We've been discussing growth quite a bit recently, and one aspect we have highlighted is attitude. Often, our progress is hindered by something as simple as the attitude we carry along the way. When we talk about growth with your kiddos, we emphasize the importance of having the right mindset, which is influenced most by our attitude during the journey. Many of our students recognize how difficult it can be to maintain a positive attitude in moments when we may struggle or become frustrated. Mr. Wahpekeche calls this the wall of "I don't know" because it means we've reached a point where our frustration causes us to believe we don't know the way forward. We constantly encourage our students to reach out to us before they hit this wall in their classes because it means their learning is breaking down.
Part of what makes growth tricky is an inability to advocate for things we need at certain moments. This might take shape as a student who doesn't want their peers to judge them for getting help, or a student who typically doesn't need help finds themselves in a situation where they do, but they don't ask for help because they feel like they should know the answer. We want our students to become strong advocates for themselves because self-advocacy is a massive part of their academic journey from now on. Our goal is to remind them of the importance of self-advocating and encourage them to make it a habit. We will continue to do what we can to build their confidence and water the seeds of growth in each kiddo. One day, they will find themselves tilling the soil on their own due to an abundance of growth.
Camp El Tesoro photos can be accessed using the link below. You will have until the end of November (Sat 11/30) to save any pictures you wish. After that time, the folder will be deleted, and the photos will no longer be available! (We have limited storage on our Google Drives!)
Our Student Council is putting on a fundraiser called Teacher Grams. Every day before school next week, students can purchase a Teacher Gram for $1.00 and write a note of gratitude to their favorite teachers. Students are encouraged to spread the love to as many teachers as they would like. Teacher Grams will be displayed outside the teacher's classrooms throughout the week.
When: Monday November 18th - Friday November 22nd
7:15 - 7:35 am in the front hallway
Teacher Emails
Should the need arise for you to contact one of your child's teachers for academic questions/concerns/comments, or anything else, here are their email addresses:
6th Grade Accelerated Math (@iUPrep) - chad.baker@gcisd.net
5th-Grade Math- ashley.carter@gcisd.net
Science/Social Studies - christi.robertson@gcisd.net
ELAR - rion.wahpekeche@gcisd.net
Please do not hesitate to contact us. Our goal is to respond the same day if possible, but it may be the following morning before we can.
Friday, November 22nd
-End of 6 Weeks (for the second nine weeks)
Monday, November 25 - Friday, November 29
-Thanksgiving break (NO SCHOOL)
We kindly ask that students bring their jackets or coats to school daily. The temperatures will be unpredictable, so it is better to have one. Any student who doesn't have a jacket or coat when it is below a specific temperature outside cannot go out for recess. Thank you!
We aim to meet with each of you to discuss whether your child is struggling at school or not! We have created a Sign Up Genius (linked below) for you to sign up for a conference. Teachers have a professional development day next week on Mon (9/23). We have been told that we can schedule parent conferences in the morning. Additionally, we have been given a half-day sub on Tuesday, 10/1, to do additional conferences during the school day. The remaining conferences are mostly Tuesdays and Thursdays during our conference time (11:20-12:00) for the remainder of the year.
We have blocked out only two days a week for conferences because we typically have intervention meetings, team meetings, committee meetings, etc., on other days. If you look at the Sign Up Genius and find that no date or time works for you, please let us know, and we can organize with you 1:1.
We have a goal this year for all 5th-grade students (and teachers) to complete 12 hours of community service outside of the school day by the end of the year (6 hours per semester). Students who achieve 6 hours by December 13, 2024, and an additional 6 hours by May 9, 2025, will receive a party to celebrate their achievements. When your child completes community service, please be sure they are logging their time in the Google Form linked below. We have hung a tracker poster (pictured here to the right) in the 5th-grade hallway to track the hours completed as the school year progresses. We cannot wait to see the tracker fill up!
Also, if you snap photos of your child during community service, please send them to us! We would love to see the work they are doing.
Carter/Robertson/Wahpekeche Community Service Log
SO FAR, 5TH GRADE STUDENTS ARE OVER 211 HOURS FOR THIS SEMESTER!
Also, if you snap photos of your child during their community service, please send them our way! We would love to see the work they are doing. We have included some photos we have received so far (to the right). It makes our hearts so happy to see students volunteering in their community!
COMMUNITY SERVICE RESOURCES
1. There is a Facebook group called Little Helpers. It is run by a few Glenhope parents who plan volunteer opportunities for kids of all ages once a month in the DFW area!
2. Upcoming Event! There will be Arbor Day on 11/2. Here is the link Arbor Day - GoGrapevine.
ELAR:
I can analyze how text structure contributes to the author’s purpose.
I can edit drafts using standard English conventions, including adjectives, such as their comparative and superlative forms.
I can compose a persuasive essay, including opinion essays, using genre characteristics and craft.
Math:
I can add & subtract fractions with unlike/unequal denominators using objects and pictorial models.
I can add and subtract decimals.
Science:
I can describe a healthy ecosystem and how human activities can benefit or harm an ecosystem.
Social Studies:
I can explain the purpose and components of a charter.
I can compare the various colonial governments.
I can examine the types of charters that created each of the 13 colonies.
As the cartoon asks below, which step have you reached today? It's a good reminder that no one can be 100% growth-minded all of the time. We all have moments where we slip into that fixed mindset, doubt ourselves, and want to give up. Understanding growth mindset allows you to become more aware when you've slipped into that fixed place so that you can work to get yourself out of it! We've also found that continually working on a growth mindset seems to lessen how often you have your fixed-minded moments!
We know we aren't perfect. Please click the link below and give us feedback on the first two weeks of school. We'd love to improve, and we'd appreciate your feedback. Thanks in advance!
This year, the district is celebrating our students and staff every #WeAreGCISD Wednesday! Through posts, they will showcase how the district is working ‘Together for Tomorrow.’ Be sure to check in each week to learn more about what #WeAreGCISD means to our students and employees.