GSA Middle School

A big thank you to our incredible PTO and Admin team for making Teacher Appreciation Week so memorable — your thoughtfulness means the world! And to our dedicated teachers: thank you for everything you do, every single day.

Now let’s chomp through these last few weeks — Gators don’t quit, we finish strong! 🐊💪

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the end of the school year, we will begin collecting all 8th grade school-issued Chromebook devices assigned to our 8th-grade students.

Device Collection:
Will take place during the 6th hour on Thursday, May 22.

We ask that your student returns both the Chromebook and its charger during the device collection dates. Students will be given the form. To help us with an efficient check-in process, please:

1. Fill out the form below with your student’s name and student ID#.
   
   

2. Sign the form.
   
   

3. Return the signed form along with the device and charger on Thursday, May 22.
   
   

We appreciate your support in helping us ensure all devices are returned in good condition. Fees may be assessed for damaged and/or non-returned items.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please feel free to contact GSA–District IT Coordinator, Mr. Bayar at ebayar@gsastl.org.

Thank you for your cooperation and for being a valued part of the GSA Middle School community.

8th grade students will be taking the Science MAP on Monday and Tuesday, May 12 and 13. Please make sure your students arrives to school on time with a charged Chromebook. The students have been working hard to review concepts they learned in the last three years. Please encourage your student to do their best!

A few dates and information to note:

LOCKER CLEAN OUTS! - Everything goes home! Please have your child bring a trash bag or bag to take home all of their extra things that they are storing in their lockers. No lockers will be used after cleanouts.

• 6th grade - May 19

• 7th grade - May 16

• 8th grade - May 15

May 16th - 8th Grade End-of-Year Celebration Field Trip to Incredible Pizza. Students can participate if they meet the 4th quarter criteria - signed permission slip and paid admission, passing ALL classes with a 60% or higher, 90% attendance, and no out-of-school suspensions. Venue is closed to the public.

8th grade CHROMEBOOK turn-in

ALL 8th grade students will be required to turn in their Chromebook and chargers. This is a district-level decision that ensures we are prepared for a smooth transition to high school. All current devices are to be returned in good condition. Collection specifics will be forthcoming.

LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL - MAY 19

• Monday, May 19 - Last full day of school. Dismissal 2:42

• Tuesday, May 20 - Finals Begin. Dismissal 12:20

• Wednesday, May 21 - Finals. Dismissal 12:20

• 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Tickets will be given to students to be presented at the venue.

• Thursday, May 22 - Finals End. Dismissal 10:57

• Friday, May 23 - Last day of school. Field Day. Dismissal 10:57

GATOR STRONG!

GSA Middle School Administration and Counseling Team

Key Program Details:

• Dates: Wednesday, May 28th – Friday, June 13th, 2025

• Location: GSA HS ACT Summer School, Fyler Campus

• Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

• Instruction: In-person with free breakfast and lunch provided daily

• Bonus: All participants will be registered for the official ACT exam on Saturday, June 14th, 2025 (registration fee covered by the school).

Program Details:

 Location: GSA HS ACT Summer School, Fyler Campus

 Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

 Instruction: In-person

 Meals: Free breakfast and lunch provided daily

Students will receive their detailed schedules on the first day of the program, Wednesday, May

28th.

As an added bonus, all participants will be registered for free to take the ACT exam on June

14th, offering them an excellent opportunity to apply their enhanced skills and build confidence.

Why Participate? While attendance is not mandatory, we strongly encourage all students to join

this enrichment program. It is a unique chance to achieve exceptional ACT scores, setting them

up for success in college admissions and scholarships.

We are committed to your student’s academic journey and will provide the resources and support

they need to excel. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Thank you for your attention and commitment to your student’s success. We can’t wait to see

them thrive in our summer program!

Get ready, GSA! The wait is almost over—yearbooks will be distributed on May 15th during advisory! It's time to relive the memories, the laughter, the epic moments, and everything in between from this unforgettable school year.

Missed the online sale? No worries! A limited number of extra yearbooks will be available for purchase after school on May 15th and throughout the last week of school—but don't wait! These are first come, first served, and they’re sure to go fast.

Yearbooks are just $15. We accept cash, but check or money order (made out to GSA) is preferred. Want to pay by card? No problem—parents can swing by the front office to pay that way too.

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of this year’s memories!

• Last day for clubs and activities. Some may end their activities prior to the 15th.

• It is also the last day for detentions to be served. Detentions not served by the 15th will be fulfilled during field day and/or ISS.

• Monday, May 19 - Last full day of school. Dismissal 2:42

• Tuesday, May 20 - Finals Begin. Dismissal 12:20

• Wednesday, May 21 - Finals. Dismissal 12:20

• 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Tickets will be given to students to be presented at the venue.

