Colt Corner
Colleyville Middle School
August 14, 2020
Colts,
With the first day of remote learning on Monday, there is a lot of information to provide you and your Colt(s) for a successful first day of school. Our staff has been working in overdrive preparing for the new robust remote learning that is ahead so that our Colts have everything that they need to be successful for the beginning of this school year. Below you will find everything that your Colt(s) will need to be ready for Monday. Please make sure that your Colt(s) technology is functional before Monday morning and that they can log into their computer and Classlink. Please be sure to go through the information below, which will help your Colt(s) be ready. Our teachers will be going slow on Monday in order to be able to go fast later on.
We will have a great year with our students growing academically continuing the long tradition of excellence at Colleyville Middle School. We know that there will be challenges that create opportunities ahead, but we will always find ways to achieve our district and campus mission and Build an Excellent School Together!
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
August 17 - First day of school - Remote only
August 18 - 7th Grade Cheer Practice - 4:15 - South Gym (Updated-see email from coach Visser)
August 21 - 8th Grade Cheer Practice - 4:15 - South Gym (Updated-see email from coach Visser)
September 1 - CMS PTA Executive board mtg. & General PTA Meeting (Time/Place TBD)
September 7 - Labor Day Observed. No School.
September 8 - First day of in-person learning. Remote learning continues for those that choose remote instruction.
Quick 1st Day Ready Instructions
You should have already received your student’s schedule on Thursday from the counselors via Skyward. If you have not, please contact your counselor as soon as possible.
Please encourage your student to follow these steps to prepare their technology before the first day of school.
On Monday morning at 8:10 a.m., students need to log onto their device
Please login through Classlink, then access Canvas. Your child’s classes will appear on the dashboard. If you log in through Classlink prior to Monday morning, you may not see all of your classes.
Click your first period class.
Click on your teacher’s Webex link to launch your first period class to virtually connect with your teacher.
If you have any questions prior to Monday, please contact the school at 817-305-4900. If you encounter any technical issues Monday when trying to get to first period, please call the GCISD Help Desk at (817) 251-5629. By going through the steps above and or below you will catch any items that need addressed. If/when you discover that assistance is needed after going through the listed steps, please don't hesitate to request assistance at that time.
Step by Step (Detailed) Information for 1st day
The current remote schedule has been modified to allow for additional transition (staggered passing period) time when students return to in person and remote to cause minimal disruption to the routine that the staff and students will already be in at the beginning of the school year.
Click the link below for detailed information regarding synchronous and asynchronous instruction, example of a regular days schedule, and attendance.
The link below is accessible using the students (or employee) GCISD account ONLY and has a complete list of teachers and their class Webex links.
Girls Athletics
Voluntary Athletics Practice and Times While Virtual Learning Only
We will begin volleyball skills and strength & conditioning workouts on campus beginning August 17 and go till September 3rd. These workouts will be Monday - Thursday each week and are optional until we offer face to face instruction on September 8th. 7th grade will go from 7:15 am - 8:30 am and 8th grade will go from 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm. A daily virtual workout will also be given for any athlete that chooses to stay at home until September 8th. Girls who are wanting to try out for volleyball will participate in the volleyball skills groups. Those not trying out for volleyball will participate in a strength & conditioning group.
Athletes will need to be dropped off and picked up along the main drive by the North Gym. Once on campus, athletes will be placed in cohorts with a coach for their workouts in one of the gyms for volleyball skills or outside for the strength & conditioning workout. We understand that athletes will be going to or coming from virtual learning, so these start and finish times are to help accommodate that.
Practice Procedures
All athletes will be required to wear a mask while going to and from the gyms and while waiting for their turn in drills. They will not be required to wear a mask while actively competing in a drill. Each athlete will need to bring their own water bottle. It will be a good idea to bring more than one water bottle but you will be able to have it refilled by a coach as necessary. All athletics equipment and areas will be routinely cleaned according to the UIL and district guidelines.
Boys Athletics
7th grade report time and warmup will begin at 7am. Workout from 7:15 am-8:30 am.
8th grade report time is at 3 pm and will end at 4:15 pm.
