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PANTHER PROWL

May 2, 2025

PANTHERPROWLMay 2, 2025

🤝 PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE 🤝 PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE

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Dear GEMS Families,


Welcome to May! The final full month of the school year is here, and it’s packed with celebrations, events, and important reminders as we close out the year strong.


April Highlights

We held a Parent Information Night on Vaping. It was an important discussion about the impacts of vaping on teens and how families can stay informed and involved. If you weren’t able to attend, here are the presentation slides ENGLISH & SPANISH so you can review the valuable information at your convenience.


Our Lunch on the Lawn event was a huge success—thank you to everyone who came to enjoy lunch with their student(s)! And a big thank you to the families who attended last night’s Open House. It was a wonderful evening to showcase all the hard work and accomplishments of our students and staff.


Important May Dates & Events

  • SBAC Testing Begins 5/6: Please help your student do their best by ensuring they get a good night’s sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and come to school on time each day. More detailed information and tips can be found below.

  • 5/7 – National Bike (or Walk, Roll) to School Day: Encourage your student to participate! We’ll have a fun welcome station at school for students who arrive by bike, on foot, or by scooter. Students that participate in this event can receive a flavored water sample and a prize. (see flyers ENGLISH & SPANISH).


  • 5/22 – Spring Concert: Come enjoy an evening of music with performances by our amazing GEMS bands!

  • 5/29 – Yearbook Signing Party: A fun tradition for students to celebrate the year and collect memories from friends and staff. Must have purchased a yearbook to attend.

  • Spring Sports: Don’t miss the last of our home sporting events—come cheer on our Panthers!

Reminders as We Wrap Up the Year

As we approach the end of the school year, we want to ensure that all students have the opportunity to participate in year-end activities. Please remind your student to follow school expectations and behavior agreements so we can finish the year on a positive note.


Our Tardy Sweeps have been a great success in helping students get to class on time. Thank you for your support in reinforcing the importance of punctuality.


Finally, if you haven’t already, please take a few minutes to complete the Youth Truth Survey—the link was sent via email on April 23rd (HERE FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE). Your feedback is incredibly valuable and helps us continue to improve our school.


Lastly, don't forget to follow us on Facebook (WPUSD-Glen Edwards Middle School) and Instagram (glenedwardsmiddle_wpusd). We post multiple times a week some of the amazing things happening here at GEMS with our students and staff.


Let’s make this final full month of the school year one to remember!


Jessica Fernandez
Principal

SBAC TESTING BEGINS 5/6 SBAC TESTING BEGINS 5/6

During SBAC testing, we will be following a PAW TESTING schedule (see below).

We have been doing a lot to motivate students to do their best including the help of a very supportive parent sharing with them how important the first 15 questions are in determining their levels. Check out GEMS TV for those skits, informational slides, and our SBAC Music Video. Student Leadership also has some motivational activities planned during testing weeks.


Here are some quick reminders for SBAC testing:

  • ONLY A GEMS issued Chromebook may be used for testing. If your student uses their own device, and does not have a GEMS issued chrome book, they will be checking one out from the library.
  • Bluetooth headphones are not permitted, but students may bring their own wired headphones. We will also be providing them if need be.
  • Students will need to bring their FULLY CHARGED GEMS issued Chromebooks, and Chromebook chargers daily during testing.
  • Students will not be allowed to have their cell phones or smart devices (including smart watches) on them while testing. All electronic devices (excluding their Chromebook) must be powered off and in their backpacks throughout the duration of the testing period which is a daily school expectation regardless of testing.
  • Encourage your students to get a good nights rest and have a healthy breakfast.
  • Encourage students to bring water and a snack as we will have a break between the testing block and first period.
  • Students need to be on time to school!! Testing begins right at the bell and late arrivals are a disruption.
  • Testing will last from 8:15am through 9:38am daily, so please plan appointments accordingly.
  • Have your student bring a snack to have during the 10 minute break after testing.

The Parent Letter of detailed SBAC testing information was sent out on April 11th.

HEALTH NOTICE - IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENT 25-26 HEALTH NOTICE - IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENT 25-26

ENGLISH

Dear Parent or Guardian of a 6th grader student:

Before your student enters the 7th grade in Fall 2025, documentation of Tdap- 1 dose (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis – whooping cough booster usually given at ages 11and up) and Varicella – 2 doses (VZV and/or MMRV -usually given at 12 months and 4-6 years) is required.


