Hawk Highlights
January 6, 2023
January 6, Volume 2, Issue 15
Dear GVMS Families,
We have had another great week at GVMS. Here's an update on what's good at Gainesville:
On Friday, December 16 we held our first Reindeer Games House Competition for students in all grade levels. Students and teachers competed in a variety of events and earned points for their houses. Some of our staff members even danced with our cheerleading team! We had a great time and are excited for future House events!
A congratulations goes out to the six GVMS students who auditioned and made the All-District band. Great job to Lilly R., William A., Addy W., Violet R., Caleb T., and Aaron H. Great job Hawks!
On Monday 1/9 and Tuesday 1/10, GVMS students will be taking their winter VGA assessment. In order to help testing run smoothly, we have decided to operate on a "Testing Schedule." Lunches and class times will be disrupted. Please look for the information below on what our schedule will be on 1/9 and 1/10.
As a reminder, the end of Marking Period 2 is on Friday, January 27. Please make sure you are checking Parent Vue, Student Vue, and Canvas and are reaching out to teachers about any concerns.
On Monday, January 16 (MLK Day) please tune in to watch GVMS 7th grader, Kaomi N., compete in the MLK Oratorical competition. Students in grades 6-12 competed in the oratorical competition and were asked to first write and then present an oration in celebration of the life and accomplishments of Dr. King, based on this year’s theme, “A View of the Promised Land." Kaomi was selected as one of the PWCS finalists! We are so proud of her and will be rooting for her on January 16! Rise up, Kaomi!
This week will be holding our Principal's Advisory Council Meeting (1/10 @ 6:00 PM over Zoom) and our PTO Meeting (1/11 @ 6:00 PM over Zoom). Zoom information for the Advisory Council meeting can be found below. If you would like to attend the PTO meeting please email gvms.pto@gmail.com for the Zoom link.
We are excited to announce nominations for the PWCS Teacher of the year are now open. The PWCS Teacher of the Year award is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and commitment of our teachers. To nominate a teacher who goes above and beyond and excels in their profession, please complete the Microsoft Form linked below.
As always, we thank you for your educational partnership and look forward to another great week at GVMS.
Best,
Mary Kate Graham
Proud Principal
Monday, January 9, 2023
- Math VGA for students in Math 6, Math 6 Ext, Math 7, Math 7 Ext, and Pre-Algebra
- Chess Club After School in Room 1320 with Mr. Keck
- Battle of the Books Club After School in the Library with Mrs. Klassen
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
- Reading VGA for students in all grades
- All District Choir Auditions at 3:00 PM
- Advisory Council Meeting at 6:00 PM over Zoom (information below)
- Say Something Anonymous Reporting for Middle and High School Students in PWCS
7 p.m. Live Virtual Session Registration
Wednesday, January 11, 2023
- PTO Meeting at 6:00 PM over Zoom - Please email gvms.pto@gmail.com for Zoom link
Thursday, January 12, 2023
- 6th Grade Band Concert at GVMS - 7:00 PM
Monday, January 16, 2023
- No School - MLK Day
- MLK Oratorical Contest @ 11:00 over Zoom - Watch Kaomi N. compete!
Tuesday, January 17, 2023
- 6th Grade Orchestra Concert at GVMS - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, January 18, 2023
- 6th Grade Chorus Concert at GHS - 7:00 PM
Thursday, January 19, 2023
- Boys Basketball HOME vs. Reagan MS
- Drama Club Spring Play Auditions - 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the Drama Room
Friday, January 20, 2023
- Drama Club Spring Play Auditions - 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the Drama Room
Saturday, January 21, 2023
- Battle of the Books Open Competition at The Nokesville School - 9:30 AM
Tuesday, January 24, 2023
- Understanding Mental Health provided by the National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI)
7 p.m. Live Virtual Session Registration
Friday, January 27, 2023
- Last day of Marking Period 2
Monday, January 30, 2023
- Teacher Work Day - No School for Students
Wednesday, February 1, 2023
Friday, February 3, 2023
- 8th Grade Baby Pictures Due to Mrs. Albright (See Flyer below!)
