Hawk Highlights
GVMS Weekly Newsletter
May 5, Volume 3, Issue 36
Dear GVMS Parents, Students, and Staff:
Greetings! We hope you had a restful weekend and are ready for the upcoming week. Here are some important updates and reminders:
As our students dive into the second week of Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments, it's an opportune moment to celebrate their journey and reinforce our unwavering support.
Encourage your children to approach this upcoming week with the same enthusiasm and determination they've demonstrated all year long. Remind them of their incredible growth, their resilience in the face of challenges, and the boundless potential they possess.
While SOLs are a significant milestone, they do not define our students' worth or abilities. It's vital to remind them of this truth as they navigate both success and challenges during this testing period. Your encouragement and support are invaluable in reinforcing this message. Be their guiding light, offering praise for their achievements and comfort in moments of disappointment.
On May 9th, our students will begin receiving their SOL test scores from their content teachers. Please note, not all scores will be shared on that day, sharing of scores with students will continue into the following week. This presents an opportunity for celebration, but also a chance for meaningful conversations. Whether their scores exceed expectations or fall a bit short, it's crucial to emphasize that they are not defined by these numbers. Each child is so much more than a test score. Your presence and reassurance during these conversations will be deeply impactful.
As parents, let's continue to be the steadfast support system our children need. Shower them with love, encouragement, and reminders of their incredible worth. Together, let's nurture a positive mindset and a belief in their ability to overcome any obstacle.
Spring SOL Schedule: Below you will find information about the spring SOL schedule at GVMS. As you are scheduling upcoming appointments, please be mindful of testing dates. We want to ensure that students are not missing any additional class time and valuable review for makeup tests. If you have any questions about SOL testing, please reach out to your student's grade level administrator or Mrs. Sentman, GVMS testing coordinator, at sentmaal@pwcs.edu.
Marking Period 3 Honor Roll and Principal's Honor Roll Certificates: were handed out on Friday, May 3, 2024. Our Principal's Honor Roll recipients were also given their sticker, pin, and snack. Check out the pictures of our Principal's Honor Roll recipients and the list of all of our students below. The next time you are at GVMS, check out theses lists posted in the main lobby. We are so proud of all of our students for their hard work during the second marking period. Go Hawks!
Teacher Appreciation Week:
This week (May 6 - May 10) is Teacher Appreciation Week. Honoring Our Amazing Educators!
This week, we're thrilled to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week! It's the perfect opportunity to show our gratitude to the dedicated educators who pour their hearts into nurturing and inspiring our students every single day.
We want to extend a special thank you to our PTO, families, and administration for their tireless efforts in preparing and creating a week of appreciation for our teachers. Your support and collaboration make it possible to honor our educators in such a meaningful way.
Join us in expressing our heartfelt thanks to our incredible teachers for their unwavering commitment, passion, and endless support. Whether it's a kind note, a thoughtful gesture, or simply a warm smile, let's make sure our educators feel appreciated and valued for all they do.
Counseling Update: While Mrs. Castles is out on maternity leave, the following caseload changes will be in place:
Last Name A - Arg: Brown
Last Name Ars - Bis: Abbott
Last Name: Bla - Cam: Ware
Last Name: Can - Cy: Hawkins
Monday, May 6, 2024 is a B DAY.
Here's to another great week at GVMS! Rise Up Hawks!
Ed Schultz
GVMS Principal
@HighFlyingHawks
GVMS SOL Calendar 23-24
GVMS SOL Expedited Retake Parental Consent Spring 2024
Parents/ Guardians: You can proactively complete the Form below by following the link for expedited retakes. This will help expedite remediation and reteaching opportunities if your student scores within the expedited retake range on a SOL.
8th-Grade Only SOL Tests
Civics SOL
- Test Date - Tuesday, April 30, 2024
- Make-up Test Date - Wednesday, May 8, 2024
Science 8 SOL
- Test Date - Thursday, May 9, 2024
- Make-up Test Date - Tuesday, May 14, 2024
6th, 7th, and 8th-Grade SOL Tests
Reading 6, Reading 7, and Reading 8 SOL
- Test Date - Thursday, May 2, 2024
- Make-up Test Date - Friday, May 10, 2024
Math 6, Math 7, Math 8, Algebra I, and Geometry SOL
- Test Date - Tuesday, May 7, 2024
- Make-up Test Date - Monday, May 13, 2024
GVMS Cell Phone Policy
NJHS Eligibility
National Junior Honor Society is a school club that is available to 8th grade students only. Current 7th graders who are eligible to be considered for the club will receive an email on Monday, May 6th. The email will include information about the club and the candidate information sheet. Students who are interested in being considered for this club must complete the candidate information sheet by the due date, which is Sunday, May 19th at 7pm. No late or incomplete application will be accepted.
