GMS UPDATE

Dear GMS Families,

The Flywheel Effect - from Jim Collins "Good to Great" - is a summary of small wins that build momentum over time and has production moving at high speed. While not a perfect translation to our work in school, the 1st quarter of the year to date has provided many small wins around the school with academics, behavior, social / emotional situations, and activities. The wheel is spinning fast and once that wheel hits optimal speed it is nearly impossible to stop. Our teachers and working hard day-in and day-out to ensure that students produce high quality results for the efforts out in ~ for this I am proud and grateful for. As November rolls in, our gratitude for our entire community is immense and we are super excited for what the next three quarters will bring!

Report cards will be available via PowerSchool at 3:00 on Friday, 11/6.

Chris & Adam

(Star & Tar)

On Monday evening, 11/2, and all day on Tuesday, 11/3, we have caregiver / teacher conferences scheduled. This is a great opportunity to view and share strengths of students in class and make a plan to address any areas of deficit to ensure growth over time.

Please arrive a few minutes early for your conferences if you have any scheduled; with any luck we will keep appointments as scheduled and end them all by the end of the day! Conferences are scheduled to be in-person; if you require remote accommodations, please reach out to the individual teacher(s) to make a plan.

If you did not schedule a conference because your did not have any concerns, that is fine! if anything pops up as the year moves on, just reach out the teacher(s) and address it then. You are not being disengaged by not having a conference...

Dear Families,

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is pleased to share the MCAS Family Portal with you. This online tool lets you see your student's MCAS test results. A letter was sent out on 8/20/26 to all families whose students participated in the MCAS last year. This letter is also posted in the PowerSchool Parent Portal. Below is a sample letter with more information.

MCAS Family Portal Sample Letter.

Postural Screenings will take place soon. If you wish to opt your child out of the screenings, please click the button below for information. This is the last call for opt-outs; please contact Mrs. Caya with questions.

Please printe, complete and return this form to Nurse Caya if you have not already done so this school year.

The sign-up form for the Hanover Trip to see "A Christmas Carol" has been share out; permission is due by Saturday, November 7. The form is linked below in case your inbox is overwhelmed. The $35 cost may be paid online or by check. Donations are always accepted (overpayment in the online portal is the easiest way to donate) to support disadvantaged students.

Lunch block is attached to Period 5(A-F) - it does not appear on the student schedules. 7th grade lunch on a regular day schedule is 10:49 - 11:09 and 8th grade lunch is from 11:43 - 12:03.

In order to maximize efficiency, when students receive a school meal, knowing their ID number (printed on schedules and bus passes) is very important.

While breakfast and lunch are "universal free", placing a balance in your students' MySchoolBucks account is recommended to facilitate purchases of additionally offered ala carte items (this is not required and cash is accepted as well). For more information, please visit: https://www.graftonps.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4364377&type=d&pREC_ID=2563286.

Bus Routes for Grafton Public Schools have been published and are available here: transportation information.

Please note that bus routes are developed to promote safety and maximize efficiencies. Most of our students are asked to walk less than 1/4 of a mile to their stop. ALL students walk less than 1/3 of a mile. Many of our roads lack streetlights and sidewalks; however, walking to a neighbor's driveway on most of our roads in town is considered "safe." In the event that you have a specific concern once the routes are published, please reach out to: businfo@grafton.k12.ma.us.

Please do NOT use the student parking lot for drop-off or pick-up of your student; use only the layout and process outlined.

There is a high volume of traffic on Providence Road during drop-off (7:00am-7:20am) and dismissal (1:45 - 2:00) and we ask that all GMS caregivers pay attention to the drop-off / pick-up procedures to maintain a safe experience and keep the traffic flowing as smoothly as possible. No GMS student may be dropped off along the gym / auditorium sidewalk; this is the traffic lane for the GHS drop-off and must be kept free of stopped vehicles.

The video below provides instructions on our process.

Beginning at 7:00, students may enter the gymnasium / auditorium doors and wait until 7:10 in the cafeteria (breakfast is available). At 7:10, students may enter the main building via the cafeteria doors or the main office entrance (the cafeteria is cleared at 7:20). All students are expected to be in their first class by the 7:25 bell.

Policy IKB - Homework

Grafton Public Schools are committed to a rigorous educational program for all students, with high standards for teaching and learning. Thoughtfully designed lessons may not always be accomplished fully in the classroom environment, and teachers may assign classwork to be completed as homework beyond the school day.

In partnership with the schools, it is expected that families will support their child(ren)/student(s) with appropriate grade level literacy and mathematics activities that support academic growth.

At the Educators discretion, Grafton Public Schools believes that work beyond the school day can support classroom lessons and may be necessary to complete and achieve mastery of and enrichment for the curriculum.

• Homework may be assigned on a regular basis.

• Homework assignments will be related to learning targets and reinforce classroom instruction and will not be used to teach new learning content.

• Projects, reports, essays, readings or other long-term assignments may be partially or fully completed at home. These assignments should not entirely encompass a holiday or school vacation.

