The Wolf Weekly
September 7, 2025
CTMS Family Newsletter
Wonderful Wolf Families,
We will start the week by celebrating the spirit of the wolf pack by unveiling our new bronze wolf statue. The custom statue, designed and sculpted by the artist Linda Moss, is made possible because of the strength of the pack and the partnership with PTA. Join the pack tomorrow, Monday, September 8 at 7:30 a.m. for the unveiling.
Howl,
Jamie Halliburton
CTMS Principal
Counseling Corner
AVANT Testing
Is your student fluent in a language other than English? If so, he or she might be able to get high
school credit by taking the AVANT test at CTMS in the Fall.
To graduate from high school in Texas, all students must take two consecutive years of a language
other than English. For students who already speak another language, they may get credit if we
offer a test in the language they speak fluently.
Below are the languages we offer testing for in GCISD. In order to get language credit, your child
must be 13 years old by September 1, 2025 and be able to read, write, speak, and understand the
language they’re testing in.
The testing will take place at CTMS in the early Fall, and we plan to offer another round of testing
in the Spring. Please contact your child’s school counselor if you have any questions and to sign
your student up.
Extracurriculars
National Junior Honor Society Members!
Our next meeting will take place Monday, Sept. 15th in the library. Students can choose to attend either in the morning from 7:30 to 8:00 or in the afternoon from 3:40 to 4:10. Make sure to arrive with a fully charged laptop! All members must also take some time to watch/read officer speeches so they are fully informed about the candidates before we vote at our meeting. Candidate information can be found on our Canvas starting Monday, Sept 8th, in the 'Elections' Module. Email Ms. Billman with any questions!
National Junior Honor Society Working In Our Community!
NJHS member Ellison P. volunteers as a line judge and score keeper at a local volleyball tournament!
Tickets for Sports Event
Planning on cheering on the pack at any sporting events, get your ticket ahead of time. Scan below.
New York/DC 8th Grade Trip
Current 8th Grade Students and Parents:
I am excited to announce an informational meeting about the upcoming Washington, D.C. and New York trip on Thursday, September 11th at 6:00 PM in the Lecture Hall.
Students will:
Fly to Washington, D.C., visiting iconic landmarks like the U.S. Capitol, White House, Lincoln Memorial, and Smithsonian Museums.
Head north to New York City, where they’ll see Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, and maybe even a Broadway show.
(Yes, selfies will happen. Probably lots of them.)
At the meeting, I will go over the itinerary, costs, deadlines, and answer all your burning questions—like, “How many souvenirs shaped like the Statue of Liberty is too many?”
I can’t wait to share the details with you. See you on September 11th at 6:00 PM in the Lecture Hall!
If you have any questions, please reach out to Coach Krause: billy.krause@gcisd.net
SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program
Reminder: Upcoming Guidance Presentations
Sept 15- Signs of Suicide for 7th and 8th grades
Sept. 17- Signs of Suicide for 6th graders
Sept. 30- High School Planning Presentation for 8th graders
If you do NOT want your child to participate in the Signs of Suicide lesson, please complete the Opt-Out Form available here: [English] [Spanish].
Students who have opted out will have an alternate location to go to during the presentation. To ensure proper arrangements, all forms must be submitted at least 24 hours before the presentation.
Important: If the SB 12 Form is not submitted, your child will NOT be able to participate. If you have not, please complete the SB 12 School-Based Counseling and Supportive Services Form in your Skyward Family Access to indicate whether your child will/ will not participate in the guidance counseling programing.
CTMS PTA
PTA Membership Contest
Congratulations to our 6th grade wolves for winning the grade level PTA membership contest! Our PTA handed out popsicles on Friday to celebrate. Thank you to everyone who has joined the PTA!
7th Grade Social – You're Invited!
Link to register: https://www.ctmspta.org/form/m/333526
Get ready to light up the night at the ULTIMATE Black Light Beach Dance Party hosted by the one and only DJ Kracken!
Date: Friday Sept 26, 2025
Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Location: "Shipwreck Island" AKA the CTMS SAC!
