Bransford Blast
February 18, 2018
Thank you to each of you for an amazing week! This week Bransford Texans touched 72 lives with blood donations, recognized our incredible volunteers, celebrated Valentine's day with visitors throughout the building, and honored the kindness of our Texans. All of this while our Texans continued to grow and learn.
This week, our staff will engage in professional learning on Monday while our students have the day off. We look forward to seeing our Texans on Tuesday! Send them to Bransford with their best smiles as Tuesday is spring picture day!
Join us on Friday evening as our Texans share their talent at the annual talent show. See below for volunteer opportunities.
Student safety is our number one priority. Thank you for always entering through the front door by buzzing the front office. When you enter Bransford, our amazing office staff will check you in and inquire about the reason for your visit. Thank you for working with us to ensure we know who is in the building at all times.
In an effort to streamline communication, starting next week, a link to all grade-level Smores will be in the weekly Blast in addition to still being emailed to you by your student's teachers. Also, see below for PeachJar, the new online flyer system.
Looking forward to a great week as we continue to build an excellent school together!
Best,
Jamie Halliburton
BES Principal
Spring Picture Day is Coming!
It's time to order your Classroom Group Picture!
*Order Form Attached Below
SchoolPix Inc. will be taking Classroom Groups and Spring Individual Portraits at Bransford Elementary on Tuesday, February 20, 2018.
Two ways to order your Classroom Group Picture….
1. Attached you will find an order form, please print and fill out the order form and return with payment to the photographer on picture day.
2. To order online by credit card, please go to https://schoolpix.ephotohost.biz/ . When prompted, enter Bransford’s School Code 1718-0093. A confirmation email will be sent confirming your order has been received. No further action is required.
Reminder: Spring individual portraits will be taken on the same day! Proofs and ordering information will sent home two weeks after picture day.
If you have any questions or need assistance, please call SchoolPix Inc. customer service at 972-334-9140 or email us at info@schoolpixinc.com.
Please note: All orders are to be submitted to the photographer on picture day. All school portraits are 100% satisfaction guaranteed.
SchoolPix, Inc.
Customer Service 972.334.9140
Play it Safe
Play It Safe is a child abuse prevention and awareness program that incorporates individual grade level, age-appropriate scripts and movies to teach children how to reduce the risk of sexual and physical abuse, and sexual assault. It teaches them to recognize potentially abusive behavior, provides the tools to respond to threatening situations, and encourages them to report abuse to a trusted adult. Opt-Out forms were sent home in Friday folders. Forms only need to be returned if you prefer for your child NOT to participate in this program.
Pre-K Enrollment
In the 2018-2019 school year, GCISD will offer a tuition-based pre-k program at Bransford Elementary, Colleyville Elementary, O.C. Taylor Elementary, Grapevine Elementary, Heritage Elementary and Bear Creek Elementary. There will be limited availability at Timberline and Silver Lake Elementary for a blended program that includes English and Spanish (an option if you are considering Dual Language in Kindergarten). To learn more about GCISD's tuition-based pre-k program, click here.
Parent Communication
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD has adopted an electronic flyer distribution program called Peachjar. With the new system, flyers from community organizations will be distributed through a weekly email and accessible through the school websites. This is part of our ongoing effort to focus resources on education while reducing the environmental impact of our activities.
You should have received a welcome email from Peachjar that included a username and password. This is provided to give parents the opportunity to manage their account and flyer delivery preferences. To view a list of Frequently Asked Questions, click here and select the appropriate tab for parents.
Math Telescoping Exams
Attention 5th Grade Parents!
Moving on to Middle School
Important Dates for 5th grade
It’s time to get ready for middle school. We want to make sure you have all the information you need. Please be sure to watch your calendar for these upcoming dates!
STEM Academy and Dual Language Dates
February 9th-March 9th
Online applications available for STEM and DUAL Language
Middle School Showcase
Learn about your middle school and see Fine Arts performances.
February 20th@6pm - All Middle Schools
6th Grade Course Selection Dates
Friday, February 23
CMS counselors visit Bransford
Course selection sheets go home with students.
Thursday, March 1
Mrs. King will be available during Open House to answer any middle school questions.
Tuesday, March 6
Course Selection sheets are due to Mrs. King
Friday, March 9
5th graders will enter their course selections in Skyward with Mrs. King at school.
AVID Dates
March 6th at 6:30pm
AVID parent informational meeting
Professional Development and Education Center
(5800 Colleyville Blvd.)
