NEWS FROM THE CORRAL
January 15, 2017
Good afternoon Pony Families,
The past week was busy for our Ponies. All adjusted to the school routine and extra-curricular activities kept the week full. 8th grade parents attended a presentation by our GHS and CHHS Counselors sharing information on course selection for high school. Both principals, Lance Groppel and David Denning, were available to answer parent questions and the evening was a complete success. Thank you for taking care of our Ponies.
Collegiate Academy held their Open House on Monday night and our former GMS counselor, Tiffany Cunningham, visited upcoming Phoenix students on Friday. Our 8th graders are growing up and moving into the next chapter of their education!
Friday morning we held PTA sponsored our second Outstanding Student Breakfast. This was the largest crowd we've ever hosted! Thank you to students and parents for continuing to work hard and concentrate on learning.
On Saturday our 8th grade A Basketball girls had a successful run in their tournament. They won two out of four games and lost in the Silver Bracket to Dawson MS. Congratulations to all the coaches and players for continuing to improve.
Also on Saturday we had two teams, Triggered Tarantulas and Cyber Potatoes, compete in the First Lego League Robotics 2nd Chance Qualification. Cyber Potatoes are moving on to the North Texas Regional competition on February 24! Congratulations to all who competed.
January is School Board Appreciation month so if you see one of our Board members please thank them for all their efforts to keep GCISD an incredible place for your children.
6th grade parents be sure and read the information on Cotillion which begins this Friday. It's a fun four weeks of learning social skills and etiquette. The flyer for sign up is also in the newsletter as well as the contact information you will need.
Stay warm and we look forward to seeing you at weekly activities.
Linda Young, Principal
ATHLETICS NEWS
BOYS BASKETBALL
The GMS Ponies took on the Coppell East Broncos Monday night. It was a hard fought evening. All teams worked hard and continue to improve!
GIRLS BASKETBALL
8th Grade Lady Ponies had a successful weekend in their tournament. They made it to the Silver Bracket being defeated by Dawson MS. Congratulations to coaches on players for continuing to improve.
Middle School Night @ GHS Friday, Jan 20th- Bus leaves at 4:30 pm
Website for general information on athletics: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Page/31898
ATHLETIC BOOSTER
We are in need of 7th and 8th Grade parent volunteers to to help man the concession stands during basketball games. You can contact Melissa Pavlicin(mrpavlicin@verizon.net) to sign up. Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Thank you for being a part of our GMS Athletic Family.
GMS WEBSITES AND NEWSLETTERS
GMS YEARBOOK
Yearbook order forms will be handed out next week and January 28th is the deadline to personalize them. Deadline for the price ($40) is January 28th as well and then it will increase. Orders can also be placed online at www.yearbookforever.com.
BAND NEWSLETTER
AVID HIGHLIGHTS
https://www.smore.com/6rhha-gms-avid
CHEERLEADER Webpage
http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/1051
PONY PRIDE DANCE TEAM Webpage
http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/1055
DUAL LANGUAGE
https://www.facebook.com/mswiseduallanguageclassroom?fref=ts
DUAL LANGUAGE PARENT FAIR
NEWS FROM OUR COUNSELORS
COUNSELOR FOR ALPHABET L - Z
We are excited to share that Daina Gardner joined us the last week of school and is ready to serve you. Last fall she was working with the counselors at GHS so she already understands the GCISD way! Her email address is daina.gardner@gcisd.net and she has already assisted with setting up spring schedules.
Welcome aboard Ms. Gardner!
GCISD KINDNESS DAY
February 16th is the day GCISD will focus on Kindness pairing with our Rachel's Challenge initiative. Below is the flyer for information on this years RC shirt!
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, click here: http://tip.duke.edu/node/244
Parents may directly enroll their child online at http://tip.duke.edu/node/1275 or via paper applications at any time during the enrollment period, October 1-March 31. 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). A school code will be provided on the Duke Tip website during the enrollment process.
AIM FOR SUCCESS
Your child will be given the opportunity to hear a powerful, live presentation by Aim For Success, Inc., that discusses the advantages of saving sex for marriage. The Aim For Success presentation is fun, interactive and never embarrassing. This program has challenged two million teenagers to focus on their dreams and goals while developing self-control, self-respect, and self-discipline. Aim For Success, a non-profit, educational organization, has received local, state and national recognition for the work they are doing in public schools. You can visit the Aim for Success website at http://www.aimforsuccess.org or contact the school if you have questions.
