The Cannon Connection

Good morning, Cannon families,

We hope every one of our families had a restful and joyful long Easter weekend. Whether you spent it traveling, relaxing at home, or enjoying local traditions, we hope you’re returning feeling refreshed and ready for the final stretch of the school year.

What a whirlwind of a month! We’ve officially transitioned from the playful "malarkey" of March into the bright beginnings of April. We wrapped up our March celebrations with plenty of energy! The month was full of "shenanigans," culminating in some lighthearted April Fools' Day pranks that had both students and staff laughing. It was wonderful to see our school community's playful spirit on full display.

🌟Our students didn't just read this week—they shined! In preparation for the Reading State of Texas Assessment of Academic Readiness (STAAR) starting this week, we celebrated Reading Review "Glow What you Know" activities this past Thursday. During "Glow What You Know" activities, engagement was at an all-time high. Prek-5th grade students participated in neon-themed reading review challenges with high engagement. The activities focused on skill building, reinforcing literacy goals as well as test taking strategies in a fun, immersive environment. It was incredible to see the excitement as students literally saw their knowledge "glow" under the blacklights!

🍋 A Squeeze of Success: Our 3rd grade scholars recently put their creativity and engineering skills to the test with the Lemonade Design Challenge, and we couldn't be prouder of the results! 💛 A heartfelt thank you to our incredible school community for supporting this project. Whether you provided supplies, offered encouragement, provided a dollar for your Cub to purchase a cup full or simply cheered our scholars on, your involvement made a world of difference. It’s community support like yours that allows these hands-on, real-world learning experiences to truly sour—err, soar! Sugar + Lemon + Hard Work = Success!

🌎Did your Cub enter the Stellar Smiles Earth Day art contest? We are thrilled to share the results of our "How Can You Make the Earth Smile?" Art Contest courtesy of Stellar Smiles Ortho! The creativity, heart, and talent your students poured into their artwork was truly inspiring—it is never easy for our judges to choose! 🎨Congratulations to the following Cannon Cub Winners:

Kindergarten: Rosemary H.
1st Grade: Emma M.
2nd Grade: Ryder N.
3rd Grade: Adelyn M.
4th Grade: Savannah M.
5th Grade: Abigail T.

Congratulations to our 4th and 5th grade STEM Hall of Fame recipients! We have two remaining STEM Habits of Mind Fluency Skills to focus on and induct into our Cannon STEM Hall of Fame for the 2025-2026 school year!

STEM teaching and learning is an instructional approach to learning and development that integrates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Through STEM education practices, students develop key skills including: problem solving, creativity, and critical analysis. We are PROUD to honor our scholars for exhibiting STEM thinking, and we can't wait to celebrate our next group of inductees Friday, Apri 10 for Efficiently Collaborating.

If your scholar is selected, your teacher will reach out to you with ceremony details about the specific date and time for each grade's ceremony. We hope you will join us in celebrating our young innovators!

As the weather warms up and we head into the final stretch of the school year, it can be tempting to let routines slide. However, maintaining strong attendance right now is more important than ever for our students' success. Every Instructional Minute Counts! The final months of the year are packed with critical learning milestones. From wrapping up core curriculum units to engaging in collaborative end-of-year projects, being in the classroom ensures your child doesn't miss out. Research shows that students who finish the year with high attendance rates are better prepared to retain information over the summer break. Think of it as a "strong finish" in a race—the momentum built now sets the pace for a successful start in the fall.

As a reminder, the 2026-2027 Returning Student Registration is now open! Please log in to Skyward and complete your returning student registration. Don’t forget to upload your Property Tax statement/lease agreement and a current utility bill—even though they appear optional, these documents are required to finalize enrollment.

Your completed registration is vital for planning purposes, please complete your returning student registration as soon as possible.

Our Scholars Are Ready to Shine! The time has come! STAAR testing begins this Wednesday, April 8. Our students and teachers have worked incredibly hard all year, and we have full confidence in their ability to show off everything they’ve learned. They are prepared, focused, and ready to succeed!

