The IB Learner Profile Attribute of the month for October is: caring. We show empathy, compassion, and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. We have a personal commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the environment.

Students in New Tech show they are caring when in collaboration. To show this skill, students choose words, tone, and gentle feedback that indicate respect and sensitivity to others.

Ask your child how s/he has demonstrated a caring attitude this month!

Students in Mr. Williams 6-5 Individual and Societies class have been working very hard on the World History Timeline. Students picked six major events during each time period stretching from 4000 B.C. to 2019. They chose six pictures to go along with the events and placed them on the timeline. The finished product had over 360 pictures and events. Way to go kids!! What a wonderful timeline we have to use for several years to come.

Mr. Collins joined Goshen Middle School in July, 2019 as a Technology Resource Coordinator. He grew up in Elkhart County, attending Elkhart schools before moving to Middlebury and graduating from Northridge. Mr. Collins attended college at RIT in Rochester, New York. He and his wife have a 13 year old son, 2 dogs and 2 cats. In his free time, Mr. Collins enjoys watching hockey. His favorite teams are the Chicago Blackhawks from the pros and the RIT Tigers from his alma mater. Mr. Collins volunteers for First Fridays, serves on the Ten Thousand Villages board, and is the chairperson for Goshen's Sister City group. He loves playing and teaching board games, and he looks forward to continuing to meet all the GMS students and helping them work with their computers.

GMS 8th graders participated in Manufacturing Days last week. The goal of this event, sponsored by Horizon Education Alliance, is to allow students to spend time out in the community learning about the different career pathways that Elkhart County has to offer.

Each student visited two businesses, learning about the business itself and also about "soft skills" that employers seek. One of the plant managers talked with students about qualities that are valued in prospective employees, such as integrity, honesty, and work ethic. He said that he wants his employees to work like someone is watching them all the time. This is something students can practice in their school work every day!

How much sleep does your child get most nights? According to the National Sleep Foundation, pre-teens and teenagers need between 9 and 11 hours of sleep each night. Insufficient sleep can affect an adolescent's ability to concentrate and solve problems, and it can also contribute to behavior issues at school.

How can you help ensure that your child gets a good night's sleep?

• Limit caffeine intake.
• Establish a bedtime and hold your child to it.
• Encourage your child to complete homework early in the evening so s/he can relax prior to bedtime.
• Keep electronics out of the bedroom.

Goshen Community Schools will begin the 2020-2021 screening process for high ability programming very soon. If you wish to have your child screened for high ability identification, please contact your child’s school counselor to have him/her added to the list for screening and assessments.

GMS School Counselors are:

• Mrs. Christoffersen (New Tech) - kchristoffersen@goshenschools.org
  
• Mrs. Desmarais-Morse (New Tech) - jandm@goshenschools.org
  
• Miss Horn (GIMS) - shorn@staff.goshenschools.org
  
• Mrs. Koop-Liechty (GIMS) - jliechty@goshenschools.org

All parent requests need to be made before Friday, November 15th, 2019. By requesting screening, parents/guardians are giving permission for students to take all screeners necessary for identification.

Please check the balance in your child's meal account. Students with a negative account balance are not allowed to buy extra treats with cash.

Free and Reduced meal forms were due on September 19th. If you have not submitted one, your child's meal account might be in the negative. Please check your account balance and resubmit free/reduced forms if you haven't already.

Make sure your child is eating a healthy breakfast every morning to start the day right! Breakfast is available in the cafeteria every day.

It's never too early to start thinking about postsecondary options for your child. Current 7th and 8th grade students can apply for an income-eligible scholarship available to students graduating from an Indiana high school and who attend an accredited institution of higher learning in the state of Indiana. You can learn more about the Twenty-First Century Scholars program and eligibility requirements here.

If you have watched the news recently, you probably have heard about the alarming increase in serious illnesses and deaths among young people due to e-cigarette use, or vaping. In 2018, 1 in 12 Indiana middle school students reported current use of a tobacco product. E-cigarettes, specifically juul,, have become the most commonly used tobacco product among teens. These products are easily hidden or mistaken for common objects such as a pen or a USB flash drive. Talk to your child to make sure s/he understands the harmful effects of this dangerous trend. Download the document below for more information. And, if you think your child may be addicted to juuling, contact 706-222-QUIT for help.

All 7th and 8th graders interested in a theatre focused overnight trip to Chicago should see Mrs. Stoltzfus in room 516 for details. Highlights of the trip include tickets to Blue Man Group, backstage tour of the Opera House of Chicago, acting workshops, and a professional improv show.

Thursday, Oct. 10 - Choir Concert, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 14-18 - Fall Break, No School

Monday, Nov. 4 - New Tech Showcase Night, 6:00-7:30

Friday, Nov. 8 - End of 1st Trimester

Friday, Nov. 8 - GMS Fall Theater Show

Email: lherschberger@goshenschools.org
Website: https://gms.goshenschools.org
Location: 1216 S. Indiana Avenue, Goshen, IN 46526
Phone: (574)533-0391
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goshen.middle.school/
Twitter: @GoshenMiddleSch