Here is the link if you would like to apply for AVID https://goo.gl/vYHmiU
Friday, March 23rd
AVID applications due
April 12th - 25th
Student interviews and student selection for AVID
If you have any questions please contact Abbey King, Bransford School Counselor, at abbey.king@gcisd.net or (817)305-4930. Middle School transition information can also be found on Mrs. King’s webpage. Please go to Bransford page, Departments and Programs, Counselor.
Parent Technology Courses
*important location change
FREE Parent Technology Academy Feb 20th
Due to overwhelming response our Feb 20th meeting has been moved to Colleyville Heritage High School. Auditorium.
Come take part in what parents are calling:
" Eye-opening event" Danielle D parent of 6th-grade student
"The evening was filled with actionable information for parents raising kids in a digital technology-driven era." Lisa D parent of 9th-grade student
Join us for our next FREE event February 20th at COLLEYVILLE HERITAGE HIGH SCHOOL starting at 6:00 pm
Learn about the must know apps that parents need to be aware of on student phones and more! Learn best practices to balance usage at home as well as ways to help monitor usage.
If you have ever wanted to know what that app is your child is using or If its safe to use a particular app? Then this is the session for you.
Join the over 325 parents already pre-registered to attend by signing up now!
Session topics will be repeated later in the year so stay and be informed!
Volunteers Needed: Click the link below to learn more!
Special Programs in GCISD
817-251-5363
Please use this number to find out information about the lottery for tuition-based Pre-K, dual language, or STEM programs. The lottery application will open on Friday, February 9 and remain open until March 9. If a lottery is needed, it will occur Thursday, March 29.
There are also some websites that may be helpful as well:
Information about Personalized Programs
Information about the Expo (scheduled for February 8 from 5:00 - 7:00 @ CTMS)
Information about Tuition-Based Pre-K
Tickets on Sale
Join us for the BEST pARTy benefiting arts integration at Bransford Elementary! This new event features dinner, auction and entertainment all for our terrific Texan.
!!Now On Sale!! Click here to PURCHASE YOUR BEST Party Tickets!
Event Details
Date: April 6, 2018
Time: 6 p.m.
6:00 - 7:00 ~ Mix and Mingle
7:00 - 8:00 ~ Dinner and Live Auction
8:00 - 10:30 ~ Live Band "Intensity" - Check them out
Location: Colleyville Center
Sponsorship & Auction Opportunities
The BEST pARTy is right around the corner and we need your help! There is still time to be a sponsor, and are also looking for interesting and unique silent auction items and services. Donating a silent auction item is a great way to introduce your business to the community. Every donation makes a difference, regardless of size. Our sincere appreciation for your support will be shown by publicizing your generosity in our promotional materials and thanking you on our social media seen by 1000+ people!
The Bransford Elementary PTA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, your donations are tax deductible and a Charitable Acknowledgement receipt will be given for your generosity and tax purpose. Our deadline for printed sponsors is January 30th.
Please contact Jill Tate, VP of Fundraising for a list of sponsorship options or to donate an item or service.
Watch D.O.G.S.
Technology Tidbit from Common Sense Media
Class Wish Lists
BEST Specials Wish List – from Ms. Chang Link: http://a.co/1WTzRuL
Pre K
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2NZ20D33TR8W9?&sort=default
Kindergarten
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/13ZIMC2V7S4IR?&sort=default
1 st Grade
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2A01I6501J2JX?&sort=default
2 nd Grade
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2VO8SWW62KG75?&sort=default
3 rd Grade
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/WKWZ0H3G1YM7?&sort=default
4 th Grade
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1M413XK0V449K?&sort=default
5 th Grade
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/9K8RMZTY3TU5?&sort=default
B.E.S.T. PTA
- Website: Check out Bransfordpta.com to keep you up to date on all the fun things happening at our school.
- If you would like to join B.E.S.T. PTA, visit www.joinpta.org.
Amazon Smile
BES Spirit Fundraisers
- Spring Creek BBQ Grapevine March 20th 5-9:00pm
- Snuffer's Spirit April 10th 5-8:00pm
- McAlister's Deli Spirit Night April 24th 5-8:00pm
Yearbook Information
Dates to Know
Click HERE for the 2017-2018 GCISD student calendar.
February 19: Student holiday/staff professional development day
February 20: Spring picture day
February 23: Talent Show
March 6: Play it Safe Presentation
April 21: Rachel's Challenge Rally and 5K
Bransford Elementary
Email: jamie.halliburton@gcisd.net
Website: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/1354
Location: 601 Glade Road, Colleyville, TX, United States
Phone: 8173054920
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bransford-Elementary-School-353295401423635/
Twitter: @BESTexans