As a reminder, if students are not able to attend school on May 23-25, they will have May 30-June 1 to come in and complete their final exams. If the exam is not taken during this time, will be entered as a zero for grade reports.

Most parents have been notified at this point regarding summer school. If your student will be required to attend, please review the flyer below. If you have questions, reach out to our counselors at dixonK@lisd.net or blackwoodT@lisd.net.

Students will be taking their last two exams on Thursday prior to the early release at 1:00 pm. In order to prevent students from bringing items that could disrupt the school day, we ask that all students leave backpacks at home on this day. Backpacks that are brought to school on this day will be subject to being searched, and we may require students to leave the backpack in the front office until dismissal. Again, this is for the safety of students and to prevent any possible school disruptions.

Pick-up After School:

Students will be dismissed at 1:00 PM Thursday, May 25. Students will be escorted by their teacher out of the building. Once outside, students will not be able to re-enter the building, and they will need to leave campus. There will be staff outside to help monitor students for approximately 20-30 minutes. All students need to be off campus by 1:30 when all staff are required to be in a staff meeting. Please make sure you have made arrangements for students to be picked up.

Library Books:

We still have over 50 missing GMS library books. All library books were due on May 11th. If your student still has a library book, please have them return it before the end of the school year. Students who still have books missing on Tuesday, May 23rd can have the fee for the missing book added to their Skyward account. Please check your email and with your student to see if they still have missing books.

All students will receive basic school supplies for the year at the start of next school year. Although some classes may require course specific items, there is no reason to purchase general supplies. You will hear more about this as the new school year approaches.

Back To School Orientation:

Mark your calendar for the 23-24 Back to School Orientation! Orientation will take place on Monday, July 31. Specific times will be coming this summer!

As a reminder, if students are not able to attend school on May 23-25, they will have May 30-June 1 to come in and complete their final exams. If the exam is not taken during this time, will be entered as a zero for grade reports.

Career Exploration Camp:

We are excited to share that registration is open to current 5th and 6th grade families for the 3rd Annual Career Exploration Camp hosted at TECC|East and TECC|West. Check out the Flyer above for more information!

Summer School Information:

We have already begun contacting parents of students who are at risk of failing one or more core classes for the year. In order to help you understand the cost, dates, and location of summer school, please review the flyer above. If you have questions, reach out to our counselors at dixonK@lisd.net or blackwoodT@lisd.net.

GMS Awards Assembly and 8th Grade Celebration:

• The 6th and 7th grade student assembly will be Friday morning at 9:00 AM. The parents of students who will be receiving an award have been notified, and we hope to see you here!

• The 8th grade student assembly and celebration will be held Friday afternoon at 3:00 PM. Parents of those receiving an award have been notified; however, all 8th grade parents are invited to see your student announced.

ALL parents, please make sure you arrive 30-40 minutes in advance to give plenty of time to check in at the office.

Student Discipline:

We typically see an increase in disciplinary behaviors this time of year. Many students feel that discipline actions will not carry over into next year. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. Also, students who refuse to be compliant in whatever setting they are in, may be sent home for the day. Teachers have a responsibility to prepare students for end of year exams, and students who prevent that from happening will be removed. Please continue to remind students that all campus expectations are still in place and will be through the last day of school.

8th Grade Field Trip:

The 8th Grade Field Trip will be Tuesday, May 16th, to Main Event. Students who did not meet the requirements of the trip will remain on campus and receive assignments to work on. All students are aware at this time of whether or not they are eligible to attend.

8th Grade TCHS Tour:

8th graders will be taking a trip over to TCHS on Wednesday, May 17, to experience the Cougar Way! They will have the chance to hear from Dr. Baxter and the leadership team, meet with current 9th graders on what they wish they knew when they were coming up, and experience a Pep Rally the Cougar Nation Way! Students will need to have permission slips signed in order to attend, so please check with him/her when they come home!

GMS Travels:

We are planning some fun travel for summer 2024! Mrs. Murphy will be taking a group to Washington DC and New York City in June and Ms. Hartman will be heading to Rome and Pompeii in July. We would love to have your student (and you) join us on these adventures. Scan the QR codes on the flyer below to learn more about what we'll do and see as well as pricing for each trip. You can also contact Mrs. Murphy (murphya@lisd.net) or Ms. Hartman (hartmana@lisd.net) with any questions.

• Make sure student ipads are charged fully the night before
• Ensure students eat breakfast the morning of the test
• Encourage students to get go to be on time (or early) Tuesday night to be rested for Wednesday

I want to let you know about another change in the Griffin administration for next year that has just happened recently. Mr. Cory Jennings will be moving over to Forestwood Middle School to work with the administration team there, and Ms. Holly Shelton, current assistant principal at Morningside will be joining the Griffin administrative team next year! Many of you know Ms. Shelton well from Morningside, and I know she will be a great addition to the Griffin Family!

Career Exploration Camp:

We are excited to share that registration is open to current 5th and 6th grade families for the 3rd Annual Career Exploration Camp hosted at TECC|East and TECC|West. Check out the Flyer above for more information!

External PE:

LISD is registering External PE for the new school year, 2023-24 HERE. All of this information is on our website as well.

Registration:

Registration should be completed before the end of May 2023 to help ensure approvals get to the schools before schedule assignments/summer break.

Last day to register for Fall 2023-24 is August 11th, 2023 by 4pm. Please see the attachment for important links.

Change in End of Year Awards Assembly:

Due to some other events occurring at Griffin, we will hold ALL Awards Assemblies on Friday, May 19. Please see the times below:

• 6th & 7th Grade will be held Friday, May 19, at 9:10 AM in the gym
  
• 8th Grade will be held Friday, May 19, at 3:00 PM in the gym

For parents of 6th and 7th graders: If your student will be receiving an award, you will be notified by a teacher and we hope you are able to join and see your student receive his/her award!

For parents of 8th graders: Because we will be announcing all 8th graders during our 8th grade celebration, all 8th grade parents are invited to attend.

Summer School Information:

We have already begun contacting parents of students who are at risk of failing one or more core classes for the year. In order to help you understand the cost, dates, and location of summer school, please review the flyer above. If you have questions, reach out to our counselors at dixonK@lisd.net or blackwoodT@lisd.net.

Semester Exams:

Semester Exams will be given Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday the week of May 22-25. The actual exam schedule is posted at the top of this week's SMORE. As a reminder, all students are required to attend all classes through the end of the year.

8th Grade Field Trip:

The 8th Grade Field Trip will be May 16th to Main Event. The cost of the trip is $25. Permission forms were due with the $25 fee to Mrs. Johnson by April 28th. In order for your student to be eligible to attend the field trip, they must be passing all classes for the 4P2 grading period and cannot have any discipline placements in ISS/OSS/or DAEP beginning April 10th. We are looking forward to having a great time at Main Event!

8th Grade TCHS Tour:

8th graders will be taking a trip over to TCHS on Tuesday, May 17, to experience the Cougar Way! They will have the chance to hear from Dr. Baxter and the leadership team, meet with current 9th graders on what they wish they knew when they were coming up, and experience a Pep Rally the Cougar Nation Way! Students will need to have permission slips signed in order to attend, so please check with him/her when they come home!

Attention Current 6th grade Parents:

The Texas Department of Public Health requires that all students entering 7th grade receive both a Meningococcal/Meningitis vaccine (MCV4) and a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis/whooping cough) booster prior to starting the school year. These vaccines are often given during a well child visit sometime between 10th – 12th birthdays. Your child may have already received the vaccines, if so please provide records to the school nurse. You may do this one of 3 ways:

• Email a copy to the nurse: RichardC@lisd.net
• Fax a copy to the nurse: 972-350-9195
• Drop off a copy at the front office

Contact Nurse Richard at 972-219-6204 or RichardC@lisd.net with any questions.

GMS Travels:

We are planning some fun travel for summer 2024! Mrs. Murphy will be taking a group to Washington DC and New York City in June and Ms. Hartman will be heading to Rome and Pompeii in July. We would love to have your student (and you) join us on these adventures. Scan the QR codes on the flyer below to learn more about what we'll do and see as well as pricing for each trip. You can also contact Mrs. Murphy (murphya@lisd.net) or Ms. Hartman (hartmana@lisd.net) with any questions.

