Good Evening Wolf Family,
This Friday we are having our first ever, "Stuck in the Middle Social" for 7th graders. If you have a 7th grader, please consider allowing them to attend. It should be a great opportunity to socialize and enjoy their fellow classmates. I also wanted to remind you to consider being a part of Career Day. More information about that below. This week is our bye week in athletics. We are encouraging our 8th graders to attend Mustang Nation Night @ GHS on Wednesday, January 23rd. Event begins at 6 pm. This week's edition also answers questions about 6th grade cotillion, more information about that below. Finally, your student(s) received a Ft. Worth Stock Show & Rodeo ticket on Friday, good for a free admittance on Monday, January 21st. I hope you all enjoy.
There is much more to share in this week's newsletter so let's have a look, shall we?
Interested in Presenting @ CTMS Career Day- February 22, 2019
Parents, please consider sharing your time and talents with our formative WOLVES on Career day as they consider and explore career options and opportunities. Sometimes we think we know what a career is, but in reality, we may not. Getting to hear first hand about a job from a speaker in real time is so powerful. Won't you consider sharing your skills with our students this February 22? (We are in need of representation in the following fields: data analytics, cybersecurity, life/health coaching, counseling, parks and Rec, environmental engineering, technologists, plumbers, electricians, mechanics, and more)
Here is the link to sign up.
Nithya Budda- 2018-19 Geography Bee Champion
Congrats to all 25 participants who competed in Tuesday’s geography bee. This was the most well-behaved and competitive group we have had the last three years. Good job! Special congratulations to Nithya Budda for receiving 1st place and Soumya Naguboina for receiving 2nd place.
Mustang Nation Night- January 23 (6-8:30 pm)
Click on the link below to learn more information about the upcoming Mustang Nation night.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zcRHurQBKyZp-65F6PUdod6USl0VhuGra6_ESdsZkyk/edit?usp=sharing
Panther Parent Night- February 4th @ CHHS
Colleyville-Heritage High School's Parent Night will be February 4th. Click on the link below for more details.
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zcRHurQBKyZp-65F6PUdod6USl0VhuGra6_ESdsZkyk/edit?usp=sharing
7th Grade- Stuck in the Middle of Middle School Social- January 25, 2019 (6-8) (Next Friday)
Attention all 7th Grade Parents...In January, our kids will officially be right in the middle of middle school!
Please save the date for January 25th, 2019 from 6-8 PM when we have our FIRST EVER CTMS 7th grade ONLY social in the SAC. We are calling it, "Stuck in the Middle of Middle School" It will be a casual social with music, pizza, and snacks.
Please be on the lookout for more information and a signup genius. Please feel free to contact me with any questions...214-563-9187
Upcoming dates for current 8th graders
January 23rd - Mustang Nation Night @ GHS from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
January 30th - Grapevine High School counselors will be back on campus to meet individually with every student throughout the day. High school counselors will be going over freshman year of four-year plans, teacher recommendations, requested changes, and alternates to ensure accuracy. Please ensure that your student has his/her change form ready to turn in with the proper parent signatures.
February 4th - Panther Showcase @ CHHS from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Love Your Device Contest- Deadline - February 7th
The Love Your Device contest is back this year! Check out our website for detailed information about rules and how to submit entries. Students may work individually, as a small group or as a class. This year's contest is for grades K-8.
The basic information for students:
1. Design a project, a video, a poster, or a slide show covering any aspect of device care or digital citizenship.
2. Submit your entries by February 7. Winners announced February 14.
3. Prizes include t-shirts, tech toys, popcorn parties and more.
CTMS Musical Auditions- Shrek, Jr.- February 19-22
Rachel's Challenge Shirt Contest
Students, you could be the artist behind our new Rachel's Challenge shirt for 2019 and everyone could be wearing your artwork. See the details in the flyer.
8th Grade YEARBOOK ADS (Deadline - Feb. 1st)
Looking for a creative way to tell your student, “I love you and I’m proud of you”?
Place a recognition ad in the yearbook!
8th-grade parents, it’s that time of year where you can recognize your 8th grader in the Yearbook with a recognition ad. Recognition ads are a great way to show your child how proud you are of them. Like the yearbook, your message will be a permanent memory. In the future, seeing your message will bring a smile as they remember your love and support during these important middle school years. And, it’s easy to create a recognition ad. Click here to reserve a space for your ad Deadline is Feb. 1.
