Colt Corner
Colleyville Middle School
December 18, 2020
Colts,
The end of the semester is here! It has been a challenging one, but with your patience, perseverance, and partnership, we have made it through together. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our students, staff, and families for all the work each of you have invested in our Colts to help them be as successful as possible. It truly takes a village, and I am happy to be part of a great community that places such a high importance on education. Together we will continue to find ways to work through these times and Build an Excellent School Together. Enjoy the holidays!
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
December 21 - January 5 - Winter Break
January 6 - First day of the second semester
January 6 - First time to in-person learning at CMS for 20-21 School year Orientation. 1st period (8:10am) in the cafeteria
January 13 - Cross Country Meet - Schedule here
January 14 - 8th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
January 18 - No School - Student/Teacher Holiday
In This Colt Corner Edition:
Mayor for a day - Mayor Claire Stacy presides as mayor for the day.
Winter Break & COVID Information - Information released in the GCISD Update from 12/16
Spelling Bee Championship
CMS Gives Back Tweet - CMS partners with GRACE to give toys to families in need
Mustang Nation Information
State Report Cards
Federal Report Cards
First day of school for new in-person learners
General Information - Information like orientation covered for new our in-person learners.
Drop Off/Pick up Information - Video explanation on drop off/pickup.
Room Locations - This will also be reviewed at orientation.
FInal Reminders - Schedule, bus, school supplies, ID badges, and masks reminders.
Counselors Corner:
8th Grade four year high school planning
Four Year Planning for Remote Students
Collegiate Academy Applications
Credit By Exam Registration and Information
Play It Safe Student Lessons
Character Strong
Friends For Life Hotline
GRACE Christmas Cottage
Repeated Information:
GCISD December , Update: Repeated information from GCISD's Update email overview.
GCISD Basketball Games New Procedures for Spectators: New procedures for basketball season. Basketball and cheer spectators please read.
Advisory Adjustment for 2nd Semester 3NW
GCISD Updates Quarantine Procedures
PSAT 8/9 Scores
Collegiate Academy: Applications now being accepted for 8th grade Colts.
UIL Eligibility Calendar
20-21 Spelling Bee Championship
After five rounds of competition, we are excited to announce that we have a 20-21 CMS Spelling Bee Champion. Congratulations to Eleyi Ojile for winning the CMS Spelling Bee. She will represent CMS at the district level spelling bee.
We also want to congratulate Alyaan Dhanani, our Spelling Bee Runner Up.
We are proud of these two Colts who were neck and neck the whole competition. They are both dedicated and diligent. Their participation alone is to be commended.
Big thanks to them for an incredible competition this year!
Winter Break and COVID-19 Information
All GCISD campuses and district offices will be closed beginning on Monday, December 21, for Winter Break. Most staff will return on Tuesday, January 5, and most students will return to campus on Wednesday, January 6 (Collegiate Academy students return on Tuesday, January 12).
COVID-19 Reporting and Contact Tracing
GCISD will continue to contact trace and report positive cases through December 23. If you receive a positive COVID-19 test from now until December 23, please contact your campus nurse immediately.
From December 24 through January 3, GCISD will not be collecting, tracing or reporting student and staff COVID cases. Our school nurses and staff need a break physically and mentally over the break to spend time with their families. Tarrant County Public Health will be handling contact tracing from December 24 through January 3. GCISD will resume contact tracing on January 4, 2021.
Therefore, beginning on December 24 through January 3, all staff and students who test positive for COVID-19 will need to report it to the Tarrant County Public Health at 817-248-6299 or visit their website to report a case. Tarrant County Public Health will be handling all contact tracing directly with families during this time.
If you test positive for COVID-19 during the break, please do not return to campus on Wednesday, January 6. Please notify your campus nurse on Monday, January 4 and the GCISD Health Services Department will be in contact with you.
COVID-19 Notifications
During the break, we will not be regularly sending notifications to staff and families about test-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases. On Tuesday, January 5, campuses will notify staff and families of any test-confirmed positive COVID-19 cases that have been reported during the break. Additionally, GCISD's online COVID-19 Case Tracker will only be updated on Tuesday, January 5.