• Make sure student ipads are charged fully the night before
• Ensure students eat breakfast the morning of the test
• Encourage students to get go to be on time (or early) the night before to be rested for test day

We are excited to share that registration is open to current 5th and 6th grade families for the 3rd Annual Career Exploration Camp hosted at TECC|East and TECC|West. Check out the Flyer above for more information!

External PE:

LISD is registering External PE for the new school year, 2023-24 HERE. All of this information is on our website as well.

Registration:

Registration should be completed before the end of May 2023 to help ensure approvals get to the schools before schedule assignments/summer break.

Last day to register for Fall 2023-24 is August 11th, 2023 by 4pm. Please see the attachment for important links.

Summer School Information:

We have already begun contacting parents of students who are at risk of failing one or more core classes for the year. In order to help you understand the cost, dates, and location of summer school, please review the flyer above. If you have questions, reach out to our counselors at dixonK@lisd.net or blackwoodT@lisd.net.

Straight 8 Period Week:

Due to testing on different days this week, we will be altering our regular schedule again. Students will go to all 8 classes every day this week.

Semester Exams:

Per district policy, no student will be able to take his/her semester exams before the scheduled time (May 23, 24, and 25). Students who are not in school on these days will have until June 1 to come in and make up the test. After June 1, all grades are finalized for promotion/retention purposes. Please reach out to the counselors to schedule a time to take exams if needed.

8th Grade Field Trip:

The 8th Grade Field Trip will be May 16th to Main Event. The cost of the trip is $25. Permission forms were due with the $25 fee to Mrs. Johnson by April 28th. In order for your student to be eligible to attend the field trip, they must be passing all classes for the 4P2 grading period and cannot have any discipline placements in ISS/OSS/or DAEP beginning April 10th. We are looking forward to having a great time at Main Event!

End of Year Awards and Celebrations:

It is that time of year again! We are excited to announce our Spring Awards Assembly for each grade level.

• 6th Grade will be held Thursday, May 18, at 3:00 PM
• 7th Grade will be held Friday, May 19, at 9:00 AM
• 8th Grade will be held Friday, May 19, at 3:00 PM

For parents of 6th and 7th graders: If your student will be receiving an award, you will be notified by a teacher and we hope you are able to join and see your student receive his/her award!

For parents of 8th graders: Because we will be announcing all 8th graders during our 8th grade celebration, all 8th grade parents are invited to attend. Due to some issues with our bleachers, we will have the celebration in the cafeteria and seating will be limited.

Attention Current 6th grade Parents:

The Texas Department of Public Health requires that all students entering 7th grade receive both a Meningococcal/Meningitis vaccine (MCV4) and a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis/whooping cough) booster prior to starting the school year. These vaccines are often given during a well child visit sometime between 10th – 12th birthdays. Your child may have already received the vaccines, if so please provide records to the school nurse. You may do this one of 3 ways:

• Email a copy to the nurse: RichardC@lisd.net
• Fax a copy to the nurse: 972-350-9195
• Drop off a copy at the front office

Contact Nurse Richard at 972-219-6204 or RichardC@lisd.net with any questions.

GMS Travels:

We are planning some fun travel for summer 2024! Mrs. Murphy will be taking a group to Washington DC and New York City in June and Ms. Hartman will be heading to Rome and Pompeii in July. We would love to have your student (and you) join us on these adventures. Scan the QR codes on the flyer below to learn more about what we'll do and see as well as pricing for each trip. You can also contact Mrs. Murphy (murphya@lisd.net) or Ms. Hartman (hartmana@lisd.net) with any questions.

Teacher Appreciation Week:

This is Teacher Appreciation Week, so let's let the Griffin staff know how much we appreciate all they do! The GMS PTA will be providing special treats throughout the week; however, we encourage you to remind your student about this week too! Teachers LOVE hearing words of thanks from the students! Whether it's a note, card, or just a word of "Thanks," we know our staff will love it!

Do you know all the ways you can connect with Griffin Middle School PTA? Check us out!

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPTATC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pta_griffin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpta_tc/

• Make sure student ipads are charged fully the night before
• Ensure students eat breakfast the morning of the test
• Encourage students to get go to be on time (or early) Tuesday night to be rested for Wednesday

Also, please note that we will go to all 8 periods every day this week. Thursday will NOT be a "B Block" day.

We are excited to share that registration is open to current 5th and 6th grade families for the 3rd Annual Career Exploration Camp hosted at TECC|East and TECC|West. Additional information can also be found HERE.

External PE:

LISD is registering External PE for the new school year, 2023-24 HERE. All of this information is on our website as well.

Registration:

Registration should be completed before the end of May 2023 to help ensure approvals get to the schools before schedule assignments/summer break.

Last day to register for Fall 2023-24 is August 11th, 2023 by 4pm. Please see the attachment for important links.

Teacher Appreciation Week:

May 1-5 is Teacher Apprecation Week, so let's let the Griffin staff know how much we appreciate all they do! The GMS PTA will be providing special treats throughout the week; however, we encourage you to remind your student about this week too! Teachers LOVE hearing words of thanks from the students! Whether it's a note, card, or just a word of "Thanks," we know our staff will love it!

Do you know all the ways you can connect with Griffin Middle School PTA? Check us out!

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPTATC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pta_griffin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpta_tc/

Important Dates:

Make sure you view the flyers above to stay informed on STAAR testing dates, the additional day added to the school year, and the GMS final exam schedule.

Semester Exams:

Per district policy, no student will be able to take his/her semester exams before the scheduled time (May 23, 24, and 25). Students who are not in school on these days will have until June 1 to come in and make up the test. After June 1, all grades are finalized for promotion/retention purposes. Please reach out to the counselors to schedule a time to take exams if needed.

8th Grade Field Trip:

The 8th Grade Field Trip will be May 16th to Main Event. The cost of the trip is $25. Permission forms were sent home with your student and are due back with the $25 fee to Mrs. Johnson by April 28th. In order for your student to be eligible to attend the field trip, they must be passing all classes for the 4P2 grading period and cannot have any discipline placements in ISS/OSS/or DAEP beginning April 10th. We are looking forward to having a great time at Main Event!

Thanks to 6th Grade Parents:

Attention Current 6th grade Parents:

The Texas Department of Public Health requires that all students entering 7th grade receive both a Meningococcal/Meningitis vaccine (MCV4) and a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis/whooping cough) booster prior to starting the school year. These vaccines are often given during a well child visit sometime between 10th – 12th birthdays. Your child may have already received the vaccines, if so please provide records to the school nurse. You may do this one of 3 ways:

• Email a copy to the nurse: RichardC@lisd.net
• Fax a copy to the nurse: 972-350-9195
• Drop off a copy at the front office

Contact Nurse Richard at 972-219-6204 or RichardC@lisd.net with any questions.

GMS Travels:

We are planning some fun travel for summer 2024! Mrs. Murphy will be taking a group to Washington DC and New York City in June and Ms. Hartman will be heading to Rome and Pompeii in July. We would love to have your student (and you) join us on these adventures. Scan the QR codes on the flyer below to learn more about what we'll do and see as well as pricing for each trip. You can also contact Mrs. Murphy (murphya@lisd.net) or Ms. Hartman (hartmana@lisd.net) with any questions.

Registering for External PE:

LISD is registering External PE for the new school year, 2023-24. All of this information is on our website as well: www.lisd.net/externalpe. Registration should be completed before the end of May 2023 to help ensure approvals get to the schools before schedule assignments/summer break. Last day to register for Fall 2023-24 is August 11th, 2023 by 4pm. Please see the attachment for important links.

Medical Disposal Day:

Medication Disposal Day is April 22. Check out the flyer below.

Teacher Appreciation Week:

May 1-5 is Teacher Apprecation Week, so let's let the Griffin staff know how much we appreciate all they do! The GMS PTA will be providing special treats throughout the week; however, we encourage you to remind your student about this week too! Teachers LOVE hearing words of thanks from the students! Whether it's a note, card, or just a word of "Thanks," we know our staff will love it!

