GTA7 Update ~ August 3, 2026

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!

• 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.

Mr. Bernhart is currently setting up an order of GTA6 t-shirts featuring this wonderful design. As top vote-getter, AKSHAY will receive a free t-shirt in addition to the one included with the annual dues!

NOTE: You will select the t-shirt size for your child when you pay the annual dues. Shirts will be available ONLY in adult sizes: S, M, L, XL or XXL/XXXL. Choose BIG with room to grow! When you pay dues on RevTrak (see info below), there will also be an option for Parent/Supporter T-shirts if adults in the family want a shirt too.

Note: Be careful if you go to the QVMS RevTrak page on your own. YOU MUST CHOOSE THE "GT Academy" button in the middle of the page and THEN select Grade 6. If you just click the Grade 6 button on the top row, you will mistakenly be paying the wrong dues! THE SAFEST WAY TO PAY IS USING THE LINK ON THE BUTTON BELOW.

Payment is due on or before Friday, September 11, 2026.

Scholarships are available if needed.

You will find an option to make a DONATION when you are in RevTrak.

These DONATIONS help support students and families who need assistance paying the dues.

We are forever thankful for those donations!

Do everything you can to be sure your child is present to attend these off-campus learning experiences. NOTE: The Texas Journeys trip in February is an overnight learning experience designed by the GTA7 Teaching Team. We have been taking this trip for over a decade, and it is an amazing one-of-a-kind field experience.

• Thursday + Friday, October 1-2: Bryan Museum (Galveston) + Tree Sculptures (1/2 of students each day)
• Tuesday + Wednesday, November 10-11: Eternal Gandhi Museum (1/2 of students each day)
• Thursday + Friday, February 25 + 26: Texas Journeys OVERNIGHT (San Antonio + San Marcos)
• Friday, April 16: Ed-Camp Conference (@ QVMS)
• Wednesday, May 12: Junior Achievement Finance Park
• Friday, May 21 [tentative]: Barnes & Noble Bookstore Initiative

In addition to our amazing GTA7 teaching team, parent chaperones are needed for every one of the field experiences listed above and with almost 200 GTA7 students that means approximately 20 parents on every trip. WE NEED YOU! 😃 Please complete the FBISD volunteer background check linked below and, remember, this has to be done EVERY SCHOOL YEAR, so if you did it last year, you have to do it again this year. THANK YOU!

Sign Ups to Chaperone Upcoming Field Experiences Will Be Shared in Future Newsletters.

Complete the Volunteer Background Check NOW so You Can Volunteer THEN.

THANKS A MILLION!

At the links below, you can learn about the GTABC (GTA Booster Club) and the QVMS PTO, and you will find links to join. On behalf of the GTA and QVMS, we thank you!

Each year, the GTA brings our seventh graders to the Bryan Museum in Galveston. That's how we learned about this incredible opportunity open to ANY student who would like to participate. Need something positive for your child to do in the final days of summer? Or during first semester? THIS COULD BE IT!

Learn Details at the Link Below! Good Luck!

Joseph Bernhart

Academy Coordinator

Gifted & Talented Academy

Quail Valley Middle School

joseph.bernhart@fortbenidsd.gov

(281) 634-6687