Please contact Ms. Hooten at hootenya@pwcs.edu if you have any questions.
8th Grade Celebrations
For our 8th Grade Superstars!
Get ready to dance, celebrate, and create unforgettable memories as we honor our incredible 8th-grade students for their remarkable journey through middle school!
We're rolling out the red carpet for our soon-to-be alumni with not just one, but TWO epic events: a sensational dance party and a thrilling carnival extravaganza!
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for a night of music, laughter, and pure joy. It's your time to shine, so get ready to hit the dance floor!
But wait, the fun doesn't stop there! Brace yourselves for a whirlwind of excitement at our electrifying carnival celebration! From thrilling activities to delicious treats, there's something for everyone to enjoy as we come together to celebrate YOU, our amazing 8th graders!
These are more than just events, they're a tribute to the hard work, dedication, and achievements of our extraordinary students. So spread the word, and get ready to make memories that will last a lifetime!
Purple Up
Some of our GVMS students who "Purpled Up" for Month of the Military Child. Purple up Day recognizes some of the military's most unsung heroes - their children. The day encourages everyone to wear purple representing all branches of the military and showing unity with each other.
House Champions
Please congratulate our House Endeavor students on earning the most points this school year. We have had 6 house meetings, 7 house events, and loads of fun in our houses this year. House Endeavor students have earned a house field trip to take place on Wednesday, May 29th. Permission slips will go out next week. Congrats House Endeavor students and staff! ENDEAVOR.....FOREVER!!!
Lindas Lab
On Friday, May 3rd, author and former GVMS student, Linda Pistun engaged 6th grade science students with her discussions about reducing our carbon footprints, the mealworm life cycle, and the writing process. Staff and students alike were inspired. Link for more information about Linda and her book.
8th Grade Principal's Honor Roll - Marking Period 3
8th Grade A/B Honor Roll - Marking Period 3
7th Grade Principal's Honor Roll - Marking Period 3
7th Grade A/B Honor Roll - Marking Period 3
6th Grade Principal's Honor Roll - Marking Period 3
6th Grade A/B Honor Roll - Marking Period 3
Teacher Appreciation Week
This week (May 6 - May 10) is Teacher Appreciation Week. Honoring Our Amazing Educators!
This week, we're thrilled to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week! It's the perfect opportunity to show our gratitude to the dedicated educators who pour their hearts into nurturing and inspiring our students every single day.
We want to extend a special thank you to our PTO, families, and administration for their tireless efforts in preparing and creating a week of appreciation for our teachers. Your support and collaboration make it possible to honor our educators in such a meaningful way.
Prince William County Schools (PWCS) offers Family Life Education (FLE)
Dear GVMS 6th and 7th-Grade Parent/Guardian:
In response to the requirements of § 22.1-207.1 of the Code of Virginia, Prince William County Schools (PWCS) offers Family Life Education (FLE). The FLE program is a sequential K-10 program designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills to make informed, responsible decisions related to growth and development; communication and relationships; and emotional and social health. Instruction is designed to promote parental involvement, foster a positive self-concept, and provide mechanisms for coping with peer pressure and the stresses of modern living, per the student’s developmental level and abilities. Parents may opt their children out of all or part of the FLE program.
On Wednesday, May 21, 2024, GVMS 6th and 7th-grade students will begin their unit of study on Family Life Education (FLE) in their science classes. The middle school FLE program is taught by science teachers in grades six and seven and by health and physical education teachers in grade eight. The program builds upon concepts introduced at the elementary level. Although the FLE program is highly compatible with existing curricula and serves to enrich the educational experiences of students, FLE content may be considered sensitive. Therefore, parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of all or any part of FLE instruction. Students who are opted out will be provided with non-punitive activities during FLE instruction. Parents/guardians should review the FLE objectives pertaining to their child’s grade or course before making opt-out decisions.
The Parent Information Letter/Opt-Out Request Form, Grade level objectives, and Instructional Scope and Sequence and Pacing can be found by clicking on the links below:
PWCS Middle School Family Life Education Curriculum
PWCS Middle School FLE Opt Out Form
Lessons are to be gender-segregated, therefore students will be split into two different groups to receive instruction. Please contact your student’s science teacher if you have any questions/concerns. If you choose to opt your student out of FLE, please fill out the attachment and send it to your student’s science teacher.
"One Pill Can Kill" Initiative
8th Grade Parents
"One Pill Can Kill" initiative, which launched in September 2021, aims to raise public awareness about the counterfeit pill issue while highlighting prevention resources. Attorney General Jason Miyares launched his new "One Pill Can Kill” public awareness initiative in VA, to help generate open, honest conversations amongst families about the extreme threat that counterfeit drugs and opioids pose.