Do you know all the ways you can connect with Griffin Middle School PTA? Check us out!

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPTATC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pta_griffin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpta_tc/

Important Dates:

Make sure you view the flyers above to stay informed on STAAR testing dates, the additional day added to the school year, and the GMS final exam schedule.

Semester Exams:

Per district policy, no student will be able to take his/her semester exams before the scheduled time (May 23, 24, and 25). Students who are not in school on these days will have until June 1 to come in and make up the test. After June 1, all grades are finalized for promotion/retention purposes. Please reach out to the counselors to schedule a time to take exams if needed.

Attention Current 6th grade Parents:

The Texas Department of Public Health requires that all students entering 7th grade receive both a Meningococcal/Meningitis vaccine (MCV4) and a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis/whooping cough) booster prior to starting the school year. These vaccines are often given during a well child visit sometime between 10th – 12th birthdays. Your child may have already received the vaccines, if so please provide records to the school nurse. You may do this one of 3 ways:

• Email a copy to the nurse: RichardC@lisd.net
• Fax a copy to the nurse: 972-350-9195
• Drop off a copy at the front office

Contact Nurse Richard at 972-219-6204 or RichardC@lisd.net with any questions.

Attention 8th Grade Parents:

The TCHS Color Guard is holding try-out clinics at Griffin next week for 8th graders attending The Colony high school in the fall. If your student has an interest in dance or gymnastics, or is looking to try something new, come check it out! Tryouts will be next Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30-6:00 pm in the gym. There is no prior experience required.

8th Grade Field Trip:

The 8th Grade Field Trip will be May 16th to Main Event. The cost of the trip is $25. Permission forms were sent home with your student and are due back with the $25 fee to Mrs. Johnson by April 28th. In order for your student to be eligible to attend the field trip, they must be passing all classes for the 4P2 grading period and cannot have any discipline placements in ISS/OSS/or DAEP beginning April 10th. We are looking forward to having a great time at Main Event!

Skipping Lunch Detention:

We are seeing an increasing number of students skip lunch detentions, so we have made revisions to the process. Going forward, students that are assigned a Lunch Detention (by the office or by a teacher) and choose not to serve will automatically be assigned to After School Detention. We will notify your student and will call the guardian listed in SKYWARD as "family one".

GMS Travels:

Big Summer news, Griffin Middle School families! You have the opportunity to travel with us to Japan in 2025. Please use this link for your family to register for the info session: GMS in Japan to learn more about this amazing opportunity in the summer of 2025! You MUST register to attend and be notified of any changes to the meeting!

We are also planning some fun travel for summer 2024! Mrs. Murphy will be taking a group to Washington DC and New York City in June and Ms. Hartman will be heading to Rome and Pompeii in July. We would love to have your student (and you) join us on these adventures. Scan the QR codes on the flyer below to learn more about what we'll do and see as well as pricing for each trip. You can also contact Mrs. Murphy (murphya@lisd.net) or Ms. Hartman (hartmana@lisd.net) with any questions.

**GMS PTA will be handing out journals and pens to the first 100 families who attend**

Before a student can be provided with instruction related to child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking, SB 9 requires that Lewisville ISD obtain written consent from the student's parent/guardian. Griffin will be covering these lessons in the upcoming weeks.

Parents/Guardians complete the SB9 Consent Form as part of Back to School Forms in Skyward FamilyAccess. Without written consent from a parent/guardian, students will not receive instruction related to child abuse, family violence, dating violence, or sex trafficking.

These lessons are implemented through a variety of classroom presentations by Counseling and Social Work Services professional personnel.

If you have any questions or if you wish to review curriculum materials in advance of instruction, we encourage you to do so by contacting the campus counselor directly. It should be noted that if you choose to opt out of 1 lesson, you will automatically opt out of ALL lessons.

To access the required form, you will open your Skyward Family Access. On the panel on the left, click on 2022-2023 forms packet. Select your student's name and complete the form, specifically step 13. Please be sure to opt-in or opt-out for lessons regarding Child Abuse, Dating Violence, Family Violence, and Sex Trafficking. If you have already completed the forms and wish to revise your choices you will be able to make changes. Please review this in a timely manner, so we can plan accordingly

Registering for External PE:

LISD is registering External PE for the new school year, 2023-24. All of this information is on our website as well: www.lisd.net/externalpe. Registration should be completed before the end of May 2023 to help ensure approvals get to the schools before schedule assignments/summer break. Last day to register for Fall 2023-24 is August 11th, 2023 by 4pm. Please see the attachment for important links.

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPTATC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pta_griffin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpta_tc/

It's Book Fair Time!! Students can shop April 3-10 with their ELAR class, or come to our Griffin Family Night Wednesday, April 5th. The book fair will open @ 5:30 and you can stay for the Family Night with Journeyman INK.

Griffin Travels:

I am thrilled to announce that you are invited to our meeting about the 2024 tour to Washington DC and New York for your student. This is the last chance to enroll this school year. To attend, please be sure to register through this link. This is an amazing opportunity for your student to learn more about our country, gain new perspectives, get out of their comfort zone and build skills for the future. Join us for the chance to enroll and go over everything about the trip including:

• What we’ll see and do
• Travel logistics
• Safety and flexibility
• How to earn high school credit
• Affordable payment options and more

Summer School:

Teachers have started reaching out to let parents know of students who are in danger of failing one or more courses for the year. Please be aware of the summer school guidelines below:

• Student who fails Math OR ELAR for the year MUST take Summer School to promote
• Students must pass EITHER Science or Social Studies to promote
• Students can only take 2 classes in Summer School; if they are failing more than 2, promotion may not be an option
• Summer School
• ALL summer school classes cost $150 PER CLASS
• Summer School is located in Lewisville at LHS Killough, and bus transportation costs $125.

Follow this link for more information on LISD SUMMER SCHOOL

STAAR Testing Dates:

Our STAAR testing dates are quickly approaching. Please see the poster below for all testing dates and who will be tested.

**GMS PTA will be handing out journals and pens to the first 100 families who attend**

Before a student can be provided with instruction related to child abuse, family violence, dating violence, and sex trafficking, SB 9 requires that Lewisville ISD obtain written consent from the student's parent/guardian. Griffin will be covering these lessons in the upcoming weeks.

Parents/Guardians complete the SB9 Consent Form as part of Back to School Forms in Skyward FamilyAccess. Without written consent from a parent/guardian, students will not receive instruction related to child abuse, family violence, dating violence, or sex trafficking.

These lessons are implemented through a variety of classroom presentations by Counseling and Social Work Services professional personnel.

If you have any questions or if you wish to review curriculum materials in advance of instruction, we encourage you to do so by contacting the campus counselor directly. It should be noted that if you choose to opt out of 1 lesson, you will automatically opt out of ALL lessons.

To access the required form, you will open your Skyward Family Access. On the panel on the left, click on 2022-2023 forms packet. Select your student's name and complete the form, specifically step 13. Please be sure to opt-in or opt-out for lessons regarding Child Abuse, Dating Violence, Family Violence, and Sex Trafficking. If you have already completed the forms and wish to revise your choices you will be able to make changes. Please review this in a timely manner, so we can plan accordingly

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPTATC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pta_griffin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpta_tc/

It's Book Fair Time!! Students can shop April 3-10 with their ELAR class, or come to our Griffin Family Night Wednesday, April 5th. The book fair will open @ 5:30 and you can stay for the Family Night with Journeyman INK.

Griffin Travels:

We are planning some fun travel for summer 2024! Mrs. Murphy will be taking a group to Washington DC and New York City in June and Ms. Hartman will be heading to Rome and Pompeii in July. We would love to have your student (and you) join us on these adventures. Scan the QR codes on the flyer below to learn more about what we'll do and see as well as pricing for each trip. You can also contact Mrs. Murphy (murphya@lisd.net) or Ms. Hartman (hartmana@lisd.net) with any questions.

Summer School:

I never enjoy bringing up this topic, but it is important information that needs to be shared in the event your child does not pass one or more classes for the year.

