Garfield Gazette

Dear Garfield Families,

As we approach state testing, I wanted to take a moment to communicate with you about the significance of testing and our approach to it at Garfield. While we recognize the importance of standardized testing, we also understand that it is just one measure of your child's abilities and achievements. Our goal is to create an environment where students feel supported and empowered to do their best, regardless of test scores.

It's essential for parents to understand that while we encourage students to perform well on these tests, we also prioritize their well-being and holistic development. Test scores do not define a student's worth or potential. Instead, they provide valuable feedback that helps us tailor our teaching strategies to better meet the needs of our diverse student body.

I encourage you to have open conversations with your children about the importance of doing their best while maintaining a healthy perspective. Remind them that their worth is not determined by a single test, and that we value their individual strengths and talents beyond what can be measured on a standardized exam.

Please note the dates for state tests this year are listed below. Attendance for testing is critical and any absent or tardy students will have to make the test up at a later date. Please make sure your child gets enough sleep, has a good breakfast, and is ready to go on test dates. Success for our students depends on the overall efforts of the whole Garfield community.

Additionally, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about state testing or your child's preparation for it.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child's education.

April Patton

Principal

Greetings,

We are excited to inform you that the school year's final quarter has begun. As we approach the end of the academic year, it is crucial for our students to remain focused, and diligent, and work hard in their studies. Time flies quickly, so let's make the most out of these last few months for a successful finish to the school year.

Remember, making good choices is key to having productive and successful school days. If your child ever needs assistance or support, whether academically or personally, please encourage them to reach out to their teachers or any trusted adult, parent, or guardian. We are all here to help and support our students in any way we can.

A big congratulations to our talented Drama Club for putting on a fantastic spring musical production! Your hard work and dedication truly shined on stage, and we are so proud of all your efforts.

We also want to wish the best of luck to all our spring athletes this season. Your commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship do not go unnoticed, and we are cheering you on every step of the way.

As we continue our journey through this school year, we want to express our sincere gratitude to every one of our families. Your ongoing partnership and support play a vital role in the success of our students and our school community. Thank you for all that you do.

We look forward to the remaining quarter and all the exciting opportunities it will bring. If you have any questions, or concerns, or just want to share something special, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can make the rest of the school year memorable and enriching for our students.

As Always, Win The Day!

Mr. Smith

Assistant Principal

👟 7th/8th Grade Track

4/11 vs. Rocky River/Hillside

4/15 vs. Greenbriar

4/18 vs. North Olmsted

4/22 vs. Buckeye/Shiloh

4/27 Avon Invitational @ Avon

5/2 Bay/University Schools @ Bay High School

5/7-5/8 Conference Meet @ Byers Field

🥎 7th/8th Grade Girls Softball

4/2 @ Vermillion

4/4 vs. Vermillion

4/10 @ Open Door HS

4/12 vs. North Olmsted

4/16 vs. Fairview

4/18 vs. Bay

4/20 @ Clearview HS

4/25 @ North Olmsted

3/29- 4/1- No School

4/1 Hungry Howie's Dine to Donate Night

4/8 No School, Eclipse Day

4/17 Choral Pops Concert @ 7:00 in Civic

4/17 PTSA Meeting @ 7:00 pm in LRC

4/24 Washington DC Parent/Student Meeting @ 6:30

4/4 - 8th Grade

4/11 - 7th Grade

4/18 - 6th Grade

4/25 - All Grades

4/15 - ELA 8 Part 1

4/16 - ELA 8 Part 2

4/18 - ELA 7 Part 1

4 /19 - ELA 7 Part 2

4/22 - ELA 6 Part 1

4/23 - ELA 6 Part 2

4/25 - Science 8 Part 1

4/26 - Science 8 Part 2

4/30 - Math 6, 7, 8 Part 1

5/2 - Math 6, 7, 8 Part 2

• Washington D.C. Student Information Forms are due March 28th

• Roommate Selection Form- due March 28th. Students who are paid in full can choose their roommates. Please fill out the roommate selection form with your name and your three roommates’ names. Parents- please sign off on your child’s choice of roommates. Only students whose final bill is paid will be allowed to register for a room.

• Medication Forms and Information. If your child is taking any medication, please make sure these forms are returned by May 2.

• A mandatory student/parent meeting will be Wednesday, April 24, at 6:30 p.m. in the cafetorium. All rules and regulations will be discussed. Everyone is expected to attend. Please mark your calendars.

