Colt Corner
Colleyville Middle School
January 22, 2020
Colts,
It’s been a great week here in Colt Country. Today, our 6th graders took their StrengthsFinder test and learned their Top 3 strengths from Strengths Explorer. We are excited about digging deeper into these results in the coming weeks to learn more about their strengths. At CMS, we know that recognizing, understanding, and capitalizing on an individual's strengths is just another way we can have success in school and in life. Have a wonderful weekend!
David Arencibia, Ed.D.
CMS Principal
Facebook: Colleyville Middle School
Twitter: @CmsColts
#TeamCMS - #cmscelebrates - #CMSstrengths
B.E.S.T. - Building Excellent Schools Together
UPCOMING DATES/EVENTS
January 25 - Gallup Strengths & Student Explorer makeup day
January 25 - 7th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
January 28 - 8th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 1 - 7th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 3 - Progress Reports
February 4 - 8th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 8 - 7th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 11 - 7th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 23 - Incoming 6th Grade Night (Virtual) - Details TBA
In this Edition of the Colt Corner:
* 8th Grade Boys Basketball Clips - 1st quarter clips of last nights A-team game.
* Learning Commons (Library) Smore
* GCISD CMS Stars Dance Team Newsletter
* CMS Stars Dance Auditions
* Incoming 6th Grade Information (Virtual) Night - Tuesday, February 23rd flyer.
* Assessment Information - State required assessments
* Student Spring Survey
* GCISD Virtual Multicultural Fair
* Colleyville Police Department needs Crossing Guards
* CHHS Pantera Spring Fling Dance Showcase
* COVID-19 Prevalence Study
* 7th Grade Girls Basketball Clips - Full game clips of Wednesday's game.
Counselors Corner:
* 8th Grade Finalizing Course Requests & Selecting Alternate Courses
* Meetings with High School Counselors: Feb 4th
* CHHS Panther Showcase Jan. 25
* Collegiate Academy Registration
* 7th TECC Tour and Course Selection
* 7th Course Selection
* 6th Course Selection
* Play It Safe Student Lessons
* Character Strong
* Family Character Dare: Click On!
* Friends For Life Hotline
Repeated Information:
* GCISD Update
* Last Chance to Purchase a Yearbook
* Scholarship Opportunity for 7th Grade Students
* Tuition Based Pre-K Lottery - The Pre-K Tuition Based lottery application closes tonight at 10:00 p.m. on January 15, 2021
* GCISD Language Assessment Center Online Courses for Adult
* PreAP Label Change - Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, GCISD will be implementing the title change to “Advanced” for all courses formerly known as Pre-AP.
* STEM and Dual Language Lottery
* Spring 2021 School Guide - Spring 2021 Guide sent out via past district communication
* 3rd Nine Weeks Closing Window - Late assignments and UIL eligibility dates
* UIL Calendar
8th Grade Boys Basketball Clips
Learning Commons (Library) Smore
Assessment Information
As we move into the spring semester, we begin preparing for additional state required assessments including TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System) and STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness). We have received guidance from the Texas Education Agency that to ensure equity for all students, a student must be present at a monitored testing session and must be supervised by a trained test administrator to participate in the Texas assessment program.
Therefore, all students who have selected remote instruction will need to be present on campus on these testing dates as applicable. Our assistant principals, Mr. Niemeyer and Mrs. Menard will send out information as we get closer to the administration of these assessments.
Student Spring Survey
Growing our students’ social-emotional skills is an important goal in GCISD. We strive to create global citizens who are skilled problem solvers, effective communicators, self-regulated learners and collaborative workers through our Portrait of a Graduate. In order to identify areas of strength, needs, and support, students will be completing an online survey similar to the survey they participated in during the fall semester. This survey aligns with Goal 2 of LEAD 2.0: designing learning environments that support social and emotional well-being and Goal 3: creating a culture that fosters learning environments that reflect student voice and promote student engagement.
