Hawk Highlights
GVMS Weekly Newsletter
October 27 2024, Volume 4, Issue 11
Dear GVMS Parents, Students, and Staff:
As we wrap up the first marking period, it's a perfect time to take a step back and celebrate how far our students have come. These last few months have been full of hard work, new challenges, and growth, and I’m proud of all they’ve achieved. Whether they’ve been pushing their academic limits, discovering new interests, or finding ways to overcome obstacles.
This period is more than just about report cards; it’s about taking stock of progress and using the feedback to guide the next steps. Encourage your child to look at this moment as a fresh opportunity to set new goals, refine their strengths, and address areas where they can improve. We’re here to walk alongside them, ensuring they have the support, resources, and encouragement they need to keep moving forward.
I also want to remind you of the upcoming Touch Base Conferences on November 4. This is an ideal time for you to connect directly with your child’s teachers, ask questions, and align on how we can all work together to ensure the best outcomes for our students. More information on Touch Base Conferences is found below in Hawk Highlights.
Thank you for continuing to partner with us. Together, we can make sure each student at GVMS is equipped to reach their full potential as we head into the next quarter of the school year!
Monday, October 28, 2024 is an A DAY.
Here's to another successful and impactful week at GVMS! With a Champion Mindset, Together We RISE!
In Partnership,
Ed Schultz
Principal
GVMS Building Hours
Our Bell times for the 24/25 SY are: 8:10 AM - 2:50 PM
Instruction will begin at 8:15 AM each day. There will not be a homeroom/ advisory at the beginning of the day. On time arrival is very important to ensure there is no loss of learning opportunities for our students.
Please Note: Students arriving after 8:10 AM (not on a bus) will be marked tardy.
We are able to welcome students as early as 7:40 AM. Students will be seated in the Cafeteria until 7:55 AM.
Parents/Guardians: The kiss and ride line can become a bit long in the morning however, from 7:40 - 8:00 AM it is moving pretty well. You may consider dropping off prior to 8:00 AM to beat the rush.
PLEASE do NOT enter the surrounding neighborhood, Lifetime Fitness/ Wentworth Green dr./ University blvd. to drop off/ pickup your child. This is unsafe and will not be permitted.
You must use our kiss and ride procedures found below for arrival and dismissal.
Office Hours: 7:30 - 4:00 PM
Hawk Highlights
Hawk Highlights is my weekly newsletter to families. I will send Hawk Highlights out weekly, typically on Sunday evening. You will receive a text link and an email each week to the newsletter.
This is the best source of receiving updated information weekly from the school. I do provide quite an abundance of information in these newsletters but have received supportive feedback from families with this approach. I will remove information in which the deadline has past, pertaining to the information provided. Hawk Highlights is archived on our school website and you can access prior editions from there.
All-County Chorus
This past weekend, we had the opportunity to send 20 students to All-County Chorus at Forest Park High School. These students learned brand new concert music under a guest conductor and performed a concert with some of the best singers in the county! We are so proud of them and how they represented Gainesville Middle School.
GVMS Upcoming Events
All clubs and practices begin at 3:00 PM and end at 4:30 PM unless otherwise noted.
