The Wolf Weekly

Wonderful Wolf Families,

Happy three day weekend! We look forward to seeing all the wolves back at Cross Timbers on Tuesday, October 15 to start the second nine weeks of the 2024-2025 school year!

Looking for up to date information about CTMS, check out the following communication avenues:

• CTMS Website: ctms.gcisd.net
• CTMS Facebook: Cross Timbers Middle School
• CTMS PTA: ctmspta.org

It's going to be a fabulous four day week at CTMS!

Howl,

Jamie Halliburton

CTMS Principal

We know our wolves are hungry and thirsty throughout the day. See below for guidelines to maintain a focused learning environment and to prevent spills or messes. Thank you for your cooperation!

Snacks at CTMS

• Duration: Snacks are allowed during the first 5 minutes of class.

Beverages at CTMS

• Classroom: Only water is permitted in the classroom.
• Other times: Before school, during lunch, and after school, our wolves may have other beverages.

Just wanted to send a friendly reminder that we have vision and hearing screening the Library for all 7th graders and any new students to GCISD.

• SCREENING DAY AT CTMS: The GCISD Screen Team will be at CTMS on Wednesday October 16th. Vision, Hearing, and AN screenings will be conducted on all students in 7th grade. Any 6th and 8th grade students who are new to GCISD will also be screened. If your student wears glasses or contacts, PLEASE BE SURE THEY HAVE THEM ON THIS DAY.

Riley Heimuli RN, BSN

Your student is having a great year here at Cross Timbers Middle School and a yearbook is the best way to look back on all the fun, friends, and unforgettable moments! It's more than just a book-it's a time capsule that will remind your and your student of the incredible journey they've been on. Get your yearbook now and hold onto these memories for years to come!

We have scheduled our monthly meetings for the remainder of the year, please add the following dates to your calendar!

• November 11th
• December 9th
• January 27th
• February 24th
• March 10th
• April 14th
• May 5th

All meetings will be 15 minutes long, except for our last meeting in May, which will be 30 minutes long. The Fall hours sheet will be due in December. Students can choose to attend the morning meeting at 7:45 or the afternoon meeting at 3:35.

We have several upcoming service projects including preparing for the Trunk or Treat, the Glenhope Fall Festival, and the Trunk or Treat. Students can earn up to 3 hours of volunteer credit for bringing in bags of candy for the Trunk or Treat, each bag of candy is worth 45 minutes!

Dear Parents,

It’s a big year for your 8th grader! As they prepare to embark on high school, why not capture this important milestone with a personalized yearbook ad?

Why Purchase an 8th Grade Ad?

• Cherish the Memories: Highlight your child's achievements and growth with a custom message and photos.
• Show Your Pride: Let your child know just how proud you are of their journey so far.
• Create a Keepsake: Give them a cherished memento they’ll look back on fondly for years to come.

For More Information & to Purchase: Cross Timbers MS Yearbook Page

Celebrate their achievements and make this year extra special!

Get your early bird tickets for sixth grade cotillion! Early bird tickets are $55 from now until December 15. After that day, ticket prices go up to $75. For more information and to register, visit: https://www.ctmspta.org/cotillion

Cotillion is a sixth grade only event focused on fun, etiquette, and dancing.

• January 17: Hip Hop
• January 24: Western
• January 31: Disco
• February 7: Winter Wonderland

Join other pack parents on Monday, October 21 at 9:00 a.m. for the PTA General Meeting, coffee with Dr. Halliburton, and classroom visits. This is a great opportunity to hear about the incredible ways PTA supports the pack, learn about the work our wolves are doing in the classroom and see it in action.

If you are planning on joining the pack on Monday, October 21, please complete the following form so we can have enough copy and classroom walk groups: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6KiEwMduRi1h1KBR94iYL2jMQGJEjWVSU49mec4Hz59lMFg/viewform?usp=sf_link

Who doesn’t love receiving a sweet treat during the school day?! Candy grams are back!

This year, there are 2 ways to purchase them: online and/or in person in the cafeteria. If you purchase online, you can buy all 3 at once to make sure your child, favorite staff members, and friends get theirs! For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the following site: https://www.ctmspta.org/form/m/309396

Mark your calendar for our annual Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 25, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.! This is a FREE event for our students, families, and community!

If you're interested in hosting a trunk, please email programs@ctmspta.org.

Your kind words of encouragement truly uplift our teachers and staff! If you have a positive experience to share, we’d love to hear about it! Use this form to leave a shout out for our amazing wolf staff!

