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Hawk Highlights

GVMS Weekly Newsletter

Hawk Highlights GVMS Weekly Newsletter
Hawk HighlightsGVMS Weekly Newsletter

September 22 2024, Volume 4, Issue 6 September 22 2024, Volume 4, Issue 6

Dear GVMS Parents, Students, and Staff:

This week, I want to take a moment to share some wonderful feedback we received from a teacher who recently visited Gainesville Middle School. They were not only impressed by the welcoming environment and the dedication of our staff but also by our incredible students.


The teacher highlighted how our students stood out for their respectfulness, positive attitudes, and engagement in the classroom. They mentioned that it was clear how much our students value their education and how well they embody the values of our RISE culture—Resiliency, Integrity, Safety, and Excellence.


As principal, I’m incredibly proud to see that our students’ hard work and character are recognized by others. It’s a reflection of the community we’ve built together and the support they receive from their families and our staff. This feedback reinforces that we are all working together to create a positive, impactful learning environment at Gainesville Middle School.


Thank you to our parents, families, and students for being such an important part of this journey. Let’s continue to carry our Champion Mindset forward as we make this year one to remember!


Monday, September 23, 2024 is a B DAY.


Here's to another successful and impactful week at GVMS! With a Champion Mindset, Together We RISE!


In Partnership,


Ed Schultz

Principal

schultej@pwcs.edu

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

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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.

Gainesville Middle School's house system holds the key to their low chronic absenteeism rates
GVMS RISE Logo: Resiliency, Integrity, Safety, and Excellence
GVMS Upcoming Events

GVMS Upcoming Events GVMS Upcoming Events

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

Student Attendance at After School Athletic Events Student Attendance at After School Athletic Events

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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!

Important Information

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

Let's Make 2024-25 Picture Day a Success @ Gainesville Middle School 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.

Pre-order Online:

24-25 SY Yearbooks 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 24-25 SY Yearbook Order Link

ROBOTICS TECH TEAM ROBOTICS TECH TEAM

Students interested in joining the GVMS Robotics Tech Team, should submit their Robotics Club Form and Recommendations by Monday, September 30. Available on the Robotics Club page.


Meetings will begin on Monday, September 23. All interested students may begin joining us, regardless of application status, after school for Robotics Tech Team meetings on Monday and Thursdays in Rm 1322 from 3:00-5:00pm. We hope this will get us off to a good start and give students a chance to "try out" Robotics before fully committing to the Team.

*No school Thurs, October 3; Robotics will instead meet on Fri, October 4


All students attending meetings must have: Z87+ rated safety glasses, closed-toe closed-heel shoes (no flip flops, crocs, or sandals), a hair tie for loose or long hair, a #2 pencil, and a notebook (composition, spiral bound, or 2-pocket folder with paper).


Reminder to parents/guardians: kiss n ride pickup will be required for 5:00pm dismissal on Mondays and Thursdays.


Save the date! Our first event will be the VEX Fun Day at Potomac Middle School on Saturday, October 5.


FOR NEW ROBOTICS STUDENTS: The Robotics Education & Competition Foundation is partnering with the Google Data Center in Manassas, VA to put on a free VEX V5 Robotics workshop on September 28 for any student in grades 6-8 who has no experience with VEX V5 robotics. See attached flier for more details.

Robotics Club Link
Parent Resources

GVMS PTO UPDATES GVMS PTO UPDATES

GVMS PTO Membership and Spirit Wear Store

News from the PTO

1. PTO meeting 9/25th, we welcome ALL to attend via zoom at 6:00pm.


2. We will be hosting our first GAME Show night with amazing prizes and family fun. $800 in prizes and lots of opportunities

to win. Presale orders by Wednesday the 25th to guarantee a spot and pizza (Pizza will by from Paisanos) https://gainesville-middle-school-pto.square.site/



3.Our Spirit wear store online closes TODAY at midnight!

Purchase NEW spirit wear HERE:

https://hardhits.chipply.com/GVMSSpiritwear/


4. PTO is happy to announce that every THURSDAY for the entire school year will be PAPA John's day.


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

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PTO is happy to announce that every THURSDAY for the entire school year will be PAPA John's day.

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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.

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Picture Day, we need some volunteers that can help out on picture day, if you can sign up PLEASE do so:

PTO/ SAC Meeting Link

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5304181380?pwd=YUttd1dORE9qNzE5cFVYbmxyWktsdz09&omn=81798392365


Meeting ID: 530 418 1380
Passcode: N8ww3C

Please join the 2024-2025 PTO in supporting our school community.
Donate to assist the PTO in supporting the needs of the GVMS community
PTO supports the weekend backpack program

School Advisory Council 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

Email Link to submit Citizen Time questions
PTO/ SAC Meeting Link

Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/5304181380?pwd=YUttd1dORE9qNzE5cFVYbmxyWktsdz09&omn=81798392365


Meeting ID: 530 418 1380
Passcode: N8ww3C

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GVMS Cell Phone Policy 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.

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  • 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 Weapons Detection System

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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.

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GVMS Policies

Click the image above for more information about the GVMS Cell Phone Policy, Dress Code, and the PWCS Code of Behavior

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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:

Application in English

Application in Spanish

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 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.

School Library Controls for Parents

Energy Drinks Energy Drinks

In an effort to support safe participation, PWCS does not support the use of energy drinks by students and athletes. Athletes are prohibited from the use of energy drinks for any reason, especially for the purpose of re-hydration before or after exercise. Fluid replacement drinks or drinks used to replenish body fluid after exercise are defined as drinks that replace energy and electrolytes to assist the body in recovering from exercise. Fluid replacement drinks are not classified as energy drinks. Some common examples of fluid replacement drinks are Gatorade and Powerade.
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Sharing of Food and Birthdays/ Events Sharing of Food and Birthdays/ Events

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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 Transportation

PWCS Transportation Information

Questions or concerns about your bus route? Submit a request below.

Submit a request

launch pwcstransportation.zendesk.com
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PWCS Here Comes the Bus App

Wondering where the bus is? Click the image above to register for Here Comes the Bus.

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PWCS Bus Delays

Click the link above for more information about late buses in PWCS.

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GVMS Traffic Patterns

Click the image above for more information about GVMS traffic patterns.

Bus Schedules Bus Schedules

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TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY INFORMATION

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Parent Vue Information

Click the image above for more information about accessing Parent Vue.

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Canvas Pairing

Click the image above for more information on how to pair with your student's Canvas page.

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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

CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES 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.

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GVMS CLUBS

Click on the image above for quick access to club applications and information.

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GVMS Athletics

Click on the image above for quick access to athletics information.

Say Something Anonymous Reporting System Logo
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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 Student Days Off

GVMS Attendance Page
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Contact Information 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

GVMS Counseling Team Newsletter

GVMS Counseling Team Newsletter

GVMS Counseling Team Newsletter - August/September 2024 by Jacquelyn Leif | This newsletter was created with Smore, an online tool for creating beautiful newsletters for educators, businesses and more

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Parent Liaison

Mrs. Elisa Dacales - dacaleer@pwcs.edu

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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
Ed Schultz
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