colleyville middle school - Grapevine

COLLEYVILLE MIDDLE
SCHOOL
NOVEMBER 17, 2014
CMS WHY?
INSPIRE AND EMPOWER STUDENTS AND STAFF
TO CONTINUOUSLY ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR
MAKING A POSITIVE DIFFERENCE IN THEMSELVES
AND THE WORLD THROUGH INNOVATIVE
EDUCATION!
Dear Colt Parents, At this time of Thanksgiving I would like to give some thank you: -­‐ Thank you to all who donated food items for the NJHS food drive we collect almost 600 canned foods. This year the 8th grade class won the competition. -­‐ Thank you to all helped with and donated items to the Math/Science competition. We had over 250 students competing on Saturday. -­‐ An early Thank you for the Thanksgiving Pies that will be delivered on Friday. -­‐ Thank you to everyone who showed up for our HB5 Parent meeting last week to look at high school requirements and endorsements. Please remember that next week we will be on Thanksgiving Break and will return to school on December 1st. Have a safe and relaxing week off. COLT PRIDE! Dave Denning
CALENDAR
Monday, November 17
7th Grade Boys Basketball vs. HMS @
CMS
8th Grade Boys Basketball vs. HMS @
HMS
GCISD Board Meeting
Tuesday, November 18
Mobile Go Center-8th Graders
Cross Country Meet @ Andy Brown Park
7th Grade DFW North Band Auditions
Wednesday, November 19
CMS Spelling Bee
Google Parent Training @ 6:30 pm
Thursday, November 20
7th Grade Girls Basketball vs. HMS @
CMS
8th Grade Girls Basketball vs. HMS @
HMS
Friday, November 21
BEGIN THANKSGIVING BREAK
CMS will be holding a parent Google Drive training class on Wednesday Nov 20 from 6:30-7:30 PM
in Computer Lab 102. This class will be hands on learning to see what your child can do in Google
Drive and how to use Google Docs as a collaborative tool across all platforms. Each student within
GCISD has a Google account with unlimited Google Drive storage. To participate in the hands on
learning, please either have a personal Google account available or acquire your child's Google
login prior to arrival (we do not have access to student's login information). Sign up is required
at www.SignUpGenius.com/go/10C0C4FADA72BA2F58-cmsgoogle
Please either select one of the 28 computer work station slots or one of the 10 bring your own
laptop slots.
BRI GHT BY TES S URVEY
This year we will again be collecting data via the Bright Bytes survey in October and May. This data is used to explore the integration of technology in the classroom and to look at professional learning needs. http://www.BByt.es/BP79P
Colleyville(Middle(School(
Fall(Semester(Exam(Schedule(
2014;2015(
(
Wednesday,)December)17th:)
7th(Period(
2nd(Period(
3rd(Period(
4th(Period(
5th(Period(
6th(Period(
NO(STRETCH(
)2:06)–)3:25)
1st)Period)Exam)(right)after)6th)period)(
(
Thursday,)December)18th:)
(8:10)–)9:27)
2nd)Period)Exam)
)9:32)–)10:49) 3rd)Period)Exam)
10:54)–)12:10) 4th)Period)Exam(
(
Friday,)December)19th:)
)8:10)–)9:27)
5th)Period)Exam)
)9:32)–)10:49) 6th)Period)Exam)
10:54)–)12:10) 7th)Period)Exam(
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To help support our students in reaching the 25-Book Challenge the following
days will be a reading time during stretch. Encourage your students to bring
their books.
Dec. 5
Friday
Jan. 9
Friday
Feb. 6
Friday
March 6 Friday
April 1
Wednesday
May 1
Friday
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YEARBOOK INFORMATION
Dear Parents, Did you know that yearbooks must be pre-ordered? Placing your order early will
guarantee your child will receive a book on distribution day. Once pre-ordering is shut off – any
remaining books are sold on a first come, first serve basis. And price of book will be increased to
$55.00. Pre-ordering ENDS January 16, 2015.
