The Mustang Minute
Week of December 11th - January 5th, 2024
Principal's Message
Mustang Family,
It's hard to believe that there's only one week left before the Holiday Break begins! As we approach the end of the semester, it's important to remind our students to take care of themselves by getting enough rest and eating well. We want them to be at their best for their upcoming semester exams, which will begin on Wednesday, December 13th. Please make sure to follow the exam schedule closely, and remember that any missed exams will need to be made up on Tuesday, January 2, 2024 in the Lecture Hall from 9:00 - 3:00 PM.
I also want to take a moment to express my gratitude to our hardworking staff. They have put in a lot of effort to create engaging and memorable learning experiences for our students, and they deserve a well-earned break with their loved ones over the holidays. If you have a chance, please consider sending them a message of appreciation before we break for the holidays. And as always, there's plenty more to explore, so let's keep moving forward!
*This will be the final Mustang Minute until January 7th.
Rah, Rah, Rah...Mustangs Fight!
Alex
Thank you GHS PTSA for our Holiday Snack Bar.
Grateful for our PTSA and Mustang Community
Thank you to the PTSA and our GHS community for purchasing a pie for each Mustang staff member! This getsure was much appreciated by our Mustang staff during this holiday season.
Newest Sponsors of the Herd!
121 Community Church
This past month the Grapevine High School Sunshine Committee was able to host our first ever GHS Chili Cook-off. Our staff had a wonderful time at the event and were able to celebrate our first winner-Coach Jimmy Webster. The event was made possible in part by a donation from our newest community sponsor 121 Community Church. Associate Student Minister, Courtney Chandler and 121CC provided drinks and toppings for the chili which really just made the whole experience that much more incredible. We are grateful for their continued partnership of GHS and Grapevine Colleyville ISD.
Evo Southlake
Our next sponsor is EVO Southlake. EVO is a premier family entertainment establishment in Southlake that was gracious enough to host our GHS Speech and Debate Team annual winter social. While our students were enjoying the festivities, EVO graciously took the opportunity to make a donation to our Speech and Debate program for their GRACE community outreach drive. Manager Nicole showed an incredible willingness to support our students and others by making sure that some GRACE families would benefit this season with a donation of food and fun cards. We are grateful for their leadership in modeling for our students what a strong community can look like. Welcome to The Herd!
Grace Grapevine
Our last sponsor this week is GRACE Grapevine. GRACE is a non-profit relief agency serving the people of Northeast Tarrant County. For years now GRACE has provided numerous opportunities for the students at Grapevine High School to partner with and serve our GCISD families. Their continued support of our students and communities is invaluable and we are privileged to recognize them today as our newest members of The Herd. Make sure to check out their website this holiday season for ways and opportunities to volunteer.
Upcoming Events in January 2024
Make Up Exams - January 2nd
Students who missed any semester exam(s)
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (Lecture Hall)
All Students Return - January 4th
Start of 2nd Semester
Mustang Nation Night - January 17th
HS Health/AVID 3 Just Say YES - Freedom to Succeed Parent Preview - January 10th
GCISD uses several resources and programs for high school health curriculum in order to be proactive in our delivery of education concerning human sexuality. Freedom to Succeed will be presented to high school Health/AVID 3 students according to the campus schedule that can be found in the Parent Preview Letter linked here.
Parents may preview this program online on January 10th at 6:00 using the links provided in the Parent Preview Letter. Every parent of a student enrolled in Health/AVID 3 will be asked to indicate their preference of participation for their child electronically in the forms section of Skyward or by completing and returning a paper consent form by the deadlines established in the Parent Preview Letter. These deadlines allow each campus time to adequately prepare spaces, supervision, and account for student attendance. Thank you in advance for adhering to these deadlines.
Student Parking Fees - $75 for the remainder of the school year!
Parking for the spring semester is $50, a total of $75 for the remainder of the year.
Parking fee can be paid online through Skyward for a $5 fee or paid with cash, check or credit card in
person at the school for no additional fee. You student will be required to fill out a form that is available
in the front office. Be sure they know their license plate number.
AP ExamDeadline
Since the initial order deadline for AP exams has passed, students can no longer change their exam decision in the College Board. They can absolutely still sign up for the exam, but they must fill out this form so that I can order their exam for them. Additionally, payment must be made in Total Registration for the tests to be ordered. Please reach out to Laura Foutch @ laura.foutch@gcisd.net with any questions.
Last Call for Lost and Found Items- 12/15/23
If you are missing something please check the lost and found in the main office before the holiday break. If the items have not been claimed by then, they will be donated to GRACE (Grapevine Relief & Community Exchange).