Attention Incoming GHS 9th Graders
State School Report Card
Colt families,
Linked below you will find a copy of the State of Texas 2019–20 School Report Card for Colleyville Middle School. This report is required by the Texas Legislature and prepared by the Texas Education Agency. It is to be sent to the parent or guardian of every child enrolled in a Texas public school. The report provides information concerning student performance on the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR®), as well as information on student enrollment, class size averages, and financial expenditures. Due to COVID-19, STAAR® assessments were canceled for the 2019–20 school year. Therefore, several data points have not been updated, including STAAR® and academic growth data.
The School Report Cards can be found online at https://tea.texas.gov/Student_Testing_and_Accountability/Accountability/State_Accountability/Performance_Reporting/School_Report_Cards. A more complete report about Colleyville Middle School, the Texas Academic Performance Report (TAPR), is available by clicking here or can be accessed online at https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/perfreport/tapr/index.html.
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Adjunto a esta carta encontrará una copia del reporte de las Calificaciones Escolares del Estado de Texas 2019–20 para Colleyville Middle School. Estas Calificaciones Escolares son requeridas por la Legislatura del Estado de Texas y preparadas por el departamento de educación estatal. Este reporte debe ser mandado a los padres o al guardián/mentor de cada estudiante inscrito en una escuela pública. Estas calificaciones ofrecen información concerniente al progreso académico de los estudiantes y también información sobre el número de inscripciones estudiantiles, tamaño promedio del salón escolar, y gastos escolares.
También puede encontrar estas calificaciones (school report card) en el internet bajo https://tea.texas.gov/Student_Testing_and_Accountability/Accountability/State_Accountability/Performance_Reporting/School_Report_Cards. Usted puede obtener un reporte más completo sobre nuestra escuela Colleyville Middle School en el informe del Reporte del Desempeño Académico de Texas (TAPR) aqui, o lo puede obtener en el internet bajo https://rptsvr1.tea.texas.gov/perfreport/tapr/index.html.
Federal Report Cards
Colt families,
Federal Report Cards for the state, the district and each of the district’s campuses are now available on the district’s website at this link: https://www.gcisd.net/departments/accountability/school_report_cards or are also available on the Texas Education Agency’s website at: https://tea.texas.gov/Finance_and_Grants/Grants/Federal_Report_Card/.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is sharing this information about the district and your child’s campus with you as part of its obligations under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA).
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Los Reportes de Informe Federal para el estado, el distrito y cada uno de los planteles del distrito ya están disponibles en el sitio web del distrito: https://www.gcisd.net/departments/accountability/school_report_cards o también están disponibles en el sitio web de la Agencia de Educación de Texas en: https://tea.texas.gov/Finance_and_Grants/Grants/Federal_Report_Card/.
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD está compartiendo información sobre el distrito y el plantel de su hijo con usted como parte de las obligaciones que tiene bajo la Ley federal Every Student Succeeds Act de 2015 (ESSA, por sus siglas en inglés).
New In-person Learners Section
FOR STUDENTS THAT WILL HAVE THEIR 1ST DAY OF IN-PERSON LEARNING AT CMS, WEDNESDAY Jan. 6
On Wednesday January 6, some of our remote students from the 1st semester will be attending CMS for in-person learning for the first time. School support staff will be holding a first day at school orientation in the cafeteria, beginning 1st period at 8:10 am, for all first time to campus students for the 20-21 school year to help them acclimate to campus. Doors open daily for students at 7:45am, but the orientation will not begin until 1st period begins at 8:10 in the cafeteria.
During the orientation, students will be given an overview of the campus layout, classes, new COVID-19 related school procedures, lunch procedures, passing periods, and everything else your student(s) will need to know for a positive on-campus experience. We will have staff and students ready to assist and help students around to their classes. By beginning the school day with this orientation, all students will have an opportunity to get comfortable and begin the acclimation process to in-person learning at CMS.
TENNIS COURT (BOGART DR.) DROP OFF/PICK UP
ROOM LOCATIONS
As January approaches for our first time in-person learners, we understand that students new to CMS may be anxious since they haven't had a chance to become familiar with our building.
