community newsletter

It is with great excitement and gratitude that I welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year at Piney Grove Middle School. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve this community for another year, and I can honestly say that I have loved every second of being the principal of Piney Grove.

This year, our theme is Stay Gold.

For us, Stay Gold means we refuse to choose between excellence and joy. We believe students can achieve at high levels while still being kids. We want all of our students to work hard, think deeply, take risks, serve others, and discover their gifts—without losing the curiosity, wonder, kindness, and uniqueness that make them who they are.

Piney Grove is a truly special place. Our teachers and staff care deeply about students and are committed to helping every child learn, grow, and succeed. We are proud of the strong relationships we build, the sense of belonging we create, and the high expectations we maintain for all students. We are also proud of our heart for service, our traditions, and the many activities and opportunities that make the Grizzly experience unique.

As PGMS enters its 19th school year, we are excited to begin a new chapter by updating our school logos and branding to better reflect today's Piney Grove while honoring the traditions and values that have made our school so special. Families will notice updates throughout the building as we continue painting, refreshing spaces, and implementing our new branding to create an environment that reflects the pride we have in our school community.

We are also working to raise funds to transform our atrium into a Flexible Classroom—an innovative learning space where students can collaborate, create, explore, and experience learning in new ways. This project is designed to meet the needs of today's learners by providing a versatile environment that supports engagement, creativity, and different learning styles while giving all students access to unique educational experiences.

As we begin a new year together, I hope every student knows they are valued, capable, and an important part of our school family. I look forward to seeing our Grizzlies embrace new challenges, make lasting memories, support one another, and continue the legacy of excellence that makes Piney Grove such an exceptional school community.

Thank you for your partnership and support as we embark on another incredible year together.

And as we begin this new chapter, remember:

We Work Hard. We Are Family.

With #pineypride,

Lori

July 31st - Rock Your Locker Early Locker Access Event

August 3rd - Grizzly Adventure & Open House

August 6th - 1st Day of School

UPDATED: August 26th - Curriculum Night

SAVE THE DATE:

December 14-17 - Midterms

May 17 - 19 - Finals

The Grizzly Pack and Rock Your Locker are Piney Grove Middle School's primary schoolwide fundraisers. These important initiatives help enhance the educational experience of our Grizzlies and support a variety of academic and school improvement efforts throughout the year.

Every Grizzly Packs can be purchased on School Pay HERE and will help fund:

• Instructional resources and materials for special classroom projects
• Staff support and professional learning opportunities
• Student programs and enrichment experiences
• Student and staff celebrations and recognition events
• Additional school improvement initiatives that benefit our entire school community

Each Grizzly Pack is $25 and includes:

• Class T-Shirt
• Drawstring Bag
• Grizzly Pencil & Sticker

In addition to supporting our school, a Grizzly Pack purchase is required for students who wish to participate in Rock Your Locker, one of our favorite back-to-school traditions.

Important: Students must have both a Grizzly Pack and a PTSO Membership to purchase a ticket to the Rock Your Locker event.

Tickets to Rock Your Locker are $15 and can be purchased on School Pay HERE will help fund:

• school improvement initiatives
• furniture and supplies for our new flexible classroom

Thank you for investing in Piney Grove Middle School. Your support helps us provide meaningful opportunities, enriching experiences, and valuable resources that allow our students and staff to learn, grow, and succeed throughout the year.

Please note:

• All purchases are non-refundable.
• PE lockers are not included.

We are so excited to see everyone back on campus and to welcome all of our Grizzlies back to the Grove!

Please take the time to review the new student FAQ sheet. This information should answer many of your general questions and help you as you transition to The Grove. If you have specific questions, please reach out to Colleen Grigg (f36495@forsyth.k12.ga.us) or Sara Kinsey (f43883@forsyth.k12.ga.us).

Student schedules will be released soon. Families with concerns regarding CORE academic placement should complete the Course Reconsideration Request Form during Grizzly Adventure and Open House.

As a reminder:

• Only academic placement concerns will be reviewed.
• Connections (elective) changes cannot be accommodated except in very limited circumstances

This year, Grizzly Time will replace THRIVE and has been intentionally moved to immediately follow 5th period, creating a much-needed break in the middle of the school day for our students.

