

Griffin Grapevine
ACA Intermediate / Week of April 28, 2025
ACA Intermediate . . .
Strives to build strong positive relationships with our #GriffinTribe and provide rigor and relevance that will inspire all students to become lifelong learners. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns, and how we can better support you and your Griffin.
Thank you for partnering with us,
Mrs. Rodgers, ACA Intermediate Principal
817-303-1553
7:30-8AM / Breakfast
7:45-8AM / Griffins write in planners/prep for their day
8AM / Campus announcements
8:05AM / Instruction begins
8:06AM / Griffins are tardy
10AM / Attendance Time
2:45PM / No early pick up after 2:45PM
3:30PM / Dismissal begins ...see maps below
4PM / All students are to be picked up
4-6PM / Homework & Health
May breakfast / lunch menus available @ https://www.acaedu.net/families/child-nutrition/breakfast-and-lunch-menus-clone
25-26 Re-Enrollment / Registration NOW open! ...see link below
Parent Feedback Surveys open NOW through Monday, May 5th ...please let us know how we are doing & how we can improve moving forward. See more info below from Mr. Sims. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScY-BzuXgpLNFLnhWLoFyCDyn9BfPWdTnKIp4XkpUIjpdUlWA/viewform
25-26 Prepackaged School Supply orders available NOW ...see below
April 22 - May 9th / Field Day Volunteer Sign Ups NEEDED! Please sign up @ https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ADAB28ABF4C16-56346590-acaintermediate#/
April 28 - May 9 / EOY MAP Testing Begins
- Mon/Tues, April 28th & 29th - Math MAP
- Wed/Thurs, April 30th & May 1st - Science MAP
- Mon/Tues, May 5th & 6th - Reading MAP
- Wed/Thurs, May 7th & 8th - Social Studies EOY assessment
April 28 - ACA @ Texas Rangers Rangers baseball game ...email Mrs. Bricker for any questions at kristian.bricker@acaedu.net
April 28 - ACA @ the Art Museum ...see below
April 28 - May 7 / Play It Safe Parent Preview window...see info below
May 2 - Primary Field Day
May 5 - Deadline for Parent Feedback Surveys ...please let us know how we are doing & how we can improve moving forward.
May 6 - 3rd grade lunch & recess volunteers wanted / https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACA62DABF5CF8-54374769-intermediate#/
May 7 - 4th grade lunch & recess volunteers wanted / https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACA62DABF5CF8-54374769-intermediate#/
May 8 - 5th grade lunch & recess volunteers wanted /https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0848ACA62DABF5CF8-54374769-intermediate#/
May 9 - 4th grade Field Trip / https://www.medievaltimes.com/
May 9 - All checked out library books due / need to be turned in for the school year
May 9 - Library Book Club Passports due
May 12 - PTO Meeting @ 6:30PM in INT cafe
May 16 - Play It Safe Program for all students ...see info below
May 16 - Odyssey of the Mind "clap out" to Worlds @ 2:45PM ...Odyssey Parents welcome
May 16 - Pre-register for end of year Awards @ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDjLAyO9guRaG26E84EK4MPv048M8JOtgpHSC6QGRMb9nMug/viewform?usp=dialog
May 18 - ACA Annual Picnic @ Veteran's Park, 5-7PM
May 19 - Field Day @ UTA Stadium ...more TBA
May 22 - End of Year Awards + $4 snow cones for sale near front office entrance
- Pre-register @ https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDjLAyO9guRaG26E84EK4MPv048M8JOtgpHSC6QGRMb9nMug/viewform?usp=dialog
- 9AM - 5Green in the gym
- 9:45AM - 5Blue in the gym
- 10:30AM - 5th grade Clap Out
- 11AM - 3rd grade in classrooms
- 12PM - 4Green in the gym
- 12:45PM - 4Blue in the gym
May 23 - End of Year Parties - All Griffins will be dropped off AND picked up from party locations. Times TBA soon!
