The Cannon Connection
2024-2025 Newsletter for Cannon Elementary Families
August 4-10, 2024
Good morning Cannon families,
We had a blast welcoming our new Cannon Kindergartners and their families this past Friday! Thank you to all of our families for attending to hear all about the amazing STEM teaching and learning expectations we implement at Cannon. I'd also like to give a HUGE shout out to our teachers and our fabulous PTA representatives for creating a memorable experience for our new Cubs.
It's time to get your Cannon spirit gear! This is our biggest Cub store yet; we've heard your feedback and we've put it into action. We've included a wide range of styles and fits - short-sleeve t-shirts, dry fit, long sleeves, and sweatshirts! We want all of our Cannon community to flaunt Cub gear with pride everyday but especially every Friday for our spirit days. We also expect each Cub to wear their grade level color shirt for field trips, field day, our annual STEMapalooza, and for our pep rallies! Our grade level colors stick with our Cubs from Kindergarten through fifth grade. When the Cannon spirit store closes on Friday, August 23, shirts will be delivered to Cannon three weeks later. Our Cub gear is not just for kids - come on parents show your Cannon Cub LOVE! You won't want to miss this opportunity to get your needed gear. Help us build a stronger school community through our Cannon PTA and purchase your gear today! We are Cannon PROUD! ☮♥🐻https://cannoncubspiritshop.itemorder.com/shop/home/
We will welcome all Cannon Cubs Back to School on Wednesday, August 14, for our first day of school! The alarm clock will come quickly - prepare for the adjustment! Remember Cubs are tardy after 7:40 and the cafe breakfast line closes promptly at 7:40.
Any parent or guardian wanting to walk their Cub in on the first day of school will have to have their Driver's License on hand and sign in to the security kiosks prior to entering the building; Please plan ahead! You are welcome to print your first day kiosk badge during our Meet the Teacher Night, or feel free to stop by between 8:00-3:00 on Monday, August 12 or Tuesday, August 13 to print your badge for quick entry! Per our amazing safety procedures, we will be checking badges and Driver's License so be ready 😊!
Also, parents may bring in medications for the school year at Meet the Teacher to avoid the first day of school traffic. Nurse Kendra will have paperwork for parents to fill out if you are unable to print from home (see below).
We look forward to partnering with you to make the 2024-2025 a STEMtastic school year!
Proud to be your principal,
Dr. Tina Garrett
#BeCannonProud
Get your Cannon spirit gear TODAY!
Grade level color shirts available too!
We ask that all of our Cubs wear their grade level shirts for field trips, at our annual STEMapalooza, field day, and our school spirit pep rallies!
Every FRIDAY is a Cannon spirit gear day!
Kinder - Orange; 1st - Black; 2nd - Yellow; 3rd- Green; 4th - Royal Blue; 5th - Red
Our Cannon PTA partnership is a vital part of our campus community! Our Cannon PTA provides staff moral support, hospitality gestures of appreciation, physical upgrades and resources, and so much more - EVERYTHING our PTA does goes to support ALL of our Cannon Cubs and our staff!
Meet our new Assistant Principal - Mrs. Allison Bailey
I am proud to have the opportunity to serve the students, families, and staff at Cannon Elementary: A GCISD STEM School. I am dedicated to providing positive leadership that supports innovative and engaging learning experiences for students.
I earned a bachelor’s degree from Baylor University and a Master of Education degree from Texas Christian University in educational leadership.
My career began in Mansfield ISD as a kindergarten teacher. After pursuing my master’s degree and marrying my husband, Jack, I landed in GCISD. My experiences included teaching grades 1st, 4th, and 5th at Bear Creek Elementary School for thirteen years. During my time at Bear Creek, I was honored by my colleagues to be named Teacher of the Year in 2018. After many leadership opportunities on the campus and in GCISD, I was fortunate to serve the community as the assistant principal at O. C. Taylor Elementary School. Our family includes our son, Jack III (15), and our daughter, Charlotte (13), who are highly involved at their campuses in GCISD. I am beyond blessed to join the incredible community of Cannon Elementary: A GCISD Stem School and look forward to serving and supporting the students, families, and staff this year.
Contact Information:
817-251-5677
Meet our new Library Media Specialist - Ms. Kyleigh Whitsell
Hello! My name is Kyleigh Whitsell and I am the new Library Media Specialist here at Cannon! I have had the privilege of teaching 3rd grade at Cannon for the past three years and I am so lucky that I can continue to grow the wonderful scholars here. Cannon Cubs are truly something special and I can't wait to get to know each and every one!
🐾Updated Year at Glance Parent Engagement Calendar Coming Soon🐾
😋Free and Reduced Lunch Applications
Starting on July 10, 2024, free and reduced-price meal applications were made available to fill out for the 2024-2025 school year. Families are encouraged to complete the Application for Free and Reduced-Price School Meals available online at www.schoollunchapp.com. A paper copy may be downloaded from the website or requested at any campus or Nutrition Services office.
The application will determine a child’s eligibility for free and reduced-price meals and may assist in the determination of eligibility for other state or federal benefits. Only one application needs to be completed per household. Schools will notify the household of the child’s eligibility. The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) administers school nutrition programs in Texas and offers an eligibility calculator at www.SquareMeals.org/ProgramEligibility.
Decisions regarding payment for school meals are made at the national-government level, not by the school nutrition team or TDA. The dedicated staff in Nutrition Services is looking forward to serving healthy, balanced meals to students in the new school year. If you have any questions, please call 817-251-5617 or email child.nutrition@gcisd.net.
Texas legislation has approved a 2024-25 biennium budget, which includes $3.3 million per year to cover the cost of school breakfasts for students eligible for reduced price meals. Students that are approved for reduced-priced meals may eat breakfast at no cost this school year. Lunch price is $0.40.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
🚌 Bus Rider Notification
GCISD Bus Rider Families,
The 2024-2025 bus routes are now available. Stops are reviewed annually based on safety, distance, and number of students at each stop and may have changed from the previous year. Families MUST complete bus rider registration to receive transportation services in the 2024-2025 school year.
If you have already registered for the bus, to view your child’s assigned bus stop, you must register in the SMART Tag parent portal app linked here. The app can also be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.
If you have not yet registered for the bus, you can still register. GCISD’s Bus Rider Registration form is on the district's Transportation page and also linked here. If you’re eligible for transportation, bus stops can be viewed on the SMART Tag parent portal app 48 hours after registration.
Additional information and FAQ can be found at GCISD’s Transportation web page.
If you have any questions, you can contact us at transportation.services@gcisd.net, or at (817) 251-5592.
Thank you,
GCISD Transportation Services
✅ Check GCISD Back-to-School Resources to Prepare for 2024-2025
GCISD’s Back-to-School Resources page provides a one-stop shop of information to get ready for the new school year. Use the links on the page, which are also provided below, to let campuses know you’re coming and to learn important information about the new school year. Don’t delay! The first day of school is August 14, less than a month away!
Additional information on the Back-to-School Resources page includes:
👩🏫Volunteers and Visitors
Get a jumpstart and complete your background check today! Apply Online
Cannon Elementary: A GCISD STEM School
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

