newsletter
April 2025
Principal's Message
Dear GTMS Community,
As we approach the final stretch of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the journey we’ve taken together. While how we started is important, how we finish is even more meaningful. With the end of the year quickly approaching, it is essential that we continue to stay focused and finish strong—academically, behaviorally, and emotionally.
Please continue to encourage your children to put forth their best effort each day. This is not the time to start slacking—every day counts!
In the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing important information about our upcoming end-of-year events and celebrations. Promotional information will be sent home with your child and also emailed to families on May 1st. Please be sure to read all communication carefully so you don’t miss anything.
Let’s work together to make the last weeks of school meaningful and memorable for all of our students.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Paula Junker
Principal, GTMS
GTMS is proudly celebrating 25 years! On February 22, 2000, our halls were filled with students and staff for the first time, marking the beginning of an incredible journey. We’ve been reminiscing with staff who were here on that historic day—including some who were students at the time—about the excitement, adventure, and quick transition from Arthur Rann to GTMS after a long weekend. As we honor our school’s history throughout the year, one thing remains true—25 years later, GTMS is still as strong as ever!
May 20th we will celebrate our last 25 years. If you were a student, staff member, administrator or possibly a BOE member in 2000 and are interested in joining us to celebrate, see the Google Form below.
#Connect with GTMS
April 28: Winceyco Music Assemblies
April 30: GTMS Diversity Night: 6pm
May 2: District People of the Year & Retirement Dinner
May 5th-9th: Teacher Appreciation Week
May 19: Student of the Month Luncheon
May 23: Spring Incentive Day: Respect the Paw Reward
May 26: School Closed
May 27: Spring Concert: 6pm
May 28: 8th Grade Promotional Photos
May 29: Naturefest (raindate, May 30)
May 30: Role Model of the Month Luncheon
June 4: 8th Grade Trip (June 5: raindate)
June 6: 7th Grade Bash
June 10: Awards Ceremony
June 13/16: Promotional Ceremonies
Happy Administrative Professionals Day
THANK YOU!
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Derry, Mr. Martin, Mrs. Chatten, and Mrs. Noon for being such outstanding administrative professionals in our offices. Your hard work and dedication are truly appreciated!
School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
THANK YOU!
Thank you to our incredible bus drivers for your dedication, patience, and the care you show every day. You ensure our students arrive safely and with a smile, rain or shine. We appreciate all that you do!
Autism Awareness Month: Bubble 4 Autism
GTPS March Madness
The GTPS Line-Up!
Kelley Bannach sang the anthem!
GTMS Staff Represented!
Step Team
The GTMS Step Team proudly performed at Stockton University for the Empowered Leadership Conference, showcasing their talent and school spirit. Their powerful performance energized the event and represented GTMS with excellence and pride.
Stockton Science Fair Winners!
Science Fair Success!
Congratulations to our incredible GTMS students who shined at the Stockton Science Fair!
1st Place Winners:
Jamie Nguyen (Behavioral/Social Sci)
Omuwa Izah (Engineering)
Maya Famelio (Medicine & Health)
Lilly Voss (Zoology)
Additional Awards:
Our students also earned 2nd Place, 3rd Place, and Honorable Mentions across multiple categories, showcasing their creativity and scientific curiosity.
Special shoutout to the following students who advanced to the Delaware Valley Science Fair:
Iyanuoluwa Ayannusi, Sophia Bui, Tessa D'Alessandris, Rita Escajadillo, Maya Famelio, Omuwa Izah, Jamie Nguyen, and Lilly Voss.
Way to represent GTMS with PRIDE!
Role Model of the Month: February / March
We’re thrilled to announce our Role Models of the Month ! These students have exemplified outstanding character, leadership, and dedication to our core values. Please join us in congratulating the following students:
Mackenna Schultz
Brooklyn Bryant
Subid Mannan
Makayla Moore
Mateo Garcia
Isabella DeSantis
Dhroomi Jaiswal
Milo Morse
Nicolas Class
Jonathan Narvaez
Nevaeh Darby
Naveen Ogunbadejo
Skye Bazen
Robert Chester
Aniyah Barker
Majidah Abdur-Rahim
Autumn Murgo
Iyanuoluwa Ayannusi
Joseph Stairs
To celebrate their achievements, these students had the opportunity to make personalized Grizzly hats and enjoy some fun games together. We’re so proud of them for setting such a positive example for their peers. Keep up the great work, Grizzlies!
Student of the Month: February / March
We are proud to recognize our Students of the Month ! These remarkable students are excelling academically at GTMS and have shown a strong commitment to their studies. Congratulations to the following students:
Sydnee Davis
Veer Patel
Saige Goldstein
William Collier
Emily Callahan
Timothy Mohr
Paige Riess
Damian Spence
Ariadna Barragan
Kevin Kelly
Tyler Powell
Lianna Escalante
Chase Doan
Abrielle Tyler
Ryan Silverman
Gracie Schroer
Julian Boucher
Samantha Vargas-Solano
Samaira Noori
Lucas Larios
Neveah Lebron
Kamryn Jorgensen
Emmett Houck
Kendall Outen
Liam Smith
Natalie Rojas
Rey Sacdalan
Katelyn Pangilinan
Maria Gonzalez
Makenzie Morrison
Shoury Sharma
Arianna Rivera-Steelman
Jainil Patel
Landis Marker
Riley Denshuick
WIllow Idris
Jacob Kirschenbaum
Angel Pressley
Patrick Wagel
Joseph Krug
Liam Marker
Jared Dennis
These students have demonstrated impressive academic achievements and dedication to learning. Keep up the great work, and thank you for making GTMS proud!