- 3rd grade @ Wimbledon Park / 2300 Wimbledon Dr, Arlington, TX 76017 + $4 snow cones for sale @ the park :) / https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K5p1axKHIKk-XX44GDOCvz0FSauSRFPdzyFRc0xdm8w/edit?usp=sharing
- 4th grade @ Alley Cats / 2008 W Pleasant Ridge Rd, Arlington, TX 76015
- 5th grade @ AMF Spare Time Lanes / 3149 S Cooper St, Arlington, TX 76015 / https://docs.google.com/document/d/1iwgEX7XCK6EdXqfCHx6nUYKczvMqDmRIJWQBUQt5VwI/edit?usp=sharing
May 23 - LAST DAY of School! Report Cards posted online. Happy Summer Break!!
May 27 - Middle School Parent Meeting @ 5:30PM for incoming 6th graders, more details TBA
May 28 - Middle School "Boot Camp" for incoming 6th graders, for the 25-26 school year, 9AM -12PM / student meeting & 1:30 - 3PM / Athletic fitting ...more info TBA
June 9-13 / Odyssey of the Mind Camp ...https://forms.gle/bQBAMWhi89N6Qbj28
May / June Birthdays
Stephanie Thomasson / May 16
Emily Everett / June 3
Kristian Bricker / June 9
Joy Milton / June 12
Jenni Huntley / June 22
Staff Favorites
- All "Favorite's Lists" can be found @ https://acapto.ptboard.com/school/cm?mid=338
Field Day Volunteers NEEDED!
Field Day is scheduled for Monday, May 19th @ UTA stadium. All students will be dropped off & picked up @ UTA stadium & we will have an amazing time, but we need YOU to make it a success. Please see the sign up link below to partner with us. Thank you in advance for your cooperation & contributions to the #GriffinTribe! #bettertogether
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E49ADAB28ABF4C16-56346590-acaintermediate#/
Happy Admin Assistant's Day!
Thank you Mrs. Bricker & Mrs. Carrillo for ALL you do for our campus!
Please see below & let us know how we are doing ... your feedback matters!
25-26 Online Registration OPEN!
At this time, online registration for current families is open for the 2025-2026 Academic Year. You will be prompted to register your student through the parent portal. Click here to access the portal: https://ascender-prtl04.esc11.net/ParentPortal/login?distid=220802
Please review each contact you have attached to your student, and thoroughly read each form for signing. We appreciate your time in completing online registration for the 2025-2026 school year.
Odyssey of the Mind "clap out" to Worlds on Friday, May 16th @ 2:45pm!
25-26 School Supplies on sale NOW & delivered to your child's Homeroom!
4th & 5th Puberty Lesson / Parent Preview
Griffin Families,
If you were unable to attend the Grade 4-5 Puberty Lesson Parent Previews, you can use these links and passcodes to access the recorded sessions.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Kim Neill, Director of Academic Services.
kimberly.neill@acaedu.net / 682-204-5012.
The Fourth Grade Lesson Preview can be accessed with the following information:
Passcode: ==endT2e
The Fifth Grade Lesson Preview can be access with the following information:
Passcode: Vpuq7K0?
Free & Reduced Meals
Free and reduced-price meal applications are still being accepted for the current school year. If your income has recently changed, applying now can help ensure your child has access to meals.
Approved benefits will carry over into the first month of the 25-26 school year, giving families a grace period in case an application is not submitted during the busy first few weeks.
Please stop by any of the campus offices or the administration building to pick up an application today. If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!
Thank you Mrs. Huntley for ALL you do! #schoollibraryday
Odyssey of the Mind Summer Camp
ACA's Odyssey of the Mind (OM) Summer Camp is an exciting, creativity-driven program designed to help students develop problem-solving skills, teamwork, and out-of-the-box thinking. Dates are June 9-13. Please complete the Interest Form for more detailed information (link is below).
CONGRATULATIONS to our Odyssey of the Mind Teams!!