Parent Tech Academy- January 23 @ 6:15 PM (Colleyville Middle School)
Free Parent Tech Academy Session on the impact of Social Media and how students can leverage LinkedIn. Come and bring your 7-12 grade student to hear real-life stories about how students lost scholarships and other opportunities due to social media mistakes. How can just one tweet or Facebook post cost you 12 years of hard work? Then sit back and take notes as Microsoft experts share with you how to build the perfect student profile on Linkedin. Get tips for on how to engage with colleges and scholarship organizations with this powerful networking tool.
Be sure to sign up so we can ensure enough seating for this popular session
January 23rd @ 6:15 pm
Colleyville Middle School
Parent Education Night- January 29th @ 6:00 pm (GCISD Board Room)
Parents are invited to a conversation with Dr. Jeff Livingston MD, a local OB/GYN, about how to talk with their children about sex. “The Talk,” can feel intimidating and we hope that this presentation will empower parents with knowledge about what to share and when to share it.
Join us on Tuesday, January 29 at 6:00 pm, in the GCISD Board Room at 3051 Ira E. Woods, Grapevine. The presentation will be recorded and available for viewing through the GCISD website on the Social Emotional Support page.
The Middle Years - Parent Middle School Guide (January)
Hope Squad
All Stars Guidance for 6th grade girls starts this Wednesday, January 23rd
We have 6th grade guidance, called All Stars, that was adopted by the School Health Advisory Council. The program has 16 weeks of guidance lessons focused on helping students make good choices, set goals and plan for the future. The program will run through 6th grade girls PE classes, and will be taught in partnership with Santa Fe Youth Services, the Counseling department and our School Resource Officer. An information and opt out form will be coming home with all 6th grade girls on Wednesday, January 23rd http://www.santafeyouth.org/all-stars-program-2/
Parent Education Night- January 30th (6:30- 7:30 pm @ PDEC)
Parent Education Night by the Parenting Center http://theparentingcenter.org/
January 30, 2019 6:30-7:30pm “Parenting the Strong-Willed Child: Must she always challenge me?” Learn about the unique characteristics of the strong-willed child and specific techniques for communication, positive discipline, and overall nurturing. Childcare is not provided and children are not allowed in class. Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins. All classes held at GCISD Professional Development and Education Center (PDEC) 5800 Colleyville Blvd, Colleyville, TX 76034.
469 Tips (817) 469-8477
Reports can be made in person and all wolves have access to the Friends For Life anonymous reporting tool:
-Call: 817-469-TIPS (8477)
-Text: TIP117 PLUS YOUR MESSAGE to 274637
-Online: www.469tips.com
-Smartphone App: CCS/FFL
Soooo.....What is this COTILLION-event, anyway?
What is COTILLION?
- An event over 4 Fridays, completely located in the SAC. from 6:30 - 8:30 each night with the exception of FINALE, which goes until 9 pm
- A time to learn together, as 6th graders, about why manners matter: we will cover table manners, cellphone manners, the importance of please and thank you, among other areas of etiquette
- A time to celebrate & dance
- A time to learn dance etiquette and, some actual dances (two-step, the hustle, are examples)
- A time to enjoy delicious snacks and food
- A time to interact with classmates outside of classroom setting, but under the supervision of GCISD Administrators and Approved Volunteers
- A time to have fun as a 6th grade class
- A time to put kindness into action with our classmates
What is COTILLION not?
- not dating
- not a popularity contest
- not only a dance; we are covering areas of etiquette, and students will want to listen and learn
What do I wear to COTILLION?
- Attire should correspond to the night’s theme, but certainly does not have to; It is our desire that the wardrobe outline not cause any concern. Parents’ and older siblings’ closets and thrift shops are all options to create a fun outfit. Please remember that the CTMS dress code will be enforced
Some attire ideas for each theme:
- 50’s: Rolled up jeans, white T-shirt, poodle skirts
- Country Western: Jeans, Cowboy hats, boots, denim skirts
- Disco: Colorful print dresses or shirts, bell bottom pants, lounge suits
- Finale: Coat and tie for boys; best dress for girls
If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact either Laurie H. Ackermann, or Jenifer Richardsour Co-Chairs.
Parents who volunteer may attend that event; otherwise, this event is for students only, with supervision outlined above. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR STUDENT THERE!
6th Grade Cotillion- Attention All 6th Grade Parents!
It's time to sign your sixth grader up for Cotillion 2019! Cotillion will happen over 4 consecutive Fridays from 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm in the SAC, starting Friday, February 8th, 15th, 22nd, and March 1st.
