Some of our 4th Grade Mustangs recently stepped into the role of scientists as they examined owl pellets! 🦴🔍 These curious investigators carefully dissected the pellets, identified bones and other remains, and used their observations to uncover clues about what owls eat. What a fascinating way to explore the natural world!
Through this hands-on investigation, our students put Florida’s Grade 4 Nature of Science benchmarks into action! 🧪📚 They practiced:
🔎 Making Observations: Examining evidence and recording what they discovered.
🦴 Using Evidence: Drawing reasonable conclusions based on the bones and other remains they found.
🧠 Thinking Like Scientists: Distinguishing between what they directly observed and what they could infer from their discoveries.
🤝 Scientific Investigation: Asking questions, exploring evidence, and developing explanations about the natural world.
Who knew an owl’s leftovers could teach us so much? Our Mustangs are proving that science is full of surprises when curiosity leads the way! 🦉💙💛
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #NatureOfScience #HandsOnLearning #FutureScientists #ScienceInAction
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY! There are a few changes from last year's event.
Get ready for a rootin' tootin' good time at Cracker Trail Elementary!
📅 Thursday, November 12, 2026
⏰ 5:00–7:00 PM
🍔 $5 Hot Dog or Hamburger Meal
Includes chips and a drink!
🎟️ $5 Wristbands
💵 BRING CASH!
NEW THIS YEAR: All meals and wristbands will be purchased the NIGHT OF THE EVENT. No advance purchases!
We can't wait to see our Mustangs and families there! 🖤💛
A big THANK YOU to everyone who helped make this event special: our students, teachers, staff, and visitors who came out to celebrate with us. Your participation made the morning extra special!
We appreciate you helping make CTE such a fun and wonderful place to learn! 💛🖤
Photos will be loading here throughout the day....stay tuned!
#CTEMustangs
#CharacterParade
🎃👻🐎 GET READY, MUSTANGS! OUR FALL CHARACTER PARADE IS TOMORROW! 🐎👻🎃
📚🎃 Our annual Fall Character Parade is happening Friday, October 30, at 8:30 AM! We can’t wait to see our Mustangs bring their favorite characters to life! Costumes do not have to be book characters, so let those imaginations run wild! 🦸♀️🧙♀️👑
👨👩👧👦 FAMILIES ARE WELCOME! ❤️ Parents and family members are invited to attend!
🪪 IMPORTANT VISITOR REMINDERS:
🎃 Please arrive early! Visitor check-in will begin at 7:30 AM.
🎃 All visitors must bring a valid photo ID.
🎃 Please be patient as we check in our Mustang families.
👗 COSTUME GUIDELINES:
🐎 Minimal makeup and no fake blood.
🐎 No weapons or exposed undergarments.
🐎 No exposed midriffs, low-cut or transparent clothing.
🐎 Shorts and dresses must reach at least mid-thigh.
🐎 Closed-toe shoes only (no heels).
🐎 No chokers, wallet chains, or chain belts.
🎒 DON’T FORGET! Please send your child to school in their costume with a change of clothes to put on after the parade.
We’re looking forward to a spooktacular morning filled with imagination, smiles, and Mustang spirit! 💙💛🎃
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #FallCharacterParade #MustangSpirit
Our Mustangs showed up in style for Red Ribbon Week’s “Team Up Against Drugs” Day! 🙌 We had lots of teams represented across campus, but there were definitely LOTS of Tampa Bay Rays jerseys in the mix! ⚾🌟 RAYS UP! 💙☀️
We love seeing our Mustangs come together to make healthy choices, support one another, and stand strong against drugs! 💪❤️
💕 TOMORROW IS BE KIND DAY! 💕
Let’s spread kindness everywhere we go! Wear something that shows kindness, positivity, or a message of hope! 🌈😊 Let’s fill the CTE corral with good vibes and Mustang kindness!
🐎💙💛 Together, We Run Strong!
