Cannon Connection
A newsletter for Cannon Elementary families - 2017-2018
Week of April 9, 2018
Hi Cannon Parents!
I hope everyone has managed to stay warm this weekend!! It's definitely "that" time of year in Texas, when we never know which extreme of the weather will occur each day! :)
I wanted to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU to our Cannon parents and others in our school community for taking the time to read this newsletter each week! I have heard from so many of you that you enjoy the updates, appreciate the news about what our Cannon Cubs are learning at school, and depend on the calendar dates & event information to help keep you informed as a Cannon parent! We are averaging around 500-600 readers on this newsletter each week, so that tells us communication from school to home is VERY important to you! This week's newsletter has been reorganized to help make it easier to find the information you need. Please feel free to provide any feedback or suggestions that will help us continue to improve our communication!
As I included information this week about highlights from student learning at Cannon, I was reminded of how incredibe our Cannon teachers are at ensuring that learning experiences are authentic, interactive and engaging! The information shared in this issue is a perfect example of how our students, at all grade levels, are consistently provided opportunities to truly engage in real-world learning experiences, in order to master the grade level content they are expected to learn!
Another experience that 3rd-5th grade students in Texas are required to participate in are annual state-mandated assessments, known at STAAR. This Tuesday and Wednesday our 4th (Writing) and 5th graders (Math & Reading) will take their first round of STAAR assessments. We feel confident that our Cannon Cubs will perform well on these assessments, because of the outstanding learning experiences our teachers provide for students every day!
As a reminder, Just like every school day, it's so important that your child gets a good night's sleep and has a healthy breakfast, not just on testing days, but EVERY day! Other ways to help support your child during these assessments it to help make sure these mornings are relaxing and positive for your child. Arriving to school ON TIME is so important to ensure that your Cub begins their day in the best way possible. Most importantly, just remind them that the MOST important thing is for them to just do their best and show what they know!
Finally, due to STAAR testing security procedures, our campus is considered a closed campus on these dates. No parent volunteers or visitors for lunch are allowed for any Kindergarten-5th graders on these dates.
Thank you for your support and partnership. By working together, WE make school the BEST it can be for our children!!
Proud to be your principal,
Mrs. Blizzard
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SEEN @ CANNON LAST WEEK!
4th Grade & Kinder - Tomatoes In Space!
Dinosaurs, Gorilla Hands & Colossal Squid Eyes...Oh My!
5th Grade - Liters of Light Project
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Mark Your Calendars.....
EVENTS THIS WEEK
4/10 STAAR testing - 4th grade Writing - closed campus- no volunteers/visitors
4/10 STAAR testing - 5th grade Math- closed campus - no volunteers/visitors
4/11 STAAR testing - 5th grade Reading- closed campus - no volunteers/visitors
4/12 Parent Safety & Security Parent Information meeting - 8:00-9:00 am -library
4/14 Cannon Country Cookout @ Nash Farms - 4:00-6:00 pm Cannon choirs will perform!
UPCOMING EVENTS
4/17 Last Day to Order Yearbook!! see info in this newsletter!
4/19 Early Release for students - 11:45 am
4/21 Rachel's Challenge Rally 8:00-11:00 am @ Colleyville Heritage High School
4/23-4/27 Kindergarten Registration - Meet & Greet on 4/23 @ 4:00-6:00 pm
4/24 - Cubs Night Out @ Spring Creek BBQ
4/27 Student Holiday - Inclement Weather Day
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EVENTS THIS WEEK @ CANNON
STAAR- 4TH AND 5TH GRADE
This week marks the first opportunity grade levels have to show what they know to the state! Our students are amazing every day, but here are some helpful reminders to help ensure they feel prepared:
- Go to bed on time
- Eat a healthy breakfast
- Arrive on time
These simple tasks make such a positive impact on all of our students every day!
Reminder: Campus is closed to visitors and volunteers on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week!
Safety & Security Parent Meeting
Cannon administration will host an informal parent meeting to provide information, answer questions, and explain the safety and security measures we currently have in place at Cannon. The meeting will be held on Thursday, April 12th at 8:00 a.m. in the Cannon library. GCISD Director of Emergency Management & School Security, Allen Smith, will help lead this meeting and answer any safety/security questions you may have!
Safety and Security Parent Meeting
Thursday, April 12th 8:00 a.m.
Cannon Elementary Library
Cannon Country Cookout @ Nash Farm
Join us for singin', dancin' and an all-around good time. Cannon Choirs will perform their Spring Concert followed by students and parents dancing folk dances learned in music class. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and more will be available for purchase from Dads' Club. Pre-purchase meal tickets here. Cash only at the event.
