COLT CORNER

Principal Notes

Dear CMS Families,

There is nothing better than having our students back in the building! It's been a fun first week of school and we can't wait for all that is ahead of us! We have several things going on next week, please refer to the information below. Picture Day, iReady assessments, Coffee with the Principal, and PTA is hosting our Back-to-School Social!

Our students will take their beginning of year iReady assessment on Wednesday and Thursday of next week. Please encourage your child to put forth their very best effort. This data provides us with crucial information that guides our instructional planning and individual student interventions. Read more about iReady HERE.

GO COLTS!

-Dr. Calvert

Help Needed!

CMS Families,

Please partner with us to ensure that students meet dress code expectations daily. No one wants to waste instructional time or school resources addressing these concerns (or bother parents at work/home). The dress code was adjusted midyear last spring to allow shorts and skirts to be at knuckle level. We have many students over the past few days in shorts/skirts that don't come close to meeting expectations. We have also had an issue with tops that are too revealing. Please partner with us and check your student's attire before they leave for school each day. We feel that Dress Code Violations are 100% preventable.

At this point, it's not a lack of knowledge, it's a choice. We reminded our students this week that choices have consequences. We have school issued shorts and sweatpants that students will change into if they do not meet dress code expectations.

Dress Code

State Accountability System

Beginning August 15, 2025, you will be able to view the State Accountability A-F rating for our school along with all Texas public schools and districts by visiting TXschools.gov.

As shared by the Texas Education Agency, the purpose of the Texas A–F accountability system reflects three system objectives: grade-level rigor for students, fairness for districts and campuses, and transparency for parents and the public to ensure our state continues to work towards becoming a national leader in preparing students for success after graduation.

For additional information about the State Accountability System and accessing ratings, please refer to the attached flyer and FAQ pages.

Senate Bill 12 Requirements and Updates

Senate Bill 12 Requirements and Updates

Senate Bill 12, passed during the 89th Legislative session, requires school districts to obtain parent permission for student club participation as well as health services and school-based counseling and support services. It also contains requirements for sharing instructional plans and the prohibition of assisting with social transitioning. The new laws go into effect for the 2025-2026 school year. Families should review the information below and log into their student’s Skyward account to complete the pop-up permission forms.

Student Club Participation

SB 12 requires that parents give written consent before a student may participate in a student club authorized or sponsored by the school. School districts may not authorize or sponsor a student club based on sexual orientation or gender identity. All clubs authorized or sponsored by GCISD will be in accordance with all applicable laws and policies.

If a parent does not give general permission, they will be contacted about each individual club or activity for which their student expresses interest in attending. A paper permission form will be sent home and must be completed and returned to the school prior to the student being permitted to attend or participate in any club meetings.

Health Services

SB 12 requires that staff must have parent consent before providing a student with any care, unless it is a life-threatening emergency. This includes:

Assessment of minor injuries and providing basic first aid (like a scraped knee)
Assessment and management of common health issues and illnesses
Checking vital signs such as temperature, blood pressure, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and pulse oximetry
Monitoring chronic conditions and implementing care plans as appropriate
Provide general health teaching to students on topics such as hygiene, illness prevention, and healthy habits
Proving state mandated screenings
Administration of epinephrine delivery system for anaphylactic reaction or an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan or naloxone, in accordance with TEC and GCISD Board Policy
Application of topical preparations such as Aloe Vera gel, first aid spray, Benadryl cream, etc.

Additionally, you will find a full list of detailed services provided by GCISD campus nurses within the form in Skyward.

School-Based Counseling Services and Support Services

SB 12 requires that parents give permission prior to student participation in school-based counseling and support services. This includes setting academic goals and creating academic plans, guidance lessons, developing social well-being, and access to our character education curriculum, known as Character Strong.

What Support May Include:

Setting academic goals and creating academic plans
Developing social well-being
Checking in about emotions, challenges, or concerns
Learning coping strategies and managing stress
Addressing school-related issues (e.g., attendance, test anxiety, behavior, peer conflict)
Building friendship and conflict-resolution skills
Guidance lessons utilizing the Character Strong program
Participating in short-term individual or group sessions on school-related topics*

*Parents/guardians will be notified and asked for additional consent if individual or group counseling is recommended.

School Counseling Does Not Include:

Therapy or long-term mental health counseling
Assistance with social transitioning

Sharing Instructional Plans

SB 12 requires that teachers share an instructional plan or course syllabus with parents at the start of each semester. Teachers will email parents directly using email addresses provided in Skyward.

Prohibition of Assisting with Social Transitioning

SB 12 prohibits school district employees from assisting students with social transitioning, which includes helping them change their name, pronouns, or other expressions of gender identity that differ from their biological sex at birth.

Any applicable GCISD policies will be amended to be in alignment with state law.

Schedule Change Requests

If you discover an error in your child's schedule please reach out to the appropriate counselor. Errors might include: missing a class period or inappropriate course level.

I understand the desire to have a schedule that aligns with personal preferences, like being in the same class as a friend or having a favorite teacher. However, our master schedule is a complex puzzle designed to meet the academic needs of all students while adhering to strict requirements. We must balance class sizes, teacher certifications, and the availability of specific courses to ensure every student has a full and appropriate schedule. Making even one change can have a ripple effect, potentially disrupting dozens of other students' schedules. Therefore, we are unable to accommodate schedule change requests based on personal preferences. We appreciate your understanding as we work to create a fair and effective learning environment for everyone.

