newsletter
January 2025
Principal's Message
Dear GTMS Community,
As we step into February, I encourage you to continue staying involved in your child’s education. Take time to talk with them about their school day, what they’re learning, and their experiences in the classroom. Report card grades will be available to view in OnCourse this week—having conversations with your child about their progress is especially important in middle school. Your support and engagement make a difference!
Thank you for being our partners in education.
Warm regards,
Paula Junker
Principal
Galloway Township Middle School
#Connect with GTMS
OPT into Text Messaging this year: Text "START" to 98900
February 3: African American Traveling Museum at GTMS
February 7: Valentines Dance 6pm
February 14: Early Dismissal
February 17: School Closed
February 18-20: The Step Team Black History Tour to elementary schools
February 21: Role Model of the Month Luncheon
February 21-28: Absegami Scheduling at GTMS
February 24: Student of the Month Luncheon
February 28: Respect the Paw: Basketball Incentive
Book Vending Machine Winners!
So excited to highlight several students who were nominated by their ELA teachers to receive a special coin for our Book Vending Machine! These students have shown a remarkable passion for reading. Some are always found with a book in hand, eagerly recommending titles to their teachers and peers, while others consistently demonstrate focus and enthusiasm during silent reading. From making daily trips to the library to taking books home for extra reading, these students exemplify a love of literature that we are proud to celebrate!
Veronica Meirs
Ariel D'Ambrosio
Patrick Wagel
Dhroomi Jaiswal
Myani Phillips
Masyn Jakos
RESPECT THE BUS
Students showing respect on the bus by greeting the driver, keeping the bus neat, speaking politely, using kind words, and following the driver's instructions at all times.
CONGRATULATIONS: Arianna Ferringo, Jameson Shaffer, Sophia Lazaro, and Joseph Krug
Role Model of the Month: December
We’re thrilled to announce our Role Models of the Month for September! These students have exemplified outstanding character, leadership, and dedication to our core values. Please join us in congratulating the following students:
Tatiyana Rios-Ortiz
Ryan Iliev
Janay Goldman
Laura Lord
Angelika Mendoza
Richard Solorzano
Jayce Parrish
Morgan Kirschenbaum
River Kemp
Giulianna Narvaez
To celebrate their achievements, these students had the opportunity to make personalized Grizzly hats and enjoy some fun games together. We’re so proud of them for setting such a positive example for their peers. Keep up the great work, Grizzlies!
Student of the Month: December
We are proud to recognize our Students of the Month for October! These remarkable students are excelling academically at GTMS and have shown a strong commitment to their studies. Congratulations to the following students:
Abigail Gable
Ryder Chiappisi
Cloe Klawitter
Jayden Gonzalez
Xadielys Ozoria Polanco
Freydel Hernandez Ramirez
Khyala Clinton
Ah'leem Winters
Nasiyah Gilford
Viktor Rodriguez
Elijah Summerset
Enma Real Calel
Maureen Riad
Emily Dase
Maya Famelio
Mason Wardwell
Rairc Oliveira Ramos
Ryan Mossman
Alayna Nguyen
Emily Macchione
These students have demonstrated impressive academic achievements and dedication to learning. Keep up the great work, and thank you for making GTMS proud!
January "Paw"sitive Winners
Students were selected for being PAWSOME!
7th Grade- Landon Olson, Ziara Rosales-Moya, Michael Chapman, and Jayla Mays
8th Grade- Gianni Clemens, Dylan Flaherty, Jozelyn Bracero-Kelly, and Josephina Messina
PAW Ticket Winners- Breakfast with School Counselors
Students received raffle tickets from staff members as recognition for making PAWsitive choices. The school counselors then held a raffle, and the winners enjoyed breakfast with a friend. Remember, always strive to do your best. You never know who's noticing!
7th graders: Wingly Cham, Ziara Rosales-Moya, Anona Abdullah, Laura Load, CiCi Shiggs and Emmett Houck, Noah Jorge Velasquez
8th graders: Emree Rembert, Ariadna Barragan, Omuwa Izah, Semaj Donnell, Aaron Acosta, Summer Cedeno
RESPECT THE PAW!
GTMS CORE VALUES
Do you know what it means to be a GTMS Grizzly?
