Community eNewsletter
April 2024
Principal's Message
Dear GTMS Families,
As we approach Spring Break, we want to take a moment to wish you and your family a time filled with joy, laughter, and unforgettable moments. This break offers our students a chance to unwind and recharge.
When we return on April 8th, we will be looking to start the fourth marking period. This is an opportunity for our students to set new goals, embrace learning, and take full advantage of what GTMS has to offer before the end of the year.
We believe that with your continued support and encouragement, our students will return energized and motivated to make the most of the remaining months of the school year. Together, let's inspire them to end the year strong, reaching new heights of achievement and success.
Warm regards,
Paula Junker
#Connect with GTMS
March 29 - April 5: Schools Closed: Spring Break
April 8-April 12: PB&J Week & Autism Awareness Sprit Week
April 12: Bubble 4 Autism Event
April 12: GTMS FSA Dance 6-8pm
April 26: People of the Year & Retirement Dinner
May 2: GTMS Diversity Night 5-7pm
Drill-Step Team Members & Student Council Volunteer at the Food Bank
Step Team Playing BINGO at Spring Home
Step Team: Recognized by Stockton University for Martin Luther King Day
Read Across America: Step Team visits Roland Rogers
ACENDA
ASCENDA came to GTMS in March for two days to do small group presentations about Respect and H.I.B. (Harassment Intimidation & Bullying). The presenters had interactive activities and reflection worksheets that kept the students engaged. ASCENDA also provided strategies and methods to help make the learning environment a better place for everyone.
NJCAP
The 8th grade students had a 3 day presentation from members of the New Jersey Child Assault Prevention team. The facilitators provided students with discussions of personal safety rights, types of assaults and effective strategies for handling many potentially dangerous situations.
DEPRESSION: MORE THAN JUST A SAD DAY!
Ms. Turkessa Lee, LCSW, visited our 8th grade students to discuss the topic of depression and how it is more than just a sad day. The students were presented with facts about depression and how to cope with depression. She kept the students engaged by asking them questions and presenting scenarios to seek their responses.
GEN-Z-LEADER: SEEING THE FUTURE IN OUR TODAY
Dr. Alexis Jenkins, visited our 7th grades students for our March presentation, to discuss how life choices can impact our students and the leaders they will become. As a former GTMS student, Dr. Jenkins discussed how making smart choices will be an essential skill to help navigate through life. She discussed strategies that our students can use to begin to make smart choices. Dr. Jenkins also brought a former student of GTMS to tell her story and that it is never too late to make positive choices.
Student of the Month
Role Model of the Month
Aum Patel Representations GTMS at the Annual NJSBA 8th Grade Dialogue
Check out the GTMS Jazz Band's Accomplishments
The following students earned recognition at the EHT Jazz Band Festival ~ Special Thanks to Mr. Shugarts:
- Brady Moore (Alto Saxophone) - Outstanding Soloist
- Michael Malizia (Trumpet) - Outstanding Soloist
- Joseph Nutile (Trumpet) - Outstanding Soloist
- Best Saxophone Section
- Brady Moore
- Dev Shah
- Best Trumpet Section
- Michael Malizia
- Joseph Nutile
- Himanshu Punjabi
- Ryder Dziedzic
- Best Trombone Section
- Sean Yarrow
- Jonathan Guedes
- Ava Southrey
Stockton Science Fair
This year I had 18 GTMS students compete at the 2024 Jersey Shore Science Fair (JSSF) held this past Saturday, March 16th at Stockton University. To say that GTMS represented well would be a complete understatement! Please see their names, project titles and awards received below:
Kavya Patel (Grade 8) ***
"Origami: The Math Behind the Art"
*** Won FIRST Place in Mathematics at JSSF and will be advancing to the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF) on Wednesday, April 3rd at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA
Omuwa Izah (Grade 7) ***
"Decoding the Ripples: Exploring the Impact of ChatGPT Intergration"
*** Won FIRST Place in Computer Science at JSSF and will be advancing to the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF)
Iyanuoluwa Ayannusi (Grade 7) ***
"Illuminating the Future: Solar vs. Hydro"
*** Won FIRST Place in Engineering at JSSF and will be advancing to the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF)
Rita Escajadillo (Grade 7) ***
"One Fish Two Fish...Ask Me How to Train a Fish!"
*** Won SECOND Place in Zoology at JSSF and will be advancing to the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF)
Lilly Voss (Grade 7) ***
"Rethink Your Drink: Dental Damage is Real!"
*** Won SECOND Place in Medicine & Health at JSSF and will be advancing to the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF)
Tessa D'Alessandris (Grade 7) ***
"Did You Just Touch That?" Where to Find Germs in School"
*** Won SECOND Place in Microbiology at JSSF and will be advancing to the Delaware Valley Science Fair (DVSF)
Morgan Kirschenbaum (Grade 7)
"Weak or Strong? Bring it On!"
Won THIRD Place in Computer Science at JSSF
Abrielle Tyler (Grade 7)
"AWL: Which Print Will Prevail?"
Won THIRD Place in Medicine & Health at JSSF
Sophia Chorpenning (Grade 7)
"A Pawsitive Choice: What Paw Does a Dog Prefer?"
Won THIRD Place in Zoology at JSSF
The following students received an Honorable Mention award for their projects:
Emma Winneker (7th) - Biochemistry
Jordyn Kelly (7th) - Biochemistry
Sophia Bui (7th) - Engineering
Aark Bhagat (8th) - Math
Willow Idris (7th) - Math
Ava Abdrabouh (7th) - Math
Maya Famelio (7th) - Medicine & Health
Simone James (7th) - Microbiology
Claire McGowan (7th) - Microbiology
The students all worked so very hard and dedicated their time to create wonderful projects for this year's fair. To hear all 18 of their names called for awards was an amazing experience that has never happened before for GTMS!! I am beyond proud of what they accomplished, and I know they are too!
Art in ELA with Mrs. Kertz
Science with Ms. Tripician
Magic with Mr. Santilli
Semer played a card trick with Mr. Sanitlli. Mr. Santilli was truly amazed!
Seussical the Musical - On Tour
GTMS FSA Meeting: March 25th @ 7pm at the GTMS Library
Special Thanks to Our Galloway Community for Supporting GTMS
These local businesses have supporting GTMS and the staff this month with donations!
Resources for Parents/Guardians
NJ4S: Acenda
Acenda Integrated Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing industry-leading prevention, treatment and wellness services to ensure that every individual, family and community member, achieves their greatest potential. Acenda is at the forefront of community-based services, providing 100+ health and social service programs at 60+ locations throughout a 12-county region in New Jersey.
Harassments, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB)
It is imperative that we continue to teach our students the effects that bullying has on others and a community. Every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment, free from fear and harassment. Any instance of bullying should be promptly reported to the administration or staff member, who will take immediate and appropriate action to address the situation. By fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect, we can create a school community where all students feel valued and accepted.
Learn More: