Hello, Gator Families!
Mathematics Instructional Material Review
GCISD is reviewing mathematics instructional materials for implementation in the 2026-2027 school year. All stakeholders may preview state approved resources and provide feedback until January 31, 2026. Please see the flyer for information on how to preview the materials. For questions, please reach out to emily.powell@gcisd.net
It truly takes a village, and our swamp is one of a kind!
Let's show some appreciation for our staff! If you are feeling grateful for anyone on our staff and would like to pass that message along, please share it here. We will share it in our weekly staff newsletter!
Do you have a question I can help answer, or feedback to make Glenhope even better! Please complete the form!
-Alishia Ilic
GHES Principal
Lunch Schedule for Thursday, January 22nd
Kindergarten 10:30-11:00
1st Grade 11:00-11:30
2nd Grade 11:15-11:45
3rd Grade 11:45-12:15
4th Grade 12:15-12:45
5th Grade 12:30-1:00
Closed Campus for K-5th Grade
The following dates will be a closed campus due to STAAR interim & field testing.
On these dates, we will not have any visitors such as classroom readers, room volunteers, lunch visitors, etc. If a parent needs to drop off anything or pick up your child before dismissal, they will be held in the vestibule to ensure a secure testing environment. Thank you for helping us support those students testing on the following dates:
Thursday, January 22nd (Math)
Tuesday, January 27th (Reading)
Thursday, January 29th (Science-5th grade only)
Tuesday- February 3rd
Week of January 19
K: Elem GT Testing
1st: Elem GT Testing
2nd: Elem GT Testing
3rd: Elem GT Testing, STAAR Interim Reading and Math
4th: Elem GT Testing, STAAR Interim Reading and Math
5th: Elem GT Testing, STAAR Interim Reading, Math & Science
Tuition-Based Pre-K Application Period Opens in January
Glenhope is looking at adding a Pre-K class for the 26-27 school year IF we have enough registered. Glenhope does not currently have Pre-K but will be on the list when you register if you have an incoming Pre-K student.
Click here to apply for Pre-K for the 26-27 School Year!
Applications for GCISD’s tuition-based pre-kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year will be available on the following dates:
Tuesday, January 13-Friday, January 30, for PK-4 (pre-kindergarten four year olds)
Tuesday, January 20-Friday February 6, for PK-3 (pre-kindergarten for three year olds)
Gators Got Talent Show!
Join us for the Gators Got Talent Show on
Friday, February 27th
6–8 PM
We can’t wait to see our amazing Gators take the stage and show off their talents—singing, dancing, comedy, music, and more!
Sign up to audition today!
https://forms.gle/r9AAV48sYQPALDr26
Questions? Email us at talentshow@glenhopepta.org
It’s going to be a fun night for the whole family—don’t miss it!
Calling ALL 5th Grade Families: It's Time to Prepare for Middle School!
If you have a current 5th grader, please add the dates on this flyer to your calendar and be on the lookout for more information.
You are strongly encouraged to attend the Middle School Showcase Night on February 4th at 6pm (more information below). If you can't make it, be on the lookout for more information about a Q&A WebEx with counselors the next week.
If you have questions, please reach out to Mrs. Canafax (lauren.canafax@gcisd.net) or to your child's homeroom teacher.
Current 5th Grade Students: AVID Applications are Now Open!
Please carefully review this flyer to see if your student may be a good fit for AVID in 6th grade. Anyone may apply for AVID!
There will be an AVID informational session on January 28th at 5:30 p.m. at the GCISD Professional Development and Education Center (PDEC).
Click here for the AVID Application. The AVID application is only accessible from a GCISD student account. If you are having trouble accessing the application, please have your student log in from their GCISD account.
Applications are due on February 11th.
AVID Interviews will take place between February 16 and March 3.
A Peek into the Swamp
Margot consistently makes choices that show kindness, respect, and responsibility. She is an excellent role model and sets a wonderful example for her peers. Margot always demonstrates the Gator Way.
Jordyn is quick to set a good example She is respectful of others by listening attentively, being polite and considerate of others.
Memphis has been working so hard to be a great example of respect and following directions! Not only has Memphis shown respect, he is also kind and helpful to his classmates. Memphis is an awesome Gator!
Savage had a great week! He kept all of his supplies organized and came to class each day prepared. He had a great attitude with everything we did. He was kind and respectful of his classmates and teachers.
Delson shows ALL of the Gator Way characteristics. He is a natural leader who consistently exemplifies kindness, respect, and responsibility in our classroom. He has a unique gift for rallying and organizing his peers in positive ways, and others look to him as a leader because they trust and respect him. Delson truly models what it means to be a thoughtful and dependable Gator.
Cameron has been really staying on top of her work since getting back. She has shown dedication by completing every assignment with focus and care. It is clear she is determined to reach her goals this semester, and her hard work is a great tribute to her positive attitude!
