GHS faculty and staff are excited to welcome students back to school this fall. The 22-23 school year is sure to be great. My focus as your principal this year is to find more ways to listen to students. Students are at the center of what we do as a school district, and I want to be sure that students always have the opportunity to be heard. Students will have formal and informal opportunities to share their voices with me throughout this school year.

Please read this newsletter carefully, as there are some important changes to note.

GHS is excited to welcome our newest staff members to the school. Even if you don't have a class with one of the teachers listed below, please join me in giving them a warm welcome to GHS.

Mr. Birk, Social Studies

Mrs. Fortier, Counseling

Mrs. Hunter, Special Education

Mr. Glass, Choir

Mr. Hartman, Social Studies

Mrs. Palinsky, English

Students will see two changes when they return to GHS.

First, we are returning to our pre-covid practice of not allowing backpacks in classrooms.

Second, teachers are focusing on creating and using consistent expectations throughout each of their classrooms. The most noticeable piece of this focus will be common expectations for cell phones in all classrooms. As school starts, student cell phones will need to be placed in a calculator pouch in the classroom or left in their locker.

Now that all students have internet access through their chromebooks, there is no educational use for a cell phone during class. Keeping cell phones in a calculator pouch removes the distraction of the cell phone, while keeping them accessible in case of an emergency.

This practice may evolve. Students interested in shaping the cell phone practices going forward will have an opportunity to meet with Mr. Hodges this fall.

Students may pick up their schedules and get their schools pictures taken in person at GHS on August 31st from 8:00 AM-11:30 AM and again from 12:00 PM-4:00 PM.

On September 1st, they may pick their schedules up and get their pictures taken from 8:00 AM-11:30 AM and from 12:00 PM-3:00 PM.

Starting Wednesday, students should also be able to see their schedules online through PowerSchool. If you need your powerschool log in info, please contact the GHS office at 989-731-0969.

If students are in need of school supplies, please talk to your counselor. GHS has supplies available for students in need.

Drop/Add forms must be filled out completely and signed by a parent before counselors will begin making changes. Counselors will not begin working on schedule change requests until Tuesday, September 6th. Students should attend all classes as printed on their schedule until they receive confirmation of a change from their guidance counselor.

Guidance Counselor Assignments:

Students with last names A-G are assigned to work with Mrs. Hempenstall

Students with last names H-O are assigned to work with Mrs. Fortier

Students with last names P-Z are assigned to work with Mr. Hervela

Gaylord Community Schools is seeking Child Care Aids for our After School Child Care Program!

• We are seeking individuals that enjoy working with children and are able to assist the child care staff in supervising students and maintaining a safe and positive environment.
• Positions are available at Gaylord Intermediate School, North Ohio Elementary School, and South Maple Elementary School after school each day until 5:15 p.m.
• Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
• Rate of pay: $13.00/hour.
• Please contact GCS Director of Human Resources Melissa Reinelt at 989-705-3010 or reineltm@gaylord.k12.mi.us.