Gruening News: 26/27
Sept 14th 2026
In This Edition:
- GREETINGS
- UPCOMING EVENTS
- FALL PICTURE DAY 9/15
- COUNSELOR CORNER
- MAP TESTING INFORMATION
- GIRLS VOLLEYBALL
- WANT TO JOIN MATH HELP CLUB?
- FAMILY RESOURCE PSA
- 2027 INTERNATIONAL FIELD TRIPS
- SIGNING YOUR STUDENT OUT EARLY? HERE'S HOW!
- IMMUNIZATION EVENT
- INITIATIVE AND CONTACT INFO
✨We love our Students!✨
The Office at Gruening Middle School extends a warm welcome to every student and their families! It is Gruening's privilege to educate the Eagle River and JBER communities for the past 42 years and counting.
Upcoming Events − Mark your calendars! 🗓️
- 9/15 -- School Picture Day and Fall Sports Photos
- 9/16 -- XC Jamboree at at Kincaid
- 9/16 -- MAP Testing Day 1
- 9/17 -- MAP Testing Day 2
- 9/19 -- Varsity Basketball Games at Wendler
- 9/19 -- JV Basketball Games at Hanshew
- 9/19 -- C Basketball Games at Central
- 9/23 -- XC Jamboree at Chugiak
- 9/26 -- Varsity Basketball at Wendler
- 9/26 -- JV Basketball at Gruening
- 9/26 -- C Basketball at Begich
- 9/30 -- XC Jamboree at Mirror Lake
🐴Fall Picture Day at GMS!🍁
💙Counselor Corner💙
September is Suicide Prevention Month: You Matter!
September is Suicide Prevention Month—a time to remind our students that every person matters, every feeling matters, and no one has to face difficult moments alone.
Middle school can bring big changes, challenges, friendships, stress, and emotions that sometimes feel overwhelming. It is important to remember that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Please remind your students to:
- Talk to a trusted adult. This could be a parent, teacher, counselor, coach, or another adult you trust.
- Don’t keep it a secret. If a friend tells you they are hurting or thinking about suicide, tell a trusted adult. Getting help is caring for your friend.
- Check in on others. A simple “How are you doing?” or “Want to talk?” can make a difference.
- Remember that things can get better. Difficult feelings can change, and support is available.
At Gruening Middle School, our counselors are here to listen, support, and help students connect with the resources they need. You never have to have the perfect words, just start the conversation.
In an immediate crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or call 911 for an emergency.
GMS Counselors:
A-G: Ms. Hart: hart_jennifer@asdk12.org, H-N: Amy Jo Rotante: rotante_amyjo@asdk12.org ,
or O-Z: Renae_Hopkins@asdK12.org
Standardized Testing 9/16 & 9/17
On 9/16 and 9/17, Students need to be a fully charged chromebook to school. Testing will be in the morning on Wednesday with a reverse schedule that day and Thursday will be in the morning with a standard schedule. Thank you!
Want to play Girl's Volleyball?
We are now accepting Activity Forms for Girl's Volleyball this season! The first practice is on 10/19.
🏐❤️🏐
Please turn in an updated Physical and Activity form to the Front Office.
📔Math Help Club😊
GMS will be offering after-school academic support clubs.
Option 1: Math Help Club. If your student needs support with math homework or building math skills, this option is for them. Three of our math teachers will be hosting Monday- Thursday after school. See the attached flyer for more details.
Option 2: If your student needs after-school homework support not specific to math, we have two teachers offering time after school Monday - Thursday from 4:15 - 5:45. This option will require that students bring materials and work that needs completing. The teacher will support that work time. Monday/Wednesday will be in Room 216 hosted by Mrs. Bondarenko, and Tuesday/Thursday will be in Room 201 hosted by Mr. Stout.
📣SNAP Assistance PSA📣
Need Help with Groceries? SNAP Assistance May Be Available
If your family is experiencing food insecurity or having a difficult time putting enough food on the table, help may be available through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
SNAP provides assistance to eligible families to help purchase groceries and nutritious foods.
📱 Need assistance or want to learn more?
Text “SNAP” to 907-891-8913
International Field Trips!
We are having parent meetings on the night of September 2nd!
D.C. Trip Meeting- 6pm
Australia Trip Meeting- 7pm
ATTENTION PARENTS! NEED TO PICK YOUR STUDENT UP EARLY FROM SCHOOL?
Did you know, there are 4 different easy ways you can notify the office that you need your student removed from class!
ParentConnect Reporting:
- Log into your ParentConnect account and select from the upper menu “Report Absence”
- Select the name of the student you will be picking up early
- Detail the timeframe that you would like your student pulled from class
- It is optional, but appreciated to write a small note in your submission
- Be sure to submit your report using the “Submit” button
- The Office monitors all ParentConnect reports throughout the day.
o If using this option, please give us an hour notice. You may submit these requests as early as the day before they are needed.
o Feel free to reference This Website for more In-Depth tutorials on accessing ParentConnect
Email:
- Compose an email to GrueningAttendance@asdk12.org
- Please detail your name and your child’s name, and the time you’d like your student removed from class for pick up
o Please give us an hour notice using this option. You may submit these requests as early as the day before they are needed as well
Attendance Line:
- Call the GMS phone line, 907-742-3600 and select Option 1
- This leads you to a voicemail box that is managed constantly throughout the day
- Please detail your name and your child’s name, and the time you’d like your student removed from class for pick up
o Please give us an hour notice using this option. You may submit these requests as early as the day before they are needed as well
Short Notice:
- Emergencies happen! If you need to pick up your child early short notice, please give the office a call at 907-742-3600 as soon as you know you’ll need them.
- It is important to note that without time to prepare, a wait time of 10-15 minutes may occur upon the office being notified
o We appreciate your patience and understanding as the staff of GMS do their best to assist you
Helpful Tips:
- All of these options can be used to excuse your student’s tardy, unexcused absence, or planned extended absences
- Save Gruening’s phone number as a contact in your phone
Back to School Vaccine Clinic
Event Information
Gruening Middle School
Members of the Gruening Middle School staff and student body strive to be responsible and cooperative members of a community where achievement is valued along with hard work and civic engagement.
Website: https://www.asdk12.org/gruening
Location: Gruening Middle School, 9601 Lee Street, Eagle River, AK, USA
Phone: 907-742-3600
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GrueningMS