Bransford Blast
February 25, 2018
Open letter to the community from Dr. Ryan
Like you, I watched in horror last week as we witnessed the reports of another tragic school shooting. This one, at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, took the lives of students and staff. Everyone associated with schools: students, parents, staff members and community members feel the pain and trauma each time this happens in our country. We search for answers to questions like: “How could this happen again?” and “How can we keep it from happening in the future?” As we grieve with the families in Florida, we also look to the security measures we have in place to protect our students and staff.
In GCISD, we practice several different types of scenarios and implement security measures accordingly. We make every effort to physically keep our students safe and we are taking additional steps thanks to our supportive community. In 2016, GCISD voters approved a bond package that included measures to secure students and staff including new security cameras, controlled entrance access for campuses and a fully integrated network security system.
Additionally, each secondary campus has a police officer that is stationed at the school every day and our counselors have resources for reporting concerns on their websites. We work closely with our local police departments and school resource officers to investigate every concern quickly and thoroughly and we communicate with staff, parents and the community when matters arise that need a wider response. We understand that when we do have to communicate, there are questions that may be left unanswered for our families based on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), which prohibits the district and campuses from sharing specific information related to the incident or students. Please know that we do have policies and procedures in place for addressing these incidents, even if we are unable to provide you with those details. For more general information on the district’s disciplinary guidelines, please review the Student Code of Conduct.
The most important thing that we can all do is to build strong sense of togetherness and pride in our community’s schools and ensure our adults are building healthy relationships with students. Beginning with ‘“circle up” time in elementary schools, our students begin to build those relationships with their teachers and with each other. Those relationships are the foundations that are built upon when students get to middle and high school. This provides a safe space to have conversations with students when issues arise on campus, in our community and in our nation.
We also encourage everyone to report if they have a suspicion that something might be wrong. The adage of “see something, say something” may seem like a basic concept, but it is critical in our ability to get ahead of a potential threat.
We will continue to practice, review and refine our safety and security measures as the safety of our students and staff is our top priority of the GCISD Board of Trustees and our staff members.
Dr. Robin Ryan
GCISD Superintendent
Talent Show
Spring Garden Club
The rest of the spring meeting dates are: 3/19, 4/2, 4/16, 4/30, and 5/14. Since it is spring, and we do have crazy weather; please check with the office on any rainy/stormy day to check if we will have garden club. I will let the office know be noon if it is cancelled.
If you have any questions, contact Andreahickson@sbcglobal.net
We can always use parent volunteers.
Parents' Night Out
Join us for the BEST pARTy benefiting arts integration at Bransford Elementary! This new event features dinner, auction and entertainment all for our terrific Texan.
!!Now On Sale!! Click here to PURCHASE YOUR BEST Party Tickets!
Event Details
Date: April 6, 2018
Time: 6 p.m.
6:00 - 7:00 ~ Mix and Mingle
7:00 - 8:00 ~ Dinner and Live Auction
8:00 - 10:30 ~ Live Band "Intensity" - Check them out
Location: Colleyville Center
Pre-K Enrollment
Click Below to Preview the Book Fair Video
Math Telescoping Exams
Special Programs in GCISD
817-251-5363
Please use this number to find out information about the lottery for tuition-based Pre-K, dual language, or STEM programs. The lottery application will open on Friday, February 9 and remain open until March 9. If a lottery is needed, it will occur Thursday, March 29.
There are also some websites that may be helpful as well:
Information about Personalized Programs
Information about Tuition-Based Pre-K
Play it Safe
Play It Safe is a child abuse prevention and awareness program that incorporates individual grade level, age-appropriate scripts and movies to teach children how to reduce the risk of sexual and physical abuse, and sexual assault. It teaches them to recognize potentially abusive behavior, provides the tools to respond to threatening situations, and encourages them to report abuse to a trusted adult. Opt-Out forms were sent home in Friday folders. Forms only need to be returned if you prefer for your child NOT to participate in this program.
Sponsorship & Auction Opportunities
The BEST pARTy is right around the corner and we need your help! There is still time to be a sponsor, and are also looking for interesting and unique silent auction items and services. Donating a silent auction item is a great way to introduce your business to the community. Every donation makes a difference, regardless of size. Our sincere appreciation for your support will be shown by publicizing your generosity in our promotional materials and thanking you on our social media seen by 1000+ people!
The Bransford Elementary PTA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, your donations are tax deductible and a Charitable Acknowledgement receipt will be given for your generosity and tax purpose. Our deadline for printed sponsors is January 30th.
Please contact Jill Tate, VP of Fundraising for a list of sponsorship options or to donate an item or service.
Watch D.O.G.S.
Attention 5th Grade Parents!
Moving on to Middle School
Important Dates for 5th grade
It’s time to get ready for middle school. We want to make sure you have all the information you need. Please be sure to watch your calendar for these upcoming dates!
STEM Academy and Dual Language Dates
February 9th-March 9th
Online applications available for STEM and DUAL Language
Thursday, March 1
Mrs. King will be available during Open House to answer any middle school questions.
Tuesday, March 6
Course Selection sheets are due to Mrs. King
Friday, March 9
5th graders will enter their course selections in Skyward with Mrs. King at school.
AVID Dates
March 6th at 6:30pm
AVID parent informational meeting
Professional Development and Education Center
(5800 Colleyville Blvd.)
Here is the link if you would like to apply for AVID https://goo.gl/vYHmiU
Friday, March 23rd
AVID applications due
April 12th - 25th
Student interviews and student selection for AVID
If you have any questions please contact Abbey King, Bransford School Counselor, at abbey.king@gcisd.net or (817)305-4930. Middle School transition information can also be found on Mrs. King’s webpage. Please go to Bransford page, Departments and Programs, Counselor.
Class Wish Lists
BEST Specials Wish List – from Ms. Chang Link: http://a.co/1WTzRuL
Pre K
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2NZ20D33TR8W9?&sort=default
Kindergarten
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/13ZIMC2V7S4IR?&sort=default
1 st Grade
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2A01I6501J2JX?&sort=default
2 nd Grade
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/2VO8SWW62KG75?&sort=default
3 rd Grade
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/WKWZ0H3G1YM7?&sort=default
4 th Grade
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1M413XK0V449K?&sort=default
5 th Grade
https://smile.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/9K8RMZTY3TU5?&sort=default
Yearbook Information
Dates to Know
Click HERE for the 2017-2018 GCISD student calendar.
March 1: Open House
March 6: Play it Safe Presentation
April 21: Rachel's Challenge Rally and 5K
Save the Date for End of Year Celebrations
B.E.S.T. PTA
- Website: Check out Bransfordpta.com to keep you up to date on all the fun things happening at our school.
- If you would like to join B.E.S.T. PTA, visit www.joinpta.org.
Amazon Smile
BES Spirit Fundraisers
- Spring Creek BBQ Grapevine March 20th 5-9:00pm
- Snuffer's Spirit April 10th 5-8:00pm
- McAlister's Deli Spirit Night April 24th 5-8:00pm
- Menchies Spirit Night May 3rd 3-5:00pm
Bransford Elementary
Email: jamie.halliburton@gcisd.net
Website: http://www.gcisd-k12.org/Domain/1354
Location: 601 Glade Road, Colleyville, TX, United States
Phone: 8173054920
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Bransford-Elementary-School-353295401423635/
Twitter: @BESTexans