Jan 13th- i-Ready PLC in PLC Room
Jan 19th- NO SCHOOL
Jan 20th- STAAR Staff Meeting (AM OR PM) Everyone REQUIRED
Jan 22nd- Math Interim Testing (CLOSED CAMPUS)
Jan 23rd - Rule the School
Jan 27th- RLA Interim Testing (CLOSED CAMPUS)
Jan 29th- Science Interim Testing (CLOSED CAMPUS)
Jan 30th- Pep Rally & Clubs
Feb 2nd- School Counselor Appreciation Week
Feb 3rd- Stand Alone Field Testing (CLOSED CAMPUS) 5th RLA
Feb 5th- 5th Grade Tours CTMS
Feb 6th- Spring Picture Day
Feb 13 - Class Parties
Feb 16th- Professional Development/No School for Students
Feb 20 - PTA Meeting
Feb 27 - Pep Rally/Gatorville/Talent Show
March 6 -Fun Run
March 11- 4th/5th Girls Puberty Talk
March 12th- OPEN HOUSE, 5th Boys Puberty Talk
March 13th- End of Planning Period/Instructional Planning
March 13-21 No School
March 25-3rd Field Trip
March 26- Kinder Field Trip
March 27-Pep Rally/Gatorville
April 7 - In and Out Night
April 8- RLA STAAR (CLOSED CAMPUS)
April 10 - Play it Safe Presentations
April 14- Science STAAR 5th (CLOSED CAMPUS)
April 23- Math STAAR (CLOSED CAMPUS)
April 24 - PTA Meeting and Volunteer Breakfast
April 24 - Dad's Club Golf Tournament
April 30 - May 1 - Planetarium Program
May 4- 8 - SAW
May 12 - Board and Chair Dinner (tentative)
May 18 - Gator Games
May 20 - Kinder and 5th Grads
GCISD DECATS for 3 weeks this coming Summer, 2026. Available for Identified GCISD GT Scholars ONLY - Please click on link for more information: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xxwCev9X10I7XMcFZSTzR4IrMbc0_Sl_/view?usp=sharing
January Guidance Time
Our character trait for January is Perseverance, so students are learning about pushing ourselves through challenges and obstacles. They explored the difference between a Growth Mindset and a Fixed Mindset and discussed the power of the word "Yet." This week I was visited by the following homerooms: Quiroz, Amy, Hendrickson, Welch, Ulrich, L. Robertson, and Spence.
When your child says they can’t do something, encourage them to add the word yet to the end of their sentence. This simple shift helps them focus on effort, progress, and what they can do as they continue learning and growing.
5th to 6th Grade Transitions
I know it's hard to believe, but if you have a 5th grader it is already time to think about their transition to 6th grade! Please try to attend the Middle School Showcase night on February 4th if you can. If you can't, be on the lookout for more information about a WebEx with district counselors focused on the middle school transition.
Your student will attend a field trip to CTMS on February 5th. (Please note that all GHES students will attend the field trip to CTMS, even if they are zoned for a different middle school). During this trip, they will receive a Course Selection Sheet. On this sheet, they will see which courses are available to them and will indicate their preference where relevant. I will meet with them for a February Guidance time where we will discuss the sheet in more detail and they will have a chance to ask questions. Course selection sheets should be returned by February 11th.
If you have a former Glenhope Gator who is now a middle school student and there is something you wish you had known about middle school before your child left Glenhope, I would love to know so that I can share it with our families! Please email lauren.canafax@gcisd.net and share your experience with me. I want our Gators to have a smooth move to middle school!
Play it Safe
GCISD offers the “Play it Safe” program for all students in grades PK-5. The GCISD School Health Advisory Council (SHAC) has previewed and recommended these programs for all GCISD elementary schools. SHAC is a volunteer council comprised of parents and community members that reflect the values of the district and the community. The curriculum and presentations are aligned with district philosophy.
Play it Safe is a child abuse prevention and awareness program that incorporates individual grade level, age-appropriate scripts and movies to teach children how to reduce the risk of sexual and physical abuse. This program is a personal safety program and does not address human sexuality. It teaches them to recognize potentially abusive behavior, provides the tools to respond to threatening situations, and encourages them to report abuse to a trusted adult.
Glenhope will show Play it Safe presentations during Specials time on Friday, April 10th. All families must OPT IN or OPT OUT of participating in Play It Safe presentations. Please complete this Opt In/Opt Out form by Friday, April 3rd.
Click here to learn more about Play it Safe. If you have further questions regarding Play It Safe at this time, you can contact Lauren Canafax at lauren.canafax@gcisd.net or 817-251-5720.
