Hello Middle School families. I hope you are having 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 Kindness. Be kind to yourself, Be kind to others, and Be kind to your surroundings. Students can always use reminders around being kind to others. We don’t all have to be friends but we can be nice to each other.
Square 1 Art, Our Middle School PTO is running the Square 1 Art fundraiser again this year. Students will be getting their kits next week. Kits should be back to advisory teachers by 2/29. We will have the catalogs back for you to order by March 25th. Order deadline for parents will be April 5th. Orders ship directly to parents and should be in by Mother’s Day.
Women & Sports, Lawrence Academy is hosting their 2nd Annual Basketball Clinic as part of their Girls & Women in Sport Celebration on Saturday, February 17, 2024.
This free community event is open to all students Kdg-8th Grade.
We’ve included the press release as well as the link to the event flyer.
Kindness Week, Kindness week will be Monday, February 12th thru Friday, February 16th. Students and staff will engage in different activities during advisory. You can click here for daily themes that promote our activities. Participation is optional. Here are five ways to be kind at home!
Smile at others. Did you know that smiling can actually make you feel happy? It’s also a great way to make others happy.The best part is that smiling is contagious, so once your kids are smiling, the whole family will be too!
Give someone a compliment. We all like to feel appreciated. Encouraging children to compliment others is a great way to help them learn to notice others and build empathy.
Tell someone a joke. You can spread kindness and laughter by telling a funny joke to someone at home. Even if they don’t get the punch line right, your child’s enthusiasm is sure to make you smile and giggle.
Listen. Listening is a really important way to show kindness to others. Everyone likes to feel heard. Teaching our kids to be good listeners and giving them opportunities to practice the skill is an act of kindness that keeps on giving.
Gather old toys and books to donate to other kids. This act of kindness is a great way to encourage empathy, consideration, and discourage materialism. Sincerely, Your Middle School Counselors
SEPAC is running an event.. See the flyer here.
Thank you to the GDRMS PTO and The Groton Trust for funding our Author Visit on Tuesday. Jarrett Krosoczka came in and met with all 4 grades. He talked about his experiences as a student and what it was like to be an aspiring illustrator. He is now a famous Author with a number of different series. I have seen our students reading his books over the course of this past week. What a great assembly.
Grade 5 & 6 families, Safe Road Alliance, please see the letter Safe Roads Alliance
This was also sent in a separate email. Sorry in the separate email I did not have the link for the zoom. That will be sent to you the week of the parent zoom.
Reminders:
Host Family Search, Letter of explanation
Does your student play an instrument, sing, dance, and like to perform? GDRMS is hosting a Student Showcase on March 12th at 7:00 PM in the PAC. If your student is interested in performing, please fill out THIS FORM before March 5th. If you have any questions, email Ms. Stone at estone@gdrsd.org.
GDRMS PTO Newsletter,
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jn9BjqaH5LzYBcv99__qG_UNt2Us6EYL/view?usp=drive_link
Grades 7 & 8, Mark your calendars. There will be a dance on Thursday, February 15th from 6-8 in the North Cafe. There will be a DJ, games, music, prizes, and refreshments! $5 entry fee & $1 concessions. This is not a dance where students need dates.
Bus Concerns, I have received 2 emails from parents regarding concerns about the bus ride. If you have questions or concerns about your child’s bus ride I encourage you to reach out to the bus company. The telephone number for Dee Bus is 978-448-3322. Or you can email Ms. Renna at erenna@deebus.com. She is more than happy to answer and questions and provide support.
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,
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.
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:
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 May 20 May 21
Math Week of 5/13 , most likely May 15, May 16
Civics May 29 and 30
Sincerely your Groton Dunstable Regional Middle School Principal
Wendy Salvatore, wsalvatore@gdrsd.org