CTMS Principal's Pen
Week of November 12-16, 2018
Good Afternoon Wolf Family,
We ended the week on a great note last Friday with our annual Veterans Day program. Many of you were in attendance and some were even our distinguished guests- Veterans. Thank you! I'm proud to serve in a district that promotes civic responsibilities. I believe it is befitting to take time out of our day to honor those men and women who allow & protect the freedoms we so enjoy. If you are or were a member of our country's Armed Forces, today we say to you thank you! Enjoy your well deserved day. You are our living heroes. There is much more to share in this week's newsletter so let's have a look, shall we?
(Note- There will not be a Principal's Pen the next two Sundays, November 18th and November 25th. We will resume our newsletter on Sunday, December 2nd)
Happy Thanksgiving
GCISD Community Showcase at Cross Timbers Middle School
Have you ever wondered what goes on inside of a GCISD classroom? Have you ever been curious about how LEAD 2021 looks in action? Join GCISD for the first Community Showcase at Cross Timbers Middle School on November 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m for a tour led by students and staff. This opportunity is limited to the first 20 participants. Click here to sign up for this Community Showcase.
English & Computer Classes for Parents - November 12th & 14th (8:30 - 10:00 am)
Interested in Presenting @ CTMS Career Day- February 22, 2019?
We are in the beginning process of planning for our third annual CTMS Career Day. This year it will take place on Friday, February 22, 2019. We have morning, afternoon, or whole day shifts available. If this seems like something you are interested in being a part of just fill out the attachment below. Be a part of this rewarding experience for our Wolves. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for all of our presenters! More information to come as we near this event.
Scenes from Career Day 2018
Credit by Exam
Students, in grades 6 through 12, currently enrolled in the District can receive credit for an academic course or subject area, in which the student has had no prior instruction, with a passing score of 80% or higher on an exam approved by the district’s Board of Trustees. If you’d like more information or want to sign up, please see one of your school counselors. Registration for the February CBE will be open through January 11th. You can also find more information at CBE.
Christmas Cottage Applications now available!
With Christmas right around the corner, CTMS is partnering with GRACE's Christmas Cottage again this year. If you would like to participate in this program that provides new, unwrapped gifts to families facing financial hardship, please fill out the School Verification Form. Families who return the completed School Verification Form will be given an Intake Packet to enroll in the Christmas Cottage program to receive Christmas gifts. Paper copies are also available in the Counseling Office for students to pick up or in the front office. Please return the completed School Verification Form to Mrs. Matthews by Friday, December 7th, 2018.
If you do not want/need to participate in this program but would like to support a family in need, you may contact Lori Stevens, Christmas Cottage Coordinator: lstevens@GRACEGrapevine.org
817-992-4690 or Mrs. Matthews: camille.matthews@gcisd.net 817-251-5323.
469 Tips (817) 469-8477
Here’s an article about popular social media sites that many tweens and teens use on a daily basis https://bit.ly/2lwxGJR, talk to your teen about their online presence and the importance of online safety and reporting. Reports can be made in person and all wolves have access to the Friends For Life anonymous reporting tool:
-Call: 817-469-TIPS (8477)
-Text: TIP117 PLUS YOUR MESSAGE to 274637
-Online: www.469tips.com
-Smartphone App: CCS/FFL
Collegiate Academy Registration for 2019-2020
Attention all 8th graders interested in Collegiate Academy! Collegiate Academy is an Early College High School that is designed for students to earn a diploma and an Associate's Degree (60 hours of college credit) simultaneously, and it's all free. The online application for the GCISD Collegiate Academy at TCC Northeast will go live at 12:00 AM on Thursday, November 1st! 8th graders must complete an application in order to be considered for acceptance as an incoming freshmen during the 2019-2020 school year. This year, students may access the application directly from our Collegiate Academy website! Due to the success and popularity of this program, it is encouraged that every student who is interested in possibly joining the Phoenix Family to submit an application as soon as possible as space will be limited. The Collegiate Academy application will be available online from November 1, 2018 through January 18, 2019. The link to their school website is: ca.gcisd.net. Applications can also be found in the counseling office with Mr. Flores and Ms. Griffin.