Due to security concerns, we have limited access to our campus map. Students can access the map temporarily via the CMS 2020-2021 Canvas course under announcements. There is also a key to understanding where room numbers are located in our building below. In addition, maps will be available for students on Monday and we will have teachers, administrators, and student leaders in the halls on Monday assisting students find their room. Like any first day, there will be grace for those late to class this coming week. Be sure to check out the video above for the "Area Tour".
- All room numbers that begin with a "B" are located in the basement. The stairs down to that level are located next to the Learning Commons.
- All room numbers that begin with a "2" are located on the 2nd floor. There will be teachers at the top of the stairs and signs to help students locate the correct room.
- Room numbers 113-123 are in the Science Hall. This is the main hall next to the cafeteria. Again, there will be signs guiding students.
- Room numbers 125-135 are in the 6th-grade hall. This hall is towards the rear of the building and attaches to the Science hall via a ramp near the Band Hall.
PIN NUMBERS FOR THE CAFETERIA
FINAL REMINDERS FOR NEW IN-PERSON LEARNERS
*Schedule: Please have your Colt come with a copy or picture of their schedule to assist them throughout the day. We will have a copy of schedules for all in-person learners just in case they forget a copy during orientation.
*Bus Riders: If your student is a bus rider, it is critical that they know their bus number for the end of the day. We have many buses that service our students and that information will be very important for them to know and have. They will need their device in order to use the on bus QR code for attendance/contact tracing purposes.
*School Supplies: Most teachers have communicated with students about any materials that our in-person learners need to bring to school next week. Since lockers are not in use this year, we want our students to carry only what they have been using and pack light. The general rule of thumb should be to only bring what your Colt has been using during remote learning and anything else that their teacher specifically has asked them to bring.
*Masks/CMS Neck Gaiter: Please don't forget to have your Colt wear a mask to school. Your Colt will receive a CMS neck gaiter as pictured below during orientation.
*ID's & CMS Planners: Please have your Colt bring their planner and ID that they received during picture day.
If your Colt did not take a picture they will have one taken (not through a vendor nor able to purchase) and receive an ID, COLT lanyard, and planner during orientation. Remember that their first CMS ID is free and cost $5 to replace.
Counselor Corner for the Week of Jan. 4-8
8th Grade Parents
4 Year Planning: Mrs. Bouchelle and Mrs Brizzi have finished meeting with 8th grade students individually and are now working to get everyone’s 4 year plan and endorsement entered into Skyward. Once your student’s plan is in Skyward, you will receive an email requesting that you review and electronically sign both the plan and the endorsement(s). Please let us know if there is anything listed under the “freshman” year that needs to be corrected as these courses will become your student’s actual freshman schedule. Sophomore-Senior course selections are only considered a possible “plan” and will not become a student’s future schedule, so there is no need to change or correct these at this time.
On January 8th, high school counselors will host a Webex meeting for CMS 8th graders during advisory to welcome them to high school. Then, on Feb. 4th, students will meet individually with their high school counselor via Webex and will be given one final opportunity to make changes to their freshman course selections.
In addition to these student meetings. parent nights for both high school campuses have also been scheduled. Mustang Nation Showcase (GHS) will be Thursday, January 14th and Panther Showcase (CHHS) will be Monday, January 25th. Details will be available as we approach those dates. Both events will be online this year.
Collegiate Academy Update:
8th grade students who have already applied for Collegiate Academy for the 2021-2022 school year will be interviewed during the school day on Thursday, Jan. 7th.
The Collegiate Academy application window for the 2021-2022 school year is still open (please see the link below). If you have any questions, please contact Riley Cavanagh, counselor at CA.
Collegiate Academy application
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 they might choose 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.
CBE Online Registration is now open on the GCISD Website and will be open until January 6th for the Online testing dates of Feb. 8-18, 2021.
Credit By Exam Registration and Information
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: Sweet Neighbors
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.comGCISD Update | GCISD.net/Fall2020
Update December 9, 2020
In This Edition:
Winter Break and COVID-19: GCISD will soon close for Winter Break. Please read this information thoroughly for important information regarding COVID-19 reporting during the break.
