GMS Newsletter Sponsored by PTA
Week of October 7th, 2024
This week at GMS
Click here to see the complete GMS website calendar for more events and details
MONDAY, October 7
AISD Principal Appreciation Week starts TODAY!
🏈 Football Game 🏈
A-Team 7th Grade - 6:00PM vs. Paredes @ Burger Stadium
A-Team 8th Grade - 7:30PM vs. Paredes @ Burger Stadium
You can view the GMS Football schedule here.
TUESDAY, October 8
WEDNESDAY, October 9
🏈 Football Game 🏈
B-Team 7th Grade - 6:00PM vs. Murchison @ GMS (Home)
B-Team 8th Grade - 6:00PM vs. Murchison @ Murchison (Away)
Natural Resource Classes Field Trip to the Meadows Center 9:00AM-2:00PM
🏐Volleyball Game 🏐 - A- Team Only Playoff - TBD
You can view the entire volleyball schedule here.
THURSDAY, October 10
CAC Meeting via Google Meets - 4:00-5:00PM
FRIDAY, October 11
Tigerette Contest Practice - 4:00-7:00PM
Tiger E-Sports Parent Night Out - 5:00-8:00PM @ GMS Room 703 & Gym
SATURDAY, October 12
SUNDAY, October 13
MONDAY, October 14
❗NO SCHOOL❗
AISD Indigenous Peoples' Day
TUESDAY, October 15
🐅 6th GRADE HOMECOMING PEP RALLY 🐅 - 1:44 - 2:12PM (Students Only)
🏈 Football Game 🏈
B-Team 7th Grade - 6:00PM vs. O'Henry @ O'Henry (Away)
B-Team 8th Grade - 6:00PM vs. O' Henry @ GMS (Home)
☕Principal Coffee Talk☕ - 2:15-3:15PM via Google Meets
Gorzycki Links
AISD Links
🐅 BIG NEWS - ANNUAL FUNDRAISER🐅
GMS PTA TIGER FUNDRAISING DRIVE ROAR & ECHO!
Our GMS community is like no other and this is our time to show our commitment. Support GMS teachers, students, and staff with THIS ONE PTA fundraiser of the year. Let's raise funds with a ROAR!
Our audacious goal is to raise $50,000 for software, classroom necessities and teacher grants across GMS. To achieve this goal, we'll roar loudly, donate and share proudly with family, friends, partners, and employers to ECHO our ROAR!
Important Things to Know:
- Every dollar donated directly benefits GMS teachers and students.
- 100% of funds stay at OUR school for use in the 2024-2025 school year.
- Your donation is 100% tax deductible, and potentially eligible for employer matching contribution programs.
Your donation is made securely through SchoolPay. GMS PTA or Gorzycki Middle School will NOT have access to your banking information.
This is the ONLY major fundraising effort of the PTA, so please consider donating.
Click on the pic or the link below for more information and to make a donation to our beloved school.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
💲THE GMS WEBSTORE HAS REPLACED SCHOOL CASH ONLINE💲
https://gorzycki.myschoolcentral.com/
This GMS Store will have all the fees associated with classes and events in one click.
Once you create an account go to "My Family" and add your students.
This is for Gorzycki Students only, in other words, if ya want a T-Shirt for yourself you should probably head on over to Tiger Mart. Once you've logged on simply click on the item associated with your student i.e. Choir, CTE Wheel, Science etc...then select your student and add to cart. These fees help the classes with expenses associated with the class.
UPCOMING AT GMS
⚽7th&8th GRADE BOYS SOCCER TRYOUTS⚽
There will be 3 tryout days. All students are invited to BOTH Thursday, October 17, AND Friday, October 18 from 4 PM until 5:45 PM. An initial cut will be made after Friday, October 18.
The 3rd Tryout will be Monday, October 21 from 4 PM until 5:45 PM. A final cut will be made after Monday, October 21.
***All players will report to the bottom field to get checked in by the coaches***
All players must be picked up by 6:00 PM.
Parents/Guardians MUST fill out this Google Form HERE or use the link/QR code below to sign up their player for tryouts:
🏀GIRLS BASKETBALL TRYOUTS🏀
Girls Basketball Tryouts
All 7th and 8th grade girls trying out for the 2024 basketball season need to sign up through the Google Form below.
7th grade will try out before school on Monday October 21st and Tuesday the 22nd from 6:30 a.m. until 8:00 a.m.