Monday, October 28, 2024
Fall Play Rehearsal, 3-4:45 PM
Athletics – Cheer Practice, 3-5 PM
Robotics Tech Team Practice, 3-5 PM
Clubs - Battle of the Books, Dungeons & Dragons, Pokémon, Writing, 3-4:30 PM
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Athletics – Cheer Practice, 3-5 PM
Fall Play Rehearsal, 3-4:45 PM
Away Game - Football
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
Athletics – Cheer Practice, 3-5 PM
Robotics Tech Team Practice, 3-5 PM
PTO & PAC Meeting via Zoom, 6 PM
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Athletics – Cheer Practice, 3-5 PM
Clubs- Chess & Other Strategy Games, Step Team
Robotics Tech Team Practice, 3-5 PM
Fall Play Rehearsal, 3-4:45 PM
Friday, November 1, 2024
NO SCHOOL
Monday, November 4, 2024
NO SCHOOL
Touch Base Conferences, 8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Athletics - Cheer Practice
Thursday, November 7, 2024
Athletics – Cheer Practice, Boys Basketball Tryouts, 3-5 PM
Clubs- Art, Baton, Chess & Other Strategy Games, FBLA, House Leadership Meeting, Step Team
Fall Play Rehearsal, 3-4:45 PM
Robotics Tech Team Practice, 3-5 PM
Friday, November 8, 2024
Athletics - Cheer Practice, Boys Basketball Tryouts, 3-5 PM
Monday, November 11, 2024
NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
Athletics – Boys Basketball Tryouts, 3-5 PM & Cheer Practice, 3-5 PM
Fall Play Rehearsal, 3-4:45 PM
Robotics Tech Team Practice, 3-5 PM
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
Athletics – Boys Basketball & Cheer Practice, 3-5 PM
Thursday, November 14, 2024
Athletics – Boys Basketball & Cheer Practice, 3-5 PM
Clubs - Battle of the Books, Art, Baton, Chess & Other Strategy Games, Pokémon, Step Team
Fall Play Rehearsal, 3-4:45 PM
Robotics Tech Team Practice, 3-5 PM
Friday, November 15, 2024
Athletics – Boys Basketball & Cheer Practice, 3-5 PM
Robotics Tech Team Practice, 3-5 PM
PTO Bingo Night – 7-8:30 PM
GVMS Winter #1 Sports Tryout Dates 24-25
Winter Sports Season #1 - Boys' Basketball.
Thursday 11/7/24
Friday 11/8/24
Tuesday 11/12/24
All try-out dates run from 3:00 - 5:00 PM.
*Extra tryout days may be added due to weather.
It is important to note that students are NOT allowed to walk home from tryouts or athletics events at any time. Please plan on picking up your child at GVMS prior to 5 pm.
The only sport offered for Winter Sports Season #1 is Boys' Basketball.
In order to try out for an athletics team, all students must:
- Take concussion training;
- Meet participation requirements; and
- Have a current physical dated after May 1, 2024.
Important Forms
Middle School Physical Exam Form (PDF)
Concussion Training Information
All student-athletes and their parent/guardian are required to complete an annual Concussion Training according to PWCS Policy 759. Concussion training information can be found on the PWCS Concussion Information Website.
Please email Mr. Cadolino at cadolisx@pwcs.edu with any questions.
Eligibility for Athletics
Middle school interscholastic athletics follows the Virginia High School League (VHSL) eligibility rules, and in addition to the VHSL eligibility rules, the following applies to interscholastic athletics, marching band, and drill team:
- To be academically eligible, a student must pass a minimum of five classes and fail no more than one class for the nine-week grading period. The student shall be declared ineligible for the next grading period when not meeting this standard. This rule applies to practice as well as game participation. Students will begin or end academic eligibility or ineligibility on the Monday following the end of the grading period workday. Transfer students must comply with this standard, and grades from the transferring school must be reviewed to determine eligibility before participation by the Athletic Coordinator. Students who become eligible may begin game participation on Monday following the end of the workday for the grading period.
- Participation in middle school athletics is a privilege. Students are expected to abide by school expectations and the student Code of Behavior. Should the principal or principal’s designee determine that a student is not in compliance with school expectations or the student Code of Behavior they may at their discretion limit or suspend the right to participate or attend extracurricular activities.
Students - Get Ready for House Day! Friday, October 31
House Day is almost here, and we can't wait to celebrate our students' achievements throughout the first quarter and bring some friendly competition to life among our six houses! The day will be packed with exciting activities and events, all centered around our house system.
To kick things off, students will gather for House Meetings where they'll receive important updates about Gainesville Middle School and their specific house. Afterward, they'll get creative, decorating hallways with their house colors and shields to show off their team spirit.
The fun doesn’t stop there! Students will also participate in House BINGO and an engaging House Escape Room activity, giving them a chance to learn more about the house system while competing with classmates. Finally, the highlight of the day will be our House Games, where each of the six houses will go head-to-head in a series of thrilling competitions. This is the final opportunity for students to earn points for their house before the first quarter wraps up, so the stakes are high!
And don’t forget—the Quarter 1 house winners will be treated to a special reward on November 6, thanks to our generous PTO. We’re excited to see everyone decked out in their house shirts and colorful accessories, ready to bring the spirit and enthusiasm that makes House Day so special!
Let's make this House Day the best one yet!
Student Portraits @ Gainesville Middle School are now online!
Great News!
School Photos are now online!
Families should have received an E-proof via email.
Please remember to check your spam.
