PANTHER PROWL

Happy March, Panther Families!

It’s hard to believe we are already approaching the end of the third quarter! March will finalize Quarter 3, and we encourage all students to stay focused and finish strong. Please be sure your student is keeping up with their classes, attending after-school tutoring as needed, and reaching out to participate in morning Math and/or Language Arts intervention support if they would benefit from extra help.

As we work toward a strong close to the quarter, we are also reinforcing the importance of maintaining a positive, respectful learning environment. Our classrooms are spaces where students should feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. We continue to review schoolwide expectations with students and encourage families to talk with their child about making responsible choices, showing respect to peers and staff, and staying engaged during instructional time. Consistent expectations between home and school help ensure every Panther has the opportunity to succeed.

We will also continue celebrating our students through our monthly Perfect Attendance recognition and Panther Pride awards, highlighting the many positive contributions happening across campus.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting both academic achievement and positive student behavior. Let’s make it a strong finish to Quarter 3!

With Panther Pride,
Jessica Fernandez
Principal, GEMS

Hello Panther Families,

Our staff continues to have conversations with students regarding rough play on the blacktop during lunch, but we continue to see occasional physical play that does not meet our school wide expectations. Please remind your student that lunchtime activities should be safe, respectful, and free from physical contact.

We would also like to remind families that students should not bring unauthorized items to school, including balls, toys, or electronic devices. GEMS is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal property and will not investigate or search for these items. This policy includes cellular devices and is written into the student handbook. We are currently seeing many fidgets, stress balls, and rubiks cubes on campus. These items have become a distraction in classrooms and staff will be asking students to put them away or confiscating them for the student to collect at a later time.

Phones should be turned off and kept away during the school day. If a student needs to contact a parent/guardian—or if a parent/guardian needs to reach a student—the front office is happy to assist. Any phone seen out during the school day will be confiscated and brought to the front office for student pickup at the end of the day. If a student repeatedly has their phone confiscated, a parent/guardian will be required to pick it up from the office.

Attendance Reminder:
To report an absence, families may reply to the ParentSquare email or texted link with the reason for the absence, or call the 24-hour Attendance Hotline at 916-645-6581. If phone or internet access is not available, please send a written note with your student on their first day back to school. Any absence not cleared within three school days will be marked as unexcused.

Steve Roman

Assistant Principal

Glen Edwards Middle School

CURRENT 6th & 7th GRADE STUDENT FAMILIES: Picker sheets with class options were distributed through PAW classes on 2/27 for students to take home and review with parents/guardians. To assist families with the selection process, please refer to our 26/27 Course Catalog.

Students also had the opportunity to learn about elective offerings next year during PAW classes via GEMS TV. For convenience, if you would like to see the elective promos <CLICK HERE>. Class selections will open in PowerSchool 3/1 and close 3/10.

Counselors will push in to 6th grade Science classes on 3/3 & 7th grade Science classes on 3/4 to assist students with entering the information from their parent signed picker sheet into PowerSchool. However, families are welcome to complete this process at home with their students. (Grade level PowerPoint linked below).

• RISING 7th POWERSCHOOL CLASS REGISTRATION
• RISING 8th POWERSCHOOL CLASS REGISTRATION

PLEASE NOTE ALL SIGNED PICKER SHEETS AND APPLICATIONS ARE DUE NO LATER THAN 3/10/26

We have recently received a number of class change requests and would like to clarify our school’s guidelines regarding schedule adjustments.

The window to request a class change is during the first two weeks of the school year. Please note that requests are not guaranteed and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Class changes are not made for the following reasons:

• Preference for a different instructor
  
• Request for a specific class period
  
• The student is currently failing the class
  
• To be placed in a class with friends
  
• Conflict with another student in the class
  

After the initial two-week window, schedule changes must be discussed with a counselor or administrator and are typically only approved in extenuating circumstances.

Adjusting schedules after the school year is underway can be disruptive to both students and teachers, which is why the two-week window is in place at the start of the year.

Thank you for your understanding and partnership.

We want to hear your voices on how we can expand our library for our Spanish Book Collection.

See attached flyers.

See Message sent by WPUSD on 2/13-

At Tuesday's Regular Meeting (2/10)of the Board of Trustees, the Board took official action to restrict elementary and middle school e-bike use to Class 1 ONLY. Included below is the language from the updated board policy and administrative regulation. We will continue to work in collaboration with the Lincoln Police Department and site administration on education efforts surrounding this new policy change.