Saturday, Apr 14, 2018, 04:00 PM
Nash Farm, Grapevine Texas 626 Ball St, Grapevine, Texas 76051
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OTHER CAMPUS NEWS
LAST CHANCE TO ORDER A YEARBOOK - DUE BY APRIL 17th
Last chance to purchase a yearbook! You can purchase online using the link below or turn in this form to the front office by Tuesday, April 17th with $20. Payment may be cash or check made out to Cannon Elementary. If you purchase your yearbook online, you have the opportunity to design 2 personal pages for free. Personal pages are an option but not required. If you choose to turn this form into the office with your money, you will not be able to complete personal pages.
Author Visit @ Cannon Coming Soon! 3rd-5th Grade
We are so excited to announce that author of Mustaches for Maddie, Shelly Brown, will present to our 3rd-5th grade students on April 18th from 8:00-9:00 am in the library.
This book, appropriate for students in 3rd grade and older is based on the true story of the authors’ daughter, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor when she was eleven years old. It tells the story of how she courageously battled her illness and conquered her fears while embodying a spirit of compassion, humor, and grace throughout her health setbacks and the trials of navigating middle school.
Students can preorder a copy of her book, Mustaches for Maddie, for $15.00 and she will sign copies on the day of her visit. See information below about pre-ordering a book. Pre-orders are due by April 6th.
Click here to see a video preview and read more information about this book!
Kindergarten Registration 2018-2019
Thanks for helping us round up our incoming Cubs!
Kindergarten-3rd Parents- Ready Rosie is HERE!
Our school now has access to a wonderful program called Ready Rosie!!
If you have a child in Kindergarten-3rd grade, you should have received an email or text from Ready Rosie to invite you to join!! All you have to do is accept the invitation and complete the registration process! If you have not yet signed up, please do so asap! Your Kindergarten-3rd grade teachers have some great videos they want to share with you.
We will be using Ready Rosie to communicate with you and to provide meaningful activities that you can do at home to support your child’s learning. Ready Rosie is a simple tool to:
• Hear what we are doing in the classroom
• Discover activities and games you can play that relate to classroom learning
• Have more fun than ever with your child through meaningful interactions!
The best part is that each activity/ game is modeled in a 2 minute video so you and your child can watch together and then play the game! You will receive these videos and communication via text message and/ or email.
YOU play an essential role in the education and well-being of your child. Ready Rosie exists to support you in that role!
Does YOUR child want to be part of a fun dance party? They can join us by having great AttenDANCE for the rest of the year!
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NEWS FROM CANNON PTA
PTA QUICK PICKS!
This week's "quick picks" of reminders & information from PTA:
Cannon Country Cookout is coming soon! Join us for Cannon's Country Cookout on Saturday, April 14 for singin', dancin' and an all-around good time. Cannon Choirs will perform their Spring Concert followed by students and parents dancing folk dances learned in music class. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and more will be available for purchase from Dads' Club. Pre-purchase meal tickets here. Cash only at the event. We will hold a PTA general meeting and vote on the 2018-19 executive board members. Volunteers needed for Country Cookout, sign up today!
Rachel's Challenge Rally at CHHS on April 21. The rally includes a 5K run and community fair. Register for the 5K run (free for students)
Cubs Night Out at Spring Creek BBQ on April 24. Plan to eat dinner at Spring Creek BBQ and Cannon PTA receives funds based on number of students attending.
Stay connected by following Cannon PTA on social media. Click here to "like" the PTA Facebook page. Follow them on Twitter @CannonPTA.
Cubs Night Out @ Spring Creek BBQ
Tuesday, Apr 24, 2018, 05:00 PM
Spring Creek BBBQ 315 State Highway 114W, Grapevine, Texas 76051
COLLEYVILLE RECEIPT RACE! HELP CANNON WIN $5000 BY SIMPLY SHOPPING IN COLLEYVILLE!
SOME TIPS for THIS AMAZING RECEIPT RACE:
- The total number of receipts is what will be counted, not the value spent;
- photocopies of receipts are acceptable (in case you need to keep yours);
- you may redact any identifying info (your name, etc.);
- receipts from ANY Colleyville business (not just those along 26 corridor) that are dated anytime during the month of April will count
Prizes will be awarded by the City of Colleyville, with the funds to be paid to the winning PTA's. So, let's spread the word and help stimulate some businesses that have been affected by the construction!