Lunch Bunches
January/February Lunch Bunches are in full swing! Students have been enjoying time to get to know one another while playing fun and engaging games. These activities help us practice important skills such as taking turns, communicating with peers, and managing emotions. We often play simple games like Uno, which allow students to continue conversations while playing. Ask your child to tell you more about what they've been doing during Lunch Bunch!
January/February Lunch Bunches will meet weekly until the end of February.
Check-Ins
If your child is ever in need of a check-in or if you have any concerns to discuss, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at lauren.canafax@gcisd.net. If you would like to encourage self-advocacy, you can also encourage your child to request to speak with me! They can go to ClassLink and search "Counselor." This will bring up a form that they can complete to request a meeting with me.
If you would like to learn more about the role of a GCISD school counselor, click here. You are always welcome to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Student and Family Support
As the school counselor, my role is to help ensure all students have what they need to thrive at school. If your child is ever in need of food, clothing, or other basic necessities, please reach out to me. Support is available, and all conversations will remain confidential.
Looking for Library Volunteers
I am happy to open up the library for more volunteers! If you'd like to come help in the library, or even from home, please check out the interest form, here:
GHES Library Volunteer Interest Form
These are the following volunteers we are looking for:
Library Assistants: Parents who come in and assist children during check out times, find books for students or help with makerspace needs
Shelfers: Parents who come in and reshelf books as books come in at all times in the library
Readers: Reading donated books to see if they are good fit for our approved list (done at the comfort of your home)
Special Projects: Help the library with some special projects like wrapping books for "mystery books", decorating the library for seasons or special events, help with special projects happening in the school
📚 Library Book Donations 📚
The library is now up for Book Donations. The books need to be in good condition. I will have a cart in the PTA Workroom for parents to put donated books in there. The books will be taken and either used in our library if the book is on the approved list, or we need more copies. If the book is not on the approved list, but fits the criteria, we will see if it can get on the approved list. If we cannot use the book in our library, I will take them to Half Priced Books and use funds for items in the library.
Are you needing book ideas?
Is your child in a reading slump? Are they not inspired or doesn't have a series or genre that they love? Before you spend money on Amazon, Barnes and Noble or Target, connect with me.
I'd love to meet via email or in person in the library to discuss some good books, series, or what's trending. I can send some books home that you can look through with your child to see if anything inspires them. Or if you want to schedule a time to come to the library, we can walk the shelves and see what your child would like based on their past check outs.
Email me at megan.arnold@gcisd.net and let's work together to find something for your child.
Glenhope Yearbook
Yearbook Sales are LIVE! I will put a handout in your box today to go home today or Monday. If you want to put a blurb in your newsletter, you can copy and paste below:
Get your Glenhope yearbook TODAY! Yearbooks are on sale for $40. If you are interested in buying a yearbook, please view the information below:
Steps to Order:
Place your order and pay online
Books will be delivered and passed out at school in mid-May.
**Please note: no cash or checks will be accepted at school for yearbooks. You must order your book online.**
Parent Collection of Pictures:
Glenhope would love to collect pictures from parents for the Yearbook. We know that we don't always capture ALL the moments, so would love some help.
If you'd like to send a picture in for the yearbook, please do so here. If you want to send more than 3 at a time - please email them to megan.arnold@gcisd.net.
We're excited to see your photos! Please share pictures of Glenhope students and staff in action - not family photos - so we can highlight our school community in the yearbook.
Thank you for your help in capturing this school year!
https://forms.gle/KntysCwKBC3vZPPg8
Board Game Donations
Thank you for the board game donations. Kids have loved playing games after they check out books. It's so great seeing the kids actively playing and talking without using technology.
Start a sweet tradition your family will cherish forever — order a digital birthday sign on the Glenhope marquee for just $15! Imagine looking back one day at those proud birthday pictures in front of the school… It’s a memory you’ll want when your Gator grows up.
We are now accepting birthdays starting August 1 through the school year
Order at least 2 weeks in advance
Order here: https://glenhopeelempta.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/311414569
We love our volunteers and appreciate any amount of time you are able to give.
Workbox Wednesday - Every Wednesday, we have a group of volunteers who meet after drop off to help the teachers get little projects done. Join our 2025-26 GroupMe and all the details will be posted each week - https://groupme.com/join_group/108841952/PT8iBVog
Chicken Tenders - A PTA-sponsored initiative to provide student enrichment to learn, take care of and love on our Gator chickens! There are opportunities throughout the year where your family can sign up to take care of them. Sign up here: Fall Schedule - 2025
Free and Reduced-Priced Meal Applications Are Still Accepted
Every dollar counts and if you qualify for free and reduced meals for your child, there is still time to complete an application. Applications are available at www.schoollunchapp.com and can be completed at any time during the school year. The sooner the application is completed and if you qualify, the sooner your child can begin to receive meals at the free or reduced price.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Click here to see Glenhope Peachjar flyers!
Click here to view and claim from the Lost & Found at Glenhope!
2026-2027 Instructional Calendar Approved
The GCISD Instructional Calendar for the 2026-2027 school year was approved by the Board of Trustees at its December 15 Regular Meeting. GCISD’s first day of school will be Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The calendar meets the minimum 75,600 instructional minutes required for students, includes the contract length required for staff and meets other parameters set by the Texas Education Agency, including state assessment dates. The presented calendar was developed following review and input sessions with the District Leadership Team, campus leadership, campus team leads, and the District Excellence Committee.
Now that the GCISD Instructional Calendar has been approved, iUniversity Prep and Collegiate Academy will develop calendars specialized to the specifications of their programs, and those will be shared with their students and families.
CTMS Band Instrument Screenings for 5th Graders
We had our AMAZING CTMS band join us this week! If your 5th grader is interested in band for 6th grade, please see below!
Our CTMS instrument screening will be held on February 21st, and is by appointment. There are links included in the document to guide you.
Meet the Instruments (English)
Meet the Instruments (Spanish)
Please see some friendly reminders below to ensure we can continue our routine.
To make your visit enjoyable, we've set aside special visitor tables near the back where you can sit with your own children.
Friends will need to remain with their class at their designated table.
Follow the same rules as we do at the school, such as staying seated at the table, no electronics, and no back and forth between the class table and parent table.
During the last five minutes of each lunch period, we go to level 0 and cleanup. This helps signal that it's time to start cleaning up and helps create a calm environment as students finish their meals.
Discuss special treats and snacks with your child in regards to when they can buy these from the cafeteria. We have had to remind numerous students to not get ice cream every day before eating their food or they ask if they can get ice cream every day. We encourage them to ask at home what day is best for them to get an ice cream or special snack!
We can't wait to see you!
GCISD utilizes Raptor Technologies for volunteer applications and signing up for volunteer opportunities.
Review the 2025-2026 Student Code of Conduct, Parent Handbook
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.
i-Ready letters were sent with your child's results. Please see this letter to access reports digitally.
Frequently Asked Questions regarding i-Ready My Path
Now that we have finished our beginning of the year i-Ready Diagnostic testing, our students are starting their personalized instruction in their My Path. We have put together additional information in the form of a My Path FAQ to support families as we partner with you to help all of our students reach their growth goals this year.
Friendly Reminder of School Hours:
7:20 am: Doors Open
7:30 am: Warning Bell Rings
7:35 am: School Day Begins
3:05 pm: Dismissal
Please walk in your child if you arrive at 7:36 or after. They will be counted tardy if they arrive after the bell., I suggest adjusting your drop-off time by about 10 minutes. Our data shows that the arrival line is significantly shorter between 7:15 and 7:25 a.m., which could help you avoid the rush of people getting in line last.
If you need more pick up passes, please email rebecca.garrett@gcisd.net with your request and current number and child's name!
Important Information from Nutrition Services
Important Information from Nutrition Services
Welcome back! Nutrition Services is excited about the upcoming school year. School Menus, the district charge policy, menu item pricing and more can be found on the department website here.
More information including menu item nutritional information and allergens may be viewed through the nutrition services website or by downloading the Meal Viewer app through the apple or android store.
In accordance with program guidelines, the Free and Reduced application will be available online as part of skyward registration. The free and reduced application should be filled out electronically at https://www.nlappscloud.com/. For those parents that still would like to complete a paper application, they may download an application on the website or stop by the Nutrition Services office at 5800 Colleyville Blvd.
Procedure for Students with Unpaid Meal Charges
Parents/Guardians shall monitor their student’s school meal account to ensure that they always have a positive balance. In the event that a student does not have a positive balance, the student may charge up to 5 meals to their account. Only reimbursable meals may be charged. A la carte items may not be charged. Communication about a negative meal balance will be sent to parents/guardians via email/text. Students who have exceeded the 5 charged meal limit, will be offered an alternative meal that will be charged to the student’s account.
If you have questions about the Nutrition Services program, please call ext. 5618 or email child.nutrition@gcisd.net.
Meal Prices
Pk-8 Breakfast - $1.85
High School Breakfast - $2.05
Reduced Breakfast* - $0.00
Adult/Guest Breakfast - $3.25
Elem. Lunch - $3.10
Middle Lunch - $3.30
High School Lunch - $4.00
Reduced Lunch* - $0.40, after Sept. 1, No cost
Adult/Guest Lunch - $4.75
*(Reduced priced at GHS, CHHS, Bridges is $0.30 breakfast, $0.40 lunch)
This institution is an equal opportunity provider
Email: alishia.ilic@gcisd.net
Website: https://ghes.gcisd.net/
Location: 6600 Glenhope Cir N, Colleyville, TX 76034
Phone: 817-251-5720
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GlenhopeGators/