Hawk Highlights
GVMS Weekly Newsletter
September 15 2024, Volume 4, Issue 5
Dear GVMS Parents, Students, and Staff:
Thank you so much for joining us for Back to School Night! Seeing so many smiling faces and feeling the excitement in the air was a powerful reminder of the incredible partnership we have in supporting your children’s journey. Your presence made the evening feel truly special, and I believe that when we come together, there’s nothing we can’t achieve for our students.
I’ve also received some thoughtful feedback, and I’ll be working to incorporate those ideas into future Back to School Night events, ensuring they continue to meet the needs of our wonderful community.
As we move forward, please check this week’s Hawk Highlights for important PTO updates and upcoming events. Together, we’re creating a school environment where every student can thrive.
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance. Our school office will be open, Monday through Friday from 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM to address any concerns you may have.
Monday, September 16, 2024 is an A DAY.
Here's to another successful and impactful week at GVMS! With a Champion Mindset, Together We RISE!
In Partnership,
Ed Schultz
Principal
GVMS Building Hours
Our Bell times for the 24/25 SY are: 8:10 AM - 2:50 PM
Instruction will begin at 8:15 AM each day. There will not be a homeroom/ advisory at the beginning of the day. On time arrival is very important to ensure there is no loss of learning opportunities for our students.
Please Note: Students arriving after 8:10 AM (not on a bus) will be marked tardy.
We are able to welcome students as early as 7:40 AM. Students will be seated in the Cafeteria until 7:55 AM.
Parents/Guardians: The kiss and ride line can become a bit long in the morning however, from 7:40 - 8:00 AM it is moving pretty well. You may consider dropping off prior to 8:00 AM to beat the rush.
PLEASE do NOT enter the surrounding neighborhood, Lifetime Fitness/ Wentworth Green dr./ University blvd. to drop off/ pickup your child. This is unsafe and will not be permitted.
You must use our kiss and ride procedures found below for arrival and dismissal.
Office Hours: 7:30 - 4:00 PM
Hawk Highlights
Hawk Highlights is my weekly newsletter to families. I will send Hawk Highlights out weekly, typically on Sunday evening. You will receive a text link and an email each week to the newsletter.
This is the best source of receiving updated information weekly from the school. I do provide quite an abundance of information in these newsletters but have received supportive feedback from families with this approach. I will remove information in which the deadline has past, pertaining to the information provided. Hawk Highlights is archived on our school website and you can access prior editions from there.
GVMS Upcoming Events
Monday, September 16, 2024
Fall Play Rehearsal 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Volleyball @ Home – 5:15 PM
Boys Soccer @ Home – 5:15 PM
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Fall Play Rehearsal 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Boys Soccer @ Marsteller Middle School – 5:15 PM
Volleyball @ Marsteller Middle School – 5:15 PM
Football @ Reagan Middle School – 5:15 PM
Thursday, September 19, 2024
Art Club Meeting, 3:00 PM
Chess and Strategy Games Club, 3:15 PM
Fall Play Rehearsal 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Girls Track @ Bull Run Middle School – 5:15 PM
Saturday, September 21, 2024
Junior Regional Orchestra Auditions @ Battlefield High School – 8:00 AM
Monday, September 23, 2024
Boys Soccer @ Home, 5:15 PM
Volleyball @ Home, 5:15 PM
Battle of the Books, 3:00 PM
Book Club, 3:00 PM
Fall Play Rehearsal 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Tuesday, September 24, 2024
Fall Play Rehearsal 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Wednesday, September 25, 2024
Football @ Bull Run Middle School, 5:15 PM
Volleyball @ Home, 5:15 PM
Boys Soccer @ Home, 5:15 PM
PTO and PAC Meeting on Zoom, 6:00 PM
Thursday, September 26, 2024
Fall Play Rehearsal 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Art Club Meeting, 3:00 PM
Chess and Strategy Games Club, 3:15 PM
Girls Track @ Home, 5:15 PM
Friday, September 27, 2024
8th Grade Marching Band @ Gainesville High School, 5:00 PM
PTO Game Show Night, Cafeteria – 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Monday, September 30, 2024
Fall Play Rehearsal 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Boys Soccer @ The Nokesville School, 5:15 PM
Girls Volleyball @ The Nokesville School, 5:15 PM
Tuesday, October 1, 2024
Football @ Home, 5:15 PM
Fall Play Rehearsal 3:00 PM – 4:45 PM
Wednesday, October 2, 2024
Volleyball @ Home, 5:15 PM
Thursday, October 3, 2024
No school – Rosh Hashanah
Friday, October 4, 2024
Girls Track @ Home, 5:15 PM
High School Athletic Events
Parents and students:
This weekend, high school football game begins at Patriot High and Gainesville High School.