In addition, please make sure that your student is current with all other immunizations. If your student is up to date with all the required immunizations, please bring proof to the office for our health records and school verification.


For convenience, you can also EMAIL a copy to our Health Clerk: Janell Goldsmith : jgoldsmith@wpusd.org.


Targeted ParentSquare notices are being sent to students who do not have this requirement on file.


We will need updated immunization records in order for your student to receive their schedule in August and to be allowed on campus the first day of school. Records need to show they have the required immunizations to enter 7th grade, in addition to all required immunizations for school attendance.


If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our office as soon as possible by calling 916 - 645- 6370.


Thank you!

GEMS Health Services

SPANISH

Estimado padre o tutor de un estudiante de 6to. grado:

Antes de que su estudiante ingrese al 7mo. grado en el otoño de 2025, se requiere que el estudiante cuente con las vacunas de Tdap: 1 dosis (tétanos, difteria, tos ferina: refuerzo contra la tos ferina que generalmente se administra a los 11 años en adelante) y varicela: 2 dosis (VZV y/o MMRV: generalmente se administran a los 12 meses y a los 4-6 años).



Además, asegúrese de que su estudiante esté al día con todas las demás vacunas. Si su estudiante está al día con todas las vacunas requeridas, traiga un comprobante a la oficina para nuestro historial médico y la verificación escolar.

Para mayor comodidad, también puede enviar una copia por correo electrónico a nuestra auxiliar de salud, Janell Goldsmith: jgoldsmith@wpusd.org.

Se están enviando avisos específicos de ParentSquare a los estudiantes que no tienen este requisito registrado.


Necesitaremos tener los registros de vacunación actualizados para que su estudiante reciba su horario en agosto y se le permita ingresar las instalaciones el primer día de clases. Los registros deben demostrar que el estudiante tiene las vacunas requeridas para ingresar al 7mo grado, además de todas las vacunas requeridas para asistir a la escuela.


Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre este tema, comuníquese con nuestra oficina lo antes posible llamando al 916-645-6370.


¡Gracias!

Servicios de Salud GEMS

8TH GRADE PROMOTION 24-25 8TH GRADE PROMOTION 24-25

The big day is fast approaching and the nervous excitement mounting for everyone.


Please <<CLICK HERE>> to see the specific PROMOTION NEWSLETTER that contains detailed information and times for the event. It went out via Parent Square to 8th grade families last Friday.


We STRONGLY ENCOURAGE you to take advantage of the EARLY CHECK OUT PROCESS for your 8th grader to help everything run smoothly. Criteria and sign up instructions can be found by accessing the link above.


Also, there is still time to get your Promoting Panther small gifts by pre-purchasing from our Promotion WebStore : https://www.thecommencementgroup.com/glenedwardsms/

YEARBOOK INFORMATION & DISTRIBUTION YEARBOOK INFORMATION & DISTRIBUTION

Prices go up to $65 THIS FRIDAY 5/2/25!

You will have 2 ways to pre-order:

1) Visit jostensyearbooks.com

2) Stop by our office and pay exact cash or you can pay digitally by QR Code


**We are down to the last 100 copies and these will go fast in May!

MUST HAVE PURCHASED A YEARBOOK TO ATTEND THE SIGNING PARTY

EOY ACTIVITIES - BEHAVIOR REMINDERS EOY ACTIVITIES - BEHAVIOR REMINDERS

We want to bring to your attention a concerning uptick in student behaviors, particularly the encouragement of physical altercations, as well as the planning and recording of these incidents for the purpose of sharing on social media. This behavior is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Students involved will face consequences, which may range from detentions to suspensions, depending on their level of involvement.


We ask that you please take a moment to speak with your student about the importance of making positive choices. Encourage them to report any concerns to a trusted adult rather than becoming bystanders or participants in these situations. Reporting an issue can help prevent harmful incidents from escalating.


As a reminder, we are approaching the end of the school year, and each grade level has various end-of-year events and field trips planned. Students who engage in inappropriate behaviors risk losing these privileges.


Thank you for your partnership in fostering a safe and respectful school environment.

6th GRADE

The 6th grade staff will be hosting a BBQ on the last day of school. After lunch we will be participating in various activities including a teacher vs student volleyball game. The day will be finished with a snow cone treat. We look forward to celebrating the end of the year with our 6th graders!

