The Mustang Minute
Week of October 2nd - 6th, 2023
Principal's Message
Mustang Family,
It's Homecoming Week and we have a lot to look forward to. There are theme days every day, the Homecoming Parade on Wednesday, a Pep Rally and Tea for alumni on Friday morning, the big Homecoming game that night, and to top it all off, our Homecoming dance on Saturday night.
We are about two weeks out from PSAT testing and we want to take this time to remind everyone of its importance. It's a great chance to practice the SAT in a realistic setting so we ask that all give it their very best. Juniors will take the PSAT NMSQT on that day, which is the test that is used to qualify for National Merit Semifinalist (and eventually finalist) distinctions, along with other AP CollegeBoard special program recognitions, as we have highlighted in previous communications. Let's have a look at what else is coming down the pike, shall we?
Rah, Rah, Rah...Mustangs Fight!
Alex
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
HOCO Week 2023
Red Rail Pep Rally
PSAT Information
The PSAT/NMSQT will be offered to all 9th, 10th and 11th grade students on Wednesday, October 11th. This is a great opportunity for 9th and 10th graders to practice and familiarize themselves with College Board standardized assessments, and offers 11th grade students the opportunity to become a National Merit Qualifier and open the doors for a number of scholarships. The test is digital this year and all students in grades 9, 10, and 11 are automatically registered, so you do not need to sign up.
Ways that you can help you student prepare are:
Ensuring updates have been run on their school device. This can be accomplished by shutting down the device and restarting it to allow updates pushed out by the district to run upon restart.
Visiting College Board to set up a student account.
Utilizing practice tests on the Blue Book app for College Board assessments that is located on the desktop of your student’s school device.
**These steps will also be run through their social studies class in the near future
Reach out to Laura Foutch at laura.foutch@gcisd.net with any questions.
Texas Election Code - Register to Vote
Texas Election Code Section 13.046 states that, “At least twice each school year, a high school deputy registrar shall distribute an officially prescribed registration application form to each student who is or will be 18 years of age or older during that year, subject to rules prescribed by the Secretary of State.”
In a continuing effort to promote the Portrait of Graduate attribute “Global Citizen” and raise awareness regarding voter registration, Grapevine-Colleyville ISD will endeavor to inform high school students about the local voting process and promote the importance of civic engagement.
Texas Election Code mandates certain practices to ensure eligible high school students are given the opportunity to register to vote. Applicable resources and timelines have been compiled on this site.Also Texas voter registration applications are available in the attendance office and counseling office.If you need more information please contact Ms. Evans (sharon.evans@gcisd.net)
Speakers Needed for Real World Wednesdays
The GHS Learning Commons is looking for lunchtime speakers to share information with our students about topics that will help them find success in life beyond GHS. Examples include (but are not limited to) job seeking, household management, college tips, and financial advice.
If you are interested in speaking to our students, send an email to the GHS librarian, heather.loomis@gcisd.net, with information about the topic you would like to speak about. If it is approved by the GCISD administration, you will be contacted for scheduling.
SAT Information Wednesday, October 11th
Every year, GCISD offers the SAT for juniors who are currently enrolled. For senior students who were not enrolled or missed the exam date in March 2023, they will have the opportunity to take the SAT at school on Wednesday, October 11th. Students and parents of those eligible will be receiving an email in the next few weeks regarding information on that administration. If you have not received an email by October 1st and believe your student should be on the list, please reach out to Ms. Foutch at laura.foutch@gcisd.net.
Please note that GCISD only pays for students to take the exam ONE time. If your student has already used that opportunity, you will need to sign up for one of the national test dates offered through the College Board website and pay for it.
Seniors: Must Come to School on PSAT Day (Mandatory)
GCISD High School Families,
On October 11, students in grades 9-11 will take the PSAT/NMSQT. For juniors, this is the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test.
This year, all students, regardless of whether they are taking the PSAT or not, will be expected to report to school at their regular start time of 8:40 a.m. All absences on this day will be documented as normal and will be factored into the requirements for exam exemptions.
Seniors with a “senior out” first period will report at the start of second period, which is 9:30 a.m. Each campus has designed activities that are targeted to the needs of seniors as they prepare for graduation in May.