• Student who fails Math OR ELAR for the year MUST take Summer School to promote
• Students must pass EITHER Science or Social Studies to promote
• Students can only take 2 classes in Summer School; if they are failing more than 2, promotion may not be an option
• ALL summer school classes cost $150 PER CLASS
• Summer School is located in Lewisville at LHS Killough, and bus transportation costs $125.

Buy Your Yearbook Today:

Don't forget to order your Yearbook! If you wait until they are here in May, it will be too late! See the flyer below for information!

Join us for a fun evening with the Journeyman Ink Group as they share a great message about student social and emotional wellness in a fun and entertaining way! PTA will be providing journals and pens to the first 100 families to attend! See the flyer below for more information!

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPTATC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pta_griffin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpta_tc/

4th and Final Nine Weeks:

And just like that, we are entering our 4th and final 9 week grading period. Many students have excelled throughout the year, and we expect nothing different for this grading period. However, there are some students who are currently failing one or more classes for the year, and what they do this quarter will have a significant impact on summer school and/or retention. Teachers have been asked to contact parents of any student who is in DANGER of failing their class for the year. I encourage you to help these teachers and your student by closely monitoring their work and progress, helping them get to tutoring in the mornings or afternoons, and holding them accountable for checking grades and turning in assignments.

Summer School:

I never enjoy bringing up this topic, but it is important information that needs to be shared in the event your child does not pass one or more classes for the year.

• Student who fails Math OR ELAR for the year MUST take Summer School to promote
• Students must pass EITHER Science or Social Studies to promote
• Students can only take 2 classes in Summer School; if they are failing more than 2, promotion may not be an option
• ALL summer school classes cost $150 PER CLASS
• Summer School is located in Lewisville at LHS Killough, and bus transportation costs $125.

GT Student Field Trip:

GT Parents and Guardians! Our GT field trip is approaching. Please urge your student to return their paperwork along with the payment as soon as possible. If they need a new form, they can go visit Mrs. Wiser in the 6th grade pod. Thank you for your help!

We are planning some fun travel for summer 2024! Mrs. Murphy will be taking a group to Washington DC and New York City in June and Ms. Hartman will be heading to Rome and Pompeii in July. We would love to have your student (and you) join us on these adventures. Scan the QR codes on the flyer below to learn more about what we'll do and see as well as pricing for each trip. You can also contact Mrs. Murphy (murphya@lisd.net) or Ms. Hartman (hartmana@lisd.net) with any questions.

Second Step Advisory Lessons:

Please see all the of the lessons for we will be teaching in Advisory and please reach out if you have any questions!

Weekly Family Communications Link for 6th-8th Grade, Unit 4 Lesson 22

Weekly Family Communications Link for 6th-8th Grade, Unit 4 Lesson 23

Weekly Family Communications Link for 6th-8th Grade, Unit 4 Lesson 24

Weekly Family Communications Link for 6th-8th Grade, Unit 4 Lesson 25

Weekly Family Communications Link for 6th-8th Grade, Unit 4 Lesson 26

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Counselor!

Silent Disco Success:

We had a fantastic time today celebrating students who have maintained their grades and kept discipline to a minimum at our Silent Disco! Students received popcorn, water, and some awesome headphones to enjoy their favorite tunes!

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPTATC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pta_griffin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpta_tc/

Community In Schools (CIS) College/Career Week:

CIS is preparing for College Awareness Week beginning March 6th-10th and would love the entire school to join in. Check out the flyer above for themes of the week!

End of the 3rd Nine Weeks:

This week marks the end of the 3rd nine weeks! That means all missing work and/or make up work needs to be completed no later than Friday, March 10. Report cards will be viewable the week after Spring Break. Please help teachers with getting all work from students by Friday.

Travel Abroad:

Don’t miss out! Griffin Middle School ’s tour to Rome and Pompeii in Summer 2024. It is going to be an amazing adventure—and I want your child there with me. Visit https://bit.ly/40vac73 and make sure to register for the meeting to learn more. The meeting will be held March 7th at 6pm in the Lion’s Den. If you are interested but unable to attend, please go ahead and register for the meeting to be placed on the list to receive all of the information that will be shared!

I can’t wait to see you there!

GT Student Field Trip:

GT Parents and Guardians! Our GT field trip is approaching. Please urge your student to return their paperwork along with the payment as soon as possible. If they need a new form, they can go visit Mrs. Wiser in the 6th grade pod. Thank you for your help!

LISD Dive Camp:

If your 7th or 8th grade student loves to jump off the diving board, then Dive Camp might be for them! The LISD Dive Team is hosting a Dive Camp at both aquatic centers in LISD over the next 2 weeks. For more information, check the flyer below. If your student is interested, you need to email Coach Sherry McGuire at mcguires@lisd.net with the following information:

• Name
• School
• Cell number
• Parents names and cell

TC Swim Team:

Does your student like to swim? Consider trying out for the TC Swim Team! Check out the flyer below for more information.

Thank a Teacher:

Have a nice compliment for a teacher or staff member? Want to express your thanks? We would love to let our teachers know how much the students and parents appreciate them. Stop by the PTA Table in the main lobby during Open House and fill out a note card - or several!

GMS PTA Hosted Silent DIsco:

We will be having our first ever "Silent Disco" here at Griffin on March 3, from 9:30-11:30 sponsored by GMS PTA! Students who have not been assigned any ISS/OSS for the month of February and who are passing all classes as of Monday February 27, will be eligible for the event! Wondering what a "silent disco" is? Every student has their own headset with music of their choice playing. They can dance and sing along right next to their friends, even if they aren't listening to the same thing! Encourage your students to get all work in early to ensure they are eligible for the event! FREE Popcorn and water will be served.

GMS PRIDE Club:

What's PRIDE club? Pride club is a fun experience during the lunch break where students are invited to play video games, board games and even ping pong or air hockey while they eat their lunch. Each month this is hosted by your GMS PTA. To be entered into the drawing to attend students must meet all disciplinary and/or attendance requirements for the month. 10 students from each grade are chosen at random to attend, and ALL Student of the Month winners for that month are invited to attend. Pride Club is happening Friday, March 3rd during all lunches.

CONNECT WITH US: Do you know all the ways you can connect with Griffin Middle School PTA? Check us out! Website: https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPTATC Twitter: https://twitter.com/pta_griffin Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpta_tc/

Open House and Elective Showcase:

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 28! In addition to our annual Spring Open House, this year we will be hosting our first ever Elective Showcase! We invite you to join us at 6:15 to see some of the hard work your students have put into their classes and visit with teachers! Check out the flyer above for specific performance times of the different groups!

Travel Abroad:

We have some fun trips on the schedule over the next two summers. If your student (or you) is interested in traveling, click on the link below and scan the QR code of your choice to get detailed information about our itineraries and pricing. We will also have an informational meeting on Tuesday, March 7. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1aZ42ycJBaWYT1pQheX6g2I8T9SNj4jc6

GT Student Field Trip:

GT Parents and Guardians! Our GT field trip is approaching. Please urge your student to return their paperwork along with the payment as soon as possible. If they need a new form, they can go visit Mrs. Wiser in the 6th grade pod. Thank you for your help!

End of the 3rd 9 weeks:

It's hard to believe but we are now coming up on the end of the 3rd 9 weeks! These next two weeks will go quickly. If your student is behind in any of his/her classes, please encourage him/her to make an appointment with the teacher for tutoring or sit down with him/her to complete missing work. So many of the failing grades we see at the end of each grading period could be avoided if the student would make sure to turn all work on time.

LISD Dive Camp:

If your 7th or 8th grade student loves to jump off the diving board, then Dive Camp might be for them! The LISD Dive Team is hosting a Dive Camp at both aquatic centers in LISD over the next 2 weeks. For more information, check the flyer below. If your student is interested, you need to email Coach Sherry McGuire at mcguires@lisd.net with the following information:

• Name
• School
• Cell number
• Parents names and cell

TC Swim Team:

Does your student like to swim? Consider trying out for the TC Swim Team! Check out the flyer below for more information.