FLYER
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-LQ2mdywd7FdENQdzJSckd5Y1dsZWtVVk1BbnRrNTZmUTFN/view?usp=sharing
APPLICATION
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-LQ2mdywd7FLWtIZUhOV0N1UGQzTEg3UjFjVDk2WThGajA0/view?usp=sharing
APPLICATION (Spanish)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-LQ2mdywd7FNU1CSkVsYUV6aDBlblVWMXo5UjA3TDdzTFVj/view?usp=sharing
Grace of Grapevine Upcoming Seasonal Programs
Parents, there are so many ways to give to a family in need this holiday season! Consider giving in the following ways to Grace of Grapevine as they serve so many of our Wolves in need. Thoughts and prayers are also welcomed!
Volunteer your time at the cottage/bake cookies for volunteers (12 dozen needed daily)
Host a collection drive within your group (ex. gift cards, food items, new toy drive)
Monetary donations to the Grace Christmas Holiday Fund at gracegrapevine.org
Contact Lori Stevens lstevens@GRACEGrapevine.org 817-488-7009 ext. 329 for more information.
Grace of Grapevine Holiday Food Drive Needs
Exist to serve those in need by providing warm meals for families to enjoy over the holidays. Each food basket includes a turkey, fruits, vegetables and kitchen staples for at least four meals. Thanks to your generous support last year, GRACE was able to provide 405 Thanksgiving meals and 372 Christmas meals to families in need. The estimated value of each food basket is $75.00.
Shopping List
· Sweet Potatoes
· Canned Fruit
· Instant Potatoes
· Cranberry Sauce
· Canned Chicken Broth
· Canned Mushroom Soup (10.5oz)
· Sugar (2 or 5 lb)
· Flour (2 or 4lb)
· Cooking Oil
· Instant Stuffing
· Gravy (instant or canned)
· Pancake Mix
· Syrup
· Canned Pumpkin
· French Fried Onions (6oz)
If you want to contribute, please drop off your donated items at the GRACE Food Pantry before 11/16/2018 for Thanksgiving and by 12/14/2018 for Christmas.
(**Please note, drop off location may change some time in December when we move back to our full-time Pantry. Please call Rusty to confirm location.)
Drop off Location:
307 W. Dallas Rd.
Grapevine, Texas 76051
Operating Hours:
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 9:00 a.m.-5 p.m. &
Wed 12:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Contact:
Rusty Thigpen, Food Pantry Manager
817-305-4676
Grace Christmas Cottage (Opens December 10th-22nd)
Provides new, unwrapped gifts to families facing financial hardship due to limited income or recent emergency. Over 2,700 individuals and families are served at Christmas Cottage each holiday season. The 2018 Grace Christmas Cottage is located at 1250 William D Tate; Grapevine, TX. 76051 in the Grapevine Towne Center between Petco and Joann Fabrics.
Grace Toy Wish List
Wrapping paper, tape, bows, wire ribbon, and batteries are always needed. All toy donations must be new and unwrapped.
CHILDREN
Disney Anything
Dolls of Color / Newer Baby Dolls
Easy Bake Ovens
Science Kits / Science Toys
All Board Games
Infant Toys / FP Little People
Lego Sets All Type
Fur Real Pets
Marvel /Action Figure Toys
Hot Wheel Track Sets
Little Live Pets
Arts & Craft Kits
Anything Unicorn
LOL Dolls
Don’t Step In It - Game
Cars & Trucks
Current Action Figures
Barbie Accessories Cars, Tents, Pools Etc.
Infant /Toddler clothes
Shopkins / Polly Pockets
Pokemon
Woodzeezz / Fingerlings
My Generation Dolls & Accessories
Nerf Toys (For Boys & Girls)
Remote-Controlled Cars
Discovery / STEM Toys
Sesame St. Toys / Paw Patrol
Hatchimals
Harry Pottery Anything
Star Wars Anything
Toddler Toys Ages 1-3
Twin Bedding / Full
Educational Toys
TEENS
Cologne (Girls/Boys)
GIFT CARDS: Wal-Mart Target, Fast Food,
Remote Control Cars, Helicopter, Boats
Mountain Bikes/Helmets
Axe Fragrance Kits boys & girls
Bath & Body Works Lotions, Etc.
Bedroom Accessories
Cowboy, Stars, Mavericks, Rangers
b- fit Watch sets
Drones
Electronic Tablets
Fleece Bottoms Boy and Girl
Star Wars Anything
Sweatshirts- XS, S, M, L with Logos
Make-Up Sets / Nail Polish sets
Electric Razors
Large Art sets
Teen Bedding Sets
Teen Board Games
Luggage
Hair Straighteners & Curling Irons
ADULTS/FAMILY
Toaster Ovens / Blenders
Small Microwave Oven
Cookware Sets
Coffee Makers
Dish Sets Serving 8
Electric Griddles
George Foreman Grills
Gift Certificates
Irons
Small Vacuums
6th Grade Cotillion Meeting- December 4th @ 3 PM (Library)
COTILLION 2019! PARENTS! GUARDIANS! You can still sign up to help us make Cotillion 2019 the best, yet! And THANKS to those of you who already submitted form. You'll be hearing from us after Thanksgiving break.
For those who have not filled out Cotillion Volunteer Form, here it is:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1EEMzCoSJ95hSQpwre3xrpRKtvk1gZhsNyK4dSC0NixE/edit?usp=drivesdk
Please sign up by clicking on link above or, attend our 30-minute planning meeting Tues. Dec 4 at 3 pm, Library.
We are excited about this event and will see you Dec. 4th.
Your Cotillion Co-chairs, Laurie H. ACKERMANN and Jenifer RICHARDS
Wolf Family, help us reach our goal of 100% PTA Membership this year! We need 287 more members by the end of this year to accomplish our important goal!
Who can join CTMS PTA?
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, your CommYOUnity and all CTMS STUDENTS!
Perks for being a CTMS PTA:
Join today:
www.joinpta.org ($1.50 convivence fee applies online)
We can do this all with your help! *CTMS students who join this month will be entered into a drawing to win a special treat. Thank you for your continued support!- CTMS PTA
Volunteers Wanted!
Want to get involved? Parent volunteers make CTMS great! Volunteer for one of the many opportunities throughout the school year for parent’s to volunteer. There are one time volunteer activities as well as some that happen multiple times throughout the school year. Click on the following link to learn about the volunteer opportunities and to sign up to volunteer.
Monthly Volunteer Hours- PLease Report
It’s time to log in your volunteer hours! If you volunteered during the month of October, please click on the link below to log in your volunteer hours. This includes any volunteering you did for PTA, a teacher or staff member, or CTMS booster clubs like band, choir, cheer, athletics, theater, Dad’s Club, etc. Pretty much anything CTMS related we want to know about it! Thanks to all of our fantastic CTMS volunteers!
CTMS Athletic Booster Club
To order, click on link below.
CTMS sweatshirt & hat order forms bring to the front office. Any questions contact Laurie Crisci at Lauriecrisci@gmail.com
Student Clubs & Organizations
Students Standing Strong
Students Standing Strong meetings take place every Friday from 7:20 am - 8:00 am and in the afternoon from 3:30 - 4:10 pm in room A3. Students participating in Students Standing Strong in the mornings will need to enter through the main entrance and our office staff will buzz them in.
Student Council (StuCo)
In correlation with NJHS we will be hosting a pancake mix fundraiser to be donated to GRACE Grapevine. If possible please bring pancake mix and syrup donations to Mrs. Teeter, Mrs. Dieterich, or Ms. Carpenters room by December 12th. Thank you for helping our local families have a happy holiday season!
All student council members need to join our Google Classroom and Remind 101 pages to stay up to date!
NJHS
Our next meeting will be this Tuesday 11/13. Students have been requested to bring travel sized items to donate for the homeless. Suggestions for donation items include: Travel size soaps or shampoos, hand sanitizer, socks, and granola bars. Thank you for your support!
Cheer Fundraiser
Ceramics Club Meeting- December 3rd
Ceramics club will have the next meeting on Monday, December 3, 2018 from 3:30 -4:30 p.m. in Room E-2. We will be glazing our holiday angels.
Theatre Arts
Students in Theatre are working hard on their monologues! The big performances start on December 10, so this is their last week to rehearse! Playbill is going to be traveling on December 6th to perform their children’s theatre production of “Bedtime Stories (As Told By Our Dad)(Who Messed Them Up) for students at Glenhope and Timberline. At the same time, they are auditioning for our next production, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream!” Here they are working hard to get ready to audition!
