GVMS Weekly Update

Garnet Valley Middle School Community,

Over the last few weeks, we have been discussing the upcoming PSSAs. We have been approaching the tests with a message that promotes a positive mindset! We've been encouraging students to reflect on all they have learned and accomplished this year and to view the upcoming state assessments as an opportunity to demonstrate this growth. Click here to review our PSSA letter for grades 3-8.

On testing days, any items that are dropped off in the office for students will not be able to be delivered until the conclusion of the testing window. We encourage families to keep student electronic devices (iPhones, smartwatches, etc.) home during the PSSA window. Students' electronic devices should be turned off and placed in backpacks or collected for the duration of the testing window each day. To support their success on the PSSAs, please ensure your child is well rested and has the opportunity to eat breakfast each morning. Don't forget that they can take advantage of our FREE breakfast in the cafeteria when they arrive at school.

Happy Passover (April 22 - April 30) to the Garnet Valley Community! May this festival of freedom bring you joy, peace, and abundant blessings. We wish you and your loved ones a meaningful and fulfilling celebration!

Lastly, we wanted to remind everyone that schools are closed on Tuesday, April 23rd, for an Act 80 Professional Learning Day.

Sincerely,

Dr. Lisa Stenz, Principal

Mr. Rick Martin, Assistant Principal

Dr. Gerry Weinhardt, Assistant Principal

April

• 4/10-4/16 - Incoming 8th Grade Course Selection *Completed in-school with counselor support

• 4/22-4/26 - PSSA ELA testing grades 3-8

• 4/23 - No school for students (Teacher in-service day)

• 4/29-4/30 - PSSA Math Science testing grades 3-8

May

• 5/3 - 6th Grade Spring Fun Night
• 5/6-5/10 - PSSA Make UP testing grades 3-8
• 5/15-5/16 - Algebra Keystone Exam
• 5/15-5/16 - GVMS Spring MAP
• 5/17 - Spring Pep Rally
• 5/17 - 7th Grade Spring Dance/Fun Night

Looking Ahead!

• 6/7 - 8th Grade Spring Semi-Formal (Dress-up)

• 6/10 - GVHS Graduation

• 6/12 - 8th Grade Promotion Ceremony

• 6/13 - Last student day (early dismissal)

• 8/14 - 9th Grade Transition Event
• 8/14 - 6th Grade Transition Camp

Hello Garnet Valley Families,

The Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSAs) are scheduled to be administered to all students in 3rd through 8th grade beginning on April 22nd. We would like to take a moment to share with you the importance of state testing for your child's academic growth and success and the ways in which we will support them through the testing experience.

The evolution of Garnet Valley as a premier educational district is a point of pride for our community. The reality is, our test scores are one way in which our schools are measured and compared with other districts. By encouraging and supporting our students to do their personal best, we are confident that Garnet Valley will continue to demonstrate its excellent track record of preparing all of our students to be successful and productive members of the Garnet Valley community.

These exams provide valuable information to our district, schools, teachers, and students. The data is used to evaluate our current programming and inform future decisions and our teachers use the data to tailor their instruction to meet the unique needs of each student. By having access to test results, teachers can create a targeted academic plan that helps your child excel in their studies. In addition, PSSAs offer an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the academic growth and progress your child has made throughout the school year.

We understand that PSSAs can be challenging. We believe that facing challenges head-on is an important part of learning and growing, and we want to support your child every step of the way. Our teachers are committed to helping students navigate these assessments and embrace a growth mindset.

In preparation for the PSSAs, our teachers will be reviewing with students the Code of Conduct for test administration. Teachers will be promoting a positive mindset by encouraging students to do their best and view the PSSAs as an opportunity to demonstrate personal learning and growth.

If you wish to learn more about the PSSAs, you can review the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s (PDE) FAQ document. In addition, parents should read PDE’s cell phone / electronic device letter and the PSSA calculator policy. Below, you will find the testing dates for this year’s PSSAs.