Thank you again for your support in this initiative.
Our School Resource Officer, Officer Khalid, will be sharing this presentation with our 8th Grade students in Health and PE classes the week of May13-17.
If you choose to opt your student out of the presentation, please contact your 8th grade student's Health and PE Teacher.
GVMS Upcoming Events
Monday, May 6, 2024
Softball and Girls Soccer @ Home - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, May 7, 2024
Math SOL - ALL GVMS STUDENTS
Baseball and Boys Track @ Home - 5:00 PM
Wednesday, May 8, 2024
MAKEUP Civics SOL - 8th-Grade Students Only
Softball and Girls Soccer @ Home - 5:00 PM
PTO/Advisory Council Meeting @ 6:00 PM
Thursday, May 9, 2024
Science 8 SOL - 8th-Grade Students Only
Friday, May 10, 2024
MAKEUP Reading SOL - ALL GVMS STUDENTS
Friday, May 10, 2024
NJHS Induction Ceremony – 6 PM
Monday, May 13, 2024
MAKEUP Math SOL - ALL GVMS STUDENTS
Tuesday, May 14, 2024
MAKEUP Science 8 SOL - 8th-Grade Students Only
Friday, May 17, 2024
7th-Grade Field Trip - Udvar Hazy Museum
8th-Grade Drama Production @ 7:00 PM
Monday, May 20, 2024
Baseball @ Home (GVHS) - 5:00 PM
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
6th-Grade Spring Chorus Concert
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
6th - 8th Grade Spring Band Concert @ GVHS
Monday, May 27, 2024
No School - Memorial Day
Tuesday, May 28, 2024
7th-Grade Spring Chorus Concert
Wednesday, May 29, 2024
House Champion Field Trip, Skate – N – Fun Zone
6th - 8th Grade Spring Orchestra Concert
Thursday, May 30, 2024
8th-Grade Spring Chorus Concert
Friday, May 31, 2024
8th-Grade Dance, 6:30-8:30 PM
Saturday, June 1, 2024
Sports Fair @ KLC 10 AM-2PM
Tuesday, June 4, 2024
8th-Grade Award Ceremony, 6-7 PM
Rising 7th Grade Immunization Clinic, 9 AM-1 PM
Wednesday, June 5, 2024
6th and 7th-Grade Field Day
Thursday, June 6, 2024
8th-Grade Carnival
Friday, June 7, 2024
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL!!
*Please note, that A/B day schedules can change based on school closures or cancellations. Days are never skipped, just shifted to the next day we are in person.
PWCS Cafeteria Updates
New Cafeteria Options: Starting in March, the Food and Nutrition Department will be offering a la carte food options available for purchase in addition to a student’s school lunch. These additional items include bottled water, freshly baked cookies, and packaged snacks such as baked chips, crackers, pretzels, and more. These new items all meet the Smart Snack Guidelines and meet our division’s Clean Label commitment to not include any artificial colors, preservatives, sweeteners, and partially hydrogenated fat in our menu. Students also have the opportunity to purchase second entrées, sides, and milk in addition to their first school breakfast and lunch.
The a la carte items in the image at the right may be purchased using cash or charging to a school meal account if there are sufficient funds in the account. Information about setting up and managing school meal accounts can be found below. *A la carte items with asterisk: Students can only purchase one per day at elementary and middle schools.
PWCS/GVMS School Status Information
PWCS School Status: Please do NOT unsubscribe from any SchoolStatus messages as you may miss important communications from the school or division including emergency and inclement weather messages.
If you want to check your Subscription Status
Text STATUS to 939393 to check the status of a subscription to messages from SchoolStatus. You will receive an auto-reply that lets you know whether or not you are already subscribed to receive messages from your child’s school.
If you want to subscribe to School Messages
Text START to 939393 to subscribe to messages from your child’s school. You will receive an auto-reply message that lets you know that you have been subscribed to receive those messages.
GVMS PTO UPDATES
Teacher appreciation is right around the corner (May 6-10), if you would like to contribute please sign up. We are hoping to get each of our staff members a gift card. Please only buy $10 cards as we are trying to keep it even.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/4090E4BA5AA2AA02-49016213-staff
If you are super busy and don’t have time to buy it and drop it off then feel free to donate to our square account under teacher appreciation.
https://gainesville-middle-school-pto.square.site/product/staff-appreciation-gift-card-donations/30?cs=true&cst=custom
Last PTO meeting of the year is May 8th via zoom. We will be discussion 8th grade dance and all the end of year events.
GVMS Library By the Numbers
GVMS Tech Tuesday Lessons
Gainesville Cheerleading Try-out Information
Cheerleading Try-outs for Gainesville High School will take place in the aux gym from 6:00- 8:00 PM on the dates of May 13th and 14th and from 5:00-8:00 PM on May 15th.
