The Marshall Message

October 28, 2024

General Marshall fRAMily,

Happy Monday (Pajama Day)! Join us in celebrating our 3rd place city champs 7th grade football team! The halls were filled with joy as our Rams shined last week! Our Science team welcomed an on-campus field trip where 7th grade students learned about Texas watersheds! Our Mighty Ram Band showcased their talents in our first performance of the year! Plus, we fell in love with the Book Fair! I am still very excited about my secret decoder pen! 😎

We have a fun, short week with no school on Friday. The district is closed in celebration of Diwali on Friday, November 1.

We are participating in a Spirit Week for Red Ribbon Week. Please see the red flyer below for dress up days. I have also included Halloween dress guidelines in a flyer below.

We hope to see you for our Guitar and Orchestra concerts on Tuesday and Wednesday nights.

Finally, our General Marshall PTA is helping us make this halloween special for our kiddos by providing an opportunity for you or your child to purchase Halloween treats to be hand delivered at the end of the day on Thursday (see flyer and google form below).

With Rams PRIDE,

Jordan Benson (she/her)

Principal

General Marshall Middle School

Mission: At General Marshall Middle School, we build opportunity for every student through intentional and engaging learning every day.

Red Ribbon Week 10/28-10/31

Halloween Guidelines at GMMS

Orchestra and Guitar Concerts 10/29 and 10/30

open_in_new

Diwali- School Closed on November 1st

A reminder that students will not attend classes on November 1, 2024 for the observance of Diwali. Diwali is known as the Festival of Lights. Diwali is a Hindu observance celebrated throughout the world. Festivities include the illumination of lights, candles, firecrackers, and diya (clay lamps) to symbolize the victory of good over evil, inner light over spiritual darkness, and knowledge over ignorance. Diwali is a time for gathering with loved ones, celebrating life, and committing to making the right decisions in life.

If you would like to learn more about this important holiday, please review these resources:

5 Things to Know About Diwali- This resource from the Hindu American Foundation provides key information about this important holiday.
This video from PBS Learning Media shows a reenactment of the event that most Hindus observe as the inspiration for Diwali: Lord Rama’s return from exile.

Important Dates and Events

October 28-31 - Red Ribbon Spirit Week (spirit day flyer to come)
October 29- Orchestra Concert (6-7pm)
October 30- Guitar Concert (6-7pm)
October 31- Halloween (see Halloween Guideline flyer below)
October 31- Prop A- Tools for Success Watch Party (see flyer below in PSS section)
November 1- No School- Diwali (5 Things to Know About Diwali)
November 7- Immunization records due
November 12- Open House and Enrollment Event (5:00-6:30pm)
November 19- 5:30PM PTA Meeting on Zoom
January 21- 5:30PM PTA Meeting on Zoom
March 25- 5:30PM PTA Meeting on Zoom
May 1- 5:30PM PTA Meeting on Zoom

Theatre Needs

PTA

PTA FUNDRAISING UPDATE

Hello General Marshal fRAMily,

The GMMS PTA is excited to announce that we met our first fundraising milestone! That means students get an extra Pajama Day this fall. A huge THANK YOU to those of you who have already contributed!

We've raised $4,025 and are SO CLOSE to reaching our second milestone of 5K and lunch in the courtyard for students!

Our goal is to raise 10K to help support teacher and student programs. Every contribution counts and makes a huge impact! Don’t wait to donate: //bit.ly/funddrive2024

If your company offers a match, PLEASE be sure to ask for that match! All donations are tax-deductible because the PTA is a registered 501(c)(3)!

In community,

Gabi Garcia, PTA Fundraising Chair

gabgar30@yahoo.com

Check out our PTA Store for GMMS Merch!

https://general-marshall-ms-pta.printify.me/products

PTA Meetings

September 24- 5:30PM PTA in Person at General Marshall MS

November 19- 5:30PM PTA Meeting on Zoom

January 21- 5:30PM PTA Meeting on Zoom

March 25- 5:30PM PTA Meeting on Zoom

May 1- 5:30PM PTA Meeting on Zoom

What is Prop A?

Prop A is an important item on the ballot that directly affects teachers and other educators in Austin ISD. You may have friends or family who ask you about it. You may be curious to learn more too.

Familiarize yourself with One-pager and FAQs

Austin ISD Prop A for Teacher Pay

Early voting starts Oct. 21

Election day is Nov. 5

Find out more: austinisd.org/propa