-Student-athletes will report to the football field via the tennis courts area.
-Student-athletes need to bring their own water jug already full of water or a sports drink to take with them throughout the training.
-Appropriate athletic footwear (cleats are helpful but not necessary).
Meet some of our CMS staff by clicking the Flipgrid link below.
Passport to Canvas- Parent Resources
Passport to Canvas
Want to get a head start before Monday, check out Passport to Canvas. Passport to Canvas is a course that provides an overview of Canvas for students, parents/guardians and teachers. There is a link to the parent version of the course on the GCISD website. Scroll down and choose Canvas 6-12 for more information. The public copy on the GCISD website does not require enrollment. It’s simply a click thru resource for families to reference. Parents may find information about setting up a Parent account by skipping to the last module of the course, or click directly to the parent module here. There are also two mobile apps to support Remote Learning: Canvas Student and Canvas Parent. Learn more about Canvas’ mobile apps.
In addition, your student will be enrolled in the student version of the Passport to Canvas course specific to our school. We will be able to track enrollment and participation in the course to ensure all students are working towards being comfortable working in Canvas.
Supply Pick up
Attendance guidance
Attendance guidance
As we prepare for the first day of remote instruction for the 2020-2021 school year, I wanted to share some additional information with you regarding attendance. As a reminder, per Texas Education Code (TEC) 25.092, students must attend 90 percent of a course in order to be awarded credit for the course and/or to be promoted to the next grade. While we are operating remotely, and for our families who have chosen to stay remote after September 8, there are two ways in which your student may earn a daily attendance credit.
The first way is to attend a live webex with the teacher. Staff will take attendance during these live sessions each day. The second way to receive credit for attendance is to complete a daily exit ticket. We understand that some students may not be able to attend the live learning opportunities and will need some flexibility in their schedule. These students will be able to complete a daily assignment, or exit ticket, each day in order to receive credit for their attendance.
Nutrition Services Program
Nutrition Services Program
What type of meal service will be available for virtual students?
Students taking their courses in the virtual setting will have the opportunity to receive a weekly meal bundle. GCISD will offer a curbside (drive-thru) at Grapevine Middle, Cross Timbers Middle and Grapevine Elementary starting August 17. Parents may pick up 2 days worth of meals this day, and then on August 19, parents may pick up the meal bundles for 5 days worth of meals.
During 100% Virtual meal pick up will be from 9 am – 11 am & 4 pm – 5:30 pm every Wednesday
During In-Person and Virtual Learning meal pick up will be from 4 pm – 6 pm every Wednesday
Any family may access whichever site is most convenient for them. Students do not have to be enrolled at the specific site where they are picking up the curbside meal bundle. Due to the rules and requirements of the National School Lunch Program, staff will need to record student ID numbers and will enter the student meals on a tablet. Students DO NOT have to be in the vehicle, but the parent/guardian must be prepared to provide an ID card, a school schedule, or a report card. Students are eligible for one student breakfast and one student lunch per day.
In accordance with program guidelines, the Free and Reduced application will be available online as part of skyward registration. The free and reduced application should be filled out electronically at www.schoollunchapp.com for those parents that still would like to complete a paper application, they may download an application on the website or stop by the Nutrition Services office at 5800 Colleyville Blvd. or stop by any campus for assistance.
To view the menu and more information regarding meals, visit our website.
More information on the Nutrition Services program may be viewed through the nutrition services website or by downloading the Meal Viewer app through the Apple or Android store.
Math Update
For students in math courses that make use of graphing calculator technology we will be using Desmos Test Mode for Texas (STAAR) remotely. The app is available for iPhone, iPad, Chrome, and there is a beta version for Android devices. There is also an online practice page.
- Click the "Choose Assessment" link.
- Select "Texas (STAAR)" from the list.
- Choose the 3rd option: "Grade 8 Science, Biology, Grade 8 Math, Algebra 1, Algebra 2 Graphing Calculator".
- Click the "Start Practice" button.
Students will receive additional information in their math classes.