Silent Disco:

We will be having our first ever "Silent Disco" here at Griffin on March 3, from 9:30-11:30! Students who have not been assigned any ISS/OSS for the month of February and who are passing all classes as of Monday February 27, will be eligible for the event! Wondering what a "silent disco" is? Every student has their own headset with music of their choice playing. They can dance and sing along right next to their friends, even if they aren't listening to the same thing! Encourage your students to get all work in early to ensure they are eligible for the event!

There will be no school Monday, February 20, in celebration of President's Day. We will return to our regular schedule on Tuesday, February 21.

GMS Open House and Elective Showcase:

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 28! In addition to our annual Spring Open House, this year we will be hosting our first ever Elective Showcase! We invite you to join us at 6:15 to see some of the hard work your students have put into their classes and visit with teachers!

Travel Abroad:

We have some fun trips on the schedule over the next two summers. If your student (or you) is interested in traveling, scan the QR code of your choice below to get detailed information about our itineraries and pricing.

GMS Cheer Sign Up:

Is your rising 7th or 8th grader interested in joining GMS cheer? We are excited to announce that GMS cheer sign ups are happening NOW! We will be having our parent meeting on February 28th at 6:45pm during Open House! We look forward to seeing you there! You can use the link provided to sign up for cheer CHEER SIGN UP FORM

TC Swim Team:

Does your student like to swim? Consider trying out for the TC Swim Team! Check out the flyer below for more information.

February 17 and 20:

As a reminder, this Friday will be an early release day at 1:00pm. Please make sure you have made arrangements for your students to be picked up at this time. Furthermore, we will not have school Monday, February 20, in celebration of President's Day.

GMS Open House and Elective Showcase:

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, February 28! In addition to our annual Spring Open House, this year we will be hosting our first ever Elective Showcase! We invite you to join us at 6:15 to see some of the hard work your students have put into their classes and visit with teachers!

Travel Abroad:

Have you or your student always wanted to travel abroad? We have the perfect opportunity for you to do just that! Join our teachers, Ms. Hartman and Ms. Murphy for an informational meeting regarding their trip to Rome and Pompeii! The meeting will be held Tuesday, February 21, at 6:00 PM.

GMS Cheer Sign Up:

Is your rising 7th or 8th grader interested in joining GMS cheer? We are excited to announce that GMS cheer sign ups are happening NOW! We will be having our parent meeting on February 28th at 6:45pm during Open House! We look forward to seeing you there! You can use the link provided to sign up for cheer CHEER SIGN UP FORM

Valentine's Day Expectations:

As a reminder, we do not do class parties for Valentine's Day. Please do not send treats to school with your students, even to share with their friends. Also, please do not have "gifts" delivered to school, or allow your student to bring gifts for others on this day. As with all other days, any item that cannot be carried in a student's backpack will have to be left in the front office and picked up after school. Thank you for helping us monitor what is coming to school!

LISD Learning to Learn Parent SMORE (English)

LISD Learning to Learn Parent SMORE (Spanish)

HB4545 Tutoring:

If your student did not pass a STAAR test in 2022, he/she is required to complete 30 hours of tutoring in that subject. We provided both a summer option as well as an after school option last fall. At this time, any student still needing to complete these hours will need to do so independently through the APEX program. If you need more information regarding this, please contact Ms. Erin Goeke at GoekeE@lisd.net.

2023 STAAR Information:

Some of you may already be aware, but TEA has significantly changed the format of the STAAR Assessments this year. All students will be taking all exams online (using their ipads). There will still be some of the standard multiple choice questions, as well as "open ended" questions, multiple part questions, and written portions. Our teachers are working hard to prepare students for these new formats while continuing to teach our adopted curriculum. As a district, we strongly believe that one assessment cannot accurately measure all areas of growth for a student; however, we also realize that requirements such as HB4545 supplemental instruction will continue to be required for those who do not meet the state standard. Our teachers will continue to teach both curriculum and testing strategies throughout the semester, and it is vital that your student be in attendance as much as possible to receive this learning.

2023 STAAR Dates:

In addition to a different format for STAAR assessments, we will also have a different schedule. The purpose of this schedule is to reduce the stress of having all tests in one week for students, as well as manage the online constraints of the entire district using wifi simultaneously. Please review flyer below to see what day each STAAR Test will be held this spring. Please schedule appointments around these days if at all possible.

GMS Cheer Sign Up:

Is your rising 7th or 8th grader interested in joining GMS cheer? We are excited to announce that GMS cheer sign ups are happening NOW! We will be having our parent meeting on February 28th at 6:45pm during Open House! We look forward to seeing you there! You can use the link provided to sign up for cheer CHEER SIGN UP FORM

Recovering from Last Week:

Last week was certainly not what I expected - and while I am so glad we were able to remain off the streets and safe, reducing the 9 weeks by a week will have significant impact on student learning. Please know that teachers may be adjusting due dates, assignments, and other curriculum related activities to ensure students are learning along with the LISD curriculum. If your student was absent prior to our closure, please make sure they ask their teachers for any make up work they need to complete as soon as possible.

Valentine's Day Expectations:

As a reminder, we do not do class parties for Valentine's Day. Please do not send treats to school with your students, even to share with their friends. Also, please do not have "gifts" delivered to school, or allow your student to bring gifts for others on this day. As with all other days, any item that cannot be carried in a student's backpack will have to be left in the front office and picked up after school. Thank you for helping us monitor what is coming to school!

Blankets in School:

I also want to send out a reminder that students are not allowed to carry blankets with them during the school day. If they are cold, please have them wear jackets, sweatshirts, or sweaters. Blankets can quickly become a distraction in the classroom. I know these next couple of months are often the coldest, and we are happy to provide any student who is in need with the warm clothing he/she may need. We appreciate you partnering with us on this expectation!

Principal Advisory Committee:

I had planned to meet last week with students who are interested in being on the principal advisory committee; however, the weather had a different idea! Therefore, I will convene that group this week. In addition to hearing from this group on what they would like to see added/changed/etc., I will be providing an opportunity for all students to send me ideas and suggestions through an online format coming soon! For now, if your student would like to be a part of the Principal Advisory Committee, you can have them click on the link below and sign up.

PRINCIPAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

LISD FAN BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES:

I know the end of basketball season is upon us, but I wanted to remind everyone of the district guidelines for all athletic events. If you have a student who participates in sports through the district, please take time to review the guidelines that are listed below. If you have any questions about these, please don't hesitate to contact me at garrisonh@lisd.net.

HB4545 Tutoring:

If your student did not pass a STAAR test in 2022, he/she is required to complete 30 hours of tutoring in that subject. We provided both a summer option as well as an after school option last fall. At this time, any student still needing to complete these hours will need to do so independently through the APEX program. If you need more information regarding this, please contact Ms. Erin Goeke at GoekeE@lisd.net.

2023 STAAR Information:

Some of you may already be aware, but TEA has significantly changed the format of the STAAR Assessments this year. All students will be taking all exams online (using their ipads). There will still be some of the standard multiple choice questions, as well as "open ended" questions, multiple part questions, and written portions. Our teachers are working hard to prepare students for these new formats while continuing to teach our adopted curriculum. As a district, we strongly believe that one assessment cannot accurately measure all areas of growth for a student; however, we also realize that requirements such as HB4545 supplemental instruction will continue to be required for those who do not meet the state standard. Our teachers will continue to teach both curriculum and testing strategies throughout the semester, and it is vital that your student be in attendance as much as possible to receive this learning.

2023 STAAR Dates:

In addition to a different format for STAAR assessments, we will also have a different schedule. The purpose of this schedule is to reduce the stress of having all tests in one week for students, as well as manage the online constraints of the entire district using wifi simultaneously. Please review flyer below to see what day each STAAR Test will be held this spring. Please schedule appointments around these days if at all possible.

Hey Parents, Guardians, and Caregivers! We still have a few "Parent Cafe" events coming up! If you haven't had a chance to join in on one of these virtual events, I hope you do!

Parent Cafe is a virtual event hosted by the LISD Social Workers where parents and caregivers are invited to come together in a safe and encouraging space to talk about the challenges and victories of raising a family. Through self-reflection and peer-to-peer learning, participants are able to explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors, and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to help strengthen their families. Please see the attached flier for topics. Registration is required and can be done HERE.

