WELCOME BACK!!!

Welcome to a new and exciting school year! I hope you all had a restful and enjoyable summer break. As we gear up for another fantastic year at Glen Edwards Middle School, I wanted to take a moment to share some important updates and extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you.

First and foremost, I am thrilled to welcome our returning students and families, as well as those who are new to our school community. We are excited to have you join us and look forward to a year filled with learning and memorable experiences.

Our district is in the process of hiring a new principal for our school. We will keep you updated on this important development.

Our dedicated staff has been working diligently to prepare for the upcoming year. From refining curriculum plans to creating a welcoming environment, we are committed to ensuring that every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive. We believe in fostering a supportive and inclusive atmosphere where each student can reach their full potential.

As we embark on this new journey together, please know that my door is always open. Whether you have questions, concerns, or ideas to share, I am here to listen and support you. Together, we can make this school year a wonderful and enriching experience for all.

Our office reopens on Tuesday, August 6th but if you need anything in the meantime, don’t hesitate to email me.

Our first day of school is quickly approaching and students return on Thursday, August 15th. We will be on a regular school day schedule, with gates opening at 8:00 am and classes beginning at 8:15am and the last class ending at 2:55pm. (ATTACHED BELL SCHEDULE)

Please continue reading below for important information about:

• 6th Grade Orientation

• 7th Grade TDAP & Chromebook Distribution

• 7/8th Grade Schedules

• Pictures and IDs

• PE Clothes

• Yearbook Purchases

• Athletics

• 24-25 Emergency Cards

• Suggested Supplies

• Panther Spirit Store

We will send out additional information before 8/15/24 with more details about the first few days of school so be on the lookout for that communication.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Let’s make this school year one to remember! Excited to see you all soon!

Go Panthers!!

Mrs. Fernandez, Assistant Principal

Our 6th grade students will begin building strong relationships with their fellow Panthers through various activities. With their student leaders, 6th grade students will participate in their first GEMS Rally, participate in different group activities, receive their schedule and take a campus tour. As much as we appreciate and value your support and involvement with your Panther, Orientation is a student-only event our student leadership team organized in order to empower your student as they transition to GEMS.

• Wednesday, August 7th

• Orientation: 9:00am-11:00am

• Parents can drop off at front gate starting at 8:45am, and pick up will be at 11:00am

• Location: GEMS Campus

All students entering 7th grade must provide proof of immunization. In order to attend school this fall documents must be received and verified. Please note the date and time below to complete this task. Specific grade level immunization requirements can be found under "Items of Interest for Panthers".

TDAP PPWK drop off:

• Wednesday, August 7th

• Front Gate: 12:30-3:00pm

• 7th grade students to turn in copy of immunizations with TDAP and Varicella

Upon completion of 6th grade, student chromebooks were collected and over the summer our technology department performed the necessary updates on these devices. 7th grade students will obtain their school issued chromebook once school has started.

CHROMEBOOK Distribution:

• Thursday, August 15th: students will go to the library with their ELA teacher to checkout and be issued a chromebook.

7th and 8th grade students can view (print-if they choose) their schedules from Power School after 8/12/24. If schedules are viewed prior to 8/12/24, there is a good chance they will not be finalized. Some classes are still fluctuating and we appreciate your patience.

PLEASE NOTE THERE WILL NOT BE A DESIGNATED DAY FOR 7TH & 8TH GRADERS TO PICK UP SCHEDULES.

SAVE THE DATES!!!

• Pictures & ID Cards will be done in PE classes on Monday 8/19/24 (more information on pricing and how to order forthcoming)

• Make ups will be September 24th

These are the two dates to have student pictures taken and these images will be used for the yearbook.

PE clothes will be purchased through PE Classes once school begins. Be on the lookout for more information on "how" to purchase. For convenience pricing listed below:

• $10 shirts

• $10 shorts

• $20 set (shirt and shorts)

SPECIAL YEARBOOK OFFER!!

We sold out of yearbooks last year and are offering pre-orders at the lowest price of the school year, $48. This offer expires on August 23rd with prices going up throughout the year. Pre-order your yearbook online at jostensyearbooks.com

8th grade parents: Tune into Schoology for information about 8th grade dedication ads

Any students interested in trying out for Girls Volleyball, Boys Flag Football or Cross Country, make sure to upload your physical and have all forms signed on Final Forms before the first day of tryouts (specific information and link to final forms can be found under "Items of Interest for Panthers"). Tryout dates will be announced shortly but expected to be announced within the first week of school. Fall team pictures are scheduled for September 6th.

All sports mentioned above are open to 7th and 8th grades while Cross Country is open to 6th graders as well.

Questions?

Athletic Director: jnoonan@wpusd.org

Girls Volleyball: dluci@wpusd.org

Boys Flag Football: tcolson@wpusd.org

Cross Country: rsmith@wpusd.org

The link is live and open for all parents of WPUSD students to update their student emergency contact information and e-sign waivers on-line. https://powerschool.wpusd.org/public/

Please take a few moments to confirm, update and submit each module of information by August 15th. There are new modules that have been added this year.

Please note: School supply lists will be shared by each teacher/class on their syllabi. The syllabi for each class will be handed out in the first week of school. A few general items to be sure your student is ready:

• Backpack

• Spiral & Composition Notebooks (100 pages +)

• Pencils

• Pens

• Highlighters

• glue/glue stick

• Colored folders (one for each class) or a binder with sections for each core class with binder paper

• Coded headphones to work with chromebook

OUR 24/7 GLEN EDWARDS MIDDLE SCHOOL Sideline Store is up and running. Stop reading and start shopping to score the latest fan wear and accessories.

*PLEASE NOTE: THESE CLOTH ITEMS WILL NOT MEET PE UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS. DO NOT PURCHASE FOR PE CLOTH FROM HERE.

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

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.

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

• 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.
• ALSO NOTE: There will be NO TRAVEL STUDIES allowed to last two weeks of school.
  

Dear Parent or Guardian of a 7th grade student:

Before your student enters the 7th grade this Fall 2024, 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. 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

The Foundry is an After School Program available for GEMS students to see friends, get homework help, eat snacks, play games and participate in some Recreational Programs coordinated by the Foundry. This is a no cost program available Monday through Thursday.

We hope to see you at the Foundry after school once it starts!! It's going to be a GREAT School Year!!!

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 or the picture below to follow!