Middle School South - Weekly Update

As always seems to be the case for some reason, this first full week back felt simultaneously long & like a whirlwind! I think everyone in our building is coming into this weekend a little worn down and in need of some recharging.

What an incredible week, though! I simply could not be any prouder to work with these students and alongside my whole staff. EVERYBODY is finding their stride, settling into their routines, establishing (and abiding by) shared expectations, and above all, demonstrating flexibility and grace while helping each other out through almost every imaginable situation.

Our Middle School is the embodiment of community. It's in the energy of the building, and it plays out in acts of kindness and excitement - both big and small.

I'm honored to be here.

Kris Fuller
MSS Principal

Each year, our students all across the District participate in a series of low-stakes tests called MAP Testing. M.A.P. stands for Measures of Academic Progress, and these tests are designed to assess students' academic progress and growth over time. The data from MAP Growth assessments helps teachers understand where students are in their learning and identify areas where they might need additional support or challenge. This information can then be used to tailor lessons and activities to meet the specific needs of each student, especially in preparation for standardized State Tests in the Spring.

MSS Students will engage in MAP Testing according to the following schedule:

Wednesday, 8/27 : ELA 8

Thursday, 8/28: ELA 8

Friday, 8/29: Math 7

Tuesday, 9/2: Math 6

Wednesday, 9/3: Math 8

Thursday, 9/4: Math 8

Friday, 9/5: Math 7

Monday, 9/8: ELA 6

I share this information simply to keep your family in the loop. No stress or particular preparation required, other than a good night's sleep and a sense of efficacy on the day of!

On Thursday, 8/21, our 6th-grade students had the unique opportunity to enjoy a visit from performer, MC, and motivational speaker, Mr. Elec Simon!

Elec Simon is a percussion entertainer most noted for his work with the production Stomp! as well as for his regular collaboration with the Cleveland Cavaliers as the halftime-entertainer in residence for many years.

In addition to getting our 6th-graders dancing, moving, and laughing, Elec shared messages about the importance of Respect and making wise choices - even now! - about whom we want to associate with and the type of path of we want to make for ourselves. It begins here and now!

We're grateful for Elec for this timely message, and we thank our P.T.O. for helping to make his visit possible!

Once a month, it is a long-standing tradition to have a Kona Ice truck visit MSS during Lunch/Recess periods! The partnership with Kona Ice is not only a part of our robust PBIS system or rewards here at South, but our extraordinary P.T.O. also gets to share in the profits, which is money that gets funneled right back into supporting & celebrating our students!

This year, on top of typical payment methods, parents can purchase at home/online ahead of time!

Please see the flyer linked below for more information on how to pre-pay for our first Kona Ice visit on SEPTEMBER 10, 2025! (Follow the QR Code)

Again, pre-pay is NOT REQUIRED... It's just a convenience!

Is there a Staff Member out there you believe is deserving some praise?!

Let us know about it!

Click on the button below to send some positive vibes to a staff member so that we can celebrate that person, too!

Traffic has been flowing so smoothly over the last week and two days! Let's keep it up by always respecting the traffic flow shown below.

Additionally, remember that the traffic loop is meant to keep rolling... PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE TRAFFIC LOOP! If you must park, please still enter the traffic flow around Lincoln Elementary, and then, enter the parking lot.

Please note:

• cars enter in the service driveway & loop that will take them AROUND LINCOLN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. Please DO NOT enter the staff parking area.
• NO TRAFFIC IS PERMITTED IN THE BUS LOOP IN FRONT OF THE SCHOOL before or after school.
• Bike racks are located on the sidewalk near the staff parking lot

Typically, buses begin arriving at MSS at around 8:30AM.

STUDENTS WHO WISH TO EAT A SCHOOL BREAKFAST will be permitted to enter the building at 8:40AM. Our rule is that you "must have a tray to stay!" Students eating breakfast will remain in the cafeteria until 8:50AM. Those eating breakfast are not allowed to invite friends into the building with them to "hang out" during breakfast; every student in the building from 8:40AM - 8:50AM must be eating breakfast.

