHS 7:30pm
Saturday, October 28
ACT
Fishing Team @ Lake Park Lewisville
Band UIL Area F Marching Contest at Birdville Fine Arts/Athletic Complex
Sunday, October 29
Best Buddies Dance 2-4:00pm Gym 1
Friday night's football game winners!
Project Graduation
The GHS Project Graduation Board is in full swing planning and fundraising for the Grapevine Graduation Celebration that aims to save lives. If you would like general information or to learn how to help by volunteering, donating, helping to raise funds or becoming a sponsor, please visit the webpage at www.ghsprojectgraduation.org or like us on social media (Facebook) facebook.com/GHSProjectGrad or (twitter) @
You can help by:
- Signing up to be a Flocker at
https://m.signupgenius.com/#!/showSignUp/4090d4fa4a728a20-ghsproject
You can flock someone for $30 - a coach, a teacher, an ex; for fun, a celebration, birthday or anniversary. Email grapevinehsprojectgrad@gmail.comto order your flock! - Sign up to help Graduation Night at Main Event by clicking here
- You can sponsor a flock for $150.00 by emailing grapevinehsprojectgraduation@gmail.com
- Donate using GoFundMe - if every household represented at GHS donated $10 we would be able to pay for all graduating seniors to attend for free
- Let us know your intentions to be a Project Graduation sponsor by emailing grapevinehsprojectgraduation@gmail.com
- Volunteer to help at the Home Varsity Football games by clicking here.
- GHS Project Graduation is a 501(c)3 so your donations are tax deductible.
AND we have a new opportunity for students to get involved by taking over the @GHSProject_Grad Twitter Page. Be an Exclusive Project Graduation Mustang Model by https://www.tinyurl.com/GHSMustangModel
It will take all hands on deck to make this a successful year! The Students and Community need your help with GHS Project Graduation!