newsletter

Principal's Message

Dear GTMS Families,

As we begin the month of June and start winding down another school year, many different emotions often come with this time of year. There is joy as we celebrate accomplishments and growth, sadness as we prepare to say goodbye to another school year, anticipation for new opportunities ahead, and even fear or uncertainty about change and what comes next.

No matter what emotions this season may bring, June is truly a time to reflect and celebrate all that our students, staff, and families have accomplished this year — no matter how big or small. Every success, challenge overcome, friendship formed, lesson learned, and moment of growth matters.

The next few weeks will be filled with many exciting events and opportunities to celebrate our students and the memories they have created throughout the year. We look forward to celebrating alongside our students and families as we close out another successful school year together.

For our 8th grade families, please be sure to carefully review the promotional flyer and upcoming end-of-year information so you are aware of all important dates, expectations, and celebration details.

Thank you for your continued partnership, support, and commitment to making GTMS such a special place for our students. Let’s finish the year strong and enjoy these final weeks together!

Warm regards,

Paula Junker

pdf

insert_drive_file

2026 Promotional Information.docx (3).pdf

Download

855.2 KB

#Connect with GTMS

June 2 (4th raindate): 8th Grade Trip

June 12: 7th Grade BASH

June 16: Academic Awards Ceremony

June 17, 18, 19: Early Dismissal

June 19: Promotional Ceremonies (Last Day of School)

pdf

insert_drive_file

26-27 Sports Physical Packet.pdf

Download

9.0 MB

GTMS Activities & Clubs

Academic Excellence

We are proud to celebrate our top 7 students who attended the Atlantic County Academic Excellence Luncheon at the Seaview Marriott. It was a wonderful day recognizing their achievements alongside outstanding middle and high school students from across the county. Following the luncheon, Mr. Santilli continued the tradition of Lindy Hops—because who doesn’t love ice cream!

Student of the Month

Ava Bennett

Tommy Keating

Addison Molnar

Saahil Shah

Jasmine Shell

Connor Bruscato

Royce Jones

Emilia Adams

Jhuliett Sanchez

Wingly Cham

Giulianna Narvaez

Yashireilee Roman

Esnol Galves Francisco

Samad Beverly

Ziara Rosales-Moya

Ethan O'Hara

Emily Gill

Role Model of the Month

Hannah Fox

Brielle Bailey

Arianna VonKessel

Isabella Gallagher

Ja'Siya Wright

Maria Gonzalez

Sydnee Davis

Briella Herman

Softball Champions

Congratulations to our Softball Team on an outstanding season as Atlantic County Division 1 Champions! Their success is a true reflection of hard work, dedication, teamwork, and sportsmanship displayed both on and off the field. Throughout the season, the team consistently supported one another, competed with integrity, and represented GTMS with pride..

A special thank you to Coach VanOstenbridge for her leadership, guidance, and commitment in developing and supporting these amazing student-athletes throughout the season.

We are so proud of their accomplishments and the positive example they set for our school community.

Track & Field Champions

The GTMS Track & Field Team delivered an outstanding performance at the 4th Annual CAL Middle School Track & Field Championship! Competing against middle schools from Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland counties, the boys’ team earned an impressive 2nd place finish out of 16 schools, while the girls’ team placed 6th out of 17 schools.

The meet was highlighted by numerous personal bests, school records, and medal-winning performances across multiple events, showcasing the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes.

Notable results include:
• Shayla Moran – 2nd place, discus
• Ryder Chiappisi – 3rd place, discus
• Samad Beverly – 2nd place, 100m
• Jordan Holt-Grandy – 3rd place, 200m
• Apollo Schaab – 2nd place, 400m and new school record
• Boys’ 4x100m relay team – 2nd place (Abdul Carrington, Samad Beverly, and teammates)

Congratulations to the GTMS Boys Track & Field Team, who are now the 2026 Atlantic Cape Division 1 Champions! The team finished the season undefeated with an impressive 8-0 record in the division. This marks the first time in GTMS history that the Boys Track & Field Team has earned the title of Division 1 Champions. We are incredibly proud of the hard work, dedication, and determination shown by all of our athletes and coaches, Ms. Russell and Ms. Tripician, throughout this historic season!

STEP TEAM Winners!

The GTMS Step Competition Team competed at the Bridging the Gap Step Show in Paterson, NJ on May 9th. Their exciting “Red Carpet: Grand Finale” themed performance captivated the audience and judges alike. Through their hard work, precision and outstanding presentation, the team finished 2nd place in the Middle School Division!

Winners will be announced the week of June 8th!

Four 7th graders and four 8th graders will be selected at the end of the year—so keep your streaks going! You could be one of the lucky winners of these amazing grand prizes!

Spring Concert

A huge congratulations to our student musicians on a wonderful performance at the Spring Concert! Our talented performers showcased their hard work, dedication, and passion for music throughout an impressive evening of entertainment for our school community.

Special thanks to Mr. Palumbo, Mr. Shugarts, and Mr. Conover for their leadership, commitment, and continued dedication to music in Galloway schools. Their guidance helps inspire our students to grow as musicians and performers each day.

We are so proud of everyone involved for making this such a memorable and successful event!