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #RedRibbonWeek #TeamUpAgainstDrugs #RaysUp #BeKind #ChooseKindness #HealthyChoices #MustangPride
Get ready, Mustangs! 💙💛 Our annual Fall Character Parade is happening this Friday, October 30, 2026, at 8:30 AM! 🎉 We can’t wait to see our students bring their favorite characters to life! Costumes do NOT have to be book characters, so let those imaginations run wild! 🦸♂️👑🧚♀️
🎭 COSTUME GUIDELINES
Please review the following guidelines carefully to ensure all costumes meet the School Board of Highlands County Dress Code and Student Code of Conduct:
🎃 Minimal makeup
🎃 No weapons
🎃 No exposed midriffs
🎃 Undergarments must not be visible
🎃 No fake blood
🎃 No low-cut or transparent clothing
🎃 No shorts or dresses above mid-thigh
🎃 Closed-toe shoes only (no heels)
🎃 No chokers, wallet chains, or chain belts
👕 IMPORTANT REMINDER: Please send your child to school wearing their costume and pack a change of clothes for them to change into after the parade.
👨👩👧👦 PARENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND!
We love having our Mustang families join us for special events! ❤️ Please remember these important visitor reminders:
🪪 Bring a photo ID. All visitors must check in through our Centegix visitor management system.
⏰ Arrive early! Visitor check-in will begin at 7:30 AM to allow plenty of time before the parade starts at 8:30 AM. Please be patient as we work to check in everyone safely.
📍 Parents may visit the front office any school day before the event, from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM, to be pre-scanned in the visitor system. You must still check in on the morning of the parade.
We are looking forward to a spooktacular morning filled with creativity, imagination, and Mustang pride! 🐎🧡🖤
Together, We Run Strong!
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #FallCharacterParade #MustangPride #CharacterParade #FallFun #MustangFamily
WOW, Mustangs! Our campus was FULL of superheroes today for BE A HERO DAY! 💥💪 From capes to superhero shirts and colors, our Mustangs showed us that being a hero means making strong, brave, and healthy choices! 🌟❤️
But guess what? The adventure continues TOMORROW! 🏈⚽🏀⚾
👕 TOMORROW IS TEAM UP AGAINST DRUGS DAY! 🐎
Rep your favorite sports team by wearing your favorite sports team shirt or jersey! 🏆 Whether you're cheering for football, basketball, baseball, soccer, or another favorite team, let's show everyone that our Mustangs are ON THE TEAM FOR A DRUG-FREE LIFE! 💪🎗️
🏅 Remember, the best team wins when everyone makes healthy choices!
TEAM UP. STAND STRONG. LIVE DRUG-FREE! 💙💛🐎
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #RedRibbonWeek #TeamUpAgainstDrugs #DrugFreeLife #HealthyChoices #MustangPride #CTERanch #BeAhero #DrugFreeLooksLikeMe
Mustangs, it’s time to get those pennies ready! 🪙🐎 The CTE Ranch is getting ready for some good ol’ fashioned fun, and our PTO is bringing back KISS THE PIG! 😂🐷
🗓️ PENNY COLLECTION: October 27 – November 11
👀 Here’s the deal: The teacher who collects the LEAST amount AND the teacher who collects the MOST amount will BOTH have the honor of kissing the pig at our CTE Hoedown on November 12! 💋🐽
💰 Every penny counts! So, check those couch cushions, empty those piggy banks, and bring your spare change to help your favorite teacher… or maybe send another teacher in for a piggy smooch! 🤣🪙
❤️ Even better? ALL proceeds benefit the CTE Caring Closet, a free resource for our students and families. Your spare change makes a BIG difference for our Mustang family! 💙💛
🤫 Who will be kissing the pig? Only time (and those pennies) will tell!