Four OoTM teams competed last weekend in Houston. Two of those teams will be moving on to Worlds! OoTM has a special recognition award they give on rare occasions when a team shows extraordinary creativity and problem solving skills. It is rare for a single team from a school to be awarded this recognition. For the first time in OoTM history at ACA, two ACA teams received the Ranatra Fusca Award—Odyssey’s highest honor.
Report Cards / Grade Notifications
- Digital report cards will be posted Friday, March 28th in your child's parent portal (https://www.acaedu.net/families/parent-portal). If you are unable to see your child's grades or need assistance with parent portal, please contact our registrar Mrs. Bricker at kristian.bricker@acaedu.net.
- Beginning January 2025, parents will receive a personalized email with their child's report card and/or progress report if their child has a failing average in any of their core content subjects. If students are passing all subjects, personalized emails will not be sent home & parents will access grades through parent portal. If you have any questions in regards to this new campus procedure, please contact Mrs. Rodgers at teri.rodgers@acaedu.net. Thank you for your partnership!
Belt check please!
Please take some time over the long weekend to find your Griffin's belt. We are missing a lot of belts lately & need your help making sure all Griffins are following district dress code. Thank you in advance!
Hello Griffin Tribe!
It's time to purchase the 2024 - 2025 ACA Yearbook. You will find the flyer created by the 8th grade Yearbook Staff attached and you can order from either the link or QR code.
Just a couple of notes:
* Price increases are direct costs from the vendor, ACA does not make money on the yearbooks
* Yearbooks are printed with ALL events through the end of the year graduation photos, therefore not being finalized and provided to the vendor until mid - end summer.
* Yearbooks for the 24 - 25 school year will not arrive from the vendor until the Fall of 2025.
Please feel free to post in the ACA group pages and get the word out that the ACA Yearbook Staff are building a great book of memories this year!
Thank you for your support!
Your ACA Yearbook Team rmd.me/am577u1p9x6
Uniform update
- New year, new uniform vendor! We will continue to offer grace as families continue to transition to the new vendor & obtain sizes needed as their Griffins grow. However, all Griffins are still expected to follow ACA dress code & "look like" dress code expectations as much as possible during this transition.
- Please see color & style expectations in the current handbook @ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SmNGp7aPGJ9HTopPGjTEzwYZqAeTyC4z/view .
- If you have any questions and or needs, please contact Mrs. Rodgers at teri.rodgers@acaedu.net.
Keep @ home please . . .
In efforts to protect our learning environment & minimize distractions, please have your child keep any and all Pokemon cards, crafts, journals/diaries, bracelet making kits, etc @ home. Thank you for your cooperation & understanding. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Rodgers at trodgers@acaedu.net.
ACA Auction Donations
Seeking donations! ACA will be hosting our annual online auction starting on April 25, 2025. You will have the chance to bid on a number of fun and unique experiences, including naming rights, VIP seating, gift cards, and more. We are seeking donations for auction items. If you own or have connections with a business that would like to donate an experience, item, or gift card or would like to volunteer for the auction, please contact Mia Russo at mrusso@acaedu.net. Thank you for supporting our community.
rmd.me/ZIDjgcf8kyY
Morning drop off reminder
Please do not pull around to the east drive until 7:30AM and please leave the inside lane open so staff can pull through to park. If cars are waiting in both lanes our staff can not get through to park. Thank you for your cooperation & understanding.
5th Grade Field Trip Info
- Virtual Field Trip Informational video @ https://drive.google.com/file/d/1V7rT9V4FipB7cvPxmUIaAecyEtIDPVx9/view
- Field Trip Informational handout @ https://docs.google.com/document/d/1G9lwoD6nvP6k4wxIr3xy6LAe5kxQhnvt-uM2Rj9VU9k/edit?usp=sharing
Cell Phones / Smart Watch Reminder
Students are to have all cell phones/smart watches turned OFF & out of sight during the school day. Students are to use classroom or front office phones to communicate home. Please do not text or call your child during the school day on their personal devices.