2024 PSSA Dates and Information:

For your planning purposes, Garnet Valley School District will be administering the PSSAs on the following dates:

Grades 3 - 8

• ELA: April 22, 24 & 25 (Makeups will follow)

• Math: April 29 & 30 (Makeups will follow)

• Science: May 1 & 2 (Makeups will follow)

*Science is for 4th & 8th grade only

www.gvhsmusic.org/joinband

It's sign-up time for the upcoming season of marching band! Come be a part of one of the most fun and popular activities at the high school. We welcome new members on all Band Instruments, Drums, and Color Guard - We will teach you everything, you can do it!

- You will be a part of a big, welcoming group of over 100 high school students. You'll start high school already knowing a lot of other students, and you'll make more friends.

- Be a part of exciting "Friday Night Lights" where we perform a fun halftime show and bring the noise to cheer on the team.

- Take trips to band festivals and other fun events

- You don't want to miss our amazing Band Camp dinners with Taco Night, Pasta, BBQ, Pizza, and more. Plus, soft pretzels for away games.

It is common for students to be unsure about the challenge of music and marching. We promise - you can do it! LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP HERE BY JUNE 3: WWW.GVHSMUSIC.ORG/JOINBAND

All 6th grade students were given a Dental Examination form today in school that must be completed for 7th grade. Please have your Dental provider complete the form and return to the school Nurse.

Click the link below to learn more about the various camps we offer for our students! Please note that camps fill on a "first come, first serve basis" and enrollment is limited.

If you have any questions, reach out to teacher(s) of the camp listed in the brochure.

If you have general questions regarding scheduling, course selection, conferences, or questions about our counseling department, you can contact Ms. Rosalee Rosado at 610.579.5106 or rosador@garnetvally.org.

Click here to visit our GVMS School Counseling webpage, which has contains a variety of school and community resources.

We are excited to welcome our new students and welcome back our returning students for the 2023-2024 school year!

Mrs. Marisa Mahon: Students with the last names A-Em. mahonm@garnetvalley.org

Ms. Wendy Xanthopoulos: Students with the last names En-Ler. xanthow@garnetvalley.org

Mr. Matt Bradshaw: Students with the last names Les-Rom. bradshm@garnetvalley.org

Mrs. Christy Francart: Students with the last names Ros-Z. francac@garnetvalley.org

Caron's Prevention Connection: Your Resource for Building a Culture of Substance Free Youth

Cannabis Resources:

• Cannabis 101 Series for Parents and Caregivers – This video series offers tips and strategies for parents to have open and honest conversations with their child related to substance use, specifically marijuana.
  
  
• Cannabis Fact Sheet - This fact sheet provides research-based information to help lessen some confusion and help children make educated decisions about what they put into their bodies.
  
  
• Conversations that Matter Podcast– Cannabis – How it Affects the Behavioral Health of Our Youth Learn why our children and teens are more at risk and how cannabis impacts the developing brains and bodies of our youth.

Upcoming Events: For teens

Virtually CONNECTED - Free 5-session virtual (via Zoom) support group to help teens quit or reduce their vaping or other nicotine use. A new session begins March 27th.
Register HERE

“Are you ready for it?” During Staff Appreciation Week, GVMS HSA has a full week of special treats planned for our staff. But we need your help!

Please consider making a donation to support this week.

1. Make a monetary donation (Venmo, MSB or cash/check sent to school). Sign up here to let us know about your donation.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0C48A4AE2CA5FE3-48930702-gvms

1. Shop our amazon wishlist.

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/2OH6Q66PAG0Z8

With Spring right around the corner, we wanted to share some important dates and information related to upcoming HSA events. The HSA will host a grade level event for each grade in the spring, which is held at the school from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. The cost for all events is $20 per student. Grade specific details are below.

6th Grade Spring Funtine

Date: 5/3/24

Event Details: At this funtime, students will be treated to inflatables, games, music and more. Chick-fil-a and other food will be served.

Attire: Dress for fun! Comfy shorts and sneakers to enjoy the games are recommended. Theme-related attire will be communicated closer to the event.

7th Grade Dance

Date: 5/17/24

Event Details: At this dance, students will be treated to a DJ for dancing, along with games and other activities. The old gym will be set up with basketball and volleyball. Chick-fil-a and other food will be served.

Attire: Dress to impress while having fun. Examples from past years include short dresses, dress pants, button-up shirts and ties. Many students opt for sneakers!