STAAR Test Update: TEA has announced that A-F ratings will be paused this year. The STAAR test will still be administered. Campuses will communicate testing procedures soon.
Winter Break Curbside Meals: GCISD's curbside meals service will be available on Wednesdays during the upcoming Winter Break. Also, the District encourages families who qualify to continue applying for the federal free or reduced meals program.
Winter Break Curbside Meal Information
GCISD is excited to announce that its curbside meal pickup service will continue throughout the upcoming winter break.
Families will be able to pick up meal bundles on Wednesday, December 23 and Wednesday, December 30 at Grapevine Elementary, Cross Timbers Middle or Grapevine Middle from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. The meal bundles will include seven breakfasts, seven lunches and 1 gallon of milk per child. Heating instructions will be included so that families can prepare the meals at their convenience. These meals bundles are free to all children 18 years and younger.
As a reminder, GCISD continues to offer free meals at all elementary and middle schools during the school day. This program will allow any student in elementary or middle school to receive a free breakfast and lunch meal in the school cafeteria, with the option to purchase a-la-carte items.
Although meals are free for many GCISD students, it is still important that families who qualify or think they may qualify for the federal free or reduced meals program still complete the program's application. The process is quick and easy, and doing so will provide additional benefits as noted in image above for families and their schools, even after the impact of COVID-19.
Lunch Table Signups
All students who will be attending in person for the 3rd 9 weeks should have signed up for a seat at a lunch table. Students have selected their table using the links below or through the CMS Announcements Canvas page. Students selected one table in the cafeteria or on the patio for the 3rd 9 weeks. The deadline to submit their request was on Monday Dec. 14.
After the deadline, students will be assigned tables. All tables will have a maximum of 4 students per table.
Students who select a patio table will eat in the multipurpose room or another indoor location on bad weather days.
Students received notification of their seating assignment via Canvas in the CMS 20-21 course and their advisory teacher on Thursday, Dec. 17.
Students should have only signed up ONCE. If they signed up more than once the would be assigned to the first table selected.
6th grade - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48ACA929A1FEC34-6thgrade1
7th grade - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48ACA929A1FEC34-7thgrade1
8th grade - https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0D48ACA929A1FEC34-8thgrade1
New procedures for spectators during basketball games
Advisory adjustment during the 2nd Semester - 3rd Nine Weeks
Due to student and teacher class enrollment needs, we are making some changes in Advisory starting when students return from break in January. For the second semester, all students that are remote at any time (i.e. remote learner, in quarantine, sick days, etc.) will have a remote Advisory teacher to check in with and who will support them with the tasks that all CMS students are required to do through their Advisory class. This will be the case for all remote students unless they were pulled by a teacher for a specific reason (i.e. Honors Band students, tutoring, etc.).
This will allow a grade level streamlined approach and will also assist our in-person learners and teachers:
6th grade remote students will report to Mrs. Pavliska
7th grade remote students will report to Mrs. Morgan
8th grade remote students will report to Mrs. Jackson
Naturally, during Advisory time, students will still have the same opportunity to work on their school needs as before. Students should access the CMS Advisory curriculum via the “Advisory Module” in the Canvas “CMS 20-21” course, which has all the important information needed. When a student is not on campus, they will check into their advisory module and or grade level advisory remote teacher, not their in-person Advisory teacher.
GCISD Updates Quarantine Procedures
GCISD Updates Quarantine Procedures
In case you missed it, yesterday the District announced updated quarantine guidelines based on guidance issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). GCISD's new guidelines allow students and staff members who are identified as a close contact to a positive COVID-19 case to return to school or to work after 10 days of quarantine, without testing, if no symptoms have developed.
Complete information, including the exact protocol, can be found here.
PSAT 8/9 Scores
Important Notes:
• Remind your students 13 years old and over to create a College Board account so they can easily access their scores online and unlock a robust set of personalized resources to help them understand their scores.
• Students 13 years old and over who provided their email address on their PSAT 8/9 answer sheet will receive an email reminder to view their PSAT 8/9 scores online.
• Students who don't see their scores after they log in may need to enter an access code.
Please contact your student’s counselor for this access code.