• Teachers will ensure that students understand the purpose of the assignment and can complete the work independently.

• Students are expected to complete all homework assignments in a timely manner and can receive credit as classwork.

• Parents / Guardian are encouraged, if needed, to seek out enrichment activities for their student(s).

Grafton Public Schools value many learning activities in the life of a student, including cultural events, sports, part-time employment, and family life. Teachers will take into consideration students' individual needs and GPS will support teachers flexibility when assigning homework.

GPS believes that a successful homework program depends on a successful partnership of teacher, student and parent / guardian.

Homework Missed as a Result of Absence:

Assignments and due dates will be determined at the discretion of the educator but will allow the student a minimum of two (2) days to complete homework missed due to absence. Upon return to school from an extended absence, students in conjunction with their teachers and parents will develop a plan to complete make-up work within a reasonable amount of time.

This is a sample of what students will expect in the various content areas - this is updated monthly throughout the school year.

Our Curriculum Leadership Team has provided an update on key ideas that are being focussed on in classroom at GMS. Please review and look for ways to support learning at home.

• If you'd like to join the VOLUNTARY mailing list for the Grafton SEPAC (special education parent advisory council), fill out this quick form. We'll be sending out information about upcoming SEPAC events, including 'Coffee & Conversations', Special Education related trainings, monthly meetings, etc. https://forms.gle/r3zRkYddqtqJGUy48

With so much learning going on bell to bell during the school day, student attendance has never been more important. While illness and other exceptional circumstances will keep students away, we need as many students as possible on time and present for learning. The student school day is 7:25 to 1:45; in order to maximize learning, it is expected that students be present and engaged as much as possible.

The GMS structure for attendance is here as reminder:

Regarding Tardy Arrivals to School:

Tardies: A tardy is defined as arriving to the first class of the day after the 7:25 bell without proper documentation (ie: note from the dentist, doctor, or other service provider). Tardies are tracked on a per quarter basis and will reset at the start of each quarter.

We have implemented the following interventions to support students in improving their attendance and punctuality. We want to work in partnership with caregivers to help students develop consistent habits of arriving at school on time.

First Level (4 Tardies)

• Consequence: Lunch Detention
• Students will be assigned a lunch detention on the day following their fourth tardy. During lunch detention, students will have a quiet environment to reflect on the importance of punctuality.

Second Level (8 Tardies)

• Consequence: Friday Academy
• Students will be required to attend Friday Academy, a 1-hour session after school dedicated to structured study time and discussions on time management strategies. Parents will be notified of the session date and pick up time.

Third Level (12+ Tardies)

• Consequence: Parent Conference and Behavior Contract
• A meeting will be scheduled with the student, their parents/guardians, and school administration to address the issue. The student will sign a behavior contract outlining expectations for improvement.
• Further tardies may result in additional interventions.

We understand that unforeseen circumstances can occasionally lead to tardiness. However, consistent late arrivals disrupt the learning process for your child and their classmates. We encourage you to review your morning routine with your child to identify any potential obstacles to arriving at school on time.

Regarding Absences from School:

An absence will be excused if it is for one of the following reasons with proper documentation is provided:

- Death in the family/family emergency

- Documented medical, dental, or legal appointments

- Religious observance

- Extenuating circumstances with prior administrative approval

We have implemented the following interventions to support students in improving their attendance. We want to work in partnership with you to help students to develop consistent habits of attending school.

First Level (5 Absences)

• Parent Notification via Attendance Letter

Second Level (8 Absences)

• Friday Academy & Counselor Check-In
• Students will be required to attend Friday Academy, a 1-hour session after school dedicated to structured study time.
• Parents will be notified of the session date and pick up time.

Third Level (9+ Absences)

• Administrative Review & Possible Truancy Filing
• A meeting will be scheduled with the student, their parents/guardians, and school administration to address the issue. Further absence may result in additional interventions.

Please refer to: https://z2policy.ctspublish.com/masc/browse/graftonset/grafton/JH for the school committee policy language regarding school attendance.

We are off and running! Posted below is a information about last year's activities to provide a taste of what is to come!

Athletics run on their own schedule an all communications regarding tryouts, etc will be coming from the Athletics Department.

Throughout the year, we have events and activities that we enable full participation of all students. At times, participation requires some financial commitment. To assist families in need, please consider donating via our online system.

Each year at GMS, the final dance of the year (exclusive for 8th Graders) is our Luau!

Tradition dictates that 7th grade parent volunteers organize and run the event. Mrs. See will be the point of contact for volunteers.

Duties of the volunteers: fundraising, decorations, vendors, chaperoning, set-up / clean-up, etc.

If you are interested in volunteering, please indicate so by completing this form.

The Grafton Land Trust provide great service to our local community. Check out the site and consider participating in events that are upcoming: https://graftonland.org/ (also follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraftonLandTrust).

As previously shared, this letter is a reminder about our new Anonymous Alerts reporting tool for serious issues requiring immediate action by school and/or law enforcement:

Dear Caregivers,

Please find important information about a new tool in use for Grafton Middle School (and soon to be in place at Grafton High School) - Anonymous Alerts. Review the parent / caregiver letter and see below for more information.

Thank you,

Chris Starczewski, Principal of GMS

____________________________________________________________

Information shared to students in mid-December:

Good morning!

As I hope you know, one of the top responsibilities that I have is to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for you. The most important aspect of that is the upfront and open communication when issues arise. Sometimes, it may be difficult to decide to share a concern because you may be nervous about being identified or you become uncertain about how to report something of serious concern. We understand that and have adopted a new reporting system called Anonymous Alerts.

Today during Period 7, you will be instructed to watch the attached videos individually or as a whole class. We are putting a new reporting system in place when you become aware of serious and harmful actions related to members of our school community; issues like: violence, bullying, etcetera.

Please watch each attentively and carefully so you are aware of why to use and how to use the Anonymous Alerts reporting system. If you have any questions, please feel free to track me down.

The same videos and a parent letter are being shared to your caregivers later this afternoon so they are aware and can take the same actions as you for reporting.

Make today a great day!

Mr. Star

_________________________________________

Training Slideshow

Introduction Video: https://youtu.be/Otp892yrdIc?si=VrFY3d4D-3o1QEPW

Anonymous Alerts Training Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTPnbq6hJEE

THE GHS ATHLETIC BOOSTER CLUB POP-UP SHOP IS BACK!

By popular demand, our online store is back for a limited time with a special collection of Gator spirit wear for game days, everyday wear, and gifting.

Show your Gator spirit in style with polished q-zips, versatile vests, on-trend hats, cozy fleece, classic totes, and standout styles from top brands like Carhartt.

SPECIAL FEATURE
Our version of THE coveted designer mock neck—a must-have for your GHS wardrobe!

ACT FAST—THE STORE IS OPEN FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY!

Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines, heading to school, or shopping for the perfect gift, this is your chance to be the most stylish Grafton fan around!

SHOP NOW — https://graftongators.itemorder.com/shop/home/

PROCEEDS BENEFIT ALL GHS STUDENT-ATHLETES!

https://gms.graftonps.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4380789&type=d&pREC_ID=2586128

If a Grafton Middle School student is in need of support from a member of the Student Support Team, the student can always as a teacher to go to the Counseling Suite. Despite our work to ensure that all students are comfortable and welcome at GMS and encouraged to seek help / assistance for themselves or others when it is needed, sometimes students may be choose to go without connecting for fear of being labeled by peers. This resource is available to ANY student looking to talk about any issue involving them or a peer. Students just need to sign up and a member of the team will be in touch very soon!

https://forms.gle/y7nNL3UXQy7EPo59A

**The Impact of Cell Phones on Learning: A Message for Grafton Middle School Parents**

In today’s digital age, cell phones have become an integral part of our daily lives, offering instant access to information and communication. However, when it comes to the classroom, these devices can pose significant challenges to students' learning and focus. These devices include Smart Watches.

**Grafton Middle School: A "No Phone Zone"**
To ensure that our students can fully engage in their education without unnecessary distractions, Grafton Middle School is designated as a "No Cell Bell to Bell" school This means that students are expected to keep their phones stored in lockers or backpacks for the entire school day. Phones should not be carried on their person during school hours. This policy is designed to create a focused learning environment where students can concentrate on their studies and interactions with peers and teachers. If students wish to "rent" a lock for the school year, they may bring $10 to school; only school issued locks are permitted. The $10 deposit will be returned to students when they turn the lock in at the end of the year.

**Distractions in the Classroom**
While cell phones are powerful tools, they can easily divert attention away from important lessons. Social media notifications, text messages, and the lure of online games or videos can interrupt students’ concentration, making it difficult for them to fully engage with their studies. Even the mere presence of a phone can be a distraction, reducing the ability to absorb and retain information.

**Impact on Academic Performance**
Studies have shown that students who frequently use their phones during class often have lower grades and are less likely to participate in discussions or group activities. Multitasking between a lesson and a phone is virtually impossible, as the brain cannot effectively focus on both tasks at the same time. Over time, this divided attention can lead to gaps in knowledge and hinder academic progress.

**Social and Emotional Effects**
Beyond academics, cell phones can also impact social interactions and emotional well-being. Constant connectivity can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation, especially when students use social media as a measure of self-worth. Additionally, reliance on phones can reduce face-to-face communication skills, which are crucial for personal development and building meaningful relationships.

**What Can Parents Do?**
As parents, you play a critical role in helping your child develop healthy cell phone habits. Support Grafton Middle School’s "No Phone Zone" policy by reminding your child to store their phone in their locker or backpack and to focus on their learning during school hours. Setting clear guidelines around phone usage can reinforce the importance of staying engaged in class. Also, please be on the lookout for more resources on the topic; specifically, information from "The Anxious Generation" by Jonathan Haidt.

Together, we can create a learning environment that prioritizes education and helps our students reach their full potential. Thank you for your support in ensuring that cell phones enhance, rather than hinder, your child’s educational experience.

Warm regards,

Grafton Middle School Administration Team