To help your scholar perform their absolute best, please ensure they are set up for success with the following "Testing Day Essentials":

🔋 Tech Readiness - Since testing is digital, having functional equipment is a must. Please double-check:

• District-Issued Device: Ensure their laptop is charged and in their bag.

• Power Charger: Students should bring their chargers just in case they need a power boost during the session.

🧠 Brain Power & Wellness - A focused mind starts with a fueled body!

• Restful Sleep: Aim for an early bedtime on Tuesday night so they wake up feeling refreshed.

• Hearty Breakfast: A protein-rich breakfast helps maintain energy levels throughout the morning.

• Snack & Hydration: Please pack a healthy snack and a refillable water bottle. Staying hydrated and having a quick brain-break snack can make a huge difference in concentration.

⏰ Timely Arrival - Punctuality is key on testing days. Arriving on time helps students settle in calmly without feeling rushed, which significantly lowers testing anxiety.

💖A Note of Encouragement: Remind your scholar that this is simply an opportunity to "show what they know. Just take your time and do your best." We are already so proud of their growth and effort!

As a reminder, our campus will be closed for test security purposes on STAAR testing days. Let’s go, CUBS! You’ve got this!

Proud to be your principal,

Dr. Tina Garrett

#BeCannonProud ☮️💗🐻

PDSES $1,500 Grant for Families Opens April 1st!

The Parent-Directed Special Education Services (PDSES) program provides a one-time $1,500 online grant to parents/guardians of eligible students. Parents/guardians who apply can receive an online account where they shop for educational goods and services.

To be eligible for a PDSES grant, students must:

• be currently enrolled in a Texas public school (grades EE-12th),
• receive special education services through an individualized education program (IEP), and
• have NOT received a PDSES grant in the past – PDSES is a one-time only grant.

This school year’s PDSES application opens on April 1, 2026, at 8:00am CST and closes on April 30, 2026, at 5:00pm CST.

For more information about the PDSES program, visit: PDSES.TEA.TEXAS.GOV.

Outreach resources can also be found in multiple languages on the PDSES Outreach Materials webpage.

Calling all parents! It's time to sign up for CAREER DAY! We are looking for individuals to come present for students K-5 on Friday, May 15th. Parents will be scheduled in their child's classroom as well as other classes. On the form below please indicate the times you are available to volunteer. All presenters are also required to complete a GCISD background check. Please click the following link GCISD Background Check ASAP so we can verify that you are cleared to present. Complete the next link Career Day Interest Form to let me know your interest and availability.

Our hope is for students to gain knowledge about a variety of possible careers/jobs and the college and/or experiences required to obtain these professions. We would love for you to bring any activities, demonstrations, hands on materials, or pictures that will help the students better understand your job/career. All presentations must be reviewed and approved prior to the presentation. Please upload your slideshow to the Career Day Presentation Folder by May 12th for review. Presentations should only be a total of 30 min each.

We will provide breakfast and lunch for presenters that will be on campus during those times.

Contact Mandy Coburn, Cannon Counselor, if you have any questions.

(817) 251-5684 or amanda.coburn@gcisd.net

Guidance

This month in guidance lessons we are talking about and practicing RESPECT. This character trait helps students be kind. We are working on seeing others perspectives, conflict resolution, and being a kind leader. Many people feel respected in different ways and we hope this month inspires discussions with your family about what respect means to you and how you practice it together.

Contact Mrs. Coburn

If you would like Mrs. Coburn to contact you or check on your student, you can complete the following link: Request to Talk to Counselor

Please be advised: If you make any changes to your Skyward form for Senate Bill 12 (Counseling Services, Health Services, or Club Participation), you must notify the campus support staff either verbally or via email. The Skyward system does not alert staff of resubmissions, so your communication is necessary to ensure your changes are received.

If your child has any medical needs, please plan to meet with the nurse the week before school starts. Scheduling an appointment with the campus nurse will ensure you have adequate time to discuss any health needs.

