PANTHER PROWL

Dear GEMS Families,

As we say goodbye to the school year, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks for your support and partnership throughout this year. Yesterday marked our last day, and it was a joyful celebration of all the hard work and growth our students have experienced.

This past week was full of fun and reflection as we honored everything that made this year so special. It was a wonderful way to end on a high note!

Wishing you all a relaxing and amazing summer. We look forward to seeing everyone in August for another fantastic year at GEMS!

Mrs. Fernandez
Principal, GEMS

ENGLISH

Dear Parent or Guardian,

Before your student enters the 7th grade in Fall 2025, documentation of Tdap- 1 dose (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis – whooping cough booster usually given at ages 11and up) and Varicella – 2 doses (VZV and/or MMRV -usually given at 12 months and 4-6 years) is required.

In addition, please make sure that your student is current with all other immunizations. If your student is up to date with all the required immunizations, please bring proof to the office for our health records and school verification.

For convenience, you can also EMAIL a copy to our Health Clerk: Janell Goldsmith : jgoldsmith@wpusd.org.

Targeted ParentSquare notices are being sent to students who do not have this requirement on file.

We will need updated immunization records in order for your student to receive their schedule in August and to be allowed on campus the first day of school. Records need to show they have the required immunizations to enter 7th grade, in addition to all required immunizations for school attendance.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please email our Health Clerk Janell Goldsmith (jgoldsmith@wpusd.org) or District Nurse,

Thank you!

GEMS Health Services

SPANISH

Estimado padre o tutor de un estudiante:

Antes de que su estudiante ingrese al 7mo. grado en el otoño de 2025, se requiere que el estudiante cuente con las vacunas de Tdap: 1 dosis (tétanos, difteria, tos ferina: refuerzo contra la tos ferina que generalmente se administra a los 11 años en adelante) y varicela: 2 dosis (VZV y/o MMRV: generalmente se administran a los 12 meses y a los 4-6 años).

Además, asegúrese de que su estudiante esté al día con todas las demás vacunas. Si su estudiante está al día con todas las vacunas requeridas, traiga un comprobante a la oficina para nuestro historial médico y la verificación escolar.

Para mayor comodidad, también puede enviar una copia por correo electrónico a nuestra auxiliar de salud, Janell Goldsmith: jgoldsmith@wpusd.org.

Se están enviando avisos específicos de ParentSquare a los estudiantes que no tienen este requisito registrado.

Necesitaremos tener los registros de vacunación actualizados para que su estudiante reciba su horario en agosto y se le permita ingresar las instalaciones el primer día de clases. Los registros deben demostrar que el estudiante tiene las vacunas requeridas para ingresar al 7mo grado, además de todas las vacunas requeridas para asistir a la escuela.

Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre este tema, comuníquese con nuestra oficina lo antes posible llamando al 916-645-6370.

¡Gracias!

Servicios de Salud GEMS

On Friday, August 8th, from 12:00–2:00 PM, families of incoming 7th graders who have not yet submitted TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) immunization verification may do so in the Spirit Center.

Please note: Verification by District Health Services is required in order for your student to begin school on August 14, 2025.

Failure to provide this documentation may delay your student's ability to start school on time. We strongly encourage families to submit this required information as soon as possible.

Thank you for your attention to this important health requirement.

On July 9th, 2025, the link will OPEN to complete 2025/2026 Annual Registration Update & Required Student Waiver Forms in PowerSchool Parent Portal. Parents can go in an update/verify their information and submit the required information, verification, and waiver forms.

Please Note - We will need ALL students (New and Returning) to update the online information or waiver forms as there are new forms in the Annual Registration Update that were not included in the new student's registration forms.

ALL returning students will need to complete the ARU-V Residence Verification Form. This is to be completed every year to ensure the student is at their school of residence. Should you have any questions contact the school office when it opens after summer.

The GEMS office will close for the summer on June 10th and re-open on August 5th, 2025 (7:30am-4:00pm.)