7TH GRADE

Lets go bowling at Strikes!!!! Permission slips went out this week to all 7th graders and due to front office no later than 5/6/25. They will have bowling, arcade games, pizza and more fun!!

8TH GRADE

We have the traditional fun events planned for 8th graders!!


Monday June 2nd students who have turned in permission forms head off to Sunsplash at 9:30. Weather is unpredictable at this time of year but we will go rain or shine. Remember towels and any extra money if students wish to play arcade games, golf or to secure a locker (inquire directly with sunsplash the day of). Lunch is provided within the park so please ensure your student knows they are not to go to IN AND OUT (located within the same parking lot). The waterpark will close at 4:00pm that day and when they will board the bus back to GEMS. Depending on traffic their return is estimated 4:30-4:45. Please ensure transportation needs for your student are in place.


Wednesday June 4th is the Promotion Dance for those students who opted to attend. This event will be from 6-8pm and has been planned by you....the parents. Please be sure your student arrives on time as late entries will not be permitted and with Promotion Ceremony the next morning, prompt pick up preferred.

ASB - LEADERSHIP NEWS 🎫 ASB - LEADERSHIP NEWS 🎫

As we move into May, we’d like to take a moment to recap some of the exciting activities our students participated in during April and share what’s coming up!


Last month, several of our leadership students had the opportunity to attend the California Association of Student Leadership (CASL) Conference in Santa Clara. During the event, students engaged in a variety of workshops focused on building a positive school climate, organizing successful school rallies, increasing student engagement, and much more. They returned inspired and eager to bring their new ideas and energy to our campus for the remainder of the school year.


This month, our leadership team is focused on supporting their peers during state testing. Students will be creating and sharing positive, encouraging messages, and distributing small incentives to help motivate everyone to do their best on the test.


We’re also proud to highlight the collaborative work between our leadership and broadcasting students on the annual SBAC video. This project is fully student-produced and edited—our students have shown exceptional dedication and creativity in directing, filming, and finalizing a high-quality production to energize the school for testing season.


Looking ahead, leadership is hard at work planning our end-of-year rally, which will take place on May 30, 2025. In addition, they’re preparing for next year’s events, including summer leadership workshops and 6th grade orientation for incoming students.


We’re incredibly proud of our student leaders and all they’ve accomplished—and we’re excited for what’s ahead!

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PBIS 🐾 PBIS 🐾

STUDENT STORE

The GEMS Student Store is open on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings. We also open it several days of the week after school (this varies due to duties, meetings and other obligations). We encourage students to come by and spend their points! Points do not roll over into the next school year and returning students will start with an empty account next year.

APTS 🤝 APTS 🤝

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MEETINGS

Mark your calendar now for the next APTS meeting. It will be on MAY 8th @ 5pm in the GEMS Staff Lounge. Board members for the 25-26 school year will be voted in at that meeting.


WE INVITE you to be part of something truly special by volunteering with our Parent-Teacher Student Organization (APTS). As a parent, your involvement is crucial to enhancing the educational experience for all students. Whether you're helping to organize events, fundraising for school improvements, or supporting our teachers, every contribution you make will have a lasting impact.


By volunteering, you'll:

  • Build Connections: Meet other parents and form lasting relationships within the school community.
  • Support Your Child's Education: Play an active role in the programs and activities that directly benefit your child's learning environment.
  • Have Your Voice Heard: Share your ideas, offer your expertise, and contribute to shaping the school's activities and initiatives.
  • Make a Real Impact: Whether you can donate an hour a month or a few hours each week, your efforts will be felt by students, teachers, and families alike.


Every parent’s involvement, no matter how big or small, helps create a vibrant and thriving school. Volunteering with APTS is a rewarding experience that fosters a positive environment where students, teachers, and parents work together to achieve success.


Attend our May 8th meeting and be a part of something great – your time and energy will make a world of difference!

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GET INVOLVED!!

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK

Staff appreciation week is coming up and we’d love your help in making it extra special!


We're collecting donations to show our incredible team just how much they’re appreciated. Whether it’s a small gift, snacks, drinks, or a monetary contribution—every little bit helps!


If you’d like to donate, please access the list below and you can drop off items by May 5th to the GEMS Office: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050845AEA628A6FB6-56281031-gems#/


Let’s make this a week to remember for our amazing staff!

Thank you so much for your support!


Have questions or ideas? Reach out to GEMSAPTS@GMAIL.COM

FUNDRAISERS

  • Check out and support our APTS STORE!! Updated items are:
    • Stickers have been discounted to only $1 now!!
    • Bling Hoodie Strings are still available for $5ea.

