Look What's Happening at GMS!
Monday, September 16th
7th grade Football @ Sandstone Middle School
Wednesday, September 18th -
Soccer @ Reynolds Middle School
"A" and "B" Volleyball @ Reynolds Middle School
8th Football @ Sandstone Middle School
Thursday, September 19th - Cross Country @ Park Middle School
For Student Athletes:
On days when student athletes travel for away games or are dismissed early, they will miss class time. This is an important part of balancing academics with sports and activities. Students should regularly check Google Classroom and personally connect with their teachers to ensure they know what assignments they'll miss and to stay on top of their classwork.
For Spectators:
When attending sporting events or performances on GMS campus, students are expected to follow our 3R’s: Be Respectful, Do the Right Thing, and Be Responsible. Failure to meet these expectations may result in being asked to leave.
SEPTEMBER
- Tuesday, September 17th -Picture Day
- Wednesday, September 18th -STEM Club 7:45-8:30-open to ALL students
- Thursday, September 19th -NJHS during 2nd lunch in Mrs. Eggart's room
- Friday, September 20th -Robotics Club 7:30-8:30-Open to ALL students, Early Dismissal at 12:25
- Friday, September 20th and Tuesday, September 24th 7th grade Field Trip to the Whitman Mission (students will be divided into groups and attend on one of the days)
- September 23rd-September 27th Fall Conferences,
Tuesday, September 24th 4:30-7:30 Arena Conferences ( All teachers will be at the large and small gyms for quick 5 min conferences)
Thursday, September 26th -7:30AM-3:00PM Scheduled conferences. Conference appointment links will be posted on our Garrison web page so you are able to sign up for a 10 minute conference appointment with your child's teachers. These 10 minute conference appointments will be in teacher's classrooms. - September 23-October 4th -Garrison Yearbook goes on sale. This will be one of three times this school year that families are able to purchase a yearbook.
March 3rd-20th and April 28th -May 9th will be the other two windows
Parent Resource
Guiding your middle-school child through challenging situations is a key aspect of these developmental years. Pediatrician Ken Ginsburg describes adolescents as "super learners," emphasizing that they are naturally inclined to seek out new experiences and sensations. The middle school years are particularly filled with social disruptions and excitement. He advises parents to discuss peer negotiation strategies with their children that align with their family values. This preparation helps kids handle difficult situations, even when their peers might be making risky choices.
This discussion is especially relevant in light of our no-cell-phone policy. Some students are choosing to disregard this rule, while others who comply may find themselves in a dilemma—should they report the infractions or stay silent? Author Phyllis Fagell recommends using hypothetical scenarios to guide these conversations with your child. For example, discuss what they could do if they feel pressured to ignore the cell phone policy, such as saying, "My parents would be really upset, and I’d be grounded."
Middle school students will face various tricky situations beyond just cell phones. By working through hypothetical scenarios and brainstorming possible responses, you can help them weigh the pros and cons of their decisions and prepare them for future challenges.
Top Tips for Parents from Phyllis Fagell:
- Middle Schoolers can't think like adults and need guidance
- Remind them they don't need to do anything or go anywhere that makes them uncomfortable
- Expect mistakes, but maintain high expectations
- Get your child involved in activities that instill a sense of purpose
- Tell them to pause and consider possible repercussions before posting anything online
Conversation Starters
"How do you know that's a reliable sources?"
"What do you think would be a reasonable consequence for breaking that rule?"
"What would you tell a friend who keeps pressuring you to do something you don't want to do?"
Cross Country
Cross Country had their first meet at Fort Walla Walla this past Thursday! Way to go Troopers!
Boys Soccer
Tough match this past Thursday. They played hard and lost by one. Their next match is this coming Wednesday at Reynolds Middle School.
Trooper Book Club
The Trooper Book Club gathered this past Tuesday, and it's exciting to see that the number of participants keeps increasing! This club is open to all Troopers. If you're curious about what the book club is all about, stop by the library and speak with Mrs. Eggart.
PAC (Principal Advisory Council)
The PAC members met Tuesday morning to decide on their priorities for this quarter, aiming to make Garrison a place where all students feel a sense of belonging, visibility, and motivation to come to school.
The group agreed to concentrate on ways to celebrate and recognize students. They will reconvene on Wednesday, September 25th, during the second lunch period.
Picture Day Tuesday, September 17th
Picture Day is scheduled for this Tuesday, September 17th. All students will have their photos taken, and each student will receive an ASB card. Picture packets were handed out during 7th period on Friday, September 13th. If your child did not receive a packet, additional ones are available in the office.
Fun Fact Friday
The Friday Fun Fact from September 6th asked, "There is a a Garrison staff member who dislikes wearing socks?" The answer was Ms. Wooters! However, it turns out that several teachers are not fond of socks. 😅 Congratulations to Sebastian Alvarez and Carolina Flores, who correctly answered the question and won Dutch Bros gift cards through a random draw.
This week's Fun Fact is: There is a staff member at Garrison who reads 2-3 books a week and has a passion for mysteries. Can you guess who this staff member is?