LET THE PENNY COLLECTION BEGIN! 🐷🪙🌵
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #KissThePig #CTEHoedown #GetYourPenniesReady #PennyCollection #CTECaringCloset #MustangPride #PTOFundraiser 🤠🐎
WOW, Mustangs! ❤️🤍💙 Judging by these pictures, our school was seeing RED today! 🔴😍 Thank you to everyone who joined in and showed their commitment to making healthy, drug-free choices! Together, we’re spreading an important message across the CTE Ranch! 🐎💪
🦸♀️🦸♂️ TOMORROW IS BE A HERO DAY! 🦸♂️🦸♀️
Mustangs, it’s time to unleash your superpowers! 💥 Wear your favorite superhero shirt or superhero colors to show the world that you are STRONG, BRAVE, and DRUG-FREE! 💪❤️
Remember, the greatest superpower of all is making healthy choices! 🌟 Let’s keep showing our Mustang pride and standing strong against drugs!
BE A HERO. BE DRUG-FREE. TOGETHER, WE RUN STRONG! 🐎💙💛
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #RedRibbonWeek #BeAHero #DrugFreeLooksLikeMe #StrongBraveDrugFree #HealthyChoices #MustangPride #CTERanch
🐷🪣🤠 WHAT IN THE WORLD IS GOING DOWN ON THE CTE RANCH?! 🤠🪣🐷
👀 Our PTO cowpokes are up to something! They’re busy checking staff names on these mysterious buckets, and we have a feeling there’s some KISSING involved! 😘🐷
🐎 The CTE HOEDOWN IS COMING! 🎉 And you know what that means, Mustangs… it’s almost time to KISS THE PIG! 🐷💋
💰 Start gathering those pennies, digging through those couch cushions, and emptying those piggy banks! Every penny counts when it comes to deciding who might be puckering up for a little piggy smooch! 😂🐽
🤫 Who’s getting your pennies? Who’s getting nominated? And WHO will be kissing that pig? The suspense is building on the CTE Ranch! 🌵🐎
STAY TUNED, MUSTANGS… SOMETHING BIG (AND A LITTLE PINK) IS COMING! 🐷💋
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #KissThePig #CTEHoedown #GetYourPenniesReady #PennyWars #MustangFun #PTOFundraiser 🤠💙💛
Hey, Mustangs! Are you ready to be heroes? 🦸♀️🦸♂️ Tomorrow, Monday, October 26, we kick off Red Ribbon Week at Cracker Trail Elementary! It’s time to show our school spirit, spread kindness, and stand together for a healthy, drug-free life! 💪❤️
📅 TOMORROW’S DRESS-UP DAY:
🔴 MONDAY, OCTOBER 26 – RED DAY!
❤️ Wear RED to show you’re part of the Red Ribbon movement and stand for a drug-free future!
Let’s start the week strong and show everyone that every Mustang can be a hero by making healthy choices! 🐎💙💛
Stay tuned for the rest of our Red Ribbon Week dress-up days, and get ready to show your Mustang pride all week long!
Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug-Free! ❤️🎗️
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #RedRibbonWeek #BeAHero #StayDrugFree #MustangPride
Our Cracker Trail Elementary Art Club is taking the lead on this year’s CTE Food Drive, and they have a BIG challenge for our Mustang family! 💙💛
🏆 THE CHALLENGE: Can we collect as much food as the CTE Art Club weighs?! ⚖️🎨
That’s right, Mustangs! We’re challenging our school and community to help us collect an incredible amount of food to support those in need. Every can, box, and donation counts! ❤️
📅 Food Drive Dates: November 2–19, 2026
📦 Want to help us fill the boxes? We would LOVE to partner with local businesses in our community! If you or your business would like to host a food collection box, please contact Mrs. Sebring at Cracker Trail Elementary. Together, we can make a BIG difference!
More information about school collection procedures is coming soon!
Now… WHERE IS THAT HUGE SCALE?! 😂⚖️🐎 We have some weighing to do!
Let’s show our community what happens when Mustangs come together to help others! 💙💛
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #CTEFoodDrive #MustangsGiveBack #CommunityStrong #FoodDriveChallenge
📚🎃 Our annual Fall Character Parade is happening Friday, October 30, at 8:30 AM! We can’t wait to see our Mustangs bring their favorite characters to life! Costumes do not have to be book characters, so let those imaginations run wild! 🦸♀️🧙♀️👑
👨👩👧👦 FAMILIES ARE WELCOME! ❤️ Parents and family members are invited to attend!
