Thanks go out to our math department for this month's main lobby display. It serves as a good reminder that we're all math people by necessity. Our staff works hard each day to build the skills and confidence of all of our math scholars!

It was a busy first full week of 2025 as our students got back to their school work and extracurricular activities. We are excited that we got over 300 sign-ups for more than 25 Winter Clubs, which will begin this week.

Finally, a couple of important reminders about end-of-day procedures:

• Buses depart from GMS at 2:20PM each day. After buses depart, parents and guardians are welcome to pick students up along the walkway in front of the school. Parents or guardians should not pass the bus line in order to pick students up. Also, please do not use the bus exit as a pick-up point at the end of the day. We have had students crossing the bus lane to meet cars, which creates a potentially hazardous situation. In addition, please do not use the bus exit to make U-turns onto Pecunit St. We appreciate everyone's partnership in keeping everyone safe during dismissal.
• Please note that students may not stay after school unless they are signed up for a club, activity, or after school help with a teacher. We need to ensure that all students are appropriately monitored and that we know how many students need to access the late bus each day.
• Students who stay after school must either take the late bus, or be picked up, by 3:45 PM each day. We appreciate everyone's cooperation with this.

6th grade students on team Meteorites took part in an interactive exploration of ancient Egyptian history and culture on Wednesday afternoon. Ms. Hall and Mr. Murphy collaborated in order for students to see how learning is connected across subject areas. Awesome stuff!

The GMS "Mathletes" bested Mansfield 188-100 at their competition on Thursday afternoon. Great job, team!

Ms. Robinson's students exercised their creativity this week, working in a number of exciting projects! Erikka (below) was proud to show off her latest artwork

The GMS girls' basketball team took on Ursuline on Tuesday afternoon. The Bulldogs scored a big win, and our cheerleading team got the crowd roaring. We've had a great home atmosphere for our teams this season!

This week's Bulldogs of the Week are two seventh grade basketball players who have displayed hard work, sportsmanship and a continued commitment to growth and excellence. Congrats to Arije Hijou and Michael LaRaia!

This is the schedule for all MCAS test sessions at GMS this spring:

English/Language Arts

Grade 8: April 1st and April 3rd

Grade 7: April 8th and April 10th

Grade 6: April 9th and April 11th

Math

Grade 8: May 8th and May 9th

Grade 7: May 12th and May 13th

Grade 6: May 15th and May 16th

Science (8th Grade Only)

May 20th and May 21st

Civics (8th Grade Only)

May 28th and May 29th

This week's fact comes to us from the ELA department:

"Neuroscientists say that reading actually strengthens your brain, even after you’ve moved on to something else. The more you read, the more parts of your brain activate, with lasting effects. Engaging in reading consistently bolsters cognitive processes because it exercises our brains, enhancing critical thinking and analytical skills" (The 95 Percent Group, 2024).

Last week, the US Surgeon General, Dr Vivek Murphy released an updated report that outlines the most recent research about the safety of alcohol consumption. The growing body of research has given us a glimpse into the risk for cancer related to alcohol intake. Alcohol is connected to numerous kinds of cancer throughout the body and is a leading cause for cancer.

In children, much of the education focuses on the dangers related to risky behaviors, and the impacts of drinking and driving.. With cancers increasingly affecting younger populations, it is especially urgent to address cancer risk with your kids in relation to alcohol consumption. After February Break we will conduct SBIRT screenings for the 7th grade. During the screening, kids have opportunities to dig a little deeper with their experience with substances and answer any questions they have. Now is a great time to reinforce health behaviors!

Lindsey Coppola, RN
(508) 584-1070 x3110

Tara Medeiros, RN

(508) 584-1070 x316

The next GMS CAPT meeting will take place on Monday, February 3rd at 6:10PM in the GMS Library. We invite all interested parents and guardians to attend!

Monday, January 13th: Winter Club season starts

Friday, January 17th: Cultural Heritage night at CHS, 4:30 TO 6:30PM in the CHS cafeteria

Monday, January 20th: All CPS schools closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day

Thursday, January 23rd: End of second marking term (Day 90)

Wednesday, January 29th: Early dismissal day for students, dismissal at 11:05AM

Friday, January 31st: Winter Movie Night at CHS

February 17-21, 2025: February Break

Check out the latest events from around town!

At a Glance - New Event(s)

• Mary E. Wentworth Recreation Facility Master Plan & Feasibility Study

Jonathan Mulhern, Principal

Courtney Gaboury, Administrative Assistant

Jim Spillane, Assistant Principal

Karim Gibson, Dean of Students

Ginny Martin, Student Services Team Chair

Email: mulhernj@cantonma.org
Website: https://www.cantonma.org/gms/index
Location: 55 Pecunit Street, Canton, MA, USA
Phone: 781-821-5070