GMS Parent Portal

August 2019

Welcome!

Welcome to a new school year and the first edition of the GMS Parent Portal! In each issue, you will find announcements about upcoming events, tips for helping your child succeed in school, highlights of life at GMS, and other important information.

If there are topics you would like to see addressed in the Parent Portal, please send them to the email address provided at the bottom of this page.

Lisa Herschberger

GMS Assistant Principal

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New Faces

The newest GMS staff members have spent a lot of time preparing for students and are excited for the year to get started. They are going to be a great addition to our school!

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Your GMS Counseling Team

The GMS school counselors are ready for a great year!

New Tech school counselors - Mrs. Desmarais-Morse, Mrs. Christoffersen

GIMS school counselors - Mrs. Koop-Liechty, Ms. Horn

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Laptops Ready!

Many 7th & 8th students came to pick up their laptops on our distribution days last week. All 6th graders, and any 7th & 8th graders who didn’t make it to the distribution days, will get their laptops during the first days of school. Remind your child to charge his/her laptop every evening so s/he can be prepared for the next day’s classes.

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Staff Spotlight

Miss Liz Martin is stepping into the role of GIMS Assistant Principal this year. Miss Martin has worked at GMS for 10 years. She first started as a 7th grade computer teacher and more recently worked as an instructional coach for GIMS. You’ll catch Miss Martin chatting with teachers and students and showing pictures of her nieces and nephews and her dog to anyone that will listen. Her goal this year is to help every student, every day, feel valued and learn at GIMS. Feel free to reach out to her by phone or set up an appointment to meet with her if you have any questions or concerns for your child.

Attendance Matters

Attendance is a critical part of your child's success in school. Even if missed work is completed at home, a student who is absent misses out on important discussions, feedback, and learning experiences. Please make every effort to ensure your child is at school daily unless s/he is ill.

Studies show that students who are involved in extra-curricular activities like clubs, sports, or music have better attendance and higher grades. These activities help students make friends, connect with staff members, and enjoy school! Refer to the GMS handbook on our website or have your child watch the announcements for opportunities to join extra-curricular groups.

Check out the chart below to see how absences can add up to a lot of missed learning opportunities.

Event Information

6th Grade Open House

All incoming 6th graders and their families are invited to kick off the school year with an open house. Visit the classrooms, find your locker, and practice opening that lock. Your teachers will be eagerly waiting to meet you and answer any questions you might have!

When?

Monday, Aug 5, 2019, 06:00 PM

Where?

GMS

Other Important Dates

August 7 - First Day of School (Regular Start Time of 8:30)
August 12 - New Tech 7th & 8th Open House 6:30-7:30 p.m.
August 13 - GIMS 7th & 8th Grade Open House 6:30-7:30 p.m.
August 13 - School Picture Day
August 16 - Fundraiser sales begin
August 30 - Fundraiser sales end

Vaping: What Parents Need to Know

Vaping or juuling has become a dangerous trend among middle school-aged students. Click here to read the facts about vaping and how you can help protect your child.

GCS Drug Testing Policy

Goshen Community Schools has a random drug testing program for all students involved in extra-curricular activities. Click here to see the presentation that all students and parents must watch prior to participating.