GVMS Drama Club Auditions
Please check the flyer below for more information about the upcoming Drama Club auditions, which are taking place on 1/19 and 1/20 from 3:00 - 5:00 PM in the drama room.
Five Below Book Review Contest 1/6/23
Congratulations to this week's winners of the Five Below Book Review Contest Chetana S. and Ariana G.. Prizes were given out on Friday 1/6. The contest is still accepting entries.
Attention Hawk readers: Here are a few book reviews of novels that you might like to read:
"The first book recommendation is for a book called Keeper of the Lost Cities by Shannon Messenger. It's part of a multiple-book series. Sophie has telepathic abilities that she struggles to control. One day, Fitz, a boy with similar abilities, shows up and reveals to her that she is an elf. He whisks her off to the "lost cities," a place where elves live with other magical species like gnomes and goblins. Sophie leaves human life behind her and starts a new school called Foxfire. She realizes she has secrets planted in her mind by a rebel group called the Black Swan. These secrets put her and her friends in danger. The well-written plotline as well as the epic character arcs make this book a must-read."
"Another book that was highly recommended is The Girl in the Lake by India Hill Brown. It's about a girl who is seeing her reflection in everything, but the reflection looks like her in a more terrifying way. Celeste is staying at her grandma's lake house. She looks at photos of her great grandma who looks just like her and who had drowned in the lake. Now she thinks her great-grandmother might be haunting her or just trying to tell her something. This book is recommended because it shows another perspective and has a life lesson to just overcome your fears since fears can be another reason to try harder. Fans of Mary Downing Hahn will especially enjoy this book."
The GVMS Five Star Book Review Contest - Begins 12/2
The Five Below Five Star Review Contest is starting December 2nd! We need book recs! Have you read a great book that others at GVMS might like to read, too? Fill out a "Five Stars or Below" recommendation form; the link can be found on the library's Canvas page. If your recommendation is selected, the book will be advertised on the morning announcements, and you'll receive a prize. The Five Star Review Contest will be open December through February; and winners will be selected every week, so enter now! Rate your book five stars or below to win a Five Below gift card. Dec. 2 will be Stars Day to kick off the contest. Wear stars this Friday to show support for the Five Stars Review Contest. Rise up and read, Hawks!
Virginia Growth Assessments (VGA) - Winter Session
Beginning on Monday, January 9, 2023, GVMS students will participate in the Virginia Growth Assessments (VGA) test sessions. The Growth Assessments are computer adaptive tests, shorter than the Standards of Learning tests, that were developed in grades 3-8 reading and mathematics as a result of legislation passed in the 2021 Virginia General Assembly. The growth assessments consist of test items that measure the Standards of Learning, have been reviewed by Virginia teachers, tried out with Virginia students, and accepted for use on the growth assessments.
Beginning with the second year of implementation (2022-2023) and beyond, the legislation requires that the grades 3-8 reading and mathematics growth assessments be administered to students once in the fall and once in the winter (mid-year) during the school year. In addition to the growth assessments, the SOL tests for grade 3-8 reading and mathematics will continue to be administered.
Gainesville Middle School Winter VGA Schedule
Monday, January 9, 2023 - Math VGA
- All students taking Math 6, Math 6 Extended, Math 7, Math 7 Extended, and Pre-Algebra
- Students taking Algebra I and Geometry do not take the VGA assessment
Tuesday, January 10, 2023 - Reading VGA
- All students in all grade levels
For more information regarding the Virginia Growth Assessment, please check out the VDOE website.
VGA Testing Schedule Information - UPDATED
On Monday, January 9, and Tuesday, January 10, GVMS will be running an alternative testing schedule. Teachers communicated with students about the schedule in their classes this past week. The schedules below may seem confusing, but our teachers and staff do a fabulous job communicating with students and ensuring that everybody is where they are supposed to be.
Students will be taking their VGA assessment in their Advisory (AM Hawk Time) period from 8:10 - 11:00 AM. After the test sessions, GVMS students will operate on an abbreviated schedule.
6th-Grade Students
- On Monday 1/9, students will take their Math VGA and will go to their Periods 1, 3, 5, and 7/7A classes.
