Honoring Our Veterans at Cracker Trail Elementary!

On Veteran’s Day, our entire school gathered to honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Our students lifted their voices in song as a tribute to the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of our nation’s heroes. 🎢❀️

A heartfelt thank you to VFW Post 4300 for joining us and paying tribute to our veterans with the solemn playing of Taps and the three-volley salute. Your presence added deep meaning and reverence to our ceremony.

We are also grateful to the many veterans who were able to join us. Thank you for your service and for the example you set for our students and community.

We honor you. We thank you. We will never forget.

#VeteransDay #ThankYouVeterans #CTEProud #PatrioticPride
5 months ago, Richard Kogelschatz
Flag waving
Flag waving in crowd of students
Students holding flags
Groups of students
Students holding flags
Chorus singing
Veterans being honored
CTE Chorus
Flag waving
πŸŽ‰ Celebrating Excellence at Cracker Trail Elementary! πŸŽ‰

We are excited to share highlights from the Summit Awards, where two outstanding members of our CTE family were honored for their dedication and impact! πŸ’™πŸ’›

πŸ‘©β€πŸ« Teacher of the Year: Mrs. Denise Hines
Our amazing 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Hines was recognized for her unwavering dedication, inspiring teaching, and the positive difference she makes every single day in our students' lives. Her passion and commitment to excellence shine through in everything she does! πŸŒŸπŸ“š

πŸ› οΈ School-Related Employee of the Year: Mrs. Sonia Almenteros
Our Plant Manager, Mrs. Almenteros was honored for keeping our school running smoothly and looking its best. Her hard work, kindness, and behind-the-scenes efforts create a safe, welcoming environment for the entire Cracker Trail Elementary community. 🌼🏫

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Hines and Mrs. Almenteros on these well-deserved kudos! We are so proud of you!

A heartfelt thank you to our table sponsors and amazing business partners at Glades Electric Cooperative, represented by Trustee Vicki Pontius and Chief Communications Officer Jennifer Koukos, who joined us to celebrate Mrs. Hines and Mrs. Almenteros.

#CrackerTrailElementary #CTERocks #SummitAwards #TeacherOfTheYear #SchoolRelatedEmployeeOfTheYear #MustangProud
5 months ago, Richard Kogelschatz
Principal, Business partner, teacher ,plant manager, assistant principal, business partner
Parents, make sure you check out our CTE Facebook post (link below) for the Door Decorating Contest!

πŸ†2025 CTE Hoedown Door Decoration Contest! 🐎

βœ… Vote by liking your favorite classroom door!
πŸ—³οΈ Votes are open now through Thursday, Nov. 20.
πŸŽ‰ The winning teacher will be announced at the Hoedown!

Thank you to all of our teachers for getting into the Hoedown spirit! πŸŽ¨πŸ†

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CsrVTvFt2/
5 months ago, CTE Staff

πŸ’›πŸŽπŸ–€Click on the link below to listen to this amazing group of CTE leaders as they share their mission to help others! What a wonderful way to spread kindness throughout our school today as we celebrate ! πŸ’›πŸŽπŸ–€

Send in cans through November 20th.

https://shorturl.at/20muv

5 months ago, CTE Staff
World Kindness Poster November 13 World Kindness Day, celebrated annually on November 13th, is a global observation dedicated to promoting empathy, compassion, and performing acts of kindness towards others, ourselves, and the world. Established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, the day encourages individuals and communities to intentionally spread goodwill, highlighting the positive impact kindness can have on individuals and the global community.  Here at CTE we are trying to spread the word about kindness by giving out motivational bracelets to each student and staff member. Please wear a motivational shirt or a bracelet.
🀠 Today is the last day to buy your Hoedown meals, Mustangs! Don’t miss out on this fun event β€” be sure to get your tickets before sales close today! πŸŽπŸ’›πŸ–€

https://highlands.revtrak.net/elementary-schools-page/cracker-trail-elementary/cte-hoedown/#/list
5 months ago, CTE Staff
FINAL CALL Dinners must be pre-ordered Today is the last day!  Pulled Pork $7  Hot Dog $5 (served with chips & drink)  Hoedown November 20, 2025, 5:00–7:00pm.
πŸ’›πŸ–€ World Kindness Day – November 13 πŸ–€πŸ’›

World Kindness Day is a global celebration dedicated to promoting empathy, compassion, and simple acts of kindness toward others, ourselves, and the world. πŸŒŽπŸ’«

Established in 1998 by the World Kindness Movement, this day reminds us that even the smallest act of kindness can make a big difference!

