🐴💰 Mustang Reminder! 💰🐷
Don’t forget to send in your pennies for Thursday night’s HoeDown finale - Kiss the Pig! The buckets are filling up, and our Mustangs are getting excited to see which CTE staff members will have to pucker up and kiss the pig! 😄🐽
So tell us… Who do YOU want to kiss the pig?
Ask your child to drop their pennies in the bucket of your favorite “lucky” staff member!
See you Thursday, November 20 between 5-7 PM (NOT 6, 7!) at the HoeDown, Mustangs! 💙🤍
#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #CTEHoeDown #MustangPride #KissThePig #PennyPower
Don’t forget to send in your pennies for Thursday night’s HoeDown finale - Kiss the Pig! The buckets are filling up, and our Mustangs are getting excited to see which CTE staff members will have to pucker up and kiss the pig! 😄🐽
So tell us… Who do YOU want to kiss the pig?
Ask your child to drop their pennies in the bucket of your favorite “lucky” staff member!
See you Thursday, November 20 between 5-7 PM (NOT 6, 7!) at the HoeDown, Mustangs! 💙🤍
#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #CTEHoeDown #MustangPride #KissThePig #PennyPower
🛡️🐴 Cracker Trail Elementary 4th Grade Mustangs Travel Back in Time! 🐴🛡️
Our 4th grade Mustangs had an AMAZING day on their annual field trip to Medieval Times! This special adventure is the grand finale to their study of the Middle Ages, where students enjoyed a delicious medieval-style meal and watched exciting live reenactments—including a real Jousting Tournament! ⚔️✨
A HUGE thank-you to our wonderful sponsors for helping make this unforgettable learning experience possible. We appreciate you! 💛📚
Charles P. Cox, CPA
The Family of Leo Kerman and Amaiya Goff
Central Florida Ag Service
Joyce Kundrick
A&A Lawn Care/"A" Tree Service
Brian and Morgan Norris
G4 Premier Solutions LLC
Linda Eldridge
KJ Davis
Tricia & Wally Cox
Dee's Place
Linda Blackwelder
Pugh Utility Service
Ritenour & Williams Family
Excavation Point
White's Transmission
Ogg Construction
The Rowe Family
Mandy Carlisle
Cindy Caveney
#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #CTE4thGrade #MiddleAges #ThankYou
#CrackerTrailElementary #4thGradeAdventures #MedievalTimes #HandsOnLearning
Our 4th grade Mustangs had an AMAZING day on their annual field trip to Medieval Times! This special adventure is the grand finale to their study of the Middle Ages, where students enjoyed a delicious medieval-style meal and watched exciting live reenactments—including a real Jousting Tournament! ⚔️✨
A HUGE thank-you to our wonderful sponsors for helping make this unforgettable learning experience possible. We appreciate you! 💛📚
Charles P. Cox, CPA
The Family of Leo Kerman and Amaiya Goff
Central Florida Ag Service
Joyce Kundrick
A&A Lawn Care/"A" Tree Service
Brian and Morgan Norris
G4 Premier Solutions LLC
Linda Eldridge
KJ Davis
Tricia & Wally Cox
Dee's Place
Linda Blackwelder
Pugh Utility Service
Ritenour & Williams Family
Excavation Point
White's Transmission
Ogg Construction
The Rowe Family
Mandy Carlisle
Cindy Caveney
#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #CTE4thGrade #MiddleAges #ThankYou
#CrackerTrailElementary #4thGradeAdventures #MedievalTimes #HandsOnLearning
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
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
🎉 Celebrating Excellence at Cracker Trail Elementary! 🎉
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! 💙💛
👩🏫 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! 🌟📚
🛠️ 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
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! 💙💛
👩🏫 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! 🌟📚
🛠️ 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
Parents, make sure you check out our CTE Facebook post (link below) for the Door Decorating Contest!
🏆2025 CTE Hoedown Door Decoration Contest! 🐎
✅ Vote by liking your favorite classroom door!
🗳️ Votes are open now through Thursday, Nov. 20.
🎉 The winning teacher will be announced at the Hoedown!
