GTA: Week One Done!

GTA GRADE 6 TEACHERS

ELA - Ms. Harrison and Mr. Stewart

Math - Ms. Khandwalla and Ms. Hoang

Science - Ms. Fox and Ms. Blackmon

Spanish (Disc Lang) - Ms. Gonzalo and Mr. Torres

Social Studies - Mr. Connolly

GTA GRADE 7 TEACHERS

ELA - Mr. Pulliam

Math - Ms. Momin

Science - Dr. Magee

Spanish - Ms. Lee and Mr. Torres

Social Studies - Ms. Maly

GTA GRADE 8 TEACHERS

Algebra I - Ms. Phan and Ms. White

Biology - Dr. Magee

ELA - Ms. Diaz-Wu

Geometry - Ms. Phan

Science - Ms. Morales

Spanish - Ms. Rincon

Social Studies - Mr. Duvernay

The teachers in the GTA are expert practitioners. They get to know their classes and the individual students in their classes. If and when you have questions, it is the TEACHERS to whom you should communicate first. Also, please remember that middle school students--especially those who are GT-identified--sometimes misinterpret or misunderstand or don't ask questions when they should about things being taught or happening in class. In those cases--really in all cases--it is best to reach out to the teacher to find out what you need to know or what needs to be done.

The teachers in the GTA are exceptionally dedicated, often offering support to students before school or during lunch or after school outside of their weekly tutorials. This is NOT required and is not always possible, but you can be sure that the teachers in the GTA teach with purpose and are dedicated to helping children grow as students and human beings.

Managing Classwork and Homework:

• As you know, a key to success in middle school is keeping track of assignments, homework, projects, etc. It is important that your child has a system to manage his/her schoolwork. Student laptops have a planner that is easily accessible and easy to use. See video linked below. It is also important that you help your child have a system for organizing and keeping track of physical papers and assignments. Too many students simply shove everything in their backpack. Consider a Trapper Keeper binder, accordion folder, different folders for each subject area, etc. Don't assume your child will naturally be organized--help ensure that he/she is!

Managing the Laptop--Don't Play Games!

• As you know, GTA teachers use Schoology to house resources, rubrics, assignments, and class materials. The laptops are a POWERFUL learning tool. HOWEVER, students must MANAGE their use of their computers. NOW is the time to REVIEW with your child about responsibly using his/her computer. Far too many children use their computers to play video games (or for other distractions) whenever they can and whenever they think no one is watching what they're doing! This NEGATIVELY AFFECTS their school performance. Help your child's teachers by speaking to your child today. NO PLAYING GAMES! Let them know your expectations now. Our GTA teachers will do the same.

It is highly recommended to purchase the FBISD Laptop Insurance.

Learn more and even pay using the buttons below.

SciOly tryouts are scheduled for September 3 and 4, after school from 4:30 PM–5:30 PM in Room 304/306.

Tryouts will be paper-based and graded by QVMS faculty. Students may select their top three preferred events in the registration form below.

A brief student orientation will be held on September 3 before testing. Additional tryout information will be emailed to all registered students.

Following team selection, a parent orientation will be held to provide complete information about the Science Olympiad program, expectations, and upcoming activities.

This year we will add 13 ambassadors to the GTA Ambassadors Cadre. GTA Ambassadors are students who pledge to represent the GTA as SERVANT LEADERS and STUDENT LEADERS at various and numerous events throughout the year. Students must submit an application and will then be selected by committee review to be one of the 25 GTA Ambassadors for the 2026-27 school year. MORE DETAILS WILL BE SHARED SOON!

Each year, 7th and 8th grade GTA students have the opportunity to volunteer as STUDENT LEADERS who along with a parent will share information about the GTA at various elementary school open houses. Students do NOT have to be GTA Ambassador (see above) to serve in the very important role. The goal is to make sure EVERY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE has a GTA student leader who can make sure EVERY GT-IDENTIFIED 5th GRADER IN FBISD knows they can apply to the GTA in February. MORE INFORMATION AND A SIGN UP WILL BE SHARED SOON!

The GTA Handbook for 2026-27 is already visible in each GTA Grade Level Schoology course. A signature page accounting for handbook highlights and acknowledgement of GTA academic and behavior requirements will be distributed the week of August 24th. Please review the handbook and expectations when your child brings home this packet or in advance by having your child access the handbook in Schoology. (Reminder: 7th and 8th graders are already members of the grade level Schoology course, and 6th graders should join, if they haven't already, using this code: Q9JZ-F7Q6-4685F.)

In the next two weeks, club sponsors will be sharing information about the various clubs, meeting times, and requirements of our numerous QVMS-sponsored clubs. Students will see flyers in the halls, receive information from teachers who are club sponsors, and this newsletter will share information from any teacher who provides it for distribution (see SciOly above).

In the coming weeks, look for and expect information and permission slips for the following upcoming field experiences.

9/9 – GTA6: Shri Mandir + Chung Mei Temple (Cultural Anthropology Trip 1)

9/18 – GTA8: Manifest the Change Intro/Planning Day (Advanced Products/TPSP)

9/22 – GTA6: Islamic Da’wah Center (Cultural Anthropology Trip 2)

10/1-2 – GTA7: Bryan Museum (Galveston)

10/6 – GTA6: St. Basil + Beth Israel (Cultural Anthropology Trip 3)

10/23 – GTA8: MECA Houston - Authentic Ofrendas

MARK YOUR CALENDARS TODAY!

Joseph Bernhart

Academy Coordinator

Gifted and Talented Academy

Quail Valley Middle School

joseph.bernhart@fortbendisd.gov

(281) 634-6687