Here at Cracker Trail Elementary, we’re spreading kindness by giving motivational bracelets to every student and staff member! πŸ’ͺ✨

πŸ’› Let’s show our CTE spirit loud and proudβ€”wear your motivational shirt and your bracelet as we celebrate kindness together! πŸ’›
#CTEMustangs #WorldKindnessDay #ChooseKindness
5 months ago, CTE Staff
all information from flyer is in the post
πŸ“šπŸ΄πŸ–€πŸ’› Cracker Trail Elementary kindergartners were so lucky to have Ms. Michelle Jolin from MIDFLORIDA Credit Union visit today! She read a story to our students and gifted each child a book along with a coupon to open their very own savings account.

Thank you, Ms. Jolin, for sharing the Gift of Reading and supporting our Mustangs! πŸ΄πŸ–€πŸ’›
5 months ago, CTE Staff
students sitting listening to reader
classroom of students, teachers, and reader smiling
reader reading
students listening to reader
students smiling with reader
students holding up books reading
students showing off their books with the reader

πŸ–€πŸ’› LAST CALL, MUSTANGS! πŸ’›πŸ–€

Dinners must be pre-ordered!
🍽️ Last day to purchase meals: November 13th

πŸ– Pulled Pork β€” $7
🌭 Hot Dog β€” $5
(Each meal served with chips & a drink)

🀠 CTE Hoedown
πŸ“… November 20, 2025
⏰ 5:00–7:00 pm

Don’t miss out, Mustangs β€” order your dinner today!

https://highlands.revtrak.net/elementary-schools-page/cracker-trail-elementary/cte-hoedown/#/list

5 months ago, CTE Staff
all flyer information in post
πŸ’› Kindness Matters at Cracker Trail Elementary! πŸ’›

Our amazing Mustangs shared what kindness means to them β€” and their words are sure to make you smile! ✨

Check out this heartwarming video of CTE students spreading positivity and reminding us that even the smallest acts of kindness can make a big difference. πŸŽπŸ’«

#CTEMustangs #ChooseKindness #MustangPride #KindnessCounts

https://shorturl.at/ZN02J
5 months ago, CTE Staff

Cracker Trail Elementary Veterans Day Program

We invite you to join us as we honor all who served at our annual Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 9:00 AM here at CTE.

Our students have prepared a special musical tribute to celebrate and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. β€οΈπŸ’™

πŸ“ 8200 Sparta Road, Sebring, FL 33875
⭐ Special guests include the VFW Post 4300 Honor Guard and Deputy Superintendent Andrew Lethbridge.

If you would like for us to recognize a veteran who will be in attendance, please call 863-471-5777 or scan the QR code on the flyer to complete the form. Or click on this link https://forms.gle/k52UzkLgneESPoTw6 .

We hope to see you there as we honor our heroes! πŸŽ–οΈ

5 months ago, CTE Staff
Flyer details are in the post.
πŸ₯« CTE Food Drive! πŸ₯«
Our Student Leadership Team is on a mission β€” Let’s Feed the Hungry! πŸ’›

We’re collecting donations to support the Heartland Food Bank πŸ πŸ’–

πŸ“… Collection Dates: November 10th–20th
πŸ“¦ Drop-off: Boxes will be located in each child’s classroom

🧑 Please bring unexpired, non-perishable food items to help families in need.
Together, we can make a difference! πŸ™Œβœ¨
5 months ago, CTE Staff
image flyer:  all details are in the post, caption, or message

Cracker Trail Elementary Veterans Day Program

We invite you to join us as we honor all who served at our annual Veterans Day Program on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at 9:00 AM here at CTE.

Our students have prepared a special musical tribute to celebrate and thank the brave men and women who have served our country. β€οΈπŸ’™

πŸ“ 8200 Sparta Road, Sebring, FL 33875
⭐ Special guests include the VFW Post 4300 Honor Guard and Deputy Superintendent Andrew Lethbridge.

If you would like for us to recognize a veteran who will be in attendance, please call 863-471-5777 or scan the QR code on the flyer to complete the form. Or click on this link https://forms.gle/k52UzkLgneESPoTw6 .

We hope to see you there as we honor our heroes! πŸŽ–οΈ

5 months ago, CTE Staff
Flyer details are in the post.
🍁 πŸ‚ CTE's November Newletter πŸŒ»πŸ¦ƒ

Click on the link provided to learn more.
https://shorturl.at/OHR9I
5 months ago, CTE Staff
πŸŽπŸ“£Mustang Families πŸ“£πŸŽ

This year's Kiss the Pig 🐷Penny War fundraiser is now through November 19th. The funds we raise will support our new school initiative, the Caring Closet.

The Caring Closet was created to help students who may not have the resources they need at home. We will stock the closet with essential items like extra clothing, toiletries, hygiene products, and snacks. It will also be a resource for students who have accidents at school and need a change of clothes without having to be sent home.