This practice of no late arrival for non-testing students will continue for other testing days throughout this school year. Campuses will utilize testing days to facilitate activities that are required for graduation and necessary for student success, such as academic planning, supplemental testing, and state-mandated training.
We appreciate your cooperation to ensure all our students arrive on time for testing days and are in the correct designated area.
School Portraits
Order GHS Yearbook & Senior Tribute (Link to both below)
Please click here to order your 2023-24 Grapevine High School yearbook. Seniors, just below the ad to order yearbook is the link to order your class of 2024 Senior Tribute.
Deadline for Senior Tributes is December 15th at midnight.
Purchase Homecoming Dance Tickets Here
Don't forget that we're having our annual Homecoming Dance on Saturday, October 7th from 7-9 PM in in Gym 1. Tickets are only $10 if you purchase online in advance. Click Here to purchase your ticket or purchase it in the SAC during lunch.
2023-24 GHS Homecoming Court
Senior Class 2024 Panoramic Picture Day, Monday, October 23rd at 10:00AM
GCISD Holiday Card Contest
2023 GCISD Holiday Greeting Card Art Contest
All elementary, middle, and high school students are invited to submit original artwork for the cover of GCISD’s official holiday greeting card. This year’s theme is "Joy in Serving." Three student designs—one each from the elementary, middle, and high school levels—will be selected and sent out on behalf of the GCISD Board of Trustees and Superintendent Dr. Brad Schnautz. Cards are sent to community leaders, area businesses, organizations, and other school districts.
Each student will submit their artwork to their campus art teacher or other designee. Each school will select campus-based winners whose art will then be submitted to the district level for final selection. Each high school will choose up to 10 finalists; each middle school will choose up to 5 finalists; and each elementary will choose up to 3 finalists. Final designs for the cover will be selected by the Superintendent and his designees based on originality, the theme, use of the elements of art, and overall design.
The three students whose works are selected for the GCISD Holiday Greeting Card will receive $25 and recognition at the December meeting of the Board of Trustees. The selected artwork will be featured on the district’s website and used in district publicity.
New GCISD Mobile App
Did you know that GCISD has a new mobile app to help our community know what is happening on campus? The app lets you read the latest announcements, review upcoming events and find important documents. If you haven't already, download the app and subscribe to your student’s campus!
2023-2024 Parent-Student Handbook
The 2023-2024 Parent-Student Handbook is now available! Here is the link.
Congrats to Sidney Dong - Dave Campbell Scholarship for STEM
Jesuit Ranger Debate Tournament
Six of our debaters set out early Saturday morning on September 23rd to participate in the Jesuit Ranger Scrimmage Debate Tournament in Dallas. From left to right: Benjamin Hu, Piyush Mallick, Joanna He, Jordan Hairston, Sophia Thompson and Isabella Dowell.
We would also like to congratulate our Mustang Speech and Debate team on receiving membership in the National Speech and Debate Association's prestigious 100 Club. This has been award because it demonstrates outstanding commitment to teaching students essential life skills including communication, research, listening, writing, and organization.
Grapevine Debate and Speech Results at 44th Annual Newman Smith
Awardees
Congressional Debate - Semi-Finals - Elena Medina
Public Forum Debate- Quarter Finals - Jack Hasper and Peyton Squires
Dramatic Interpretation - 3rd place -Katy Demi
Humorous Interpretation - 1st Place -Katy Demi
2nd Place - Davis Marino
6th place - Malia Radigan
Informative Speaking 1st Place - Safa Fatima
Original Oratory 6th Place - Safa Fatima
Poetry 1st Place - Manar Elmahi
POI 6th Place - Malia Radigan
7th Place - Gavin Barron
Prose 6th Place - Lilly Ford
Also competing were:
Asya Marché Tutwiler
Emma Grace White DeHoyos
Soumya Naguboina
Adam Lou
Aaron Lou
Aadi Patel
Lane Britton
Jackson Benzick
Isabella Dowell
Sophia Thompson
Iliana Sotelo
Jordan Hairston
Piyush Mallick
Benjamin Zijian Hu
Joanna He
Mustang Golf -Chloe Sirkin
Chloe Sirkin will be representing Grapevine at the Swing for the Cure Invitational @ historic Brackenridge GC in San Antonio. The annual 54-hole tournament brings the top golfers from across the state to raise money to offset Texas educators' medical bills.