For any questions about your student's school pictures please contact: underclass@vosphoto.com
The team at Victor O’Neill Studios would like to thank Gainesville Middle School for a great picture day!
Make Up Picture Day will be held on Wednesday, November 13, an A Day.
Any family wishing to return their photos may have their student do so on picture day directly to the photographer. Their photo package will serve as a pass to Make Up Picture Day during their PE class or the class period they would normally have PE on a B Day. They will also need to fill out this form- https://forms.office.com/r/HCB96GrynB
GVMS Touch Base on 11/4/2024
We will host our Touch Base Conferences on Monday, November 4, from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM. We welcome you to join us for this great opportunity to briefly meet with your child’s teacher and get a snapshot of your child’s progress and achievement. Touch Base is a free-flowing event: you can come any time during the allotted window. Conferences are capped at five minutes, and you can opt to meet with some or all of your child’s teachers. We will also have staff on hand to provide support with Parent Vue and Canvas.
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Touch Base Conferences:
What is the purpose of a Touch Base Conference?
The purpose of a Touch Base Conference is to provide parents an opportunity to briefly meet with their child’s teachers to get an idea of the student’s progress, strengths, and areas for improvement as we move into the second quarter.
When are Touch Base Conferences occurring?
We will host our Touch Base conferences from 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM on November 4 at Gainesville Middle School. As mentioned above, you can come any time during that two-hour window. You do not have to be here right at 8:30 AM and you do not need to remain here for the entire time.
Where do I meet the teachers?
Teachers will be set up in various locations for the Touch Base event. Maps will be provided to attendees to make it easier to locate teachers. School counselors will be available as well.
Do I have to sign up to attend?
No, this is a first-come, first-serve event; you do not need to register. Due to the nature of the event, there may be lines to see teachers so please be patient as they try to meet with every parent.
Do I have to meet with all my students’ teachers?
No, please feel free to only meet with the teachers with whom you want to discuss your child’s progress. If you do not feel the need to speak to them, feel free to skip them altogether!
Can I meet with my student’s Encore teachers?
Yes, they will be available for you to meet with, too! Even though the first marking period has ended, Touch Base is a great time for you to meet with your student’s new Encore teacher for marking period 2 (6th and 7th-grade students).
What if five minutes isn’t enough time?
Due to the number of students that each teacher has and the resulting number of parents that will attend, please respect the five-minute time allotted for conferences. We recognize five minutes is not a lot of time, but the purpose of this event is to briefly meet with teachers to get a snapshot of your child’s progress. If you need to meet beyond the five-minute time, please email the teacher to set up a time to speak on the phone.
Will my student’s counselor be available?
Yes, school counselors will be available to meet with you.
Should my student attend the conference with me?
Students are not required to attend but are welcome. Please note, if you are bringing students, space in the meeting area is limited and students must always be supervised. Thank you in advance for your assistance with this request.
I can’t make it to the Touch Base event at school but would like to meet with my student’s teacher(s). What can I do?
Please reach out to GVMS to schedule a parent-teacher conference or reach out to the teacher directly to set up a time to talk via phone.
If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us. We look forward to seeing you on November 4th!
Red Ribbon Spirit Week
GVMS Fall Bookmark Contest
NNAT3 - Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test
Wednesday, November 6 - 6th Grade Students
Dear PWCS Family: This fall, the Naglieri Nonverbal Ability Test – Third Edition (NNAT3) will be administered to Grades 2, 6 and 9 students in Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS).
The NNAT3 is used to assess the development of reasoning and problem-solving skills in students as part of our universal screening process for Gifted Education. During this test, students are asked to solve a series of non-verbal logic problems, which provides them with an opportunity to demonstrate reasoning skills without relying on language.
More information is provided in the attachment below.
Please contact Ms. Emma Holland hollanej@pwcs.edu GVMS Testing Coordinator with any questions you may have.
HMH Growth Measure results to families by November 8
Dear Parent(s) and Guardian(s),
For the 2024-25 school year, PWCS will administer the HMH Reading Growth assessment in place of the Reading VGA assessment for grades 3-8. The HMH Growth Assessment is an assessment that we already give during the beginning, middle and end of the year. Because it can now replace the Reading VGA, this means one less assessment that your student must take. Students will still be required to take the Math VGA for grades 3-8. Neither the HMH Growth Measure nor the Math VGA count as grades for your students.