After your child’s 11th birthday, please turn in an updated shot record reflecting vaccinations for MCV and Tdap. In order to start 7th grade, an updated record must be provided to the campus nurse. You may send an updated shot record any time during the school year, ask your physician at the time of your visit for an extra copy for school. Please plan to be proactive.

Girls are encouraged to bring their own personal hygiene supplies and extra clothing in their backpacks. The middle schools do not carry extra clothing items. If they need a change of clothes, you will be called. Students should bring a full water bottle to school every day to maintain hydration.

Please be aware of the medication policy found in the student handbook. Students may self-carry non-expired inhalers and Epi-Pens only with a physician and parent signed medication permit (and the self carry box checked) and turned in to the nurse. Please plan to meet with the school nurse prior to the start of school with your student so they may be checked off to self-carry their inhaler/Epi Pen. Students are not allowed to self carry any over the counter (OTC) or prescription medications except the pre-approved inhaler and/or Epi Pen. Please do not send Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tums or other OTC or controlled/prescribed medications to school with your student. This is per district policy and for the safety of all students on campus. If your student needs over-the-counter medication, you will be called to bring it to school. Controlled Medications, by State Law, require a Doctor and Parent signed Medication Permission Form with specific wording. Controlled Medications given at lunch time should say "To give at lunchtime." This allows for flexibility when schedules and lunch times change due to testing, field trips or other special days. You may bring medications in their original containers, non-expired, to the front desk clerk on your student’s campus. Feel free to contact your middle school nurse (see below) if you have any questions. https://www.gcisd.net/page/health-services

**Please label inhalers and Epi Pens with a pharmacy label. Pharmacies will print an extra label for free. Unlabeled inhalers/Epi-pens found on campus will be properly discarded.

All other forms and authorizations (ie - Diabetes, seizure disorder, food allergy statement, etc) can be found here on the GCISD website

GMS school nurse: Melissa Hill, BSN, RN 817-251-5667

CTMS school nurse: Adriana Maxwell, BSN, RN 817-251-5337

HMS school nurse: Brittney Morris, BSN, RN, 817-305-4809

CMS school nurse: Candace Sibley, MSN, RN 817-305-4918

April: Texas Fruit & Vegetable Month

April 6-10: National Assistant Principal Appreciation Week - Show Mrs. Bailey some LOVE.

Wednesday, April 8: Reading Language Arts STAAR Test; Campus Closed to all visitors

Friday, April 10:🕵🏼‍♀️ Hats Off to Learning! $1 wear a hat - All proceeds go toward reducing field trip costs.

Friday, April 10: STEM Hall of Fame (2nd & 3rd , PE) - Efficiently Collaborate

Monday, April 13: 3rd grade Musical Performance at 2:20

Monday, April 13: Cannon Campus Excellence Committee Meeting 3:30-4:30

Tuesday, April 14: 5th grade Science STAAR Test; Campus Closed to all visitors

Tuesday, April 14: GCISD Art Show Elementary Reception at the Grapevine Convention & Visitors Bureau from 6:00-7:00 pm

Friday, April 17: STEM Hall of Fame (PreK, K & 1st, PE) - Efficiently Collaborate

April 20-24: 🌎Earth Week Cannon Style🌎

Monday, April 20: Campus Consolidation Showcase Night; for all NEW families zoned to Cannon. This does include incoming Prekindergarten and kindergarten families zoned to attend Cannon for the 2026-2027 school year.

April 20 - May 9: PreK End of Year Assessment Window

Wednesday, April 22: Administrative Assistants Day - Show our front office ladies some LOVE!

Friday, April 24: PTA Coffee with the Principal including a general meeting and board elections 8:30-9:30 am in our Cannon Cafe. A light breakfast will be served. If you are a current PTA member, please join us!

