STINGRAY NEWS

Below are the students recognized this week by staff for demonstrating positive character. Great job students, we are proud of you!

We greatly appreciate GRMS PTO for organizing our Teacher Appreciation Week activities. Our staff commented on how much they enjoyed having something special each day. Thanks also to Homeport Church, Regenrtation Fellowship Church, and Belcher Home Team (https://www.bhhs.com/florida-network-realty-fl303/ponte-vedra-beach/belcher-home-team/t-2720), as they each donated time and/or funds to support the week's actitvites.

We would love for you to attend the last PTO Mtg of this school year. You can learn more about how to help at the 8th grade dance. Also, if you would be willing to become more inlvoed next year, this would be a great opportunity to learn more about what PTO does and decide to what degree you would like to support the GRMS PTO. Thank you!

Below is a letter from the GRMS PTO announcing the 8th grade dance, as well as requesting some assistance in preparing a memorable evenving for our students.

As far as dress for the dance, we ask that students dress nice, avoiding jeans or shorts. While many students go all-out, it is not required. We do not want families to spend money on this dance that becomes a burden. Additionally, school dress code is in effect. Students should be covered appropriately, not wearing anything too revealing. If attire is deemed by administration to be school inappropriate, we will have students contact their parents for pick-up or a change of clothing. We ask that you help us with this so we can avoid any unnecessary conflicts. We want everyone to enjoy the event.

Dear 8th Grade Parents,

We are excited to announce that the 8th Grade Formal will be held on Friday, May 23, 2025. This special evening is a memorable celebration for our students, and we are working hard to make it an enjoyable and meaningful event.

To help make the night a success, we are kindly asking for donations of food and desserts. Whether it’s a tray of Publix subs, finger foods, cupcakes, cookies or even an Publix gift card -- every contribution helps create a festive atmosphere and a wonderful experience for our students.

If you are able to contribute or

Volunteer , please let us know what by Friday, May 16, so we can plan accordingly. Please use the QR CODE below to sign up so we know how many people plan on bringing food.

Thank you for your continued support. We truly appreciate your generosity and partnership in making this event special for our 8th graders.

GRMS PTO

Wonderful news shared below by Mrs. Dufrain, follwed by some pictures from the event:

We had a FABULOUS time at the Best Buddies Friendship Walk Saturday!! Fun, friendship, and lots to celebrate:

1. North Florida’s CHAPTER OF THE YEAR! (2nd year in a row) 🎉

2. Faculty Advisor of the Year🎉

3. #4 in North Florida for fundraising…got us a private tent, goodie bags, and breakfast! (THANK YOU to all who donated!!)

4. We had 3 ambassadors speak at the walk. They are the only middle schoolers to speak at a north Florida friendship walk. Ever. Kaelynn spoke at opening ceremonies, kickstarting the event. Stella and Thomas spoke at closing ceremonies. All 3 were nothing short of amazing!!! I’m going to try to send the videos of the speeches in a different email.

4. Kaelynn and Mrs. DuFrain were awarded the “superhero award” for our fundraising efforts, complete with a cape!! 🎉

5. Best Buddies is awarding our whole chapter with an end of the year celebration party in recognition of our year long efforts and winning chapter of the year 🎉

As always, THANK YOU, to all of you, for all you do to support and encourage us and for all of your participation. It takes all of us to make this little club such a positive and impactful force in our school community. Together we make a difference. INCLUSION LIVES HERE 💜

FAST testing begins this week with 8th graders. They will test ELA on Thursday and Math on Friday. Students enrolled in Algebra or Geometry have their End-of-Course assessment a little later. See the attached letter and please have your student at school for testing, as well as every other day possible. Thank you!

Ms. Reese and Ms. Masters, teachers of 6th grade World History, recently completed a unit. Below is their description of what students produced at the end of the unit. Some of th epsoters hanging in the hallway follow.

6th grade World History students recently finished two units on ancient Rome. They reflected on the achievements of Rome and how those achievements affect their own lives in the modern world. Then, made posters or billboards to tell others all about them.

Join us in spreading the word about hurricane safety and preparedness during National Hurricane Preparedness Week (HPW), May 4-10, 2025. Each day has a theme to help everyone prepare and stay safe during hurricane season:

• Know Your Risk: Water & Wind
• Prepare Before Hurricane Season
• Understand Forecast Information
• Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
• Stay Protected During Storms
• Use Caution After Storms
• Take Action Today

The themes and messaging can be found in the social media plan and content is also available in Spanish , Chinese and Vietnamese . Videos aligning with the themes are available in English and Spanish.

Please feel free to distribute to your PIOs & other media outlets.

We appreciate your partnerships,

NWS JAX

May 6 (6 pm): Awards Program - This is by invitation only. Students will be invited if they achieved honor grades the first 3 quarters, being recognized by a teacher for academic or exemplary growth/character, clubs, earning recognition for volleyball or basketball (GRMS sports), as well as cheer and football (high participation SJMSAA sports). Invitations beign sent out today, or Tuesday at the latest.

May 16: GradVenture - Families already have planned for this, but students could still be removed if their behavior does not warrant the privilege of attending.

May 23: 8th Grade Dance - This dance is more formal, but please do not spend a lot of money on dresses or tuxedos! That can wait for prom at the high school. We simply ask that students dress up nicely and not wear jeans or shorts. If they desire to go "all-out", that is certainly okay. Students may not be assigned a full day of ISS, or have any OSS as of March 24. Also, students must be in attendance the dance of the dance and may NOT leave school early to go prepare for the dance.

If you be willing to assist with supervising the parking lots at 40 Orange Street, please use the sign-up link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A4DA4AF23AAF5C61-55820827-ptopaking

There are time slots available for the two days, May 24th and 25th.

Thank you fro your help!

On normal school days, office hours are 7:00 am - 2:50 pm, Monday thru Friday.

I saw a thousand year old oil stain. It was from ancient Greece.

When my wife is sad, I let her color in my tattos. She just wants a shoulder to crayon.

What's a complimentary snack to ladyfingers? Mentos.