Thank you to all of our teachers for getting into the Hoedown spirit! 🎨🏆
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CsrVTvFt2/
🏆2025 CTE Hoedown Door Decoration Contest! 🐎
✅ Vote by liking your favorite classroom door!
🗳️ Votes are open now through Thursday, Nov. 20.
🎉 The winning teacher will be announced at the Hoedown!
Thank you to all of our teachers for getting into the Hoedown spirit! 🎨🏆
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CsrVTvFt2/
💛🐎🖤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 ! 💛🐎🖤
Send in cans through November 20th.
🤠 Today is the last day to buy your Hoedown meals, Mustangs! Don’t miss out on this fun event — be sure to get your tickets before sales close today! 🐎💛🖤
https://highlands.revtrak.net/elementary-schools-page/cracker-trail-elementary/cte-hoedown/#/list
https://highlands.revtrak.net/elementary-schools-page/cracker-trail-elementary/cte-hoedown/#/list
💛🖤 World Kindness Day – November 13 🖤💛
World Kindness Day is a global celebration dedicated to promoting empathy, compassion, and simple acts of kindness toward others, ourselves, and the world. 🌎💫
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! 💪✨
💛 Let’s show our CTE spirit loud and proud—wear your motivational shirt and your bracelet as we celebrate kindness together! 💛
#CTEMustangs #WorldKindnessDay #ChooseKindness
World Kindness Day is a global celebration dedicated to promoting empathy, compassion, and simple acts of kindness toward others, ourselves, and the world. 🌎💫
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! 💪✨
💛 Let’s show our CTE spirit loud and proud—wear your motivational shirt and your bracelet as we celebrate kindness together! 💛
#CTEMustangs #WorldKindnessDay #ChooseKindness
📚🐴🖤💛 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! 🐴🖤💛
Thank you, Ms. Jolin, for sharing the Gift of Reading and supporting our Mustangs! 🐴🖤💛
🖤💛 LAST CALL, MUSTANGS! 💛🖤
Dinners must be pre-ordered!
🍽️ Last day to purchase meals: November 13th
🐖 Pulled Pork — $7
🌭 Hot Dog — $5
(Each meal served with chips & a drink)
🤠 CTE Hoedown
📅 November 20, 2025
⏰ 5:00–7:00 pm
Don’t miss out, Mustangs — order your dinner today!
https://highlands.revtrak.net/elementary-schools-page/cracker-trail-elementary/cte-hoedown/#/list
💛 Kindness Matters at Cracker Trail Elementary! 💛
Our amazing Mustangs shared what kindness means to them — 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. 🐎💫
#CTEMustangs #ChooseKindness #MustangPride #KindnessCounts
https://shorturl.at/ZN02J
Our amazing Mustangs shared what kindness means to them — 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. 🐎💫
#CTEMustangs #ChooseKindness #MustangPride #KindnessCounts
https://shorturl.at/ZN02J
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. ❤️💙
📍 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! 🎖️
🥫 CTE Food Drive! 🥫
Our Student Leadership Team is on a mission — Let’s Feed the Hungry! 💛
We’re collecting donations to support the Heartland Food Bank 🏠💖
📅 Collection Dates: November 10th–20th
📦 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! 🙌✨
Our Student Leadership Team is on a mission — Let’s Feed the Hungry! 💛
We’re collecting donations to support the Heartland Food Bank 🏠💖
📅 Collection Dates: November 10th–20th
📦 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! 🙌✨
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. ❤️💙
📍 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! 🎖️
🐎📣Mustang Families 📣🐎
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 💵or coins 🪙 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.
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 💵or coins 🪙 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.
🎃💛 What an incredible Friday at CTE! Our Mustangs showed up in their best costumes for the annual Character Parade — such a fun and festive way to celebrate! 🖤🐎
(please be patient as we continue to upload photos this afternoon)
(please be patient as we continue to upload photos this afternoon)
🌟 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 — get ready to roar with excitement! 🐾✨
🎭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 — get ready to roar with excitement! 🐾✨
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.
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.
📣 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.
🕢 Check-in begins at 7:30 AM.
We can’t wait to see all of our amazing Mustang characters! 🎭✨
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.
🕢 Check-in begins at 7:30 AM.
We can’t wait to see all of our amazing Mustang characters! 🎭✨