Hispanic Leadership Club
Ms. Emeli Alarcon, President of the Hispanic Leadership Group at Grapevine High School, invited Grapevine Police officers to serve as guest speakers during their lunch meeting on Thursday, September 28, 2023.
The Hispanic Leadership Group was created to develop a new generation of leaders in Grapevine. This invitation could not have come at a better time, as the community celebrates Hispanic Heritage month.
Grapevine Police officers engaged the audience by sharing their own leadership journey, stories and discussing concepts related to servant leadership, character and courage. Each officer said they were excited to be part of such a beautiful and transformative initiative.
Attention Seniors
Grapevine-Colleyville Ice Hockey
It's that time of year again - hockey season! I wanted to let you all know that our Grapevine Colleyville Ice Hockey Team is gearing up for an exciting season ahead. If you're a fan of the sport or just looking for a fun activity to support your local community, come out and cheer on our team this year. There's nothing quite like the energy and excitement of a live hockey game, so don't miss out! Let's show our team some love and help them bring home some wins this season. See you at the rink!
The Outpost has new Pink-Out shirts available in the store!
Become a GHS Sponsor
Attention Mustang Family! Grapevine High School is proud to announce our first ever campus sponsorship program. Recognizing that great schools require great partners, we want to open our doors up to those businesses and organizations in our community that want to make supporting our school a priority. To that end we are accepting applications to join "The Herd." Interested sponsors can visit our website for more information about opportunities and the application process. Contact us today to find out how your business or organization can join. Dr. Paul Cook (Paul.cook@gcisd.net) or click here to go to our GHS website.
Who is my GHS counselor?
Students are assigned to a counselor by last name.
The GHS counseling team consists of:
Marnie Pape (A-D) - marnie.pape@gcisd.net
Abbey King (E-Le) - abbey.king@gcisd.net
Moises Flores (Li-Ri) - moises.flores@gcisd.net
Katherine Partridge (Ro-Z) - katherine.partridge@gcisd.net
Mary Parsley (Lead Counselor) - mary.parsley@gcisd.net
Jennifer Lemke (Student Advocate) - jennifer.lemke@gcisd.net
Counseling Newsletter
Here is the link to the October Counseling newsletter.
- GCISD College & Career Night - October 17th @ GHS
- ASVAB score interpretation seminar at College Night
- 9-Week Level Down Window (Oct 16-18)
- UT at Austin - Automatic Admission Policy
- Counselor visits with 9th and 12th grade English classes.
- Counseling Advisory Council (CAC)
Character Trait of the Month: Trustworthiness
Advanced Academic Booster Club
Heads up Parents: AP Breakfast - October 3rd, 7:30 AM
The AP teacher breakfast gives us a chance to virtually hear some tips and updates.
When you sign up, you can submit a question. Add the date to your calendar and grab your spot now! https://forms.gle/JwL7Zi5w3WKSqY6YA We will send an email reminder the day before with the WebEx link.
Grapevine High School PTSA needs you!
Membership dues are only $10 each school year! Students, remember that if you will be applying for any PTA/PTSA scholarships, you need to be a member of PTSA. Click here to join!
Fundraiser for Project Graduation
We are excited to announce the return of the Lynch Creek Farm Fundraiser!
These items make beautiful, memorable gifts for the holidays. Free shipping through November 10th.
Project Graduation earns 15% back. Thank you for supporting PG2024."
Donate a door prize for Project Graduation 2024!
Volunteer Background Check
We sincerely appreciate the investment of your time as a volunteer. Whether it is just volunteering with PTSA, a school field trip, or in any capacity in connection with our partnership with Big Brothers-Big Sisters, you must complete a background check.
All volunteers are required to reapply each year. Due to a large number of applicants, we will not notify you of your volunteer status. To get your status, please check with the school office for this information before you volunteer.
Click below to apply:
https://www.gcisd.net/o/gcisd/page/volunteer-background-check