The Wolf Weekly
August 25, 2024
CTMS Family Newsletter
Wonderful Wolf Families,
It was great to see so many of our wolf families together on Tuesday night at our first PTA general meeting and mini-school night! We are looking forward to many more community building events. See the weekly calendar in the newsletter for other events to get together with the pack. Click here to see the presentation shared with families during fifth period.
Thank you for taking time to read the Wolf Weekly each Sunday!
Howl,
Jamie Halliburton
CTMS Principal
Wolf Spotlights
Curriculum night
Volleyball Scrimmage
Howl to the CTMS volleyball teams for impressive play on the court during the first scrimmage of the school year against the GMS Ponies!
6th Grade Ice Cream Social
HOWL to CTMS PTA for a fun and delicious sixth grade social on Friday afternoon! It was wonderful to see so many wolves and pack families enjoying the sweet treats and making memories!
SHAC Representatives Needed
The SHAC Executive Board needs THREE representatives from the pack! SHAC is a committee required by law consisting of parent and community representatives that provide recommendations for the school's health education curriculum and instruction for consideration by the Board of Trustees.
The goal is to have representatives from every school in our district.
For more information on SHAC, including meeting dates and member responsibilities: https://www.gcisd.net/page/school-health-advisory-council/)
Email jamie.halliburton@gcisd.net if you are interested in representing the pack on the SHAC committee.
Campus Excellence Committee
Join the Cross Timbers Campus Excellence Committee (CEC). The CEC looks at CTMS's campus goals and future plans to ensure we are all working in the same direction for our wolves. The first meeting of the CTMS CEC is Monday, September 16 at 3:40 p.m. (this allows time for dismissal) in the CTMS library. Email Dr. Halliburton, jamie.halliburton@gcisd.net, if you'd like to join this committee.
Dates and Proposed Topics
September 16, 2024
Meet the committee
CIP (Campus Improvement Plan) rough draft focused on safety, instruction, and systems
First month school updates
- October 28, 2024
- CTMS BOY data and action steps
- December 9, 2024
- CIP Review
- February 3, 2025
- Course Offerings 2025-2026
- MOY Data Review
- March 24, 2025
- Budget 2025-2026
- Staffing Projections
- May 12, 2025
- CIP Review
- Looking Ahead to 2025-2026
Need a Charger
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!
CTMS PTA
PTA Reflections
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.
CTMS PTA Membership Drive and Den Donations
Way to go, Wolf Pack!! We reached the "Early Bird" Membership goal of 443 before August 31! HOWL!!
We're not done yet, though! Our ultimate goal for the 2024-25 year is 680 memberships- We can't do it without you! If you have not yet signed up, you please use the link below.
Follow us on Facebook at "Cross Timbers Middle School PTA" to see updates and important information!
Upcoming Dates & Events
August 30 ~ College Colors Day: Wear your favorite college shirt/colors
September 2 ~ Pack Holiday No School
September 3 ~ 8th Football Scrimmage @ CTMS 5-7 pm
September 4 ~ 7th Football Scrimmage @ CMS 5-7 pm
September 10 ~ S.O.S Presentation 8th Grade
National College Colors Day
Friday, August 30th is National #CollegeColorsDay! This is a great opportunity to increase college awareness and advocate for the importance of college readiness for ALL of our wolves. Click the following link to learn more: https://nationaltoday.com/college-colors-day/
District Information
Visit GCISD’s VATRE Information Page
GCISD has launched a webpage at www.GCISD.net/VATRE to provide the GCISD community with information about the upcoming voter-approved tax rate election (VATRE) that will be on the November 5 ballot. Voting dates and explanations about the VATRE, why the board has called the election, how it would impact GCISD’s tax rate, and how this election differs from the bond are available. This page will include details of informational meetings as soon as plans are finalized. The district will also continue to share information through the district’s regular communication channels. Stay informed by visiting www.GCISD.net/VATRE.
Visite la página de información sobre el VATRE de GCISD
GCISD ha lanzado una página web en www.GCISD.net/VATRE para proporcionar a la comunidad de GCISD información sobre la próxima elección de aprobación de ratificación de impuestos (VATRE, por sus siglas en inglés: voter-approved tax ratification election) que estará en la boleta electoral el 5 de noviembre. En la página encontrará información sobre las fechas de votación, explicaciones sobre el VATRE, los motivos por los cuales la junta ha convocado la elección, el impacto que tendrá en la tasa de impuestos de GCISD, y en qué se diferencia esta elección del bono. Esta página incluirá detalles de las reuniones informativas tan pronto como se finalicen los planes. El distrito también continuará compartiendo información a través de los canales regulares de comunicación del distrito. Manténgase informado visitando www.GCISD.net/VATRE.
Printing Free and Reduced Application Letter
Parents: Did you know that you can print the results letter for your free and reduced price meal application? Simply visit this link and enter the student’s ID and the last name. If you have questions about the free and reduced price meal application, please email child.nutrition@gcisd.net.
This institution is an equal opportunity provider
Impresión de Carta de Solicitud de Comidas Gratuitas y Reducidas
Padres: ¿Sabía usted que puede imprimir la carta de resultados de su solicitud para comidas gratuitas y reducidas? Simplemente visite este enlace e ingrese el número de identificación del estudiante y el apellido. Si tiene preguntas sobre la solicitud gratuita y reducida, envíe un correo electrónico a child.nutrition@gcisd.net.
Esta institución ofrece igualdad de oportunidades.
Trustees Lower Tax Rate, Call Voter-Approved Tax Ratification Election for November Ballot
At its August 12 Special Meeting, the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD Board of Trustees voted unanimously to call a voter-approved tax ratification election (VATRE) that will be on the November 5 ballot. Trustees also approved the 2024 tax rate, and even with the three additional golden pennies from the passage of the VATRE, the total overall tax rate (Maintenance and Operations, plus Interest and Sinking) will be lowered by $0.0014.
GCISD officials will schedule informational meetings about the VATRE to share details and answer questions. As soon as those meetings are finalized, information will be shared through the district’s regular communication channels. In the meantime, residents are encouraged to visit www.GCISD.net/VATRE for more information.
La junta directiva reduce la tasa de impuestos y convocan una eleccion de ratificación de impuestos en la boleta de noviembre
En una reunión especial llevada a cabo el 12 de agosto, la Junta Directiva del Distrito Escolar de Grapevine-Colleyville votó de manera unánime para convocar una elección de aprobación de ratificación de impuestos (VATRE, por sus siglas en inglés: voter-approved tax ratification election) que estará en la boleta el 5 de noviembre. La junta también aprobó la tasa de impuestos 2024 y hasta con los tres “golden pennies” (centavos dorados) adicionales de la aprobación de VATRE, la tasa total de impuestos en general (mantenimiento y operaciones, más el servicio de deuda) se reducirá por $0.0014.
Los funcionarios del GCISD programarán reuniones informativas sobre el VATRE para proporcionar detalles y responder preguntas. Una vez que se finalicen esas reuniones, la información será compartida a través de los canales regulares de comunicación del distrito. Mientras tanto, se anima a los residentes a visitar www.GCISD.net/VATRE para obtener más información.
GCISD Announces Gold Card Sessions for 2024-2025 School Year
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD residents 65 years and older are invited to join the district’s Gold Card program, which grants free entry to all GCISD fine arts and athletic events (excluding playoffs). To become a member and obtain a Gold Card, attendees only need to attend one informational session, with the first one scheduled for 9 a.m., Thursday, August 22, at the district’s Administration Building, 3051 Ira E. Woods Avenue in Grapevine, TX 76051. Attendees are asked to arrive 15 minutes early to the sessions to allow time to check-in and bring their state-issued driver’s license. Visit GCISD’s Gold Card web page to see the schedule of sessions for the 2024-2025 school year.
GCISD Anuncia Sesiones del Programa Gold Card (Tarjeta Dorada) para el Año Escolar 2024-2025
Los residentes de Grapevine-Colleyville ISD con edad de 65 años o más están invitados a unirse al programa Gold Card (Tarjeta Dorada) del distrito, el cual otorga entrada gratuita a todos los eventos de bellas artes y eventos deportivos de GCISD (excluyendo los playoffs). Para hacerse miembro y obtener una tarjeta dorada, sólo tiene que asistir a una sesión informativa. La primera sesión está programada para las 9 a.m. del jueves, 22 de agosto, en el Edificio de Administración del Distrito, ubicado en 3051 Ira E. Woods Avenue en Grapevine, TX 76051. Se les pide que lleguen 15 minutos antes de las sesiones para dar tiempo a registrarse y traer su licencia de conducir emitida por el estado. Visite la página web del programa Gold Card (Tarjeta Dorada) de GCISD para ver el calendario de sesiones para el año escolar 2024-2025.
Repeated Information from Last Week
SOS Signs of Suicide Prevention Program Preview
SOS Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program Preview Wednesday, August 28th, 10:00am & 6:00pm
The adolescent years are marked by a roller-coaster ride of emotions—difficulty for youths, their parents, and educators. It is easy to misread depression as normal adolescent turmoil; however, depression (among the most common of mental illnesses) appears to be occurring at a much earlier age. Depression—which is treatable—is the leading risk factor for suicide.To proactively address these issues, GCISD offers depression awareness and suicide prevention training as part of the SOS Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program. The SOS Signs of Suicide® Prevention Program is designed for all secondary students grades 6-12. The GCISD School Health Advisory Committee has previewed and recommended these programs for all GCISD secondary schools.
A parent preview of the program will be held on Wednesday, August 28th, 10:00am & 6:00pm at the GCISD Administration Building – Board Room, 3051 Ira E. Woods, Grapevine, Texas 76051.For more information, including information about how to opt your student out of the program, please click here: English Spanish
At Cross Timbers Middle School, student presentations will occur during all science classes.
- 6th Grade: September 24th
- 7th Grade: September 17th
- 8th Grade: September 10th
Questions about SOS and CTMS students may be directed to Allyiah Daniels, allyiah.daniels@gcisd.net or (817) 251-5323.
CTMS CHEER
Secondary Grading Policy
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.
Cell Phone Policy
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.
Attendance
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.
Morning Drop-Off & Afternoon Pick-Up
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.
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.
Volunteer Background Check
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.
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.
Cross Timbers Information
- 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!
Who to Contact
Attendance
Elyzabeth Durard
817-251-5320
Counselors
Molly Brown (last names A-K)
817-251-5315
Rachel Smith (last names L-Z)
817-251-5312
Student Advocate
Allyiah Daniels
817-251-5323
Registrar
Ilia Kaku
817-251-5314
Nurse
Riley Heimuli
817-251-5337
Assistant Principals
Alishia Ilic (last names A-K)
817-251-5313
Cinthia Morales (last names L-Z)
817-251-5317
Principal
Jamie Halliburton
817-251-5320
Cross Timbers Middle School
Email: ctms.info@gcisd.net
Website: https://ctms.gcisd.net/
Location: 2301 Pool Rd, Grapevine, TX 76051
Phone: 817-251-5320
Twitter: @CTMSWolfWay