The Cannon Connection

Good morning, Cannon families,

We had a fantastic night welcoming our future 2026-2027 Cubs to the family! A huge thank you goes out to our dedicated staff, PTA executive board, Dad’s Club, and student leadership groups for their hard work in ensuring the evening was a wild success!

Despite the gray skies, our scholars proved that being a steward of the planet is a full-time job—rain or shine. It was a high-energy week filled with hands-on learning and sustainable fun. Here’s a look at what our young environmentalists accomplished:

• Growing for the Future: Students got their hands dirty planting Milkweed, creating a vital sanctuary for our local monarch butterfly population.

• Harnessing the Sun: We put engineering to the test with solar ovens, capturing every bit of light to whip up some delicious sweet treats.

• Closing the Loop: Scholars learned the magic of "reduce, reuse, recycle" firsthand by transforming old scraps into beautiful, handmade recyclable paper.

• Garden Detectives: Armed with curiosity, our classes completed a garden scavenger hunt, identifying local flora and the tiny creatures that call our campus home.

From learning about renewable energy to understanding biodiversity, our scholars showed incredible engagement and heart. Thank you to our SPECIALS TEAM for facilitating engaging and meaningful Earth Week stations! We are so proud of their commitment to keeping our world green, and an extra special thank you to all of our parent volunteers that shared their time and scholars GROW!

It was a treat to welcome back several former Cubs, who arrived in full costume to promote their upcoming production of Shrek the Musical. Their visit was a wonderful reminder that "Once a Cub, always a Cub," and we love seeing their passion for the arts!

Congratulations to our 4th and 5th grade inductees for receiving our Final STEM Hall of Fame Habit o Mind for Striving for Excellence!

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 Monday, April 27 for Striving for Excellence

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!

Our teachers lit up our classrooms this week with Math Review Glow Day activities, using neon excitement to help scholars sharpen their skills for end-of-year assessments. With the Math STAAR test coming up this Tuesday, our Cubs have put in the hard work and are officially ready to show what they know!

Our Scholars Are Ready to Shine! Our LAST STAAR test, for 3rd-5th grade Math, is this Tuesday, April 28. 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!

2026-2027 Returning Student Registration is open! Registration is a vital step to ensuring effective planning for a successful school year - PLEASE SUPPORT OUR CAMPUS BY REGISTERING ASAP! 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.

It is hard to believe we have only four weeks left in the school year! Please be sure to review all the amazing opportunities and events in store as we wrap up this truly STEMtastic year together.

Proud to be your principal,

Dr. Tina Garrett

#BeCannonProud ☮️💗🐻

The third i-Ready diagnostic will be given to students in grades K-2 beginning April 27th through May 15th and students in grades 3-8 beginning May 4-15th. The specific schedule will be shared by your child’s teacher. As a reminder, i-Ready is an online diagnostic that helps your child’s teacher determine their strengths and areas for growth, personalize their learning, and monitor their progress throughout the school year. Results from the diagnostic allow us to meet your child where they are and provide us with data and lessons to support instruction in reading and mathematics.

Here are a few things you can do to help support your student:

• Make sure they get a good night’s rest before taking the online assessment.

• Talk to your student about why the assessment is important. You can say things like:

• The test will help you find out what you know, what you are ready to learn, and how much you have grown this year.

• Try your best, and do not rush, but don’t spend too much time on a question that you do not know how to answer.

• Remember, questions on the test change based on your answers to earlier questions. You will see some questions you don’t know. That is okay! Just try your best.

• Let them know you’re excited to hear about how it goes and to ask them about their experience.

We’re thankful to partner with you in your student’s learning and can't wait to see their growth and progress from the beginning of the year until now. Teachers will be sending home data on student performance prior to the end of the school year that will show what percentage they made towards meeting both their target goal for the year and their stretch goal. We can't wait to celebrate with them!

