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GES families,
We had a wonderfully magical start to the school year! While I know we all experienced some bumps along the way on Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, that is this school year, we hope your stars were still smiling at the end of the week. We know there are some adjustments to be made and we will continue to seek new ways to be efficient in our practices. We are learning alongside many of you as new technology is rolled out and certainly it doesn't always work the way we hope or expect. Thank you for your continued patience and grace as we navigate each new turn on this COVID-19 ride!
I loved getting to see some students this week on Webex and at our PTA celebration on Friday afternoon. We have had record high attendance numbers, which is a tribute to the support you each have provided at home keeping your students active in the virtual environment! We realize it takes a great deal of time to support your child in their learning right now, and we appreciate your partnership.
As we continue our Disney inspiration, we are bringing back our GES Teachers Shine nomination form with a whole new name. At Disney World Resorts, cast members are regularly looking to make "Magical Moments" for the guests. These are large or small gestures that make a difference in your stay and make you want to go back again. I can still recall several instances from my many visits to Disney World that were impactful to me or my family. So this year, we have challenged our star teachers to do just the same. If you feel a staff member has gone above and beyond to make a difference for you or your child, please take a moment to recognize them on our GES Teachers are Magical form. We will link it each week in this Monday Message and then share out the great things our "cast members" are doing during our monthly faculty meetings and weekly staff newsletters.
Hope everyone has a great week 2!
All my best,
Mrs. Hale
Campus News and Announcements
Campus News and Announcements
Virtual Parent Information Night
Virtual Parent Information Night
This year we will be hosting our Parent Information Night in a virtual format. Each grade level team will do pre-recorded presentations that they will share by Wednesday with all grade level families. Then, on Thursday, Aug. 27th there will be two live Q&A Webex sessions for each grade level at 5:30pm and 6:15pm for parents to jump in and ask any questions they may have following the presentation. These Q&A sessions are optional.
In addition, the GES leadership team will be recording a presentation and hosting two live Q&A sessions about overall campus information. This is primarily for new families, but all are welcome to watch. Our two Q&A sessions will be at 6:15pm and 7:00pm to allow for those that might have multiple grade levels to attend earlier. An email will be sent on Wednesday with links to the recorded presentation and Webex sessions.
SUPPORT YOUR SPECIALS TEAM
SUPPORT YOUR SPECIALS TEAM
Thank you for all the work that we saw from our shining stars this week in PE, music, and art. It was awesome connecting with the children!
During your child's scheduled specials' time in their day, make sure they visit their music, art, or PE classes in SeeSaw to check for activities due for that week.
PE releases new activities on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. PE is required by the State of Texas to account for 125 minutes of activity per week from your child. Friday's activity includes a Google Form where your child submits the number of active minutes accrued during the week. All activity counts toward these minutes.
Music and Art release an activity on Monday which is due on Friday. The activities could be spread over several days, or completed in one daily specials' time. Music will have an assessment at the end of each activity which will show completion of their work. Art will have a project to turn in to show completion of their work.
Your child's specials' time is not a "Free" time, but scheduled time during the day for your child to complete their assignments. Once everything has been completed by the student, they can revisit our activities for enrichment, or choose how they spend that time.
Please feel free to contact us anytime should you need assistance.
KGES School Announcements
KGES School Announcements
Did you know that we've been recording and sharing school announcements each day in Seesaw? This is a great way for your child to start their morning, much like we do at school. We do the pledges, share weather, lunch, birthdays, and other important information with students.
Your child can find them on their device by following these steps:
Open the Seesaw app
Click on their Homeroom course under their name in the top left
Click on "inbox" to the far right
Click on "School Announcements"
Tips for Improving your Webex and Online Learning Experience
Tips for Improving your Webex and Online Learning Experience
Here are some tips to help ensure that you have a successful Webex video meeting with your class.
On your Device :
Make sure to close out of any other applications that you do not need open for class on your device.
Close down all other open webpages
At Home:
Webex can use a lot of internet resources, so that means we need to look at what all is running on our home internet.
While attending a Webex class
Do not stream music with any device that is attached to your home wifi ( Alexa, google home, streaming radios, other laptops, etc.)
Turn off any video game systems that might be connected online (even if games paused)
Turn off any video streaming services that are running on your tv or other devices connected to your home network.
Also, try restarting your computer each day to help clear out any other process that might be running in the background.
Following these tips should help improve your overall online class experience.
Click around on this virtual counseling bulletin board for resources and/or requests!
Mrs. Horn is here and ready to help! At any time this year, whether learning remotely or in-person, please click the I want to talk with Mrs. Horn form to request a visit. This form will also be included in grade level newsletters and Seesaws, and stays housed in Mrs. Horn's email signature, on the GES Counseling district website, and as many locations as possible.
