March 29, 2018                                                                                                                                             No. 83
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Call for applicants - LEAD 2.0 Strategic Planning Summit
In 2011, more than 300 Grapevine-Colleyville ISD stakeholders created the district's strategic plan, LEAD 2021, and over the past seven years, the District has made significant strides in the areas identified by these representatives. In April, GCISD will convene a committee of more than 100 students, parents, staff and community members to review the work accomplished in LEAD 2021 and initiate the process that advances the strategic plan into what will be known as LEAD 2. 0. 

As part of the committee makeup, GCISD is opening the application process to interested students, parents, staff and community members with eight positions allocated for at-large applicants. The criteria for interested participants is the ability to attend two full-day summits on Monday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 17 and a desire to be engaged in thoughtful and meaningful dialogue surrounding LEAD 2021 and its next phase. 

All applications must be received no later than Friday, March 30 at 4 p.m. To complete an application, click here. If you have any questions regarding the LEAD 2.0 Summit, please use Let's Talk 
GCISD announces new Director of Advanced Academics
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD has announced Julie Martin Leslie as the new Director of Advanced Academics. Leslie is currently serving educators and professionals in the Metroplex as the founder of In Your Element Coaching & Consulting. Trustees approved the recommendation at the regular meeting on Monday, March 26.

"I have long admired the learning opportunities GCISD creates for gifted and high achieving students," Leslie said. "I'm thrilled to be joining the GCISD team and simply cannot wait to meet everyone in the BEST district!"

Leslie has spent more than 20 years in education, beginning her career in Plano ISD as a middle school teacher in 1995. She then made the move to Frisco ISD where she established the Independent Study and Mentorship Program (ISM) and taught at Liberty High School. In 2010, Leslie moved out of the classroom and into an administrative role as the K-12 Coordinator for Gifted and Talented (GT) for Frisco ISD where she improved its gifted programs through new programming, innovative curriculum writing and professional learning. In 2015, she became the Secondary Coordinator for Gifted and Talented where she promoted GT, ISM, Advanced Placement and advanced academics in the community.

The search for an advanced academics director began when Becky Manning announced her retirement, effective at the end of the 2017-2018 school year.

"We are so excited to welcome Julie Leslie to our team," said GCISD Superintendent Dr. Robin Ryan. "Our curriculum and instruction staff works hard to ensure our students are offered the best education and many opportunities throughout the district. I look forward to the continued successes of our ASPIRE Academy and GT offerings under Julie's leadership. "

Leslie graduated with a bachelor of secondary english education from Pennsylvania State University and a masters in secondary and higher education from Texas A&M University-Commerce. Leslie is currently pursuing a doctorate in educational leadership from Dallas Baptist University.

She will begin her new role with the district July 2018. 
CHOOSE KINDNESS: Join us for our 2018 Rachel's Challenge 5K
Grapevine-Colleyville is hosting the Rachel's Challenge 5K race on April 21, 2018, at Colleyville Heritage High School. The official 5K race is 3.1 miles, with official timing through No Limits Timing. The race begins at 8 a.m. for a fee of only $25. GCISD students and staff may participate for free. For more information on the Rachel's Challenge 5K, click here.

Tona Blizzard named National Distinguished Principal Finalist
The Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association (TEPSA) has named Tona Blizzard, principal at Cannon Elementary: A GCISD STEM School, as a National Distinguished Principal Finalist. The National Distinguished Principal program recognizes exemplary leaders who are setting the standard across the State of Texas and is the highest recognition a principal can receive from his or her peers.

"I'm very honored to be nominated for such a prestigious recognition and was absolutely speechless when I received the call to notify me I was one of the finalists," said Blizzard.  "I truly believe that I have the very best job in the world and I feel so fortunate to have the honor of serving as the principal of a school community that is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of our Cannon Cubs every day."

Blizzard has been the principal of Cannon Elementary School for eight years and has spent her entire career in GCISD.
Walk of Honor plans to recognize GCISD community
Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and the Walk of Honor Committee, are proud to announce the "Walk of Honor" coming to the renovated Mustang Panther stadium in the fall of 2018. 

The Walk of Honor will be lined with plaques honoring key members of the GCISD community who have served the District with honor, distinction  and  service. The nominees may include notable alumni, teachers, administrators and community leaders. The Walk of Honor Committee will oversee the selection and construction process and is now accepting nominations. 



If you would like to nominate an individual or find out more information on the Walk of Honor, visit  http://gcisdwalkofhonor.com/.
Candace McGowan awarded CTAT Career Guidance Award
G CISD Career and Technical Education Coordinator, Candace McGowan, has been honored with the Career and Technical Association of Texas (CTAT) Career Guidance Award for her outstanding work in the district. McGowan opened "Go Centers" at Grapevine High School and Colleyville Heritage High School, which allows students to learn what is necessary to continue their education after high school. In addition to opening the Go Centers, McGowan has also partnered with each high school counselor to ensure all seniors have education plans for after high school and have assistance with goal-setting.
 
"There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a student achieve great things after they leave our program," said McGowan. "That is why we do what we do, to ensure that our students can be a success after graduation and go on to live happy and productive lives."
Mustang Panther Stadium, The New Experience Coming in 2018

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Upcoming Events in April!
April 4: GCISD Special Olympics
9 a.m. - 12 p.m. at Cross Timbers Middle School

April 21: Rachel's Challenge Rally & 5K
8-11 a.m. at Colleyville Heritage High School. For more information and for 5K registration, click here. 

April 30: Job Fair-North Central Texas ASPA
8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. at the Arlington Convention Center

Click here to check out more upcoming events. 
Let's Talk! with GCISD
Use  Let's Talk! to engage the district in conversation. Share your questions, comments, concerns and feedback through the Let's Talk! system to start a dialogue with district staff.
  
Let's Talk! may be found on the GCISD homepage, www.gcisd.net.

We'd love your feedback, comments or story suggestions. Please share them with us at [email protected].