Hello Middle School families. I hope you have a lovely weekend.
As we are getting into the second half of the school year I want to bring our Core Values to the top of our memo.
This week let’s remind, reinforce and redirect around Ownership. Own your learning, Own your space, own your behavior and own your school device. Treat that Chromebook like it is really your own. You can also use Ownership in your household. Own your room, own your chores, own your stuff. There is nothing better than hearing students say that's what they say at school now that's what my grown up says to me :)
7th and 8th grade families, You should have received my email last week about our students in the North building getting new touch screen chromebooks. As a partnership I again ask that you have a reminding and reinforcing conversation with your students about the care of their 1-1 devices. I ask this of you because when the devices were swapped out it was noticed that about 25 chromebooks were left in lockers. This would mean that when your student came to school on Monday their device would not be charged. Therefore to ensure the proper care and charging of the devices, they should be returned to the designated classroom cart.
Thank you for your partnership.
This is an article we read in our staff meeting this week. Very interesting and meaningful. https://www.amle.org/8-new-characteristics-of-middle-school-kids-what-can-we-do/?mibextid=Zxz2cZ
The PTO is seeking volunteer parents to help host the 5th & 6th grade social on Friday 26th January.
Volunteers are needed for 1.5 hours from 2pm-3.30pm to help setup and hand out drinks and snacks at the event. Please contact the PTO at gdrmspto17@gmail.com if you can make the time to help our school.
Huge Shout out to our GDRMS PTO and the Groton Trust for bringing Illusionist Jason Purdy to our school. His show today was fantastic. I think it’s safe to say that students and teachers really enjoyed it. And, thank you Ms. Bennett for finding him and setting it up.
I received a very appreciative letter today from the Office of the Commissioners of Trust Funds. Our Project Mitten generated a total of $5,054.53. We could not have done that without the help of our families, our teachers, and most of all the students who were excited to help.
Reminders:
5&6 grade social, We are having a social on Friday afternoon January 26th. Here is a permission slip. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JU-QIaRMgZ8eM1aabcQWAAzDSLQ2ueTMCyJl8LK-vSw/edit?usp=sharing
Nursing Corner, 6th grade families please see the attached letter. Physical Exam and Immunizations grade 6
School Council meeting, we had our 3rd school council meeting on Monday 1/8. Meeting notes are on the GDRMS website, documents-> School Council. Our next meeting will be Monday February 5th in the South Library. All are welcome to attend.
Athletics,
New information:
Groton Dunstable Youth Softball Registration and Open House
Registration for the 2024 Spring Softball season is now open for grades PreK-10.
Registration can be found on our website at http://www.gdysl.com
If you are new to softball or would like to learn more about the game, GDYSL is also hosting an Open House at the Peter Twomey Youth Center on Sunday, Feb 4:
Grades PreK-2: 130pm-230pm
Grades 3-6: 3pm-4pm
Come join us for softball skills and learn about our league!
Any questions about the Open House or Spring Softball, please contact don@gdysl.com
Volleyball! Get ready for the Middle School spring season and play some fun volleyball. Beginners and experienced players are welcome!
Two-week clinic
GDMS North Gym
2:45-4:15 pm
Run by the GDHS Volleyball coaching staff and Varsity players
$125
Includes GDVB t-shirt
To register: https://students.arbitersports.com/organizations/groton-dunstable-athletics
Spots are limited, so don’t wait!
There will be a Sprint and Hurdle Clinic
This clinic will help athletes learn more about their event(100m/200m/400m/100Hurdles), teach the fundamentals, and get ready for outdoor track season. Run by the Middle School Coaches and GD High School Track Athletes. All proceeds go towards the Middle School Track Program.
2/20-2/22 Tues-Thurs 12:30-2 MS South or North Cap at 50 athletes Grade 6-8.
Upcoming Assemblies
Resceduled to January 22 – Dorothy Minear, Spinning as a Revolutionary Act (Grade 5)
January 30 – Jarrett Korsoczka, NY Times best-selling author/illustrator. Our Middle School Librarian has been able to procure some of Jared’s books for our teachers to preview with their students. Nice job Ms. Genoter!
Winter Assistance, if you or your family need any assistance going into the winter months here is an Assistance Request Form that you can fill out for support.
GDRMS Handbook:
Please spend some time with your students getting familiar with our handbook.
Dates to remember:
Q2 closed 1/18, Grades will be published 1/30
2/9 District ½ day for PD
Teachers update Gradebook, 2/2,2/16, ⅜ and 3/22
MCAS dates for planning purposes,
ELA Week of 4/1, most likely April 2, April 3
Grades 5 & 8 Science/technology week of 5/20 most likely May 20 May 21
Math Week of 5/13 , most likely May 15, May 16
Civics Week of 5/28, most likely May 29 and 30
Sincerely your Groton Dunstable Regional Middle School Principal
Wendy Salvatore