GMS Newsletter
March 2024
PSAT and M-STEP TESTING
All 8th grade students will take the state-required PSAT on Wednesday, April 10th. There will be a Reading/Writing section and a Math section on this test. M-STEP testing will begin in April as well. 8th graders will test in Social Studies on April 16th and 17th and Science on April 23rd - 25th. 7th graders will test in ELA on April 16th-19th and Math on April 23rd - 26th. Student attendance on these days is incredibly important. Please make every effort to have your student at school on time on testing days. Students can to concentrate best when they’ve had sufficient sleep and have eaten breakfast.
8th grade parents - a letter detailing an opportunity for your student to provide information regarding career and college interests during the PSAT will be sent home with your student on March 5th. The letter allows you to opt your student out of providing this information. If you would like to opt-out, please have your student return the signed letter no later than March 15th.
Education Development Plans (EDP)
Gaylord Middle School students will soon begin their Educational Development Plans (EDPs). The purpose of an EDP is to provide a personal, ongoing record of career planning and future goals. Students begin this process in middle school and refine and add to their EDP as they move through high school. Middle school is a good time for students to begin to explore available careers and any education or training needed to attain those careers.
Students use a website called Career Cruising to create their EDP’s. Each student has their own Career Cruising account where they can explore all types of career and future education options in addition to financial aid information, resume writing capabilities, and many other resources. We ask students to take an inventory called Career Matchmaker that uses a student’s likes and dislikes to suggest careers that might appeal to them. Then each student saves at least three careers they find interesting. We also look at post-secondary education options. Mostly, we want students to be thinking about their future. If you have any questions concerning this you may contact Mrs. Baril at barilm@gaylord.k12.mi.us
Athletics
Gaylord Middle School track and field will tentatively start Wednesday, April 3rd (date change from the last newsletter) right after school. The coaches are Mr. Berkshire, Mrs. Baril, and Mrs. Fitzgerald. Students must have a physical on file in the GMS office to participate.
Students Arriving Late/Leaving Early
Students leaving before the end of the school day will only be released to a parent or guardian. The office must be notified by a parent or guardian, in writing or by phone, whenever a student is to be released to someone other than themselves.
Parent Portal
March 25th - April 1st - NO SCHOOL for students & staff (Spring Break)
April 5th - End of 3rd Quarter
April 16th - GCS Art Show - Student Reception
May 14th - GMS Band Concert, 7:00 p.m. at GHS
May 23rd - GMS Choir Concert, 7:00 p.m. at GHS
May 27th - NO SCHOOL for students & staff (Memorial Day)
June 5th (tentative) - Last day (half day)
Gaylord Middle School
Joe Somerville, Principal
Dave Smith, Assistant Principal & AD
Location: 600 E Fifth Street, Gaylord, MI
Phone: 989-731-0848