"Paw"sitive Winners
Students were selected for being PAWSOME!
GTMS CORE VALUES
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?
GROW
Our 8th-grade students recently visited Absegami High School as part of the GROW program, participating in a series of engaging workshops designed to support a smooth and successful transition to high school. They explored topics such as managing their schedules and balancing academic responsibilities with extracurricular activities, helping them feel more confident and prepared for the next step in their educational journey.
Spirit Week at GTMS
GTMS has had plenty to celebrate over the past few weeks! The SPIRIT trophy made its way around, showcasing the enthusiasm and energy of our community. Take a look at some of the incredible creativity from our staff and students on Twin Day!
HONK!
GTMS students took the stage by storm with their lively production of HONK!, a heartwarming and humorous musical adaptation of The Ugly Duckling. Their talent, energy, and teamwork brought the characters to life and left the audience cheering for more. Bravo to our incredible cast, crew, and directors for a truly unforgettable performance!
Emma Winneker
Congratulations to Emma Winneker for proudly representing GTMS at the 8th Grade Dialogue sponsored by the New Jersey School Boards Association. Emma shared her middle school experiences with confidence and poise, making her school community incredibly proud. Way to go, Emma!
GTMS Jazz Band
GTMS students delivered outstanding performances at the Southern Regional Jazz Festival, earning Best Middle School Trombone Section for their talent and teamwork. A special congratulations to Michael Malizia, who was honored with the Outstanding Musician award for his exceptional performance. We’re incredibly proud of our jazz musicians for representing GTMS with skill and PRIDE!
Author Visit: Dan Gemeinhart Inspires Young Writers at GTMS!
GTMS was thrilled to welcome author Dan Gemeinhart for an engaging visit with our students. In addition to sharing his journey as a writer, Dan led mini writing workshops where students explored their creativity, practiced storytelling, and received valuable insights from a published author. It was a memorable experience that sparked excitement for reading and writing throughout the school!
NJSLA Kickoff Assembly- Winceyco Music
Students were presented with an interactive arts-infused assembly using professional musicians and animated scenes to stress goal setting and encourage students to SLAY the NJSLA.
Grade Level Assemblies
7th Grade Assembly
Ms. Aneesha DuBois, visited our 7th-grade students to share insights on making future career-oriented decisions and building a personal brand. With a professional career spanning music, sports, pop culture, and fashion, she brings a wealth of experience. As a mother, business owner, professor, and now author, Ms. DuBois has guided friends and family in harnessing their personal power through manifestation and positive thinking. The students actively listened and participated in the discussion, gaining valuable knowledge and inspiration.
8th Grade Assembly
Kelly Gemignani, a Registered Dental Hygienist from South Jersey Medical Center, delivered an informative presentation to the eighth-grade students, emphasizing the significance of proper oral hygiene. During her talk, she highlighted the importance of establishing good dental care habits from an early age to ensure long-term oral health. In addition to discussing general dental hygiene practices, Ms. Gemignani addressed the potential dangers of vaping and its harmful effects on teeth and gums. She explained how early intervention and consistent oral care contribute to stronger, healthier teeth that can last a lifetime. Her presentation aimed to educate students on the benefits of maintaining good dental habits, including preventing cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
FSA 2024-2025
- President - Katherine Mutschler Pauro
- Vice President - Erin Borrelli
- Treasurer - Anna Reyes
- Recording Secretary – Nelie Yee
- Corresponding Secretary - Susan McCarty & Alexandra Southrey
Meeting Dates
September 10, 2024: In-Person at GTMS
October 9, 2024: In-Person at GTMS
November 14, 2024: Virtual
December 9, 2024: In-Person at GTMS
January 7, 2025
February 12, 2025 - Virtual due to snow
March 13, 2025 - Virtual
April 8, 2025
May 7, 2025
June 12, 2025
Resources for Parents/Guardians
NJ4S: Acenda
Acenda Integrated Health is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing industry-leading prevention, treatment and wellness services to ensure that every individual, family and community member, achieves their greatest potential. Acenda is at the forefront of community-based services, providing 100+ health and social service programs at 60+ locations throughout a 12-county region in New Jersey.
Harassments, Intimidation & Bullying (HIB)
It is imperative that we continue to teach our students the effects that bullying has on others and a community. Every student deserves a safe and supportive learning environment, free from fear and harassment. Any instance of bullying should be promptly reported to the administration or staff member, who will take immediate and appropriate action to address the situation. By fostering a culture of kindness, empathy, and respect, we can create a school community where all students feel valued and accepted.
Learn More: