The Mustang Minute
Week of December 4th - 8th, 2023
Principal's Message
Mustang Family,
And just like that, we're in the final month of the 2023 portion of the school year. Only two weeks remain before the start of Christmas break so please encourage all students to finish strong. Emails were sent to students this week reminding them of the semester exam exemption policy and included the Google form application. If this is something students are wanting to take advantage of please make sure that they fully read and complete the application before the deadline.
STAAR re-testing will take place this week which will limit building access for visitors. More information about that below.
Rah, Rah, Rah...Mustangs Fight!
Alex
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
December STAAR EOC Retest Information
Students who need to retake or are missing one of their EOCs and are not currently enrolled in the class will be taking the exams on the following days next week. Students will receive a pass the day before their scheduled exam to report to the Library for the first period. Please reach out to Laura Foutch with any questions at laura.foutch@gcisd.net.
Tuesday, December 5th, English I EOC
Wednesday, December 6th, Algebra I and Biology EOCs
Thursday, December 7th, English II EOC
Friday, December 8th, U.S. History EOC
Student Parking Fees
Beginning the Monday after the Thanksgiving break, parking for the remainder of the first semester will
be reduced to $25. 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.
Lost and Found Items
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 they will be donated to GRACE (Grapevine Relief & Community Exchange)
Stangs Cross Country Team - Honored at GCISD Board Meeting
Cheer's 22-23 UIL Performance (Click on image to view)
Cheer at Disney!
Conor McGall has achieved a perfect score of 1600 on the SAT.
Grapevine High School junior Conor McGall has achieved a perfect score of 1600 on the SAT.
Leading up to the exam, McGall practiced on the PSAT and was most focused on the reading portion of the exam, describing it as the hardest part.
When asked what he thought about the possibility of getting a perfect score, he said, “I thought it was plausible. I was hoping, but I didn’t have too many expectations before taking the exam.”
Once McGall finished the SAT, he didn’t think about the results very much, until after receiving a text message from his mom to let him know the results came in.
“When I went to the website and saw the results, I was ecstatic,” he shared.
McGall credits his teachers for the preparation and getting him to love English and math. He said that his teachers are the real stars.
Now that he has achieved a perfect score on the SAT, McGall said he plans on taking the ACT. After he graduates, he hopes to pursue a career in academic research. He was inspired by academic research after completing a four-week research program at the University of Chicago, studying cancer cells. McGall wants to continue his education at the University of Chicago, Stanford University, or the University of Texas at Austin. Congratulations to Conor McGall on this incredible accomplishment!
Speech & Debate Success @ Regionals
The Grapevine Speech & Debate team competed at the Region 11 UIL Congress.The team had outstanding success with all three delegates advancing to finals and one qualifying for UIL State. Congratulations to Benjamin Hu and Elena Medina for the finals qualification. Congratulations and good luck at State to Jack Hasper for placing 3rd at Regionals and qualifying for UIL State in Congress, where he will compete for a chance to win it all in January.
Mustang Robotics
Congrats to the GCISD drone teams for their performance at the BELL Advanced Vertical Robotics Competition. MUSTANG ROBOTICS had some strong runs but AERO 404 took home the JUDGES CHOICE AWARD for exemplary character, sportsmanship and community outreach!
For more information, visit:
https://roboticseducation.org/bell-advanced-vertical-robotics/
Congratulations to Cindy Kao
Cindy Kao has earned a spot, for the 2nd year in a row, in the Texas Music Educators Association's All-State Philharmonic Orchestra.
Cindy made history last year, becoming the first All-State Orchestra member from Grapevine-Colleyville ISD. Now she has repeated that accomplishment, and set herself up to potentially become a 4 year All-State member. Only a handful of students achieve that distinction.
Java & Jazz - An Amazing Night!
On Thursday, November 16th our Mustang Choir put on an event titled Java and Jazz. Below are pictures from the event. Click here to hear the beautiful melodies of the night.
Winners of the GHS Holiday Card Contest
Congratulations to the following students for winning the GHS Holiday Card Contest. Their work has now been entered into the GCISD Holiday Card Contest! Anzu Kitawaki was first place with second place going to Sasha Akrache Mendez and third place going to Irina Ruiz Espinoza. Way to go Mustangs!
Huge performances in an overtime thriller at The Stable
Introducing the 2023-24 Lady Mustangs! Lets go !