- On Tuesday 1/10, students will take their Reading VGA and will go to their Periods 2, 4, 5, and 6/6B classes.
- 6th Grade students will go to lunch based on their 5th-period class. Teachers will communicate which lunch period students will attend on Monday.
- Lunch 6E - 12:53 - 1:20
- Lunch 6F - 1:21 - 1:48
- Students will be eating their lunch much later than normal. Students can pack a snack in their bags if needed.
7th-Grade Students
- On Monday 1/9, students will take their Math VGA and will go to their Periods 1, 3, 5, and 7/7A classes.
- On Tuesday 1/10, students will take their Reading VGA and will go to their Periods 2, 3, 4, and 6/6B classes.
- 7th Grade students will go to lunch based on their 3rd-period class. Teachers will communicate which lunch period students will attend on Monday before students leave their testing session.
- Lunch 7C - 11:57 - 12:24
- Lunch 7D - 12:25 - 12:52
- Students will be eating their lunch much later than normal. Students can pack a snack in their bags if needed.
8th-Grade Students
- On Monday 1/9, students will take their Math VGA and will go to their Periods 1, 3, 5, and 7 classes.
- On Tuesday 1/10, students will take their Reading VGA and will go to their Periods 1, 2, 4, and 6 classes.
- 8th Grade students will go to lunch based on their 1st-period class. Teachers will communicate which lunch period students will attend on Monday before students leave their testing session.
- Lunch 8A - 11:00 - 11:27
- Lunch 8B - 11:28 - 11:55
- Algebra and Geometry students (high school credit math classes) will not be taking the Math VGA. Students in HS classes will be taking the STAR test at a later date/time. During the testing window, our Algebra and Geometry students will be in an alternate location completing lessons and learning new materials!
GVMS Advisory Council - January 10 @ 6:00 PM
Our first advisory council meeting of the year will take place on Tuesday, January 10 at 6:00 PM over Zoom. All are welcome.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://pwcs-zm-edu.zoom.us/j/83544516910?pwd=QWNBWXJRUm1rYWJ6T3hjL3dzM3VSdz09
Meeting ID: 835 4451 6910
Passcode: hawks
GVMS PTO Meeting - January 11 @ 6:00 PM
Our next PTO meeting is Wednesday, January 11 at 6:00 PM Via Zoom.
If you would like the credentials sent to you, please email: gvms.pto@gmail.com
PWCS Teacher of the Year
We are excited to announce nominations for the PWCS Teacher of the year are now open. The PWCS Teacher of the Year award is an opportunity to recognize the hard work and commitment of our teachers. To nominate a teacher who goes above and beyond and excels in their profession, please complete the Microsoft Form linked below.
GVMS Athletics Events Reminders
Student Behavior at GVMS Events
It is important to remember that the Code of Behavior still applies at all PWCS and GVMS athletics and extra-curricular events. If students are not following the Code of Behavior, they will be sent home, and may lose privileges to come to future events.
PWCS Bag Policy at Athletic Events
Please notice the safety rule for bags that was implemented last school year (21-22) in PWCS. Please plan ahead before attending any school event across the county and possibly out of county.
BAGS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE ATHLETIC FACILITY
(Includes Backpacks, Purses, Fanny Packs, Etc.)
Clear bags are allowed for use as a diaper or medical bag and are subject to search.
Parent Pick-Up
Please note the start time of sporting events and time accordingly to arrange for quick pick-up of students after sporting events. Administrators supervising the events provide reminders to students as to when to contact parents to arrange for pick-up and will send out a text to families with about 10 minutes left in the game.
IvyMath Tutoring
Is Your Child On Track in Math?
IvyMath is providing all Gainesville Middle families with a free online math tutoring session and an in-depth parent conference to discuss your child's strengths and weaknesses and how they compare to grade level. IvyMath is an online math tutoring program for students grades 2-12. We help your child catch up, get ahead, and stay ahead in math! Sessions are 100% online via Zoom and are fun, convenient, and highly effective!
IvyMath will also create a custom learning plan that maps out the exact areas your child should be focusing on in math. You'll have the opportunity to ask questions and understand what your child needs to feel confident and stay on track in math this year.
Signup for a comprehensive math assessment session, where we'll work 1-on-1 with your child. Afterward, there will be an opportunity for a parent conference, where we'll discuss your child's math strengths/weaknesses and how they compare to grade level. The IvyMath tutoring session, parent conference, and learning plan are free for all Gainesville Middle families. Popular times fill up, so please register quickly! Signup now at: IvyMath.com/Boost
Please note: the IvyMath assessment, parent conference, and learning plan are free. If you do decide to continue doing weekly IvyMath tutoring, there is a regular monthly membership cost - $355/month (middle school) and $625/month (high school).
*IvyMath is not affiliated with GVMS or PWCS.
Ways to Report Absences...
1. ParentVUE:
GVMS ParentVue and Canvas Cheat Sheets
Our fabulous Instructional Technology Coach, Mrs. Chrissy Richmond, put together some "cheat sheets" for Parent Vue and Canvas. Both documents can be accessed by clicking on the links below.
Paper Online Tutoring
Raise your hand if you could use some help with class assignments! The Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to announce that Prince William County Schools has partnered with Paper, a 24/7 academic support tutoring platform. Through Paper, our students can safely and securely chat with an expert tutor anytime, anywhere, for free.
Whether they need help clarifying homework questions or feedback on a written assignment, they can get on-demand and unlimited help when they need it! Teachers can also have students access this service during the school day for small group or individual support while in class!
To get started:
- Log into Paper via Clever or visit app.paper.co to connect with a tutor.
- Use this link to learn more: https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/ Instructional_technology/paper
PWCS Transportation Information
Wondering where the bus is? Check out Here Comes the Bus
Wondering if the bus is delayed? Check out the PWCS Bus Delay Website
Questions or concerns about your bus route? Contact Transportation Services
PWCS uses the “Say Something” Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) designed specifically for students in grades 6-12 and staff to report any type of serious or potentially violent concerns of unsafe behavior or threats of harm to self or others. Say Something is a youth violence prevention program from the national nonprofit organization Sandy Hook Promise and is provided and sustained at no cost to PWCS.
“Tipsters” can send reports on anything from school threats they’ve seen or overheard to personal crises including sexual harassment, self-harm, and depression. The system enables school administrators and those in law enforcement to create effective interventions and intervene upon at-risk individuals to help prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm, and other forms of threatening behavior.
All tips submitted receive an immediate response by one of the highly skilled crisis counselors at the Sandy Hook Promise National Crisis Center; this person then determines the necessary support steps. When credible tips are received that are life-threatening and require immediate attention, the crisis center will notify school-based representatives, even after hours. And, in cases of imminent threat, the crisis center will contact local 911 dispatch and involve law enforcement. Users can submit a tip by calling 1-844-5-SAYNOW or by visiting www.saysomething.net. The free app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store, where students can submit tips instantly.
Administation Team
Mrs. Mary Kate Graham - Principal - grahammk@pwcs.edu
Ms. Michelle Praul - 6th Grade Assistant Principal - praulmh@pwcs.edu
Mr. Ed Schultz - 7th Grade Assistant Principal - schultej@pwcs.edu
Mr. Steve Williams - 8th Grade Assistant Principal - williasp@pwcs.edu
Safety and Security Team
Mr. Antione Jeter - jeterad@pwcs.edu
Mr. Jeffrey Barnes - barnesja@pwcs.edu
Counseling Team
Mrs. Jessie Castles - Director of School Counseling - castlejm@pwcs.edu
Ms. Janaelle Robles - Last Names A - Cou - roblesj@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Erin Abbott - Last Names Cr - Hin - abbotte@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Sarah Ware - Last Names Hl - Mik - waresm@pwcs.edu
Ms. Alexis Hawkins - Last Names Mil - Rut - hawkinam@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Autumn Brown - Last Names Ruu - Z - brownal2@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Patricia Lopez - Registrar - lopezpa@pwcs.edu
Technology Team
Mrs. Christine Richmond, Instructional Technology Coach: richmocm@pwcs.edu
- Canvas
- Parent Vue/Student Vue
Mr. Joseph Evans, Technology Specialist: evansj1@pwcs.edu
- Device Information and support