Admission is $80.00. This includes all 4 nights, food, and beverages. Please make checks payable to CTMS PTA. Scholarships are available if needed. For scholarships please contact Camille Matthews, CTMS Student Advocate at 817-251-5323.
Please click on the following link and fill out the online form:
Online form - 2019 Cotillion Sign Up Form
Printable PDF form - PDF Cotillion 2019 Info Form
Questions? Contact Laurie H. Ackermann, 214-763-7494 Laurietamar@gmail.com or Jenifer Richards 806-535-4661 g_fer16@hotmail.com
PTA Platinum Award (Still Striving)
Wolf Family, help us reach our goal of 100% PTA Membership this year! We need 287 more members by the end of this year to accomplish our important goal!
Who can join CTMS PTA?
Grandparents, aunts, uncles, your CommYOUnity and all CTMS STUDENTS!
Perks for being a CTMS PTA:
Join today:
www.joinpta.org ($1.50 convivence fee applies online)
We can do this all with your help! *CTMS students who join this month will be entered into a drawing to win a special treat. Thank you for your continued support!- CTMS PTA
Volunteers Wanted!
Want to get involved? Parent volunteers make CTMS great! Volunteer for one of the many opportunities throughout the school year for parent’s to volunteer. There are one time volunteer activities as well as some that happen multiple times throughout the school year. Click on the following link to learn about the volunteer opportunities and to sign up to volunteer.
Monthly Volunteer Hours- Please Report
It’s time to log in your volunteer hours! If you volunteered during the month of January please click on the link below to log in your volunteer hours. This includes any volunteering you did for PTA, a teacher or staff member, or CTMS booster clubs like band, choir, cheer, athletics, theater, Dad’s Club, etc. Pretty much anything CTMS related we want to know about it! Thanks to all of our fantastic CTMS volunteers!
Students Standing Strong
Students Standing Strong meetings take place every Friday from 7:20 am - 8:00 am and in the afternoon from 3:30 - 4:10 pm in room A3. Students participating in Students Standing Strong in the mornings will need to enter through the main entrance and our office staff will buzz them in.
Parent Meeting (Mandatory)- February 6th @ 6:00 PM (Lecture Hall)
There will be a mandatory meeting for all parents whose children are interested in trying out for the 2019-2020 7th and 8th grade cheer squads on February 6th at 6:00 pm in the lecture Hall. The tryout clinic will be from March 4th to March 6th from 3:45 pm to 5:30 pm in the Black Gym. Tryouts will be on March 7th after school. Feel free to contact Bailey Gross (bailey.gross@gcisd.net) or Sara Altom (sara.altom@gcisd.net) for further questions.
CHOIR
We are having a wonderful week. The Wolves are hard at work learning their new music and practicing their sight reading skills. We are super excited about the Skate Town Social, this Tuesday, January 22nd from 6-8 PM. We can't wait to skate, play games, have food, and fun! Please see below for upcoming events!
Upcoming Choir Events
January 22, 2019 Skatetown Choir Social from 6-8 PM (Chaperones needed!) All Choir Members Invited
February 1, 2019 Mrs. McDonald comes to visit! (During Class)
February 12, 2019 Pre UIL at CHHS (Parents are invited but times are TBD) 7th and 8th Grade ONLY
February 26, 2019 UIL Combined Concert at GHS from 6:30-8 PM (Location is subject to Change) This concert is for all grade levels, even though the Sixth Graders don’t perform at UIL or Pre UIL.
March 4th or 5th UIL at CHHS (Chaperones needed! Parents are invited but times/date are TBD) 7th and 8th Grade Choir Members only.
Band
All students were given information regarding our upcoming GCISD MS Band Ensemble Contest. All students, grade 6-8 will participate. If you did not receive it, please click on the following link: GCISD MS Band Ensemble Contest Info
It has been great to have all of our CTMS Wolf instrumentalists back in the Band Hall this week! Please continue to see our SMORE weekly updates every weekend.
Be sure to follow us on social media
- Twitter - @ctms_wolfband
- Facebook - @CrossTimbersMSBand
- Instagram - @ctmswolfband
- Website - www.crosstimbersmsband.com
Band Ensemble Contest Information- Fees Due Friday, January 25th
Ensemble entry fees are due on January 25th. If you need an extra copy of the information form, please click on this link: GCISD Band Ensemble Contest Form
Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend their child’s performance!
Off Campus P.E.