The data we get back will help inform our educational practices and will help us continue to identify opportunities for growth and development across the District.
Beginning on Monday, January 25 through Friday, February 5, students will have the opportunity to complete the online survey during a designated class time. For students who are engaging in remote learning, an activity will be loaded into SeeSaw/Canvas with instructions for participation. Please be on the lookout for specific communication from your student’s teacher about this survey.
The survey for students in third through twelfth-grade will ask a series of questions on the following topics: grades, classes, performance in school, behavior, student voice, and learning. Students in sixth through twelfth-grade will be asked an additional set of questions related to diversity. Students in pre-kindergarten through second grade will be assessed on teacher perception of grit, self-management, social awareness, self-efficacy and learning strategies. The information collected will be used by the teacher and campus leaders to provide necessary support for all students.
If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact your campus counselor.
GCISD Virtual Multicultural Fair
GCISD is proud to be a part of a culturally diverse community. Our families come from various cultural backgrounds and speak numerous languages.
This May, the GCISD Diversity Advisory Council will be hosting a GCISD Virtual Multicultural Fair and we need YOU! We are looking for volunteers to showcase their own country, culture, or heritage.
Here are some ideas of ways to get involved: Create a slideshow about the country or culture you represent. You could also show examples of toys, books, arts and crafts and so much more! Or you could demonstrate how a particular musical instrument or an unusual kitchen tool works. It would be fun to show us how to play a certain popular game. How about a simple cooking demonstration of a famous dish or a demonstration of a cultural art technique, a dance step or a popular sport? The choice is yours!
If you're interested in participating as an individual or family, please fill out and submit this form by January 29.
Colleyville Police Department needs School Crossing Guards!
COVID-19 Prevalence Study
Join the DFW COVID-19 Prevalence Study to help researchers better understand how common COVID-19 is in Dallas and Tarrant counties. By volunteering, you will help guide decisions being made in our communities to keep you and your family safe and healthy. The study is being conducted by UT Southwestern and Texas Health Resources.
To participate in the study, visit www.utswmed.org/covidstudy and complete a brief survey.
- Some people will then be asked to complete a brief survey and offered free COVID-19 testing and a $20 gift card.
- Others will be asked to complete a 10-minute survey about their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every 50th person who submits a completed survey will receive a $20 gift card.
Estudio de Prevalencia de COVID
Únase al Estudio de Prevalencia de COVID en DFW para ayudar a los investigadores a entender mejor qué tan común es el COVID-19 en los condados de Dallas and Tarrant. Al ser voluntario, usted ayudará a guiar decisiones hechas en nuestras comunidades parar mantenerle a usted y a su familia a salvo y saludable. El estudio está siendo realizado por UT Southwestern y Texas Health Resources.
Para participar en este estudio, visite www.utswmed.org/covidstudy y complete una encuesta breve.
- A algunas personas se les pedirá completar una encuesta breve, y se le ofrecerán pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 y una tarjeta de regalo de $20.
- A otras se les pedirá completar una encuesta de 10 minutos sobre sus experiencias durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Aunque no hay compensación por responder las preguntas adicionales, cada 50ª persona que someta una encuesta completa recibirá una tarjeta de regalo de $20.
Counselors’ Corner for the Week of Jan. 25-29
8th Grade Parents
Finalizing 8th Grade Course Requests & Selecting Alternate Courses: A Google Form created by high school counselors will be emailed to all 8th grade parents/students on Monday, January 25th to change course requests and to add alternate courses for high school scheduling. Every 8th grader MUST fill this form out by Sunday, January 31st.
Meetings with High School Counselors:
January 26 and 27th: High School Counselors will be available during advisory from 1:55-2:35p.m. and after school from 3:30-4:00p.m. on both Jan. 26th and Jan. 27th to meet with students through WebEx to answer any questions students may have about the course selection process. Counselors will not have time to answer questions during the Feb. 4th meetings. For the Q&A, students may log into their counselor’s WebEx waiting room and wait until their counselor is available or they may try one of the other counselors linked below - any counselor should be able to assist students.