Your child completed the fall HMH Growth Measure. The HMH Growth Measure is a research-based computer adaptive test that measures a student’s language and reading comprehension and provides insight into your child’s performance through several measures.
· Scaled Score: The HMH Scaled Score is the primary score showing how the student performed on the Growth Measure, reflecting both the items the student answered correctly and item difficulty.
· Performance Level-Categories for the Scaled Scores: Scaled Scores are categorized, and color coded to reflect up to five Performance Levels.
· Grade Level Equivalence (GLE)- Grade Level Equivalence (GLE) provides a quick glance of grade-level readiness in various categories.
· Lexile Interval-The Lexile® Framework for Reading is a tool for matching student performance to appropriate texts and is based on their HMH Growth Measure Reading score.
PWCS Proud! employee recognition program
PWCS is excited to launch PWCS Proud! an employee recognition program aligned with the You Belong Here initiative for staff retention and engagement. PWCS staff, students, families, and community members are encouraged to nominate PWCS staff members who:
Contribute to one or more of the 2025 PWCS Strategic Plan Commitments;
Exemplify the six PWCS Core Values;
Provides exceptional contributions to PWCS through their work;
Model high standards while creating a strong sense of community.
The first nomination submission window will be open from October 7-October 28, 2024.
To learn more and submit a nomination, please visit our PWCS Proud! Webpage.
Food Service Associate Vacancies at Gainesville Middle School
The Food and Nutrition Department is thrilled to share that we have posted school-specific Food Service Associate positions at Gainesville Middle. To address the staffing needs at the school, we have determined that by not requiring substitute food service experience first, we may attract candidates who have relevant experience and the desire to work a set schedule at a designated school.
Associate Food Service positions are Grade 2, and rate of pay depends on proven experience. Candidates can expect to receive an hourly rate of $15.83 - $25.40. A set schedule and compensation based on experience are extremely attractive to jobseekers who desire to work Monday – Friday.
4 Hr Associate: https://jobs.pwcs.edu/workspace/wSpace.exe?Action=wsJobsMain&JobPosting=00052738
4.5 Hr Associate: https://jobs.pwcs.edu/workspace/wSpace.exe?Action=wsJobsMain&JobPosting=00052741
5.5 Hr Associate: https://jobs.pwcs.edu/workspace/wSpace.exe?Action=wsJobsMain&JobPosting=00052740
We are excited and motivated to post these roles at your school!
Impact Aid Information
Impact Aid is a federal education program that reimburses school districts for lost revenue and additional costs due to the presence of nontaxable federal property (such as military installations, Indian lands, national parks, national laboratories, and Veterans Affairs hospitals) in a community.
Funding under Impact Aid is allocated to local school divisions based on the number of qualifying students. For PWCS, a qualifying student is defined as:
- Has a parent or legal guardian who is active-duty member of the United States Uniformed Services; or
- Resides with a parent or legal guardian who works on federal property, in the state of Virginia, as a civilian employee.
Please log into your ParentVue account and complete a Student-Parent survey for each child in your household. Surveys will open September 30th. Surveys should be completed by November 30, 2024.
PWCS School Fee Payments Just Got Easier!
GVMS PTO UPDATES
News from the PTO
PTO next meeting will be October 30th at 6:00pm via zoom
Family Fun Events
Panda Express Spirit Night-October 23rd
Bingo Night- November 15th
PTO is happy to announce that every THURSDAY for the entire school year will be PAPA John's day.
PTO Meetings
September 25th
October 30th - This is a rescheduled date due to home sporting event at GVMS
November 13th
December 11th
PTO is happy to announce that every THURSDAY for the entire school year will be PAPA John's day.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5304181380?pwd=YUttd1dORE9qNzE5cFVYbmxyWktsdz09&omn=81798392365
Meeting ID: 530 418 1380
Passcode: N8ww3C
School Advisory Council
The purpose of a school advisory council is to provide opportunities for members of the school community to participate in the decision-making process at the local school level. A primary function of the council is to serve as an advisory body to the principal and school leadership team.
The school advisory council function is connected to the Prince William County Schools Strategic Plan, supporting Commitment 3- Family and Community Engagement, Objective 3.1- Prince William County Schools will engage families as authentic partners in education to support academic progress. By 2025, at least 85% of schools will have a high-functioning advisory council.
