-

-

- Lockdown Drill w/ GPD @ 9:15 am

- 4th Grade Field Trip: SPARK!

https://www.parentsquare.com/signin

- Choose "Sign in with Google"

• Incorrect phone numbers cannot be changed in Parent Square and must be updated in Oracle

- Once logged in, click your name in the top right corner, click "My Account", and then click on "Notification Settings" on the left hand side

- Change Email and Text Message settings to “instant” for Kimberlin

• You may choose to do the same for GISD, but it is not required

The CBA4 assessments will be given in one day, just like the STAAR test. We won’t split the tests across multiple class periods because we want students to get used to the testing format they will see on STAAR day.

📅 Below are the upcoming testing dates for each grade level and subject.

📨 More information about the testing process and logistics will be sent out later this week. If you have any questions or need clarification on the testing schedule, please reach out to Mrs. Hicks.

We will continue with the next lesson in the 7 Mindsets unit titled “Overcoming Limiting Beliefs”. This is a great time to pull out the magical word, “yet” when we are holding ourselves back. Helping students to see how and when they can apply a growth mindset is an important step on their road to success.

K-2 Lesson Slides

3-5 Lesson Slides

● Have you created a Choose your own path assignment in Seesaw?

● Have you tried Mastery Paths in Canvas?

● Did you know secondary teachers have *PREMIUM* nearpod access? Check out the challenge for more information and “how to’s”

To participate in the challenge and earn SWAG:

1. Access the Monthly Skills Challenge

2. Complete the tasks

3. Access the Google Form to submit evidence and answer the reflection question.

In Garland ISD, every student has a story worth celebrating, and we want to highlight those who are truly unmatched—students whose unique achievements, resilience, and passions set them apart. Whether it's creating positive change in their communities, showcasing extraordinary talents, or demonstrating inspiring perseverance, we want to share stories that highlight what makes GISD exceptional.

While academic and athletic achievements are certainly worth celebrating, we’re especially interested in stories that go beyond these traditional categories. Maybe it’s a student making a difference through volunteering, pursuing a one-of-a-kind passion, or overcoming significant challenges to reach their goals. These stories remind us of our district's diversity, creativity, and resilience.

If you know a student whose story embodies the #GISDunmatched spirit, we’d love to hear from you! Please share their story by emailing tnbraziel@garlandisd.net and confirm the student has a media release. If selected, the Communications Department will interview the student for a spotlight story on our website and district social media.

Thank you for helping us spotlight the amazing students who make GISD shine!

Attached is the letter and form from PTA in order to claim your $75 classroom enrichment grant.

Whoever puts the good smelling soap in the staff restroom from Kristie Chapman: Thank you for the good smelling soap! It makes me smile EVERY time I use it!

Kara Coker from Kristie Chapman: Thank you for translating the Special Olympic medical form to one of my student's parent for me. I know the mornings are the busiest prep time and you did not hesitate to help. You saved the day! I appreciated it more than you know! (Sorry for the delayed shout out).

PLC Team from Garza: Thank you for starting the meetings with a check-in to see how your staff is doing and taking the time to listen to our input, questions and concerns.

Rachel from Garza: Thank you for always helping me with my students birthday treats!

Melissa Tilson from Amy Whittington: Thank you SO much for kindly letting my students sit in your classroom while we were handling a situation with a sick student. You were so sweet to do that and help out. My first graders can't wait to be in 2nd grade now that they've seen your classroom.

1st Grade, Najeda, Reeves & Hicks from Sarah Gibson: THANK YOU SO MUCH for your help with the 1st grade screener!

Krystal from Charlotte: Thank you for sharing your classroom and class time so that we could share a career interest survey with 5th grade students and guide them to start thinking about all of their future options! I really appreciate your help and your flexibility!

Katy from Charlotte Thank you for jumping in and standing out in the cold to call buses whenever we need you!

Jordan and Katelynn from Charlotte: Thank you both for coming in early to cover morning duty so that I could be with our 4th and 5th grade K-Kids this week

Rachel, Brandy, Becky, Krystal, Summer, Linford, and Olivia from Charlotte: Thank you for going above and beyond to welcome our new 4th grade student while I was showing him and his family around our school. I am sorry to have disturbed class time and lunch time for many of you! You really put his and his mom's mind at ease and they were so grateful for your time and your warm welcomes.

Brandy from Charlotte: I am so glad to partner with you to lead our K-Kids. Thanks for doing all the extra to transport, add a clear gloss, and display our new kindness rock garden. Along with that, it was so sweet that you shared your impressive collection of paint pens with our group.

Nicole Reeves from Kara: You really are amazing!! As an example, the binder insert document with instructions...you think of everything!

To all of the staff who attended Multicultural Night from Kara: It was absolutely amazing, right?! I will have warm up passes in your boxes by the end of day Tuesday. If I missed you, just email me!

HAVE A SHOUT OUT YOU WANT ME TO INCLUDE IN NEXT WEEK'S NEWSLETTER?

SHOUT OUT YOUR COLLEAGUES! Enter it HERE!

JANUARY

7-24 i-Ready Math (K-5), i-Ready Reading (3-5)

7-31 mCLASS (K-2), 1st grade Dyslexia Screener

17 Multicultural Night

20 MLK Day - NO SCHOOL

24 Amplify Walks

FEBRUARY

10-28 Conference Window

11 College Day (jeans & college shirt)

11 Amplify Visit

14 Valentine Parties

17 District PD Day

18 Evening Parent Conferences

21 Spirit Stick Sales @ Lunches

22 District UIL Competition

27 Student-Led Showcase