Friday, May 8th, is our scheduled Field Day for Cannon Elementary! Students will participate in various events throughout the day. We have a fantastic day planned for all of our Cubs!

Important Information:

• Events are scheduled from 7:50 - 2:00, Prek and K will end at 11:30, and 1st will end at 1:30.

• We will be using our Cafe for a station so lunch breaks will be in grade-level living rooms (not normal lunch time) and are a time for our classes to take a break from the festivities. We will not have lunch visitors on this day.

• The cafeteria will serve sack lunches on Field Day. Children may prefer to bring a sack lunch from home.

• All background-approved visitors are welcome to attend field day rotations (not lunch). All visitors will be volunteers and help with stations. You will need to have your background check filled out prior to Thursday, April 30th. volunteer background check - Apply Online

• Visitors will rotate with their grade level and will be asked to run activities at each station. If you have more than one Cub, you can bounce between the grade levels. Please understand we need everyone to pitch in and help!

• We ask that each grade level Cub wear their grade level spirit shirt (PreKindergarten - Purple; Kindergarten - Red; 1st grade - Orange; 2nd grade - Black; 3rd grade -Yellow; 4th grade - Green; 5th grade - Blue

• Visitors, please wear a Cannon spirit shirt!

• Students’ dress should conform to the guidelines set forth in the student handbook. Please, NO white shirts that day. Students should wear tennis shoes that stay on their feet and are tied, and students are NOT to wear cleats or Crocs.

• We ask you to remember to put sunscreen on your child that day (even if it is a cloudy day) and send it with them if they need to reapply.

• They may bring gloves if they wish for Tug of War.

• Students need to bring a labeled refillable water bottle and should be reminded to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated throughout the day and to take care of their trash and recycling.

• Students will need to bring a beach towel due to our water games to stay dry!

• There will NOT be a concession stand at field day; However, every student will receive a popsicle treat.

• Adults must use the Staff/Adult Restrooms; Student restrooms are for students only.

Please remember that Field Day is for our students! We want each child to have a fun and memorable experience on Field Day. Your presence, support, and encouragement can be a positive reward for your child and all 500 students participating. We know our entire Cannon Community will show Cub PRIDE! ☮️💗🐻

We are looking forward to a fun-filled day with students and parents!

Coach G, P.E. Teacher

julianna.gregston@gcisd.net

Coach Pilar Contreras, P.E. Assistant

pilar.contreras@gcisd.net

If you are interested in joining a unity committee to help support the consolidation and unification of campuses in the 2026-2027 school year, please click here to apply by May 4, 2026. Your voice is vital in helping us build a unified, thriving campus community. Please note that selection involves a year-long commitment to this collaborative process.

We would appreciate you taking a few minutes to complete this survey. It will help us plan for next year. It is always our goal to provide the best learning opportunities for your children. Link for Parent Survey

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.

March 23-May 1: Cannon Transfer Window Open; If you are a transfer family and have an incoming sibling, you must complete a Sibling Transfer application during the transfer window. If your scholar is currently at Cannon on an approved transfer, you do not need to submit another transfer application.

April: Texas Fruit & Vegetable Month

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

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

Monday, April 27: STEM Hall of Fame (2nd & 3rd , Specials) - Striving for Excellence

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

Friday, May 1: School Lunch Hero Day

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! Need ideas to celebrate your teacher - 25-26 Teacher Amazon Wishlist & Teacher Favorites

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! Click the Fast-Pass indicator to have your visitor badge pre printed for that specific grade level, date, and time.

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

Want to avoid the hassle of back-to-school supplies shopping? Order our pre-packages school supply kits!

• Order online using our school code - CANGRA
• All orders are customized to the district's approved list of supplies
• Supply kits are delivered to our school in advance for free right to our school. Your student will have exactly what they need on the first day of school.
• You get to avoid busy shopping lines, empty shelves, and save money with lower prices

Elementary Honor Choir is composed of 4th and 5th grade students from all elementary campuses in our district. Participants in the Elementary Honor Choir collaborate with students across the district to work on higher level repertoire and performance skills. This group rehearses every Tuesday from 5:00-6:30 pm beginning August of 2026.