Throughout the year, one of the most frequent requests we heard from students was for recess-like opportunities to connect, recharge, and have fun. Grizzly Time is our middle school version of recess and is designed to meet that need while supporting students' social-emotional well-being.

Students will have a variety of choices during Grizzly Time, including outdoor activities, game rooms, Drop Everything And Read (DEAR), passion projects, club meetings, study halls, and academic support sessions such as test reviews. While limited academic options will be available, the primary purpose of Grizzly Time is to give students a break from the demands of the school day, provide opportunities to build relationships, and allow them to pursue interests and activities they enjoy.

We believe that when students feel connected, engaged, and balanced, they are better positioned for success both inside and outside the classroom.

We are excited to provide this opportunity for our Grizzlies to connect and recharge.

Dear 6th Grade Families,

Welcome to Piney Grove—home of the Grizzlies! We are thrilled to welcome you and your child as you begin this exciting middle school journey with us.

Starting 6th grade is a special milestone. It brings a mix of emotions for students and families alike—excitement, anticipation, uncertainty, and maybe even a few butterflies. Please know that our staff is here to support your family every step of the way and to help make this transition a positive, successful, and memorable experience.

There is truly nothing quite like the beginning of a new school year, and beginning middle school makes it even more exciting. New experiences, new friendships, new opportunities, and new challenges await our students, and we are committed to helping them navigate each one with confidence. We want to keep the excitement of this new chapter going and help every Grizzly discover all the fun, learning, growth, and accomplishments that middle school has to offer.

Thank you for entrusting us with your most precious gift. It is an honor to partner with you in your child’s education, and we are dedicated to helping them grow academically, socially, and emotionally throughout the year. We firmly believe that when families and schools work together, students thrive.

We are so excited to welcome all of our Grizzlies to the 2026–2027 school year. Thank you for allowing us to be part of this important chapter in your child's life.

Welcome to the Grizzly family—we're so glad you're here!

Go Grizzlies!

We are so excited to welcome our 6th grade families to our Grizzly Adventure on Monday, August 3.

This is our 6th grade Open House where students and parents will meet the 6th grade teachers, walk their schedule, purchase spirit wear, and sign up to be a member of our PTSO.

Below are a few things to remember about Grizzly Adventure:

• We have split our 6th grade families into two sessions. Please note the time to come based on your first initial of your last name. We appreciate your support!
• Please bring school supplies on the first day of school, Thursday, August 6.
• Students will not be getting their locker during this event.

We are so excited to meet all of our new Grizzlies!

Hello Piney Grove families and welcome to 7th grade!

It is true, in 7th grade, we are the middle of the middle, and we embrace it. Having spent many years in the 7th grade classroom, I can confidently say, this is such an incredible year for you and your student. I am thrilled to begin my second year at Piney Grove and even more excited to serve our school community as Assistant Principal.

It is a privilege to continue working with our amazing students, dedicated staff, and supportive families as we build on the traditions that make The Grove such a special place.

As always, my goal is to support our students and staff while continuing to learn and grow alongside this outstanding community. I believe that being present matters, so you'll often see me at athletic events, performances, and other school activities, celebrating our students both inside and outside the classroom. I look forward to strengthening relationships, supporting student success, and making this another outstanding year at Piney Grove.

#StayGold #WeWorkHard #WeAreFamily

Ryan Cross

7th Grade Assistant Principal

We are so excited to welcome back the Class of 2032!

Seventh grade is a year of growing independence, new challenges, and exciting learning opportunities—both in the classroom and through school activities. Students can expect more responsibility, deeper friendships, and a chance to discover what makes them unique as part of the Piney Grove Grizzly community.

We want to encourage every 7th Grader to join a club, team or organization this year - there is something for everyone here at Piney and we want to see all of our Grizzlies connected and building their leadership capacity.

Welcome back, Rising 8th Grade Grizzlies and Families!

We hope you have enjoyed a wonderful summer and are getting excited for an incredible school year! As our oldest students on campus, our eighth graders play an important role in setting the tone for Piney Grove Middle School. You are the leaders of our school, and we cannot wait to see the positive impact you will make on our students, staff, and community.

