Colt Corner
Colleyville Middle School
January 29, 2021
Colts,
As we wrap up the first month of 2021, I am constantly reminded of the grit and determination our Colts have at Colleyville Middle School. For teachers, this time of year can feel like a long stretch of working in the daily processes of all that a middle school entails. Our teachers and staff come together daily to give their best for our students. Our positive campus Colt spirit is evident and seen everywhere from the classes, courts, and hallways.
An example of this is found in our R.I.S.E. (Reaching Independence through Structured Education) class beginning the Great Kindness Challenge on campus. Students all around campus and remotely have encouraged each other to focus on the positives in life. I love seeing many banners, posters, assignments, compliments, and endless acts of kindness all around campus. It is actions like these that remind me of how we are all helping to Build an Excellent School Together (B.E.S.T.)!
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
February 1 - 7th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 3 - Progress Reports
February 4 - 8th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 8 - 7th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 11 - 8th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 12 - Day of Hope - Wear Yellow
February 15 - Student Holiday
February 15 - Parent CMS STARS Dance Meeting for 21-22 School Year at 7pm on Webex.
February 17 - 7th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 18 - 8th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 22 - 7th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
February 23 - Incoming 6th Grade Information - See new flyer below.
February 24 - Progress Reports
February 25 - 8th Boys & Girls Basketball schedule linked here
In this Edition of the Colt Corner
* Incoming 6th Grade Information - Tuesday, February 23rd flyer. 5:00pm info. release time.
* Hope Squad Day of Hope - Feb. 12
* Art Class Projects
* High School STEM Informational Sessions
* Social Studies Student of the Week
Counselors Corner
* 8th Grade Finalizing Course Requests & Selecting Alternate Courses
* Meetings with High School Counselors: Feb 4th
* CHHS Panther Showcase Jan. 25
* CHS Counselors Personal WebEx Rooms
* CHHS Counselors Personal WebEx Rooms
* STEM Lottery
* STEM Information Session
* TECC Tours
* 7th Course Selection
* 6th Course Selection
* Identification Process - Referral Window Closes Friday, March 12th
* SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program - Opt out form
* Play It Safe Student Lessons
* Character Strong
* Family Character Dare: Click On!
* Friends For Life Hotline
Repeated Information
* GCISD Update
* Assessment Information - State required assessments
* GCISD Virtual Multicultural Fair
* GCISD CMS Stars Dance Team Newsletter
* CMS Stars Dance Auditions
* Tuition Based Pre-K Lottery - The Pre-K Tuition Based lottery application closes tonight at 10:00 p.m. on January 15, 2021
* GCISD Language Assessment Center Online Courses for Adult
* PreAP Label Change - Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, GCISD will be implementing the title change to “Advanced” for all courses formerly known as Pre-AP.
* STEM and Dual Language Lottery
* Student Spring Survey
* Scholarship Opportunity for 7th Grade Students
* Colleyville Police Department needs Crossing Guards
* CHHS Pantera Spring Fling Dance Showcase
* COVID-19 Prevalence Study
* Spring 2021 School Guide - Spring 2021 Guide sent out via past district communication
* 3rd Nine Weeks Closing Window - Late assignments and UIL eligibility dates
* UIL Calendar
New Incoming 6th Grade Info. Flyer
Hope Squad Day of Hope - February 12
Friday, February 12 is the Hope Squad Day of Hope. It’s a day to bring awareness to the importance of our mental health. Just like our physical health, mental health has an impact on how we feel and function. The Day of Hope is an opportunity to increase awareness about mental health and to help prevent suicide. On Friday, February 12, wear yellow, the color that represents suicide prevention and awareness.
Counselors’ Corner for the Week of Feb. 1 - 5
8th Grade Parents
Finalizing 8th Grade Course Requests & Selecting Alternate Courses: A Google Form created by high school counselors was emailed to all 8th grade parents/students on Monday, January 25th to change course requests and to add alternate courses for high school scheduling. Every 8th grader MUST fill this form out by Sunday, January 31st. The form is also linked here.
Meetings with High School Counselors:
February 4th: 8th grade students will meet individually with their high school counselor via WebEx and will be given one final opportunity to review their freshman course selections. Meetings will be through science classes. Each student will only have a couple of minutes to meet with their high school counselor and review their freshman course selections. Links to each high school counselor’s personal WebEx room are provided below:
GHS Counselors Personal WebEx Rooms:
Marnie Pape (Last Names A-Cr): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/marnie.pape
Shelly Ray (Last Names Cu-He): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/shelly.ray
Al Marks (Last Names Hi-Me): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/albert.marks
LeeAnn Farris (Last Names Mi-Sch): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/leeann.farris
Katherine Partridge (Last Names Sci-Z): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/katherine.partridge
Mary Parsley (Lead Counselor): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/mary.parsley
CHHS Personal WebEx rooms:
Ann Wang (A-Cro): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/ann.wang
Chandra Manuel (Cru-Holk): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/chandra.manuel
Claudia McWhorter (Holl-Mom): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/claudia.mcwhorter
Leslie Walden (Mon-Schu): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/leslie.walden
Faylinn Habermehl (Sco-Z): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/faylinn.habermehl
Amanda Vargas (Lead): https://gcisd.webex.com/meet/amanda.vargas
High School Showcase Info: CHHS hosted their annual Panther Showcase this past week. GHS held their annual Showcase earlier this month. Information about both high schools’ showcases can be found using this link.