23-24 Course Requests:

At this time all students should have completed their course requests for next year in SKYWARD. This is what we use to create our master schedule for next year, so it is important that all students complete this with the courses they are interested in taking. If you have not reviewed this with your student, I encourage you to do so.

Parent Cafe is back, and we invite YOU to join us! Parent Cafe is a virtual event hosted by the LISD Social Workers where parents and caregivers are invited to come together in a safe and encouraging space to talk about the challenges and victories of raising a family. Through self-reflection and peer-to-peer learning, participants are able to explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors, and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to help strengthen their families. Please see the attached flier. Registration is required and can be done HERE.

SPIRIT NIGHT:

Our next Spirit Night will be at Walk-On's! Below are the details. Please remember to mention our school fundraiser to your waitstaff or show the attached flyer so our school can get 20% of sales.

Where: Walk-On's (5774 Grandscape Blvd)

When: Thursday, February 2, ALL DAY!! (11a-11p)

Who: Everyone! Forward this email with attachment to neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, etc

Why: To raise funds for our PTA, which then goes to benefit our students and teachers

LISD FAN BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES:

The district has asked that all campuses share some information regarding guidelines for those who attend athletic events. If you have a student who participates in sports through the district, please take time to review these guidelines. If you have any questions about these, please don't hesitate to contact me at garrisonh@lisd.net.

Principal Advisory Committee:

I have invited any student who would like to meet with me to discuss ideas to improve the campus to sign up for the Principal Advisory Committee. I will be getting that group together in the next week or two. In addition to hearing from this group on what they would like to see added/changed/etc., I will be providing an opportunity for all students to send me ideas and suggestions through an online format coming soon! For now, if your student would like to be a part of the Principal Advisory Committee, you can have them click on the link below and sign up.

PRINCIPAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE

HB4545 Tutoring:

If your student did not pass a STAAR test in 2022, he/she is required to complete 30 hours of tutoring in that subject. We provided both a summer option as well as an after school option last fall. At this time, any student still needing to complete these hours will need to do so independently through the APEX program. If you need more information regarding this, please contact Ms. Erin Goeke at GoekeE@lisd.net.

2023 STAAR Dates:

Check out the information below on what day each STAAR Test will be held this spring. Please schedule appointments around these days if at all possible.

GMS Washington DC/New York Trip:

I am thrilled to announce that you are invited to our meeting about the June 2024 student tour to Washington D.C. and New York. To attend, please be sure to register through the QR code above. This is an amazing opportunity for your student to learn more about our country, gain new perspectives, get out of their comfort zone and build skills for the future. Join us for the chance to enroll and go over everything about the trip. If you have questions, please Email Ms. Murphy at murphya@lisd.net

Meeting Time: Tuesday February 7th @ 6pm

Location: Griffin Middle School Room 1210

NOTE: You must register through the QR Code ABOVE in order to attend.

Next Pep Rally - January 27:

Our "Space Jam" Pep Rally will be in the afternoon of January 27th! We encourage students to wear your basketball best and get ready to celebrate our amazing GMS Basketball teams!

AVID Field Trip:

Reminder: AVID College Trip permission slips are DUE MONDAY, January 23! If you have a student in AVID, be sure and check with them to see if this has been done!

2023 STAAR Dates:

Check out the information below on what day each STAAR Test will be held this spring. Please schedule appointments around these days if at all possible.

SNACK CART: Snack cart is back this Friday, January 27th after school in the Lion’s Den. Students are invited to stop by to purchase a snack and/or drink of their choice. All snacks sold are all $1 each.

LUNCH TRIVIA: What is the name of the One Act Play being put on by Mr. McGraw and his theater students… do you know? PTA will be hosting a fun round of Trivia during lunch on Friday, January 27th in each grade level. While students eat their lunch they will have the chance to answer a few questions and win a small prize!

Parent Cafe is back, and we invite YOU to join us! Parent Cafe is a virtual event hosted by the LISD Social Workers where parents and caregivers are invited to come together in a safe and encouraging space to talk about the challenges and victories of raising a family. Through self-reflection and peer-to-peer learning, participants are able to explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors, and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to help strengthen their families. Please see the attached flier. Registration is required and can be done HERE.

All students have now received information regarding class choices for next school year. They should be filling out their choice sheets in SKYWARD. We encourage you to visit with your students about these choices.

HB4545 Tutoring:

If your student did not pass a STAAR test in 2022, he/she is required to complete 30 hours of tutoring in that subject. We provided both a summer option as well as an after school option last fall. At this time, any student still needing to complete these hours will need to do so independently through the APEX program. If you need more information regarding this, please contact Ms. Erin Goeke at GoekeE@lisd.net.

Family Needs:

We know that the cold winter months can be difficult for some families. If you have any clothing, food, or other assistance needs, I encourage you to reach out to our Community In Schools Contact, Ms. Rosma Newell. She can help find the resources you need, as well as provide academic and/or social/emotional needs to your student. This is a great resource we are able to offer here at Griffin! You can reach Ms. Newell at NewellR@lisd.net.

Parent Cafe is back, and we invite YOU to join us! Parent Cafe is a virtual event hosted by the LISD Social Workers where parents and caregivers are invited to come together in a safe and encouraging space to talk about the challenges and victories of raising a family. Through self-reflection and peer-to-peer learning, participants are able to explore their strengths, learn about the Protective Factors, and create strategies from their own wisdom and experiences to help strengthen their families. Please see the attached flier. Registration is required and can be done HERE.

Staff News:

I wanted to let you that one of our Special Education SDI teachers, Ms. Berg, has resigned. We are currently in the process of searching for a replacement for this position. If your child struggles with this change for any reason, please do not hesitate to reach out to our counselors, Ms. Blackwood and Ms. Dixon, or one of our administrators.

This month we will begin sharing information with our students regarding how to select classes for next year. The counselors will provide information to both the students and you, the parents. Be sure to watch for any and all information coming from our counselors over the next few weeks so you don't miss anything!

Morning Drop Off Routine:

Since we have been out of school for a few weeks, I want to remind all parents who drop students off at the main entrance in the morning of the following:

• Campus doors are unlocked at 7:45 for students to enter
• Only stop to let students out of the car when you are in the far right lane near the curb. Stopping in the middle or left lanes of the drive through put you and your student in greater danger of being hit.
• Please do not pull in to the staff parking area to drop off students. This causes unnecessary congestion as teachers are arriving to work, and it makes your student have to cross 3 drive through lanes. Again, this request is to ensure the safety of all students.
• Be aware at all times of students who may be walking and/or riding bikes and scooters to school. They do not always use the crosswalks (despite our reminders)!

Whole Child Series:

Please see the attached flier for our next Whole Child Series event coming up on Tuesday, January 10, 2023 at 6:00pm on Webex.

Registration for 23-24 classes:

Parents, we will begin our registration process for the 23/24 school year next week. There is a lot of information that will be coming your way either through your student or through skyward.

CURRENT 6th and 7th - registration will open January 10th through skyward. Students will be able to make a wish list of core classes and electives.

CURRENT 8th – registration will open January 11th. The Colony High School Counselors will be at our school to help students register for the correct classes throughout the registration window.

If you have an incoming 6th grader, we will have separate information coming home via the elementary counselors.

Click on this link for more information regarding classes offered or how to contact the counselors for any further questions.

Students will need to report to school Thursday with charged ipads and their other supplies. We will spend Thursday and Friday reminding students of the campus expectations and routines, as well as classroom specific routines with each class.

Make Up Exams:

If your student did not complete his/her exams prior to break, he/she will need to talk with his/her teacher to set up a time come before or after school to complete those. Our goal is to ensure all students have completed these no later Friday, January 13.

Balancing Classes and Schedules:

I also want to make you aware that this is the time of year when we re-evaluate our class sizes and try to balance those classes that are too crowded. We know that the learning environment of a class that is near or over 30 students is not as effective as a class size of 25 or below. Sometimes we are able to find students whose schedules can be adjusted to help with these numbers, and sometimes due to other class conflicts, there is not much we can do. If your student is one of the schedules that we are able to adjust to help class sizes, he/she will be notified by the counselors on Thursday or Friday.