To participate in the Penny War, students can bring cash πŸ’΅or coins πŸͺ™ to put in a bucket of their choosing. Each teacher and staff will have a bucket to collect donations. The class that raises the most amount of money will get to see a teacher or administrator kiss a pig at our annual Hoedown on Thursday November 20th from 5-7 PM. 🐷

We appreciate your support in helping us make a positive impact on our students' lives.
5 months ago, Christi Gose
Kiss the Pig Fundraiser November 3-19 benefits the CTE Caring Closet
πŸŽƒπŸ’› What an incredible Friday at CTE! Our Mustangs showed up in their best costumes for the annual Character Parade β€” such a fun and festive way to celebrate! πŸ–€πŸŽ

(please be patient as we continue to upload photos this afternoon)
5 months ago, CTE Staff
Photo of CTE Staff and Students in Character Parade
Photo of CTE Staff and Students in Character Parade
Photo of CTE Staff and Students in Character Parade
Photo of CTE Staff and Students in Character Parade
Photo of CTE Staff and Students in Character Parade
Photo of CTE Staff and Students in Character Parade
Photo of CTE Staff and Students in Character Parade
Photo of CTE Staff and Students in Character Parade
Photo of CTE Staff and Students in Character Parade
Photo of CTE Staff and Students in Character Parade
🌟 Coming this spring to Cracker Trail Elementary… 🌟

🎭Brought to you by Mustang Performing Arts, we’re proud to present Disney’s The Lion King KIDS! 🦁🎢

Auditions are open to all 4th and 5th graders!
More information will be sent home in the coming weeks β€” get ready to roar with excitement! 🐾✨
5 months ago, CTE Staff
Coming Soon The Lion King Kids CTE  Flyer
We're thrilled to join the Florida Department of Education in celebrating Gifted Education Week! The Florida Department of Education has officially designated November 3-7, 2025, as Gifted Education Week in Florida! This is a fantastic time to recognize Florida's commitment to providing rigorous educational experiences and tailored support for our advanced learners.

Here in Highlands County, we are celebrating the incredible achievements and innovative spirit of our students. Our elementary gifted students have been exploring this year's hands-on curriculum, "The Carnival of Creativity."

Building Skills for the Future
Our students are engaging in hands-on, collaborative projects that focus on their intellectual growth and the development of critical academic skills:

STEAM & Design Challenges: Students are tackling real-world, carnival-themed STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) challenges. They are applying the engineering design process and using math and science concepts to create a variety of products.

Building Resilience: A key focus is on developing perseverance and a growth mindset. These challenges are intentionally complex, giving students a safe space to practice problem-solving, learn from setbacks, and build grit.

Innovation and Leadership: Through teamwork, students are honing their critical and creative thinking abilities, practicing leadership skills, and developing real-world problem-solving strategies.
5 months ago, CTE Staff
Gifted  Education Week November 2-7, 2025 flyer
Collag e of Cracker Trail Elementary Gifted Education Students
πŸ“£ CTE Families!

If you’re attending the Character Parade tomorrow morning, please remember to have your photo ID ready before walking up to the check-in desk in front of the office.

πŸ•’ Check-in begins at 7:30 AM.
We can’t wait to see all of our amazing Mustang characters! 🎭✨
5 months ago, CTE Staff
πŸŽ‰ Congratulations to Our CTE Mini-Grant Winners! πŸŽ‰

We are proud to celebrate two of our amazing teachers, Mrs. Lindley (5th Grade) and Mrs. Cleveland (3rd Grade), for receiving mini-grants to enhance student learning!

πŸ“š Mrs. Lindley’s grant will fund an online reading program to support and engage young readers.

πŸ“– Mrs. Cleveland’s grant will provide additional books for her classroomβ€”giving students even more opportunities to develop the joy of reading.

A huge thank you to SBHC Superintendent Dr. Brenda Longshore and Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Mrs. Anjelica Ramos Tinajero for visiting our campus to personally present these awards. Your support helps our teachers continue to make a difference every day!

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #WeAreSBHC #TeacherExcellence #MiniGrantWinners #ReadingRocks #ThankYou
5 months ago, CTE Staff
SBHC employees presenting CTE emplyees with mini grant awards
SBHC employee presenting CTE emplyee with mini grant award
SBHC employee presenting CTE emplyee with mini grant award
SBHC employees presenting CTE emplyee with mini grant award
Our Little Mustangs Are Making Their Mark!

Our VPK students at Cracker Trail Elementary had a blast painting their tiles for the I am pART of This Community Tile Wall! Each colorful creation represents their teamwork and Mustang pride. πŸ΄πŸ’›

We can’t wait to see the finished wall come together β€” a true masterpiece which will include our youngest Mustangs! πŸ’«
Special thanks to Mrs. Sebring for leading the painting adventure and our VPK staff members - Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Flowers - for joining in on the fun!

#CrackerTrailElementary #MustangPride #CTERocks #VPK #CommunityArt #YoungMustangs #CreativeKids
5 months ago, CTE Staff
Picture of Pre-K class working on their tile art.