PANTHER PROWL

Dear GEMS Families,

Welcome to April! As we move into the final stretch of the school year, there are still so many meaningful ways for students and families to stay engaged and focused on growth.

Last week, we proudly celebrated our Panther Pride students for the month of March—these students were recognized for showing what it means to be Positive, Productive, and Professional, as well as demonstrating key Portrait of a Learner traits. We love seeing our Panthers shine!

This month, students are encouraged to get involved by attending clubs, athletic events, and after-school tutoring to stay connected and continue growing both academically and socially.

Upcoming Events & Important Dates:

• 4/10 – Anti-Vaping Assembly (7th Grade): We’ll be holding an important presentation for our 7th grade students to educate and inform them about the dangers of vaping. An email with details was sent to 7th grade families on 3/26 and 3/31.
  
  

• 4/12–4/21 – Spring Break: We hope you and your families enjoy a restful and fun break!
  
  

• 4/22 – Parent Information Night on Vaping: We invite all parents to join us for an informative session about teen vaping—how to recognize signs, talk with your child, and stay informed. More details will be sent out soon.
  
  

• 4/28 – Lunch on the Lawn: Families are invited to come have lunch with their student(s) on campus! Be on the lookout for more details soon—we're looking forward to seeing you there!
  
  

• Tonight – Glow'in Into Spring Dance: Our students are ready to shine at our spring dance tonight! It’s sure to be a fun and memorable evening.
  
  

Looking Ahead

We are currently in full preparation for CAASPP testing, which begins in May. Please help support your student by encouraging good sleep, healthy habits, and a positive mindset as we approach this important testing season.

Also coming up, we’ll be conducting the Youth Truth Survey—a valuable opportunity for students, staff, and families to share feedback that helps us continue to grow and improve as a school community.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Let’s make April a month of progress, positivity, and Panther pride! As a reminder be sure to follow WPUSD-Glen Edwards Middle School on Facebook and/or glenedwardsmiddle_wpusd on Instagram to see all the amazing things our students and classes are doing.

Thank you for your continued support!

Jessica Fernandez
Principal
Glen Edwards Middle School

As we wrapped up March, we were thrilled to host a successful Shadow the Panther event! Our future 6th-grade students had the opportunity to tour the campus, learn about the exciting classes available in middle school, and experience a mini rally put on by our Leadership students. It was a fantastic way for them to get a sneak peek at what’s to come next year!

Additionally, we partnered with PCOE for a taste-testing event, where students sampled a delicious mango smoothie and received the recipe to try at home. It was a fun and tasty way to encourage healthy snacking!

Tonight (4/4) we are excited to host our final school dance of the year, "Glowing into Spring," for all grade levels. This will be a great way for students to celebrate the season and enjoy time with friends!

Also, some of our Leadership students will be heading to Santa Clara for the CASL State Conference. This amazing opportunity allows them to participate in workshops to enhance their leadership skills and bring back fresh, new ideas to implement at our school. We can’t wait to see how they use their experience to make our school even better!

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to make the rest of the school year memorable!

ENGLISH

Dear Parent or Guardian of a 6th grader student:

Before your student enters the 7th grade in Fall 2025, documentation of Tdap- 1 dose (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis – whooping cough booster usually given at ages 11and up) and Varicella – 2 doses (VZV and/or MMRV -usually given at 12 months and 4-6 years) is required.

In addition, please make sure that your student is current with all other immunizations. If your student is up to date with all the required immunizations, please bring proof to the office for our health records.

A targeted ParentSquare notice will be sent on Monday to students who do not have this requirement on file.

We will need updated immunization records for your student to receive their schedule in August and to be allowed on campus the first day of school. Records need to show they have the required immunizations to enter 7th grade, in addition to all required immunizations for school attendance.

If you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact our office as soon as possible by calling 916 - 645- 6370.

Thank you!

GEMS Health Services

SPANISH

Estimado padre o tutor de un estudiante de 6to. grado:

Antes de que su estudiante ingrese al 7mo. grado en el otoño de 2025, se requiere que el estudiante cuente con las vacunas de Tdap: 1 dosis (tétanos, difteria, tos ferina: refuerzo contra la tos ferina que generalmente se administra a los 11 años en adelante) y varicela: 2 dosis (VZV y/o MMRV: generalmente se administran a los 12 meses y a los 4-6 años).

Además, asegúrese de que su estudiante esté al día con todas las demás vacunas. Si su estudiante está al día con todas las vacunas requeridas, traiga un comprobante a la oficina para nuestros registros médicos.

El lunes se enviará un aviso específico de ParentSquare a los estudiantes que no tengan este requisito registrado.

