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BES Weekly Update
Sunday, February 16, 2025
Bransford Elementary Mission Statement
To create a positive learning environment for all students that integrates the Arts into Education.
* School Hours are 7:40-3:00 * Doors open at 7:20 *
Greetings from Ms. Gerdes
I hope your family is warm and well. If your home is like our's, we have had our share of flu, strep, and allergies. I feel like I am constantly sanitizing and washing my hands - tis the season! I hope as Spring approaches we see less illness and more sunshine; although, it seems this week is going to be COLD. I recommend sending your child in layers - some rooms are super warm and some are cool. It is easier for everyone to be comfortable if they have some options (jacket, sweatshirt, tshirt...) We are almost through Winter!
You may recall seeing how Coach Smith taught our staff how to use the LU in the gym for movement and skill support. On Monday, all our 1st graders went to the gym and used the LU to play games that sharpened their addition skills. What a great way to start the day - moving and learning! Nice work with our first grade teachers and Coach Smith for collaborating to enhance our students' learning!
On Thursday, our PTA and Grade-level Coordinators organized and hosted a super fun Valentine Carnival for students PreK-5th grade. Our volunteers worked tirelessly to facilitate games and events so students could celebrate with their peers. A big thanks to Coach Smith and Coach Pepe for being involved as well. I have received your feedback on the confusion of times when students were in the Carnival. We will adjust for next year - I appreciate your feedback!
In addition, 2nd grade hosted their annual 'Read Your Heart Out' where they invite students from grades PK-1 to listen to a story they have picked out. Students also created Valentine Boxes to showcase their books! Our 2nd graders truly built their stamina in reading on Thursday - they read for a long time and were such strong readers. A student commented 'I am thankful for teachers. They taught me how to read and now I can read during Read Your Heart Out!' What a great way to celebrate our readers and continue to instill a love for reading!
Please note on Thursday, 2/20, we are having Class Pictures. These are the pictures of the entire class together (potentially head to toe in the photo). I always had to plan ahead what to wear for my boys (ok, I still do that for myself) since they never wanted to wear anything by athletic clothes. I may have been able to do their hair so that was a win for me.
We have a lot of fun coming up the next few weeks so pay close attention to the list of Upcoming Dates below. If you have any questions, concerns, or topics to discuss please do not hesitate to contact me at erin.gerdes@gcisd.net or 817-305-4920.
Enjoy your extended weekend! We look forward to seeing our Texans back on campus on Tuesday.
All My BESt,
Ms. Gerdes
BES Star Walk
A Peek at our Week
PreK shared how they leave a heart print.
A New Year with New Goals in Learning!
PreK shared how they leave a heart print.
A great turnout for our Valentine Carnivals!
A beautiful job by our PTA and Grade-level Coordinators!
Students share what they love about Bransford!
Brothers reading
2nd Grade's Annual Read Your Heart Out
Reading to Friends
Thank you to our Moms for volunteering! *Record your hours*
Fun for all ages!
We are so proud of Audrey for representing BES at the Area Spelling Bee!
Additional images can be seen on our Instagram account: @BransfordElementary
Things To Do
-Join us in reading The Sasquatch Escape! I hear there have been some friendly Sasquatch sightings around BES.... will we spot him?
-Check the 'Upcoming Dates' below.
Upcoming Dates
2/17 - Student Holiday / Staff Professional Learning Day
2/20 - Class Pictures
3/11 - Open House 6:30-7:30 pm
3/13 - PTA Meeting at 8:00 AM
3/17-21 - Spring Break
3/25 - Spirit DAY at Portillo's in Grapevine 10 am - 10 pm
4/9 - STAAR Reading for Grades 3-5
4/11 - BES Arty
4/22 - STAAR Science for 5th Grade
4/29 - STAAR Math for Grades 3-5
5/6-7 - Campus Performance of Moana at GHS Auditorium at 6 pm
5/20 - Field Day
5/22 - Last Day of School / Early Release at 11:45 am
GCISD District Information
To strengthen cybersecurity and prevent phishing attacks, staff email addresses are not currently accessible on the “Staff” pages on our district and campus websites. However, most employee emails can still be found on individual school websites on the department or grade-level pages. The district’s communications and technology departments are currently working with our website vendor on ways to make these staff email addresses easily accessible for our community while also enforcing cybersecurity measures.
In the meantime, parents may also connect with their student’s teachers via Skyward or the Rooms tool within the GCISD App (if used by the teacher). If you need to confirm an email address, please contact the campus directly. Thank you for helping us protect our staff from online threats.
No School for GCISD Campuses Feb. 14 and 17; See CA and iUP Calendars for More Info
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:
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!
Newsletters
ICYMI - In Case You MIssed It
Bransford PTA
BES Dads Club
Bransford Elementary is an Arts Integration School
Our BES Staff
Campus Communication
The BES Weekly Update is sent Sunday evenings at 5:00 pm.
Facebook - Bransford Elementary School
Twitter @BESTexans
Instagram @bransfordelementary
Email: bes.info@gcisd.net
Website: https://bes.gcisd.net/
Location: 601 Glade Road, Colleyville, TX, USA
Phone: 817-305-4920