• Thursday, May 22 - Finals End. Dismissal 10:57

• Friday, May 23 - Last day of school. Field Day. Dismissal 10:57

Where: Smiley 6576 Smiley Ave

When: 6:00–7:00 PM Doors open at 5:30

Field Day-Dismissal at 10:57

Summer School Begins May 28th-June 20th

GSA Middle School Cheer is going to camp! The dates are July 14-17 from 9am-3pm at Harris Stowe State University. There will be a mini competition occurring on the last day of camp where we can win funds for our school cheerleading program.

The cost is $55 for the camp and $25 for cheer shoes. You will need 3 plain white t-shirts and black athletic leggings/shorts for each day of camp in order to participate.

No experience required.

If you are interested in your student going to cheerleading camp, please fill out the form on the QR code or link. Respond by May 23rd. bit.ly/4cOCu39

ALL women are welcome—students, mothers, daughters, aunts, sisters, grandmothers, and friends!

Join us for a powerful and practical self-defense course led by our very own Ms. McGuire, a Jiu-Jitsu purple belt and proud GSA mom!

Thursday, May 16th
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Multipurpose Room at GSA
$30 per person | Bring a guest for just $10 more!

Learn how to protect yourself:

• From standing positions

• Against a wall

• On the ground

About Your Instructor:
Ms. McGuire had her first-ever professional Jiu-Jitsu match on Oct. 19! With 8 years of training, and a daughter who also trains, she’s living proof that this sport builds strength, confidence, and resilience. Yes—her daughter has even used these skills in a real-life situation!

Register now at: ms.gsastl.org/selfdefense

Let’s show up, level up, and support each other. GATOR STRONG.

we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous support as the Gold Sponsor for our weight room. Your sponsorship plays a crucial role in enhancing our facilities and providing students with the tools they need to stay active, healthy, and strong

PTO Website

ms.gsastl.org/pto

hs.gsastl.org/pto

Please join the PTO Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/GSAMiddleSchoolPTO

May 6, 2025

Dear GSA Parents,

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a concerning

measles outbreak across 30 states in the United States. As of May 1, 2025, there are

935 confirmed measles cases in the U.S., compared to 285 total cases reported for the

entire year of 2024. Among the cases reported in 2024, over 90 percent were linked to

international travel, and most have been among children aged 12 months and older who

had not received the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine.

Measles is a highly contagious and potentially serious viral illness. The virus spreads

through coughing and sneezing and can live for up to two hours in an airspace after an

infected person leaves an area. A person can spread measles without knowing they are

infected.

The measles vaccine, given as part of the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)

vaccine, is extremely effective, giving those vaccinated with just one dose 93%

protection against measles infection. Both doses of the vaccine provide individuals with

a 97% protection rate throughout their lifetime.

If your child is NOT fully immunized or you have submitted an exemption letter,

and we have a positive case in the district, you and your family will need to follow

these rules set by the Department of Health and Senior Services:

● In accordance with public health law, if a student at school develops measles, all

students in that school who are not in compliance with the MMR requirements,

even if they have a medical or religious exemption, should be offered a dose of

MMR vaccine. If they receive it within 72 hours after their initial exposure to the

case patient, they may remain in school. Otherwise, they must be excluded

from school through 21 days after their most recent exposure to an

infectious individual.

● If your child is diagnosed with measles, contact the school nurse immediately.

The school nurse must then immediately contact the local county health

department so they can ensure that control measures are implemented in a

timely manner.

● The measles vaccine, given in two doses of the MMR shot, is the best way to

protect against measles. Children need one dose between 12-15 months old and

a second dose before starting school around 4-6 years old.

As a district we want to provide the safest learning environment possible. We want you

to be aware of the situation going on in the United States and what measures will need

to be taken IF a case of Measles appears in our District. Thank you for your cooperation

in this matter.

As summer approaches, I want to tell you about an exciting program we’re offering this summer at the Bayer YMCA.

Emotional Wellness & Skillbuilding Academy: Designed to help teens become their best selves by discovering their strengths, leadership style, and unlocking their personal growth path. Through hands-on experiences, they will also focus on relationship-building, emotional regulation, and exploring entrepreneurship ventures.

This academy is a 4-week program that meets Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You can still work, hang out with friends, or do other fun things in the afternoon!

Here are the academy dates:

· June 9 – June 12, 2025

· June 16 – June 19, 2025

· July 7 – July 10, 2025

· July 14 – July 17, 2025

You do not have to attend all four weeks—you can mix and match the weeks that work best for your schedule!

Here’s what you’ll do in the academy:

· Learn how to be your best self, and how to manage your emotions

· Build leadership and teamwork skills

· Meet guest speakers and do fun, hands-on activities

· Help with real service projects in the community

This academy will also look great on your college applications and job resume!

**And here’s something exciting—Upon completion of ALL 4wks of programming participants will receive a $300 voucher to start a savings account.

Space is very limited, so act now!

If you’re interested, just reply to this email. I’ll send you and your parents the sign-up form.

Scholarships are available, so don’t worry if cost is a concern.

Thanks,

--

Earlisha Jefferson

Youth Wellness Director

Community Development YMCA