Remote Learning in GCISD- August 17- September 7 (FAQ)
All GCISD students will begin the school year in a remote learning setting on August 17. All students will remain in the remote instructional model until GCISD begins offering both in-person and remote instruction on September 8. In preparation, GCISD teachers spent the summer engaged in professional learning opportunities that will equip them to provide quality remote instruction for all GCISD students. For more information on GCISD's remote learning structure, visit the GCISD Fall 2020 Draft Guide and the Remote Learning section of the District's Frequently Asked Questions.
CMS Athletic Wear
CMS Athletic Wear
*PLEASE READ BEFORE PLACING YOUR ORDER*
This is the Official Athletics apparel for CMS. All students are required to dress out as part of their academic grade when in-person learning resumes for your Colt.
Scholars will wear these everyday for Pre-athletics, Athletics and P.E. so you may consider purchasing a couple extras for laundry days. You will be contacted once your order is ready for pick up in Colleyville.
*DO NOT PAY FOR SHIPPING AS IT WILL NOT BE REFUNDED AND ORDERS WILL NOT BE SHIPPED*
by placing your order you agree to these terms
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year!
CMS Counselors are so thrilled to start the academic year with all our new and returning Colts. Counselors will be available for student check-in throughout our virtual and in-person school sessions. Students can contact their counselor on our Request to See Counselor Form. Schedules were released through Student Skyward on Thursday, August 13th @ 4pm. Inaccuracies will be addressed within the first 10 days of school; however, if you see a core class that is incorrect, those will be adjusted ASAP. Please see the appropriate school counselor below to email if needed or use the form to contact your counselor. Also, below is new information from our new Student Advocate Specialist, Mandy Ozuna, on how our staff will be supporting social emotional wellbeing and how you can do the same with some fun Character Dares for the family. Hope you have a great day!
Character Strong
Our district has adopted Character Strong as a way to support the social/emotional wellbeing and character development of our students. The SEL competencies include: Self-Awareness, Self-Management, Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making; the Character Development traits include: Character Development: Patience, Kindness, Honesty, Respect, Selflessness, Forgiveness, Commitment, and Humility. You can learn more about this program on their website: https://www.characterstrong.com/. Lessons from this program will be embedded in some of the core classes as well as through the counselors’ school-wide guidance program. One component includes “Character Dares”, which are actionable ways to bring sometimes abstract concepts, values, and traits of character to life. Character building is a set of skills, and all skills require practice! Character Strong includes student, admin, staff, AND family dares. We will send a weekly family dare out through the Colt Corner and would LOVE to hear from you and see pictures and social media posts about your family dares! Linked here is some information about the format of these Dares.
We can’t wait to hear about how your family uses these dares and the effect they have on your relationship with your child(ren)!
Mrs. Lynn Brizzi (last names A-K) lynn.brizzi@gcisd.net
Mrs. Amy Bouchelle (last names L-Z) amy.bouchelle@gcisd.net
Mrs. Mandy Ozuna (Student Advocate) mandy.ozuna@gcisd.net
Mrs. Heather Ingram (Student Data Secretary/Registrar) heather.ingram@gcisd.net
Late/New Registration
All parts of registration can be done online (including a video meeting with your counselor), and we encourage all families who are able to choose this option. For those who aren't able to register virtually, we ask that you contact your student(s) counselor.
Please be sure to UPLOAD the following paperwork into Skyward prior to enrollment. You may bring this paperwork with you, if you need in person assistance to complete registration.
1. Proof of residence (one of the following): deed of sale, lease, or property tax statement
2. Current utility bill (other than telephone with same address as residence)
3. Complete online registration through Skyward
4. Birth certificate
5. Social Security card
6. Immunization records
7. Last report card and/or transcript
8. Parent/guardian's government issued identification
PTA Colt Connection
We invite you to sign up for the Colt Connection (our weekly parent e-newsletter), CMS Spirit Wear, join the PTA and indicate your volunteer areas of interest on one easy form!
From the link below, you can easily purchase:
- Join PTA (and be entered into the prize drawings!)
- Indicate volunteer area(s) of interest
- Purchase school supplies, choir packs and CMS pencil bags
- Purchase CMS Spirit Items
- Support PTA with a Ca$h for Colt$ donation, which is our only fundraiser for the year. All donations stay right here on campus and help fund programs like teacher mini-grants, campus beautification, StrengthsFinder, teacher appreciation events and more!
