
Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute
Quarter 4, 2022
Introduction
Greetings Cavalier families and friends,
It’s hard to believe that we have about a month left of the 2021-2022 school year! Where did the time go? They say time flies when you are having fun, and though we were met with some challenges this year, there are so many more moments of celebration. I am simply in awe of the dedication and fortitude of our sensational scholars and staff. In true GPCI fashion, they rose to the occasion and charted another successful year. Moreover, we recognize that our parents and community support is invaluable to the work that happens every day. We are so grateful for all who have played a contributing role to our school this year and the years to come.
We have missed having our parents on campus over the last few years of this pandemic – it just wasn’t the same without you! It’s been exciting as we have welcomed you back to in-person meetings, events, and volunteering. Please know that you are also welcome to visit campus to enjoy lunch with your scholar on non-testing days. We have a designated area for parents in the lunchroom if you choose to partake. This is a reminder that if you are interested in volunteering on campus or on field trips you must complete the on-line background check application https://www.gpisd.org/volunteer.
Please allow me to recap some of the awards and recognitions we received this school year. GPCI is the proud home of the district spelling bee champ. We were also named the Battle of the Book champions; our team Five Fiction earned the winning trophy. Our SkillsUSA scholars had an outstanding showing at the regional and state levels. We have 11 scholars who placed first at state and will be competing at the national competition early this summer. Additionally, one of GPCI’s scholars was elected as a state officer for the 2022-2023 school year and will represent the state of Texas. Lastly, GPCI was one of only twenty-seven schools in the state to be nominated by the Texas Education Agency as a National Blue Ribbon School designed as an exemplary high-performing school. The National Blue Ribbon program recognizes schools with high student achievement and we are proud of this honor. The Secretary of Education will officially announce the 2022 National Blue Ribbon Schools in September.
As we approach the end of this year, I would like to encourage all to FINISH STRONG! We have a busy month of testing ahead of us with STAAR, EOC, AP, PLTW, and semester exams! I am beyond confident that our scholars are prepared to successfully crush all of their assessments.
Please let us know what we can do for you! We are here as a partner in the growth of your scholar.
We Are What’s Next!
Dr. Felicia Layne
Grand Prairie Collegiate Institute
Chancellor
972.343.3120
Educator Appreciation Week
Next week is Educator Appreciation Week and we invite you to come along with us as we celebrate with the theme “Passport to Appreciation”. We encourage scholars to participate with the daily dress themes throughout the week. Scholars will be allowed to wear jeans if they choose to participate.
AP Testing Information
Scholars will take their AP exams during the weeks of May 2 and May 9. Specific dates are listed below or in this link.
Here are a few reminders for AP testing:
Regular GPCI dress is required.
Scholars should bring their ID.
Scholars taking an exam that begins at 12PM may not finish testing in time to ride the bus. Please plan accordingly.
AP Spanish Language ONLY: make sure you bring your iPad fully charged.
Devices will not be used for testing (except for AP Spanish Language), but scholars should bring their devices for the rest of the day’s classes.
Scholars may wear a GPCI jacket if desired.
All jackets with a hood or hoodies must be removed for testing.
Scholars have worked hard this year in their AP classes. Let’s finish strong!!
For questions about AP testing, contact Mr. Heine - brandon.heine@gpisd.org
STAAR Test and Textbook Information
Please note the campus will be closed to visitors on STAAR/End Of Course exam days. Lunch times may vary slightly and will be announced for each exam. Please be aware of the days your scholars are testing; Individual emails will be sent for specific dates and tests. In an effort to ensure all scholars are present for testing, please refrain from scheduling any appointments during this time. Dates are listed below. Testing times are approximately 8:00am - 2:30pm.
Scholars will need to bring fully charged iPads to school for their testing days. Please allow them to get a good night's sleep the night before and a healthy breakfast. Our scholars have worked hard this year and we are excited to see their achievements.
Quarter 4 Assessments
District Quarter 4 Assessment will be administered on May 25th & 26th. All Q4 Assessments will be administered through Edugence during your scholars regular class periods.
Textbooks
If your scholar has a textbook to turn in---they may start turning those in now if they are no longer being used by your scholar. They may bring their textbooks to the main office. All textbooks and calculators are to be returned by May 16th.
