PANTHER PROWL
October 1, 2025
Hi Panther Families,
We’ve had a wonderful start to the school year, and we are so proud of the growth and accomplishments our students have already achieved! As a reminder, the first quarter ends on October 9th, and progress reports will be shared digitally shortly after.
October also brings cooler weather and many exciting events for our school community. We can’t wait to celebrate together at our Harvest Festival and take part in Red Ribbon Week, which will feature fun activities and spirit days to encourage healthy choices.
Parent-Teacher Conferences are also coming up soon. We will hold drop-in conference nights on October 14th and 16th. More details will be shared soon. Please note: if your student has a grade below a C in any class, you will be contacted directly to attend a conference.
Thank you for your continued support as we move into the second quarter. We look forward to all the learning and memories still ahead this fall!
Go Panthers!
Jessica Fernandez
Principal
Glen Edwards Middle School
Mr. Roman
Mister Roman
The California PBIS Coalition runs a Statewide Recognition System. Schools can apply to be recognized at four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum, based on how well they are implementing PBIS with fidelity to the national PBIS framework. Since this was our site's first time applying for recognition, we decided with the guidance of our district and PCOE representatives to apply for Silver Recognition.
Here are some of the key steps to achieve recognition:
Meet all Bronze-level requirements, plus additional criteria. Silver is a step up in fidelity & breadth.
Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI):
Schools must complete the TFI for the tiers they have implemented. Usually at least Tier 1, and likely Tier 2 if the school has those supports in place.
They need to show a fidelity score of ≈ 70% or higher on one or more of the Tiers being assessed. (We scored in the 91-100% range)
Implementation of Tier II and/or Tier III supports as needed: i.e. beyond just universal / Tier I supports, the school must show they have more targeted (Tier II) or individualized supports (Tier III) in place.
Use of data-based decision-making:
Schools must use implementation data (like TFI) and outcome data to monitor PBIS progress.
Often this includes reviewing behavior referrals / discipline data, maybe attendance or other indicators.
Evidence of “advanced tiers”: That is, having progressed Tier II and Tier III supports to a level of functioning (not just minimal existence). This means the school must show these supports are operational, not just planned.
Steps to Achieve Silver Recognition
Here are the steps we followed:
StepWhat to do
- Build the Team & Buy‑In: Form a PBIS leadership/implementation team (staff, administration, possibly students or families). Ensure leadership supports PBIS implementation.
- Baseline Assessment: Conduct an initial Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI) to see where you are at. This gives you baseline fidelity scores in the tiers you are implementing.
- Planning: Based on the TFI, identify areas needing improvement. Also ensure Tier II / III supports are designed or in place if needed. Set goals (e.g., raise Tier I fidelity to 70%, strengthen behavior referral tracking, etc.).
- Develop Systems & Practices: For Tier I: universal expectations, teaching behavior, consistent reinforcement, clear systems; for Tier II / III: targeted interventions, individualized behavior plans, etc. Ensure data collection systems are reliable.
- Collect Data & Monitor: Regularly collect fidelity data (via TFI), collect outcome data (e.g., number of discipline referrals, student behavior outcomes), and review often. Use results to adjust practices.
- Ensure Tier II / III Supports are Functional: If students are not responsive to Tier I, make sure Tier II / III supports are active, used, monitored. This might include small group interventions, individual plans, counseling, etc.
- Prepare Application: Gathered our TFI scores, outcome data, description of PBIS practices, and evidence of fidelity.
- Submit & External Review, if applicable: Submitted our completed application.
- Plan for maintenance or growth: Our goal is to keep working to maintain fidelity and move towards Gold this year.
MEETINGS:
We encourage All Parents, Teachers & Students (APTS) to attend our meetings. This is a great way for everyone to be a part of the GEMS community. Our meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of every month in the school's library at 5pm.
We hope to see you at our next meeting on Tues, Oct 14th @6:30pm. We made the change in time to accommodate parents and staff attending the parent conference drop in night. This is also one of our DINE OUT EVENTS therefore the meeting will be at OLD TOWN PIZZA in Lincoln. (see flier below)
UPCOMING:
- Old Town Pizza Dine Out Event
CONNECT:
Any questions, comments or concerns be sure to email us at GemsApts@Gmail.com
Be sure to follow us on Facebook @GemsApts
Visit the APTS website : Click here!
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.
We Are 105 Podcast
We Are 105 is a podcast produced by GEMS Advanced Broadcasting class. Find it on our YouTube channel, Spotify, and Apple.
GEMS TV
GEMS TV is a morning news show produced by the students of the GEMS Advanced Broadcasting class.