Please note all middle school students must be accompanied by an adult.
Middle school students are not permitted to be dropped off at High School’s sports events.
Evolv safety screening systems will also be used at High School home football and basketball games. Families are encouraged to arrive early for these events and avoid lines. Please refrain from bringing items into the stadium that may be flagged and adhere to the “no bag” requirements that are in place across PWCS. Keys, wallets, and cell phones are permitted, but large metal objects will not pass through the system without being flagged.
Respectfully,
Patriot and Gainesville High School Administration
Student Attendance at After School Athletic Events
Parents: As a reminder or first time information for our 6th grade students and parents, please review the below information for students attending after school athletic events as spectators:
Dismissal: Spectator Students must go home their usual way at the end of the school day. To attend an after-school event, spectator students must then be dropped off by a parent or guardian for the event.
Waiting at School is not permitted: Students who are not participating in the game as athletes, must not stay on school grounds to wait for the event to begin. Please see above for process.
No Bag Policy: As a reminder, there is a no-bag policy for game attendees. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work together to keep our schools safe.
Behavior Expectations: All students attending the event are expected to adhere to the PWCS Code of Behavior. Any infraction of these expectations can result in loss of school privilege of attending after school events and activities.
Student Pickup: Parents are required to pick up their child immediately following the event.
Post-Event Transportation: Students are not permitted to walk home or to any other location after the event. Pickup must be by a parent, guardian, or approved carpool.
Ticket Price is $1 for students and $3 for adults. Cash only.
Thank you for helping us ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone!
Math Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA)
Students will be taking their Math Virginia Growth Assessment (VGA) this week on Thursday, September 19. This assessment is to help gauge student understanding of last year's content to help our teachers get an idea of where your student currently stands in understanding math concepts. This test will be administered during first period, so it is imperative that students are on time to school. There will be some scheduling changes to ensure that students have plenty of time to complete their VGA. If they do not finish their test during the scheduled 2-hour window, they will be able to continue their test in a different testing location when other students begin their first period classes. Please remind your students not to stress about these tests and to do the best they can! Attached is the VGA schedule including adjusted lunch times. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our testing coordinator, Ms. Holland.
Thank you so much for all who contributed to the Roll Call. House Voyager was our winner
Fun Friday House Competition
To further encourage friendly competition amongst the houses, we will be having monthly house challenges on the last Friday of the month. The challenges will take place during PM Hawk Time. In addition, students will get a house point for wearing their house shirts on those days. Our first challenge will take place on Friday, September 27, and students will have a chance to earn a house point by participating in House Trivia.
Dates:
September 27
October 25
November 22
January 31
February 28
March 21
April 25
May 30
GVMS House Spirit Wear
Let's Make 2024-25 Picture Day a Success @ Gainesville Middle School
School Picture Day is Coming!
📅 Date: Monday September 30th & Tuesday October 1st 2024
📸 Pictures Available: Approximately two weeks after photo day
🛒 Pre-order Online: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1001133906#login
📧 Questions about Ordering? Email us at underclass@vosphoto.com
Pictures will be taken during students PE/Health classes. 8th grade PE teachers will communicate out which day students will have pictures taken in 8th grade, as PE is everyday in 8th grade. This information will also be communicated out in text and email through School Status to parents.
24-25 SY Yearbooks
Yearbooks must be pre-ordered, there will not be any yearbooks for cash sale in June. If you order before 9/20, you save $10.