NEXT YEAR/NO EXCEPTIONS: As we have enhanced safety measures, please note IDs will be checked every time you come to pick up your student during school hours. Please have your ID ready for the office staff. We will no longer accept verbal confirmation of information in place of this policy for the 2025/2026 school year.

This includes anyone listed as an emergency contact. Be sure you have logged into the PowerSchool Parent Portal and submitted the ARU modules for accuracy.

2nd Semester Report Cards will be sent digitally via ParentSquare on June 10, 2025.

To access the report card (a secure document), parents must accept an invitation that ParentSquare sends to the email address we have on file.

✅ Note: Accepting this invitation is a one-time process. If you’ve already accepted it and currently receive report cards and progress reports, no further action is needed.

Additionally, a printed copy of the report card will be mailed to the home address listed in our records.
📬 Please ensure your current mailing address is up to date in the PowerSchool Parent Portal.

Thank you for staying connected!

Fall class schedules for students will be available for viewing in the PowerSchool Parent Portal on Tuesday, August 13, 2025.

Students should know the name of their PAW teacher for the first day of school, as they will report directly to that class upon arrival. A printed copy of each student's schedule will be provided during class on the first day.

Please note: There will be no printed schedules available for pick-up prior to the first day of school.

We encourage all families to check the Parent Portal in advance and help students prepare for a smooth start.

MEETINGS

WE INVITE you to be part of something truly special by volunteering with our Parent-Teacher Student Organization (APTS). As a parent, your involvement is crucial to enhancing the educational experience for all students. Whether you're helping to organize events, fundraising for school improvements, or supporting our teachers, every contribution you make will have a lasting impact.

By volunteering, you'll:

Build Connections: Meet other parents and form lasting relationships within the school community.
Support Your Child's Education: Play an active role in the programs and activities that directly benefit your child's learning environment.
Have Your Voice Heard: Share your ideas, offer your expertise, and contribute to shaping the school's activities and initiatives.
Make a Real Impact: Whether you can donate an hour a month or a few hours each week, your efforts will be felt by students, teachers, and families alike.

Every parent’s involvement, no matter how big or small, helps create a vibrant and thriving school. Volunteering with APTS is a rewarding experience that fosters a positive environment where students, teachers, and parents work together to achieve success.

Attend our meetings and be a part of something great – your time and energy will make a world of difference!

APTS BOARD FOR 2025-2026:

President : Susanna Maldonado

Vice President : Daigo Maydwell

Treasurer : Annalee McKinnon

Secretary : Christine Shaghafi

Check out and support our APTS STORE!!

Hello GEMS Community!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month!

As your student navigates the end of the school year, mental health becomes especially important for overall success and well being. Promoting mental health interventions helps youth to strengthen their capacity to regulate emotions, find alternatives to risk-taking behaviors and supports healthy relationships (WHO, 2021). For further resources on how you can support your youth and end mental health stigma please visit Child Mind Institute or NAMI.

During lunches the Wellness Center will have mental health trivia and will be handing out positive affirmations to students to kick off the month! Our wellness team looks forward to continuing to support students and families to finish off the year strong!

Have a wonderful May!

ATHLETICS

BANNERS

Support GEMS Athletics with a gym banner sponsorship!

The GEMS Banner Sponsorship Program offers you an opportunity to advertise your business and the products & services you provide, displayed on a large format full color banner. Your banner will be displayed in our new gymnasium for the entire 2025-26 school year. Visit this link to access the form: https://forms.gle/43711Ws7wVmokN1h8

NEXT YEAR ATHLETES 25/26

THE FINAL FORMS 2025-2026 YEAR WILL OPEN FOR NEW ACCOUNTS ON 6/10/25.

TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR SPORTS:

IF your student wants to participate in any athletic capacity be sure you have an account created in Final Forms and physical clearance by a physician.

Parent AND Student must create their own account, fill out and submit information via FINAL FORMS
All students must have a current PHYSICAL on file with the school (current means within the past year).

NO CHILD WILL BE ALLOWED TO PRACTICE OR PARTICIPATE WITHOUT THE PROPER FORMS. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE GRANTED.