Throw on your brightest beachwear or white so you can come glow under the black lights! There will be:
- Live DJ & Dancing
- Snacks & Drinks
- Games & Raffle Prizes
- Tiki Trading Post – trade your tickets for awesome goodies!
- Each student gets 4 "Glow Bucks" to use for the raffle or to spend at the Tiki Trading Post – choose wisely!
Don’t miss this glowing good time – it's the social of the season!
Let’s GLOW to the beach
Thank you to everyone who has joined PTA! Click this link to join the CTMS PTA and thank you to everyone who has already joined our PTA!
Interested in Volunteering: Volunteers make Cross Timbers Middle School great! Please consider sharing your talents and enthusiasm by volunteering! Complete this form.
Follow us on Facebook at "Cross Timbers Middle School PTA" to see updates and important information!
Upcoming Dates & Events
Sept 8th ~ Statue "Luna" Unveiling 7:30 am Front Courtyard / PTA Exec Mtg 8:15 am LIB/CEC Meeting 3:40 pm Library all are welcome to join as we will be discussing assessment data from spring 2025 / 7th Football vs North 5 pm
Sept 9th ~ 8th Football @ North 5 pm
Sept 10th ~ CTMS Tennis Parent Meeting 5 pm Lecture Hall
Sept 11th ~ NY/DC Trip Parent Meeting 6 pm Lecture Hall
Sept 13th ~ 7/8th Volleyball Tournament - EMS-ISD
Sept 15th ~ NJHS Member Mtg 7:30 am or 3:40 p.m/7th Football vs CMS 5 pm
Sept 22 ~ Student holiday/staff professional learning
GCISD Information
CTE Mock Interviews: Volunteers Needed!
The volunteer's role will be to simulate a real interview environment, ask behavioral questions, and provide constructive feedback to help students build confidence and refine their skills.
When & Where:
Tuesday, September 30, 2025 - Colleyville Heritage High School
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 - Grapevine High School
Time:
You can choose to volunteer for one or both days.
Morning Session: 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Afternoon Session: 11:45 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
What to Expect:
Volunteers will conduct a face-to-face interview with a student.
Interviews are approximately 20 minutes, followed by a 10-minute feedback session.
We'll provide you with sample questions, student resumes, and an assessment tool to guide you.
Registration: To sign up, please visit bit.ly/25MockInterview.
Background Check: A required volunteer background check can be completed at bit.ly/GCISDVolunteer.
Entrevistas de Práctica de CTE: ¡Se necesitan voluntarios!
El papel del voluntario será recrear un ambiente real de entrevista, hacer preguntas basadas en experiencias y ofrecer comentarios constructivos que ayuden a los estudiantes a ganar confianza y perfeccionar sus habilidades.
Cuándo y dónde:
Martes, 30 de septiembre de 2025 - Colleyville Heritage High School.
Miércoles, 1 de octubre de 2025 - Grapevine High School.
Horario:
Puede elegir ser voluntario uno o ambos días.
Sesión de la mañana: 8:15 a. m. - 12:15 p. m.
Sesión de la tarde: 11:45 a. m. - 4:15 p. m.
Qué esperar:
Los voluntarios realizarán una entrevista en persona con un estudiante.
Las entrevistas duran aproximadamente 20 minutos, seguidas de 10 minutos de comentarios constructivos.
Le proporcionaremos ejemplos de preguntas, currículums de los estudiantes y una herramienta de evaluación como guía.
Inscripción: Para inscribirse, visite bit.ly/25MockInterview.
Verificación de antecedentes: Es obligatorio que los voluntarios completen una verificación de antecedentes en bit.ly/GCISDVolunteer.
Important Reminder: Responsible Use of GCISD Accounts
Parents and Students,
GCISD Technology Services noticed an increase in non-instructional copyrighted files (music, movies) on student Google Drive accounts. This violates district policy and federal copyright law. Our Acceptable Use and Intellectual Property policies, along with the Student Code of Conduct, prohibit such activity.