Reminder: You MUST have a physical, emergency card, concussion training certificate, and be registered online in order to participate in try-outs. If you previously participated in a high school sport last year, your physical and concussion training certificate shouldn’t expire until July 1st. All freshmen and students who did not participate in a sport at Gainesville High School last year will need a new physical. I would recommend getting it after May 1st, so that you can use this physical for the full year. If you do not have any of these things completed by try-outs, you will not be able to step foot on the cheer mat. This is not my rule, but rather Prince William County School’s policy for all athletic activities.
Please follow link below for additional information.
Gainesville High School Volleyball Youth Summer Camp
PWCS Sports Fair
Out of the Blue - Sensory Friendly Dining
GVMS Policies and Information
GVMS Policies
Click the image above for more information about the GVMS Cell Phone Policy, Dress Code, and the PWCS Code of Behavior
PWCS Breakfast and Lunch Information
Click the link above for information about meal prices and menus for the 23-24 school year.
TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION
GVMS Bus Padlet
Click the image above to access the GVMS Bus Padlet for additional information on where the buses are at GVMS.
GVMS Traffic Patterns
Click the image above for more information about GVMS traffic patterns.
PWCS Here Comes the Bus App
Wondering where the bus is? Click the image above to register for Here Comes the Bus.
PWCS Bus Delays
Click the link above for more information about late buses in PWCS.
Parent Vue Information
Click the image above for more information about accessing Parent Vue.
Canvas Pairing
Click the image above for more information on how to pair with your student's Canvas page.
Paper Tutoring Services
Click the image above for more information on how to access free 24/7 access to a tutor through Paper Tutoring.
GVMS Student Devices
Click the image above for more information about student devices, optional insurance, and the PWCS Device Handbook.
CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
GVMS Club Information will continue to be updated on the school website over the next few weeks. Click the Clubs link below and the GVMS student announcements for more information.
The activity buses for after-school clubs will begin on Monday, September 18, 2023. Activity buses run at 4:45 on Mondays and Thursdays as long as the school is in session.
GVMS CLUBS
Click on the image above for quick access to club applications and information.
GVMS Athletics
Click on the image above for quick access to athletics information.
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING REPORTING SYSTEM
PWCS uses the “Say Something” Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) designed specifically for students in grades 6-12 and staff to report any type of serious or potentially violent concerns of unsafe behavior or threats of harm to self or others. Say Something is a youth violence prevention program from the national nonprofit organization Sandy Hook Promise and is provided and sustained at no cost to PWCS.
“Tipsters” can send reports on anything from school threats they’ve seen or overheard to personal crises including sexual harassment, self-harm, and depression. The system enables school administrators and those in law enforcement to create effective interventions and intervene upon at-risk individuals to help prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm, and other forms of threatening behavior.
All tips submitted receive an immediate response by one of the highly skilled crisis counselors at the Sandy Hook Promise National Crisis Center; this person then determines the necessary support steps. When credible tips are received that are life-threatening and require immediate attention, the crisis center will notify school-based representatives, even after hours. And, in cases of imminent threat, the crisis center will contact local 911 dispatch and involve law enforcement. Users can submit a tip by calling 1-844-5-SAYNOW or by visiting www.saysomething.net. The free app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store, where students can submit tips instantly.
Contact Information
Administation Team
Mr. Edward Schultz - Principal - schultej@pwcs.edu
Ms. Michelle Praul - 6th Grade Assistant Principal - praulmh@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Abby Sentman - 7th Grade Assistant Principal - sentmaal@pwcs.edu
Mr. Steve Williams - 8th Grade Assistant Principal - williasp@pwcs.edu
Safety and Security Team
Mr. Antione Jeter - jeterad@pwcs.edu
Mr. Jeffrey Barnes - barnesja@pwcs.edu
Counseling Team
Mrs. Jessie Castles - Director of School Counseling - castlejm@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Jessie Castles - Last Names A - C - castlejm@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Erin Abbott - Last Names D - I - abbotte@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Sarah Ware - Last Names J - Mi - waresm@pwcs.edu
Ms. Alexis Hawkins - Last Names Mj - R - hawkinam@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Autumn Brown - Last Names S - Z - brownal2@pwcs.edu
Front Office/Support Team
Mrs. Patricia Lopez - Registrar - lopezpa@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Elisa Dacales - Parent Liaison - dacaleer@pwcs.edu
Clinic
Nurse Dominique Alexander - alexandn1@pwcs.edu
Technology Team
Mrs. Christine Richmond, Instructional Technology Coach: richmocm@pwcs.edu
- Canvas
- Parent Vue/Student Vue
Mr. Brian James, Technology Specialist: jamesbw@pwcs.edu
- Device Information and support