Auditions for this choir are being done by video or in person the week of May 4 at their elementary campuses during the school day. To audition, your child must be a participant in their own campus choir next school year (if one is available for their grade level). For the video, your child will need to sing the audition materials. The honor choir directors will watch them and send an email with audition results the first week of summer. More information and audition materials can be found below in the folder labeled, Audition Materials - Spring 2026. Please complete the Google Form by Friday, May 1st to register your child to audition.

The wheels are up and we are moving full speed ahead with 2026-2027 school year enrollment. To all new and returning families: make sure you secure your seats before the summer break.

• Returning students: Check in through Skyward Family Access

• New families: Request a Skyward account first

• Pre-K: Complete the Pre-K online application first

• New siblings: Log in to Skyward Family Access and add a new student by selecting the “New Student Online Enrollment” tab

Transfer applications for the 2026-2027 school year are currently open for the following groups:

• Cannon Elementary: A GCISD STEM School Transfer Requests, which will close at 4 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2026.
• Non-Resident Student Transfer Requests, which include:

  
  

  • students in grades K-12 living within the boundaries of the cities of Grapevine or Colleyville, but zoned to schools outside the boundaries of GCISD
  • employees of the City of Grapevine or City of Colleyville
  • nonresident students in grades K-12 living outside the boundaries of GCISD, but who have a grandparent that resides in the GCISD attendance zone

  
  

• Children of GCISD Employees

Resident students who were on a transfer for the 2024-2025 school year and will be entering the 8th to 9th grade transition year will receive individualized communication this week with information on next steps. If your student meets this criteria and you do not receive the email, please reach out to gcisd.student.transfers@gcisd.net. Applications close at 4 p.m., Friday, May 1, 2026.

GCISD’s Transfer Information webpage explains each of the transfers in detail, along with application deadlines. As a reminder, GCISD updated its transfer policies – FDA(LOCAL) and FDB(LOCAL) – in February 2025. Watch this video which summarizes the policy updates that went into effect for the 2025-2026 school year.

This year’s Walk a Mile with GCISD is shaping up to be the best one yet and staff, families and community members are invited to join the fun at Mustang Panther Stadium.

Booths:

• Enrollment Stations for the 2026-2027 school year - If you need assistance, GCISD staff will be on hand to help
• E-Bike Safety with surgeons and injury specialists from Baylor Scott & White, including bike helmet giveaways
• Sports Nutrition with dieticians from Baylor Scott & White
• Water Safety with specialists from Baylor Scott & White
• And more!

Attendees will also have an opportunity to walk/run on the track of the stadium to get some exercise in and meet new people. While we love our pets, they are not allowed in the stadium.

Make plans to join us: 6-7:30 p.m., Monday, May 4, 2026.

Sign up your student for an unforgettable summer:

• Extended Learning mini camps for elementary students offer a perfect blend of enrichment, activity and fun.
• Athletics camps for children of all ages and skill levels offered by GCISD coaches will get students learning new skills while making friends.

Looking to keep your kids engaged, active, and having fun this summer? GCISD’s Extended Learning Mini Camps offer the perfect mix of enrichment and excitement!

🎨 From Cookie Creators to Dance, Cheer, Basketball, theater and even fun, hands-on science through a Star Wars-themed experience—there’s something for every interest!

📅 When: Summer Weeks 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9

⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM (Monday–Thursday)

📍 Where: Cross Timbers Middle School

✨ Flexible Options:

Join a Mini Camp on its own, or extend the fun by adding it to our Extended Day Program (EDP) Summer Camp for a full-day experience!

👉 Learn more and register: gcisd.net/page/summer-programs

Spots fill quickly—don’t miss out on a summer full of creativity, learning, and fun!

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