GSA Middle School

There are still things that we are adjusting to, but things are starting to become routines. Our parents are figuring out our drop off and pick up procedures. Our Middle Schoolers are becoming acclimated to working their lockers, following their schedules, getting to class on time, doing their best work, making new friends and adjusting to changes that are made as we settle into our new school.

We have reminded students about the following items –

• Tardies – to school and class. Students must arrive at school and to class on time. First hour starts at 7:50.

• Drop off times - students may arrive at 7:00 and stay in the gym until our doors open at 7:30.

• Pick up - Parents are to pick up their children at dismissal. Students are to remain in the front of the building and not wander off. The church steps are not an area to gather or wait for pick up.

• Clubs and Activities – will begin after Labor Day. We have clubs and activities on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until 3:30. Information will be shared soon.

• Dress Code - we continue to remind students of our dress code policy. See attachment as a guide when your child/ren are getting ready for school.

• Backpacks/Bookbags and Lockers - students should now be using their lockers to store their backpacks/bookbags during the day. All sixth graders soon will be receiving their GSA Gator drawstring bags during their social studies classes. Students can carry these with them to and from class and are a perfect place to keep their chromebooks.

Our attendance has been very good. Thank you for helping your child/ren get organized in the morning and out on time. Being in class, listening, and participating helps them stay on top of class work and their learning. Please remind your child to eat a quick breakfast at home, especially if they are running late. We want to make sure all students arrive on time to their first period class ready to learn.

Thank you for your support and for helping start off a wonderful 25-26 school year!

The GSA Middle School Administration and Counseling Team

We will be blocking off the first exit in our parking lot. This exit will not be used during drop off or pick up. We will be directing our parents out the farthest exit (last exit in the lot by the fence garden). Remember as you pull into the front entrance, pull all the way up to the staff member (there are staff members directing you), stop where you are directed, let your child out and then pull to the farthest exit (last exit in the lot by the fenced garden) to leave our campus. This process will allow us to get more parents in the drop off line and off the main road. This procedure will take place in the morning and the afternoon. Please do not move or drive around any of the cones that will be set to block the exit. Remember too not to drop your child off on Rhodes as it slows down the flow.

Dear GSA Middle School Families,

School Picture Day is just around the corner! On Friday, September 26, all middle school students will have their school pictures taken.

Students are welcome to dress up or wear their school uniform for pictures. Please note: jeans, sweatpants, and other dress-down attire are not permitted. We encourage students to wear their best clothes and bring their brightest smiles for this special day.

Thank you for helping us make Picture Day a success!

Device Storage

• All personal electronic devices must be kept in locked lockers at the start of each school day.

• Devices may only be retrieved at dismissal.

Consequences for Violations

1st Offense

• Device confiscated

• Parent/guardian contacted

• Parent must pick up device at end of day

2nd Offense

• Device confiscated

• Parent/guardian contacted

• Parent pickup required

• 1 day In-School Suspension (ISS)

3rd Offense

• Device confiscated

• Parent/guardian contacted

• Parent pickup required

• 1 day Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)

• Device must be checked in/out daily with administration for 1 week

Subsequent Offenses

• Device turned in to office each morning & returned at dismissal (up to 30 days)

• Increased OSS days with each violation

• Continued parent contact

Parent Communication

• Please help your child develop a routine to check messages before or after school.

• If you need to reach your child during school hours, call the main office before 2:00 PM. A staff member will deliver the message.

Labor Day

Students are welcome to dress up or wear their school uniform for pictures.

Please note: jeans, sweatpants, and other dress-down attire are not permitted.

GSA Middle School is currently running the annual CYSP scholar sign-ups. Please use this form: CYSP Scholar Pre-Application to sign your student up for this great program. We will be closing this form on Wednesday, September 3rd. Thanks for reading!

Abstract drawings 8th grade

PTO Website

ms.gsastl.org/pto

hs.gsastl.org/pto

Please join the PTO Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/GSAMiddleSchoolPTO

5 Things to Know About Middle School Social & Emotional Skills

Middle school is a big time for growth—not just academically, but socially and emotionally too! Here are five things parents can keep in mind:

1. Friends Feel Like Everything – Friendships become very important. Kids may drift toward peers more, but they still need your guidance and encouragement at home.

2. Big Feelings Are Normal – Mood swings and strong emotions come with brain and body changes. Staying calm and supportive helps them learn how to regulate.

3. Identity is Forming – They’re figuring out who they are—interests, style, and values. Encouraging self-expression builds confidence.

4. Peer Pressure is Real – Kids want to “fit in,” which can make it harder to say no. Practicing role-play conversations at home can prepare them to make good choices.

5. They Still Want You Around – Even if they act independent, middle schoolers still need love, attention, and boundaries from parents. Small daily check-ins mean a lot.

By understanding the social and emotional world of middle schoolers, parents can better support them through these exciting (and sometimes challenging) years.