GTA8 Field Experiences + More

One of the cultural holidays that is celebrated throughout areas of Mexico, Europe, Latin America, and the United States is Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead). Dia de los Muertos is a time of remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. In Mexican culture, it is a time to celebrate the lives of cherished loved ones and is NOT considered gruesome, morbid, or scary, nor should it be compared to Halloween.

On October 23rd, GTA8 students will have the unique experience of visiting the Multicultural Education and Counseling through the Arts (MECA) of Houston to see authentic altars, called ofrendas, created by families of the Hispanic community in Houston to celebrate and honor their loved ones. GTA8 students will be taught the history and traditions of the Spanish-speaking world in order to broaden their understanding of other cultures and support the Spanish curriculum.

Upon returning from MECA, students will set up to build their own ofrendas as directed by Ms. Rincon and Ms. Lee. Additionally, they will create a conceptual project in groups based on their thinking and analysis of the ofrendas. For ELA, there will also be time for students to work on a creative writing assignment based on each student's memory of a unique or important item they viewed in one of the ofrendas. Additional class time for students to work on the learning challenges outlined above will be provided in the days following this trip.

Students should wear their GTA8 t-shirts.

Students should wear comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes.

All clothing must be in accordance with the FBISD dress code.

Students should bring a SACK LUNCH.

Students must bring their Spanish Notebook.

Students should bring pencils/pens with which to write.

Students should bring ofrenda materials as directed by their Spanish teacher.

Students are expected to show dignified RESPECT while viewing the ofrendas at MECA. These are authentic ofrendas honoring the memories of cherished loved ones. The ofrendas are not to be touched nor should any comments about any aspect of any ofrenda be disparaging, impolite, or disrespectful.

We will be off campus from approximately 9:30 am to 1:30 pm. They will be participating in on-campus activities as part of this field experience before leaving and upon returning.

If your child takes private band or orchestra lessons,

please plan ahead and reschedule accordingly.

If your child has some other obligation, also please be sure he/she adjusts accordingly.

Join the GTA Booster Club now, and you can help your child and his/her advisory class win a PIZZA PARTY! Each new membership during the drive will help your child's advisory class have a chance to win. The grade level advisory with the most new memberships will win, and there will be a separate pizza party for EACH grade level.

This amazing initiative, sponsored by our GTA6 ELA classes, seeks to connect literature to a meaningful real world cause. All the items collected will be sorted and packed by GTA6 students along with student-created art and cards for refugee families in Houston. They will then be delivered to Houston Interfaith Ministries by GTA6 parent volunteers and distributed to families in need.

THE ITEMS BELOW ARE STILL NEEDED

26 2-packs of liter size shampoo

26 2-packs of liter size conditioner

3 Clorox wipes

10 hairbrushes

4 2-packs of toothpaste

10 4-packs of bar soap

4 dish soap

19 deodorant (1 man, 1 woman)

25 laundry baskets

14 2-packs of paper towels

We were honored to have Mr. Wells meet with all 8th grade students today (Wednesday, October 21st) to tell them about ALL of FBISD's high school academies. 8th graders reported to the library during their PE (or Kickstart) period to learn about the high school academies and ask questions to Mr. Wells.

Since the Manifest the Change Kickoff on September 18th, students have had time during advisory each Monday and Tuesday to work with their groups to research, discuss, and begin to develop ideas for their Manifest the Change Advanced Product--a real world outreach initiative of their own design. Naturally, students often realize that $$$ can be a powerful tool when enacting change. At the same time, dealing with money complicates things quite a bit...

The 2027 I Am Texas contest is being rebranded for one year only as “I Am America” to celebrate America 250. We’ve partnered with the National Medal of Honor Museum, iWRITE, and the creators of the Ordinary People Change the World book series to honor Americans who have displayed the Medal of Honor Vaues of Courage, Sacrifice, Commitment, Integrity, Citizenship, and Patriotism. There are extra ways to enter the contest this year and extra prizes for including a Texas connection in your entry. Go to www.iamamericacontest.org for all the details. The deadline for entry is February 15, 2027.

Questions?

Joe Bernhart

Academy Coordinator

Gifted and Talented Academy

Quail Valley Middle School

joseph.bernhart@fortbendisd.gov

(281) 634-6687