Congratulations to the eleven GCISD students who have been named 2007 National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists.

The three semifinalists from CHHS are:

• Shelby Lee
• Christina Wray and
• Stephanie Swaim

The eight semifinalists from GHS are:

• Tonia Beglari
• Kelsey Creed
• Tyler Franklin
• Brigit Holland
• Matthew Klingensmith
• Derek Lowe
• Thien-An (Dominque) Nguyen
• Shelby Wright

Rachel's Challenge will be presented on Wednesday, Sept 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Grapevine High School.

Rachel Scott was the first student to be killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Through video clips of her life and personal stories from those who knew her, Rachel's Challenge is sure to touch the hearts of those who attend and inspire them to help start a chain reaction of kindness and compassion. Students and parents are invited to attend this free program.

What's Happening This Week

Tonight is GHS Open House and Greenback Night
Grapevine High School is hosting its annual fall Open House/ Greenback Night tonight. The GHS PTSA will begin the night with a slide show presentation of the 2006-2007 "Year in Review" at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m., parents are invited to a Meet the Principal/PTSA gathering, and then will rotate through their students' schedules to meet their teachers. Parents also will have the opportunity to support GHS through donations as part of Greenback Night. This event is the one and only GHS PTSA fund-raiser of the year. Information: 817-251-5210.

HMS hosting family dinner
Reservations are due Wednesday for the Heritage Elementary PTA's family dinner. The barbecue dinner begins at 5:30 p.m. Thursday in the HMS SAC/ Cafeteria. Cost is $8 for adults, $6 for students in kindergarten-eighth grade. Ages 4 and younger eat free. A general PTA meeting will follow at 6 p.m. Information: 817-305-4790.

Bear Creek students to perform
Third-graders at Bear Creek Elementary will perform the musical "We Are Americans" at 6:45 p.m. Thursday during the first PTA meeting of the year. Information: 817-305-4860.

Upcoming Events

Band booster parent meeting set
The Grapevine/Colleyville Band Booster Club will host its first parent meeting of the year on Monday, Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., in the CHHS Band Hall.  All parents with band students attending a GCISD middle school or high school are strongly encouraged to attend.

Awards and Announcements

OCT raises top dollars for diabetes
O.C. Taylor Elementary is being recognized as the school that raised the most money for School Walk for Diabetes last fall. Through their efforts, students and staff raised $6,515.60 to benefit diabetes research. The school will receive a banner during an upcoming presentation. Information: 817-305- 4870.

Bransford collecting backpacks for GRACE
Students at Bransford Elementary have been collecting backpacks for GRACE as part of their back- to-school community service project. Pictured above are Bransford students Jane Echols, Garrett Echols, Gilliam McPhail, Peyton Johnson and Josh Steinle. Information: Lisa Miller, 817-503-7308.

Jim F. Chadwell has joined the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD family as Deputy Superintendent. The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of Chadwell, 38, at the August meeting. Chadwell most recently served in Northwest ISD as the Executive Director for Instruction and Campus Support. In GCISD, his duties include supervising and facilitating the overall k-12 instruction program including areas of staff development, instructional technology and TAKS assessment. He also will provide leadership for campus administrators, serve as a community liaison and facilitate the District Excellence Committee.

A colorful calendar menu for elementary students and a color café-style menu for middle school and high school are new this year and Nutrition Services staff hopes students will be pleased with the new meal choices featured on the menus.

email: publicinformation@gcisd.net

phone: 817/251-5505

web: http://www.gcisd-k12.org