ALL OTHER STUDENTS will be permitted to enter the building at 8:50AM.

Students will be directed to make their way to their classrooms at around 8:57AM, and all students are expected to be in their WIN classroom by 9:00AM.

The use of personal technology, including cell phones, smart watches, and headphones/earbuds is severely restricted at all middle schools.

While these items are permitted to be at school, but they must remain powered off and put away at all times during the day. This includes in class, at lunch/recess, and in the hallways.

Headphones/earbuds may not be worn in the hallway. If a teacher has instructed a student in 6th or 7th Grade to bring headphones to class for an activity, students must CARRY their headphones to the class. 8th Graders must keep their headphones/earbuds in their backpack at all times while in the hallways as well as during class unless explicitly directed by a teacher to use them for an activity.

Students are permitted to use cell phones while riding the bus.

Smart watches are also permitted, but should only be used as a clock while at school.

Students are not permitted to send or receive text messages or calls on cell phones or smart watches during the day. Additionally, photos may not be taken with cell phones or smart watches at school. On state testing days, smart watches are not permitted to be worn.

Infractions may result in a student’s device being taken by building staff and kept in the office until the end of the day. Multiple infractions of these policies will result in the parent/guardian of the student having to come retrieve the device in the main office as well as progressive discipline for the student.

If a parent/guardian needs to reach their student during the school day, they should call the school office.

The school is not responsible for cell phones or smart watches that are lost, stolen, or damaged.

The Fall is a huge time for Lions Athletics! Here's what our athletes are up to in August... Come cheer them on with us!

GIRLS' GOLF

8/25 -- Away v. Bexley MS (played in Blacklick) -- 5:10PM

8/28 -- Home v. Marysville Bunsold MS (played at Gahanna Municipal Golf Course) -- Time TBD

GIRLS' VOLLEYBALL

8/25 -- Away @ Reynoldsburg (MS TBD) -- 5:30PM

8/27 -- Home v. Canal Winchester MS -- 5:30PM

GIRLS' TENNIS

8/25 -- Home v. Pickerington Lakeview MS (played at Blacklick Athletic Complex) -- 5:30PM

8/27 -- Away @ Pickerington Ridgeview MS -- 5:30PM

8/28 -- Away @ Upper Arlington Hastings MS -- 5:30Pm

CROSS COUNTRY

8/23 -- Whitehall Rosemore Invitational -- 9:00AM

8/26 -- Away @ Canal Winchester -- 6:00PM

BOYS' GOLF

8/25 -- @ Big Walnut -- time TBD

8th GRADE FOOTBALL

8/27 -- Away @ Westerville Heritage & Genoa MS (played at Westerville Central HS) -- 6:00PM

7th GRADE FOOTBALL

8/27 -- Home v. Westerville Heritage MS (played at GMSE) -- 5:30PM

Tuesday, August 26: 6th Grade Open House (5:30P - 7P)

Monday, September 1: NO SCHOOL - Labor Day

Tuesday, September 2: First PTO Meeting of the Year!! (7:00P -- this meeting is virtual and a link will be shared)

Thursday, September 4: 7th & 8th Grade Open House (5:30P - 7P)

Tuesday, September 23: Family Conferences (4P - 8P)

Thursday, September 25: Family Conferences (4P - 8P)

Wednesday, October 1: Family Conferences (4P - 8P)

2025 - 2026 GJPS School Calendar

Kris Fuller -- Princpal (fullerk@gjps.org)

Andy Bonath -- Assistant Principal (bonatha@gjps.org)

Debbie Hensler -- Secretary (henslerd@gjps.org)

Nikki Gervais - Attendance/Records (gervaisn@gjps.org)

Ashley Artis - School Counselors, last names beginning with A - K (artisa@gjps.org)

JJ Lubinski - School Counselors, last names beginning with L-Z (lubinskij@gjps.org)