STEM Lottery: The GCISD Personalized Programs Lottery is now open. Current 8th graders interested in the high school STEM program may apply using the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc5In58w8MYrKH-aLo_b7OslXwa-V0gehu6jFDiuZqSPHW9HQ/viewform
STEM Information Session: 8th grade students and parents who are interested in learning more about the STEM programs in high school are invited to attend an informational session.
STEM Informational Session Flyer
7th Grade Parents:
TECC Tour: CMS 7th grade students participated in a virtual tour of the GHS TECC (Technology Education & Career Center) this week during advisory. Students learned about possible programs and career pathways they may pursue in high school. It is important for all 7th graders to know about the options available to them in high school, as this will impact their four year planning and freshman course selection, which will begin in the fall of 2021. If your student missed this event, here is the link to the virtual tour. Once students have completed the virtual tour, they need to fill out this brief Google form.
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. These meetings will be done through 7th grade science classes.
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. 6th grade course selection will be done through social studies classes.
GT Identification Process- Referral Window Closes Friday, March 12th
Referrals for Gifted & Talented identification will be accepted by middle school counselors Feb. 22 - March 12. Testing for in-person learners will take place on campus between March 22 - April 9. Testing for remote learners will take place between April 19 - April 23 at the PDEC (more information to come). Qualification letters will be mailed home and postmarked no later than April 30. Qualified students will be eligible to enroll in GT courses beginning in 2021-2022. Please email your student’s counselor if you would like to make a referral.
SOS Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program
Full program details linked here.
CMS in-person learners will be presented this program on the following dates:
8th grade in-person learners: February 22nd
7th grade in-person learners: February 24th
6th grade in-person learners: March 3rd
Remote learners and their parents/guardians will have two options to view the program virtually through a WebEx event on March 9th at 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m.
SOS Opt-Out Form
*Return to your child’s School Counseling Office no later than February 22, 2021.
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
*Return to your child’s School Counseling Office no later than February 22, 2021.
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 RESPECT for the month of February.
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: Kind Conference Call
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/Spring 2021
Update January 27, 2021
In this past edition:
2021-2022 Calendar Approved: The instructional calendar for the 2021-2022 school year has been approved.
Personalized Program Lottery: The application window for the personalized program lottery (STEM/Dual Language) is now open. It will close on February 12.
All-State Musicians: Ten GCISD students have earned TMEA All-State honors, the highest award a Texas musician can receive.
Health and Safety Guidelines: The Return to Campus Overview is a summary of some of the most frequently referenced guidelines from the Spring 2021 Guide.
Texas Legislative Update: Leaders of the Texas House and Senate have released their initial budget proposals.
Free and Curbside Meals Continue: If you are participating in our curbside meal service, or have participated in the past, please read below for a survey with the opportunity to provide your feedback.
What's For Dinner?: GCISD's Take and Bake Meals have returned and are available each Tuesday and Thursday throughout January.
Scholarship Opportunity for 7th Grade Students
Assessment Information
As we move into the spring semester, we begin preparing for additional state required assessments including TELPAS (Texas English Language Proficiency Assessment System) and STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness). We have received guidance from the Texas Education Agency that to ensure equity for all students, a student must be present at a monitored testing session and must be supervised by a trained test administrator to participate in the Texas assessment program.
Therefore, all students who have selected remote instruction will need to be present on campus on these testing dates as applicable. Our assistant principals, Mr. Niemeyer and Mrs. Menard will send out information as we get closer to the administration of these assessments.
GCISD Virtual Multicultural Fair
GCISD is proud to be a part of a culturally diverse community. Our families come from various cultural backgrounds and speak numerous languages.
This May, the GCISD Diversity Advisory Council will be hosting a GCISD Virtual Multicultural Fair and we need YOU! We are looking for volunteers to showcase their own country, culture, or heritage.
Here are some ideas of ways to get involved: Create a slideshow about the country or culture you represent. You could also show examples of toys, books, arts and crafts and so much more! Or you could demonstrate how a particular musical instrument or an unusual kitchen tool works. It would be fun to show us how to play a certain popular game. How about a simple cooking demonstration of a famous dish or a demonstration of a cultural art technique, a dance step or a popular sport? The choice is yours!
If you're interested in participating as an individual or family, please fill out and submit this form by January 29.
COVID-19 Prevalence Study
Join the DFW COVID-19 Prevalence Study to help researchers better understand how common COVID-19 is in Dallas and Tarrant counties. By volunteering, you will help guide decisions being made in our communities to keep you and your family safe and healthy. The study is being conducted by UT Southwestern and Texas Health Resources.
To participate in the study, visit www.utswmed.org/covidstudy and complete a brief survey.
