The Raven Informer

Fall, harvest, autumn... words that whisper magic's on the way, from gorgeous foliage to 🎃.

This template has resources for teaching about the autumnal equinox, science activities related to leaves and weather, prompts for poetry, and some fun stuff for grownups.

Happy fall! 🍂

Dear Garcia Middle School Families,

I’m so excited to welcome you to our first edition of Raven’s Report Newsletter. In the uncertain times of the 2021-2022 school year, there are two things we know for certain:

1) This year has been different than any school year in the history of our school and district; and

2) Our families and students can still count on GMS being a place of community and support!

School may look different this year, yet what will never change is our commitment to serving our students, families, and community with care, compassion, and dedication.

We call our community the “GMS Family” because we want our school family to be an extension of your family. We want to serve you in times of joy, happiness, and triumph, but also in times of challenge, and struggle. Academic learning and growth are our bottom line, yet we also understand that educating students means being attentive to the “whole child” and caring about their social and emotional well-being.

Our teachers and staff love our middle school students, and we love to be a part of their learning and growth during these crucial years of development. We love having our parents involved and contributing to our school culture. Parents and community are a big part of who we are, and we want you to help us tell our story. One way to accomplish this is through our newsletter, which will share valuable source of information for our students, families, and community.

We look forward to sharing with you!

teach your children how to take risks and that when they fail, it doesn't mean they aren't successful. Encourage your child to pursue their passion and in doing so, teach them that failure is part of the process. When they don't understand, teach them to be persistent and to never give up. Grit is an essential element of success and it involves persistence, determination, and sometimes it involves falling down. Help them get up and show them the importance moving ahead despite the challenge.

The Family and Community University can help you build your capacity and create awareness of your potential to help your children’s academic achievement through education and leadership opportunities in 4 categories:

ACADEMIC LIFE

In the Academic Life classes, you will learn more about the academic programs offered in the district for students. These classes will help you to support your child’s learning at home.

WELL-BEING AND SOCIAL INTERACTIONS

In the Well-being and Social Interaction classes, you will learn about tips and tools that support your family’s physical and emotional well-being and mental health.

COMMUNITY

In the Community classes, you will learn more about programs and services offered by community organizations in the Aldine community that can support your family’s needs.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

In the Continuing Education classes, you will learn skills that will increase your personal development, increase your confidence, and help you support your child’s learning.

Earn tokens and graduate!

Each category is designed specifically for families and members of the community. Each category has classes offered in different ways: in-person, virtual, or pre-recorded videos. Each class completed earns you tokens (credits) towards graduation in the Spring. You can find information about tokens in the class description. You need at least ten tokens to graduate.

For your convenience, classes will be offered in 3 different modalities:

IN-PERSON

Class is hosted by a presenter, in-person, at a specific location.

VIRTUAL

Class is hosted by a presenter, virtually using Zoom.

PRE-RECORDED

A pre-recorded video is provided by the presenter. Students watch the video and complete the lesson at their own pace.

Student Holidays Staff Development/Work Day. Aug. 5-13

Labor Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sep. 6

Student Holiday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 18

Student Holiday *** . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 5

Thanksgiving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Nov. 22-26

Midwinter Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dec. 20-31

Staff Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan. 3-4

Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday . . . . Jan. 17

Staff Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb. 18

Presidents Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Feb. 21

Spring Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar. 14-18

Staff Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar. 21

Student Holiday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . April 15

Staff Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 27

Student Grading Periods

Grading Period . . . . . . . . . . . Aug. 16-Oct. 15

Report Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 25

Grading Period . . . . . . . . . . . Oct. 19-Dec. 17

Report Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan. 11

Grading Period . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan. 5-Mar. 11

Report Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mar. 28

Grading Period . . . . . . . . . . Mar. 22-May 26

Report Card . . . . . . . . May 26*/June 6** *

EC/PK/K and ES ** MS & HS

Important Dates

Teachers Report to Work . . . . . . . . . Aug. 5

First Day of Classes.............. Aug. 16

Classes Resume . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Jan. 5

Last Day of Classes . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 26

Last Day for Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . May 27