newsletter
Welcome Back! - September 2025
Dear GTMS Families,
As the leaves continue to change and the cooler weather settles in, November gives us a special chance to pause, take stock, and appreciate the growth all around us. Our students are showing incredible progress academically, socially, and emotionally. They are taking on challenges, building connections, and truly demonstrating what it means to Respect the Paw. There is something pretty amazing about watching a middle school community evolve just like the season…one moment at a time.
Although November is a shorter month, we are certainly not slowing down. We look forward to welcoming families for our Parent-Teacher Conferences this month. Even as our children push for more independence, they still benefit deeply from family partnership and communication. Your involvement remains a key part of their success and confidence as learners. We hope to see you there and continue strengthening that home-school connection.
We will also be celebrating Veterans Day with a meaningful student-led flag display to honor those who have served our country. Teachers are continuing to support students through Tier 1 MTSS strategies designed to meet individual needs. Plus, our annual STEAM Night on Thursday, November 20 will offer a fun and inspiring evening for students and families to explore hands-on learning together.
This month brings a special spirit of gratitude. We are thankful for all you do to support your children and our school community. Your time, encouragement, and partnership help make GTMS a place where every student can learn, grow, and feel valued.
Thank you for sharing your children with us every day. We wish you a wonderful month ahead and a restful Thanksgiving break filled with joy and togetherness.
With Grizzly Pride,
Paula Junker
Principal, GTMS
Respect the Paw 🐾
GMTV NEWS
GTMS WEBSITE
Cassidy Malouf, Ryder Iavicola, Angelina Moya & Acrysius Ribardo
Chloe Keeney, Chance Norman, Nico Florian, & Paris Lawrence-Cors
For embracing the monthly character trait- Be Respectful!
PAWsome Students
Anti-School Violence Week
🎟️🐾 The Attendance Ballot Box is OPEN! 🐾🎟️
Perfect October attendance never looked so good 🍁💪
Let’s keep building great habits together.
#HereEveryDay #GTMS #GrizzlyPride #RespectThePaw
7th Grade Assembly- Mr. Nate Evans
Seventh grade students enjoyed a powerful message from Mr. Nate Evans that will help them navigate through their middle school experience.
8th Grade Assembly-Stockton University Men's and Women's Basketball Teams
Stockton University Men’s and Women’s basketball teams spoke to GTMS eighth graders about “Staying In It to Win It,” encouraging students to achieve their fullest potential. During the presentation, students learned how to gather information to make strong academic, career, and personal choices, make important decisions, gain greater control of their lives, and set the foundation for a successful future.
“Heroes and Mentors with Chris Hollyfield”
tudents were inspired by Chris Hollyfield, who shared his powerful story and vision of perseverance, self-confidence, and embracing what makes you unique. His energy and message left a lasting impression on everyone in the room!
HIGH SCHOOL FAIR
Eighth-grade students welcomed representatives from several local high schools and had the opportunity to learn about various programs and areas of interest. Participating schools included Absegami, Oakcrest, Cedar Creek, Charter Tech, Holy Spirit, Our Lady of Mercy Academy, and the Atlantic County Institute of Technology.
Do you know what it means to be a GTMS Grizzly?
At GTMS, being a Grizzly means more than just showing up to school—it’s about embodying our core values and “Respecting the Paw” in everything we do.
So, what does that look like?
Step Team
Student Council
Band Students
Percussion Ensemble
Mr. Shugarts spent time after school working with his percussion ensemble as they prepare for the upcoming Winter Concert — we can’t wait to hear their amazing performance! 🥁❄️
High Five Friday