Friday, April 24: STEM Hall of Fame (4th & 5th, Specials) - Striving for Excellence

April 27-May 16: K-2nd grade End of Year iReady Assessment Window

Tuesday, April 28: 3rd-5th Math STAAR Test; Campus Closed to all visitors

Friday, May 1: School Lunch Hero Day

Friday, May 1: STEM Hall of Fame (2nd & 3rd , Specials) - Striving for Excellence

May 4 -16: 3rd-5th grade End of Year iReady Assessment Window

Monday, May 4: STEM Hall of Fame (PreK, K &1st, Specials) - Striving for Excellence

May 4-8: National Teacher Appreciation Week - Show our Teachers the LOVE! There is no place like Cannon!

Wednesday, May 6: Progress Report 4 Posts in Skyward

Wednesday, May 6: School Nurse Appreciation Day - Show Nurse Kendra some LOVE!

Thursday, May 7: Cannon Theatre Musical Performance; Pirates the Musical 6:30 pm

Friday, May 8: Cannon Field Day! If parents/guardians would like to attend, you MUST have an approved background check. Background checks must be completed each year, and can take up to 72 hours to complete! Click here to learn more: GCISD Volunteer Page

Friday, May 15 - Cannon Career Day

May 18-21 🎖️EOY Success Ceremonies (Save the Date Below): All ceremonies will be conducted in the CAFE!

• Monday, May 18 - Kindergarten 9:30; 3rd grade 12:30
• Tuesday, May 19 - PreKindergarten 8:30; 1st grade 10:00; 4th grade 1:20
• Wednesday, May 20 - 2nd grade 10:30; 5th grade all-day picnic; Former Cannon Cub Grad Clap Out at 2:00
• Thursday, May 21 - 5th grade Success Ceremony at 8:00 and Clap Out at 9:30!

Our last day of the 2025-2026 school year is Thursday, May 21 and it's an early release day; we will begin dismissal at 11:45. Tag you are it! ☮️💗🐻

Families: Do you need help completing your child’s Pre-K registration? We are here to help!

Families can receive assistance with Pre-K registration at the Language Assessment Center. Our staff will be available to guide you through the registration process and answer any questions you may have.

Dates & Times:

• April 6 from 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

• April 7 from 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Location:
Language Assessment Center, located behind the fire station and Timberline Elementary.
3050 Timberline Drive
Grapevine, TX 76051

Please feel free to stop by—the Language Assessment Center staff looks forward to helping you get your child ready for Pre-K!

Come out and support our Special Olympics athletes at any of the following events.

Area 11 Track & Field

• April 10-11, 2026

• Burleson High School

• 100 Elk Drive, Burleson, TX 76028

• April 10 is designated for school districts

Dragon Relays

• April 17, 2026

• Carroll Middle School

• 1800 Kirkwood Boulevard, Southlake, TX 76092

Summer Games

• April 30-May 2, 2026

• Melissa Athletic Complex

• 4220 E. Melissa Road, Melissa, TX 75454

Reading Refresh Camp is specially designed for students with dyslexia and focuses on maintaining and strengthening literacy skills over the summer. Through structured, research-based instruction in a supportive small-group setting, students will build foundational reading skills, boost confidence, and continue their growth as readers. Our goal is to help every camper feel successful, capable, and excited about learning. 🌟

GCISD is having a successful start to the school year! Please help us keep that momentum going by taking a moment to review with your students the 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct and 2025-2026 Student Parent-Handbook, which includes dress code and updates from the 89th Legislative Session.

We welcome our parents to engage in our events throughout this school year! Any parent attending or supporting an event during the school day must have a cleared background check. That includes field trips, holiday parties, field day, and volunteering on campus during the school day!

Background checks must be completed each year! Click here to learn more: GCISD Volunteer Page

Email: tina.garrett@gcisd.net
Website: https://can.gcisd.net/
Location: Cannon Elementary School, West College Street, Grapevine, TX, USA
Phone: 817-251-5680
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cannonSTEM/
Twitter: @canSTEM

Instagram: @CannonSTEM