GMS Student Presentation Dates:
6th Grade—February 8, 2017
STEM NEWS
STEM 7th Grade
7th Grade had an excellent time on the AIAA Destination STEM field trip Tuesday. They were able to participate in several hands on design challenges, talk to aerospace engineers and even take a test flight with Lackheed! Thank you to all the chaperones for making the trip possible.
STEM NEWSLETTER
smore.com/s6k2w
We have started a District STEM Blog to push out news and highlights of things happening at campuses.
http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Page/46067
STEM BOOSTER WEBSITE
GCISD EXPO @ CTMS
From engineering challenges to advanced academics to language immersion and early childhood education, GCISD offers a world of opportunities for students. Families are invited to learn more about these opportunities at the Special Programs Expo on Monday, February 13 from 5:00-7:30 p.m. at Cross Timbers Middle School.
The Expo will feature stations showcasing our STEM programs, ASPIRE Academy, Dual Language, tuition-based pre-kindergarten, Collegiate Academy and AVID programs. In addition to program stations, presentations focusing on the instructional components and benefits of STEM, Dual Language, ASPIRE Academy and tuition-based pre-kindergarten, STEM, Dual Language, ASPIRE Academy and tuition-based pre-kindergarten will be delivered in the lecture hall, the AVID classroom (A3) and library.
Learn more!
PTA NEWS
6th Grade Cotillion
Attention 6th Grade Parents! - Did your child bring home a flyer about Cotillion? It starts on Friday and provides great fun and HUGE reward! Cotillion is a GMS PTA-sponsored 4-week social dance curriculum combined with emphasis on good manners and social etiquette. Each week is a themed celebration with refreshments provided. Cotillion provides young people with a few dance skills as well as the social skills necessary to feel poised and confident throughout their lives. If you haven't received your registration form, a link is attached. Also, you or your child can pick one up in the office."
We'd love some volunteers, please sign up www.SignUpGenius.com/go/409054FAFA62FA57-gms6th
World Wear Project
It’s the start of a fantastic new year and what better time to clean out your closets and donate your used clothing, shoes, purses, backpacks, hats, caps, toys, and stuffed animals. The World Wear Project collection bin is conveniently located outside the GMS Gym entrance. The GMS PTA will receive .12 cents for every pound collected. 100% of the items collected will be reused or recycled. This not only helps our landfills, but also helps others who are less fortunate than we are to have much needed clothing and shoes. Thank you for your support.
January PTA Newsletter below
PTA Website: http://grapevinemiddlepta.wixsite.com/gmspta
PARENT INPUT ON 2017-2018 SCHOOL CALENDAR
I know that many of you have asked about the 2017-2018 school calendar so I wanted to provide you a brief update on its status. I have included a link to the survey in this email. These questions will help us determine what is most important for our parents, teachers, students and community members.
The survey will be open until 4 p.m.on Friday, January 20. Once the district has collected the information, a proposed calendar will be recommended to the District Excellence Committee prior to the Board of Trustees vote on Monday, February 27. We are working diligently to finalize the 2017-2018 school calendar and we appreciate your patience as we work to create the best calendar to cultivate student success.
English Parent/Community: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeQ09NGteBVQF9yEIrjJl-arC221pS925y-HafXH82i-zEEPQ/viewform
Spanish Parent/Community: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDvpLxzFo7I9EYBjW3-HWnAZ9bceRNu5E1MbV8f7qxgevQBA/viewform
GCISD COUNCIL OF PTA'S MEETING WITH LEGISLATORS
MEETING WITH LEGISLATORS
Hello GCISD Council of PTAs General Membership! Happy New Year to all of you! The GCISD Council of PTAs is hosting a Legislative Roundtable Meeting on January 26.
WE WANT AND NEED YOUR VOICE! Please join your fellow GCISD PTA members on January 26th for a Legislative Advocacy Roundtable Discussion hosted by the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Council of PTAs.
MEET and TALK with YOUR area legislators and staff and pick up advocacy tips to use throughout the current 85th Texas Legislative Session.
· Thursday, January 26, 2017
· 6:30-8:00pm (childcare not provided)
· Light refreshments provided
· PDEC (Professional Development and Education Center): 5800 Colleyville Blvd.,
Colleyville, TX 76034
We will give a brief overview of our district PTA's top 5 issues for our legislators to address: 1) Reduce STAAR emphasis, 2) Oppose vouchers and ESA programs, 3) Adequate school funding, 4) Pursue a new accountability system that is valid, reliable and balanced and 5) Clarify the role of school districts on cyber-bullying. (Handouts with more information on each issue will be available at the event.)
