Gahanna Middle School South
September 8, 2026
You may have noticed a surge in "squishies" -- these soft, foam or silicone squeeze toys that come in all shapes, sizes, and characters, which are currently a major trend among middle schoolers.
We fully recognize that fidget items can be helpful tools to support focus and regulation for some of our students during the school day. However, when these items become a distraction to learning or take up significant space, whether it's mental space or physical space in classrooms, on desks, and in common areas, they lose their educational value.
To help us maintain an environment focused on learning, please note our ground rule for these items: Any fidget or "squishy" brought to school must be small enough to fit completely in the palm of one's hand.
Items larger than palm-sized (including oversized squishies, plushies, and large sensory toys) are not permitted in classrooms and should be left at home. We appreciate your partnership in talking through this guideline with your child so we can keep our focus right where it belongs: on learning!
Each year, our students all across the District participate in a series of low-stakes tests called MAP Testing. M.A.P. stands for Measures of Academic Progress, and these tests are designed to assess students' academic progress and growth over time. The data from MAP Growth assessments helps teachers understand where students are in their learning and identify areas where they might need additional support or challenge. This information can then be used to tailor lessons and activities to meet the specific needs of each student, or identify students who may interventions during our WIN Period in preparation for standardized State Tests in the Spring.
This year, MAP Testing will look a little different at South. Instead of using multiple days over the course of the "MAP Window" to offer different portions of the MAP Test, we will run two "test days" -- one for ELA and one for Math -- during which all students will take the MAP Test simultaneously. The advantage of this is efficiency (only 2 days of disruption) and true preparation, since offering the MAP Test in this format best replicates the actual testing conditions for the state test in the Spring.
We will administer the MAP Test for ELA (English Language Arts) this Thursday, September 10, and the MAP Test for Mathematics on Tuesday, September 15.
On those days, we will run an internal 2-hour delay schedule. Students will report to school at their normal time! 8th Graders who take a language course at the HS WILL STILL ATTEND THEIR HS CLASS on that day; they will report to their testing rooms upon their arrival at MSS.
I share this information simply to keep your family in the loop. No stress or particular preparation required, other than a good night's sleep and a sense of efficacy on the day of!
For your convenience, we will hold THREE Family Conference nights in the fall. This is a chance for your family to come in and have a more in-depth & individualized conversation about your student and their progress in class so far.
Family Conference Nights will be on
Wednesday, September 23
Tuesday, September 29, and
Thursday, October 1
from 4:00P - 8:00P each evening.
Be on the lookout for more information, including links to sign up for conferences, in a separate email from me TODAY, September 8.
Fun Fridays at GMSS
The last day of quarters 1-3 at GMSS will be Fun Fridays during Related Arts time. We bring all of the related arts classes together so students can be with their friends and choose an activity. Some of the choices have been to go outside for an extended recess, to play an organized game in the gym, to play board games or do crafts in the cafeteria, and to use art materials in the art room. Students must qualify for Fun Friday, and those who do not will have a reflection to complete instead. Attached you will see the details for each Related Arts class, along with a copy of the reflection sheet. Please contact your child's related arts teacher with questions or concerns.
Overall, the traffic has been flowing pretty well in the morning, and I want to sincerely thank you for your support in that!
Please be reminded, though, that the drop-off loop is NOT intended for parking and waiting. If you wish to wait with your child for the doors to open, please find a parking spot, and then enter the drop-off loop when your child is ready to exit the vehicle.
Generally speaking, "airport rules" apply to the drop-off loop --- active unloading only!
I would also ask that you pull as far up to the front of the loop as possible, just to ensure maximum capacity of vehicles at the sidewalk.
Thank you so much for your continued attention to and assistance with this matter!
Each year, it is our profound honor to recognize the contributions and sacrifices of our Veterans as we join the District in celebrating Veterans' Day.
Middle School South's Veterans' Day Ceremonies will take place on actual Veterans' Day, Wednesday, November 11th.
We will share more details as we get closer, but this event usually starts at around 9:30AM.
I wanted to get this date out to you as soon as possible so that you might join us on that special morning!
Mark your calendar for the following dates...
Monday, September 21: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS -- Staff Professional Development Day
Wednesday, September 23: Family Conferences (4P - 8P)
Thursday, September 24: 6th Grade Adventure Day @ Hannah Park
Tuesday, September 29: Family Conferences (4P - 8P)
Thursday, October 1: Family Conferences (4P - 8P)
Thursday, October 8: October PTO Meeting, Middle School South Library, 6:00PM
Thursday, October 15: 6th Grade "Fun Night," 4:00PM - 5:30PM
Friday, October 16: End of Quarter 1
Monday, October 19: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS -- Conference Compensation Day
Tuesday, October 20: NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS -- Teacher Work Day
Wednesday, October 21: First day of the 2nd Quarter
