STINGRAY NEWS

Each week, as part of our PBIS program, a student in each grade level is nominated for the Student of the Week. Students may be recognized for displaying one or more of the six Pillars of Character Counts, or the GRMS Expectations of Growth, Respect, Mindfullness, Safety.

Ms. Branning's Theatre classes were having a team building exercise in class this week. Below is her description of a special moment, as well as a couple of pictures.

Today we reviewed how and what it means to be safe in our class, not only physically safe but also emotionally safe. To prove they could be safe with each other, students were challenged to "cross a river" together as a team - no jumping across, no going around it and they must work together! They were told they could use "stepping stones".

While observing the different groups, I noticed some sweet kiddos laying down paper and when asked what they were doing, they responded "we are building a sturdy bridge for our friend to cross!" Attached are some sweet photos of this moment. I just love how they cheered for their friend's success and wanted to share this magical moment with you all!

Students may tryout for volleyball on two days.

• Tuesday, August 26 after school until 5 pm
• Thursday, August 28, 5 pm - 7 pm
• Students may attend 1 or both tryout sessions
• Parents are responsbile for transportation ater tryouts on Tuesday, as well as bringing and picking up after tryouts on Thursday
• Students MAY NOT stay after school on Thursday for the 5pm tryout.

Students MUST have turned in a parent permission slip before tryouts. These were made available last Wednesday thru Friday. If one is submitted prior to Thursday, the student may still tryout that evening.

Help support the entire student body at GRMS by participating in our schoolwide Charleston Wrap fundraiser. Proceeds will go towards our PBiS program to reward students as they show the qualities of the Character Counts! Pillars and G – Growth, R – Respect, M – Mindful, S – Safety (PBIS Schoolwide Expectations). We have weekly and quarterly activities, field days, and other activities throughout the year. We also have drawings at the end of each quarter where students having earned and submitted their tickets are eligible for higher priced rewards. We earned a little short of $3000 last year and only a small percentage of students participated. Our goal is $6000 this year. We appreciate your support but please only purchase things you would use and comfortably within your discretionary budget. Attached are letters on how to participate as well as incentives for students.

September 1: Labor Day, No School

September 4: PTO (Every 1st Thursday) GRMS Library at 3:00 pm

September 5: Picture Day (Individual Students)

September 18 (change from the 25th): SAC (School Advisory Committee, more info soon) GRMS Library at 3:15 pm

From Mrs. Dufrain, our Best Buddies Sponsor:

If you were here last year, you know that Best Buddies does a service project every year. Last year we had a snack drive for the children at the St. Augustine Homeless Coalition. She contacted me last week and asked if we would be interested in doing a sock drive….they are in desperate need, especially for children. I asked my officers and, of course, they said “heck yes!” So, our officers are holding a sock drive from 8/18 – 9/12. ( We will do another project 2nd semester with our whole club). Please see the flyer attached (below) for information on how you, and our students and families can donate. There is even a link for an Amazon wish list to make it easy. If you would, please share with your students and families; whoever you want. We would appreciate any and all donations!!

From Ms. Keen, Access Teacher:

Hi everyone,

We’re excited to kick off another year of GRMS Barkery dog treat subscriptions! Our students in Access Points will be baking, packaging, and delivering a dozen handmade dog treats each month from September through May.

Subscriptions are $40 for the year and help support real-world job skills and classroom learning.

🐶 How to Subscribe:

• Fill out the attached form and return it with your payment
• Checks should be made payable to GRMS
  (write “Dog Treats” in the memo line)

• Or complete your payment directly online via SchoolPay - Click Here

Hard copies of the form are also available right outside Mrs. Dufrain’s room.

We also offer discounts for multiple dogs—just let us know on your form, and we’ll hook your pups up!

Thanks for supporting our students as they learn, grow, and make tails wag!

Warmly,
The GRMS Barkery Team 🐾

Everyone should have recieved information regarding the new communiction tool, Parent Square.

This will enhance the ability for all stakeholders to connect.

This newsletter is still be created using Smore and shared via School Messenger. However, this will be changing in the near future as yours truly has more time to get comfortable with the new resource. Below are introductory flyers that will help you get started, in both English and Spanish.

The mission of Gamble Rogers Middle School is to support the development of positive character and academic achievement that meet the unique needs of each student.

Office hours are Monday thru Friday, 7:00 am - 2:50 pm.

If you call and get the machine, please leave a message. There are times when the receptionist is on the line and unable to answer. Thank you for your patience.

There have been a few issues with bus transportation to start the year, but very few. If you have not yet logged into Bus Planner, please download the App and follow the directions. The link below will give you a step-by-step.

https://www.stjohns.k12.fl.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/BusPlanner-User-Guide.pdf

Milk is the fastest liquid in the world. It's pasteurized before you can see it.

The best nap time of the day is 6:30, hands down.

GRMS has a new Facebook page: GRMS Facebook