HS Health Just Say YES - Freedom to Succeed Spring Parent Preview
HS Health/AVID 3 Just Say YES - Freedom to Succeed Parent Preview
GCISD uses several resources and programs for high school health curriculum in order to be proactive in our delivery of education concerning human sexuality. Freedom to Succeed will be presented to high school Health/AVID 3 students according to the campus schedule that can be found in the Parent Preview Letter linked here.
Parents may preview this program online on January 10th at 6:00 using the links provided in the Parent Preview Letter. Every parent of a student enrolled in Health/AVID 3 will be asked to indicate their preference of participation for their child electronically in the forms section of Skyward or by completing and returning a paper consent form by the deadlines established in the Parent Preview Letter. These deadlines allow each campus time to adequately prepare spaces, supervision, and account for student attendance. Thank you in advance for adhering to these deadlines.
FAFSA Help Nights!
Seniors: Order Your Graduation Cap and Gown
Seniors, it's that time of year, time to order your Cap and Gown for graduation! Please click the link below:
https://www.balfour.com/shop/graduation/senior-gear?pim_a_collection=17546&smi=71816
Student Personal Laptops
GCISD has a policy that prohibits students from bringing their personal laptops to campus. This is in place to ensure a secure and standardized computing environment for all students. Each student is provided with an assigned school laptop to use during their time on campus and homework. This policy helps us maintain a consistent and controlled digital infrastructure, facilitating efficient technical support and ensuring that all students have access to the same resources. This restriction on personal laptops aligns with our commitment to enhancing cybersecurity measures on campus. Over the coming weeks, we will be implementing security protocols that will prevent personal devices from connecting to the school network. This proactive approach is aimed at safeguarding our digital infrastructure and protecting sensitive information. By using only the assigned school laptops, we can ensure that all devices adhere to the necessary security standards, minimizing potential vulnerabilities and creating a secure educational environment for everyone. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in contributing to the overall safety and integrity of our school's digital ecosystem.
CTE's Holiday Brunch for PTSA
The amazing GHS CTE teachers, students, and staff created delicious magic for our GHS PTSA's Holiday Brunch!! Kaylie Kotecki and her students did a beautiful job graciously serving our guests. Amber Owens and the culinary students prepared a beautiful brunch including muffins, two quiche options and salad. Floral design created festive decoration for each table and it all came together so beautifully.
Texas HS Coaches Association All Academic Team
Grapevine Competitive Target Team
The Grapevine Competitive Target Team won 3rd place at the December 2nd Skeet Tournament in Ft. Worth! Tournaments recognize both individual high scores as well as overall combined team scores. This is the first time that GCTT has placed in the top three as a TEAM!
GCTT top 3 individual scorers are:
Aidan Buckley 94 of 100
Jack McDonald 94 of 100
Holden Abrahams 85 of 100
CONGRATULATIONS!!!
Congrats to the following Mustangs on making All Region Band!
Speech & Debate Success - Creekview Winter Extravanganza
GHS Speech & Debate competed in the Creekview Winter Extravaganza this past weekend and achieved great success! Congratulations to all six students that participated with an even special shout out to the four students who brought home hardware and achieved state qualification. The hard work and dedication of all involved are greatly appreciated.
Public Forum Debate
Jack Hasper and Peyton Squires - 2nd place and qualified for TFA State
Humorous Interpretation
Davis Marino - 1st place
Lincoln Douglas Debate
Benjamin Hu - Quarter finals.
GHS eSports Team
ClassLink Digital Design Challenge Winner - Hanah George
Congratulations to the winners of GCISD’s ClassLink Digital Design Challenge, hosted by the district’s Technology Services and Digital Learning departments. As part of the challenge, middle and high school students were invited to submit digital artwork based on the district’s vision of “Honor Our Legacy. Equip for the Future. Achieve Excellence.” Winning entries will be displayed as the background on the district’s ClassLink login screen. ClassLink is GCISD’s portal where students and parents log in to access the district’s apps. Check out all of the winning designs and the names of the winners.
GHS vs. CHHS vs. Highland Park Swim Meet Results:
Girls 200 Yard Medley
3rd place: GHS Girls Relay Team – Sarah Drori, Lily Spencer, Elizabeth Pauli, Adia Stull
Girls 200 Yard Freestyle
1st place: Alyssa Ackermann
Boys 200 Yard Freestyle
2nd place: Victor Bravo
Girls 200 Yard IM (Individual Medley)
2nd Place: Ella Hallen
Girls 50 Yard Freestyle
4th place: Adia Stull; 5th place: Elizabeth Pauli; 7th place: Lily Spencer
Boys 50 Yard Freestyle
1st place: Ryan Bradburry
Girls 100 Yard Butterfly
1st place: Elizabeth Pauli
Boys 100 Yard Freestyle
1st place: Hayden Carey
Girls 500 Yard Freestyle
2nd place: Alyssa Ackermann
Boys 500 Yard Freestyle
2nd place: Ryan Bradburry
Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
3rd place: Ella Hallen, Elizabeth Pauli, Lily Spencer, and Alyssa Ackermann
Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke
1st place: Lily Spencer; 2nd place: Ella Hallen
Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay
3rd place: GHS Relay Team: Alyssa Ackermann, Sarah Drori, Ella Hallen and Adia Stull
Boys 400 Yard Freestyle Relay
2nd place GHS Relay Team: Jaxon Turner, Victor Bravo, Ryan Bradburry, Hayden Carey
Good Luck to GHS Swimmers & Divers competing at TISCA in Frisco 12/7-12/9! Go Mustangs!
Grapevine High School Baseball
Grapevine High School Baseball continued its annual tradition of blessing a GCISD family this holiday season. The entire baseball family donated gifts and family items. Players wrapped and organized the gifts. Senior Baseball players and coaches delivered the items to Timberline Elementary School. Great boys on and off the field- keep up the good work! Thank you for making a difference!
GHS Mustang Jazz Choir Selected to Perform at TMEA
The Grapevine High School Jazz Choir was recognized for receiving an invitation to perform at the
Texas Music Educators Association Clinic and Convention in San Antonio, February 7-10, 2024.
Ensembles from across the state submitted recordings for performance opportunities, and after a
rigorous selection process, the top-performing groups were chosen.
Congratulations to the following students:
● Roslyn Ackermann
● Batul Arsiwala
● Sophie Baker
● Sofia Bolanos Castro
● William Brown
● Lachlan Chalmers
● Avery Donnelly
● Katherine Garner
● Clara Mitchell
● Jonathan Newman
● Lily Ruibal
● Sienna Scruggs
● Abby Vastine
● Shivani Veerappan
The GHS Mustang Jazz Choir is under the direction of Head Choir Director Pauline Sexton and
Associate Choir Director Ricardo Garza.
Class of 2024 fundraiser
DECA donations for PAWS are due by December 13th in rooms 116 & 913.
Senior Graduation Requirement - FAFSA/TASFA/Opt-Out Form
Seniors will be able to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning in December 2023. An exact date is yet to be announced.
Completing the FAFSA (or TASFA) or an Opt-Out form is now a requirement for graduation. See below for details:
Beginning with the Class of 2022 and beyond, all Seniors must complete one of the following steps in order to comply with Texas Education Code (TEC), §28.0256 in order to graduate:
Complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); or
Complete and submit a Texas Application for State Financial Aid (TASFA); or
Submit a signed opt-out form.
As approved by the GCISD Board of Trustees, the District will accept the following as proof of completion:
Acknowledgment of receipt from an Institution of Higher Ed (IHE);
Copy of Signature page;
Screenshot of TASFA submission acknowledgment page (from those institutions that offer an electronic form);
Screenshot of FAFSA submission acknowledgment page; -OR-
Copy of a financial aid award letter
*Please do not send financial records to the school as proof.
After you have submitted your FAFSA/TASFA paperwork, please send one method of proof or your opt-out form to your high school counseling office no later than May 1, 2023.
The Texas OnCourse financial aid toolkit and StudentAid.gov provide additional information about applying for financial aid.
If you do not wish for your student to complete a FAFSA or TASFA, an opt-out form may be completed by a parent or guardian, a student age 18 years or older, or a school counselor who authorizes the student to decline to complete and submit the application for good cause.
If you wish to opt-out, please use one of the forms below and return it to your school counselor:
TEA Financial Aid Opt Out Form - English
Counselors- Students are assigned to by their 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 December Newsletter
- Semester Level Down Window (December 4-6)
- Save the Date! Dual Credit Mandatory Meeting - January 17th or 18th
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Senior Graduation Requirement - FAFSA/TASFA/Opt-Out Form
- GHS counselors at work!
GHS AMBASSADORS
FINAL DEADLINES for 2023-2024 school year as follows: (NO EXCEPTIONS!!!))
Class of 2024: March 1, 2024 - (No forms accepted from Senior class after March collection date).
Class of 2025, 2026, 2027: Last day of school- May 23, 2024 by noon (RED BOX will be removed at that time and no more forms accepted after that time).
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!
GHS Project Graduation Raffle for Green Egg
Please consider supporting GHS Project Graduation in one of the following amazing opportunities! Please visit our scan QR Codes or visit the PG website at https://ghsprojectgraduationorg.wordpress.com/ for more information. Thank you for supporting our Seniors!
Donate a door prize for Project Graduation 2024!
GHS Advanced Academics - Home for the Holidayss (1/4/24 @ 6 PM )
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