Please keep your emailed receipt for your records.
Please follow the link below:
GVMS PTO UPDATES
News from the PTO
Thank you so much for all who contributed to the Roll Call. House Voyager was our winner
Our Spirirt wear store is open for the next two weeks. We will also open another store in November for the holidays.
Purchase NEW spirit wear HERE:
https://hardhits.chipply.com/GVMSSpiritwear/
Our first spirit night is September 18th at Chipotle
PTO meeting 9/25th, we will send out an email that day with the zoom information if you would like to attend.
We will be hosting our first GAME Show night with amazing prizes and family fun for all, plan to attend, this is a NOT to miss event.
Picture Day, we need some volunteers that can help out on picture day, if you can sign up PLEASE do so:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4BA5AA2AA02-51303948-picture#/
PTO Meetings
September 25th
October 23rd
November 13th
December 11th
Family Fun Events
Game Show Night- September 27th
Chipotle Spirit night- September 18th
Panda Express Spirit Night-October 23rd
Bingo Night- November 15th
Our first spirit night is September 18th at Chipotle
We will be hosting our first GAME Show night with amazing prizes and family fun for all, plan to attend, this is a NOT to miss event.
Picture Day, we need some volunteers that can help out on picture day, if you can sign up PLEASE do so:
School Advisory Council
The purpose of a school advisory council is to provide opportunities for members of the school community to participate in the decision-making process at the local school level. A primary function of the council is to serve as an advisory body to the principal and school leadership team.
The school advisory council function is connected to the Prince William County Schools Strategic Plan, supporting Commitment 3- Family and Community Engagement, Objective 3.1- Prince William County Schools will engage families as authentic partners in education to support academic progress. By 2025, at least 85% of schools will have a high-functioning advisory council.
SAC Meetings - Following PTO Meetings
September 25th
October 23rd
November 13th
December 11th
GVMS Cell Phone Policy
Cell Phone-Free Education in Virginia K-12 Public Schools
Executive Order 33 directs the Virginia Department of Education to provide guidance to school boards on cell phone-free education policies and procedures. School boards will establish local cell phone-free education policies and procedures.
PWCS has been sharing information on this executive order with the community and the division's approach to meeting this guidance.
Please know, I will continue to provide updates on our Cell Phone Free education policies to ensure clarity to our GVMS community. Essentially, student phones and wireless headphones/earbuds are expected to be away for the duration of the school day.
At GVMS we have been off and away for the day for some time now. This will not be a drastic shift in policy for our students.
I have provided a letter below providing additional information on: Student Cell Phone/Wireless Device Use for 2024-25 School Year. This letter also contains links to the division guidelines and FAQ's. Please remember, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out and talk through any questions or concerns you may have with me.
- First Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, and it will be returned to the student at the end of the class period. The student will sign the Acknowledgment of Further Consequences Form. The teacher/staff member will document this offense in The Hub.
- Second Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, the device will be locked in the main office, and the device will be returned to the student at the end of the school day. The student will receive a second warning and the teacher/staff member will notify the parent/guardian via SchoolStatus. The parent will be informed that the next offense (third offense) will result in a disciplinary incident in The Hub and the parent will have to retrieve the device. The teacher/staff member will document this offense in The Hub.
- Third Offense – The student will surrender the wireless communication device, the device will be locked in the main office, and a referral will be generated documenting the violation of the cell phone guidelines. The student will complete a Healthy Cell Phone Use Canvas Module during a lunch detention, after-school detention, restorative reflection, or Saturday school. The parent/guardian must retrieve the device from the school office and sign the Acknowledgment of Further Consequences Form.
Any disciplinary infraction that a student commits arising from the staff or school administration’s attempt to enforce the cell phone guidelines shall result in disciplinary consequences determined by the Code of Behavior and Tiers of Response.
Who is responsible for adhering to these guidelines and securing personal belongings?
It is each student’s responsibility to follow the guidelines and ensure the security of their wireless communication devices. Classes and instruction will not be interrupted to search for lost devices.
Weapons Detection System
As part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students, we are pleased to announce that we will continue utilizing our weapons detection system on day one of welcoming our students to GVMS. This advanced technology will enhance our existing security protocols and help us quickly identify potential threats, ensuring the safety of our students and staff.
- The building will open to students at 7:40 AM, 30 minutes prior to the start of the school day.
- We will have two entries into the building while all other doors will be locked. Those entries will be:
- Door 1 (Main Entry) - Parent drop-off and walkers
- Door 1 and 18 - Bus riders
- Once the school day begins, all visitors and students arriving after the bell will enter through Door One and will go through the screening.
To prepare ahead of the use of the technology in your school, families are encouraged to help reduce the possibility of “false alerts” on everyday items. While none are prohibited, using these guidelines will ensure quick entry for everyone:
- Select clear and plastic school supplies over covered/concealed and metallic when applicable.
- Use three-ring binders with plastic spines/rings (non-metal).
- Use plastic (versus metallic) BPA-free water/coffee bottles.*
- Use hard plastic eyeglass cases (versus metal).
- Students should pack lightly and limit the number of items in bags or other equipment.
- Keep superfluous metallic items at home (game consoles, beauty products, USB drives).
- Laptops and umbrellas will be passed around the technology via a staffed table.
- Watch this video to learn more about entry through the system.
Further Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding this screening technology can be found on the PWCS website. If you have any questions or concerns about this new security measure or any other aspect of our school’s safety protocols, do not hesitate to contact us. Your partnership and support are vital in making our school community safe and conducive to learning.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We look forward to working together to create a safe and nurturing environment for all our students, staff, and families.
GVMS Policies
Click the image above for more information about the GVMS Cell Phone Policy, Dress Code, and the PWCS Code of Behavior
PWCS Breakfast and Lunch Information
Click the link above for information about meal prices and menus for the 24-25 school year.
2024-25 Meal Applications Available Now
Dear Parent or Guardian:
Meals are available for free for eligible students in Prince William County Public Schools. In order to receive these benefits, you must apply for meal assistance every year. Applications filed last year are only good for the first few days of school. Children from households that meet Federal Income Guidelines are eligible for free meals.
Read Federal Guidelines and Frequently Asked Questions – English
Read Federal Guidelines and Frequently Asked Spanish - Spanish
The fastest way to apply for free meal benefits for your child is to apply online:
Online applications are typically processed within 48 hours of submission.
Households receiving SNAP or TANF for their children or who have foster children may not have to fill out an application. School officials will notify those households of children who do not need to apply. If you do not receive notification by August 12th, 2024, you must contact the Food and Nutrition Department, or submit an application.
School library controls for parents now available
Our library circulation system provides the option for parents to restrict access to specific titles in circulation in our school library, if they choose that option for their child. While the school shall make reasonable efforts to ensure that the student is not provided with access to such materials, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the student understands the restriction and does not attempt to access the materials.
If you are interested in restricting specific library titles for your student(s), please visit the “Parent Library Controls” webpage for more information.
Restriction of library materials using the “Additional User Type” is a parent's responsibility. Librarians and school administrators can provide access to the link but cannot provide support within the system.
Energy Drinks
Sharing of Food and Birthdays/ Events
Sharing of Foods and Beverages PWCS REGULATION: 275-1
Schools shall discourage students from sharing their foods or beverages with one another during meal or snack times. Food allergies can result in an allergic reaction in which the student’s life is threatened. Given concerns about allergies and other restrictions in certain children’s diets, food and beverages should not be shared.
No Shared Food Items: Parents will not be permitted to bring in food items for their child to share with others during the school day. This policy helps us maintain a safe and secure environment for all students.
Individual Food Items: If you wish to bring food for your child, you may do so with the understanding that the food is solely for your child.
No Outside Food Deliveries: Delivery services such as Grubhub, DoorDash, Uber Eats, etc., are not permitted. Allowing these deliveries increases the number of people entering our building, which poses a safety and security risk.