Violations can lead to serious consequences for students, including loss of computer privileges and potential legal penalties (fines from $750-$150,000 and criminal charges). "Fair Use" does not apply to personal entertainment.
Please speak with your child and ensure they immediately delete any non-instructional, copyrighted materials from their GCISD Google Drive. Your cooperation helps us maintain a safe and compliant digital environment. Continued violations will result in disciplinary action.
Thank you for your understanding and support.
Recordatorio importante: Uso responsable de las cuentas de GCISD
Padres y estudiantes:
El Departamento de Servicios de Tecnología de GCISD ha notado un aumento en la presencia de archivos con derechos de autor que no son de carácter instruccional (música, películas) en las cuentas de Google Drive de los estudiantes. Esto constituye una violación de la política del distrito y de la ley federal de derechos de autor. Nuestras políticas de Uso Aceptable y de Propiedad Intelectual, junto con el Código de Conducta Estudiantil, prohíben este tipo de actividad.
Las infracciones pueden tener consecuencias graves para los estudiantes, incluyendo la pérdida de privilegios en el uso de computadoras y posibles sanciones legales (multas de $750 a $150,000 y cargos penales). El “uso justo” (Fair Use) no aplica al entretenimiento personal.
Le pedimos que por favor hable con su hijo(a) y se asegure de que elimine de inmediato cualquier material protegido por derechos de autor que no sea de carácter instruccional de su Google Drive de GCISD. Su cooperación nos ayuda a mantener un entorno digital seguro y en cumplimiento. Las infracciones continuas resultarán en medidas disciplinarias.
Gracias por su comprensión y apoyo.
Repeated Information
CTMS Annual 'Thanks For Giving' Auction - CALL FOR DONATIONS:
- CTMS PTA is excited to host our annual Thanks for Giving Auction (Nov. 14-22) again this year! The proceeds raised from this help ensure that the amazing student events continue as well as provide our campus and teachers with needed items!
- Parents & Community members - WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you have a business, business connections, or want to donate items to make your own basket - please complete THIS form. We rely on our amazing community to provide donations each year and are so grateful for your support!
PTA Reflections
Theme: I Belong
Deadline: Friday October 31, 2025
Categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts. Students may enter in one or more categories with no limit to the number of entries in a single category.
Submission: Please submit to Mrs. Lemmon or email reflections@ctmspta.org
Requirements: Click the LINK below for Submission Form and Program Rules/Requirements.
https://www.ctmspta.org/reflections
*The participant or one member of their household, must be a current member of CTMS PTA.
Questions? Email reflections@ctmspta.org
Tema: Yo Pertenezco
Fecha límite: Viernes 31 de Octubre de 2025
Categorías: Coreografía de Baile, Producción de Cine, Literatura, Composición Musical, Fotografía y Artes Visuales. Los estudiantes pueden participar en una o más categorías, sin limite en la cantidad de entradas en una sola categoría.
Participación: Por favor entrega tu participación a la Sra. Lemmon o envíala por correo electrónico a reflections@ctmspta.org
Requisitos: Haz clic en el ENLACE a continuación para acceder al Formulario de Inscripción y las Reglas/Requisitos del Programa.
https://www.ctmspta.org/reflections
El participante, o un miembro de su hogar, debe ser un miembro actual de la PTA de CTMS.
¿Preguntas? Escribe a reflections@ctmspta.org
Secondary Grading Policy
Click here to see the updated secondary grading policy from GCISD. All wolf pack teachers will be following this policy this school year to communicate the progress of each wolf.
Grades are a method of communicating the progress each wolf is making at CTMS. If you ever have questions or concerns over a grade, please reach out directly to the teacher.
Drop Off & Dismissal
Drop-off and pick-up occur in TWO locations: In the parking lot outside the academic halls at the B-hall door and outside the SAC. Thank you for waiting in carline and letting your wolf exit. It takes a few minutes to drop off and pick up over 800 wolves!
For the safety of all wolves, thank you in advance for driving slowly, keeping cell phones away, and staying alert and aware of others.