GHS vs. Denton and Denton Ryan Swim Meet Results:
Girls 200 Yard Medley
2nd place: GHS Girls Relay Team – Alyssa Ackermann, Lily Spencer, Anisha Menezes
and Elizabeth Pauli
Boys 200 Yard Medley
2nd place: GHS Boys Relay Team – Victor Bravo, Hayden Carey, Jonathan Newman,
and Ryan Bradburry
Boys 200 Yard Freestyle
1st place: Ryan Bradburry
Boys 200 Yard IM (Individual Medley)
3rd Place: Jonathan Newman
Girls 50 Yard Freestyle
6th place – Elizabeth Pauli; 7 th place – Alyssa Ackermann; 9 th place – Joanna He (out of
37 places)
Boys 50 Yard Freestyle
1 st place – Hayden Carey; 3rd place – Ryan Bradburry
Boys 100 Yard Butterfly
2nd place – Hayden Carey
Girls 100 Yard Freestyle
4th place- Anisha Menezes; 5 th place – Lily Spencer
Boys 100 Yard Freestyle
4th place – Victor Bravo; 5 th place – Jonathan Newman
Girls 500 Yard Freestyle
1st place – Sarah Drori
Girls 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
2nd place – Alyssa Ackermann; Sarah Drori; Elizabeth Pauli and Anisha Menezes
5th place – Lexi Allen; Lilly Rogers; Kathryn Schillo and Lily Spencer
Boys 200 Yard Freestyle Relay
1st place – Sawyer Schreck; Jonathan Newman; Victor Bravo and Hayden Carey
Girls 100 Yard Backstroke
1st place – Alyssa Ackermann; 3 rd place – Sarah Drori; 8 th place – Maura Cheney
Girls 100 Yard Breaststroke
1st place –Lily Spencer
Girls 400 Yard Freestyle Relay
2nd place – GHS Relay Team: Lexi Allen, Maura Cheney, Lily Rogers and Elizabeth Pauli
Good Luck to GHS Swimmers & Divers competing at the Highland Park meet on Saturday, 12/2 and the TISCA Qualifiers in Frisco 12/7-12/9!
Grapevine HS Speech and Debate Shines Bright at Prosper, Rockhill, and Walnut Grove Tournament December 1 and 2.
In an impressive display of eloquence and prowess, Grapevine High School's Speech and Debate team demonstrated excellence at the recent Prosper, Rockhill, and Walnut Grove Tournament, with an outstanding performance by 20 dedicated students. The team's collective efforts were rewarded with several top-tier accomplishments across various categories.
Sweepstakes Awards: A Triumph on Every Front
Grapevine High School secured an impressive 4th Place Overall Sweepstake award, a notable 4th place in the Rockhill Sweepstake, and another 4th Place accolade in the Walnut Grove Sweepstakes, showcasing their consistency and dominance throughout the competitions.
Rockhill Walnut Grove Tournament Highlights:
Lincoln Douglas Debate:
Aaron Lou
- 1st Place CHAMPION
- 2nd Place Speaker
- TFA State Qualified
Aadi Patil
- 3rd Place Speaker
- Quarterfinalist
Benjamin Hu
- 10th Place Speaker
- Quarterfinalist
Public Forum Debate:
Peyton Squires and Jack Hasper
- Quarterfinalists
Peyton Squires
- 8th Place Speaker
Jack Hasper
- 9th Place Speaker
Speech Portion of the Tournament: A Swing of Success
The Speech portion of the tournament, which involved simultaneous competitions at Rockhill and Walnut Grove, witnessed the remarkable performance of Grapevine Speech Students.
Walnut Grove Highlights:
Dramatic Interpretation:
- Manar Elmahi: 2nd Place
- Pepper Sychitokohong: 3rd Place
Humorous Interpretation:
- Davis Marino: 3rd Place
Program Oral Interpretation (POI):
- Davis Marino: 3rd Place
Duo Interpretation:
- Malia Radigan and Emma Kupper: 3rd Place
Original Oratory:
- Lane Britton: 3rd Place
- Soumya Naguboina: 7th Place
Rockhill Tournament Highlights:
Dramatic Interpretation:
- Pepper Sychitokokhong: 3rd Place
- Asya Tutwiler: 4th Place
Humorous Interpretation:
- Davis Marino: 1st Place – CHAMPION
Duo Interpretation:
- Malia Radigan and Emma Kupper: 3rd Place
Original Oratory:
- Soumya Naguboina: 4th Place
Grapevine High School's Speech and Debate team's stellar performance at these tournaments reflects their dedication, skill, and commitment to excellence. Congratulations to all the winners for their outstanding achievements, and may their success continue to flourish in future competitions.
Deca donations for PAWS.
Donation boxes will be up from 11/29 to 12/13, and are located in room 116 & 913.
Last day to donate is Tuesday, December 5th Lady Mustang Basketball Pajama Rama Drive ( Earn up to 2 volunteer hours by donating)
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
Next collection date for Ambassador volunteer hours will be Monday, December 4th in the RED box in the counseling office by 9:45am. There is a folder. next to the box with current grade level hours if your student would like to check to see progress. Ms Martinez, counseling secretary, is happy to assist students with locating. Please remind students to check emails for many fun holiday volunteer opportunities this next month!!!
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!
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!
Treats and Sweets for Teachers and Staff
December delivery for teachers and staff will be December 11th! Order form is now open through December 5th! Please consider showing your appreciation with a special delivery of a Sonic drink, a homemade treat, & a personal note. PRICING: {1@$10 } {3@$25 with the code SONIC3 at checkout } {8 for $50 with the code SONIC8 at checkout}
RISE students will make deliveries to teachers and staff! This is a joint fundraiser between GHS Project Graduation and the GHS RISE Program. (Be sure to check out all that RISE has going this year https://twitter.com/GhsRise) Thank you for your support!
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