Gililland Elementary Newsletter

Monday, February 3rd: Middle School Open House Night! Highland, Prairie Vista and Creekview Middle Schools will be hosting Open House night for future 6th grade students. Please see information below for the times at the different locations.

Tuesday, February 4th: Art and Music Extravaganza for 1st grade, 3rd grade and 5th grade students!

3rd grade: 9:10am-10:00am

5th grade: 11:00am-11:50am

1st grade: 1:50pm-2:40pm

Thursday, February 6th: Art and Music Extravaganza for 2nd grade and 4th grade students!

4th grade: 10:05am-10:55am

2nd grade: 12:55pm-1:45pm

Friday, February 14th: Early Release at 12:40pm

Monday, February 17th: No school in observance of President's Day

Tuesday, February 18th: No School! Teacher/Staff Professional Development Day

Thursday, February 27th: STEM Showcase at the Hollenstein Career and Technology Center from 5:30pm-7:00pm; Address: 5501 Marine Creek Parkway Fort Worth, TX 76179

Dear Families,

The school year is full of milestones, friendships, and unforgettable moments. A Lifetouch Yearbook is the perfect way to preserve these memories for years to come. Here’s why you’ll want one:

1. Celebrate Your Child’s Year
From classroom highlights to special events, the yearbook captures all the moments that make this school year unique.

2. A Treasured Keepsake
Your child will cherish this book as a reminder of their elementary school journey and the friendships they’ve made.

Order Today!
Don’t miss out—supplies are limited! Visit Lifetouch Yearbook to order or scan QR code below.

Our school code is: 14928825 (or you can search for our school: LA Gililland Elementary in Fort Worth, Texas)

Thank you for celebrating this amazing year with us!

Last Friday, students in 5th grade participated in a guidance lesson on transitioning to middle school. Mrs. Danford, band teacher at HMS, talked to the students about band class. After her presentation, all 5th graders filled out the registration form for the next school year.

Students filled out 2 forms. One copy was kept on campus and the other copy was sent with the students. Students should have shared this form with parents/guardians. If schedule changes are made on that form, it needs to be signed by parents and returned to Ms. Kell.

On February 3, 2025, at 6:00pm, parents are welcome to attend their child's middle school orientation night. Middle school counselors will be there to answer any questions about middle school and the registration process.

Changes to the 6th grade registration form are due on February 4, 2025.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ms. Kell, Gililland School Counselor.

To keep our school community healthy, please keep your child home if they are feeling unwell. Students should stay home if they have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or other contagious symptoms. They may return when they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication. Please see the infographics below for more information.

Keeping sick students home helps prevent the spread of illness and ensures a healthier environment for everyone. Thank you for your support in keeping our school safe and well!

On Tuesday, February 4th and Thursday, February 6th students in 1st grade through 5th grade will have a musical performance during block times. Parents and family members are invited to join us to watch the performance and view the artwork displayed in the hallway and gym. It is recommended that you arrive 10 minutes early because all visitors must check in with the front office. Please note, all visitors must have a valid ID in order to be permitted on campus. Following the performance, if you would like to sign your student out, you must go to the office. Students will return to their classroom to collect their belongings. We hope to see you there!

Schedule of Performances:

Tuesday, February 4th: Art and Music Extravaganza for 1st grade, 3rd grade and 5th grade students!

3rd grade: 9:10am-10:00am

5th grade: 11:00am-11:50am

1st grade: 1:50pm-2:40pm

Thursday, February 6th: Art and Music Extravaganza for 2nd grade and 4th grade students!

4th grade: 10:05am-10:55am

2nd grade: 12:55pm-1:45pm

Exciting Activities in PE: Basketball, Gymnastics, and the Kids Heart Challenge!

Our students have been active and engaged in PE as we continue our basketball and gymnastics units!

🏀 Basketball Unit: Students are developing their dribbling, passing, and shooting skills while learning teamwork and sportsmanship. They’ve been practicing different drills and participating in fun, fast-paced games to build their confidence on the court.

🤸 Gymnastics Unit: In gymnastics, students are working on balance, coordination, and flexibility. They are learning fundamental movements such as rolls, cartwheels, and different ways to safely move and land. These activities help build strength and body awareness in a fun and supportive environment.

❤️ Introducing the Kids Heart Challenge!
We’re also excited to kick off the Kids Heart Challenge on February 3rd! Kids Heart Challenge is a program that teaches students the importance of heart health while raising funds for the American Heart Association. Through this challenge, students will learn about staying active, making healthy choices, and helping others in need. (Information and sign up link below!)

We are proud of our students' enthusiasm and hard work in PE. Keep up the great effort, and let’s continue moving, learning, and having fun!

On February 3rd we will officially kick off our Kids Heart Challenge at Gililland Elementary, and we are quacked about it! Your student will be learning different ways to keep their hearts happy AND healthy through the messages of our quacktastic heart heroes!!

Sign your student up and join us HERE!

Get ready for an exciting Book Battle at Gililland Elementary! Students will team up in groups of four to read 10 books (listed below) and compete in a fun literacy challenge at the end of April. The winning team will compete in the district book battle May 5, 2025.

To participate, students must have a signed permission slip. For more details, see Mrs. Lewis. Let’s get reading and prepare for the battle! 📖🏆

The PTA is spreading kindness with Heart Grams! This fun fundraiser lets students send special notes and treats to friends, teachers, and staff. Each Heart Gram helps support our school while sharing a little love!

More details, including prices and ordering information, will be sent home soon. Stay tuned and get ready to share the love! 💕

This fun, dynamic program is open to EMS students in grades 2 - 5 with a parent or guardian and to EMS students in grades 6 - 8. Please follow the registration link to reserve your spot in either the Spanish or American Sign Language course.

The spring session will be offered on Monday evenings from January 27 to March 31, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm at Marine Creek Middle School, 5825 Marine Creek Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76179 (with no class on February 17 or March 17).

Free to EMS ISD students and their parents

https://forms.office.com/r/24KCevJZHe

Winter Weather Updates and Guidelines

As temperatures drop and winter weather makes its way to our community, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for any changes to school schedules or daily routines. Here’s what you need to know to navigate the winter season safely and efficiently.

School District Closings and Delays In the event of severe weather conditions, Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD will provide timely updates regarding school closures or delays. Parents, guardians, and staff are encouraged to visit EMS ISD Winter Weather Information for the latest announcements. This page will include:

• Updates on school openings or closings

• Delay schedules

• Emergency notifications and resources

Please ensure your contact information is up-to-date in the district’s communication system to receive alerts via phone, email, or text.

Outdoor Recess Guidelines Outdoor recess is an important part of the school day, but adjustments will be made to ensure students stay safe and comfortable as temperatures drop. When winter weather sets in:

• Recess will still take place unless conditions are unsafe.

• The length of time students spend outdoors will be shortened to account for colder temperatures.

• Students should come to school dressed appropriately for the weather, including coats, gloves, and hats.

We are committed to balancing the benefits of fresh air and physical activity with the need to protect students from harsh weather conditions.

Tips for Winter Preparedness

• Dress your child in layers to help them stay warm during outdoor activities.

• Keep an eye on weather forecasts to plan accordingly for the school day.

• Encourage your child to notify a teacher if they feel too cold or uncomfortable during outdoor activities.

By staying informed and prepared, we can ensure a safe and enjoyable winter season for everyone in our school community. For more information or updates, don’t forget to check EMS ISD Winter Weather Information.