8th Grade Semi Formal

Date: 6/7/24

Event Details: At this semi formal, students will be treated to a themed experience that includes a DJ for dancing, raffles, prizes and more. Chick-fil-a and other food will be served.

Attire: Semi Formal Examples from the past years include dresses, suit coats, button-up shirts and ties. Most students wear dress shoes.

If you are interested in helping with any of these events, please take a moment to complete this survey. https://forms.gle/XhBixzYsGYUmsY1k9

If you have any questions, please email Jennifer at jennifertront@gmail.com

Thank you! ~ GVMS HSA Board

This year, the HSA will be offering spirit wear as a fundraiser. You can shop by clicking the image below.

• Membership Drive - Thank you to everyone that contributed to our membership drive! If you are interested in contributing, there’s still time!

• Venmo - @GVMSHSA

• Cash/Check - Drop at the school office, marked “GVMS HSA”

• Mark your Calendar - Mark your calendar for the individual grade-level events for this year!

• Winter

• 6th Grade Winter Fun Night - February 2nd @ 6:30

• 7th Grade Winter Fun Night - February 9th @ 6:30

• 8th Grade Winter Fun Night - February 23rd @ 6:30

• Spring

• 6th grade Spring Fun Night - May 3rd @ 6:30

• 7th grade Spring Dance/Fun Night - May 17th @ 6:30

• 8th grade Spring Semi-Formal Send-off Dance - June 7th @ 6:30

Click here to view the various student clubs we offer throughout the school year.

Click here to access a curated list of social emotional wellness parent resource list. This list includes books, websites, and parent trainings. Please check back throughout the year as we will be continously reviewing and updating the list of resources.

1. Physical Exam - Students entering 6th grade are required to have a Physical Exam completed within the last year according to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and submitted to the school nurse. Please click HERE for a physical form if needed. Your child’s physician may use their own form as well.

1. Dental Exam: Students entering 7th grade in September are also required to have a Dental Examination form submitted to school. Please click HERE for a Dental Examination form if needed.

Click here to access and learn more!

This eBook contains tips and tricks for navigating the transition to middle school as well as how to best support your learner in their quest for agency and growth toward independence. The contents express the ideas of teachers, caregivers, students, and administrators who understand what life is like "in the middle."

Remember to trust in your learner's resilience and embrace the opportunity for growth!

We know that there is so much information shared at the beginning of the school year. Please access Garnet Valley's parent portal, which keeps all of our information in one place. Click here to access the parent portal. To get direct access to some of our services please click the following links.

• Alma - Garnet Valley's Student Information System
• Schoology - Garnet Valley's Learning Management System
• My School Bucks - Register your child for our school lunch program
• Safe Arrival - Report an absence
• GVSD Parent Tech Support - Issues with district technology.
  

Garnet Valley will continue to partner with federal programs to allow Grades K-8 to serve free breakfast options for all of our students.

Lunch will continue to be available for purchase as well. My School Bucks is a secure online platform that allows parents to easily manage and monitor their child's school-related expenses. With My School Bucks, you can make online payments for school meals, view your child's account balance, and set up automatic payments for recurring expenses. Access or setup your MySchoolBucks account.

More information on our Food Services can be found here.

Our Technology Team is asking all end-users to submit any device issue and login question through our new Tech Support ticketing system called One to One Plus. This system allows our Technology Team to better track issues, create reports, and ultimately, better serve our end users.

Click here to access additional information.

Click the link below to access a video that overviews what to do to update your information in Alma.

Video - Alma Navigation for Parents

Click here to find information regarding our morning drop-off and afternoon dismissal procedures. Our dismissal procedures are the same as last year. We will have two bus locations at the end of the day and only one parent pick-up area.

IMPORTANT: Please add notifications@getalma.com to to your email contact list to avoid having future messages blocked by your email provider. Also, be sure to monitor your Spam folder for misrouted messages.

Achieving our best through creativity, compassion, and community.

Email: stenzl@garnetvalley.org
Website: https://www.garnetvalleyschools.com/gvms
Location: 601 Smithbridge Road
Phone: 610-579-5100
Twitter: @GarnetValleyMS