Telecommunication Devices Policy Reminder

We know many students received new devices or watches over the holidays and we have seen more students bringing them to school on a daily basis. As a reminder, students are not to have any telecommunication devices on during the school day, this includes any watches that can be used for communication purposes. They must remain OFF in their backpacks during the school day. We have included the information from the GCISD policy that was shared at the beginning of the year as a reminder. 

Policy FNCE(LOCAL) limits the use of telecommunications, most commonly cell phones, during the school day. This is also applicable to Smart Watches being used as a communication device. The updated appropriate times and uses of devices are as follows:

• Elementary students may use telecommunications devices before and after school only. They may not use telecommunications devices during school hours.

The Student Handbook is also being updated to include the following consequences if students are not in compliance: 

• First offense: The student will be given a warning and the cell phone or electronic device shall be confiscated by the teacher until the end of the class period and may be picked up after school by the student or parent. 

• Second offense: The cell phone or electronic device shall be confiscated by the teacher and turned into the main office. The teacher will contact the parent and the device may be picked up after school by the student.

• Third offense: The cell phone or electronic device shall be confiscated by the teacher and turned into the main office. The teacher or a campus administrator will contact the parent and the device may be returned only to the parent from the front office during normal school hours. 

• Fourth offense and subsequent offenses: The cell phone or electric device shall be confiscated by the teacher and turned into the main office. The teacher or a campus administrator will contact the parent. The device may be picked by the parent from the front office after paying a fee of $15. 

• The campus principal may use discretion for appropriate discipline consequences for persistent misbehavior if repeated infractions occur. 

• Refusal to surrender the phone is a violation of the student code of conduct and will result in disciplinary consequences in addition to the consequences outlined above. 

• If a personal telecommunications device is not retrieved, the District shall dispose of the device after providing notice required by law. The district shall dispose of the devices for which timely notice has been given at the end of each semester.

No School for GCISD Campuses Feb. 14 and 17

Except for Collegiate Academy and iUniversity Prep, there will be no school for students on Friday, February 14. This day was originally scheduled as a bad weather make-up day, however, GCISD’s 2024-2025 instructional calendar has a sufficient number of minutes to cover the recent weather-related closure and the days will not have to be made up. 

Additionally, except for Collegiate Academy, Monday, February 17, is a professional development day and there will be no school for students, including iUniversity Prep. 

Please see your school’s instructional calendar below:

• GCISD Instructional Calendar

• Collegiate Academy Instructional Calendar

• iUniversity Prep Instructional Calendar

Mathematics Monday is February 10

Today was Mathematics Monday in the cafeteria! We’re bringing the joy of numbers and problem-solving to life in a fun and delicious way for all our elementary and middle school students.

Students had Special Math-Inspired Treats: Every student who selected a plate lunch on Mathematics Monday received a special treat that comes with a fun math problem.  This event is designed to show how math is everywhere – even at lunchtime!

Recognize Excellence with Stars of GCISD!

Do you know a GCISD employee who goes above and beyond? Nominate them for the next Star of GCISD award! Each month, we celebrate outstanding team members for their passion and dedication to GCISD. Nominate today at www.GCISD.net/StarsOfGCISD and help us honor the people who make GCISD shine! 

Principal Book Club Dates

We made a few adjustments to the spring Principal Book Club Dates and grade levels based on participation in the fall. Our PreK and Kinder session will now be the end of February and our April session will be open to 1st-3rd graders for robotics. 

All sessions will be from 3:00-3:45 in the GES Learning Commons. A sign-up will be sent a few weeks prior to the event so we know how many families to prepare for. 

Checking Skyward Grades for 3rd-5th Grade 

Regularly checking your student's grades in Skyward is essential for their academic success. By reviewing their grades frequently, you can easily identify any missing, incomplete, or failing assignments. This proactive approach allows you to address any issues early on, ensuring that your child stays on track and receives the support they need. Open communication about academic performance fosters a positive learning environment and encourages students to take responsibility for their education. Your involvement makes a significant difference in their academic journey!

Here is a Google Slideshow to help you look at Skyward on your child's school device. 

Open House - Save the Date

This year our instructional calendar includes the Friday before Spring Break as a Bad Weather make-up day, so Open House will be Tuesday, March 11 from 6-7pm. This will be a come and go event as it has been in the past for students to share the amazing work they have been doing in class and progress towards their goals. We hope you will plan to join us! 

Optional Home Reward and Chore Chart

Our PBIS committee is pleased to offer an optional Reward Chart and Chore Chart for families to use at home! These tools are designed to help connect school routines with home life, creating a consistent environment for our students. The Reward Chart can be used to acknowledge and celebrate positive behaviors, while the Chore Chart encourages responsibility and accountability at home. By aligning these charts with school expectations, students will understand the importance of their actions at school and at home. We encourage you to customize these charts to fit your family's needs and to engage your child in the process. Together, we can foster positive habits and reinforce the skills they are learning at school!

Save the Date - Spring Pictures

Angela Wengrenovich Photography will be on campus March 4-6, 2025 to provide Modern School Photos for our Spring Photos. You can see an example of what to expect here -  https://www.angelawengrenovichphotography.com/schoolphotos/ More information to follow.

Pre-Kindergarten Lottery Open NOW

The tuition-based pre-K lottery for the 2024-2025 school year opens January 13, 2025. Give your child the chance to shine with GCISD's exceptional curriculum and dedicated faculty!