GAMS Newsletter
November 2026
Dear GAMS Families,
Thank you to every family who attended our Fall Conferences! Our incredible turnout truly shows the strength of our school community, and we appreciate you partnering with us for your student's success.
As we enter the fast-paced holiday season, let’s keep our students locked in on the Warrior Way:
Be Here
Be Involved
Be Committed
Be Kind
Please mark your calendars for our upcoming Remote Learning Days on November 18–20. Students are expected to log into Canvas daily, where all coursework will be posted by 9:00 AM. Thank you for your partnership and flexibility during these historic town events. We invite all our Warrior families to dive into the rich, authentic learning opportunities happening across our community! #BeInvolved (see the flyer in this newsletter for more information).
It’s a Great Day to be a Warrior!
Kristy Caywood
Nov 6 - GAMS Social, 2:45-4:15
Nov 11 - Veterans Day Breakfast, 8:00 am
Nov 18 - Nov 20 - America 250 Celebration, Virtual Days
Nov 25 - Nov 30 - No School, Thanksgiving Break
To view sporting events, click here: Gettysburg Warriors
To view the district calendar, click here: GASD District Calendar
If your family is planning a trip during the school year, please remember that an Educational Trip Form must be submitted and approved prior to your departure—preferably at least 7 days in advance. Digital forms are available on Skyward Family Access, or you can pick up a paper copy in the main office. Trip forms submitted after a trip has taken place cannot be approved, and those days will be marked as unexcused absences.
POSTER CONTEST:
Information about a poster contest for suicide awareness was shared with students through the Warrior Way Canvas page. Poster submissions are due to the Middle School Main Office by November 9.
2026 Suicide Prevention Poster Project by Moon Song
All posters (8 x 10 or larger with positive messaging and original drawing or artwork) submitted to Moon Song become the property of Moon Song once handed in.
Selected posters will be displayed as part of a traveling art show at schools and other locations.
The top 3 posters, as determined by the contest/show selection process, will be produced as professional posters.
All submitted posters will be auctioned at the Gettysburg Arts Council in December. Date to be determined.
PROGRAM FOR FAMILIES:
The information below is from Collaborating for Youth, an area agency that provides programs for youth and families. The Strengthening Families program is designed for families with youth ages 10-14. The program takes place over 7 sessions, with a free family dinner provided at each session. Child care for younger children is also provided during the sessions, at no cost. To find out more information, visit their website at: https://www.cfygettysburg.com/strengthening-families-program. You can also call 717-338-0300, or email adminassist@cfygettysburg.com.
How the Program Supports Families
The Strengthening Families Program provides parents and youth with opportunities to learn and grow together. Families can develop skills to:
Strengthen family relationships through improved communication, trust, and understanding.
Build positive parenting skills to help parents guide and support their preteens and teens.
Encourage healthy decision-making and help youth develop confidence and responsibility.
Manage conflict constructively and work through challenges as a family.
Create stronger family connections during the transition from childhood to adolescence.
A Few of Our Session Topics Include:
Our sessions focus on practical skills that parents and youth can use in their everyday lives.
Parent Session: Using Love and Limits — Learn how showing love while setting firm, appropriate boundaries helps young people develop positive qualities and thrive.
Youth Session: Having Goals and Dreams — Explore how identifying personal goals and dreams can inspire, motivate, and help youth work toward the future they want.
Parent Session: Making House Rules — Understand the changes that occur during adolescence and learn how to establish reasonable expectations that are appropriate for a young person's age and development.
Youth Session: Appreciating Parents — Develop an understanding of the stress, challenges, and responsibilities parents face and recognize the many ways they support and care for their families.
Parent Session: Using Consequences — Learn how to use fair, appropriate, and consistent consequences to help teens understand responsibility and the importance of following family rules.
Youth Session: Following Rules — Explore why rules and responsibilities matter and how following them at home, at school, and in the community helps things go more smoothly for everyone.
Mrs. Swogger
Mr. Musser
The 6th grade students of GAMS will have the opportunity to participate in and raise funds for the American Heart Challenge during mini sessions 2, 3 and 4 in physical education class. They will be bringing home information about the challenge and will also be learning hands only CPR in health class.
Last year the 6th grade class raised over $1000.00 and we would love to match or increase that this year. Every dollar raised helps kids with special hearts and funds lifesaving research and education. Together, we're building a healthier future and working to end heart disease and stroke. We are looking forward to seeing our school create a community of lifesavers this year.
Thank you for your support! Any questions, please reach out to Mrs. Rudisill, trudisill@gasd-pa.org
37 Lefever Street, Gettysburg, PA, USA
Phone: 717-334-6254, option 3
Fax: 717-334-6999