All of this information and more can be found on the GMS 8th Grade DC Trip Website.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Ben Branco at ben.branco@lakewoodcityschools.org.

On March 15th, the Garfield Middle School Cast of Mean Girls, Jr. got the opportunity to work with Lakewood alum MaryBeth Donahoe-- a professional actor who was in the First National Tour of Mean Girls for four years! MaryBeth was able to watch the show and provide comments to the students; workshopping with them on how to further bring the show to life. At the end, students were able to ask questions about her time on Tour and her life as a professional actress in New York City.

We are so thankful to have talented Lakewood grads willing to come back and work with our current students!

Our Cultural Showcase is quickly approaching. We are still in need of individuals to actively participate by sharing their own cultural traditions, attire, or even preparing a dish. This event is not only a celebration of diversity but also an opportunity for us to learn from one another and foster greater understanding and appreciation for different cultures.

Our Culture Showcase is a wonderful opportunity for us to come together as a community and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures. Throughout the day, we hope to have a variety of activities and presentations highlighting different aspects of various cultures, including:

• Traditional dances and music performances

• Cultural exhibitions and displays

• Arts and crafts demonstrations

• Cultural cuisine tasting

• Educational background experience

If you have any questions or would like to contribute in any way, please feel free to contact any member of our cultural committee:

• Alina Sandoval alina.sandoval@lakewoodcityschools.org

• Hadeel Nimeh hadeel.nimeh@lakewoodcityschools.org

• Jaclyn Fields jaclyn.fields@lakewoodcityschools.org
  

Please scan the QR code above to complete the interest form.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

The open enrollment period for the 2024-2025 school year opens March 1 and will remain open through April 15, 2024. Access the application form on the district website under News & Announcements. Notification of open enrollment status will be as follows: First-round notifications will occur the week of June 12, 2024. Second-round notifications will occur the week of August 9, 2024. Kindergarten notification will be made the week of August 9, 2024.

If you have any questions regarding open enrollment, call 216-529-4244.

On Monday, April 8 Lakewood will be in the center of the pathway of a total eclipse of the sun. This event is expected to bring potentially tens of thousands of visitors to our compact city, with the height of the eclipse projected to occur at dismissal times. The additional traffic and the temptation to look at the eclipse without proper equipment could pose safety concerns for our students as they head home. With this in mind and the rare opportunity for students and staff to share this amazing phenomenon together with their families, Lakewood City Schools will be closed on April 8.

As this date approaches, our teachers will be sharing more about the eclipse with students. We will also be providing every student with the special glasses needed to view the eclipse safely. Glasses will be passed out on Wednesday, April 3rd for students to bring home.

For more information and tips to prepare for this event, visit Ohio’s eclipse website.

Are you craving a little more excitement in your life? Got a couple of spare hours a month that you're just dying to fill with something awesome? Or maybe you're just looking for an excuse to escape the chaos at home and mingle with other grown-ups (we won't tell!).

If you answered YES to any of these questions (and let's be honest, who wouldn't?), then buckle up because we've got an offer you can't refuse!

Introducing... drumroll, please... the Garfield Middle School PTSA Board!

That’s right, folks! We're on the hunt for some fresh faces to join our stellar squad of PTSA superheroes. Whether you're a master event planner, a social butterfly, or just someone with a big heart and a passion for making a difference, we want YOU!

And here's the best part: You don't need to be a seasoned pro to join the fun. We've got plenty of guidance and support from our current leaders and members to help you shine like the star you are.

So, what are you waiting for? Check out the attached info for all the details on the open positions and their responsibilities. Trust us, you'll be amazed at how much magic we can make happen in just a few hours a month!

Ready to step into the spotlight and make Garfield history? We thought so! Let’s do this!

Please reach out to me at garfieldmsptsa@gmail.com or if you want to chat more about any of the positions, please call or text me at 216.538.4924. Happy to answer any and all questions you have! Trust me, it’s not scary to be in a leadership role! Just do it! You won’t regret it. Middle School is 3 short years, get involved!

Kristen Moran

Garfield PTSA President

The Lakewood Area Collab is hosting Active Parenting of Teens on March 30 & April 6 from 9am-12:30pm. Light refreshments will be served.

Sign up here: https://forms.gle/4caL2Acsu44ckGXL7