8th grade will try out immediately after school on Friday October 18th and Monday October 21st from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. on both days.
Parents are responsible for dropping off and picking up their athlete. Please be on time.
In order to try out, each athlete must have a '24-'25 physical on the current AISD form (it must be dated on or after April 15th, 2024), emergency card, and all online forms complete before tryouts. If an athlete tried out for volleyball (or you already turned in all forms), all of this has already been taken care of and there is no need to resubmit forms.
If any forms are missing, your child will not be allowed to try out. If you are unsure, please have your child stop by the coach's office to check in.
1. Click HERE to sign up for tryouts.
2. 2024 - 2025 Physical - You can have your child come by the coach's office for a form as well.
3. Online Forms
If you have any questions, please email Coach Neary or Coach Peña for 8th grade and Coach Gaines or Coach Lindberg for 7th grade.
BAND TRUNK or TREAT
Knock knock!Who’s there?!
Boo!Boo-Who?
Don’t cry, it’s October which means it’s time for the annual Gorzycki Middle School Band Trunk or Treat!
Calling all ghosts, ghouls and goblins!! Join the GMS Tiger Band for our annual Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event on Tuesday 10/29 from 6-7p in the school parking lot!!
See link below to sign up to participate by decorating your trunk to pass out candy or to donate supplies!
https://www.signupgenius.com/.../30E0F45A8A72CA6F58...
Thanks in advance for your support and participation!
TURKEY TROT
Registration for the THIRD ANNUAL CIRCLE C RANCH TURKEY TROT and KIDS MILE is live!!! Take advantage of the early pricing NOW! Link is below or click on pic.
SUPPORT ORCHESTRA and ORDER A POINSETTIA
Decorate for the holidays and support our GMS Orchestra by ordering your poinsettias today!
WHO: Divisions are: 6th-8th grade and Special Artist* The student's family must be a member of the Gorzycki Middle School PTA by Monday, November 4th.
If you are not currently a PTA member, please join here.
WHAT: This Year’s Theme is: ACCEPTING imPERFECTION
WHEN: Submission deadline is Monday, November 4th
HOW: Download the ENTRY FORM and see the Program Rules (including art category rules)
- Pick a category for your entry
- Submit entries via Google Form HERE!
*Students who identify as having a disability and may receive services under IDEA or ADA: Section 504 may enter in the Special Artist Division or grade division most closely aligned to their abilities.
Started in 1969 and a staple arts program in many schools, National PTA’s Reflections Program provides opportunities for recognition and access to the arts, boosting student confidence and success in the arts and life. Each year, over 300,000 Pre-K through 12th-grade students create original works of art in response to a student-selected theme.
ReflectionsⓇ is a National PTA Arts Program. GMS Students submit their entries to the Gorzycki Middle School PTA. After being reviewed by volunteers, entries may be selected go on to compete in the Austin Council of PTA’s level (all of Austin ISD), the Texas PTA level and even the National PTA level! In the selection process, greater weight is put on the interpretation of the theme, how closely the piece relates to the theme based on the entry submitted and the artist's statement.
Questions? Please contact pta.reflections@tigerpta.org
Please click here for more details.
QUIZ BOWL FUNDRAISER
Hello GMS Community,
The Gorzycki Quiz Bowl Program is holding a SNAP Raise fundraiser to pay for study resources, tournament fees, and travel expenses. The fundraiser runs from September 16th through October 14th. Please consider donating using the link below or click on the pic. Thank you for your support!- GMS Quiz Bowl
Order Your Yearbooks Now
Click on the photo below or the link to order your yearbooks.
FITNESS & HEALTH
Moxsquad: Fitness for Girls - Stronger Together, Confident Forever.
Does Your Student Need Volunteer Hours? Check out a great opportunity below.
Baldwin elementary is hosting a Trunk or Treat on October 26th and they are looking for student volunteers to help out at certain stations. Please check out the Signup Genius below for more details.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E4CA9A72FA3FC1-51996648-volunteer#/
CALLING ALL TIGER FAMILIES!
Looking for a way to occasionally volunteer at GMS? Fill out the following form and let us know where you would like to help:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdK-myowPq96cjX9DDRy9vza7ENxE4fugJy-W_YQvwh37ZX0A/viewform
JOIN PTA!
Join the GMS Parent Teacher Association! Quick and easy, click the link below to join today!