New this year: In addition to our online store we are also offering some new CMS Spirit Wear from the PTA through Bling it Boutique. Please note that this is a different Bling It Boutique than the athletics/booster club store offering athletic spirit wear:
https://www.blingitboutiquetx.com/cmsspiritwear
Here is why joining the PTA is important:
- CMS PTA supports our students and teachers during this unprecedented academic year, whether remotely or in-person
- CMS PTA provides student and teacher scholarships
- CMS PTA funds campus-wide appreciation events for teachers and staff
- CMS PTA funds campus improvements each year
Lori Stacy
PTA - New Spirit Wear this Year! 2020-2021
Click here to check out the new spirit wear for the 2020-2021 school year!
Interested in Volunteering at CMS?
Interested in Volunteering at CMS?
The 2020-2021 CMS PTA Officers and Executive Board Members are already hard at work to ensure we have another great year at CMS. We would love your help! Please complete this google form to let us know where you are interested in volunteering and helping out. Your name and contact information will be given to the various board members so that they may reach out to you when your help is needed throughout the year.
Please remember to complete the GCISD Background Check ASAP! This form must be resubmitted every school year. While you're completing it for yourself, go ahead and complete it for your spouse, parents, or any adult family member that may want to volunteer at CMS or attend field trips. Processing of this form takes an average of 10 days and because the process is outsourced, GCISD does not have control over the speed of the process. It’s no fun to turn away willing volunteers because they haven’t completed this easy step. So, please complete it ASAP!
Please contact Megan Harris, VP of Volunteers, with any questions at volunteer@cmscoltspta.org.
A Letter from the GCISD Council of PTAs
A Letter from the GCISD Council of PTAs
GCISD PTA Volunteers,
Welcome to the 2020-2021 school year. The GCISD Council of PTAs, in collaboration with our 17 local PTAs, has sought guidance from the school district regarding PTA and volunteer activities on campus for this Fall. Volunteers are essential to our schools' success, and the teachers & staff greatly value our contributions. Recognizing that we are in a fluid situation due to COVID, PTA wants to respectfully and responsibly support our incredible staff, students, and families. Please consider these guidelines when coordinating PTA activities over the next few weeks, and refer to GCISD's Fall Plan or your campus principal when seeking the most current information.
- The principal must approve all on-campus volunteer activities.
- Volunteers must wear masks, and are subject to temperature checks and COVID screening questions.
- Minimizing foot traffic inside our school buildings is essential, and indoor PTA activities should be limited to 1-2 volunteers.
- Volunteers are to avoid classrooms and lingering in hallways.
- Outside activities are encouraged—(where better social distancing and airflow is possible.)
GCISD elementary, middle, and high schools vary in their individual needs, and PTA aims to support our schools while being COVID safe. As TEA and the County continue to change their recommendations, PTA will consult campus and district leadership to determine on-campus interactions and volunteer efforts.
Thank you for giving not only your time but your heart to our schools. Together we will work to make every child's potential a reality.
Rachael Abell
President
GCISD Council of PTAs
Attention CMS Dads!
As the Colleyville Middle School Dad's Club gains momentum, we are looking for easier and more direct ways to contact our awesome fathers for future volunteer opportunities.
If you are a dad, wanting to volunteer fill out the form on the link below. If you are a mom and want to fill this out for a dad, cool uncle, best grandpa, etc., please do!
We need you guys to help keep our school safe and fun!
If you have any questions about the program reach out to Todd Bargy at tmbargy@gmail.com .
School Vaccination Rules
School vaccination rules are in effect for the 2020-2021 school year. Students should be up-to-date, in the process of receiving vaccines, or have a valid exemption on file when school starts in the fall. For a list of vaccine requirements for K-12, and Pre-K, go to the Texas School webpage. For a list of providers who offer low-cost vaccines, go to the Texas Vaccines for Children Provider Locator webpage.
School vaccination rules are in effect regardless of whether the education is received via virtual learning or on campus.