Please visit: www.smart-pay.com or call 1-800-853-1337 to order yours today!
Feel free to email Mrs. Adams if you have any further questions regarding ordering your yearbook.
[email protected]
Dear Parents,
Friday you received an email from the district asking for your participation in a district-wide survey. This survey
is to gather feedback from parents about the experience you and your child have had with the academics and
operations at our school.
As your child’s Principal, I want to personally encourage you to take some time to share your feedback through
this survey. Your input is an important component in our decision-making and helps us as a school – and a district
– evaluate our efforts, measure our progress and ensure that we are providing the best educational experience for
your child. Read invitation letter from Superintendent Dr. Robin Ryan.
This survey will take approximately 15-20 minutes to complete and will be open through Sunday, November 16.
All answers will be treated in a confidential manner and reports will not identify any individuals. If for some
reason you do not receive a direct link, or you want to complete the survey for multiple children, a link also will
be posted on our campus and GCISD websites.
Thank you for your time and prompt attention to this important process in making our school even better!
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November 17-21
SIXTH GRADE
Students continued their unit on the side effects of smoking and biofeedback.
EIGHTH GRADE
Tarrant County College Mobile Go Center will be here at CMS on Tuesday, November 18 for 8th
graders to use the web-based program Texas Reality Check. http://www.texasrealitycheck.com/
Here is the link for you to go through the program after your child has had a chance on Tuesday.
On November 19th we will be working with students to create a 4-year plan for high school and
to work on picking an endorsement. This will be a slow process. Please look for information after
Thanksgiving break about Parent Coffees we will be hosting to help continue the discussion
about House Bill 5 and the endorsements. We are so glad so many of you came to the program on
Tuesday, November 11. If you missed the program, here is the link to information on GCISD’s
website. http://www.gcisd-k12.org/hb5
ALL STUDENTS
AVID and the Counseling Department are hosting GEN TX week. Mr. Clary’s 8th grade AVID class
has put together some great activities to support GEN TX week. Ask your child what activities
they have done! Remember to encourage them to wear a college shirt on Wednesday, November
19. We have also attached a College Prep Timeline from Knowsys.
FOR club will meet Thursday in the Team Room during 1st stretch.
Krystal McCure – Counselor A-K – 817-305-4916
Shelly Ray – Counselor L-Z – 817-305-4917
Shari Vanderwork – Registrar – 817-305-4955
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Educational Services
COLLEGE PREP TIMELINE
- Develop strong study skills
- Make good grades
- Take the PSAT in October (for practice)
- Keep working on SAT Vocab Flashcards
- Take a practice ACT or SAT in the spring
- Explore colleges and careers on the internet
- Shadow people at work to explore careers
- Update list of extracurricular activities, community service,
awards, honors, and classes (THE LIST)
- Take advantage of summer programs at colleges
- Volunteer in the local community
-
Take the PSAT in October (this is when it counts!)
Keep working on SAT Vocabulary Flashcards
Take a practice ACT or SAT in the late fall
Take a course to improve your test scores
Take a practice ACT or SAT in the early spring
Once your practice tests show you are ready,
take the official SAT and ACT
Investigate SAT and ACT requirements at colleges
Put 2 colleges on your “reach” list and 5 on your “attainable” list
Search for scholarship and financial aid programs
Update THE LIST (see Grade 9)
-
Visit college campuses
Talk with college admissions counselors
Participate in summer programs at colleges
Write your college admissions essays
Volunteer in the local community
- Add the last items to THE LIST (see Grade 9)
- Narrow your college choices & visit campuses
- Attend college fairs, career fairs, & financial aid
workshops
College Readiness
Academic tutoring
7th Grade SAT and ACT
SAT: ReadiStep, PSAT, and SAT
ACT: Explore, Plan, and ACT
Workshops: Applications, Admissions, Essays, & More!
