GMS Falcon Update

Reminder to anyone who plans to do picture retakes, our retake day is not for another two weeks, but don't lose your order packet as you will need to return it for retakes if you choose. Anyone who was absent on picture day will have your picture taken on November 18th as well.

We still have additional order forms for those choosing to order photos in the office.

We are excited to announce a special event hosted by Graham Athletics! On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, at 7:00 pm at the GRAHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL, we will be welcoming Don Mitchell from College Baseball Advisors to Graham Middle School for a presentation titled "Character Matters: Competing with Character and Commitment; Connecting with Colleges."

About the Presentation:
Don Mitchell is a nationally recognized speaker, former college athletic director, and professional baseball player with over 25 years in the industry. He brings a wealth of experience, having served as the Arizona Diamondbacks' first Director of Scouting and as a Major League Scout for 14 years. Don’s presentation will focus on the importance of character and commitment in athletics, covering essential topics such as:

- Navigating social media pitfalls
- How academics impact athletic opportunities
- Effective ways for parents to support their student-athletes
- Promoting student-athletes to colleges
- Understanding college recruitment letters and "coach speak"
- NCAA, NAIA, and JC rules and key dates

Doors will open at 6:30 pm to provide an opportunity to meet with Don and ask any questions before the presentation begins. The 30 minute presentation will begin at 7pm.

This presentation is not just for student-athletes in baseball; it will benefit anyone involved in sports, whether as a player, parent, or spectator. The insights Don offers are valuable to all who are passionate about sports and interested in building character, understanding college athletics, and enhancing the athletic experience.

We encourage everyone to join us for this free informative evening to gain insights that will benefit your student-athlete's journey. Don will make his book available for purchase at the end of the presentation.

GYAA will soon be holding tryouts for Middle School baseball and softball, as well as opportunities for their new select teams. Tryouts will be November 17th, 24th & December 1st, 8th. Girls tryouts will be held from 5pm to 7pm and boys tryouts will be 7pm to 9pm at Graham High School Gym/Aux Gym. Players must attend at least 2 of these dates to be eligible to make the team. We will need everyone to sign in upon arrival to sign up for which teams the players are trying out for. Families can follow Graham Youth Athletic Association on Facebook for more information.

Here is the link to an online sale the GHS DECA program is running currently: https://grahamfalcons24.itemorder.com/shop/home/

** Order deadline is November 24th

Any questions can be directed to student Elena Portis - 26portise.student@grahamlocalschools.org

Our annual flower sale is underway. In the past, we only sold poinsettias, but this year there are many more options. The sale helps raise funds for the 8th grade trip to Washington DC. Students currently in grades 6 and 7 can raise funds for their future trip. The plants are grown by Green and Growing Greenhouse (formerly David's Greenhouse) in Christiansburg. All students in grades 6 and 7 should have information home today.

The Graham Athletic Boosters will host their annual Monte Carlo fundraiser on November 16th at the fairgrounds. Pre-Sale tickets are available at the Board office, from any Boosters member, or online via the following link: graham-athletic-boosters.square.site

**options to purchase tickets with or without dinner included.

Students all have access to Progress Book via their Clever logins. Parents can access through the same login they would have used last year. Any new families should have received an access key on Friday via email from Mr. Guidera.

Frontline Education has released the Progress Book Parent and Student Mobile App (aka Parent Access app) to the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. This app is available for your parents/students to download and use now. For those that choose to download, the app takes the place of the mobile web version of Parent Access that parents and students have long used. In addition, Frontline has produced an overview video that can be shared with your users.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8WtHQKAe4w

November

Friday, November 15 - Power of the Pen Mtg

Monday, November 18 - GMS Picture retake Day

Tuesday, November 19 - "Character Matters" Presentation by Don Mitchell (GMS Auditeria 7:00pm)

Thursday, November 21 - STEAM Club 2:20-3:30

Thursday, November 21 - Boys Basketball vs Greenon (Scrimmage) 5:30/7:00

Friday, November 22 - Tuesday, November 26- DC Trip

Tuesday, November 26 - 2nd Annual GMS Design Challenge Thanksgiving Parade

November 27-29 - No School, Thanksgiving Break

December

Monday, December 2 - No School, Conference Make-up Day

Monday, December 2 - Girls Basketball vs Urbana 5:30/7:00

Monday, December 2 - Boys Basketball @ TBD 5:30/7:00

Tuesday, December 3 - Poinsettia Delivery

Tuesday, December 3 - Boys Basketball vs Kenton Ridge 5:30/7:00

Tuesday, December 3 - Girls Basketball @ Kenton Ridge 5:30/7:00

Wednesday, December 4 - Poinsettia Pickup

Wednesday, December 4 - NJHS Induction

Thursday, December 5 - MS/HS Choir Concert

Thursday, December 5 - STEAM Club 2:20-3:30

Friday, December 6 - Power of the Pen Mtg

Saturday, December 7 - Girls Basketball vs Fairlawn 10:00/11:30

Monday, December 9 - Girls Basketball @ Jonathan Alder 5:30/7:00

Monday, December 9 - Boys Basketball vs Jonathan Alder 5:30/7:00

Wednesday, December 11 - Peterson 8th Grade Careers & Leadership Quarterly OHP Trip

Wednesday, December 11 - PBIS Assembly 1:30

Wednesday, December 11 - Girls Basketball vs Indian Lake 5:30/7:00

Wednesday, December 11 - Boys Basketball @ Indian Lake 5:30/7:00

Thursday, December 12 - Send home Q2 Interim Reports in HR

Thursday, December 12 - MS/HS Band Concert

Friday, December 13 - Kona Ice @ Lunch/Recess

Saturday, December 14 - Boys Basketball @ Buckeye Valley 10:00/11:30

Monday, December 16 - Girls Basketball vs Bellefontaine 5:30/7:00

Monday, December 16 - Boys Basketball @ Bellefontaine 5:30/7:00

Thursday, December 19 - STEAM Club 2:20-2:30

Thursday, December 19 - Girls Basketball @ North Union 5:30/7:00

Thursday, December 19 - Boys Basketball vs North Union 5:30/7:00

Friday, December 20 - Power of the Pen Mtg

Monday, December 23 - Girls and Boys Basketball @ Urbana (Time TBD)

December 23 - January 3 - No School, Holiday Break

Vicki Packard-Cooper - Assistant Principal

Megan Smith - School Counselor

Holly Neves - Secretary

Grades 6-8

Email: guideran@grahamlocalschools.org
Website: www.grahamlocalschools.org
Location: 9644 W US HWY 36 Saint Paris, Ohio 43072
Phone: 937-663-5339
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gmsfalcons/
Twitter: @grahammidschool