SAC Meetings - Following PTO Meetings
September 25th - Welcome, Introduction to the school continuous improvement plan
October 30th - This is a rescheduled date due to home sporting event at GVMS-Enrollment, staffing, approved budget
November 13th - Student Achievement date, update on CIP goals
December 11th - Student Achievement date, update on CIP goals
February -12 Proposed budget, Student Achievement date, update on CIP goals
March 12 - Update on CIP goals
April 9 - Update on CIP goals
May 14 - Adopted budget, Student Achievement date, update on CIP goals
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5304181380?pwd=YUttd1dORE9qNzE5cFVYbmxyWktsdz09&omn=81798392365
Meeting ID: 530 418 1380
Passcode: N8ww3C
GVMS Honor Rolls: Recognizing Academic Excellence
Each nine-week grading period, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our students by recognizing those who have achieved outstanding academic performance. Our Honor Roll program has two levels:
Principal’s Honor Roll
- Students who earn all A’s across every subject in which they are enrolled will be recognized on the Principal’s Honor Roll. This level celebrates students who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement.
AB Honor Roll
- Students who maintain an overall “B” average with A’s and B’s in their subjects can earn a place on the AB Honor Roll. Students are allowed one C as long as it is balanced by at least one A in another subject.
We are incredibly proud of the hard work our students put in each quarter and look forward to honoring those who strive for excellence in their academics!
Varsity Online Tutoring - Available 24 Hours per Day, 7 Days a Week
Middle School Transition Planning 101
When: Thursday, November 7, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. via Zoom online seminar
Does your student have a plan for life after high school? Join us to discover what is a transition plan, what are thoughtful, student-centered post-secondary transition goals, and how students can successfully transition from high school to post-secondary roles and activities. This presentation will provide an overview of the process for transition planning through the Individualized Education Program (IEP), what are the components of a transition plan, and what are PWCS programs that prepare the student to achieve his or her post-secondary vision and available community resources. Resources will be provided for this session.
REGISTER HERE: https://pwcs-zm-edu.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_s5CQ2xtbRv2mKle_1E8uQA
To request an interpreter, please complete this form by November 4, 2024. https://forms.office.com/r/BE851BERsq
Student Attendance at After School Athletic Events
Parents: As a reminder or first time information for our 6th grade students and parents, please review the below information for students attending after school athletic events as spectators:
Dismissal: Spectator Students must go home their usual way at the end of the school day. To attend an after-school event, spectator students must then be dropped off by a parent or guardian for the event.
Waiting at School is not permitted: Students who are not participating in the game as athletes, must not stay on school grounds to wait for the event to begin. Please see above for process.
No Bag Policy: As a reminder, there is a no-bag policy for game attendees. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to keep our schools safe.
Behavior Expectations: All students attending the event are expected to adhere to the PWCS Code of Behavior. Any infraction of these expectations can result in loss of school privilege of attending after school events and activities.
Student Pickup: Parents are required to pick up their child immediately following the event.
Post-Event Transportation: Students are not permitted to walk home or to any other location after the event. Pickup must be by a parent, guardian, or approved carpool.
Ticket Price is $1 for students and $3 for adults. Cash only.
Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!
GVMS Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phone-Free Education in Virginia K-12 Public Schools
Executive Order 33 directs the Virginia Department of Education to provide guidance to school boards on cell phone-free education policies and procedures. School boards will establish local cell phone-free education policies and procedures.
PWCS has been sharing information on this executive order with the community and the division's approach to meeting this guidance.
Please know, I will continue to provide updates on our Cell Phone Free education policies to ensure clarity to our GVMS community. Essentially, student phones and wireless headphones/earbuds are expected to be away for the duration of the school day.
At GVMS we have been off and away for the day for some time now. This will not be a drastic shift in policy for our students.
I have provided a letter below providing additional information on: Student Cell Phone/Wireless Device Use for 2024-25 School Year. This letter also contains links to the division guidelines and FAQ's. Please remember, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out and talk through any questions or concerns you may have with me.
- First Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, and it will be returned to the student at the end of the class period. The student will sign the Acknowledgment of Further Consequences Form. The teacher/staff member will document this offense in The Hub.
- Second Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, the device will be locked in the main office, and the device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. The student will receive a second warning and the teacher/staff member will notify the parent/guardian via SchoolStatus. The parent will be informed that the next offense (third offense) will result in a disciplinary incident in The Hub and the parent will have to retrieve the device. The teacher/staff member will document this offense in The Hub.