At GTMS, being a Grizzly means more than just showing up to school—it’s about embodying our core values and “Respecting the Paw” in everything we do.
So, what does that look like?
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Contest
The GTMS Student Council hosted the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Writing Contest, giving students the opportunity to reflect on his powerful words: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Congratulations to our winners:
First Place: Omuwa Izah
Second Place: Sofia Torreblanco
Third Place: Trinity Kilroy
Mr. Morris and Student Mentors
Passionate, dedicated, and always supporting our students even after they have left middle school. We love when our graduates return to inspire our current students, sharing wisdom and experiences that resonate deeply, since it wasn't so long ago they were sitting in the same GTMS desks.
This five fantastic young men spoke to Mr. Morris's class:
- Bhavya Rama
- Jaylen Wilson
- Elijah Stewart
- Zaheer Owens
- Jaylen Glover (via Zoom)
GTMS students continue to grow into amazing young adults, always finding ways to give back to their community. And it all starts here, with the support of our incredible GTMS staff.
Student Council
The GTMS Student Council collected and donated 31 bags of clothing to the rescue mission, making a meaningful impact on those in need. #GrizzliesGiveBack #RespectThePaw
GTMS Step Team
The STEP program, alongside Ms. Lucas, spent the day at Stockton University for their MLK Day of Service, giving back to the community in a meaningful way. Their dedication to service reflects the values of leadership, compassion, and making a difference in the lives of others. GTMS is proud to see our students actively contributing to a stronger, more connected community! #GrizzliesGiveBack #RespectThePaw
Team C ELA
Ms. Arargil always brings a creative twist to her lessons, using large charts, post-its, and paint sample cards to engage students and encourage critical thinking. Her innovative approach keeps learning dynamic and interactive, making her classroom a space for curiosity and deep understanding! #EngagedLearning #RespectThePaw
Team G Science
Ms. Wigglesworth's students explored natural selection in a hands-on science lab, experimenting with different bird "beaks" to see which were best adapted for picking up certain "bugs." This interactive activity helped them understand how species evolve over time based on their environment and available resources! #HandsOnLearning #ScienceInAction
Team G ELA
Students in Ms. DeFilippis' class actively engaged in a figurative language activity, using task cards to move around the room and identify different examples. This interactive approach kept them involved and excited about learning! #EngagedLearning #RespectThePaw
Grade Level Assemblies
7th Grade Assembly
Detectives Epstein and Mitchell from the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office spoke to 7th-grade students about Internet safety, presenting real-life scenarios and emphasizing the importance of online security. The students were able to ask questions and engage in the conversation with the detectives. Students were encouraged to submit tips. Remember, if you see something, say something.
Assembly 8th Grade
This month, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office visited our 8th graders to discuss the important topic of "Decision Making and Consequences" as they transition into young adulthood. Mr. Reynolds highlighted the negative impact social media can have on youth and offered valuable resources for students. He also emphasized the importance of having a trusted "go-to person" to turn to when they need to report something. The presentation was well-received by our students, and we truly appreciate the Prosecutor’s Office taking the time to speak with us at GTMS.
FSA 2024-2025
- President - Katherine Mutschler Pauro
- Vice President - Erin Borrelli
- Treasurer - Anna Reyes
- Recording Secretary – Nelie Yee
- Corresponding Secretary - Susan McCarty & Alexandra Southrey
Meeting Dates
September 10, 2024: In-Person at GTMS
October 9, 2024: In-Person at GTMS
November 14, 2024: Virtual
December 9, 2024: In-Person at GTMS
January 7, 2025
February 12, 2025
March 13, 2025 - Virtual
April 8, 2025
May 7, 2025
June 12, 2025
Resources for Parents/Guardians
NJ4S: Acenda
Acenda Integrated Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing industry-leading prevention, treatment and wellness services to ensure that every individual, family and community member, achieves their greatest potential. Acenda is at the forefront of community-based services, providing 100+ health and social service programs at 60+ locations throughout a 12-county region in New Jersey.
Harassments, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB)
It is imperative that we continue to teach our students the effects that bullying has on others and a community. Every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment, free from fear and harassment. Any instance of bullying should be promptly reported to the administration or staff member, who will take immediate and appropriate action to address the situation. By fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect, we can create a school community where all students feel valued and accepted.
Learn More: