🤠🐎 Blast from the Past — CTE Hoedown 2003! 🐎🤠

We continue to share our throwback photos from Cracker Trail Elementary’s 2003 Hoedown! Who’s ready to continue our walk down memory lane this Spring Break?

Entertainment! 💛

We have always been fortunate to showcase some of Highlands County’s very best to entertain our Hoedown attendees, including talented local groups like Dance Unlimited and The California Toe Jam. Their energy and performances have helped make our Hoedown a memorable tradition for our Mustangs and community year after year.

Enjoy this blast from the past and see if you recognize any more familiar faces!

2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
CTE 2003 HoeDown Entertainment
CTE 2003 HoeDown Entertainment
CTE 2003 HoeDown Entertainment
CTE 2003 HoeDown Entertainment
CTE 2003 HoeDown Entertainment
CTE 2003 HoeDown Entertainment
CTE 2003 HoeDown Entertainment
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from our school to you! 🍀

Not only were we invaded by a mischievous little leprechaun on the Friday before Spring Break, but our amazing PreK team also spread some St. Patrick’s Day cheer by providing green treats and drinks for our staff.

A big shamrock-style THANK YOU to our wonderful PreK team for making the day extra festive and showing such kindness to our staff. We’re so lucky to have you! ☘️💚

#HappyStPatricksDay #LuckyToBeAMustang #CTEMustangs #MustangPride #StaffAppreciation #SchoolFamily #PreKTeam #ShamrockThanks
2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
A big shamrock-style THANK YOU to our wonderful PreK team for making the day extra festive and showing such kindness to our staff. We’re so lucky to have you! ☘️💚

🤠🐎 Blast from the Past — CTE Hoedown 2003! 🐎🤠

 We uncovered more throwback photos from Cracker Trail Elementary’s 2003 Hoedown! Who’s ready for a walk down memory lane this Spring Break?

Volunteers! 💛

 Our volunteers have always been at the heart of making the Hoedown such a success. From the very beginning, their time, energy, and dedication have helped create the fun, memories, and traditions our Mustangs cherish year after year.

 Enjoy another blast from the past and see if you recognize any familiar faces!

2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
CTE 2003 HoeDown Volunteers
CTE 2003 HoeDown Volunteers
CTE 2003 HoeDown Volunteers
CTE 2003 HoeDown Volunteers
CTE 2003 HoeDown Volunteers
CTE 2003 HoeDown Volunteers
CTE 2003 HoeDown Volunteers
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from our school to you! 🍀

On the Friday before Spring Break, we had a surprise visit from a mischievous little leprechaun who stopped by to spread some fun around campus. Something about him looked oddly familiar… we just can’t quite put our finger on it! 👀

Our Mustangs had a great time getting into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit before heading off for Spring Break!

#HappyStPatricksDay #CTEMustangs #MustangPride #SchoolFun #LuckyToBeAMustang #SpringBreakReady #LeprechaunVisit 🍀
2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
On the Friday before Spring Break, we had a surprise visit from a mischievous little leprechaun who stopped by to spread some fun around campus. Something about him looked oddly familiar… we just can’t quite put our finger on it! 👀
🤠🐎 Blast from the Past — CTE Hoedown 2003! 🐎🤠

We uncovered some throwback photos from Cracker Trail Elementary’s 2003 Hoedown! Who’s ready for a walk down memory lane this Spring Break?

The Hoedown has always been about our students having fun, and it’s amazing to look back at this group of kids—now all grown up! 💛

Enjoy this blast from the past and see if you recognize a few familiar faces!
2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
Students at the 2003 CTE HoeDown.
Students at the 2003 CTE HoeDown.
Students at the 2003 CTE HoeDown.
Students at the 2003 CTE HoeDown.
Students at the 2003 CTE HoeDown.
Students at the 2003 CTE HoeDown.
Students at the 2003 CTE HoeDown.
Students at the 2003 CTE HoeDown.
Students at the 2003 CTE HoeDown.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who helped make our CTE Cereal Drive a success! 🥣💙

Because of the generosity of our students, families, and staff, we were able to donate 200 boxes of cereal to help support families in our community.