Please note that our 8th Grade counselor is now Sara Kinsey. Mrs. Kinsey is excited to support our students and families throughout the school year and is looking forward to building relationships with each of you.

This is your final year at Piney Grove Middle School. Make it a year of growth, leadership, service, and unforgettable memories!

We are looking forward to partnering with you and your family for an outstanding school year.

WE WORK HARD... WE ARE FAMILY!

Warmly,

Dr. Melisa Marsh

8th Grade Assistant Principal

There are so many exciting traditions that make 8th grade special! Information will be shared with families in September regarding:

• 8th Grade Dues
• End-of-Year Celebrations
• Special Events
• Field Trips

As our school leaders, we encourage every 8th grader to:

• Lead by example in the classroom and throughout the building.
• Show GRIT every day
• Get involved by joining clubs, participating in athletics, performing arts, and service opportunities.
• Build positive relationships with teachers and classmates.
• Stay organized, attend school consistently, and advocate for yourself when you need help.
• Remember that your words, actions, and attitude influence our entire school community.

Hello Piney Grove families!

I’m excited to serve as Piney Grove’s Assistant Administrator this school year! I look forward to supporting all grade levels and even though my role is expanding, I’ll continue serving as our MTSS and 504 Coordinator. Many of the students and families I’ve had the opportunity to work with over the years will still see me in those roles as well!

This year marks my 8th year at Piney Grove, and I truly consider this school home. One of the things I love most about Piney Grove is our motto: "We Work Hard. We Are Family." Every day, I get to see students encouraging each other, teachers going the extra mile, and families partnering with us to help our Grizzlies succeed. I'm grateful to be part of a school where we work hard for our students and treat one another like family!

I’m looking forward to another amazing year and can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together. Here's to a fantastic school year… Go Grizzlies!

Karen Crossen

Assistant Administrator

Please review your grade level Supply List before the first day of school. Every student should come prepared with the required supplies, including a TI-30X Multiview calculator, earbuds (with a plug—not Bluetooth), binders, notebook paper, pencils, and other classroom essentials. Students may also need additional supplies for Connections classes, and supplies should be replenished throughout the year as needed.

As we prepare for a wonderful school year, we are incredibly grateful for the continuous support of our community in keeping our classrooms healthy and well-stocked. If you are able to contribute, you can drop off your donations to Ms. Lisa at the front desk during Grizzly Adventure or Open House:

• Paper towels

• Clorox wipes

• Facial tissues

• Hand sanitizer

• Individually wrapped snacks (goldfish, chips, crackers, granola bars, etc)

As we begin a new school year, it’s important for all parents and students to read and understand the Forsyth County Schools Student Code of Conduct. Please pay particular attention to the updated guidelines on the Student Dress Code for the 2026-2027 SY. This document outlines the expectations for student behavior and the consequences for actions that do not align with those expectations. By reviewing it together, families can help ensure a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment for everyone.

Clear understanding of the guidelines helps students make positive choices and reinforces our commitment to a strong school community.

Please be patient with Piney Grove and FCS Transportation for the first few weeks of school as we navigate new routes and work through our processes for student transportation.

• Arrival: Students may enter the building at 8:20am. Car riders will wait in the cafeteria until the bell rings. Bus riders will wait in the gym until the bell rings. If a student wants to eat school breakfast, he/she may go to the cafeteria. The bell rings at 8:50am and school begins at 9:00am. Any tardy student MUST be signed in by a parent or guardian.

• Dismissal: There are no check outs after 3:30pm. Walkers must have a signed form to walk off campus. You may pick these forms up from the front office during Open House. Car riders are dismissed at 4:15pm.

Buses will begin dismissal at 4:17 PM, and all car riders must be picked up by 4:35 PM.

Thank you for helping us keep our campus safe and organized—we appreciate your partnership!

As your child gets ready to start their journey at Piney Grove Middle School, we invite you to become part of our Parent Teacher Student Organization (PTSO).