Band
Be sure to follow us on social media
- Twitter - @ctms_wolfband
- Facebook - @CrossTimbersMSBand
- Instagram - @ctmswolfband
- Website - www.crosstimbersmsband.com
BEGINNER BAND
Wednesday, December 5th - Beginner Band Rehearsal #1
This mandatory rehearsal is the first of only two rehearsals that we will have before our very first concert. We are excited to bring our beginner students together! This rehearsal will take place in the CTMS Band Hall from 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Tuesday, December 11th - Beginner Band Rehearsal #2
This mandatory rehearsal is the final rehearsal before our first concert. This rehearsal will take place in the CTMS SAC from 3:30 - 4:45 p.m.
Wednesday, December 12th
CTMS Band Winter Concert
CTMS Gym @ 6:30 p.m.
Percussion Report Time - 5:30 p.m. in order to move equipment and set up
Band report time - 6:15 p.m. seated in the gym ready for warm up
Attire (no specific color requirement):
Ladies - Dressed up in a dress, skirt or dress pants and dress shoes
Gentlemen - Dress shoes, dress socks, dress pants, dress belt, dress shirt & tie
ALL CTMS BAND MEMBERS, GRADES 6 - 8
Monday, December 17th (optional event)
Dallas Winds Christmas Concert (This is one of the premier ensembles in the nation)
Professional Band Concert (www.dallaswinds.org)
Concert at The Meyerson in Dallas @ 7:30 p.m.
Cost is $21.00 per person - this is due by December 6th (one bus only)
School transportation will be provided to and from this event
Attire for this event is dressy, similar our Winter Concert
We will eat dinner before the concert at El Fenix in Dallas, you will need $10 for dinner
Estimated time of arrival back at CTMS is between 10:30-11:00 p.m.
Total amount due is $31.00 on or before December 6th. Checks should be made payable to CTMS Band.
Parents are welcome to attend with us and take advantage of this discounted ticket price
Please order tickets using the following link: https://goo.gl/forms/2lcXeaY8aejxH7u63
Detailed itinerary for this event is available using this link: https://goo.gl/DCZ9gi
Winter Concert Coming!
Students are working on getting their music memorized and performance ready. We are working on sight reading and leadership skills, emphasizing student voice, and their ability to stand in front of the classroom and lead. We have some great solo, and small group acts during our Winter Concert, we even have a couple surprises. We hope you can make it for our upcoming events! Especially, our Winter Holiday Concert, December 4th from 6:30-8 PM at the Grapevine High School Auditorium.
UPCOMING EVENTS
November 30th Holiday Tour at Glenhope Elementary at 9:00 AM- Con Brio Perform
November 30th District Choir Event- Advanced Girls and Men’s Chorale Perform
December 1st Breakfast With Santa Performance at 8:30 AM-Con Brio Perform
December 4th Holiday Concert at GHS at 6:30 PM- All Choirs Perform
December 10th Holiday Tour at O.C. Taylor at 9:00 AM- Con Brio Perform
Off Campus P.E.
OCPE - Please make sure you are filling out your weekly time logs and are prepared to turn in them in to Coach Harper by the due dates on the bottom of the sheets!
http://crosstimbersms-gcisd.ss18.sharpschool.com/activities/physical_education/o_c_p_e
Wolves' Athletics
Girls' Athletics
Website: http://crosstimbersms-gcisd.ss18.sharpschool.com/activities/athletics/athletics-_girls/
Upcoming Games:
11/12 - Basketball/CC Parent Meeting - 6-7 in the Lecture Hall
11/14 - 7th/8th CC meet at Coppell West - 4 pm start
Boys' Athletics
Basketball- Dec 3rd at Coppell West- B/5 pm, A/6 pm, C/7 pm
Dec 6th at Coppell West- B/5 pm, A/6 pm, C/7 pm
Cross Country: Dec 5th at Colleyville beginning at 4 pm
Website: https://ctms.gcisd.net/activities/athletics/athletics-_boys/
7th & 8th Grade Football District Champions
CONGRATULATIONS to 7th and 8th A football Teams for winning the District Championship this season. A special thanks goes to the coaching staff for all of their hard work and sacrifice to accomplish this goal!