Visiting for Lunch: If you would like to come to GVMS to eat with your child, please provide us with advance notice. We are happy to accommodate by reserving the conference room for your visit. Should your child wish to invite a few friends, please contact the grade level administrator and the front office ahead of time. We will coordinate with the parents of those children to receive permission in advance. Please avoid last-minute arrangements.
We appreciate your cooperation and understanding as we strive to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for everyone at GVMS.
Transportation
PWCS Transportation Information
Questions or concerns about your bus route? Submit a request below.
PWCS Here Comes the Bus App
Wondering where the bus is? Click the image above to register for Here Comes the Bus.
PWCS Bus Delays
Click the link above for more information about late buses in PWCS.
GVMS Traffic Patterns
Click the image above for more information about GVMS traffic patterns.
Bus Schedules
Parent Vue Information
Click the image above for more information about accessing Parent Vue.
Canvas Pairing
Click the image above for more information on how to pair with your student's Canvas page.
GVMS Student Devices
Click the image above for more information about student devices, optional insurance, and the PWCS Device Handbook.
Parents - Check your School Status Communications Settings:
Stay in the know! Check or Modify your SchoolStatus communications settings: Check your Subscription Status - text STATUS to 939393
Subscribe to School Messages - text START to 939393
Unsubscribe from School Messages - text STOP to 939393
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
GVMS Club Information will continue to be updated on the school website over the next few weeks. Click the Clubs link below and the GVMS student announcements for more information.
The activity buses for after-school clubs will begin on Monday, September 9, 2024. Activity buses run at 4:45 on Mondays and Thursdays as long as the school is in session.
GVMS CLUBS
Click on the image above for quick access to club applications and information.
GVMS Athletics
Click on the image above for quick access to athletics information.
PWCS uses the “Say Something” Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) designed specifically for students in grades 6-12 and staff to report any type of serious or potentially violent concerns of unsafe behavior or threats of harm to self or others. Say Something is a youth violence prevention program from the national nonprofit organization Sandy Hook Promise and is provided and sustained at no cost to PWCS.
“Tipsters” can send reports on anything from school threats they’ve seen or overheard to personal crises including sexual harassment, self-harm, and depression. The system enables school administrators and those in law enforcement to create effective interventions and intervene upon at-risk individuals to help prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm, and other forms of threatening behavior.
All tips submitted receive an immediate response by one of the highly skilled crisis counselors at the Sandy Hook Promise National Crisis Center; this person then determines the necessary support steps. When credible tips are received that are life-threatening and require immediate attention, the crisis center will notify school-based representatives, even after hours. And, in cases of imminent threat, the crisis center will contact local 911 dispatch and involve law enforcement. Users can submit a tip by calling 1-844-5-SAYNOW or by visiting www.saysomething.net. The free app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store, where students can submit tips instantly.
Student Days Off
Contact Information
Administation Team
Mr. Edward Schultz - Principal - schultej@pwcs.edu
Ms. Michelle Praul - 6th Grade Assistant Principal - praulmh@pwcs.edu
Mr. Steve Williams - 7th Grade Assistant Principal - williasp@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Abby Sentman - 8th Grade Assistant Principal - sentmaal@pwcs.edu
Safety and Security Team
Mr. Antione Jeter - jeterad@pwcs.edu
Mr. Jeffrey Barnes - barnesja@pwcs.edu
Counseling Team
Mrs. Jessie Castles - Director of School Counseling - castlejm@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Jacquelyn Leif - Last Names A - C - leifjm@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Erin Abbott - Last Names D - I - abbotte@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Sarah Ware - Last Names J - Mi - waresm@pwcs.edu
Ms. Alexis Hawkins - Last Names Mj - R - hawkinam@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Autumn Brown - Last Names S - Z - brownal2@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Tina Perez - Registrar - pereze1@pwcs.edu
Parent Liaison
Mrs. Elisa Dacales - dacaleer@pwcs.edu
Technology Team
Mrs. Christine Richmond, Instructional Technology Coach: richmocm@pwcs.edu
- Canvas
- Parent Vue/Student Vue
Mr. Brian James, Technology Specialist: jamesbw@pwcs.edu
- Device Information and support