Each month, you will receive a PK-2nd and 3rd-5th newsletter in our Monday Message regarding the character trait that students and staff will spend time with that month. This newsletter, as seen here, includes discussions and topics you can use with your GES Star(s) from home to support the Circle Ups, Teacher Challenges, Playground activities, and counseling guidance lessons from GES. This month is EMPATHY!
k2_empathy_family_letter.pdfk2_empathy_family_letter_spanish.pdf35_empathy_family_letter.pdf35_empathy_family_letter_spanish.pdfCampus Activities and Events
Campus Activities and Events
This is a live Google Calendar that we will keep updated throughout the year with campus activities. Click the calendar to open it up so you can switch to week or month view and look at future dates. Please check back frequently for new additions.
PTA Announcements
PTA Announcements
Homeroom Parent Volunteers
Homeroom Parent Volunteers
Calling all Homeroom Parents! While this year is starting out differently than most, we would love to give our teachers some glimpse of normal with a connection to their homeroom parents. Homeroom volunteers help with class parties, coordinating gifts for the teachers, help at field day, grade/classroom level events & contests, and can even help their teacher with other classroom needs. While we can't volunteer in the classrooms just yet, we would love to have your name and contact information so we are ready to go as soon as we have the green light! To sign up please complete the following steps:
1. Return to www.gespta.org, click on YOUR NAME to update your account then click on the "click here" hyperlink to update your directory information. Click through the steps to add your child's homeroom teacher's name to your profile.
2. Fill out our volunteer form to be contacted about helping with your homeroom. Go to our volunteer page then proceed to the form and select the grade level you would like to help.
Thank You Wise Guys
Thank You Wise Guys
Thank you to Wise Guys Pizza and everyone who ordered Pizza kits on the first day of school! The Spirit Night resulted in $300 for the GES PTA to help us fund our year! We love partnering with local businesses!
Spirit Wear Reminder
Spirit Wear Reminder
Thank you to everyone who has ordered from our new Spirit Shop! PreOrders are due on September 4th. You can find our Spirit Shop here! Once we receive all of the pre-orders, we will make arrangements to either deliver them to your classroom teacher for in-person learners or have a drive-through pick up date and time for all virtual learners to claim theirs.
Volunteer Opportunity: Chasing the Magic
Volunteer Opportunity: Chasing the Magic
We are so excited to announce our first FUNdraiser for the year: Chasing the Magic FUNd Run, which will kick off in mid-September! This year, GES Stars and their families will have the opportunity to run, walk, roll, and get active during this one of a kind, virtual event to raise money for our school. Think of it as a Virtual Family 5k. Our fundraising goals will be to give a portion directly back to GES to supplement the GES Activities Fund and fund our GES PTA program budgets for the year. We are looking for volunteers to join the Chasing the Magic Crew to help us plan this magical event! If you would like to volunteer to help, please login to our website and select the Chasing the Magic Crew on our volunteer interest form. If you have any questions please email GES PTA VP Ways and Means Courtney Hedgpeth at waysandmeans@gespta.org.
Update Your Directory Information
Update Your Directory Information
We have had an amazing showing for memberships so far and couldn't be more excited! Please take a moment to return to www.gespta.org to update your directory information with your child's homeroom teacher! This is important for other families to be able to find you to arrange for virtual or park playdates, and for us to be able to deliver your orders throughout the year!
1. Return to www.gespta.org
2. Click on your name to get to your account settings.
3. Select "click here" to update your directory settings and click through the steps.
4. Be sure your child's homeroom teacher is listed with their name! We will have membership contests for homerooms and grade levels in the near future!
Yearbook
Yearbook
Save 10% on your yearbook by ordering early! Use this link by September 30th to save!
Serve on the PTA Board
Serve on the PTA Board
Have you wanted to get more involved in the GES PTA? We still have board positions available for the 2020-21 school year! Openings include: Staff Appreciation Chair, Auction Chair, Hospitality Coordinator, Volunteer Coordinator, Scholarships & Awards, GES Star Bank Volunteer, Pre-K Coordinator, and 1st Grade Coordinator. Email President@gespta.org for more information.
Don't want to serve as a chair but want to work on a committee? Visit our Volunteers page and check out the Volunteer Interest Form today to check off which committees you would be interested in helping in. First up will be our Virtual Fun Run, "Chasing the Magic" (previously Laps for Learning) in September! Sign up for the committee and stayed tuned for more information!
GCISD News
GCISD News
Daily Attendance During Remote Learning
Daily Attendance During Remote Learning
As a reminder, per Texas Education Code (TEC) 25.092, students must attend 90 percent of a course in order to be awarded credit for the course and/or to be promoted to the next grade. While we are operating remotely, and for our families who have chosen to stay remote after September 8, there are two ways in which your student may earn a daily attendance credit.