Necesitaremos tener los registros de vacunación actualizados para que su estudiante reciba su horario en agosto y se le permita ingresar las instalaciones el primer día de clases. Los registros deben demostrar que el estudiante tiene las vacunas requeridas para ingresar al 7mo grado, además de todas las vacunas requeridas para asistir a la escuela.

Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre este tema, comuníquese con nuestra oficina lo antes posible llamando al 916-645-6370.

¡Gracias!

Servicios de Salud GEMS

We want to bring to your attention a concerning uptick in student behaviors, particularly the encouragement of physical altercations, as well as the planning and recording of these incidents for the purpose of sharing on social media. This behavior is completely unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Students involved will face consequences, which may range from detentions to suspensions, depending on their level of involvement.

We ask that you please take a moment to speak with your student about the importance of making positive choices. Encourage them to report any concerns to a trusted adult rather than becoming bystanders or participants in these situations. Reporting an issue can help prevent harmful incidents from escalating.

As a reminder, we are approaching the end of the school year, and each grade level has various end-of-year events and field trips planned. Students who engage in inappropriate behaviors risk losing these privileges.

Thank you for your partnership in fostering a safe and respectful school environment.

Last month, students made their academic selections during PAW classes for the 2025-2026 school year. Students who were absent or did not submit their selections are currently working with our School Counselor to complete the process. We aim to have this finalized before next Friday, April 11, 2025.

After Spring Break, students will bring home a paper copy of their academic selections. Parents are asked to review the selections, make any necessary changes, and sign the form. The signed form will need to be returned by the end of that week.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact our School Counselor.

GEMS was featured for all the amazing work students and staff are doing with PBIS, students might recognize some of the locations featured and specifically one of our teachers and PBIS coordinators Ms. White- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXjZ6RjANtQ&feature=youtu.be

Congratulations to our 8th grade GEMS students for winning last month's Clean Up Challenge. Completion was close, but 8th grade pulled out the win in the end and were rewarded with a lunchtime treat. We look forward to our next clean up completion!

Last week and this weeks theme has been "panthers keep their hands and feet to themselves". GEMS students who show this action, earn panther bucks which are entered into a drawing. Winning students earn a Leatherby's gift card for a free sundae.

As the end of the year approaches quickly, please remind your students to spend their 5-Star points at the student store. These points will no roll over into the next year. The Student Store is open most days before and after school from 8-8:10am and 3-3:10am.

MEETINGS

If you missed the meeting last night mark your calendar now for the next APTS meeting. It will be on MAY 8 @5pm in the GEMS Staff Lounge. Board members for the 25-26 school year will be voted in at that meeting. Also, APTS will sending out a Sign up Genius for staff appreciation so be on the lookout for how you can support and celebrate the amazing staff at GEMS!!

WE INVITE you to be part of something truly special by volunteering with our Parent-Teacher Student Organization (APTS). As a parent, your involvement is crucial to enhancing the educational experience for all students. Whether you're helping to organize events, fundraising for school improvements, or supporting our teachers, every contribution you make will have a lasting impact.

By volunteering, you'll:

• Build Connections: Meet other parents and form lasting relationships within the school community.
• Support Your Child's Education: Play an active role in the programs and activities that directly benefit your child's learning environment.
• Have Your Voice Heard: Share your ideas, offer your expertise, and contribute to shaping the school's activities and initiatives.
• Make a Real Impact: Whether you can donate an hour a month or a few hours each week, your efforts will be felt by students, teachers, and families alike.

Every parent’s involvement, no matter how big or small, helps create a vibrant and thriving school. Volunteering with APTS is a rewarding experience that fosters a positive environment where students, teachers, and parents work together to achieve success.

Attend our May 8th meeting and be a part of something great – your time and energy will make a world of difference!

• Check out and support our APTS STORE!! Updated items are:
• Stickers have been discounted to only $1 now!!
• Bling Hoodie Strings are still available for $5ea.

• Our LAST DINE OUT event will be on April 30th at Red Robin!!

Emails went out 3/31/25 to notify families of students that are not meeting one or more of the requirements below.

Promotion based on academic achievement for 2024/2025:

The following three requirements will be utilized in determining academic eligibility for promotion and summer school eligibility. Students meeting all three of the following requirements will be academically eligible to participate in the promotion Ceremony.

1. Overall cumulative GPA of “C” or better
2. GPA of 2.0 (“C”) or better in Language Arts
3. GPA of 2.0 (“C”) or better in Mathematics

The academic requirements will only apply to semester 2 grades for the 2024/2025 school year and will be applied at administration discretion.

8th Grade Promotion Activities (2024/2025):

Eighth-grade students must meet the academic and behavioral requirements to participate in promotion activities. Academic requirements are listed above and the behavioral requirements are listed below.