Vocabulary
Levels 6 - 12 (get a head start!)
Math
Remediation
(512) 961-8530
All grade levels:
words do you think are in college textbooks?)
- Register for the NCAA Clearinghouse
- Submit SAT and ACT scores to the Clearinghouse in the spring
Acceleration
Take a career interest inventory
Request information from 8 to 10 colleges
Identify apprenticeship opportunities
Shadow people at work to explore careers
Investigate financial aid and scholarship requirements
Update THE LIST (see Grade 9)
- Take advantage of summer programs at colleges
- Volunteer in the local community
- Take a summer SAT or ACT course (if you know your junior year
will be too busy to take the course then)
-
www.myKnowsys.com
-
Private Tutoring
-
Gather applications
Note early admissions deadlines (often November 1)
Make a checklist of admissions requirements
Proofread & finalize admissions essays & applications
- Search for scholarships & complete applications
- Complete financial aid applications
- Complete the FAFSA between Jan 1 & March 10
- Review & evaluate financial aid offers
- Check deadlines for sending in acceptance & deposit money
- Apply for housing
- Find a part-time job
- Forward final high school transcript to selected college
- Plan the details of college life: budgets, courses, orientation, etc
Copyright © 2013 Knowsys Educatioanl Services LLC. All rights reserved. 20130207 ECPTL v2.0
[email protected]
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COLLEGE PREP TIMELINE
Educational Services
- Develop strong study skills
- Make good grades
- Memorize math formulas & facts
- Start a list of extracurricular activities, community service,
awards, honors, and classes (THE LIST)
-
Take Algebra and Pre-AP courses
Review math formulas
Review grammar rules
Keep using your vocabulary cards
-
Start a list of careers that interest you
Make a list of appealing colleges
Update THE LIST (see Grade 6)
Take a practice ACT or SAT in the spring
- Pay attention to the high school orientation
- Research clubs and extracurricular activities
- Let academic factors determine your schedule
- Read and write!
- Memorize grammar rules
- Continue building your vocab
- Take a practice ACT or SAT in the spring
- Take an SAT Prep Course designed for 7th graders
- Take the January SAT for your TIP SAT exam
- Take advantage of summer programs at colleges
- Choose which sports you will play
- Check sports schedules
- Plan study times into your schedule
All grade levels:
All grade levels:
-
Take advantage of summer programs at colleges
Volunteer in the local community
Journal at least three times a week
Read!
College Prep Test Terms
SAT and ACT exams created by Knowsys
Educational Services to SIMULATE the actual test and testing
experience. The results do not go on your permanent record and
are not seen by any universities. Contact Knowsys for details at
[email protected].
The Preliminary SAT given on a Wednesday in October at
your local high school. It is used to identify National Merit Scholars.
The PSAT is NOT used in the college admissions process. The
PSAT only counts for National Merit in the JUNIOR year. Register
with your high school counselor.
One-hour multiple-choice exams administered
by universities throughout the U.S. as part of the admissions and/
or scholarship application process. Students should take the SAT in
the Spring of their Junior Year. Register at www.collegeboard.org.
ADDITION TO the SAT or ACT exams for admission purposes. The
SAT IIs are offered in 20 subjects, including languages. Register
at www.collegeboard.org. Knowsys suggests students taking AP
courses take the corresponding SAT II.
universities throughout the U.S. as part of the admissions and/or
scholarship application process. Students should take the ACT in
the Spring of their Junior Year. Register at www.actstudent.org.
usually taken after completion of an AP Course. Universities MAY
use the scores from AP exams to give credit or to determine class
www.collegeboard.org. Ask your counselor for details.
www.myKnowsys.com
(512) 961-8530
Copyright © 2013 Knowsys Educatioanl Services LLC. All rights reserved. 20130207 ECPTL v2.0
[email protected]
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The district implements security protocols at every school and facility and we
conduct regular safety and security drills to best prepare our students and staff
members for potential emergencies. GCISD follows a standard response protocol
for emergency situations, developed for our district and based on nationallyrecognized practices. We also partner with local emergency groups and first
responders as we continually work to provide safe educational environments for
students, staff and visitors to our facilities. The district has implemented a
Standard Response Protocol for students and staff across the district. Protocols
are attached and we also have posters around our campus to remind students and
staff of these procedures. While we hope we never need them, it is important for
us to have these procedures in place in case a situation does arise.