Click here for the official district calendar for the 2024-2025 school year

• Monday, October 14 ~ Student and Staff Holiday

• Tuesday, October 15 ~ CTMS 8th football vs West 5 pm

• Wednesday, October 16 ~ 7th Grade Screeners (see above) / CTMS 7th Football @ West 5 pm

• Thursday, October 17 ~ CTMS Volleyball @ HMS 4 pm

• Monday, October 21 ~ PTA Coffee with the Principal & Classroom Walks (see above)

• Tuesday, October 22 ~ CTMS Playbill Solo Showcase in SAC 6 pm

• Friday, October 25 ~ Trunk or Treat (see above)

• Monday, October 28 - Friday, November 1 ~ Red Ribbon Week (see below)

• Thursday, October 31 ~ CTMS Pep Rally 8:15 a.m.

Have a Question about the VATRE?

GCISD has multiple resources available to answer questions about the upcoming voter-approved tax ratification election (VATRE) that will be on the November 5 ballot:

• Attend a community presentation scheduled for 6 p.m., Thursday, October 17, at the district’s Professional Development and Education Center (PDEC), 5800 Colleyville Blvd. in Colleyville, TX 76034.

• Watch the district’s Facebook Live presentation available on GCISD’s YouTube Channel and the district’s Facebook page. The presentation on YouTube is also separated by chapters so you can jump to a specific topic, such as “Why a VATRE” or “Understanding What You Will See on the Ballot.”

• Visit the district’s VATRE webpage at www.GCISD.net/VATRE, which has tax rate information, frequently-asked questions and answers and more.

As a reminder,

• GCISD will have a lower overall tax rate with VATRE approval - With the passage of the VATRE, the overall tax rate (Maintenance & Operations + Interest & Sinking) will be $0.0014 less than the 2023 rate of $0.9247.

• 100% of funds stay in GCISD - The three-cent increase will be made of “golden pennies.” Tax funds collected through these pennies are not subject to recapture, meaning 100 percent of these funds remain in GCISD.

• The impact to GCISD will be $6 million - The passage of the VATRE would result in approximately $6 million in funding for teachers and staff, instruction and student programs, and daily operating expenses (utilities, maintenance, supplies).

Watch the 2024 GCISD VATRE video.

¿Tiene alguna pregunta sobre el VATRE?

GCISD tiene múltiples recursos disponibles para responder preguntas sobre la próxima elección de ratificación de impuestos aprobada por los votantes (VATRE) que estará en la boleta electoral el 5 de noviembre:

• Asista a una presentación comunitaria programada para el jueves, 17 de octubre, a las 6 p.m. en el Centro de Desarrollo Profesional y Educación del distrito (PDEC), 5800 Colleyville Blvd. en Colleyville, TX 76034.

• Vea la presentación en el Facebook Live del distrito disponible en el canal de YouTube de GCISD y en la página de Facebook del distrito. La presentación en YouTube está dividida por capítulos para que pueda saltar a un tema específico, como “¿Por qué un VATRE?” o “Entender lo que verá en la boleta electoral.”

• Visite la página web del VATRE del distrito en www.GCISD.net/VATRE, la cuál contiene información sobre la tasa de impuestos, preguntas frecuentes y mucho más.

Como recordatorio,

• GCISD tendrá una tasa de impuestos general más baja con la aprobación del VATRE - Con la aprobación del VATRE, la tasa de impuestos general (Mantenimiento y Operaciones + Intereses y Amortización) será $0.0014 menos que la tasa del año 2023 de $0.9247.

• 100% de los fondos se quedan en GCISD - El aumento de tres centavos se hará de «centavos de oro». Los fondos de impuestos recaudados a través de estos centavos no están sujetos a recaptura, lo que significa que el 100 por ciento de estos fondos permanecen en GCISD.

• El impacto a GCISD será de $6 millones - La aprobación del VATRE resultaría en aproximadamente $6 millones en fondos para maestros y personal, instrucción y programas estudiantiles y gastos diarios de operación (utilidades, mantenimiento, suministros).

Vea el video de 2024 GCISD VATRE.

National School Lunch Week October 15-18

Each year, GCISD celebrates National School Lunch Week (NSLW) in October at our elementary and middle school campuses. During NSLW, we pull out all the stops with student favorites, Texas local items, and even some special Texas State Fair-themed treats!

This year’s menu is off-the-charts with goodies like the wacky burger, Texas-made lone star luau fruit slush, footlong corn dog, cinnamon sugar churros, and back by popular demand—our legendary pizza on a stick!

The students and staff have a blast with these special menu items, and Nutrition Services is thrilled to continue this fun tradition. Make sure to join us for lunch from October 15-18 and be part of the excitement!

This institution is an equal opportunity provider

La Semana Nacional del Almuerzo Escolar es del 15 al 18 de octubre

Cada año en octubre, GCISD celebra la Semana Nacional del Almuerzo Escolar (NSLW, por sus siglas en inglés) en nuestras escuelas primarias y secundarias. Durante esta semana, ofrecemos los platillos favoritos de los estudiantes, productos locales de Texas y algunos platillos especiales inspirados en la Feria Estatal de Texas.

El menú de este año es increíble, con opciones como el Wacky Burger, el Slush de Frutas Lone Star Luau, el corn dog gigante, los churros con azúcar y canela, y la tan esperada pizza en un palito, que regresa por demanda popular!

Tanto los estudiantes como el personal disfrutan de estos platos especiales, y el Departamento de Servicios de Nutrición está emocionado de continuar con esta divertida tradición. ¡Asegúrese de acompañarnos del 15 al 18 de octubre durante el almuerzo escolar y sea parte de la diversión!

Esta institución es un proveedor que ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.

• Students and spectators are expected to remain in their seats unless moving to or from concessions or the restrooms.
• Spectators will not be allowed to obstruct walkways.
• Students are not allowed to congregate anywhere other than student seating sections.
• No outside food or drinks are allowed inside the stadium.
• No skateboards, scooters, sports equipment or balls are allowed

Collegiate Academy's application for the 2025-2026 school year is open! Applications opened October 1 and will remain open until December 16. Please see the Collegiate Academy website for more info, and the flier for application information.

¡La solicitud de Collegiate Academy para el año escolar 2025-2026 está abierta! Las solicitudes se abriran el 1ro de octubre y permanecerán abiertas hasta el 16 de diciembre. Consulte el sitio web o el folleto de Collegiate Academy para obtener más información.

Please mark your calendar (and save your Holiday shopping) for our 3rd annual CTMS Auction! If you and/or your business would like to donate an auction item - please email waysandmeans@ctmspta.org. Thank you for your support of CTMS PTA!

Exciting News! CTMS Now Offers a New Online Purchase Option for Student ID's and Wolf Lanyards!

We are excited to announce that CTMS has added a new, convenient way for students and parents to complete your ID purchase needs online! This new payment option makes it easier and faster than ever before. You will find this payment option on the CTMS web page under the Quick Links heading where you can create your personal Web Store account. Once your account is created, click on the Middle Schools square and choose Cross Timbers Middle School. Complete your purchase through the Security/Dress Code option. Students will be able to finalize their order in Mrs. Richards office the following day once ID is personalized with the students' photo download. We hope this will be a helpful addition to preparing you student for a successful day at school everyday!

Theme: Accepting Imperfection

Deadline: Friday November 1, 2024

Categories: Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Music Composition, Photography and Visual Arts. Students may enter in one or more categories with no limit to the number of entries in a single category.

Submission: Please submit to Mrs. Lemmon or email reflections@ctmspta.org

Requirements: Click the LINK below for Submission Form and Program Rules/Requirements.

https://www.ctmspta.org/reflections

*The participant or one member of their household, must be a current member of CTMS PTA.

• School Hours: 8:10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Doors Open: 7:45 a.m.
• Wolves enter the building through the C hall doors or the SAC doors. 6th & 8th grade wolves wait in the SAC and 7th grade wolves wait in the lecture hall for the bell to walk to first period.
• Bell Schedule
• Campus Map (click present for easier viewing)
• Front Office: 817-251-5320
• Mascot: Wolf
• School Colors: Silver & Black
• Planners: All wolves use a planner at CTMS. This is to assist with organizing, prioritizing, and planning. You can purchase a CTMS planner for $5 on the first day of school or use one of your choosing. Wolves use their planners daily.
• Student IDs: All wolves who did not attend Wolf Camp or Registration will be issued a temporary CTMS ID on the first day of school. The first IDs are free and replacement IDs are $5. Per the student code of conduct, IDs are to be worn daily by all CTMS students and staff.
• Lost & Found: The Front Office currently has several pieces of jewelry, keys, glasses and phones that are lost and have found their way to the office! Come by to check to see if your item was found!