Angie Alvarado (last names A-K)

817-305-4916

angela.alvarado@gcisd.net

Jason Cornelius (last names L-Z)

817-305-4917

james.cornelius@gcisd.net

Extension Alert: NEW DEADLINE 8/20

Now Accepting signups to Spotlight your athlete in the CMS Fall Athletic Program! This full-color, keepsake program will be widely distributed to fans at football games, volleyball games, etc

See details below. Any questions? Contact: Treasurer@CMSCheerBooster.org

Morning Drop Off/Afternoon Pick Up

We have two drop-off and pick-up lines at CMS. Near the North Gym the carline splits into two lanes. Line A continues down the curb close to the building. Pull as far down as possible before dropping your child off. Staff/Dad's Club will be there to help open doors and monitor the crosswalk. Line B goes down through the parking lot and parents may drop off their child near the crosswalk.

ORDER YOUR CMS YEARBOOK! CLICK HERE!

Mini-School Night (Curriculum Night) Mark Your Calendars!

Tuesday, August 19

5:30 PTA Meeting-Cafeteria

6:00-7:20 Follow your child's schedule

During Mini-School Night parents will have to opportunity to follow their child's schedule and hear from the staff. A sample schedule can be found here. Your child should bring home a completed copy of the schedule that week but you can also access their daily schedule in Skyward.

Important Links

Secondary Grading Policy

CMS Website

Dress Code

Bell Schedule

Follow CMS on:

Facebook: Colleyville Middle School
Instagram: @ColleyvilleMiddle
Twitter (X): @CmsColts

PTA

WELCOME BACK, COLTS!!

Welcome to Colleyville Middle School PTA! We are so excited to start a new school year! Our goal is to connect with our school community by hosting fun events such as Back to School Social, Spirit Nights and so much more. We partner 100% with our wonderful school to make it the very best! Your PTA memberships and donations fund various school improvement projects, school programs, and continuing education for our teachers.We can’t wait to partner with you!

BACK TO SCHOOL CHECKLIST

Let’s get this year started!
You will want to complete the following all at https://colleyvillemspta.membershiptoolkit.com/

START HERE: Update your Family Information, especially Grade + Colt Time Teacher

Join PTA - Parents, Grandparents, Students (no commitment to volunteer!)
Donate to Cash for Colts
Order Student Grams
Order Birthday ShoutOut
Order Back to School Social Wristband
Order Spirit Wear
PTA Volunteer Interest Form
Join Dads’ Club
Become a Community Partner
Subscribe to the CMS PTA Calendar

STUDENT GRAMS / SMARTIE GRAMS
Send your student a special message + treat at school - it's a sweet way to connect in middle school! This year, we will have a pack of 5 Student Grams for purchase that will be given out to students throughout the year: Smartie Grams, Boo Grams, Candy Candy Cane Grams, Egg-cellent Grams and Sweet Summer Grams. Grams can be purchased as a 5 pack for $25 or individually for $5/each. Please note that orders do close several days before the delivery dates so get your orders in early!!

Last Day to order Smartie Grams will be SUNDAY, AUGUST 17th, Smartie Grams will be delivered on August 21st during lunch.

BACK TO SCHOOL SOCIAL
Join us for an afternoon of fun! The Back-To-School Social is Friday, August 22nd 3:30pm-5:30 p.m.
Purchase your student(s) all-inclusive wristband today! Wristbands will be handed out at lunch on Friday, August 22nd so they are not misplaced.

PTA will be selling wrist bands at lunch starting on Wednesday, August 21st through Friday, August 22nd. Students will be allowed to pay with $20 cash or we will have credit card swipers on hand. Please note, due to new cell phone policy students will not be able to purchase their wrist bands with Apple Pay.

Wristbands include:
Unlimited inflatable games
1 slice of pizza
1 drink
1 candy

Any additional concessions will be $1-$2 each. Cash or Card accepted.
Kona Ice, Muu & Luu's ice cream truck and Chick-fil-A will also be available for $4-$10. Cash or Card accepted.

Teachers and Staff will also be participating in some dunk tank fun! The cost to try to dunk your favorite teacher is $1 for 3 throws. Cash only please.

SPIRIT WEAR STORE
Gear up with Colleyville Colt Spirit Wear!

CLASSROOM NEEDS
Here is a way to help our amazing teachers and staff! This Amazon Wish List will be updated throughout the year with various items that are needed. All items off the wish list will be delivered directly to CMS! Thank you always for your support!CMS STAFF AMAZON WISH LIST

VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECK
We will have many volunteer opportunities to volunteer this year! If you would like to volunteer in any capacity at school, you must have a completed background check on file. It’s quick and easy! GCISD VOLUNTEER BACKGROUND CHECK

SAVE THE DATES:

Sun/Aug 17 Last Day to Order Smartie Grams

Tue/Aug 19 Picture Day
Tue/Aug 19 Coffee Talk with Dr. Calvert 8:45 a.m. (Learning Commons)

Tue/Aug 19 General PTA Meeting 5:30 p.m. (Cafeteria)

Wed/Aug 20 Dads Club Meeting
Tue/Aug 19 Mini School Night (formerly Curriculum Night) 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Thu/Aug 21 Smartie Grams Delivered – During A, B and C Lunches

Fri/Aug 22 Back-to-School Social 3:30 - 5:30 p.m

Mon/Sept 1 Labor Day Holiday - No School

Mon/Sept 22 Professional Development Day - No School

Wed/Oct 1 Dads Club Meeting

Thu/Oct 9 Healthy Lifestyles/Dads’ Club Grill Out for Staff

NEED ASSISTANCE?