February 4th: 8th grade students will meet individually with their high school counselor via Webex and will be given one final opportunity to review their freshman course selections. Meetings will be done through science classes. Each student will only have a couple of minutes to meet with their high school counselor, if students have any questions they would like to ask, they need to attend one of the meetings on January 26th or 27th.
GHS Counselors Personal WebEx Rooms:
Marnie Pape (Last Names A-Cr): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/marnie.pape
Shelly Ray (Last Names Cu-He): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/shelly.ray
Al Marks (Last Names Hi-Me): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/albert.marks
LeeAnn Farris (Last Names Mi-Sch): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/leeann.farris
Katherine Partridge (Last Names Sci-Z): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/katherine.partridge
Mary Parsley (Lead Counselor): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/mary.parsley
CHHS Personal WebEx rooms:
Ann Wang (A-Cro): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/ann.wang
Chandra Manuel (Cru-Holk): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/chandra.manuel
Claudia McWhorter (Holl-Mom): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/claudia.mcwhorter
Leslie Walden (Mon-Schu): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/leslie.walden
Faylinn Habermehl (Sco-Z): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/faylinn.habermehl
Amanda Vargas (Lead): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/amanda.vargas
CHHS Panther Showcase: CHHS will host their annual Panther Showcase Monday, January 25th. This event will be online this year. GHS held their annual Showcase earlier this month. Information about both high schools’ showcases can be found using this link.
STEM Lottery: The GCISD Personalized Programs Lottery is now open. Current 8th graders interested in the high school STEM program may apply using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5In58w8MYrKH-aLo_b7OslXwa-V0gehu6jFDiuZqSPHW9HQ/viewform
Collegiate Academy Registration: Collegiate Academy staff members will be at CMS on the afternoon of Feb. 9th to get students who will be attending CA in the fall of 2021 registered. CMS students who are learning remotely will be interviewed on the morning of Feb. 9th. More information will be coming in the next few weeks.
7th Grade Parents:
TECC Tour: 7th grade students will experience a virtual tour of the GHS TECC (Technology Education & Career Center) on Thursday, Jan. 28th, during advisory. Students will learn about possible programs and career pathways they may pursue in high school and options from which they can select when creating 4 year plans in 8th grade.
Course Selection: Counselors will meet with current 7th grade students on Feb. 16th to discuss 8th grade course selections. On Feb. 23rd, counselors will assist students with entering their course selections into Skyward.
6th Grade Parents:
Course Selection: Counselors will meet with current 6th grade students on Feb. 19th to discuss 7th grade course selections. On Feb. 26th, counselors will assist students with entering their course selections into Skyward.
Play It Safe Student Lessons
Parents of 6th & 7th grade students, a parent preview for the Play It Safe program was hosted via a live Zoom on October 1st at 10 a .m. Students will view the lessons on the dates listed below. The lessons, taught in partnership with The Women’s Center of Tarrant County, encourage and teach students how to recognize, report and reduce the risk of being in an abusive and/or dangerous situation.
(7th Grade) Healthy Relationships - Oct. 13
(7th Grade) Can’t Take It Back - Nov. 13
(6th Grade) It’s Harassment - Dec. 1
(7th Grade) Abuse of Power - Feb. 10
(6th Grade) Survivors of Abuse - March 3
Character Strong
Our district has adopted Character Strong as a way to support the social/emotional wellbeing and character development of our students. All GCISD secondary campuses will be focusing on the character trait/skill of KINDNESS for the month of January. Students will view the newest character video in school at the beginning of each month. We want to encourage you to also view it together as a family and find ways to work on the monthly trait/skill together. January Kindness Video
Also, as we build a strong connection with our community to support social emotional wellness, we will continue to share out the Family Character Dares for an extension into your home. Here is the latest!