A special thank you to Mr. Greg Brown and the amazing team at Heartland Food Bank for coming out to pick up our donations and for the incredible work they do to support our community.

Props to our Student Leadership Team, our sponsors Mrs. Byrd & Mrs. Rowe, and our staff for helping organize and promote this effort. We are so proud of our Mustangs for showing what it means to care for others!

#CTEMustangs #MustangPride #CommunityStrong #StudentsHelpingStudents #HeartlandFoodBank #NoOneGoesHungry #MustangsGiveBack #ServiceLeadership #ThankYou
2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
Because of the generosity of our students, families, and staff, we were able to donate 200 boxes of cereal to help support families in our community. A special thank you to Mr. Greg Brown and the amazing team at Heartland Food Bank for coming out to pick up our donations and for the incredible work they do to support our community. Props to our Student Leadership Team, our sponsors Mrs. Byrd & Mrs. Rowe, and our staff for helping organize and promote this effort. We are so proud of our Mustangs for showing what it means to care for others!
Because of the generosity of our students, families, and staff, we were able to donate 200 boxes of cereal to help support families in our community. A special thank you to Mr. Greg Brown and the amazing team at Heartland Food Bank for coming out to pick up our donations and for the incredible work they do to support our community. Props to our Student Leadership Team, our sponsors Mrs. Byrd & Mrs. Rowe, and our staff for helping organize and promote this effort. We are so proud of our Mustangs for showing what it means to care for others!
🚧🌿 Under Construction at CTE! 🌿🚧

We’re excited to share that Girl Scout Troop 250 has begun transforming a special area on our campus into a fun and inviting space for everyone to enjoy! 🌞📚

This new spot will serve as a brain break area and even an outdoor classroom where our Mustangs can learn, relax, and recharge in a beautiful environment.

We can’t wait to reveal the finished project — it should be completed soon, and we’ll be sure to share updates along the way!

A very special thank you to the hardworking team from Girl Scout Troop 250 for their dedication and service to our school community. 💚🐎

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #GirlScoutStrong #CommunityInAction #OutdoorLearning
2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
We’re excited to share that Girl Scout Troop 250 has begun transforming a special area on our campus into a fun and inviting space for everyone to enjoy! 🌞📚
CTE Mustangs cheered on our athletes who will be attending Special Stars today! Good luck today — we are so proud of you! ⭐
2 months ago, CTE Staff
PHOTO OF CTE STUDENTS CHEERING
PHOTO OF CTE STUDENTS CHEERING
PHOTO OF CTE STUDENTS CHEERING
PHOTO OF CTE STUDENTS CHEERING
PHOTO OF CTE STUDENTS CHEERING
PHOTO OF CTE STUDENTS CHEERING
PHOTO OF CTE STUDENTS CHEERING
PHOTO OF CTE STUDENTS CHEERING
PHOTO OF CTE STUDENTS CHEERING
PHOTO OF CTE STUDENTS CHEERING

🐎💙 Cracker Trail Elementary Volunteer of the Year 💙🐎

We are proud to recognize Mrs. Nancy Nichols as our Volunteer of the Year! 👏

For the past eight years, Mrs. Nichols has generously given her time and energy to support Cracker Trail Elementary. She volunteers at school events, serves on the PTO Board, helps with PTO fundraisers, proctors during testing, and assists with many other activities around campus.

Her dedication and willingness to help wherever needed make a tremendous difference for our students and staff.

