Breaker Bulletin

As we head into another exciting week at GMS, we encourage parents to check their child’s grades regularly through Schoology to stay informed about their academic progress. If you experience any issues accessing Schoology, please reach out to your child’s grade-level administrator for assistance.

With the Thanksgiving holidays approaching, we also encourage our Breakers to continue practicing good attendance habits, as the next two months will bring several days out of school for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Our basketball season is just around the corner, and we cannot wait to see McKelvey Gymnasium come alive with the sights and sounds of Breaker Basketball!

As always, thank you for allowing us to be a part of your child’s education. We are grateful for the opportunity to serve our Breakers and never take it for granted.

Go Breakers!

Nate Roper

Principal

Throughout school all students will be provided breakfast and lunch for FREE. Although students are provided lunch, students are still more than welcome to bring their lunch if they prefer.

The cafeteria will begin to sell snacks ranging from brownies, chips, and drinks. Students are able to purchase them if they have money on their account or cash.

Want to be part of our award-winning teams? Join Gettys Athletics! Athletics are a great way to make new friends, build confidence, develop teamwork, and be part of the Gettys community. Whether you're trying a new sport for the first time or you've been playing for years, there's a place for you. During the fall and winter seasons, Gettys offers football, volleyball, cheerleading, and boys' and girls' basketball. Students also have the opportunity to continue representing Gettys by participating in a variety of sports through Easley High School, if it is not offered at GMS.

Important Athletic Dates:

• 11/2- Boys Basketball Try-outs @ GMS 6-7:30pm

• 11/3- Boys Basketball Try-outs @ GMS 6-7:30pm

• 11/4- Boys Basketball Try-outs @ GMS 6-7:30pm

• 11/4- Girls Basketball Try-outs @ GMS

• 11/5- Girls Basketball Try-outs @ GMS

• 11/5- GMS football (A & B TEAM) vs Pickens @ @ EHS 6:00pm/ 8th Grade Night!!!!!

• 11/9-11/10 Boys Basketball Tryouts. Final cuts 11/10

• 11/12- Boys Basketball parent meeting

The Breaker is our weekly news show highlighting Gettys Greatness, and is 100% student led and produced. Students work on one of 4 teams: Hosts/Editors, Inside the Classrooms, School/Community News, and Creative Fun. Our team highlights the wonderful learning and teaching here at GMS, school-wide news and events, and showcases the fun and zany side of our students and staff. Episodes "air" each Friday and can be seen on YouTube. Please like and subscribe on our YouTube Channel @GMSTheBreaker.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/@GMSTheBreaker

Does your student enjoy singing or playing an instrument? Are they interested in songwriting, graphic design, sound and lighting, or working behind the scenes at live events?

The Art and Science of Music offers SDPC students in grades 6–12 the chance to work alongside musicians and entertainment professionals to create original music and help produce a live show.

Presented by the South Carolina Entertainment and Music Hall of Fame, this experience will take place November 19–21, 2026, at Easley High School, concluding with a live performance alongside Hall of Fame musicians.

Students will work in small teams, contributing through music, design, promotion, stage production, and other roles. No audition is required, and students do not have to sing or play an instrument to participate.

Anticipated Schedule:

• Thursday, November 19: Evening workshop beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m.

• Friday, November 20: Full-day workshop, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Participants will be excused from school to attend.

• Saturday, November 21: Final production preparations and live performance at 7:00 p.m. Student arrival time and additional details will be shared with participating families.

The participation fee is $35 per student. Students must attend all three days, and families must provide transportation to and from Easley High School.

Complete the Student Workshop Interest Form to receive registration information and additional details. Submitting the interest form does not complete registration.

INTEREST FORM - The Art and Science of Music

• 11/2- NO SCHOOL for students
• 11/3- NO SCHOOL for staff and students
• 11/11- Veteran's Day Program
• 11/13- Choral Festival- Southern Wesleyan
• 11/19- Picture Day
• 11/23-11/27- NO SCHOOL- Thanksgiving Break
• 12/3- All County Band Auditions in cafeteria
• 12/4- Make up picture day
• 12/4- 8th grade chorus to Clemson University 10am

No worries! If you missed one of our previous newsletters, we've made it easy to catch up. Please use the Google Doc linked below, which houses all of our newsletters and important resources in one convenient location. You'll find links to school information, forms, procedures, important dates, and other helpful updates to keep your family informed throughout the school year.

Link: Breaker Bulletin Newsletter

We are excited to partner with local businesses, organizations, and community members who want to support our students and school! Sponsorships help us provide meaningful opportunities, activities, and experiences for our students while strengthening our connection with the community.

As a thank-you for supporting Gettys, our sponsors will also be recognized and featured in our school newsletter, giving our Gettys families an opportunity to learn more about the businesses and organizations that support our students.

If you are interested in becoming a Gettys Middle School sponsor, please fill out this form. We would love to partner with you!

Looking for a fun night out close to home? The Pickens County Performing Arts Center brings nationally known musicians, comedians, tribute bands, family shows, and local performances to our community all year long. Whether you're planning a family outing or a date night, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to check out their upcoming events and performance schedule, you never know who will be coming to town next!

For information click: https://www.pickenstheater.com/

The Pickens County Library System’s fall lineup at the Captain Kimberly Hampton Memorial Library offers a lively mix of creative, social, and family-friendly programs. From art workshops and tabletop games to movie nights and spooky local history sessions, these events bring the community together for learning and fun. With something happening nearly every week, from Pokémon Club for all ages to Teen Art Club and Haunted Histories, the library continues to be a hub of imagination and connection for teens, families, and adults alike. Most events are free and loads of fun!!!

Please click the link for more information: https://pickenscountylibrarysystem.com/

Discover Music:

They offer private lessons in almost any instrument you can name. Work one-on-one with your instructor to achieve your musical goals. They offer recitals twice per year in our own recital hall.

Be a Drama Queen (or King):

They also offer classes for aspiring young actors at the Fine Arts Center of Easley. From beginner classes to fully-staged productions , this program was designed to introduce and cultivate a love for acting!

See webpage for more information: https://fineartscenterofeasley.com/

🎓 Opportunities for Our SDPC Families!

Did you know that Pickens County Adult Learning offers FREE educational opportunities and support for adults in our community? Whether you are looking to continue your education, strengthen your skills, or prepare for your next step, Adult Learning is here to help!

Services include opportunities to earn a high school diploma or GED, improve reading and math skills, learn English through ESL classes, prepare for college or career opportunities, and build skills for the workplace.

We encourage our Gettys families to take advantage of these valuable community resources. Investing in your education can open the door to new opportunities for you and your family!

👉 Learn more about available programs, enrollment, locations, and frequently asked questions:
Explore Pickens County Adult Learning

Website: https://gms.pickens.k12.sc.us/

Location: 510 South Pendleton Street, Easley, SC, USA
Phone: 864-397-3900
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094511628965

SDPC APP: www.pickens.k12.sc.us/page/mobile-app