Annual Dues: $10/individual, $5/staff
Then, like and follow our page! Members will receive a PDF of their membership card via email.
https://www.tigerpta.org/join-pta?fbclid=IwAR12yu0g6p97GWOwFsAv1PemVEISrOuYiH2BSlsz1cX3bghOwH00A7LnDBs
TIGER MART IS OPEN
Tiger Mart, Gorzycki's PTA-sponsored student store, is OPEN and ready to prepare your student for a great year.
What's Tiger Mart? Tiger Mart is the PTA-sponsored student store open daily during student lunches. We carry spirit swag for the entire family, strength and conditioning shirts, and miscellaneous school supplies. We are also where you can purchase your student's gray PE shirts. At least 1 PE shirt is required for all students, but we parent volunteers recommend having a couple on hand.
How can we shop? You can shop online at any time or students can shop in-person with cash or credit card during their lunch hours. Online purchases are available for student pickup 3 school days after the order is placed. Tiger Mart will also be open for in-person parent shopping on Locker Night (Thurs 8/22, 4-5 pm) and Back-To-School Night.
Where do Tiger Mart profits go? Right back into GMS! Our student store is a rolling fundraiser and all proceeds benefit Gorzycki students.
GMS NEWS AND CELEBRATIONS
THANK YOU
A huge thank you to the best custodians in Austin ISD during Custodian Appreciation Week! Coco, Maria, Veronica, Martha, Carol, and Gladys are an important part of our school community. We appreciate all that they do to keep our school ready for our students to succeed!
GMS BAND - PLAYERS of the Week
The temps outside are semi-cool but these Gorzycki Middle School Band Principal Players of the Week are even COOLER!
Put your hands together for the following GMS Band Members:
Drumroll please….
Evan H. from Honors Band!
Adrian N. from Symphonic Band!
Leighton O. from Concert Band!
Nic I. from beginner oboe class!
Langston Z. from beginner trombone class!
The above mentioned students were chosen as Principal Players because they always follow our GMS acronym:
Give 100%
Manage Yourself
Show Respect
Join us in congratulating our Principal Players for this week!!
Thank you for being outstanding members of the Gorzycki Band!! Kudos!!!
The Santa Book by our very own GMS Parent Erin Eby
Hello GMS Family -
One of our very own GMS parents has published an award winning holiday book that helps parents guide their children from one "side" of the Santa tradition to the other in a way that is developmentally appropriate and honest. Please click on the pic or the link below to find out more. Use TIGERPARENT at checkout for 15% off.
GIFTED AND TALENTED NOMINATIONS & INFORMATION
Information for the Gifted and Talented program can be found below.
Click on the photo or the link below for more information:
STAY CONNECTED
COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS
- Subscribed to the newsgroup: https://gorzycki.austinschools.org/our-school/email-updates
- Sign up to receive notifications for the Gorzycki Middle Campus Community Course at: https://aisdblend.instructure.com/courses/111130
- Follow the OFFICIAL GMS Facebook Page: Gorzycki Middle School
- Catch up with the latest student stories, events and news. It's everything Austin ISD, in your pocket. If you haven't already, download the app! You can find it on your phone in your app store via Google Play or Apple App.
- For Android
- For Apple
PRINCIPAL COFFEE TALKS
The first Principal Coffee Talk will be held Tuesday, September 10th at 2:15PM.
- Coffee talks will be held via ZOOM - link to be provided.
- You can find all the dates of all the Coffee Talks here.
DONATE
BOX TOPS FOR EDUCATION
Download the Box Tops for Education app and start scanning your receipts! Every little bit counts and adds up quickly for GMS. How do box tops raise money for your school, click here to read more. GMS contact: fundraising@tigerpta.org
POPCORN FRIDAY DONATIONS NEEDED
GMS Popcorn Fridays needs your help. All donations go towards appreciating the GMS teachers with popcorn, drinks and snacks. Please contact Kelly Granger at popcorn@tigerpta.org if you would like to donate.
PROCESSES & PROCEDURES
UPDATED: SCHOOL TRAFFIC PLAN
Arrival: During the morning arrival and after school pickup, vehicles approaching the front of the school will be channeled into two lanes of traffic, the inside lane closest to the school and the outside lane closest to Slaughter (the middle lane will be blocked off so that students can safely walk up to the crosswalk). Buses will drop students off at the awning in the back of the school. Afternoon dismissal for car riders will be in the front of the school. Parents arriving early for pick-up will be expected to park in one of the two lanes behind the crosswalk. Parents will queue up behind designated markers. Parents are to stay in your vehicles.