B-Hall Door
For drop-off and pick-up, the parking lot across from the football field is two lanes. Pull into the lane you will be exiting from, if you are turning right out of the parking lot, drop off and/or pick up your wolf in the inside lane (closest to the building) and if you are turning left out of the parking lot, drop off and/or pick up your wolf on the outside lane (closest to the football field). Also, please pull all the way up to let your wolf out of the vehicle. The doors to the school open at 7:45 a.m. and school dismisses at 3:35 p.m.
SAC Doors
This is a single lane drop-off and pick-up. The driveway is not for parking. If you need to assist your wolf, please park in a non-reserved space.
Personal Technology at School
House Bill 1481 prohibits the use of personal communication devices during the school day. Middle school students may use telecommunications devices before and after school. They may not use telecommunications devices during school hours except for their school issued devices.
What does this mean for the wolves?
- Personal devices will be in bags, not on wolves, throughout the entire school day.
- Families needing to relay messages can leave messages with the front office staff and office aides will deliver messages to classrooms.
- Wolves needing to contact families can use the phone in the front office during passing periods and lunch or, when appropriate, in their classrooms.
Technology Needs
- Submit a HelpDesk Ticket for the most efficient service we will be using the locker system outside of the administration building. More directions will be available in the helpdesk ticket
- Email technology@gcisd.net for assistance
Charger: In need of a new charger for a school issued Chromebook, click here for information on how to order a new one.
Volunteer Background Check
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD is pleased to announce that we will begin using the Raptor Volunteer Management System in all of our schools to strengthen our volunteer program of campus safety for students and faculty. This system is similar to what we have used in the past, AppGarden.
Please use the following link to apply to become a volunteer in GCISD.
El Distrito Escolar Independiente de Grapevine-Colleyville se complace en anunciar que comenzaremos a utilizar el Sistema de Gestión de Voluntarios Raptor en todas nuestras escuelas con el fin de reforzar nuestro programa de voluntarios para la seguridad de nuestras escuelas, para los estudiantes y el personal docente. Este sistema es similar al que hemos utilizado en el pasado, AppGarden.
Por favor, utilicen el siguiente enlace para solicitar ser voluntarios en GCISD.
Peachjar Flyers
To find out information on events that are not directly associated with Cross Timbers, click below to see the Peachjar flyers.
Cross Timbers Information
- School Hours: 8:05 a.m. to 3:35 p.m.
- Doors Open: 7:45 a.m.
- Wolves enter the building through the B hall doors or the SAC doors. 6th & 8th grade wolves wait in the SAC and 7th grade wolves wait in the lecture hall for the bell to walk to first period.
- Bell Schedule
- Campus Map (click present for easier viewing)
- Front Office: 817-251-5320
- Mascot: Wolf
- School Colors: Silver & Black
- Planners: All wolves use a planner at CTMS. This is to assist with organizing, prioritizing, and planning. You can purchase a CTMS planner for $5 on the first day of school or use one of your choosing. Wolves use their planners daily.
- Student IDs: The first IDs are free and replacement IDs are $5. Per the student code of conduct, IDs are to be worn daily by all CTMS students and staff. All wolves will receive an ID on the second day of school as they get their school picture taken.
- GCISD Student Code of Conduct & Handbook: Click here for the 2025-2026 GCISD Student Code of Conduct and Handbook.
Who to Contact
Attendance
Lache Nealy
817-251-5326
Registrar
Jacqueline Knappenberger
817-251-5314
jacqueline.knappenberger@gcisd.net
Counselors
Patricia Salazar (last names A-K)
817-251-5315
Rachel Smith (last names L-Z)
817-251-5312
Student Advocate
Allyiah Daniels
817-251-5323
Nurse
Adriana Maxwell
817-251-5337
Assistant Principals
Holly Ybarrola (last names A-K)
817-251-5313
Cinthia Morales (last names L-Z)
817-251-5317
Principal
Jamie Halliburton
817-251-5320
Cross Timbers Middle School
Website: https://ctms.gcisd.net/
Location: 2301 Pool Rd, Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: 817-251-5320