PTSO is a volunteer organization, often found in schools, where parents, teachers, and students work together to create a positive and supportive atmosphere, enhance the educational environment, and enrich the school community. It is a great way to stay connected, support your student(s), and build relationships with our staff and school leadership through collaboration, engagement, and a shared commitment to educational excellence.

Parental involvement boosts student success. When families engage in school life, everyone benefits, especially our kids.

In previous years, Piney Grove’s PTSO has provided teachers with financial grants. Some of these grants include, but are not limited to:

• Advanced Music Theory courses during Thrive

• A 3D printer for Science Olympiad

• 7th grade STEM sessions during Thrive

• AP and Gifted training for teachers

• Evidence-Based Instruction (EBI) events for Special Education (SPED) classes

• Career Development training for counselors

The PTSO also assists with events such as 8th grade dance, Spelling Bee, staff and teacher appreciations, and more.

If you have any questions, please email us at pineygroveptso@gmail.com.

Families can conveniently purchase all school-related items—like field trips, Grizzly Packs and class fees—through SchoolPay, the school's secure online payment system. Just log in, select your items, and check out in one easy place—no cash or checks needed! Click HERE to get started.

If you would like to put money on your student's lunch account, please use THIS LINK to update their lunch accounts. Questions about school lunch? Please reach out to our FCS Food and Nutrition Department.

We are excited to welcome our new nurse, Ms. Taylor James, to Piney Grove this year to support the health and wellbeing of our students and staff.

If your child needs to take medication at school, please drop off all medications with the completed forms to the clinic as soon as possible.

Families of rising 7th graders should also ensure required immunizations are up to date—more information is available on the district website or by contacting the clinic directly.

Regular attendance is essential for student success, as every day of learning builds toward academic growth and strong connections at school. If your child is absent, please be sure to submit a medical or parent note to the front office promptly so we can accurately track attendance.

To report a student absent from school, the parent/guardian must submit a handwritten note, or email to PGMattendance@forsyth.k12.ga.us to the school’s attendance clerk within five (5) school days for an absence to be considered excused. The note must include the student’s name, the date(s) of absence(s), and the reason for the absence. Up to ten (10) parent notes will count as an excused absence for your child. After the ten parent notes are received, a doctor's note is required for the absence to be excused.

It is the responsibility of the parent(s)/guardian(s) to be in communication with the student’s teacher(s) and/or office staff when a student is absent, especially when it is for more than one day. The principal may require students to present appropriate medical or other documentation upon returning to school for the purpose of validating those absences as excused. In case of extended illness, hospitalization, or injury, the parent should apply for Hospital Homebound service. Hospital Homebound service should be applied for immediately when absences of ten (10) days or more are anticipated for the student.

Students who need to check in or check out during the school day must be accompanied by a parent or guardian with proper photo ID. Please note that no student check-outs are permitted after 3:30 PM; for all attendance-related questions or concerns, contact Anita Seay - aseay@forsyth.k12.ga.us - in the front office.

Only essential items like eyeglasses or medications will be allowed to be dropped off to students during the school day. Parents may leave forgotten items on a small table in the office, but students will not be called out of class; instead, they can stop by the office on their way to lunch to check if anything has been dropped off.

No outside food or drinks from restaurants are allowed to be dropped off. You may drop off a lunchbox.

As part of our commitment to ensuring a safe and secure environment for all students and staff, we want to remind our neighbors that through traffic is prohibited on campus during the school day. Additionally, individuals walking, exercising, or walking dogs on school grounds during school hours is not permitted.

We greatly value our community partnerships and welcome you to utilize our school facilities outside of instructional hours. Our facilities, including the football field, are available for rent after hours. If you are interested in renting a space, please reach out to Mr. Ryan Cross for more information.

Please share this information with your neighbors and neighborhoods and thank you for your cooperation in keeping our Grizzlies safe.

Want to celebrate one of our AMAZING Piney Grove Staff Members? Please use THIS FORM to shout out our staff and celebrate the incredible ways they support our students!

We are incredibly grateful for the support of our business partners, whose generosity helps enrich the educational experience for all Piney Grove students. If you or your business would like to join our Partner Connect program and make a difference in our community, please reach out to Dr. Missy Marsh, f44895@forsyth.k12.ga.us, for more information.