Science Technology Engineering Mathematics Information
PLTW EOCs
We will be administering the PLTW End-of-Course Assessments the last week of May. PLTW End-of Course- Assessments are nationally recognized as standards based measures for students in project-based learning environments. We engage students in the testing experience, as they have been engaged in learning. The EOC assessments capture the breadth and depth of the PLTW classroom learning and provide scholars a way to showcase their potential. Please see the PLTW End-of-Course dates in the upcoming important dates at a glance below or in this link.
Summer Bridge
The time is drawing near for Summer Bridge 2022! Summer Bridge will be STEM/CORE focused, project-based and a platform to prepare scholars for the next school year. Scholars will experience hands-on STEM activities, and engage in Core skills to help prepare them for future success. Our theme this yes is “Bridge to the Future!” We are a T-STEM campus and all scholars are required to participate and actively engage in our Summer Bridge programming.
This year’s Summer Bridge dates are May 31 – June 3, 2022. Summer Bridge hours will be regular school day, 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Regular school bus routes will continue to run during Summer Bridge for GPCI scholars. Please save the dates!
For questions contact Ms. Baylor - apryl.baylor@gpisd.org
Counseling Services Information
Test taking can be a scary and anxious time for anyone. However, there are several ways to reduce one's fears. If you find your scholar is needing extra support regarding testing anxiety, social/personal issues, college/career or academic support, please do not hesitate to reach out. In addition, the resources below are available to give you and your scholar even more support.
For extra support or questions, please contact Mrs. Robb at mimi.robb@gpisd.org
GPCI Counseling Services Resources
Upcoming Important Dates at a Glance
April 29 – GPCI non-school day
April 30 – Prom
May 1 – School Principal Day
May 2 – 6 – Educator Appreciation Week
May 2 – AP Spanish Literature Exam (12PM)
May 3 – Senior Breakfast
May 4 – School Nurse Day
May 4 – AP English Literature (8AM) & AP Computer Science (12PM) Exams
May 5 – AP Human Geography (8AM) & AP Statistics (12PM) Exams
May 5 – David Daniels Scholars Ceremony
May 6 – School Lunch Hero Day
May 6 – AP US History Exam (8AM)
May 9 – AP Calculus AB (8AM) & AP Computer Science Principles (12PM) Exams
May 10 – Algebra I & US History End of Course Exams
May 11 – Biology End of Course Exam
May 11 – AP Spanish Lang (8AM) & AP Biology (12PM) Exams
May 12 – AP World History Exam (8AM)
May 12 – 8th Grade Social Studies STAAR
May 12 – Senior Signing Day (2:00-3:00)
May 12 – School Board Meeting
May 16 – Scholars turn in all textbooks and calculators by this date
May 17 – 3rd-8th Grade Math STAAR
May 17 – Parenting on the Go Series: Mental Health Awareness (Virtual, 6:30-7:30)
May 17 – Aerospace Engineering PLTW EOC
May 18 – 3rd-8th Grade Reading STAAR
May 18 – National Speech Pathologist Day
May 18– Principles of Biomedical Science PLTW EOC (3rd)
May 18– Human Body Systems PLTW EOC
May 18– Medical Innovations PLTW EOC
May 19 – Digital Electronics PLTW EOC
May 19– Principles of Biomedical Science PLTW EOC (6th)
May 23 – Computer Science Principles PLTW EOC
May 23 – Computer Science Essentials PLTW EOC (M/W Section)
May 23 – Engineering Science PLTW EOC
May 24 – Introduction to Engineering Design PLTW EOC
May 24 – Computer Science Essentials PLTW EOC (T/TH Section)
May 24 – Cybersecurity EOC
May 24 – Computer Science A EOC
May 24 – Awards Ceremonies (6th Grade – 9:00 AM, 7th Grade – 10:30 AM) 8th -12th, TBD
May 25 - 26 - Quarter 4 Semester Exams
May 26 – GPISD Last Day of School (GPCI’s Summer Bridge, May 31-June 3)
May 26 – Last day for scholars to turn in assignments
May 30 – Memorial Day
May 31 – June 3 – Summer Bridge
June 6 – GPCI Graduation
June 20 - 24 – CTE SkillsUSA National Competition
Grand Prairie Collegiate
Website: https://www.gpisd.org/GrandPrairieCI
Location: 1502 College Street, Grand Prairie, TX, USA
Phone: 972-343-3120
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrandPrairieCollegiateInstitute/
Twitter: @GpCollegiate