• BP/AR 5142.2 - Safe Routes to School Programs

  Note: on AR 5142.2 Safe Routes to School Programs, the following new language is being added to Section "3. Enforcement strategies to deter unsafe behaviors of drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists, such as:"

  c. Monitoring to ensure that students who bicycle to school or who use skateboards, skates, or nonmotorized scooter wear helmets in accordance with Vehicle Code 21212

  i. Elementary and middle school students are prohibited from operating or storing electronic scooters or Class 2 electric bicycles on District Campuses

  ii. Only Class 1 (pedal-assist) e-bikes and non-motorized scooters may be brought onto and stored on elementary and middle school campuses in designated areas.

  iii. Students who violate this provision may be subject to disciplinary action consistent with District Policy and California Education Code.

If you missed the Promotion Newsletter that was previously sent, <<CLICK HERE>> to start making plans and save the dates!!

Also....the Parent Promotion Committee Meeting was held prior to the February break but there is still a lot to do before the big night. Thank you to everyone in attendance however, if you were unable to make it there is still time to get involved and see how you can help out. Be sure to read through the Promotion Newsletter linked above for those details.

The next meeting will be on 3/10 at 5:30pm in the GEMS Library and we hope to see you there!!

Greetings from the GEMS Health Department,

As we begin planning for the 2026–2027 school year, we would like to share a friendly reminder about immunization requirements for all students entering, advancing, or transferring into 7th grade.

The following immunizations are required:

• Tdap – 1 dose (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis – whooping cough booster typically given at age 11 or older)

• Varicella – 2 doses (VZV and/or MMRV – usually given at 12 months and again at 4–6 years)

If your current 6th grade student has not yet received the Tdap booster, or if you are unsure of their status, Spring Break is a great opportunity to schedule an appointment or check with your healthcare provider.

If you do not currently have a healthcare provider, please refer to the flyer below for information about an upcoming vaccination opportunity.

If your student has already received the Tdap booster, we kindly ask that you provide a copy of the updated immunization record to the front office so we may update our files.

Thank you for your attention to this important health requirement and for helping us keep our students safe and ready for the upcoming school year.

During the first week of February, our GEMS students participated in a campus Clean Up Challenge. The 6th, 7th, and 8th grade classes worked together during their lunches to clean up after themselves and encourage their classmates to do so as well. Each grade level received a score for participation (how many students are helping to keep the campus clean), visibly clean (how tidy and clean is the area), trash removed (how much trash was picked up), and effort & teamwork (students working together).

There were 20 points possible for each grade level each day with a total of 100 points possible. Coming in third place was 7th grade with 73 points, followed by 8th with 77 points, and the winning grade was 6th grade with 90 points! The winning class received a treat for their effort.

Our Portrait of a Learner characteristic for March is resilience, here are our coordinated themes of the week:

• 3/2 & 3/9: Panthers demonstrate a growth mindset, focusing on improvement rather than perfection.

• 3/16 & 3/23: Panthers adjust study habits or routines when faced with unexpected challenges.

• 3/30: Panthers proactively reach out to teachers and other support staff for help.

Students who are recognized by teachers for their efforts will receive a panther buck that can be turned into our raffle.

THERE IS STILL TIME TO GET INVOLVED!!!!!!!

Session 3 clubs begin the week of 3/10 and will be shared out the first week of March.

March Leadership Update

Our Leadership students have been hard at work preparing a special event to welcome our incoming 5th graders! This event is designed to help our future middle schoolers feel excited, comfortable, and connected as they prepare to join our campus next year. We are proud of the time and effort our students are putting into making this a positive and memorable experience.

In addition, Leadership will soon be collaborating with our Broadcasting classes to create this year’s SBAC song and video. This fun and motivating project is aimed at encouraging students to do their best and feel confident during state testing. We look forward to sharing the final product with you!

FROM PLACER COUNTY YOUTH COMMISSION-

The Placer County Youth Commission is hosting their 6th Annual Free Your Mind, Free The Air Awareness 5K. The mission of our run is to promote a healthy body and a healthy mind. Nicotine addiction traps the brain and increases mental health issues, and tobacco companies disproportionally target certain minority groups, creating a disparity in those who are affected by tobacco ailments.

Running and walking are great coping skills to help reduce stress and combat nicotine cravings. Plus, it frees the air of secondhand vape and smoke. As a bonus we also offer community service hours for participating in this event.

Join us on March 21, 2026, at 9AM (check-in at 8AM) at Maidu Regional Park (1550 Maidu Dr, Roseville, CA 95661) as we run towards the finish line with the goal of decreasing the influence of Big Tobacco in our community! Visit placeryouth.com to register.

Contact placercoyouthcommission@gmail.com with any questions.

As you may recall, we have offered several opportunities for students and families to attend presentations on youth vaping. We understand that not everyone was able to participate. Twelve Bridges High School has extended an invitation to our families to attend their Vape Awareness presentation on March 19 from 6:00–7:00 PM at Twelve Bridges High School. Please see the attached flyer for additional details.