FOUNDRY FOUNDRY

COMMUNITY / FAMILY SESSION OPPORTUNITY COMMUNITY / FAMILY SESSION OPPORTUNITY

Hi Everyone,


LHS is hosting a Community/Family Informational 1 Pill Can Kill session on 5/8 @ 5:30pm in the LHS Theatre. We hope to see you there!!

UPCOMING COLLEGE & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES UPCOMING COLLEGE & CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Items of Interest for PANTHERS 🐾 Items of Interest for PANTHERS 🐾

OFFICE NEWS AND INFORMATION

As we enhance safety measures, please note IDs will be checked every time you come to pick up your student during school hours. Please have your ID ready for the office staff. This includes anyone listed as an emergency contact. Be sure you have logged into the PowerSchool Parent Portal and submitted the ARU modules for accuracy.


Unfortunately our office staff can not interrupt class time to call students to pick up items in the office.
Parents can drop off items for their student but we will not be able to call the student to pick the item up. The student can check in during the passing period or at lunch.


REMINDER: We can not allow food delivery services (Doordash, Postmates, UberEats, etc.) to GEMS. Breakfast and Lunch are available to all students without charge.

ATTENDANCE REPORTING

There will be NO TRAVEL STUDIES allowed to last two weeks of school. All work AND the student must be back in regular attendance by 5/22/25.


To support your child’s consistent attendance and academic success, we kindly ask that all appointments be scheduled outside of school hours. While we understand situations arise, whenever possible, please plan medical, dental, and other non-emergency appointments after school. We appreciate your partnership in making every school day count!


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

DID YOU KNOW..??..

  • 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.

Hello GEMS Community!


May is Mental Health Awareness Month!


As your student navigates the end of the school year, mental health becomes especially important for overall success and well being. Promoting mental health interventions helps youth to strengthen their capacity to regulate emotions, find alternatives to risk-taking behaviors and supports healthy relationships (WHO, 2021). For further resources on how you can support your youth and end mental health stigma please visit Child Mind Institute or NAMI.


During lunches the Wellness Center will have mental health trivia and will be handing out positive affirmations to students to kick off the month! Our wellness team looks forward to continuing to support students and families to finish off the year strong!


Have a wonderful May!

PLEASE NOTE: ALL TUTORING WILL END ON THURSDAY, MAY 22ND.

ATHLETICS

BANNERS

Support GEMS Athletics with a gym banner sponsorship!


The GEMS Banner Sponsorship Program offers you an opportunity to advertise your business and the products & services you provide, displayed on a large format full color banner. Your banner will be displayed in our new gymnasium for the entire 2025-26 school year. Visit this link to access the form: https://forms.gle/43711Ws7wVmokN1h8


NEXT YEAR ATHLETES 25/26

THE FINAL FORMS 2025-2026 YEAR WILL OPEN FOR NEW ACCOUNTS ON 6/10/25.


TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SPORTS:

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.

MEDIA

Advanced Broadcasting produces GEMS TV every Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/gemstv916


New WeAre105 podcast is up now!

You can find our podcast on YouTube & Spotify


"The Panther Press": www. pantherpress916.com

Check out new articles on:

  • The Book Fair
  • Importance of Sleep
  • Teachers as Teens with Mrs. Koerner
  • Teachers as Teens with Mrs. Sunding
  • Story about Ms. Ward's Eyepatch
  • Electricity problems at GEMS
  • Tik Tok Trends or Trouble?
  • Gum in Schools
  • Phones in Schools
  • Shamrock McFlurry Review
  • Lincoln Car Show
  • Update on Sports Scores
  • and much more..

Make sure to check back often! We update our site several times a week with the latest news at GEMS!

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FOOD SERVICES

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

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Follow Us On Facebook! 👍 Follow Us On Facebook! 👍

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 to follow!

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We Are 105 Podcast

We Are 105 is a podcast produced by GEMS Advanced Broadcasting class. Find it on our YouTube channel, Spotify, and Apple.

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GEMS TV

GEMS TV is a morning news show produced by the students of the GEMS Advanced Broadcasting class.

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GEMS TV FB Page

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PORTRAIT OF A LEARNER
GEMS SIDELINE SPIRIT STORE
DISTRICT & GEMS SAFETY PLAN
Join Our GEMS Team
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