🪪 IMPORTANT VISITOR REMINDERS:
🎃 Please arrive early! Visitor check-in will begin at 7:30 AM.
🎃 All visitors must bring a valid photo ID.
🎃 Please be patient as we check in our Mustang families.
👗 COSTUME GUIDELINES:
🐎 Minimal makeup and no fake blood.
🐎 No weapons or exposed undergarments.
🐎 No exposed midriffs, low-cut or transparent clothing.
🐎 Shorts and dresses must reach at least mid-thigh.
🐎 Closed-toe shoes only (no heels).
🐎 No chokers, wallet chains, or chain belts.
🎒 DON’T FORGET! Please send your child to school in their costume with a change of clothes to put on after the parade.
We’re looking forward to a spooktacular morning filled with imagination, smiles, and Mustang spirit! 💙💛🎃
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #FallCharacterParade #MustangSpirit
It’s time for our Mustangs to show their spirit and take a stand for a healthy, drug-free life! 💪❤️ Red Ribbon Week is October 26–30, and we’re ready to make a difference, spread kindness, and remind everyone that YOU can be a hero by choosing to be drug-free! 🦸♀️🦸♂️
📅 RED RIBBON WEEK DRESS-UP DAYS
🔴 Monday, October 26 – Red Day!
Wear RED to show you’re part of the Red Ribbon movement!
🦸 Tuesday, October 27 – Be a HERO!
Wear your favorite superhero shirt or colors to show you’re strong, brave, and drug-free!
🏈 Wednesday, October 28 – Team Up Against Drugs!
Wear your favorite sports team shirt or jersey to show you’re on the team for a drug-free life!
💛 Thursday, October 29 – Be Kind!
Wear something that shows kindness, positivity, or a message of hope!
🎃 Friday, October 30 – Costume Day!
Wear your costume for our Character Parade! Please remember: no weapons or fake blood.
❤️ Every choice matters, and every Mustang can make a difference! Let’s show our school spirit, spread positivity, and stand together for a healthy, drug-free future!
Make a Difference. Be a Hero. Stay Drug-Free! 🐎💙💛
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #RedRibbonWeek #BeAHero #StayDrugFree #MakeADifference #ChooseHealthy #MustangPride
As you know our 2nd Grade Mustangs recently wrapped up their Ancient Greek Civilization unit with their very own Olympic Games! 🇬🇷🎉 Today, we're putting the spotlight on most of the teams that brought the competition to life!
💙💛 Our young athletes showed off their team spirit, teamwork, determination, and friendly competitive spirit as they participated in their own version of the ancient Olympic Games!
🏛️ As part of their learning, students discovered that the original Olympic Games were held in honor of Zeus, king of the Greek gods, and that footraces were among the first events. They also explored how the ancient games compare to the Olympics we enjoy today!
🥇 From team pride to Olympic-sized enthusiasm, these Mustangs proved that learning history can be an absolute gold-medal experience!
📸 Thank you to our Olympic teams for bringing the spirit of ancient Greece to the CTE Ranch! 🐎🏅
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #AncientGreece #SecondGrade #OlympicGames #Teamwork #HandsOnLearning #FutureOlympians
🐎🔒 VISITING CTE FOR AN UPCOMING EVENT? PLEASE READ! 🔒🐎
Are you planning to join us on campus for our Character Parade on Friday, October 30, or our Veterans Day Program on Wednesday, November 11? 🇺🇸🎃
We are excited to welcome our Mustang families and honored guests! 💙💛 Before heading to your event, please stop by the front office with your photo ID to be approved through our new Visitu visitor management program. 🪪✅
⏰ Want to save time on event day? You are welcome to stop by the front office any school day between 8:00 AM and 3:00 PM to complete your scanning and approval ahead of time!