Attendance

Elyzabeth Durard

817-251-5320

elyzabeth.durard@gcisd.net

Counselors

Molly Brown (last names A-K)

817-251-5315

molly.brown@gcisd.net

Rachel Smith (last names L-Z)

817-251-5312

rachel.smith@gcisd.net

Student Advocate

Allyiah Daniels

817-251-5323

Allyiah.Daniels@gcisd.net

Registrar

Ilia Kaku

817-251-5314

ilia.kaku@gcisd.net

Nurse

Riley Heimuli

817-251-5337

riley.heimuli@gcisd.net

Assistant Principals

Alishia Ilic (last names A-K)

817-251-5313

alishia.ilic@gcisd.net

Cinthia Morales (last names L-Z)

817-251-5317

cinthia.morales@gcisd.net

Principal

Jamie Halliburton

817-251-5320

jamie.halliburton@gcisd.net

Email: ctms.info@gcisd.net
Website: https://ctms.gcisd.net/
Location: 2301 Pool Rd, Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: 817-251-5320
Twitter: @CTMSWolfWay

In need of a new charger for a school issued Chromebook, click here for information on how to order a new one.

Thank you for helping our wolves be prepared for school each day by ensuring their Chromebooks are charged nightly!

Welcome All Wolves! Find information about your Attendance Clerk contact at CTMS this year below:

• As much as possible, please schedule appointments before or after school, or on student days off (teacher professional development days).
• Doctor's notes are required for those appointments & illness lasting more than 1 day.
• Please email me at Elyzabeth.DuRard@gcisd.net, or call 817-251-5326.

Click here to see the updated secondary grading policy from GCISD. All wolf pack teachers will be following this policy this school year to communicate the progress of each wolf.

Grades are a method of communicating the progress each wolf is making at CTMS. If you ever have questions or concerns over a grade, please reach out directly to the teacher.

Here is the link for the 2024-2025 GCISD Student/Parent Handbook and Code of Conduct :https://www.gcisd.net/o/gcisd/page/studentparent-handbook.

GCISD's Student-Parent Handbook contains information that students, parents and staff are likely to need during the school year. In addition, both students and parents need to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct. Both students and parents should become familiar with the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District Student Code of Conduct, which is a document adopted by the board and intended to promote school safety and an atmosphere for learning.

Middle school students may use telecommunications devices before and after school, and during

lunch. They may not use telecommunications devices during passing periods or classes.

What does this mean for the wolves?

• Devices can be used before 8:00 a.m., during lunch, and after 3:30 p.m.
• Smartwatches can be worn as long as they are used for telling time.
• Earbud, airpods, and the like will not be used in the hallway or during class time.

Student-Parent Handbook page 55: Except in emergencies, delivery of messages or packages to students will not be allowed during instructional time. A parent may leave a message or a package such as a forgotten lunch, for the student to pick up from the front office during a passing period or lunch. Students are not permitted to order food using delivery services such as UberEats, DoorDash, etc.

What this means for the pack: Wolf pack family members may drop items off items to the vestibule for wolves. Delivery services are not permitted. Wolves will visit the vestibule during passing periods to pick up items dropped off by parents.

For the protection of students and staff, all volunteer applicants must read the Volunteer Handbook (in Español) and are asked to apply online authorizing the district to obtain a criminal history background check.

Note: All volunteers are required to reapply each year.

Apply Online

GCISD utilizes Volunteer Tracker for volunteer applications and signing up for volunteer opportunities. Please follow the steps provided to sign up. If you have any questions about registration, please contact App-Garden at support@app-garden.com or submit a help ticket.

Drop-off and pick-up occur in TWO locations: In the parking lot outside the academic halls at the C-hall door and outside the SAC. See the map below.

For the safety of all wolves, thank you in advance for driving slowly, keeping cell phones away, and staying alert and aware of others.

C-Hall Door

For drop-off and pick-up, the parking lot across from the football field is two lanes. Pull into the lane you will be exiting from, if you are turning right out of the parking lot, drop off and/or pick up your wolf in the inside lane (closest to the building) and if you are turning left out of the parking lot, drop off and/or pick up your wolf on the outside lane (closest to the football field). Also, please pull all the way up to let your wolf out of the vehicle. The doors to the school open at 7:45 a.m. and school dismisses at 3:30 p.m.

SAC Doors

This is a single lane drop-off and pick-up. The driveway is not for parking. If you need to assist your wolf, please park in a non-reserved space.