"ACA permits students to possess personal cell phones for safety purposes; however, these devices must remain turned off during the instructional day, including during all testing. Students are not permitted to possess or use personal electronic devices (such as MP3 players, video or audio records, DVD players, cameras, games, smart watches, or similar electronic devices) at school unless prior permission has been obtained." page 26
Salvation Army Red Kettle Challenge w/ DWG Mayor Bianco
Memorization Matters!
Memorization is a cornerstone of classical education!
- Building knowledge: Memorization helps students build a foundation of knowledge that they can use to write, speak, problem solve, & think clearly.
- Learning process: Memorization can help students learn in many ways, including language use, foundational facts, patterns in history, academic vocabulary, and creativity.
- Basic knowledge: Memorization is an important skill for mastering any new subject.
- Repetition: Repetition is a complement to memorization, and is often used as preparation.
How can students strengthen their memorization skills? How can you partner with us to help your Griffin be successful?
- 3rd graders are expected to memorize & KNOW their 0-12 addition, subtraction, & multiplication facts with automaticity.
- 4th graders are expected to memorize & KNOW their 0-12 addition, subtraction, multiplication, & division facts with automaticity.
- 5th graders are expected to memorize all 50 states & capitals by the end of 5th grade.
Did you know?
- 3rd Grade / https://3aca.weebly.com/
- 4th Grade / http://aca4.weebly.com/
- 5th Grade / https://aca5th2024.weebly.com/
- Fine Arts / https://sites.google.com/acaedu.net/acaintermediatespecials/home?authuser=0
- Library / https://intermediate.acaedu.net/grade-level-staff-pages/library-primary-intermediate
Excused or not Excused, that is the question :)
ACA recognizes two kinds of absences: excused and unexcused. Students and parents should read this section carefully to understand the school’s expectations. The following are excused absences.
- Illness - resulting in fever, throw up, or diarrhea
- Appointment w/ healthcare professional NOTE: ACA requests that parents make every effort to schedule doctors’ appointments outside normal school hours; otherwise, appointments should be scheduled with the goal of minimizing lost instructional time.
- Death in the immediate family - Immediate family includes only the grandparents of the student and the descendants of a grandparent of the student...
- Attendance or observance of religious holy days - Advance written notice of absences because of religious observance is requested in advance of the absence. This provision applies to holy days which are tenets of the religion. This provision does not apply to retreats, conventions, youth group activities, etc.
- Required court appearances
- Activities related to obtaining United States citizenship.
Per page 7 of Student Handbook / https://www.acaedu.net/families/student-handbook-code-of-conduct
Join your Griffin for lunch ANY day!
Breakfast & Lunch Menus
Lunch Visitor Request
Need an Breakfast/Lunch application?
EZ-Pay ...did you know?
- It allows you to create one account for all the students in your family or for individual students.
- Allows you to check the account balance and purchase activity.
- It allows you to set up alerts to notify you when your student account balance falls below a certain amount.
- Please contact Susan Stewart at 817-987-1819 if you have any questions or concerns.
Volunteer Application
We want to thank you for your interest in volunteering at ACA; volunteers are the heart of ACA. Volunteers make so many things possible that would either go undone or have a great budgetary impact. The volunteer’s efforts directly enrich our children’s educational experience at ACA. Scan the QR code for the full Volunteer Application packet
Volunteer applications are accepted during regular ACA business hours, twice per school year:
July 15 through September 15 of each school year
January 15 through February 15 of each school year
If either September 15th or February 15th occurs on a day the administrative offices are closed, the deadline for submitting applications will be the prior business day.
Volunteers Welcome!
If you are willing/able to volunteer on campus to help make copies, cut out laminating, sort/file, shelve library books, etc we welcome your contributions! Please see our volunteer sign up link @ https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084AA5AA2FABFFC25-50863224-acaintermediate#/.Thank you for being an active part of the "3 legged stool"!
Snack Guidelines
Your Griffin will have a daily snack in which they will be able to eat a healthy snack during class time. Sending a snack with your Griffin is optional, however if you choose to send a snack we encourage you to send a small, healthy snack that can be eaten within 5-10 minutes. Please keep in mind that we will be eating in the classroom, therefore, healthy snacks that have minimal clean up are best.
Acceptable snacks may include:
Crackers, pretzels, dry cereal, animal crackers, string cheese, raisins, dried fruit
Things to consider when sending a healthy snack:
No utensils should be necessary
Easy to open by the student, no adult assistance needed
Pre-peeled, if applicable
Unacceptable snacks include:
Candy, brownies/cakes, cookies, Fruit Roll-Ups, chips, or anything greasy that may leave a residue on keyboards or finger coloring (Takis, Cheetos, etc)
A Note from the Library . . .
Dear Griffin Tribe Families,
Greetings from the K-5th Griffin Library! It is my pleasure to share some important
information about our school library and the reading opportunities available to the Griffins.
- Library visits occur every two weeks, and during that time we have a lot of fun reading and learning about libraries and different genres.
- 3rd-5th Grade: Students may check out up to two books and take them home.
- We greatly value your partnership in fostering a love of reading and ensuring that our library resources are well cared for. In the unlikely event that a book is lost or damaged, the student may either pay for the book or order a replacement. Your understanding and support in maintaining our library collection are deeply appreciated.
I am gearing up for an amazing year filled with exciting and interactive activities designed
to ignite a passion for reading and learning. I’m thrilled to have so many fun experiences
planned for our students and look forward to a fantastic year ahead. If you are interested in
volunteering in the library, please let me know! We will have some opportunities throughout
the year.
Thank you so much for your continued support and involvement. It is truly a pleasure to be
part of your child's educational journey! This role brings me so much joy! Please feel free to
reach out with any questions.
Mrs. Huntley
ACA Intermediate Library
Safety first!
Morning Drop-off / 7:30-8AM
7-7:30AM / Early drop off available for Intermediate Only families...email Mrs. Rodgers if there is a need to drop off before 7:30AM @ trodgers@acaedu.net
7:30-8AM / Drop off begins in the EAST drive ...see maps below
Do NOT drive through the Primary parking lot to get to the East drive.
You may drop off in either lane, however if your child is sitting on the right side of the car, please drop off in the right lane....and if they are sitting on the left side, drop off in the left lane. This keeps everyone safe & students are not getting out in moving traffic. #safetyfirst
Intermediate only families enter the drive way in the RIGHT lane & drive behind both playgrounds & drop off students in the EAST drive. For safety reasons, please do not switch lanes.
Mixed Multiples (students @ Primary & Intermediate) enter the drive way in the LEFT lane & turn into the pecan lot & drop off students in between the Primary & Intermediate campus.
Placards please!
- Blue placard = Singles (Intermediate only students)
- Green placard = Mixed Multiples (Intermediate & Primary students)
Neighborhood Reminders . . .
Afternoon Dismissal / 3:30-4PM
- Intermediate only families enter the drive way in the RIGHT lane & drive behind both playgrounds & pick up students in the EAST drive.
- Mixed Multiples (students @ Primary & Intermediate) enter the drive way in the LEFT lane & turn into the pecan lot & pick up students in between the Primary & Intermediate campus.
No early pick up past 2:45PM (to avoid traffic & missed instruction @ the end of the day)
4PM / All students are to be picked up
4-6PM / Homework & Health
Helpful Links ...
- Parent Portal / https://www.acaedu.net/families/parent-portal
- 24-25 School Supply Lists / https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vfzVSzX6NrnAE4Qdj9J-1cE5099FT6CGWDQvPQqcvF4/edit
- ACA Dress Code / https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SmNGp7aPGJ9HTopPGjTEzwYZqAeTyC4z/view
- Child Nutrition, Menus, Birthday Packages / https://www.acaedu.net/families/child-nutrition
- Technology Usage Form / https://drive.google.com/file/d/1G72cJq1_nGXQGZ9ZsWB8Mvqe0jRBf27S/view
- Student Handbook & Code of Conduct / https://www.acaedu.net/families/student-handbook-code-of-conduct
Keurig donations welcomed!
Chocolate donations welcomed!
We keep a small candy dish by teacher mailboxes in the front office & our teachers love their bite sized chocolate snack each day. Any and all chocolate donations are welcomed...thank you in advance!
Homework & Health
2024-2025 Registration for our after school program, Homework & Health, is now open. Here's the link: https://www.acaedu.net/families/homework-health-after-school/homework-and-health-registration.
The spots are filled on a first come, first served basis. If you have any questions feel free to email Jennifer.robles@acaedu.net or Susan.stewart@acaedu.net
24-25 PTO Membership
📣 You still have time to join the ACA PTO Family Membership at either level to EARLY ENTRY shop the 2024 Resale between 8:00am and 10:00am.
➡️ Either the $20 ACA PTO Basic Family Membership or
➡️ $35 ACA PTO Griffin Family Membership w/”Raising Griffins” 👕 t-shirt can be purchased at:
Medication Updates / Revised August 2024
ACA has recently updated their clinic policies across all three campuses. Please see below & email Nurse Everett if you have any questions at emily.everett@acaedu.net .
*The clinic will no longer supply/administer discretionary medications at school. Parents will need to supply any medications if they are needed.
*Students are not allowed to carry any medication to or from home to the nurses' clinic. If a student brings a medication from home, to the clinic/school, the medication will not be given. All medication needs to be delivered to the clinic by a parent and/or guardian.
*The clinic cannot administer any medication that is not FDA approved
*The clinic cannot administer any herbal supplements or vitamins
*The clinic cannot administer any OTC pain medication (topical or oral) unless provided with a physician's order.
*Students may not self carry an inhaler unless paperwork has been filled out by parent AND prescribing physician. Students must also demonstrate proper use of the inhaler to nurse before the student is allowed to self carry.
*All medications must be in their original container with prescription label attached
*Expired meds cannot be given and will not be administered @ school.
Know a Future Griffin?
Family Trips
Student class work can be obtained prior to leaving town, with campus administration permission (trodgers@acaedu.net), however if new concepts are being taught or tests are being administered, students will receive instruction from their classroom teachers, when they return.
Be sure to notify our attendance clerk, Mrs. Carrillo at 3-5absences@acaedu.net for any absences. Thank you for your cooperation.
4 PIllars
Please continue to partner with us & teach your Griffin
the "4 Pillars of ACA" . . .STRENGTH, COURAGE, WISDOM, & VIGILANCE. We firmly believe that everyone deserves a "healthy struggle" & that students learn by making mistakes. Help them learn from the obstacles they face now, to build resilience & perseverance for future challenges.#growthmindset #grit #simulnosfortes
Library . . . Did You Know?
You have FULL ACCESS to view everything in our library. Not only that, but you can see what your child has recently checked in and out. As a Griffin Tribe, we truly believe in the 3-Legged Stool and to offer complete transparency. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Jenni Huntley @ jennifer.huntley@acaedu.net
Check it out @ https://www.acaedu.net/domain/760 & the Destiny Database @ https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/ui/30398
School Report Cards
School report cards are now available @ https://www.acaedu.net/about-aca/tea-reports-and-cips/tea-school-report-cards
- The school report card (SRC) combines accountability ratings, data from the Texas Academic Performance Reports (TAPR), and financial information to give a broad view of campus performance.
- SRC's may be viewed online or a printed copy can be picked up in the Intermediate front office foyer.
- SRC's are available for each campus in Texas, the SRC is intended specifically to inform parents and guardians about a school’s individual characteristics and its academic performance.
- As a resource, you may use the glossaries to assist you with information in the report cards. ENGLISH / SPANISH
- For more information and details on these TEA School Report Cards, please visit TEA's website here.
STOPit!
We teach & highly encourage all Griffins to "report" to an adult (at school or home) when someone is being hurt on purpose. Please help your child learn the skill of self advocating and "reporting" to help take care of one another and create a safe environment for our students.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Griffins safe!