Pre-registration is not required, but is highly recommended so we can get a headcount and plan appropriately. To register, scroll down to find your school and RSVP at the following site: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/60b0d45a9a72ca46-legislative.
For questions, please contact your local PTA Legislative Advocacy Chair or President or Doug Noell, GCISD Council of PTAs Legislative Chair (doug_noell@yahoo.com).
GMS ACADEMIC ASSISTANCE SESSIONS
UPDATES FROM NURSE JANSEN
Attention 6th Grade Parents. Per Texas State Law all students entering 7th grade need to provide proof of a tDap and Meningitis shot. In order to clear 6th grade students for 7th grade, RN Jansen is now accepting updated shot records. You may hand-deliver, scan and email to connie.jansen@gcisd.net, or Fax to 817-424-1626.
Feb 22 is 8th grade Scoliosis screening.
GCISD NEWS
SUPERINTENDENT DR. ROBIN RYAN
Thursday the Texas Education Agency released the provisional A-F ratings as part of House Bill 2804. These ratings were released ahead of the Legislative session which began on Tuesday, January 10. Please watch the following video to see GCISD's stance on the ratings and find out how you can help all public schools in Texas.
January is School Board Recognition Month
January 2017 is School Board Recognition--a great time to focus on the crucial role our GCISD Trustees play in the community and in our schools. Learn more about this All-Star Team by visiting our Board of Trustees website, and take a moment to thank a trustee.
Meet your GCISD Trustees (Check out their videos!)
- Leon Leal, President, Place 6
- Jesse G. Rodríguez, Vice President, Place 5
- Lisa Pardo, Secretary, Place 4
- Mindy McClure, Place 1
- Becky St. John, Place 2
- Louie Sullins, Place 3
- Jorge Rodríguez, Place 7
STUDENT VIDEO CONTEST
WHY OUR SCHOOL ROCKS VIDEO
Show the World Why Your School ROCKS! What makes your school exceptional? Why do you love it so much? How has your school earned the support of the community? What makes Texas public schools the best choice? Make a video to show the world why your school ROCKS! You just might win some money for your classroom or campus! For more information, click here.
GCISD is Now Hiring!
Many opportunities are available in our auxiliary departments:
· Nutrition Specialists -PT w/ benefits – work while your students are in school!
· Kidzu Site Aide – PT w/benefits – this schedule works well for local college students!
· Night Custodians
· Bus Monitors
· Maintenance Engineers
Apply online at: www.gcisd-k12.org
MUSTANG – PANTHER STADIIUM THE NEW EXPERIENCE
Please view the video from our Superintendent Dr. Robin Ryan introducing exciting news coming to our community.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wHtsHYWwk_Q&feature=youtu.be
GMS MISCELLANEOUS UPDATES AND INFORMATION
DIGITAL CITIZENSHIP FOCUS JANUARY 3 – 13
While we always teach and practice digital citizenship, GCISD places a special focus on this topic at the beginning of the school year and again each January. Please visit the following site for more information.
https://sites.google.com/gcisd.net/digitalcitizenship
Don't forget the GMS Yearbooks are on sale for $35 at www.yearbookforever.com Online ordering is easy!
CHEERLEADER Webpage
http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/1051
PONY PRIDE DANCE TEAM Webpage
http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/1055
DUAL LANGUAGE
https://www.facebook.com/mswiseduallanguageclassroom?fref=ts
BAND NEWSLETTER
WEEK AT A GLANCE
Staff and Student Holiday - No School
Tuesday January 17
7th Boys BBall @ GMS
8th Boys BBall @ Carroll MS
Exito Hispano - Course Selection Presentation - 6:30 Lecture Hall
Wednesday January 18
Academic Assistance Session 7:00 - 7:45 a.m. Lecture Hall
Spelling Bee 8:30 GMS Cafeteria
Thursday January 19
8th Girls BBall @ Coppell N
7th Girls BBall @ GMS
Friday January 20
Boys A Team Basketball Tournament
6th Grade Cotillion - See Flyer -
Future Dates
STEM Showcase @ GMS 6:00 - 8:00
Progress Reports - January 27