OCPE - Please make sure you are filling out your weekly time logs and are prepared to turn in them in to Coach Harper by the due dates on the bottom of the sheets!
http://crosstimbersms-gcisd.ss18.sharpschool.com/activities/physical_education/o_c_p_e
Tennis- Tryouts - February 4th-7th
We will be having a parent meeting on Wednesday January 30th from 6:30-7:00 in the lecture hall. All information is posted on the CTMS Tennis google classroom. Please email Coach Teeter with any questions- Brooke.teeterstocz@gcisd.net.
Tryouts for tennis begin the first week of February. February 4th/5th is girls tryouts and February 6th/7th is boys tryouts.
Girls' Athletics
Website: http://crosstimbersms-gcisd.ss18.sharpschool.com/activities/athletics/athletics-_girls/
Upcoming Games:
Bye Week
Boys' Athletics
Website:https://ctms.gcisd.net/activities/athletics/athletics-_boys/
Upcoming Boys' Basketball Games:
Bye Week
6th Grade
Spanish II PAP is unpacking the “Como ser un buen turista” unit (How to be a good tourist) With a bubble map, we are writing an essay about our last trip: before vacation, during vacation and after vacation. Also we went thru the Spanish speaker countries and we selected our “Dream country” to visit!!! Ask your student about it. iMe encantan las vacaiones!
8th Grade
ASPIRE Humanities students explored issues of Foreign and Domestic Policy under the Adams and Jefferson administrations. We also had great discussions on the topic of Dehumanization and the psychology of why humans dehumanize one another. This is going to be an important theme as we push further into the 1800’s in history and as we begin book studies in a few weeks. Additionally we are preparing for our field trip to Baylor University, so be sure to check out the Principal’s Pen next week for pictures and highlights! (or follow @theTuckerCTMS for updates on the trip)
6th Grade
ELA students practiced their Portrait of the Graduate skills as they collaborate together to produce and present a mock TV news story. They are bringing in research skills, writing skills, communication skills and self-regulatory skills as they abide to a time-line and complete the assignments! It’s wonderful to experience their excitement for historical events in conversations and planning!
6th Grade Social Studies
Students compared Athens vs. Sparta by rotating though stations and researching which city-state they would have preferred to live in. Next week students are researching Ancient Rome and comparing Ancient Rome to Ancient Greece. Biography book report poems are due Friday January 25th.
7th Math- Pythagorean Theorem
After School Library Calendar
The normal after school library hours are Monday - Thursday from 3:30-4:00 pm. However, there will be times when the library will be closed after school on these days. We are adding this information on the CTMS campus calendar to keep you informed of the closures. We will continue to update this calendar to communicate the foreseen and unforeseen events that impact its hours. Below is the link to our CTMS campus calendar. https://ctms.gcisd.net/calendar
Sora
Have you seen the new Sora app?! It is the app that was developed to work with Overdrive. It’s FREE and allows your student to easily download e-books and audiobooks to any device. Parents, click on the link below for more information.
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1LmrENKQFPq2YfAy4vBQi4l08fbzXKnk9HahA1Y0zHhc/edit?usp=sharing
All Books Due April 26th
Next summer our Learning Commons will be renovated, which means I’ll be spending the last month packing books away. Because of this, we’ll need all books returned by the end of April. If students are already familiar with Overdrive and Sora, this will be much easier when the e-books and audiobooks are their ONLY option!
Cold and Flu season is upon us. Please help you and your children stay well by
practicing good health habits at home. Frequent hand washing along with keeping
fingers away from the T-Zone (eyes, nose, mouth) has been proven to help prevent the spread of many diseases.
The Texas Medical Association recommends everyone 6 months and older get a yearly flu shot. Remember it takes 2 weeks to develop protection after receiving the flu shot. Flu season activity can last as late as May, so get your flu shot NOW - it’s not too late !
Immunizations (Tdap & MCV)
Parents: Please make sure I have a copy of your child’s most recent immunization record. You can check in their Skyward account or contact me or your physician if you have any questions regarding what your child needs. In order to enter 7th grade, they will be required to have Tdap and MCV immunizations. These immunizations are usually given at the 11-year-old child checkup. Please contact Nurse Flowers if have any questions at 817-251-5337 or karol.flowers@gcisd.net. If you would like to know the specific statute that pertains to this requirement, please see the following link. Texas Administrative Code, Title 25, Part I, Chapter 97, Subchapter B, Section 97.66 and 97.69).
CDC Recommendation
HPV Vaccination (Ages 11 - 12)
