Georgia Morse Middle School
2018-2019 Newsletter January 2019
There is a part of me that wishes time would just slow down, but the pace of this year so far definitely compliments the daily energy felt in a building of adolescent kiddos. We have had a great quarter here at GMMS that will be ending January 9th. We continue to plug away with academic goals, but also support our students to have good attendance and character. I can tell you, even though our middle school students are in a stage of life where it is often 'me' at the focus for everything, that our students have shown so much caring for others in these last few months. Our Penny Wars brought in over 1200 dollars that will go to various charity organizations that each team "adopted." Additionally, our students IN ONE DAY raised about the same amount for the Davis family.
If your student is not involved in any school group or club, we have many going on right now. When students are involved, it can result in better achievement, better attitudes, and better attendance. Wrestling, basketball, and gymnastics are in full swing. Auditions for the school musical have taken place, but those that are interested in helping in other ways can contact Mr. Vasilie. STEM club and 6th grade chorus are groups that meet consistently. Keep an eye on the daily school announcements (on the webpage) for meetings and activities.
The staff at GMMS wishes your home a happy and merry Christmas. We look forward to a great 2019 with our students and families.
GMMS LIBRARY
GMMS Library News
“Season’s Readings” from the GMMS Library! Speaking of readings, there is a reading challenge going on until December 20. For every 500 pages a student reads, he/she earns a ticket for a prize drawing. Students can pick up a reading log from me, and they must be returned by the 20th to be included in the contest.
The L CUBED book club read Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo for quarter one, and is currently reading Ghost, by Jason Reynolds for quarter two. It’s not too late to join us, just see me as soon as possible. We meet right after school on Wednesdays, three times per quarter.
Our L CUBED Leadership Group has been busy too! We hosted a coat drive in October, and received about 50 items. Those were donated to the First United Methodist Church for their annual coat giveaway. We also had a Book Bingo event in November, which was a huge success—about 50 students took part. In addition we decorated the library for the holidays, and co-hosted a Christmas Crafternoon with Rawlins Public Library on December 3, where we created about 65 ornaments to distribute at an area assisted living facility. This group is always welcoming new members as well, just see me if you’re interested.
As we break for Christmas, don’t forget that all students have access to an EXTENSIVE and AMAZING online library of e-books and audiobooks anytime, anywhere, from any device through OVERDRIVE. They just need to sign-in using their school issued login/password. You can find that portal here: https://tiesd.libraryreserve.com
Finally, check out the GMMS Library page for great resources covering all subjects, contents, and tools for educational purposes, as well as personal reading for pleasure here https://gmmsteamencore.shutterfly.com/mrslehman. Merry Christmas!
Renae Lehman
GMMS Library
773-7330
IMPORTANT DATES
January 9th- End of second quarter/first semester
January 21st- No school
January 23rd- 12:30 early release
February 11 and 14- Student Led Conferences (these are scheduled beforehand)
February 15th and 18th- No school
March 15th- No school and End of third quarter
From the counselors' corner
In December the counselors were in the 6th and 7th grade classrooms discussing, and doing activities about Caring, which is the character trait of the month. The students enjoy the activities and have great discussions, but the more that you can give opportunities, encourage your children when they demonstrate caring, and point out examples of caring at home and when you’re out and about in the community, the more your child is going to have that character trait become a second nature to them.
8th graders have started the conversation about the transition to high school. The high school counselors will be coming to the middle school in March to register the students for 9th grade. That means that starting soon after they return from break they will begin creating their 4 year plan for high school so they are ready to register for their freshman year. We encourage you ask lots of questions of your students and Mr. Boender. We will be holding a parent meeting the evening of March 19 with the high school counselors, so you can pencil that date in on your calendar.
As always if you have questions, feel free to reach out to Mrs. Rogers or Mr. Boender. Enjoy your break!
From the school nurse
Delta Dental in conjunction with United Way is once again bringing the Delta Dental Mobile Program to the Pierre School District. This year the Dakota Smiles bus will be parked at Jefferson school. It will be here January 28 - February 1, 2019. The program provides preventive, diagnostic and restorative care to kids across the state. It focuses on preventive care through education, cleanings, sealants, and fluoride treatments, reaching 4,700 children each year. United Way’s volunteers will be providing free transportation to and from your child’s school for dental appointments.
If you are interested in the program please contact your child’s school nurse or front office for the application paperwork. The bus does fill up fast so the sooner you are able to return the paperwork the better chance of getting an appointment on the Dakota Smiles bus.
Please call your student’s school if you have additional questions-
Shannon Bieber, RN
From the Office
As we enter the winter season, students are bringing more personal items into the school building such as coats & gloves. We always seem to get a shockingly large amount of lost & found items. Along with parents, we would like items returned to their proper owners. Please label items easily lost with your student's name. If you don't want to label them permanently, consider taping their name. We'd like to reunite your child with their missing coat, gloves, water bottle or lunch box. There is a lost & found box located near the front lobby doors. Periodically, our Life Skills class is kind enough to sort items & lay them out on lobby tables. Working together, we hope to decrease the lost items to more FOUND!
We hope you have a safe & warm winter!