Student Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities:

I want to make sure to mention that UIL eligibility will be determined by the 29T grade, not by the S1 (Semester one) grade. In order for students to be eligible to participate in sports or fine arts events in January, all 29T (second nine weeks) grades must be passing.

We will hold our Winter Awards Assembly Monday morning at 9:00 AM. If your student will be receiving an award, you have been notified by a GMS staff member. Those who have been notified, you are welcome to attend to see your student receive his/her award. Because it can take time to get everyone checked into the office, I encourage you to plan on arriving between 8:00 and 8:30 am.

Semester Exams:

All classes will have semester exams on Wednesday - Friday. The schedule is provided above for your convenience. Please note that we are not allowed to give any student an exam earlier than the scheduled day. If students miss an exam, they will be able to make it up when we return in January. It is very important for students to be present this week if at all possible.

Student Eligibility for Extracurricular Activities:

I want to make sure to mention that UIL eligibility will be determined by the 29T grade, not by the S1 (Semester one) grade. In order for students to be eligible to participate in sports or fine arts events in January, all 29T (second nine weeks) grades must be passing.

Student Work and the End of the Semester:

All student work must be turned in BEFORE leaving campus on Friday, December 16. Students will not be able to turn in work over the winter break unless they have made special arrangements with a specific teacher. Grades will be determined by what students have completed Friday, which is the end of the second nine weeks and first semester. Parents, please help emphasize this to your students.

TCHS Swim Team Tryouts:

Is your student a swimmer? Would they like to learn more about swimming? Coach Peele would love to see all 8th grade students who are interested try out for The Colony High School Swim Team! Check out the information on the flyer posted below!

Counseling Monthly Newsletter:

Please click on the link below for LISD's Monthly Counseling/Social Worker S'more: https://www.smore.com/c81e2

External PE Information:

If you are interested in applying for External PE next school year, please click the link to get more information about how to sign up! EXTERNAL PE INFORMATION

Since 2002, the LISD Adopt An Angel Program has brought holiday cheer to thousands of LISD Students from all over the district. This is a great opportunity to live out the spirit of giving by either adopting an angel, or donating time to help wrap gifts! To learn how you can participate in this year's event by adopting or donating, visit, https://bit.ly/LISDADOPTANANGEL.

All 7th Grade parents should've received a paper and digital copy of the permission slip to watch The Hunger Games movie on December 12 and 13 in class. Please review the permission slip and return it by Friday, December 9, to allow for the 7th grade team to plan for these days. Thank you!

Winter Awards Assembly:

One of the best parts of being in education is the opportunity to recognize students for their hard work and dedication! We are excited to recognize and honor some of these outstanding students at the Winter Awards Assembly on Monday, December 12, at 9:00 AM. Parents of students who will be receiving an award will be notified by Tuesday December 6 and are invited to attend the assembly.

Maintaining Order in the Chaos:

The weeks between Thanksgiving and Winter break are full of fun and festivities! However, there is still learning to be done, and all school and district expectations still apply. Please help your students have a successful two weeks by ensuring they follow the LISD dress code, have their ID everyday, and come to school ready to learn. Blankets and stuffed animals are not appropriate to have in classes, so please help us monitor students bringing those in.

Griffin MS Travels Abroad:

Ms. Angie Hartman leads a group of staff and students each year to travel the world! This year, we are traveling to London and Paris this summer and you’re invited (parents and students are invited)! Come to our informational meeting on 12/07/2022 at 6:00 P.M. to learn more about my upcoming 2023 trip to London and Paris . Make sure you RSVP to the meeting here: https://bit.ly/3WszHnB

TCHS Swim Team Tryouts:

Is your student a swimmer? Would they like to learn more about swimming? Coach Peele would love to see all 8th grade students who are interested try out for The Colony High School Swim Team! Check out the information on the flyer posted below!

• Weekly Family Communications Link for 6th-8th grade, Unit 2 Lesson 10
• Weekly Family Communications Link for 6th-8th grade, Unit 2 - Lesson 12

Counseling Monthly Newsletter:

Please click on the link below for LISD's Monthly Counseling/Social Worker S'more: https://www.smore.com/c81e2

External PE Information:

If you are interested in applying for External PE next school year, please click the link to get more information about how to sign up! EXTERNAL PE INFORMATION

Fall Semester Exams:

As a reminder, all students will be required to take semester exams in all classes. These exams will be given on December 14-16. Semester exams count as a significant part of students' grades, and it is important that they prepare well and take these exams seriously. If students are not here on those days, they will have to make up the exams once they return in January. Exams may not be taken earlier than the day they are assigned. Please see below for the schedule of exams.

GOOGLE Storage:

This is a reminder that students whose Google Storage is over the allotted amount as of December 1, will not be able to save anything - they will only be able to remove OLD files and documents. We did a "clean out sweep" the week before Thanksgiving and will get an updated list on Tuesday. If your student still exceeds the storage limit, you will be notified. You can also check your student's storage limit and help him/her remove old files/pictures/email/etc. by following the directions below under "Google Storage Clean Out."

School Popcorn Fundraiser:

LAST CHANCE for PopCorn! All popcorn sales are due this Thursday, December 1.Please continue to push your student to sell as much popcorn as possible. These sales help with student activities, building improvements, and school wide celebrations.

HB4545 Tutoring:

We will be finishing up our tutoring opportunities for the state mandated HB4545 remediation. Please know that is your child has not completed his/her 30 hours of APEX tutoring for every area he/she did not pass STAAR (for 2022), he/she will still be expected to complete it prior to the end of the school year. If you have decided that you do not want your child complete these hours, please contact Ms. Erin Goeke at GoekeE@lisd.net.

As you may have heard, Google has announced changes to their service and pricing models for educational institutions. These new models end unlimited storage for all accounts, including content stored in Google Drive and Google Photos. The new Google Storage quota for all students can be found HERE. It is going to be a team effort across the district, including staff AND students, to lower our current Google Storage.

The quota limit for students on your campus will go into effect Wednesday, November 30.

***Students above their quota will only be able to delete files - you will not be able to create new files or edit files***

For some quick access to your LISD Google Drive, please use the information and links below:

[please make sure you are signed in with your LISD assigned Google account].

• To see the breakdown of usage in your Google account, go to https://drive.google.com/settings/storage
• To see all the files in your Google MyDrive sorted by usage, go to https://drive.google.com/drive/quota
• To see files in your Google Photos account, go to https://photos.google.com/?pli=1

• Click here to access a PDF to help with your Google Photo storage
• Click here for directions on using your LISD OneDrive (iOS directions)

Empty your Google Trash: Deleted files in Google are moved to the trash in Google. Just like on your computer, you need to empty trash in order for the files to be fully deleted.

Learn how to empty your trash

Scheduling for 23-24 School Year:

If you are interested in applying for External PE next school year, please look at the attached document to get more information about how to sign up! EXTERNAL PE

Second Step Lessons:

We will be having Second Step lessons that cover both bullying and harassment in the coming weeks during your students Advisory lessons. To see a preview of these lessons, please click the following link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eCuwJAEomP7yekUdqHu4H0ODFxQdzBeS/view?usp=sharing

LISD Angel Tree:

THE LISD ANGEL PROGRAM IS READY FOR ADOPTIONS! If you are wanting to assist in helping LISD students this holiday season, please check out the link below to adopt! Thank you all for working to get our LISD students taken care of this season. LINK TO ADOPT: http://bit.ly/LISDADOPTANANGEL

Also, here is a volunteer link for anyone that would like to come help wrap or manage deliveries. It is work, but so rewarding and fun. All of this takes place at the Next Steps Center in Lewisville, directly to the side of Valley Creek Church (corner of Bellaire and Highway 121 by I35). Address is NEXT STEPS CENTER (by Valley Creek Church) 1303 TX-121 BUSINESS, Lewisville, TX 75067 https://bit.ly/LISDANGELVOLUNTEERS

Griffin Staff Changes:

For students who have had Coach Hobbs for either athletics or Texas History, I want to let you know that Mr. Hobbs has resigned. This means you will no longer see his name on Skyward, or be able to email him. We are currently in the process of hiring a replacement for him. In the meantime, you can reach out to our counselor, Katherine Dixon, with any questions or concerns you may have regarding those classes. Ms. Dixon's email is dixonk@lisd.net.