Mrs. P. Junker, Principal on Instagram: "The Spring Concert at GTMS was truly the highlight of the week! 🎶🐾 A huge thank you to Mr. Conover, Mr. Shugarts, and Mr. Palumbo for their dedication, passion, and commitment to our music program. The power of music was heard throughout the building as our students showcased their incredible talents and hard work. Special thanks as well to GTEA PRIDE and Mr. Truppa for the delicious snacks and wide variety of sweet lemonade that everyone enjoyed during the concert! 🍋🎵 We are so proud of our Grizzlies and grateful for the opportunities our students have to shine both on and off the stage. #RespectThePaw #GTMS #SpringConcert #GrizzlyPride #MusicMatters"

60 likes, 0 comments - gtms.pj.checkin on May 22, 2026: "The Spring Concert at GTMS was truly the highlight of the week! 🎶🐾 A huge thank you to Mr. Conover, Mr. Shugarts, and Mr. Palumbo for their dedication, passion, and commitment to our music program. The power of music was heard throughout the building as our students showcased their incredible talents and hard work. Special thanks as well to GTEA PRIDE and Mr. Truppa for the delicious snacks and wide variety of sweet lemonade that everyone enjoyed during the concert! 🍋🎵 We are so proud of our Grizzlies and grateful for the opportunities our students have to shine both on and off the stage. #RespectThePaw #GTMS #SpringConcert #GrizzlyPride #MusicMatters".

instagram.com

Teen Arts Festival

Mrs. P. Junker, Principal on Instagram: "An amazing day at the Teen Arts Festival today! 🎭🎶🎨 Our students immersed themselves in a full day of music, theater, and art workshops—learning, creating, and showcasing their talents every step of the way. The energy, creativity, and passion were truly inspiring! So proud of our Grizzlies for representing GTMS with PRIDE and making the most of this incredible experience. 💙🖤 #RespectThePaw"

41 likes, 0 comments - gtms.pj.checkin on May 6, 2026: "An amazing day at the Teen Arts Festival today! 🎭🎶🎨 Our students immersed themselves in a full day of music, theater, and art workshops—learning, creating, and showcasing their talents every step of the way. The energy, creativity, and passion were truly inspiring! So proud of our Grizzlies for representing GTMS with PRIDE and making the most of this incredible experience. 💙🖤 #RespectThePaw".

instagram.com

Lucky Ducks & NJSLA

Mrs. P. Junker, Principal on Instagram: "The ducks are officially bringing the luck at GTMS! 🦆✨ Day 1 of our Lucky Duck Challenge kicked off this morning as students grabbed their lucky ducks on the way into school for NJSLA testing. By the end of the day, 30 lucky winners — plus 2 BONUS duck numbers — were called! 🎉 Hold onto those ducks all week long because every testing day brings more chances to win. The best way to play? Be here! 👏 At GTMS, good attendance = more opportunities, more prizes, and more lucky duck magic. 🍀🦆 #GTMS #RespectThePaw #LuckyDuck #NJSLAReady #AttendanceCounts GTMSPride"

58 likes, 0 comments - gtms.pj.checkin on May 7, 2026: "The ducks are officially bringing the luck at GTMS! 🦆✨ Day 1 of our Lucky Duck Challenge kicked off this morning as students grabbed their lucky ducks on the way into school for NJSLA testing. By the end of the day, 30 lucky winners — plus 2 BONUS duck numbers — were called! 🎉 Hold onto those ducks all week long because every testing day brings more chances to win. The best way to play? Be here! 👏 At GTMS, good attendance = more opportunities, more prizes, and more lucky duck magic. 🍀🦆 #GTMS #RespectThePaw #LuckyDuck #NJSLAReady #AttendanceCounts GTMSPride".

instagram.com

Teacher Appreciation

Mrs. P. Junker, Principal on Instagram: "Teacher Appreciation Week at GTMS 💙🖤 Mrs. Junker is giving students the opportunity to share just how much they appreciate their teachers—and they did not hesitate! Their messages say it all… we truly have the BEST staff at GTMS. More to come! #TeacherAppreciationWeek #GTMSPride #RespectThePaw #NachoAverageStaff #GrizzlyStrong"

222 likes, 0 comments - gtms.pj.checkin on May 4, 2026: "Teacher Appreciation Week at GTMS 💙🖤 Mrs. Junker is giving students the opportunity to share just how much they appreciate their teachers—and they did not hesitate! Their messages say it all… we truly have the BEST staff at GTMS. More to come! #TeacherAppreciationWeek #GTMSPride #RespectThePaw #NachoAverageStaff #GrizzlyStrong".

instagram.com

Congratulations Graduates! 🎓

Ms. Samantha Mattina, Classroom Assistant

Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts

Stockton University

Dr. Hollisha Bridgers, Assistant Principal

Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership

Stockton University

💙Perfect example of what it means to Respect the Paw 💙

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?

FSA 2025-2026

President - Katherine Mutschler Pauro

Vice President - Christine Boland

Treasurer - Nelie Yee

Corresponding Secretary - Jennifer Alvardo

Recording Secretary - Jennifer Keeney

Meeting Dates

January 7, 2026 (in-person)

February 12, 2026 (virtual)

March 10, 2026 (in-person)

April 14, 2026 (virtual)

May 19, 2026 (in-person)

June 9, 2026 (virtual)

pdf

insert_drive_file

Year at a Glance School Year Edition Poster (5).pdf

Download

3.6 MB

FSA Facebook

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.

Available Workshops

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:

GTMS Second Step Program

Antibullying Site

newsletter