Happy Sunday, Gator Families!
It was an absolutely wonderful week welcoming our gators back, and the energy on campus was infectious! A huge, heartfelt thank you goes to our incredible Dads Club for their creativity and dedication in building the amazing, one-of-a-kind pirate ship that students and staff enjoyed riding on Thursday night—these are the unique memories that will stick with our students forever.
We wrapped up the week with our annual Spelling Bee and the magical Breakfast with Santa! Thank you to our phenomenal PTA for putting the Breakfast with Santa together. We appreciate everyone who came out; seeing our Glenhope community come together for such fun and festive events truly highlights the spirit of our school.
As it is getting colder, please send your children to school in appropriate clothing for the weather. They still go outside for recess when it is chilly, so we want to make sure they are warm!
Fron PTA: The Staff Appreciation Committee is hosting a "Reverse" Cookie Exchange for the Glenhope staff as a part of the upcoming Holiday Luncheon on December 15th. We are asking families to make 2-4 dozen of a favorite holiday cookie /bar / sweet treat and drop them off at school by 9:00 a.m. on Monday, December 15th. Our committee will display all of the trays of cookies / bars brought in by families and provide boxes for each staff member to select treats to take home and enjoy with their families. Having a large variety of cookies / bars / holiday treats will make this extra sweet for our wonderful edu-gators!
Please sign-up to bring cookies / bars / treats here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0F49A4AA2A1-60975203-reverse
If you have any questions, please email staffappreciation@glenhopepta.org
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
The health and safety of all students are important to the staff at Glenhope Elementary. To help keep our students healthy and in the classroom, I would like to share a few personal hygiene habits. We can’t prevent everyone from getting sick, but we can certainly try.
Wash your hands before and after you eat, after using the restroom, after PE, after you sneeze, and whenever possible. When in doubt, wash your hands.
If you cough or sneeze, cough or sneeze into your sleeve. (Students can demonstrate this for you.)
Respect personal space. Keep a little distance between yourself and your friends, and between yourself and your teachers.
Visit the nurse only for issues that cannot be handled in the classroom. At any time during the day there may be a sick student in the clinic, so the healthiest place to be is in the classroom. Teachers have bandages for small cuts and scrapes.
Wear weather-appropriate clothing. If there is snow on the ground, students should wear closed-toed shoes, pants, and a jacket.
While we practice these healthy habits at school, we also ask that you do your part by assessing your student’s health at home. If your student has a fever above 100.0 degrees, or is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, district policy requires them to stay home. Students may return to campus only after they have been symptom-free without the use of medication for at least 24 hours.
If your student will be staying home from school, please call the front office to let us know. As always, we are here to answer any questions.
Thank you,
Liz Giblin, BSN, RN
School Nurse
817-251-5710
elizabeth.giblin@gcisd.net
Gator Way Winners of the Week
Kinder: Abigail consistently makes choices that show kindness, respect, and responsibility. She is an excellent role model and sets a wonderful example for her peers. Abigail always demonstrates the Gator Way.
First: Rhome is one of the sweetest gators and makes everyone feel so loved. He has the kindest heart and is respectful to everyone!
2nd: Aakash is very respectful. He takes care of his materials, and listens to directions the first time. He is a great example for his classmates.
3rd: Grey has shown tremendous growth this school year. He consistently helps his classmates and teachers, and his positive attitude truly brightens our classroom. He makes me laugh every day, and I genuinely enjoy having him in my class. His kindness and growth have made a wonderful impact on our classroom community.
4th: Ellie has completed over 40% passed lessons on iReady! Great way to be a responsible Gator! I am so proud of you!
5th: I have seen a lot of growth in Ben's responsibility and care to get assignments turned in on time. More frequently, he is remembering to finish up work at home if not done at school. One of the things I admire most about Ben is that he is incredibly helpful. He always jumps in to help without being asked an can be relied to to be seeking out ways to be helpful. I'm very proud of Ben!
Classroom Highlights
December 9th, CEC Meeting 3:15pm
December 17, Holiday Parties (afternoon)
December 18th, Early Release
The CTE Experience
Please share with in your campus newsletters information regarding the CTE Experience where the high school CTE programs are showcasing the programs, courses, and certifications to upper elementary students, middle school students, and high school students. Attached is an English version and a Spanish version:
Unlock Your Potential with GCISD CTE! Come discover the incredible opportunities in Career & Technical Education. We'll showcase all middle and high school course options, guide you through our state-of-the art Technology Education and Career Center, provide engaging hands-on experiences, and so much more!
