BES Weekly Update

Sunday, September 1, 2024

Bransford Elementary Mission Statement

To create a positive learning environment for all students that integrates the Arts into Education.

Greetings from Ms. Gerdes

Howdy Bransford Families!

Welcome September! As a Texas girl born and raised in Grapevine, I know the HOT weather is not likely over, however I will enjoy the slightly cooler weather while it is here! Hopefully the weather will allow recess for it's full duration (some recess blocks have been short due to the extreme heat) and we can all enjoy time outside.

Last week, our teachers provided time for families to attend Curriculum NIght. If you were not able to attend, be sure to be familiar with your child's teacher's information to promote a positive partnership this year. We are grateful to work with you and we all have the same goal - to educate your child in a safe, supportive learning environment.

Thank you for sharing your child with us each day. If you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to respectfully reach out.

Enjoy your extended weekend! We look forward to seeing our Texans on Tuesday.

All My BESt,

Ms. Gerdes

College Colors Day

A Peak at our Week

Potato Olympics in GT

Typing Club to practice keyboarding skills

Show & Tell in 1st grade

Cooperation in PE

Differentiation in the Piano Lab

Sharing and Listening in Theatre

Mrs. Brock sharing this month's reading challenge

Reading in PreK

Enjoying a book in the library

Author Lucy reads her book to Mrs. Allen and Ms. Gerdes

Parties with the Principals for earning 5 Zone 0 Tickets!

New Texan Welcome Lunch with Mrs. Perkins

Lunch Visitors may begin September 3rd

Lunch Visitors may begin on September 3rd. If you would like to enjoy lunch with your child, you need to arrive just prior to their lunch time, sign in on Raptor with your ID, and proceed through the office to walk to the Cafeteria. You must keep your Visitor Badge on at all times. Once you are in the Cafeteria, you may sit at the Visitor's Table inside or you may sit outside on the picnic tables. You may sit with your child and bring food - however, you may not feed other students and you may only sit with your child. We do ask you stay off your phone (of course, a picture is fine but only with your child) and we ask your child is not on technology. Take this time to visit, ask your child questions about their day, and enjoy each other's company. Once the lunchtime is over, say your goodbyes and exit the front door. Visitors are not allowed to join students in the classroom. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Ms. Shelly, or Ms. Charlotte.

School Hours are 7:40-3:00 ~ Doors open at 7:20

Things To Do

-Please help build responsibility with your child/ren by ensuring they have what they need before they leave each day. We have a high number of drop offs of ipads or Chromebooks, water bottles, lunches, and more each day which disrupts our students' learning environment. It is best to create routines, ownership, and independence with your child/ren while in elementary school. Thank you!

-Remember the front door does not open until 7:20 this year. Please do not leave your child at the building prior to 7:20. Thank you!

Morning Melodies begin this week!

Morning Melodies

Upcoming Dates

9/2 - HOLIDAY - Labor Day - No School for Students and Staff

9/17 - CEC (Campus Excellence Committee)

9/12 - PTA Meeting at 6pm in the BES Cafeteria

9/23 - STUDENT HOLIDAY - No School for Students (Professional Learning for Staff)

10/1 - SPIRIT NIGHT at Chicken & Pickle from 6-8 pm

GCISD District Information

Fee Notifications

On September 16, the district will activate fee notifications in Skyward for the 2024-2025 school year. These fees support classes they are assigned to by providing funds for materials used by the students and to enhance and enrich their learning experience. Fees may be paid with a credit or debit card through Skyward. To pay by cash or check, please bring your payment to the front office and turn it into the campus bookkeeper. Ensure your child’s name and the class fee you are paying are attached to your payment. If you have questions regarding a class fee, please contact the teacher of that class.

GCISD Receives High Marks in Efficiency Audit Required for VATRE

At its August 12 meeting, the GCISD Board of Trustees was presented results of an Efficiency Audit, which is required by the Texas Education Code prior to a school district conducting a voter-approved tax ratification election (VATRE).

The audit analyzed GCISD's academic, financial and operational performance in comparison to similar districts. Auditors highlighted that GCISD received an "A" in the state’s accountability ratings, an "A" in the state’s financial ratings, and demonstrated an average daily attendance higher than both peer districts and the state average.

According to the auditors, “When all of the data was pulled together for the report, we concluded that, with respect to all of the eight peer districts, GCISD efficiently uses its resources and would be good stewards of increased tax revenue as a result of this M&O tax rate increase, but that would be for voters to decide in November.”

Read the full story here and learn more about the VATRE at www.GCISD.net/VATRE.