The first way is to attend a live webex with the teacher. Staff will take attendance during these live sessions each day. The second way to receive credit for attendance is to complete a daily exit ticket. We understand that some students may not be able to attend the live learning opportunities and will need some flexibility in their schedule. These students will be able to complete a daily assignment, or exit ticket, each day in order to receive credit for their attendance.
During the first week of school, teachers accepted any assignment completed as proof of an "exit ticket". Moving forward, you will see a specific Seesaw assignment titled "exit ticket" each day. This is required if your child wasn't able to attend a live session with the class.
If you have any questions regarding how your student may earn a daily attendance credit, please contact jessica.rickman@gcisd.net or natasha.murray@gcisd.net.
Nutrition Services Program
Nutrition Services Program
What type of meal service will be available for virtual students?
Students taking their courses in the virtual setting will have the opportunity to receive a weekly meal bundle. GCISD will offer a curbside (drive-thru) at Grapevine Middle, Cross Timbers Middle and Grapevine Elementary starting August 17. Parents may pick up 2 days worth of meals this day, and then on August 19, parents may pick up the meal bundles for 5 days worth of meals.
During 100% Virtual meal pick up will be from 9 am – 11 am & 4 pm – 5:30 pm every Wednesday
During In-Person and Virtual Learning meal pick up will be from 4 pm – 6 pm every Wednesday
Any family may access whichever site is most convenient for them. Students do not have to be enrolled at the specific site where they are picking up the curbside meal bundle. Due to the rules and requirements of the National School Lunch Program, staff will need to record student ID numbers and will enter the student meals on a tablet. Students DO NOT have to be in the vehicle, but the parent/guardian must be prepared to provide an ID card, a school schedule, or a report card. Students are eligible for one student breakfast and one student lunch per day.
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 www.schoollunchapp.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. or stop by any campus for assistance.
To view the menu and more information regarding meals, visit our website.
More information on the Nutrition Services program may be viewed through the nutrition services website or by downloading the Meal Viewer app through the Apple or Android store.
Counseling Resources
Counseling Resources
As a unique school year begins, GCISD counselors and student advocates are prepared and are adapting to meet the social, emotional and academic needs of our students, and they have a message to share with the GCISD community.
The District's counseling website, www.GCISD.net/Counseling, as well as campus counseling websites, are full of resources that students, parents and staff may need.
Technology Assistance
Technology Assistance
GCISD Technology Resources is committed to serving students and staff, especially during the District's remote learning instruction. Please keep in mind these very helpful resources:
ClassLink - GCISD's single sign-on portal for students and staff. ClassLink allows users to sign in once and have access to all of their accounts at the click of a button.
Help Desk - Students and staff can submit help requests to GCISD's Help Desk at any time. If you need your student's password reset, or are having trouble accessing ClassLink, please call 817-251-5629 during our extended help desk hours. For all other issues with student devices, please fill out a help ticket at help.gcisdstudents.net.
Outdoor WiFi Access - As a reminder, wireless network access is available outside of many GCISD campuses for use by students, parents and staff. Click here for locations, maps and instructions on how to connect.
Grade Level Newsletters
Grade Level Newsletters
All grade level newsletters will also be sent out weekly directly to families from your homeroom teachers. Grade level newsletters can be accessed using the links below.
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteer Requirements
Volunteers are significantly limited at this time, but there may be opportunities later in the year. Go ahead and apply now so you're ready when the time comes.
In order to volunteer at GES, or around GCISD, all volunteers must:
read the Volunteer Handbook (this replaces the previous face to face volunteer trainings held on campus)
watch the appropriate video included in the handbook
electronically sign the verification Google form for each campus you plan to volunteer
complete the volunteer background check. A link is included in the handbook.
The following link takes you to the online Volunteer Handbook and background check: https://www.gcisd.net/cms/one.aspx?pageId=195550
When you are ready to volunteer at GES, feel free to call the front office at 817-251-5735 to verify that both of the required steps have been recorded as completed. We appreciate your support as you complete these steps and volunteer to work with our GES students.
Lunch Reminders
Lunch Reminders
Parents and loved ones are not able to come up for lunch at this time. We are currently limiting visitors in our building.
Lunch Times
Lunch Times
PreK: 10:15 - 10:45
Kindergarten: 10:45 - 11:15
1st Grade: 11:15 - 11:45
2nd Grade: 11:45 - 12:15
3rd Grade: 12:15- 12:45
4th Grade: 12:45 - 1:15
5th Grade: 1:15 - 1:45
Follow us on Social Media
Follow us on Social Media
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