ARRIVAL AND DISMISSAL
Arrival: The building is open from 7:50 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Tardy Bell rings at 8:20. Upon arrival, 6th grade students will report to the cafeteria. 7/8th grade students will report to the Commons. Students are to sit on the floor in the Cafeteria/Commons area. Students must be supervised in the building outside of school hours.
Dismissal:. Students who stay for an activity/tutoring session should remain in their designated area with the Gorzycki staff member in charge of the after school activity. Parents should pick up their child within 10 minutes of a given activity ending time. Failure to be picked up in a timely manner may result in restrictions from after-school activities.
AFTER SCHOOL PICK UP PROCEDURES
Please follow the GMS procedures for arrival and dismissal from school. We ask that student pick-ups occur in the loop in front of the school. Stopping to pick up students on Slaughter is NEVER acceptable. To help reduce some of the congestion, we ask that if you are turning left on Slaughter after picking up your child, you enter the school using the left two lanes. If you are turning right on Slaughter, please use the right lane for student pick-up. This will help reduce the changing of lanes when leaving campus.
GMS also asks that you not use Allerton Avenue for student pick-up. GMS is trying to be good neighbors and the parking issue after school is creating very unsafe situations.
Parents and caregivers are not permitted to move the orange cones.
LOCKERS
All grade levels were issued lockers and a combination lock. Backpacks are not allowed in classrooms or in the cafeteria; students need to keep their backpacks in their lockers. Students can carry Chromebooks and notebooks to class in a Chromebook case.
MEDICATIONS ON CAMPUS
ALL MEDICATIONS ON CAMPUS REQUIRE DOCTOR'S ORDERS in addition to a parent authorization form. This means that all prescription and over-the-counter medications require a doctor's order and will not be allowed on campus at all without it. In the past, the prescription label on the bottle served as an MD order but AISD has changed the policy and now requires the MD order. Students are not allowed to self-carry ANY medication without doctor's orders and parent authorization.
DROPPING OFF ITEMS AT SCHOOL
In order to assist students with self-responsibility and to keep classroom disruptions to a minimum, GMS does not make deliveries nor do we contact the student while they are in class to let them know that their item was dropped off. You may tell your student before school that you will be dropping off an item or you can email their teacher. The student will then have to pick it up from the front office. (delivery exceptions are contact lenses or glasses).
PERMIT TO LEAVE SCHOOL EARLY
When students leave school early, written permission from a parent or guardian is required. Please follow these steps:
- The student must bring the note to the front office in the morning to receive a pink slip. Students who need to leave school early must be picked up before 3:15 due to traffic and parking availability.
- The student will show the pink slip to the teacher when it is time to leave; the teacher will allow the student to go to the front office for parent pick-up. **Without a pink slip, students are not allowed to leave class**
- Parent/guardian(s) must sign the student out in the front office before leaving campus. Please bring your photo ID.
REDUCED-PRICE MEAL SIGN UP
We encourage families who currently have reduced-price status to complete an AISD meal benefits application at www.SchoolCafe.com/AustinISD to ensure their eligibility through the entire school year.
Breakfast:
- Full Price: $2.00
- Reduced-price: FREE
Lunch:
- Full Price: $3.50
- Reduced-price: $0.40
Students are welcome to all Athletic events. Please remember that students are to be picked up from the event 10 minutes after the game is over. This is NOT a set time and can be anywhere from 8:00 - 9:00. Students who are not picked up on-time will not be allowed to attend future events.
GORZYCKI PARTNER PROGRAM
The PTA works diligently to provide resources for our students, teachers and staff, but we can be more successful with the help of our many partners in the community! The Gorzycki Partner Program enables your business to have significant exposure and visibility in our community while providing vital funds to support our students. This opportunity is available to all businesses and families. Contact Susan Crum at partners@tigerpta.org with questions.
The PTA would like to thank the businesses that support our school!
BENGAL PARTNERS
MALAYAN PARTNERS
SIBERIAN PARTNERS
TIGER PARTNERS
Gorzycki Middle School
7412 W. Slaughter Lane, Austin TX 78749 Phone 512-841-8600 Fax 512-841-8601