From the Desk of Ms. Murdock
Good afternoon!
As we begin the 2nd quarter, we had grade level community meetings to celebrate, set goals and review expectations as we grow in middle school. We will continue having students share in DENS tomorrow. Our goal is for students to have a voice and help them reach goals!
Please remember to check Infinite Campus to review the first quarter grades of your children. If you have concerns, please reach out to our teachers for support and strategies for this quarter.
Color Battle update- we will share final numbers at our PTO meeting, however:
Dear families, On behalf of the PTO, I want to sincerely thank you for your support in donations and time to our APEX fundraiser. I also want to apologize. We have used APEX for our fundraiser for the past three years without any glitches. This year, however, we have been made aware of many. Please rest assured that we are investigating. While we cannot go back and change the actual battle experience for our kids, changes will be made moving forward. Again, please accept our apology and know that we share in the disappointment and frustration of our GMSS families. If you would like to discuss anything further, either myself or Sarah Narloch - our new PTO President - would love to speak with you. Her email address is sarahnarloch@me.com.
District News
Gifted Visual and Performing Arts Referral Process
Each year school districts in Ohio are required to offer an opportunity for students in grades K-12 to be identified as gifted in the area of Visual and Performing Arts. The identified areas of giftedness for Visual and Performing Arts include Visual Arts, Vocal Music, Instrumental Music, Drama/Theater, and Dance. If you know of a student that may be gifted in an area of the Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) and would like for them to be screened for possible gifted identification in that particular area, please complete the Visual and Performing Arts Nomination Form.
Click here to learn more about the two-phase VPA gifted identification process.
Nominations will be accepted until noon on Monday, November 20, 2023, and will only be accepted using the Google link above.
If you have any questions, please contact Colleen Boyle at gjpsgifted@gjps.org.
CommUNITY University
CommUNITY University is an opportunity for our GJPS adult community to come together and learn tools and resources for supporting our students' success in school and beyond. Mark your calendar for our first event on Nov. 9 at Clark Hall starting at 6 p.m. You can browse the GJPS CommUNITY University Course Catalog and then please register for the sessions you would like to attend by Wednesday, Nov. 1
The Heart & Pride Nomination Form will remain available year-round and is open to any member of our staff, regardless of position.
STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Student Leadership Spirit Week- Continues:
Monday: 10/30 - Dress like a Celebrity
Tuesday: 10/31 Halloween Costumes -- NO masks or "weapons"
ALL spirit days must be school appropriate wear!
7th Grade FUN NIGHT 11/2- 3:30 - 5:00 pm-- Please have rides there at 5:00. This is a fun day for GMSS 7th grade only featuring games, music, dodgeball, basketball, dancing and a concession stand! Come join the fun!
GRIN FOOD DRIVE
A reminder that our C3 is hosting the annual GRIN food drive! Please see the link below
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K9Ib2X790Y24d-2_pXH19K7OhhWmc9Q6QVTnDptQZfM/edit
We will extend our drive to November 9th- Please help us help our Gahanna residents!
Mark Your Calendar
November 2nd- 7th Grade Fun Night
November 5th - Turn Back Clocks
November 7th- PTO Meeting 7:00 pm meet.google.com/uyf-duag-hbg
November 13th - Teacher PD Day NO School for Students
November 22nd- 24th Thanksgiving Break
December 21st- January 2nd- Winter Break
February 16th - Teacher PD Day No School for Students
March 11th - Teacher PD Day No School for Students
April 8th -12th - Spring Break
May 3rd - Teacher PD Day No School for Students
May 24th - Last Day of School