Hello, Gator Families! 

We wanted to send a heartfelt thank you for your incredible patience and flexibility at Friday lunch! While we know that celebrating our Great Gators during the lunch periods isn't the "traditional" way we like to do things, the current interim testing window meant we couldn't host our usual January Pep Rally. We know it wasn't the ideal setup, but we didn't want to miss the chance to recognize the hard work and character of our amazing students.It was wonderful to see our Gators shining, and we truly appreciate you rolling with the changes to help us make these celebrations happen.

We also want to extend a huge thank you to our amazing volunteers who helped make Picture Day run so smoothly and quickly! A special thanks to the moms who jumped in to handle those last-minute hair touch-ups and ensured every student was camera-ready. Your attention to detail ensures we get the best possible photos, and we couldn't have done it without you!

GCISD Parent Engagement Survey Open Through February 10- Please get this completed! If you send me a screenshot that you completed this OR let me know that you already did it, then I will gift your Gator/Gators with $10 Gator Bucks! Please send this to alishia.ilic@gcisd.net. 💰

As part of GCISD’s commitment to continuous improvement, GCISD is conducting its second annual Parent Engagement Survey to seek parent insights that will guide our campus and department efforts in goal-setting and strategic planning. This survey aligns with our Balanced Scorecard performance objective of parents and families satisfaction and engagement. The survey should take no more than 5-10 minutes to complete.

The survey invite link for each individual student was sent to the primary contact on file in Skyward on Monday, February 2. If you don’t see the survey email in your inbox and you are the primary contact on file, please check your spam or junk folders. If it’s still missing, feel free to contact us at info@gcisd.net, and we’ll ensure it reaches you.

If another parent or guardian besides the primary contact on file would also like to complete the survey independently, please email info@gcisd.net with their full name and the name(s) of your GCISD student(s). The survey is available in English and Spanish.

We value your feedback and appreciate the time you’ll take to help us grow. Your insights play an essential role in building a brighter future for all of our students, and we are grateful for your partnership.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at info@gcisd.net. 

Mathematics Telescope Testing

Elementary and Middle School Parents: Please see the Mathematics Telescoping flyer for information regarding telescoping testing for the Spring 2026. Additional information is also available on the mathematics telescoping website. 

This week upcoming dates & reminders: 

• Friday, Class Valentine's Day Parties (Please see below to get your fast pass) 

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 

Register for CodeWiz Afterschool STEM Camps that Begin Next Week

Attention 3rd-5th grade families: CodeWiz afterschool STEM camps offered by GCISD Extended Learning begin next week at Bransford, Colleyville and Heritage elementary schools. Registration is open to any student in the district. Sign up today at: www.gcisd.net/page/extended-learning. 

Mathematics Telescope Testing

Elementary and Middle School Parents: Please see the Mathematics Telescoping flyer for information regarding telescoping testing for the Spring 2026. Additional information is also available on the mathematics telescoping website. 

Evaluación de Telescopación en Matemáticas

Padres de familia de primaria y secundaria: Por favor, consulten el folleto de telescopación en matemáticas para obtener información sobre la evaluación de telescopación para la primavera de 2026. También hay información adicional disponible en el sitio web de Telescopación de matemáticas.

Join Our Bilingual Parent Sessions – February 2026

The GCISD Bilingual Services Department is hosting two parent sessions this month:

• STAAR/TELPAS Parent Information Session – T, February 12, 12:30–2:00 p.m.

In this session, we will explain what TELPAS is, the requirements for reclassification, give an overview of STAAR, and share strategies families can use at home to support their child’s success as an emergent bilingual learner.

• Community Engagement Event – Wednesday, February 18, 12:30–2:00 p.m. (rescheduled from January 28) 

In partnership with TEA, this session will highlight community events and programs that provide helpful resources and skills for parents, families, and emergent bilingual students.

Both sessions will be held at the JPS Building, 3050 Timberline Dr., Grapevine, TX 76051.

 We look forward to partnering with you to support your child’s success!

Únase a nuestras sesiones para padres bilingües – febrero 2026

El Departamento de Servicios Bilingües de GCISD ofrecerá dos sesiones para padres este mes:

• Sesión informativa para padres sobre STAAR/TELPAS – miércoles, 12 de febrero, 12:30–2:00 p.m. 

En esta sesión explicaremos qué es TELPAS, los requisitos para la reclasificación, ofreceremos una descripción general de STAAR y compartiremos estrategias que las familias pueden usar en casa para apoyar el éxito de su hijo como estudiante bilingüe emergente.

• Evento de Participación Comunitaria – miércoles, 18 de febrero, 12:30–2:00 p.m. (reprogramado del 28 de enero) 

En colaboración con TEA, esta sesión da información sobre eventos y programas comunitarios que brindan recursos a padres, familias y estudiantes bilingües emergentes.

Ambas sesiones se llevarán a cabo en el Edificio JPS, 3050 Timberline Dr., Grapevine, TX 76051.

¡Esperamos poder colaborar con ustedes para apoyar el éxito de su hijo!

February Guidance Time - Continuing into February! 

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." Because I missed several classes due to snow days and because I am working with 5th grade on middle school course selection, February Guidance will only be makeup sessions from January. Our February trait is Honesty. Students will not come to me for Guidance in February, but will review the character trait with their teachers. They will learn that Honesty means "being truthful in what you say and do." We will still recognize our Honest Great Gators at our February Pep Rally. 

Brief Pause in Lunch Bunches 

If your child is in a Lunch Bunch, please know that I have extended the sessions to make up for missed sessions. We will now end the first week of April. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

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.

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

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:

1. Go to:  https://www.balfour.com/texas/colleyville/glenhope-elementary-school

2. Place your order and pay online

3. Books will be delivered and passed out at school in mid-May. 

4. **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

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. 

Volunteer Background Check

Apply Online

GCISD utilizes Raptor Technologies for volunteer applications and signing up for volunteer opportunities. 

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