WELCOME BACK!!!

Welcome Panthers!

I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable summer break! As we kick off an exciting new school year at Glen Edwards Middle School, I want to take a moment to extend a heartfelt welcome to our returning families and those new to our Panther community.

For those of you I haven’t yet had the pleasure of meeting, I’ve been a part of the GEMS family for the past 13 years—starting as a math and leadership teacher, then serving as assistant principal for 2.5 years. In January, I stepped into the role of principal, and I am thrilled to officially begin my first full school year in this capacity.

I’m also excited to introduce and welcome Mr. Steve Roman as our new assistant principal. He brings great energy and passion to our campus, and I know he’s looking forward to connecting with students, staff, and families. Be on the lookout for his contributions in our monthly Panther Prowl—he’ll soon be adding his own “VP Corner” to keep you informed and inspired.

Our dedicated staff has been hard at work preparing for the year ahead, refining curriculum, and creating welcoming classroom spaces where students can thrive. We are committed to cultivating a supportive, inclusive, and high-achieving learning environment for every student.

As we begin this new chapter together, please know that my door is always open. I value open communication and partnership with our families, and I encourage you to reach out with any questions, ideas, or feedback throughout the year.

Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead—Go Panthers!

Now to a few logistics :)-

Our office reopens on Tuesday, August 5th 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 14th. 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

• WPUSD Resource Fair

• Athletics

• 25-26 Annual Registration Update

• Suggested Supplies

• Panther Spirit Store

We will send out additional information before 8/14/25 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

Principal

See email that was sent yesterday for further information-

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 printed 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.

• Thursday, 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".

• Friday, August 8th

• Spirit Center: 12:00-2:00pm

• 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 14th: students will go to the library with their ELA teacher to checkout and be issued a chromebook.

7th and 8th grade students will be able to view (and print at home, if desired) their class schedules through PowerSchool starting on August 13, 2025.

Please note:
If you happen to access the schedule before 8/13/25, it may not be finalized. Some class placements are still being adjusted. Thank you for your patience as we complete these updates.

There is no designated schedule pick-up day for 7th and 8th graders. If your student needs a printed copy of their schedule for the first day:

• Printed schedules will be available in their assigned PAW class at the beginning of the school day 8/14/25.

If your student does not know who their PAW teacher is:

• Student lists will be posted in front of the office (by 7:30am), including PAW teacher names and room numbers.

SAVE THE DATES!!!

• Pictures & ID Cards will be done in PE classes on Wednesday 8/27/25 (more information on pricing and how to order forthcoming)

• Make ups will be September 29th

These are the ONLY SCHEDULED TWO DATES to have student pictures taken and these images will be used for the yearbook.

• $10 shirts

• $10 shorts

• $20 set (shirt and shorts)

FALL SPORTS:
CROSS COUNTRY, BOYS FLAG FOOTBALL AND GIRLS VOLLEYBALL

• Cross Country is open to all grade levels
• Boys Flag Football and Girls Volleyball are open to 7th/8th grade

Please make sure you have a current physical uploaded to FINAL FORMS and all forms signed before the first day of tryouts.

Tryout info for Cross Country and Boys Flag Football will be posted when dates/times are set.

Girls Volleyball tryouts begin Tuesday 8/12. See flyer attached.

Questions? Email jnoonan@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 18th. 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

• Wired 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 CLOTHING ITEMS WILL NOT MEET PE UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS. DO NOT PURCHASE FOR PE CLOTHES FROM HERE.

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 meetings and be a part of something great – your time and energy will make a world of difference!

APTS BOARD FOR 2025-2026:

President : Susanna Maldonado

Vice President : Daigo Maydwell

Treasurer : Annalee McKinnon

Secretary : Christine Shaghafi

Check out and support our APTS STORE!!

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).

• 7th period is actually the students PAW period and the first class of the day Tuesday - Friday.
• 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.
• ALSO NOTE: There will be NO TRAVEL STUDIES allowed to last two weeks of school.

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

Dear Parent or Guardian of a 7th grade student:

Before your student enters the 7th grade this 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. You can also email this information to our Health Office: jgoldsmith@wpusd.org.

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!