Thank you, Nancy! Our students, staff, and school community truly appreciate everything you do to support CTE. 💙🐎

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #CrackerTrailElementary #CTEMustangs #VolunteerOfTheYear #ThankYouVolunteers #MustangPride #CommunitySupport

2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
We are proud to recognize Mrs. Nancy Nichols as our Volunteer of the Year! 👏
We are proud to recognize Mrs. Nancy Nichols as our Volunteer of the Year! 👏
We are proud to recognize Mrs. Nancy Nichols as our Volunteer of the Year! 👏

🐎🔬 Cracker Trail Elementary 5th Grade Science Fair 🔬🐎

The day of last week’s Art & Science Night, our 5th grade scientists were presenting their Science Fair projects, where they were interviewed and judged using a set of criteria. Each student had to confidently explain, discuss, and defend their project, showing not only their research but also their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

We are incredibly proud of our students for the hard work, creativity, and dedication they put into their projects! 👏

A big thank you as well to our amazing staff who guided and supported each student throughout the process.

Great job, Mustangs! 💙🐎

#CTERocks #CTEScientists #CrackerTrailElementary #CTEMustangs #ScienceFair #FutureScientists #StudentSuccess #MustangPride #LearningInAction

2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
The day of last week’s Art & Science Night, our 5th grade scientists were presenting their Science Fair projects, where they were interviewed and judged using a set of criteria. Each student had to confidently explain, discuss, and defend their project, showing not only their research but also their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The day of last week’s Art & Science Night, our 5th grade scientists were presenting their Science Fair projects, where they were interviewed and judged using a set of criteria. Each student had to confidently explain, discuss, and defend their project, showing not only their research but also their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The day of last week’s Art & Science Night, our 5th grade scientists were presenting their Science Fair projects, where they were interviewed and judged using a set of criteria. Each student had to confidently explain, discuss, and defend their project, showing not only their research but also their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The day of last week’s Art & Science Night, our 5th grade scientists were presenting their Science Fair projects, where they were interviewed and judged using a set of criteria. Each student had to confidently explain, discuss, and defend their project, showing not only their research but also their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The day of last week’s Art & Science Night, our 5th grade scientists were presenting their Science Fair projects, where they were interviewed and judged using a set of criteria. Each student had to confidently explain, discuss, and defend their project, showing not only their research but also their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The day of last week’s Art & Science Night, our 5th grade scientists were presenting their Science Fair projects, where they were interviewed and judged using a set of criteria. Each student had to confidently explain, discuss, and defend their project, showing not only their research but also their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The day of last week’s Art & Science Night, our 5th grade scientists were presenting their Science Fair projects, where they were interviewed and judged using a set of criteria. Each student had to confidently explain, discuss, and defend their project, showing not only their research but also their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The day of last week’s Art & Science Night, our 5th grade scientists were presenting their Science Fair projects, where they were interviewed and judged using a set of criteria. Each student had to confidently explain, discuss, and defend their project, showing not only their research but also their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The day of last week’s Art & Science Night, our 5th grade scientists were presenting their Science Fair projects, where they were interviewed and judged using a set of criteria. Each student had to confidently explain, discuss, and defend their project, showing not only their research but also their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
🐎💙 Help Us Keep Our Mustangs Healthy! 💙🐎

Cold, flu, and allergy season is here, and we need your help to fight germs and keep our Mustangs feeling their best! 🦠✨

Please take a few minutes to:
✔️ Check and sanitize backpacks
✔️ Clean out and wash lunchboxes
✔️ Wash water bottles
✔️ Launder sweaters, hoodies, and jackets

These simple steps make a BIG difference in keeping our school community healthy and ready to learn!

Thank you for teaming up with us to support our Mustangs! 💙🐴

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #HealthyMustangs #TeamCTE #MustangStrong #GermFreeZone
3 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
List of things to do to keep our Mustangs healthy.
🥣💙 Mustangs Helping Mustangs & Our Community! 💙🥣

Cracker Trail Elementary is teaming up with our Student Leadership Team and Heartland Food Bank for a Cereal Drive from March 9–13!

We are collecting new, unopened boxes of cereal to help support families in our community. Let’s work together to make sure no one starts their day hungry.

📦 Our schoolwide goal is 500 boxes of cereal!

Students received flyers to bring home on Friday, and collection boxes will be available in each classroom throughout the week.

Thank you for always supporting our school and helping us make a difference for families in our community. 💙🐎

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #MustangFamily #StudentLeadership #CommunitySupport #CerealDrive #MustangsCare #HeartlandFoodBank
3 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
Cracker Trail Elementary is teaming up with our Student Leadership Team and Heartland Food Bank for a Cereal Drive from March 9–13! We are collecting new, unopened boxes of cereal to help support families in our community. Let’s work together to make sure no one starts their day hungry. 📦 Our schoolwide goal is 500 boxes of cereal! Students received flyers to bring home on Friday, and collection boxes will be available in each classroom throughout the week.
🐴 Mustang Tile Wall Spotlight! 🐴

What an incredible Art/Science Night celebration this week! 🎨✨

A special thank you goes to 5th grader Avalynn Hayes, who designed and created the beautiful cornerstone tiles for our “I Am pART Of This Community” Tile Wall. Her hard work, creativity, and leadership helped bring this meaningful project together in a lasting way. We are so proud of the talent and dedication she poured into this special contribution! 💙🤍

Our newest tile wall is a true reflection of what it means to be pART of this community!

Way to go, Mustangs! 🐴✨

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #MustangART #TileWallProject #CreativityInAction #ElementaryExcellence #IAmpARTOfThisCommunity #CTEMILab #CTECornerstone
3 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
A special thank you goes to 5th grader Avalynn Hayes, who designed and created the beautiful cornerstone tiles for our “I Am pART Of This Community” Tile Wall.

💙✨ National School Social Work Week - March 1–7, 2026 ✨💙

This week we celebrate National School Social Work Week 2026, themed “Unite to Ignite.” 🔥 The theme highlights the powerful impact school social workers have when they bring students, families, and staff together to support student success.

School social workers play a vital role in student mental health, advocacy, and overall well-being. We are incredibly thankful for our very own, Ms. Alejandra Tinajero, and her drive, passion, and love for our students and school community. 💙🐎 She truly helps us “ignite” the potential in every Mustang!

Please join us in showing appreciation for Ms. Tinajero and all that she does each and every day!

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #CTEUnitesToIgnite #NationalSchoolSocialWorkWeek #UniteToIgnite #MustangStrong #StudentSupport #MentalHealthMatters #ThankYou

3 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
School social workers play a vital role in student mental health, advocacy, and overall well-being. We are incredibly thankful for our very own, Ms. Alejandra Tinajero, and her drive, passion, and love for our students and school community. 💙🐎 She truly helps us “ignite” the potential in every Mustang!
Florida Prepaid Open Enrollment is here! Lock in future college costs at today’s rates. New options include 1-year plans and payments as low as $29/month. 🎓

Secure your child’s future today: https://www2.highlands.k12.fl.us/flprepaid
3 months ago, The School Board of Highlands County
Risk-free college savings starting at $29/mo. Florida Prepaid
🐴 Mustang Pride Spotlight! 🐴

We’re so excited to celebrate Mrs. Byrd’s class! The Byrd Flock has officially completed their very own tiles for our upcoming "I Am pART Of This Community" Tile Wall. 🎨✨

Their creativity, teamwork, and Mustang spirit truly shine through each design. We can’t wait to see these tiles become part of a beautiful, permanent display at our school!

Way to go, Mustangs! 💙🤍

Want to see these tiles put in place on our new tile wall? How about seeing over 125 student science projects from our 5th grade students? Art/Science Night is on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 5 - 7 PM. Plan to be in attendance!

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #MustangART #TileWallProject #CreativityInAction #ElementaryExcellence #IAmpARTOfThisCommunity #CTEMILab #CTE2ndGrade #CTEByrdFlock
3 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
Mrs. Byrd's class display their tiles.
🧪🎨 Cracker Trail Elementary Title I Sponsored Event 2026 🎨🧪

🌟 Science Fair & Art Showcase 🌟

📅 Thursday, March 5th
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM

✨ Art Gallery in the Cafeteria
🧩 Grade-level sponsored science activities
🎭 “Living Portraits” 5:45–6:15 PM (Cafeteria)
🧱 Community tile wall installation

Come learn how we:
🔎 Use art and observation to foster curiosity
🤝 Build a strong school community through art
🧠 Promote inquiry and problem-solving through science
📚 Align and grow science learning at every grade level using state standards

We can’t wait to see our families there! 💚💛
3 months ago, CTE Staff
all information is in the post
Spanish Flyer
🌶️🥔 Staff Appreciation in Action! 🥔🌶️

Last Thursday, our amazing CTE PTO treated our staff to a delicious chili and potato bar — and it was a huge hit! ❤️ From hearty chili to all the toppings, it was the perfect way to warm up and feel appreciated.

A very special thank you to Mrs. Eddy, Mrs. Nichols, and Mrs. Vazquez for taking the time to serve and support our team. We are so grateful for your kindness and dedication to our Mustangs!

We truly appreciate our PTO and the many ways you pour into our school community. 🐎✨

#CTEMustangs #StaffAppreciation #MustangFamily #ThankYouPTO #CommunitySupport #GratefulHearts
3 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
🌶️🥔 Staff Appreciation in Action! 🥔🌶️ Last Thursday, our amazing CTE PTO treated our staff to a delicious chili and potato bar — and it was a huge hit! ❤️ From hearty chili to all the toppings, it was the perfect way to warm up and feel appreciated. A very special thank you to Mrs. Eddy, Mrs. Nichols, and Mrs. Vazquez for taking the time to serve and support our team. We are so grateful for your kindness and dedication to our Mustangs! We truly appreciate our PTO and the many ways you pour into our school community. 🐎✨ #CTEMustangs #StaffAppreciation #MustangFamily #ThankYouPTO #CommunitySupport #GratefulHearts
🐴 Mustang PreK Pride Spotlight! 🐴

We’re excited to shine the spotlight on our amazing VPK PreK class led by Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Flowers! 🎨✨

Our youngest Mustangs have officially completed their very own tiles for the “I Am pART Of This Community” Tile Wall, and we couldn’t be prouder! Each tile reflects their creativity, bright personalities, and growing Mustang spirit.

Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Flowers have guided their students every step of the way, helping them create something truly special that will become part of a beautiful, permanent display at our school. 💙🤍
Way to go, PreK Mustangs!

Want to see these adorable tiles installed on our new tile wall? Join us for Art/Science Night on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 5:00–7:00 PM — and explore over 125 student science projects created by our 5th graders. We hope to see you there!

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #MustangART #TileWallProject #CreativityInAction #ElementaryExcellence #IAmpARTOfThisCommunity #CTEMILab #CTEPreK
3 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
We’re excited to shine the spotlight on our amazing VPK PreK class led by Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Flowers!
Thursday evening is already shaping up to be an AMAZING night at Cracker Trail Elementary! 🐎🔬🎨

With over 125 individual science projects created by our talented 5th graders, our campus will be buzzing with innovation, discovery, and creativity! These students have been working incredibly hard, and we cannot wait for you to see their impressive projects.

Be sure to stop by and watch the construction of our “I Am pART of This Community” Tile Wall, a lasting tribute to the heart of our Mustang family.

And that’s not all… 👀✨

Mrs. Sebring and our CTE Art Club have added a very special surprise! Art Club members will debut an unforgettable new experience — Living Portraits. Students are hard at work, deeply immersed in creating masterpieces inspired by famous master artists. You won’t want to miss seeing these works come to life!

It’s going to be a night full of science, art, creativity, and Mustang pride.

See you Thursday evening between 5 and 7 PM! 🐎💙
3 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
CTE Art Club Members working on Living Portraits.
CTE Art Club Members working on Living Portraits.
CTE Art Club Members working on Living Portraits.