Spanish III PAP
AVID- Overcoming Fears
How do you overcome fears to achieve success? 8th Grade AVID students face fears head on with a visit from a python and ball rat. Our guest speaker focused on facing fears and pursuing dreams for college and success.
Modern History and the George W. Bush Library
Seventh-grade ASPIRE students visited The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, where they learned more about Bush’s domestic and foreign policies, including his response to 9/11. They will be drawing upon information from this part of our modern history as they engage in a Model UN simulation and then embark upon a study of revolutions in December.
All Around the World
6th Grade
Students went on a virtual field trip this past Monday to Ancient Egypt. They visited the Nile River, Egyptian temples, the Pyramids, and Egyptian tombs. You should have hard the excitement in the library on Monday!
Students started Unit 4 which goes over North Africa and Southwest Asia. They researched the demographics of 6 countries and compared 3 religions. We have had some great discussions this week!
All Around America
8th Grade
Students are finishing up learning about the United States Constitution. They will next be learning about the new United States Republic in the 1790’s. Check your child’s grades for missing assignments or any work that needs to be redone.
Students used their linear vocabulary to guess another student’s line in a game called Polygraph.
Energy and Solar Power Exploration
This week in 6th grade science we explored energy transformations. Here are some students investigating various hands-on energy transformation station activities. We also went outside to conduct a solar balloon experiment with radiant energy from the Sun!
Reading Benefit of the Week- Improves Vocabulary Skills
Sora
Have you seen the new Sora app?! It is the app that was developed to work with Overdrive. It’s FREE and allows your student to easily download e-books and audiobooks to any device. Parents, click on the link below for more information.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LmrENKQFPq2YfAy4vBQi4l08fbzXKnk9HahA1Y0zHhc/edit?usp=sharing
Overdrive
Overdrive
If you haven’t checked out Overdrive, you’re missing out on some fantastic books! In addition, this year we have the new app, Sora, which allows students to download e-books and audiobooks to a phone.
All Books Due April 26th
Next summer our Learning Commons will be renovated, which means I’ll be spending the last month packing books away. Because of this, we’ll need all books returned by the end of April. If students are already familiar with Overdrive and Sora, this will be much easier when the e-books and audiobooks are their ONLY option!
Nurse's Corner
Spinal Screening
December 6th is spinal screening day for all 7th grade girls and all 8th grade boys !
This screening is required by the State of Texas Law and is simple and noninvasive.
Please be sure to read the letter that has been sent home with your student about this screening and feel free to call me with any questions you may have.
If you have a student in 6th grade, please make sure I have a copy of your student’s most recent
Vaccinations. If you are not sure feel free to call me or you can check their record in Skyward.
All 6th graders will need the Tdap and MCV (meningococcal) vaccines by the time they begin 7th grade. These vaccinations are often given at the 11 year old well-check exam.
Also be sure you and your loved ones have had their flu vaccine ! The flu virus can easily spread to
major organs in the body causing serious complications and even death. Let’s protect our young and older folks by getting a flu vaccine .
*I can be reached at 817-251-5337 or by email at karol.flowers@gcisd.net*
HPV Vaccination (Ages 11 - 12)
Protect yourself from the FLU - BE WISE - IMMUNIZE
The Texas Medical Association advises everyone 6 months of age and older to get a yearly flu shot. Be sure to get your flu vaccine as soon as possible - remember it can take 2 weeks to become fully protected against the flu ! Stay well during the holidays!
Upcoming Events
12/1- Math Science Meet @ CTMS
12/3- 8th Girls Bball vs West (H)
12/4 - Choir Concert @ CTMS / 6:30 pm
12/5- Cross Country Meet @ CHHS
12/6-Grapevine Parade of Lights
12/6-Nurse's Clinic Spinal Screening
12/6- 7th Girls Bball vs West (H); 8th Boys Bball vs West (A); Grapevine Parade of Lights
12/7- GCISD Hour of Code (Wolf Time)
12/8-All Region MS Band Clinic and Concert @ CTMS
12/12-Band Winter Concert / 6:30-8:30 pm
12/21 end of 9 Weeks-Early Release
12/24 - 1/4/19-Winter Break