Family Character Dare: Click On!
Friends For Life Hotline
Have a friend in need? Is someone you know the target of violence or bullying? Did you see or hear something? Say something! Make an anonymous call and get them help! It's okay to help a friend.
817-469-8477
TEXT: "TIP117 PLUS YOUR MESSAGE" to 274637
VISIT: www.469tips.com
GCISD Update | GCISD.net/Spring 2021
Update January 20, 2021
In this past edition:
Personalized Program Lottery: The application window for the personalized program lottery (STEM/Dual Language) is now open. It will close on February 12.
2021 Graduation Ceremonies: GCISD has announced that all five of its 2021 graduation ceremonies will be held at Mustang Panther Stadium. Read below for dates and times for each school.
School Board Appreciation Month: January is School Board Appreciation Month across Texas and GCISD is sharing videos spotlighting each of its seven Board of Trustees members.
Texas Legislative Update: Prior to the session beginning last week, the Comptroller released his Biennial Revenue Estimate.
Free and Curbside Meals Continue: If you are participating, or have participated in the past, in our curbside meal service, please read below for a survey with the opportunity to provide your feedback.
What's For Dinner?: GCISD's Take and Bake Meals have returned and are available each Tuesday and Thursday throughout January.
Last chance to order your yearbook!
Scholarship Opportunity for 7th Grade Students
Tuition Based Pre-K Lottery
The Pre-K Tuition Based lottery application will open at 8:30 a.m. on January 5, 2021 and close at 10:00 p.m. on January 15, 2021. Families interested in tuition based pre-k need to complete this application. Students meeting Texas state eligibility criteria will be able to apply and qualify in April 2021. For more information on tuition and pre-k qualifications visit WWW.GCISD.NET/PREK or contact gcisd.pk@gcisd.net
Lotería de Prekíndergarten Basado en Pago de Cuotas Escolares
La solicitud para la lotería del programa de Pre-K basado en pago de cuotas escolares se abrirá el 5 de enero a las 8:30 am y cerrará a las 10:00 pm el 15 de enero. Las familias interesadas en el programa de Pre-K a base de pago deben completar esta solicitud. Los estudiantes que cumplan con los criterios de elegibilidad del estado de Texas podrán solicitar y calificar en abril de 2021. Para obtener más información sobre la matrícula y los requisitos de prekínder, visite WWW.GCISD.NET/PREK o comuníquese con gcisd.pk@gcisd.net.
GCISD Language Assessment Center Online Courses for Adults
In partnership with the Grapevine Community Outreach Center, the GCISD Language Assessment Center will begin offering online courses for adults. These free courses will be self-paced and will provide skills in English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Literacy, as well as GED support. The flyers can be viewed here in English and Spanish.
PRE-AP LABEL CHANGE
Next school year, the College Board will be requiring school districts to pay a fee if they use the Pre-AP label for any of their courses. This fee is an annual fee that is per course, per campus. GCISD along with many neighboring districts, have decided not to purchase the use of the Pre-AP label in an effort to remain fiscally responsible.
Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, GCISD will be implementing the title change to “Advanced” for all courses formerly known as Pre-AP. This change will be reflected in the 2021-22 Course Selection Guide set to release in January of 2021. As an example, Pre-AP World History will now be labeled as World History Advanced.
GCISD will use AP's guidelines to ensure the rigor of both middle school and high school courses. Classes now labeled “Advanced” will remain the same weight as the PreAP courses they are replacing. GCISD will continue to work with the College Board through our AP offerings.
STEM and Dual Language Lottery
The personalized programs application window for the 2021-2022 school year will open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Online applications will be accepted through Friday, February 12, 2021. The lottery will be conducted on Monday, February 22, 2021.
Students who are already in STEM or Dual Language do NOT need to apply, even at transition years.
For more information and to complete an online application on or after Tuesday, January 19, click here.