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2014 Holiday Greeting Card Art Contest
Theme: Christmas Around the World
Elementary, middle and high school students are invited to submit
original artwork for the cover of GCISD’s official holiday greeting
card. Three student designs --- one from the elementary, middle and high
school levels --- will be selected and sent out on behalf of Superintendent Dr.
Robin Ryan and the GCISD Board of Trustees. Cards are sent to community
leaders, area businesses, organizations and other school districts.
The three final designs for the cover will be selected by a group of District
employees and the Superintendent on the basis of originality, theme, use of
color and overall design.
The three students whose works are selected for the GCISD Holiday Greeting
Card each will receive a $25 gift card to Target and recognition at the
December 15 meeting of the Board of Trustees. The selected artwork will be
featured on the district’s website and in other publicity about the contest.
Entry rules/guidelines:
• Submit only one entry per student.
• Artwork should be appropriate for and reflect our diverse community
that celebrates a variety of holidays, while following the theme of
“Christmas Around the World” as closely as possible.
• Artwork size should be 5 ½ x 8 ½ or 8 ½ x 11.
• Submitted art should be easy to scan and reproduce.
• Entries may be submitted to your school office or the reception desk at
the GCISD Administration building, 3051 Ira E. Woods, Grapevine.
Please label the envelope or folder: Holiday Card Entry, Attention
Communication Services Department.
• ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE COMMUNICATION SERVICES
DEPT. by Monday, Nov. 17, 4 p.m.
• Submit art with the entry/parental permission form fastened securely to
the back. After winners are selected, artwork will be returned to
campuses for distribution to the artist.
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2014 Holiday Greeting Card Art Contest
Entry Form
Please separate the form at the line indicated and attach it to the back
of the artwork you submit. Art must be received in the Communication
Services Dept. by Monday, Nov. 17, 4 p.m. in order to be considered.
Please print.
Cut out this form on the line below and attach to back of artwork.
(cut here)------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Student’s Name:
Age:
School:
Phone (Home or Cell):
Grade Level:
Contact Email:
Medium and Name of Art Piece:
Parent or Guardian Permission
I give my permission for GCISD to reproduce my student’s art work on the official
2014 Holiday Greeting Card and in contest publicity.
Parent or Guardian Name:
Parent Contact Phone:
Parent E-mail Address:
Parent or Guardian Signature:
Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District
For questions about the contest,
contact the Communication Services Department at 817/251-5505
or email mailto:[email protected].
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Celebrate Texas Public Schools Video Contest Your school matters, and we want the entire state to know it! The Texas School Public Relations Association has kicked off its 3rd annual Celebrate Texas
Public Schools (CTPS) Video Contest! Students and campuses from across the state can earn the
chance to win $1,000 for their school by making a one-minute video explaining what’s worth
celebrating in their school. As in years past, the contest will feature five different categories (elementary, middle, high, foreign language and
education foundation). The statewide winner in each category will win $1,000, thanks to Randolph Brooks Federal
Credit Union.
GCISD had a couple of entries in last year’s contest—we’d love to have an entry in each category this year. Check
out the rules at http://www.celebratetps.org/ctps-­‐video-­‐contest and submit your entry to the Communication
Services office by Friday, Dec. 19.(This date is earlier than the deadline listed in the rules. This way we have time to
review the entries and meet the January district deadline.) NOTE - All videos must end with the attached logo.
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