🐎💙 Cracker Trail Elementary Mustangs 💙🐎

Our Kindergarten Mustangs had a wonderful time diving into their “Community Helpers” unit with some very special visitors from our community! 🚓🚒👩‍⚕️👷

These real-life heroes took time to share about their important jobs, answer questions, and inspire our young learners. Our students loved every moment and gained a deeper understanding of how community helpers make a difference in our everyday lives.

Our visitors included:

  • Aeromed from Tampa General Hospital

  • Safety Car from Sebring International Speedway 

  • Sebring Animal Hospital Veterinarian - Dr. Hinds 

  • Highlands County Sheriff’s Department  - Sheriff Blackman, Deputy Turner & K-9 Tripoli

  • HCSO Chaplain Alan Altvater &

    Therapy Dog Janie

  • Nurses Danielle & Brandon Hoopingarner

  • Highlands County Fire Rescue

A big THANK YOU to all of our visitors for supporting our school and helping bring learning to life! 💛

#CTEMustangs #CommunityHelpers #KindergartenLearning #FutureLeaders #ThankYouCommunity

2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
Our Kindergarten Mustangs had a wonderful time diving into their “Community Helpers” unit with some very special visitors from our community! 🚓🚒👩‍⚕️👷
Our Kindergarten Mustangs had a wonderful time diving into their “Community Helpers” unit with some very special visitors from our community! 🚓🚒👩‍⚕️👷
Our Kindergarten Mustangs had a wonderful time diving into their “Community Helpers” unit with some very special visitors from our community! 🚓🚒👩‍⚕️👷
Our Kindergarten Mustangs had a wonderful time diving into their “Community Helpers” unit with some very special visitors from our community! 🚓🚒👩‍⚕️👷
Our Kindergarten Mustangs had a wonderful time diving into their “Community Helpers” unit with some very special visitors from our community! 🚓🚒👩‍⚕️👷
Our Kindergarten Mustangs had a wonderful time diving into their “Community Helpers” unit with some very special visitors from our community! 🚓🚒👩‍⚕️👷
🦁🎭 Are You Ready for CTE’s Presentation of The Lion King? 🎭🦁

Our talented Mustang cast has been hard at work preparing for our production of The Lion King! Here they are rehearsing with our amazing music teacher, Mr. Hayes, who is helping bring every song and scene to life. 🎶✨

Practice makes better, and this group is putting in the time, energy, and heart to make this show SUPER! We cannot wait for you to see their hard work shine on stage in our cafeteria on Tuesday, April 21, 2026. 🌟

#CTEMustangs #TheLionKing #MustangPerformers #CTEFineArts #PracticeMakesBetter
2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
🦁🎭 Are You Ready for CTE’s Presentation of The Lion King? 🎭🦁 Our talented Mustang cast has been hard at work preparing for our production of The Lion King! Here they are rehearsing with our amazing music teacher, Mr. Hayes, who is helping bring every song and scene to life. 🎶✨ Practice makes better, and this group is putting in the time, energy, and heart to make this show SUPER! We cannot wait for you to see their hard work shine on stage. 🌟 #CTEMustangs #TheLionKing #MustangPerformers #CTEFineArts #PracticeMakesBetter
CTE staff got a special treat just in time for spring break! 🌸🥜🍫

A huge thank you to our amazing office team for putting together a Make Your Own Trail Mix bar for everyone to enjoy the week before Spring Break. It was the perfect way to add a little fun and appreciation to our day before the break!

We truly appreciate all the thoughtful ways our office crew supports and uplifts our staff—thank you for making us feel valued! 💙

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #CTESnacks #ThankYou #OfficeStaffAppreciation #SpringBreakVibes #SchoolFamily #Grateful #TrailMixTreats
2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
Trail mix provided by the office staff.
🔬💡 Hands-On Science in 5th Grade! 💡🔬

During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!

After a busy few weeks preparing for the Science Fair, this group of 5th graders were excited to jump back into a fun, hands-on experiment. Learning by doing makes science come to life! ⚡🔍

#CTEMustangs #CTERocks #CrackerTrailElementary #MustangScientists #HandsOnLearning #STEMEducation #FutureInnovators #ScienceInAction
2 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!
During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!
During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!
During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!
During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!
During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!
During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!
During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!
During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!
During science block, Mrs. Cook’s 5th graders spent time investigating and illustrating how electricity flows through a closed circuit (a complete loop) by creating their own popsicle stick flashlights!

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

This is our final Hoedown throwback photo for this week! We’ve loved taking a walk down memory lane and celebrating the traditions that make Cracker Trail Elementary so special.

Kiss the Pig! 💛

One tradition that has always brought big laughs and big cheers is our Kiss the Pig grand finale! 🐷💋 It’s been a Hoedown highlight year after year.

Back in 2003, two brave staff members stepped up for the big moment — longtime Mustang Mrs. Sherri Crow, then a 2nd grade teacher and our very own Mr. K., who was serving as an ESE Resource Teacher at the time (and is now our proud principal). Now that’s school spirit!

Thank you for enjoying these Hoedown memories with us — we can’t wait to make even more! 🤠🐎

3 months ago, Cracker Trail Elementary
Teachers Kiss the Pig 2003
Teachers Kiss the Pig 2003
Teachers Kiss the Pig 2003
Teachers Kiss the Pig 2003

🤠🐎 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!

3 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
3 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!

3 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 🍀
3 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!
3 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
3 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
3 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! ⭐
3 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

3 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

3 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