- Third Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, the device will be locked in the main office, and a referral will be generated documenting the violation of the cell phone guidelines. The student will complete a Healthy Cell Phone Use Canvas Module during a lunch detention, after-school detention, restorative reflection, or Saturday school. The parent/guardian must retrieve the device from the school office and sign the Acknowledgment of Further Consequences Form.
Any disciplinary infraction that a student commits arising from the staff or school administration’s attempt to enforce the cell phone guidelines shall result in disciplinary consequences determined by the Code of Behavior and Tiers of Response.
Who is responsible for adhering to these guidelines and securing personal belongings?
It is each student’s responsibility to follow the guidelines and ensure the security of their wireless communication devices. Classes and instruction will not be interrupted to search for lost devices.
Weapons Detection System
As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students, we are pleased to announce that we will continue utilizing our weapons detection system on day one of welcoming our students to GVMS. This advanced technology will enhance our existing security protocols and help us quickly identify potential threats, ensuring the safety of our students and staff.
- The building will open to students at 7:40 AM, 30 minutes prior to the start of the school day.
- We will have two entries into the building while all other doors will be locked. Those entries will be:
- Door 1 (Main Entry) - Parent drop-off and walkers
- Door 1 and 18 - Bus riders
- Once the school day begins, all visitors and students arriving after the bell will enter through Door One and will go through the screening.
To prepare ahead of the use of the technology in your school, families are encouraged to help reduce the possibility of “false alerts” on everyday items. While none are prohibited, using these guidelines will ensure quick entry for everyone:
- Select clear and plastic school supplies over covered/concealed and metallic when applicable.
- Use three-ring binders with plastic spines/rings (non-metal).
- Use plastic (versus metallic) BPA-free water/coffee bottles.*
- Use hard plastic eyeglass cases (versus metal).
- Students should pack lightly and limit the number of items in bags or other equipment.
- Keep superfluous metallic items at home (game consoles, beauty products, USB drives).
- Laptops and umbrellas will be passed around the technology via a staffed table.
- Watch this video to learn more about entry through the system.
Further Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding this screening technology can be found on the PWCS website. If you have any questions or concerns about this new security measure or any other aspect of our school’s safety protocols, do not hesitate to contact us. Your partnership and support are vital in making our school community safe and conducive to learning.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to working together to create a safe and nurturing environment for all our students, staff, and families.
GVMS Policies
Click the image above for more information about the GVMS Cell Phone Policy, Dress Code, and the PWCS Code of Behavior
PWCS Breakfast and Lunch Information
Click the link above for information about meal prices and menus for the 24-25 school year.
2024-25 Meal Applications Available Now
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Meals are available for free for eligible students in Prince William County Public Schools. In order to receive these benefits, you must apply for meal assistance every year. Applications filed last year are only good for the first few days of school. Children from households that meet Federal Income Guidelines are eligible for free meals.
Read Federal Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions – English
Read Federal Guidelines and Frequently Asked Spanish - Spanish
The fastest way to apply for free meal benefits for your child is to apply online:
Online applications are typically processed within 48 hours of submission.
Households receiving SNAP or TANF for their children or who have foster children may not have to fill out an application. School officials will notify those households of children who do not need to apply. If you do not receive notification by August 12th, 2024, you must contact the Food and Nutrition Department, or submit an application.
School library controls for parents now available
Our library circulation system provides the option for parents to restrict access to specific titles in circulation in our school library, if they choose that option for their child. While the school shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the student is not provided with access to such materials, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the student understands the restriction and does not attempt to access the materials.
If you are interested in restricting specific library titles for your student(s), please visit the “Parent Library Controls” webpage for more information.
Restriction of library materials using the “Additional User Type” is a parent's responsibility. Librarians and school administrators can provide access to the link but cannot provide support within the system.
Energy Drinks
Sharing of Food and Birthdays/ Events
Sharing of Foods and Beverages PWCS REGULATION: 275-1
Schools shall discourage students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times. Food allergies can result in an allergic reaction in which the student’s life is threatened. Given concerns about allergies and other restrictions in certain children’s diets, food and beverages should not be shared.
No Shared Food Items: Parents will not be permitted to bring in food items for their child to share with others during the school day. This policy helps us maintain a safe and secure environment for all students.
