GMS NEWSLETTER

March 2025

PSAT and M-STEP TESTING

All 8th grade students will take the state-required PSAT on Wednesday, April 9th. There will be a Reading/Writing section and a Math section on this test. M-STEP testing will begin in April as well. 8th graders will test in Social Studies on April 15th and 16th and Science on April 22nd - 24th. 7th graders will test in ELA on April 15th-18th and Math on April 22nd - 25th. Student attendance on these days is incredibly important. Please make every effort to have your student at school on time on testing days. Students concentrate best when they’ve had sufficient sleep and have eaten breakfast.

COLLEGE BOARD OPT-OUT LETTER

8th grade parents - a letter detailing an opportunity for your student to provide information regarding career and college interests during the PSAT will be sent home with your student today. College Board uses this optional data to provide scores directly to students, along with guidance about planning and paying for college and customized career information. The letter allows you to opt your student out of providing this information. If you would like to opt-out, please have your student return the signed letter no later than Friday, March 7th.

EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT PLANS (EDP)

Gaylord Middle School students will soon begin their Educational Development Plans (EDPs). The purpose of an EDP is to provide a personal, ongoing record of career planning and future goals. Students begin this process in middle school and refine and add to their EDP as they move through high school. Middle school is a good time for students to begin to explore available careers and any education or training needed to attain those careers.

Students use a website called Career Cruising to create their EDP’s. Each student has their own Career Cruising account where they can explore all types of career and future education options in addition to financial aid information, resume writing capabilities, and many other resources. We ask students to take an inventory called Career Matchmaker that uses a student’s likes and dislikes to suggest careers that might appeal to them. Then each student saves at least three careers they find interesting. We also look at post-secondary education options. Mostly, we want students to be thinking about their future. If you have any questions concerning this you may contact Mrs. Baril at barilm@gaylord.k12.mi.us.

8TH GRADE HIGH SCHOOL COURSE SELECTION FORMS ARE DUE FRIDAY, MARCH 7TH

High School Course Selection Form

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BAND AND CHOIR

Both middle school choirs (7th and 8th grade) received a Division I - Excellent rating at the district choral festival, and are eligible for the state choral festival in early May. The middle school bands (7th and 8th grade) also received Division 1 - Superior rating at the district band festival, and are eligible for the state band festival in early May. Congratulations to all of these students for their outstanding performances!

ATHLETICS

Gaylord Middle School track and field will tentatively start April 1st right after school. The coaches are Mr. Berkshire, Mrs. Baril, and Mrs. Fitzgerald. Students must have a physical on file in the GMS office in order to participate.

24-25 GMS Track Schedule

LOST AND FOUND

The cafeteria stage, locker rooms, table by bus doors and office (small items/jewelry only) are overflowing with lost and found items. If students are missing items, please have them check the lost and found.

STUDENTS ARRIVING LATE / LEAVING EARLY

Students arriving to school late must sign in at the office before reporting to class. Parents or guardians can excuse their child's tardiness by phone or by note. Students not excused by a parent or guardian will receive an unexcused tardy.

Students leaving before the end of the school day will only be released to a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians must notify the office, in writing or by phone, whenever a student is to be released to someone other than themselves.

PARENT PORTAL

Parent Portal is a great way to keep up-to-date on your student's grades and attendance. To access parent portal use: Gaylord.powerschool.com. For login credentials, please contact the office.

Once again, this year is flying by. We are nearing the end of our 3rd quarter. We have attached all of our teacher emails if you need to reach out for anything.