- Some people will then be asked to complete a brief survey and offered free COVID-19 testing and a $20 gift card.
- Others will be asked to complete a 10-minute survey about their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every 50th person who submits a completed survey will receive a $20 gift card.
Estudio de Prevalencia de COVID
Únase al Estudio de Prevalencia de COVID en DFW para ayudar a los investigadores a entender mejor qué tan común es el COVID-19 en los condados de Dallas and Tarrant. Al ser voluntario, usted ayudará a guiar decisiones hechas en nuestras comunidades parar mantenerle a usted y a su familia a salvo y saludable. El estudio está siendo realizado por UT Southwestern y Texas Health Resources.
Para participar en este estudio, visite www.utswmed.org/covidstudy y complete una encuesta breve.
- A algunas personas se les pedirá completar una encuesta breve, y se le ofrecerán pruebas gratuitas de COVID-19 y una tarjeta de regalo de $20.
- A otras se les pedirá completar una encuesta de 10 minutos sobre sus experiencias durante la pandemia de COVID-19. Aunque no hay compensación por responder las preguntas adicionales, cada 50ª persona que someta una encuesta completa recibirá una tarjeta de regalo de $20.
Student Spring Survey
Growing our students’ social-emotional skills is an important goal in GCISD. We strive to create global citizens who are skilled problem solvers, effective communicators, self-regulated learners and collaborative workers through our Portrait of a Graduate. In order to identify areas of strength, needs, and support, students will be completing an online survey similar to the survey they participated in during the fall semester. This survey aligns with Goal 2 of LEAD 2.0: designing learning environments that support social and emotional well-being and Goal 3: creating a culture that fosters learning environments that reflect student voice and promote student engagement.
The data we get back will help inform our educational practices and will help us continue to identify opportunities for growth and development across the District.
Beginning on Monday, January 25 through Friday, February 5, students will have the opportunity to complete the online survey during a designated class time. For students who are engaging in remote learning, an activity will be loaded into SeeSaw/Canvas with instructions for participation. Please be on the lookout for specific communication from your student’s teacher about this survey.
The survey for students in third through twelfth-grade will ask a series of questions on the following topics: grades, classes, performance in school, behavior, student voice, and learning. Students in sixth through twelfth-grade will be asked an additional set of questions related to diversity. Students in pre-kindergarten through second grade will be assessed on teacher perception of grit, self-management, social awareness, self-efficacy and learning strategies. The information collected will be used by the teacher and campus leaders to provide necessary support for all students.
If you have any questions regarding this survey, please contact your campus counselor.
Tuition Based Pre-K Lottery
The Pre-K Tuition Based lottery application will open at 8:30 a.m. on January 5, 2021 and close at 10:00 p.m. on January 15, 2021. Families interested in tuition based pre-k need to complete this application. Students meeting Texas state eligibility criteria will be able to apply and qualify in April 2021. For more information on tuition and pre-k qualifications visit WWW.GCISD.NET/PREK or contact gcisd.pk@gcisd.net
Lotería de Prekíndergarten Basado en Pago de Cuotas Escolares
La solicitud para la lotería del programa de Pre-K basado en pago de cuotas escolares se abrirá el 5 de enero a las 8:30 am y cerrará a las 10:00 pm el 15 de enero. Las familias interesadas en el programa de Pre-K a base de pago deben completar esta solicitud. Los estudiantes que cumplan con los criterios de elegibilidad del estado de Texas podrán solicitar y calificar en abril de 2021. Para obtener más información sobre la matrícula y los requisitos de prekínder, visite WWW.GCISD.NET/PREK o comuníquese con gcisd.pk@gcisd.net.
GCISD Language Assessment Center Online Courses for Adults
In partnership with the Grapevine Community Outreach Center, the GCISD Language Assessment Center will begin offering online courses for adults. These free courses will be self-paced and will provide skills in English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Literacy, as well as GED support. The flyers can be viewed here in English and Spanish.
PRE-AP LABEL CHANGE
Next school year, the College Board will be requiring school districts to pay a fee if they use the Pre-AP label for any of their courses. This fee is an annual fee that is per course, per campus. GCISD along with many neighboring districts, have decided not to purchase the use of the Pre-AP label in an effort to remain fiscally responsible.
Beginning in the 2021-22 school year, GCISD will be implementing the title change to “Advanced” for all courses formerly known as Pre-AP. This change will be reflected in the 2021-22 Course Selection Guide set to release in January of 2021. As an example, Pre-AP World History will now be labeled as World History Advanced.
GCISD will use AP's guidelines to ensure the rigor of both middle school and high school courses. Classes now labeled “Advanced” will remain the same weight as the PreAP courses they are replacing. GCISD will continue to work with the College Board through our AP offerings.
STEM and Dual Language Lottery
The personalized programs application window for the 2021-2022 school year will open on Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Online applications will be accepted through Friday, February 12, 2021. The lottery will be conducted on Monday, February 22, 2021.
Students who are already in STEM or Dual Language do NOT need to apply, even at transition years.
For more information and to complete an online application on or after Tuesday, January 19, click here.