Individual Food Items: If you wish to bring food for your child, you may do so with the understanding that the food is solely for your child.
No Outside Food Deliveries: Delivery services such as Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc., are not permitted. Allowing these deliveries increases the number of people entering our building, which poses a safety and security risk.
Visiting for Lunch: If you would like to come to GVMS to eat with your child, please provide us with advance notice. We are happy to accommodate by reserving the conference room for your visit. Should your child wish to invite a few friends, please contact the grade level administrator and the front office ahead of time. We will coordinate with the parents of those children to receive permission in advance. Please avoid last-minute arrangements.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we strive to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for everyone at GVMS.
Transportation
PWCS Transportation Information
Questions or concerns about your bus route? Submit a request below.
PWCS Here Comes the Bus App
Wondering where the bus is? Click the image above to register for Here Comes the Bus.
PWCS Bus Delays
Click the link above for more information about late buses in PWCS.
GVMS Traffic Patterns
Click the image above for more information about GVMS traffic patterns.
Bus Schedules
Parent Vue Information
Click the image above for more information about accessing Parent Vue.
Canvas Pairing
Click the image above for more information on how to pair with your student's Canvas page.
GVMS Student Devices
Click the image above for more information about student devices, optional insurance, and the PWCS Device Handbook.
Parents - Check your School Status Communications Settings:
Stay in the know! Check or Modify your SchoolStatus communications settings: Check your Subscription Status - text STATUS to 939393
Subscribe to School Messages - text START to 939393
Unsubscribe from School Messages - text STOP to 939393
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
GVMS Club Information will continue to be updated on the school website over the next few weeks. Click the Clubs link below and the GVMS student announcements for more information.
The activity buses for after-school clubs will begin on Monday, September 9, 2024. Activity buses run at 4:45 on Mondays and Thursdays as long as the school is in session.
GVMS CLUBS
Click on the image above for quick access to club applications and information.
GVMS Athletics
Click on the image above for quick access to athletics information.
PWCS uses the “Say Something” Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) designed specifically for students in grades 6-12 and staff to report any type of serious or potentially violent concerns of unsafe behavior or threats of harm to self or others. Say Something is a youth violence prevention program from the national nonprofit organization Sandy Hook Promise and is provided and sustained at no cost to PWCS.
“Tipsters” can send reports on anything from school threats they’ve seen or overheard to personal crises including sexual harassment, self-harm, and depression. The system enables school administrators and those in law enforcement to create effective interventions and intervene upon at-risk individuals to help prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm, and other forms of threatening behavior.
All tips submitted receive an immediate response by one of the highly skilled crisis counselors at the Sandy Hook Promise National Crisis Center; this person then determines the necessary support steps. When credible tips are received that are life-threatening and require immediate attention, the crisis center will notify school-based representatives, even after hours. And, in cases of imminent threat, the crisis center will contact local 911 dispatch and involve law enforcement. Users can submit a tip by calling 1-844-5-SAYNOW or by visiting www.saysomething.net. The free app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store, where students can submit tips instantly.
Student Days Off
Contact Information
Administation Team
Mr. Edward Schultz - Principal - schultej@pwcs.edu
Ms. Michelle Praul - 6th Grade Assistant Principal - praulmh@pwcs.edu
Mr. Steve Williams - 7th Grade Assistant Principal - williasp@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Abby Sentman - 8th Grade Assistant Principal - sentmaal@pwcs.edu
Safety and Security Team
Mr. Antione Jeter - jeterad@pwcs.edu
Mr. Jeffrey Barnes - barnesja@pwcs.edu
Counseling Team
Mrs. Jessie Castles - Director of School Counseling - castlejm@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Jacquelyn Leif - Last Names A - C - leifjm@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Erin Abbott - Last Names D - I - abbotte@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Sarah Ware - Last Names J - Mi - waresm@pwcs.edu
Ms. Alexis Hawkins - Last Names Mj - R - hawkinam@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Autumn Brown - Last Names S - Z - brownal2@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Tina Perez - Registrar - pereze1@pwcs.edu
Parent Liaison
Mrs. Elisa Dacales - dacaleer@pwcs.edu
Technology Team
Mrs. Christine Richmond, Instructional Technology Coach: richmocm@pwcs.edu
- Canvas
- Parent Vue/Student Vue
Mr. Brian James, Technology Specialist: jamesbw@pwcs.edu
- Device Information and support
