GSA Middle School

A few dates and information to note:

LOCKER CLEAN OUTS! - Everything goes home! Please have your child bring a trash bag or bag to take home all of their extra things that they are storing in their lockers. No lockers will be used after cleanouts.

• 6th grade - May 19

8th grade CHROMEBOOK turn-in

ALL 8th grade students will be required to turn in their Chromebook and chargers. This is a district-level decision that ensures we are prepared for a smooth transition to high school. All current devices are to be returned in good condition. Collection specifics will be forthcoming.

LAST WEEK OF SCHOOL - MAY 19

• Monday, May 19 - Last full day of school. Dismissal 2:42

• Tuesday, May 20 - Finals Begin. Dismissal 12:20

• Wednesday, May 21 - Finals. Dismissal 12:20

• 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Tickets will be given to students to be presented at the venue.

• Thursday, May 22 - Finals End. Dismissal 10:57

• Friday, May 23 - Last day of school. Field Day. Dismissal 10:57

GATOR STRONG!

GSA Middle School Administration and Counseling Team

Last day to register for summer enrichment is May 18

• Monday, May 19 - Last full day of school. Dismissal 2:42

• Tuesday, May 20 - Finals Begin. Dismissal 12:20

• Wednesday, May 21 - Finals. Dismissal 12:20

• 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony - Tickets will be given to students to be presented at the venue.

• Thursday, May 22 - Finals End. Dismissal 10:57

• Friday, May 23 - Last day of school. Field Day. Dismissal 10:57

Where: Smiley 6576 Smiley Ave

When: 6:00–7:00 PM Doors open at 5:30

Field Day-Dismissal at 10:57

Summer School Begins May 28th-June 20th

We would like to congratulate our Middle School Heart and Sole Team and Junior Coaches on a strong finish to a great season with the GOTR 5K on Saturday, May 10th!! It was a blast!!

High School Junior Coaches: Jasmine Ruggles and Chelsea Vollmer. Nancy King not pictured.

Middle School Heart and Sole Team: Alaina Haines, Amari Robinson, Jamirriah Sykes, and Vivienne Varagona. Leila Diehl not pictured.

2025 Fall Season is coming up:

General Registration opens August 4th

Practices start the week of September 8th

GOTR 5K will be on November 15th

Our 8th grade PLTW students were presented with the challenge of designing an amusement park ride that would show the transfer of energy and allow the parts to move. Teams created ferris wheels, bumper cars, spinning teacups, and an entire park full of Sesame Street inspired rides. They did an amazing job and I look forward to seeing future engineering projects from the group.

Konnichiwa! 你好!

Hello from the World Culture classes! I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to teach about world cultures, especially East Asian culture—China and Japan.

I've attached some of the crafts and artwork that the students created. I hope these projects reflect the new perspectives they’ve gained while learning about different cultures and their values. It’s my sincere hope that fostering an understanding of diverse cultures can contribute to world peace.

Please take a moment to look for your child's name in the attached work. If you don’t see it, feel free to reach out and let me know.

Thank you once again for your continued support. Wishing you a wonderful summer!

Best,
Junko Oba
World Culture Teacher
Gateway Science Academy

Dear Parents,

We are excited to enhance our Physical Education program by introducing heart rate monitors to help students better understand and improve their fitness. These tools provide valuable, real-time feedback, encouraging students to stay active and engaged while promoting lifelong healthy habits.

To make this project a reality, we are seeking donations to help fund the purchase of heart rate monitors. Any contribution, big or small, will make a meaningful difference.

Use code LIFTOFF with your donation by May 21st and your donation will be doubled up to $50!

Donation link: Donate here!

Thank you for supporting our students' health and wellness!

Sincerely,

You Middle School PE Team

GSA Middle School Cheer is going to camp! The dates are July 14-17 from 9am-3pm at Harris Stowe State University. There will be a mini competition occurring on the last day of camp where we can win funds for our school cheerleading program.

The cost is $55 for the camp and $25 for cheer shoes. You will need 3 plain white t-shirts and black athletic leggings/shorts for each day of camp in order to participate.

No experience required.

If you are interested in your student going to cheerleading camp, please fill out the form on the QR code or link. Respond by May 23rd. bit.ly/4cOCu39

we want to extend our heartfelt thanks for your generous support as the Gold Sponsor for our weight room. Your sponsorship plays a crucial role in enhancing our facilities and providing students with the tools they need to stay active, healthy, and strong

PTO Website

ms.gsastl.org/pto

hs.gsastl.org/pto

Please join the PTO Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/GSAMiddleSchoolPTO

We are collecting donations for our resale shop (official dates: TBD). If any student brings in a donation, they will receive a raffle ticket. We will pull names closer to the start of the 25-26 school year for a few coolers.

As summer approaches, I want to tell you about an exciting program we’re offering this summer at the Bayer YMCA.

Emotional Wellness & Skillbuilding Academy: Designed to help teens become their best selves by discovering their strengths, leadership style, and unlocking their personal growth path. Through hands-on experiences, they will also focus on relationship-building, emotional regulation, and exploring entrepreneurship ventures.

This academy is a 4-week program that meets Monday through Thursday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. You can still work, hang out with friends, or do other fun things in the afternoon!

Here are the academy dates:

· June 9 – June 12, 2025

· June 16 – June 19, 2025

· July 7 – July 10, 2025

· July 14 – July 17, 2025

You do not have to attend all four weeks—you can mix and match the weeks that work best for your schedule!

Here’s what you’ll do in the academy:

· Learn how to be your best self, and how to manage your emotions

· Build leadership and teamwork skills

· Meet guest speakers and do fun, hands-on activities

· Help with real service projects in the community

This academy will also look great on your college applications and job resume!

**And here’s something exciting—Upon completion of ALL 4wks of programming participants will receive a $300 voucher to start a savings account.

Space is very limited, so act now!

If you’re interested, just reply to this email. I’ll send you and your parents the sign-up form.

Scholarships are available, so don’t worry if cost is a concern.

Thanks,

--

Earlisha Jefferson

Youth Wellness Director

Community Development YMCA