From computer coding, to creating works of art, to math tournaments, it's been a busy month for GMS students. Check out the photos below of students engaged in all kinds of active learning experiences!

Students in Applied Music class are helping one another learn a new song. The class is working on playing songs on the black keys using correct finger numbers.

Mrs. Qiao Xu is our GMS Mandarin teacher. This is her third year at GMS. Mrs. Xu grew up in the northeastern part of China; her hometown is Jilin City of Jilin province. The weather in her hometown is similar to Goshen, so she was prepared for the cold, snowy winters when she moved to Indiana. Most of Mrs. Xu's family members are still living in China. Her husband works at IUPUI, as a lecturer in Informatics and Computing. Mrs. Xu's favorite sport team is Real Madrid. She loves traveling and taking pictures in her spare time, which contributed to her choice to start a new life in the United States.

It's never too early to start thinking about postsecondary options for your child. Current 7th and 8th grade students can apply for an income-eligible scholarship available to students graduating from an Indiana high school and who attend an accredited institution of higher learning in the state of Indiana. You can learn more about the Twenty-First Century Scholars program and eligibility requirements here.

Goshen Middle School's goal is to reach and maintain an average attendance rate of 97 percent. Soon, we will launch a competition to see which grade level can reach the goal first. In the meantime, what can you do to help promote strong attendance for your children?

1. Help them make connections by encouraging participation in a club, sport, or other extra-curricular activity.

2. Look together at attendance records. If your child has already missed a few days of school this year, discuss the reasons for the absences. Set an attendance goal with your child and make a plan to meet the goal. Reach out to your child's school counselor for support with creating a plan.

3. If you leave for work before your child gets on the bus, consider checking in to make sure s/he is out of bed on time. Have a backup plan for your child to get to school in case s/he misses the bus.

If you have watched the news recently, you probably have heard about the alarming increase in serious illnesses and deaths among young people due to e-cigarette use, or vaping. In 2018, 1 in 12 Indiana middle school students reported current use of a tobacco product. E-cigarettes, specifically juul,, have become the most commonly used tobacco product among teens. These products are easily hidden or mistaken for common objects such as a pen or a USB flash drive. Talk to your child to make sure s/he understands the harmful effects of this dangerous trend. Download the document below for more information. And, if you think your child may be addicted to juuling, contact 706-222-QUIT for help.

The IB Learner Profile Attribute of the month for September is: open-minded. We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.

Students in New Tech show they are open-minded when in collaboration. To show this skill, they convey ideas and arguments with convincing reasons that include building on the thinking of others. They also work to include others in discussion and show interest in new perspectives.

Ask your child how s/he has been open-minded and collaborative this week!

Parents, please help your students follow the GMS dress code, which can be found in the student handbook (click on the button below for details). A few key reminders: Jeans should not have rips or tears above the knees unless leggings or tights are worn underneath. Shorts should be "fingertip length". Hoods and hats are not to be worn at school. Tops that are revealing or show undergarments should be avoided. If your child is found to be in violation of the dress code, s/he will be asked to call home to have different clothes delivered. We also have a limited supply of clean clothing in the clinic that can be used by students, although they typically prefer to wear their own clothes. A discussion at home or a quick check before leaving for school will help ensure your child can stay in classes instead of waiting in the office. Thank you!

Mrs. Bickel's science classes could use your cardboard cans (like the cans that Pringles chips come in) for a lab activity later this year. If you have some to donate, please send them in with your child. Thanks!

IB Theatre Arts 7th & 8th graders are invited to an overnight field trip to Chicago March 7-8, 2020. Email Mrs. Angela Stoltzfus astoltzfus@goshenschools.org if you have questions or need a scholarship application. Registration deadline is Oct. 9, 2019.

The choirs have their first concert on October 10th. If your family has not completed the drug testing policy consent form, please plan to do that on the 23rd or the 30th at parent/teacher conferences.

Wednesday, Sept. 18 – eLearning Day

Thursday, Sept 19 – Picture Retake Day

Monday, Sept. 23 – Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:00-8:00 (Open House Style)

Wednesday, Sept. 25 – 7th and 8th Grade Fundraiser Pick-Up, 3:30-6:00

Thursday, Sept. 26 – 6th Grade Fundraiser Pick-Up, 3:30-6:00

Monday, Sept. 30 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:00-8:00 (By Appointment)

Monday, Oct. 7 - Orchestra Concert (grades 6, 7, 8), 7:45 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 10 - Choir Concert (grades 6, 7, 8), 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 14-18 - Fall Break, No School

Email: lherschberger@goshenschools.org
Website: https://gms.goshenschools.org
Location: 1216 S. Indiana Avenue, Goshen, IN 46526
Phone: (574)533-0391
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goshen.middle.school/
Twitter: @GoshenMiddleSch