Eighth-grade promotion activities may include a water park trip, promotion dance, and the promotion ceremony. Additionally, students must return all materials, supplies, textbooks, and equipment issued to them and must pay all their debts by the required deadlines.

If during the last seven weeks of school, a student receives the following discipline, it may result in:

• First Administrative Referral – Loss of water park trip
• Third Administrative Referral – Loss of Promotion Dance

If during the last seven weeks of school, a student receives the following discipline, it may result in:

• One day of suspension – Loss of all promotion activities with the exception of the promotion ceremony.
• Multiple days of suspension - Loss of all promotion activities including the promotion ceremony.

The behavioral requirements will only apply to the last 7 weeks of the 2024/2025 school year and will be enforced at the discretion of the administration.

Important Dates:

• Wednesday, April 9th All monies and permission slips due for promotion activities
• Monday, June 2nd Sunsplash Trip - $45.00 (GEMS students only. Lunch, Admission & Transportation included).
• Leave at approximately 9:45am/return at 5:00pm. There will be no parent pick-ups at Sunsplash. Students must ride the bus back to school. NO summer passes can be used – Per Sunsplash
• Wednesday, June 4th Promotion Dance - $15.00 (students only)
• 6:00-8:00pm @ Glen Edwards Middle School (see below for dress requirements)

• Thursday, June 5th Promotion Ceremony - (for parents)
• 9:00am at Glen Edwards Middle School. Students should arrive to school on time (8:00am) to prepare for ceremony entrance. Guest seating is first come first serve. Please be prepared for any type of weather. No umbrellas or pop ups allowed.

Promotion Certificates:

Names will be printed as they appear on the school computer unless otherwise requested by parents. Please contact our office if you would like your child’s name updated.

Appropriate dress for the Promotion Ceremony is as follows:

● It is recommended that boys wear dress shirts and slacks; ties are optional.

● It is recommended that girls wear a dress or blouse with a skirt or slacks

● Clothing must not expose buttocks, cleavage, midsection or underclothing when standing still, bending over, raising arms, or in motion.

● Tuxedos, jeans, shorts, T-shirts and overalls are not appropriate. Dresses or blouses should be in good taste and age-appropriate for the occasion. Spaghetti strap dresses are allowed for the promotion dance.

Please keep this dress code in mind when selecting promotion clothing with your child. School administration has final determination as to what is appropriate for the occasion, and administration will deny entrance should your child choose to dress inappropriately.

The Parent Promotion Dance Committee has been busy planning the BIG event!! If you have been unable to attend the meetings but would like to lend support, please <<CLICK HERE>> to access their Amazon Wish List. Any contribution you may afford is greatly appreciated.

Take out the guess work and any extra time it would take to get your student a Promotion Gift by visiting our webstore and pre-purchasing any of the simple items available. Pick up will be from their on campus Kiosk the day of the big event!!!

Should you not be able to pre-order now, there will be items in stock the day of the event but only as supplies last.

So don't delay and secure your bouquets and leis today!!!

As we enhance safety measures, please note IDs will be checked every time you come to pick up your student during school hours. Please have your ID ready for the office staff. This includes anyone listed as an emergency contact. Be sure you have logged into the PowerSchool Parent Portal and submitted the ARU modules for accuracy.

Unfortunately our office staff can not interrupt class time to call students to pick up items in the office. Parents can drop off items for their student but we will not be able to call the student to pick the item up. The student can check in during the passing period or at lunch.

REMINDER: We can not allow food delivery services (Doordash, Postmates, UberEats, etc.) to GEMS. Breakfast and Lunch are available to all students without charge.

Yearbook prices are $60 and can be pre-ordered at jostensyearbooks.com.

Beginning May 4th, prices increase to $65 and you can also purchase in the office. Yearbooks will be passed out on May 29th at our Signing Party.

We sold out last year so don’t wait to pre-order.

Advanced Broadcasting produces GEMS TV every Wednesday and Friday. Subscribe to our YouTube channel www.youtube.com/gemstv916

New WeAre105 podcast is up now!

You can find our podcast on YouTube & Spotify

REMEMBER TO VISIT "The Panther Press": www. pantherpress916.com

Learn more about our food service program HERE and visit the food services website HERE for daily menu options.

Check out the flier below. There are several ways to report absences. We hope you find it useful!

• When you receive a message that your student was absent, you can respond easily by clicking on the link within the message to report your student's absence.
• 7th period is actually the students PAW period and the first class of the day Tuesday - Friday.
• ALSO NOTE: There will be NO TRAVEL STUDIES allowed to last two weeks of school.
  

Don't forget to follow our GEMS Facebook Page to stay on top of all the fun things we are doing around campus! Click this link or the picture below to follow!