Tutoring

• Days: Tuesday – Friday

• Time: 3:05 – 4:35 PM

• Location: Library

A great place for students to complete homework, study, or get academic help.

We still have several families who have not completed their Annual Registration Update (ARU), formerly known as the Emergency Card Update. An updated ARU is required for every student at the start of each school year.

Please take a few moments to confirm, update and submit each module of information . There are new modules that have been added this year: https://powerschool.wpusd.org/public/

FAILURE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION WILL LEAD TO EXCLUSION FROM STUDENT EVENTS SUCH AS DANCES, FIELD TRIPS AND APPROVAL OF ANY TRAVEL STUDY REQUESTS

OUR 24/7 GLEN EDWARDS MIDDLE SCHOOL Sideline Store is up and running. Stop reading and start shopping to score the latest fan wear and accessories.

*PLEASE NOTE: THESE CLOTH ITEMS WILL NOT MEET PE UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS. DO NOT PURCHASE FOR PE CLOTH FROM HERE.

FUNDRAISERS
March kicks off our Spring Fundraiser which is See's Candy. The PAW class that gets the most in sales will win a MOCHI ICE CREAM SOCIAL! See flyer here!
Sales will take place March 9th - 20th! Deliveries will come in BEFORE Spring Break.

MEETING:

We encourage All Parents, Teachers & Students (APTS) to attend our meetings. This is a great way for everyone to be a part of the GEMS community.

Our next meeting is on Tues, Mar 10th @5pm in the school's library!

UPCOMING:

• Our Spring Fundraiser this year will be See's Candy. Look for flyers coming home early March. Pre-sales will take place March 9th - 20th.
• March APTS meeting 3/10 @5pm in school library
• March Dine Out event 3/11

CONNECT:
For more ways you can help support APTS and our ONGOING FUNDRAISERS check out the GEMS Website for details.

Be sure to follow us on Facebook @GemsApts

• Visit the APTS website here!
• View our calendar of events here!

Any questions, comments or concerns be sure to email us at GemsApts@Gmail.com

Spring Sports Are Coming!

Boys Volleyball, Girls Flag Football and Track & Field all begin on March 10th. If your son/daughter are interested in any of the sports, please make sure they have an updated physical and all e-forms signed on Final Forms: https://westernplacer-ca.finalforms.com/

For questions on any of the sports:

Boys Volleyball: tcolson@wpusd.org

Girls Flag Football: jnoonan@wpusd.org

Track & Field: rsmith@wpusd.org

Check out the flier below. There are several ways to report absences. We hope you find it useful!

• When you receive a message that your student was absent, you can respond easily by clicking on the link within the message to report your student's absence.
• 7th period is actually the students PAW period and the first class of the day Tuesday - Friday.
• ALSO NOTE: There will be NO TRAVEL STUDIES approved if the Annual Registration Update is not completed.
  

There are shows every Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to our channel at www.YouTube.com/gemstv916

Check out www.pantherpress916.com

TONS OF NEW UPDATES ON PANTHER PRESS!!!

News
- Dutch Bros Celebrates New Opening
- Meet Mrs. Biagi
- A week of Kindness
- Exploring New Shopping Center
- School Clubs offer something for everyone

Arts and Entertainment
- LNGSHOT review
- Nikki Minaj canceled?
- Stranger Things Season 5 Reviews (several)
- Avatar Review
and more...

Feature
- Mr. Hunts Journey
- Umaiza Usman Dubai Trip

Opinion
- Why subs should be treated with more respect
- Harmful trends of social media
- Who decides you're old enough for music?
- Prepare for college in Middle School
- Roles Reversed: if you could grade teachers
- Group work in school
and much more...

MANY OTHER UPDATES IN PAW PRINTS SECTION

***Check out our SPORTS SCORECENTER with updated scores from all of our teams and games

Available on the GEMS TV YouTube channel, Spotify and Apple.

Our first episode has students discussing Artificial Intelligence and a round table on Holidays.

https://youtu.be/6KM-iwB6mVI?si=w6qlR2zepxxCL3Xr

Show More

Web Link:

Click Here

https://youtu.be/6KM-iwB6mVI?si=w6qlR2zepxxCL3Xr

Pre- order your yearbook now at jostensyearbooks.com. Prices will go up throughout the year

IF your student wants to participate in any athletic capacity be sure you have an account created in Final Forms and physical clearance by a physician.

• Parent AND Student must create their own account, fill out and submit information via FINAL FORMS
• All students must have a current PHYSICAL on file with the school (current means within the past year).

NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO PRACTICE OR PARTICIPATE WITHOUT THE PROPER FORMS. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE GRANTED.

Learn more about our food service program HERE and visit the food services website HERE for daily menu options.

Don't forget to follow our GEMS Facebook Page to stay on top of all the fun things we are doing around campus! Click this link or the picture below to follow!