February 11, 2008
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

What's Happening This Week

Grapevine Middle welcomes IBM engineers
Sixth-grade students at GMS will learn about solar energy technology this week from engineers with IBM Industries. The special guests will visit classrooms on Monday and Thursday to demonstrate current technologies, and then will work with students to build and demonstrate their own solar devices during class. Information: Carla Crow, GMS science teacher, 817-251-5660.

GHS Project Graduation planning underway
The next meeting of the Grapevine High School Project Graduation Committee will be 7 p.m. Monday at the new Colleyville Elementary. Additional meeting dates are March 10, April 14 and May 12. Information: Kay Bradshaw, 817-656-1923.

GHS Band presents contemporary-style concert
The Grapevine High Band Department will present its annual Contemporary Band Music Concert at 7 p.m. Monday in the Madeline Hemley Auditorium at GHS. The free and public concert will feature performances by the GHS Concert Band, Symphonic Band, Honors Band and Wind Ensemble. Information: 817-251-5249.

Colleyville Elementary hosts home safety exhibit for students
The Great Safety Adventure will be at CES Tuesday to teach students about home safety. The program is part of a national mobile tour visiting schools, community events and Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. Guided by trained home safety rangers, students will tour an exhibit that replicates an actual house that they can explore while learning safety messages. Information: 817-305-4940.

Valentine’s Day celebrations
Elementary schools will be hosting various classroom events for students this week in celebration of Valentine’s Day. Some student groups also are selling flowers, singing Valentines, etc., as fund-raisers. Check your particular school for information regarding holiday events.

Heritage Elementary Dads celebrate with donuts
The HES Dads’ Club will host a special Valentine’s Day “Donuts with Dad” from 7:30-8 a.m. Thursday. Students are encouraged to stop by the cafeteria with their dads to enjoy a donut before school. Information: 817-305-4820.

Dove Elementary hosts spirit day
Students at DES are encouraged to wear red, white and blue on Friday as part of “Be a Proud American Day.” Information: 817-251-5700.


Upcoming Events

GCISD closed for national holiday
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD schools and administrative offices will be closed Feb. 18 for the Presidents Day holiday. Classes and office hours will resume as scheduled Feb. 19.

High School early dismissal planned
Students and Colleyville Heritage and Grapevine high schools will be released at 12:30 p.m. Feb. 19 for additional staff planning time. Students will be on a modified bell schedule. Lunch will not be served, but buses will run regular routes beginning at 12:30 p.m. Please contact your high school if additional information is needed. Download more information.

Timberline Elementary welcomes ventriloquist
Dennis Lee of Nana Puddin’ Productions will visit TES on Feb. 20 to entertain students with a puppet show focusing on character-building traits. Parents and siblings are invited to attend one of the two morning programs. Information: Beth Harwell, Timberline PTA, 817-329-4575.

GCISD Night with the Dallas Stars
GCISD students, employees and families can enjoy discount pricing and benefit the Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation as part of GCISD Family Night with the Dallas Stars on Feb. 20. The Stars will take on the Calgary Flames at 7 p.m. at the American Airlines Center. Tickets for GCISD families are $15 for Terrace level and $45 for Lower level, with a portion of each ticket sale going back to the Foundation to fund grants and programs for students and teachers. Order forms will be available at each GCISD school, and all ticket purchases should be made through the Dallas Stars. Ticket orders/payment will not be accepted at the schools. Information: Jayme Eichner, 214-387-5588.

Council of PTAs to host Founders’ Day event
The GCISD Council of PTAs will celebrate the work of parent-teacher associations and those who are members with a luncheon and program from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 21 at Colleyville Center. The annual Founders' Day event honors students, staff, businesses and PTA volunteers, and recognizes the many years of work by the Council and local PTA units. In addition, themed gift baskets from each of the GCISD local unit PTAs will be available for bidding during a silent auction, with proceeds funding various Council programs including scholarships for graduating seniors. Tickets and information: Toni Oyler, 817-475-5995, Toyler@aol.com or www.gcisdcouncilofptas.org.

PTA/PTSA meetings and activities
Dove Elementary – 6:45 p.m. Feb. 21 in the cafeteria. First grade students will perform.
Timberline Elementary – 6:30 p.m. Feb. 28 in the cafeteria. Student talent show will follow.

Dove Elementary welcomes local dentist
Dr. Sandra Armstrong, a pediatric dentist in Southlake, will present information to students about dental health in three presentations on Feb. 22. Information: 817-251-5700.

GCISD school lunch meeting planned for parents
Parents and community members are invited to an informational meeting at 4 p.m. Feb. 28 in the GCISD Board Room, 3051 Ira E. Woods Ave. in Grapevine. The GCISD Nutrition Services Department will present information about the National School Lunch Program, federal guidelines and steps the District is taking to promote healthy eating habits among students. Amy Tramm, GCISD’s registered dietitian, will also discuss menu suggestions for the 2008-2009 school lunch menu. RSVP is requested by Feb. 22 to 817-251-5616. Information: Amy Tramm, 817-251-5616 or amy.tramm@gcisd.net.

Deadline approaching for immunization permission forms
The Tarrant County Public Health Department will conduct an immunization clinic from 9-11 a.m. Feb. 29 at both Colleyville Heritage and Grapevine high schools. In addition to state-required vaccines, students may also receive the Meningococcal, HPV and Hepatitis A vaccines. Cost is $14 for one vaccine or $20 for two or more. Information is available from the high school nurses. Permission slips and payment must be received no later than Feb. 25. Information: Debbie Barber, CHHS, 817-305-4722; Margaret Ball, GHS, 817-251-5244.

CHHS Project Graduation planning underway
The next meeting of the Colleyville Heritage High School Project Graduation Committee will be 7 p.m. March 3 at Incredible Pizza in Euless. Additional meeting dates are April 7 (CHHS Library) and April 21 (CHHS Lecture Hall). Information: Mary Alice Rippe, 817-571-4986.


Awards and Announcements

GCISD schools raise thousands for diabetes research
Students and families at Colleyville and Bear Creek elementary schools placed first and second, respectively, in the Greater Fort Worth-Arlington Chapter of The Kids Walk to Cure Diabetes. CES raised $23,578 in this year’s walk, bringing the school’s three-year total to $58, 578. In its first year to participate, BCES raised more than $5,000. Money raised through these walks for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation goes toward research to find a cure for juvenile diabetes. In addition, JDRF gives 10 percent of all funds raised back to the schools.

Dove Elementary teams up with Central Market in fund-raiser
DES students and families are encouraged to use their swipe card at Central Market in Southlake to raise money for their school as part of the “Fundraising Food” program. DES will receive 5 percent of each total purchase made.

O.C. Taylor Elementary offering senior scholarships
Graduating seniors who attended O.C. Taylor for at least one full academic year are encouraged to apply for two scholarships offered by the school PTA. Applications must be postmarked by March 31. Information is available from the high school counselors, the office at O.C. Taylor, or online at www.OCTaylorpta.org.

PTA Council scholarship applications available online
The GCISD Council of PTAs scholarship application for graduating seniors is now available online. Students from Colleyville Heritage and Grapevine high schools who are on track to graduate in May need to complete the application and return it to the GHS or CHHS counseling office by Noon on March 31. The application is available at www.gcisdcouncilofptas.org.