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NEWS FROM GCISD
Rachel's Challenge Rally - April 21st
Rachel's Challenge Rally and 5K - April 21st
The 2018 Theme for Rachel's Challenge Rally is Choose Kindness
Rachel's Challenge Rally and Community Fair is April 21, 2108, at Colleyville Heritage High School. Join us for a morning of fun, celebrations and healthy choices.
- 5K will begin at 7 a.m.
- Community Fair will be from 8-11 a.m.
- Students and GCISD employees may participate in the 5K for free!
Click here for more information and to register for the 5K.
PLEASE DONATE! Paper Towels & EARBUDS
As part of our support for Rachel's Challenge, Cannon has been asked to collect donations of paper towels and earbuds. All donations will support the 2018-2019 GCISD Back To School Fair.
Please drop all donations in the office for Mrs. Coburn
Summer Enrichment Registration Now Open!
Summer Enrichment Courses (June 11-July 20)
KidZU Camps (June 4-August 17)
Cross Timbers Middle School
2301 Pool Road Grapevine, Texas 76051
Attention Parents of 5th Graders - GMS Band Instrument Selection Starts Soon!
Is your 5th grader interested in being in the GMS Pony Band next year?
If your 5th grade student is interested in being in the band, the process of determining what instrument they will play is beginning soon! To select an instrument, each student and a parent will have a personal interview (approximately 30 minutes) with the band directors, Mrs. Gish and Mr. Holmes. During the interview, they will learn how basic sounds on the instruments are produced and students will have the opportunity to try different instruments. The goal of the interview is to come to agreement on their top 3 instrument choices.
Check out this GMS band website to see and hear the different instruments!
After all interviews are complete, students will be informed of which choice he/she will be playing and will be provided information about getting their instrument and/or
supplies.
Interviews will be in the Grapevine Middle School Band Room and may be scheduled on
Tuesday, April 3rd, Wednesday, April 4th, Thursday, April 5th from 5-7:00 p.m., or Monday, April 23rd, Tuesday, April 24th, Wednesday, April 25th from 4:00-7:00 PM.
To schedule your interview, please call the school @ 817-251-5660, and speak with Mrs. Montes De Oca anytime between 8:30 AM and 3:30 PM. She will work with you to find a convenient and available time. If these days just won’t work, let her know and we will contact you to arrange for a time that will. You may also respond via email if you would prefer to jennifer.gish@gcisd.net.
GCISD Walk of Honor Nomination
Do you know anyone with GCISD ties that you feel should be inducted its inaugural Walk of Honor? When Mustang-Panther stadium opens next fall, eight individuals will be honored during the Mustang-Panther game for their great contributions to our district. This will be an annual event that honors great people who have left a positive mark on GCISD. Let your voice be heard! Let us know of people who have positively impacted GCISD in the last 100 plus years of our district’s existence. Click on the link below to fill out a nomination form.
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OTHER NEWS TO CHECK OUT!
You ART What You Eat Art Competition
The Texas Department of Agriculture's (TDA) annual You ART What You Eat art competition deadline for 2018 is quickly approaching. Encourage your student to be creative and get involved in this year's campaign to promote healthy school meals. There is still time to enter, so tell all artistic young Texas to submit their entries before 5 p.m. April 20, 2018. For more information on the contest, click here.
Nominate A Top Teacher!
The Fort Worth Magazine holds an annual contest to recognize top teachers in the area! It's time to make a nomination for a teacher that YOU would like to see recognized!
Amazon Smile
Shopping on Amazon? Purchase on Amazon Smile and they'll give 0.5% to Cannon PTA. Bookmark this link and support us every time you shop! http://smile.amazon.com/ch/75-2454480
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QUICK LINKS FOR PARENTS
I want to make you aware of where you can see information and resources, specifically about the Cannon construction project. Also, check out the awesome exterior renderings of our new school below!!
Please reach out to me to let me know of any questions you may have about this project. This is a VERY exciting time for our Cannon school community and I want to make sure all of our Cannon families stay informed!
Click here to see project updates on all GCISD Bond programs
Click here to sign up for construction updates by email about the Cannon project!
STEM IN GCISD BLOG
This blog will have the most updated information about upcoming events specific to Cannon, GMS STEM, and the future STEM program at GHS.
Cannon Elementary: A GCISD STEM School
Email: tona.blizzard@gcisd.net
Website: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/1428
Location: 1300 W College St, Grapevine, TX, United States
Phone: 817-251-5680
Facebook: facebook.com/CannonSTEM
Twitter: @canSTEM