Referrals for GT/ASPIRE Kindergarten-Fourth Grade
From December 1–15, parents can refer kindergarten–fourth grade students in Skyward for GT/ASPIRE testing. See this flyer.
December Guidance Time
This month in Guidance, students are learning that cooperation means “working together to reach shared goals.” Across all grade levels, we explored what cooperation looks like, why it matters, and how we can practice it in our school community. If your child is in one of the following homeroom classes, they came to me for Guidance this week: Cottle, Robey, MacMahon, C. Robertson, Lee, Carter, Welch, Ulrich, Stuckeman, Hendrickson, Bell, and L. Robertson. Ask them to tell you about our time together!
In Kindergarten–1st Grade, we read a story about teamwork and discussed the importance of sharing, taking turns, and speaking kindly to one another. Students then worked in small groups to choose a game they could all agree on. It was wonderful to see them negotiate, problem-solve, and enjoy playing together.
In 2nd–3rd Grade, students took a deeper look at cooperation and then put it into practice through a fun relay activity. They worked together as a team, recognized each other’s strengths, and contributed toward a shared goal. Afterward, we reflected on how every team member plays a valuable role and how encouragement and positive communication help the whole group succeed.
In 4th–5th Grade, students examined what cooperation looks like in more complex situations. We discussed real-life examples of working toward shared goals, even when peers have different ideas or communication styles. Students then participated in a group challenge that required planning, listening, and using each person’s strengths. Our reflection highlighted strategies for resolving disagreements respectfully and how strong teamwork relies on empathy, flexibility, and clear communication.
The Glenhope Giving Tree Items Due December 10th!
A big thank you to everyone who has taken an ornament from our Giving Tree. All of the wishlist ornaments have now been claimed, but there are still several gift card ornaments available. These gift cards will help Glenhope families in need purchase groceries or other essential items this holiday season. You can pick up an ornament from the tree in the front office during school hours.
If you took an ornament, please remember to return your items to the Glenhope front office by December 10th. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!
For families receiving gifts from the Giving Tree, please check your email for details on pickup.
Lunch Bunches
A new round of Lunch Bunches will begin in January. If you requested for your child to participate, please watch for an email invitation in December with details about January start dates. If you believe your child would benefit from joining a Lunch Bunch, please complete this form. Please note that I have received several requests and space is limited, but I will do my best to accommodate students as I am able.
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 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.
🍂📚 November Reading Logs 📚 🍂
Continue to work on your November Reading Logs this break. They are due the week we get back. While you're in the library, grab the December Reading BINGO!
Remember, the reading logs count for silent reading time, reading in the car, library books, books in your reading bag from your teacher or any book (audio and e-books count, too!).
A child who reads 20 minutes a day will be exposed to 1.8 million words per year!
🍴📖 3rd Grade Book Club 📖🍴
Third Grade - We had so much fun meeting this week. We will meet one more time on December 5th to finish our book together.
Be on the lookout for when it's your grades turn to join in on our Library Fun!
Mrs. Arnold's website for Third Grade Reading Club:
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 $35 until January 1st. 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!
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!
Parent Referral Window for GT/ASPIRE Testing 5th-11th Grade
Step-by-step directions for completing a referral in Skyward are available on the GCISD Advanced Academics website.
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!
ACTION REQUIRED: Families should review the information below and log into their student’s Skyward account to complete the pop-up permission forms.
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.
The i-Ready diagnostic is a powerful tool that helps us understand each student's specific academic needs in math and reading. These assessments are not a test to study for; they simply give us a starting point for the year. This information is crucial for our teachers as they plan differentiated instruction to help every child succeed.
Students in kindergarten through fifth grade will be taking these assessments on their devices, and we have approximately three to complete them. Please make sure your child brings their fully charged device (iPad or Chromebook) and a pair of headphones to school every day starting Monday, August 18. Having a charged device and headphones is essential for a smooth testing process.
Please read this letter, which explains more about i-Ready and its purpose.
GCISD has a variety of committees that provide District leaders with valuable feedback while offering opportunities for employees, parents, and community members to become more involved and make a positive impact on the education of GCISD students.
To Apply, click here!
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/