You will still need to check in when you arrive for the event, but having your approval completed ahead of time will make the process quicker and smoother. 🙌
Your cooperation helps us keep our students, staff, and campus as safe as possible. Thank you for partnering with us to make school safety a priority! ❤️🐎
We appreciate you, Mustang family! Together, we keep our herd safe! 💙💛
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #SchoolSafety #Centegix #MustangFamily #SafeSchools
🤍💙 ARE YOU A VETERAN? WE WANT TO HONOR YOU! 💙🤍❤️🇺🇸
Cracker Trail Elementary would be honored to recognize the veterans in our Mustang family during our Veterans Day Program on Wednesday, November 11, 2026! 🇺🇸🐎
If you are a veteran, we would love for you to join us as we celebrate and thank you for your service and sacrifice. ❤️
📝 SIGN UP TO BE RECOGNIZED!
Please complete our sign-up form using the link below so we can honor you during our program.
🔗 Veterans Day Sign-Up Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd8vQWqd3Zq_aEPSUSs2fBGers4KmoCnseMBCJW_rlAFp85vg/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Please be prepared to share the following information:
🇺🇸 Veteran’s Name
🇺🇸 Branch of Service
🇺🇸 Rank
🇺🇸 Relationship to CTE Student(s)
Thank you for your service to our country! We are proud to recognize the heroes in our Mustang family and hope to see you at our Veterans Day Program! ❤️🤍💙
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #VeteransDay #ThankYouForYourService #MustangPride
Our 2nd graders wrapped up their Ancient Greek Civilization unit with their very own Olympic Games! 🇬🇷🎉 What a fun way to bring history to life while celebrating learning, teamwork, and friendly competition!
Along the way, our Mustangs explored some fascinating facts about the original Olympic Games:
🏛️ Who were the games held in honor of? Zeus, king of the Greek gods!
🏃 What events were included in the first Olympics? Footraces!
🥇 How do the Olympics of today compare to those of ancient Greece? Students discussed the similarities and differences between the ancient competitions and the many exciting events we enjoy watching today!
From ancient footraces to modern Olympic sports, our Mustangs discovered that some things never change: the excitement of competition, the value of perseverance, and the joy of doing your best! 💙💛
Way to go, 2nd Grade Mustangs! You brought a little ancient Greek history and a whole lot of Olympic spirit to the CTE Ranch! 🐎🏅
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #AncientGreece #SecondGrade #HandsOnLearning #FutureOlympians
Hey, Mustangs! Picture makeup day is TOMORROW, Tuesday, October 20! 📷✨
If your student missed our original Picture Day, this is their chance to get their picture taken! Be sure to have them ready to smile! 😁
📱 Want to view and order pictures online? You can set up a Lifetouch account using our Picture Day ID:
🔑 Picture Day ID: EVT62X3NT
We can’t wait to see those Mustang smiles! 💙💛🐎
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #PictureDay #Lifetouch #MustangSmiles
Work has begun on lengthening our turn lane entering our front gate from the south! This improvement is designed to enhance traffic flow and make arrival and dismissal smoother for our Mustang families. 💙💛
🛠️ What to Expect:
Construction will take place periodically over the next month.
Crews will make every effort to work outside of student drop-off and pick-up times.
Whenever possible, work will also be scheduled when school is not in session.
The goal is to have the new turn lane paved and completed by the end of November!
Please be aware that you may notice construction activity near our front entrance during this time. We appreciate your patience, flexibility, and cooperation as we continue making improvements to our campus.
👏 A BIG MUSTANG THANK-YOU! 👏
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to the Highlands County Road and Bridge Department and their hardworking staff for their time, effort, and dedication to making these improvements possible! We appreciate your partnership and all you do to help keep our community moving forward. 💙💛
Thank you to everyone for helping us keep our Mustangs moving safely! 🐎
💙💛 Together, We Run Strong!
#CTEMustangs #TogetherWeRunStrong #CTERanch #CampusImprovements #MustangPride #HighlandsCounty #CommunityPartners