We worked with all students who are over, or near, the limit of their Google storage this week. We were able to help many students reduce to the appropriate storage limit. You can help us with this by checking your child's Google storage over the break. There are instructions on how to do this below in the next section.

School Popcorn Fundraiser:

Parents: We are in our final two weeks of the School Pop-Corn fundraiser. Please continue to push your student to sell as much pop-corn as possible. These sales help with student activities, building improvements, and school wide celebrations. All sales will be due Dec. 1st by the end of the school day.

HB4545 Tutoring:

If your student is involved in the required 30 hours of tutoring, students have three weeks left to complete their tutoring hours for House Bill 4545 in the Apex learning app. Mrs. Goeke has contacted students and parents with information. Please reach out to GoekeE@lisd.net with any questions.

As you may have heard, Google has announced changes to their service and pricing models for educational institutions. These new models end unlimited storage for all accounts, including content stored in Google Drive and Google Photos. The new Google Storage quota for all students can be found HERE. It is going to be a team effort across the district, including staff AND students, to lower our current Google Storage.

The quota limit for students on your campus will go into effect Wednesday, November 30.

***Students above their quota will only be able to delete files - you will not be able to create new files or edit files***

For some quick access to your LISD Google Drive, please use the information and links below:

[please make sure you are signed in with your LISD assigned Google account].

• To see the breakdown of usage in your Google account, go to https://drive.google.com/settings/storage
• To see all the files in your Google MyDrive sorted by usage, go to https://drive.google.com/drive/quota
• To see files in your Google Photos account, go to https://photos.google.com/?pli=1

• Click here to access a PDF to help with your Google Photo storage
• Click here for directions on using your LISD OneDrive (iOS directions)

Empty your Google Trash: Deleted files in Google are moved to the trash in Google. Just like on your computer, you need to empty trash in order for the files to be fully deleted.

Learn how to empty your trash

Scheduling for 23-24 School Year:

If you are interested in applying for External PE next school year, please look at the attached document to get more information about how to sign up! EXTERNAL PE INFORMATION Second

Step Lessons:

We will be having Second Step lessons that cover both bullying and harassment in the coming weeks during your students Advisory lessons. To see a preview of these lessons, please click the following link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eCuwJAEomP7yekUdqHu4H0ODFxQdzBeS/view?usp=sharing

LISD Angel Tree:

THE LISD ANGEL PROGRAM IS READY FOR ADOPTIONS! If you are wanting to assist in helping LISD students this holiday season, please check out the link below to adopt! Thank you all for working to get our LISD students taken care of this season. LINK TO ADOPT: http://bit.ly/LISDADOPTANANGEL

Also, here is a volunteer link for anyone that would like to come help wrap or manage deliveries. It is work, but so rewarding and fun. All of this takes place at the Next Steps Center in Lewisville, directly to the side of Valley Creek Church (corner of Bellaire and Highway 121 by I35). Address is NEXT STEPS CENTER (by Valley Creek Church) 1303 TX-121 BUSINESS, Lewisville, TX 75067 https://bit.ly/LISDANGELVOLUNTEERS

As you may have heard, Google has announced changes to their service and pricing models for educational institutions. These new models end unlimited storage for all accounts, including content stored in Google Drive and Google Photos. The new Google Storage quota for all students can be found HERE. It is going to be a team effort across the district, including staff AND students, to lower our current Google Storage.

The quota limit for students on your campus will go into effect Wednesday, November 30.

***Students above their quota will only be able to delete files - you will not be able to create new files or edit files***

For some quick access to your LISD Google Drive, please use the information and links below:

[please make sure you are signed in with your LISD assigned Google account].

• To see the breakdown of usage in your Google account, go to https://drive.google.com/settings/storage
• To see all the files in your Google MyDrive sorted by usage, go to https://drive.google.com/drive/quota
• To see files in your Google Photos account, go to https://photos.google.com/?pli=1

• Click here to access a PDF to help with your Google Photo storage
• Click here for directions on using your LISD OneDrive (iOS directions)

Empty your Google Trash: Deleted files in Google are moved to the trash in Google. Just like on your computer, you need to empty trash in order for the files to be fully deleted.

Learn how to empty your trash

THE LISD ANGEL PROGRAM IS READY FOR ADOPTIONS! If you are wanting to assist in helping LISD students this holiday season, please check out the link below to adopt! Thank you all for working to get our LISD students taken care of this season.

LINK TO ADOPT: http://bit.ly/LISDADOPTANANGEL

LISD ANGEL TREE VOLUNTEERS:

Below is a volunteer link for anyone that would like to come help wrap or manage deliveries. It is work, but so rewarding and fun. All of this takes place at the Next Steps Center in Lewisville, directly to the side of Valley Creek Church (corner of Bellaire and Highway 121 by I35). Address is NEXT STEPS CENTER (by Valley Creek Church) 1303 TX-121 BUSINESS, Lewisville, TX 75067

LINK TO VOLUNTEER: https://bit.ly/LISDANGELVOLUNTEERS

Are you interested in your student having the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree or up to 60 hours of dual credit during their high school career? The Lewisville ISD Collegiate Academy at The Colony High School provides such an opportunity. Regardless of what campus your child is zoned to attend, they are eligible to apply for acceptance into the academy. The LISD Collegiate Academy Team has been visiting LISD Middle Schools since Oct 24 and will visit Griffin Middle School during lunch to provide initial program information and a flier for students to review.

Interested students and families, please join us at any of the information sessions listed below to learn more. Parents and students can attend sessions at any location.

Parent Information Sessions

Nov 15, 2022 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Auditorium Flower Mound High School Hebron High School

Nov 17, 2022 | 6 - 7 p.m. | Auditorium Lewisville High School The Colony High School

Who can apply for Collegiate Academy?

Any LISD 2023-24 incoming freshman.

Ready to apply?

Applications will be accessible in Skyward Student Access. Applications will open Nov 18 and will close Dec 12 at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, visit: LISD.net/academy or email collegiateacademy@lisd.net.

DAD's AND DUDE's CLUB Calling ALL Dads, Dudes and male role models! WE NEED YOU! Friday, Nov 18th we will be having a fun time from 8am to 9am in front of the school welcoming students and staff into the building. You can open car doors, give out high fives or fist bumps or just tell a few good dad jokes... you don't have to be outgoing, just willing to help! We would love to know you are coming out so let us know by signing up https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/dads-club.

PRIDE CLUB What’s PRIDE club? Pride club is a fun experience, during the lunch break, where students are invited to play video games, board games and even ping pong or air hockey while they eat their lunch. Each month this is hosted by the Administration and your PTA. To be entered into the drawing to attend students must meet all disciplinary requirements for the month. 10 students from each grade will be chosen at random to attend. All Student of the Month, for the current month, are also invited to attend. Pride Club is happening Friday, Nov 18th during all lunches.

CONNECT WITH GMS PTA Do you know all the ways you can connect with Griffin Middle School PTA? Check us out!

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPTATC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pta_griffin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpta_tc/

AVID Family Night:

AVID is having their first Family Night (in a long time) next Wednesday from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Feel free to stop by to spend time with the AVID family, play games and eat food. If you plan to attend and bring a dish, please email Mrs. Chappelle at chappellej@lisd.net.

We have 4 weeks before our winter break, which is also the end of the 1st semester! It's hard to believe it is already here! As a reminder, students will take semester exams on Wednesday, December 14-Friday December 16. The final semester 1 grade will a combination of the first and second 9 weeks grades, as well as the semester grade. It is very important that students are in school on these days, so they can complete their exams.

Semester Exams:

All classes will have a semester exam of some sort. Exams cannot be taken early, so if students are not in school on testing days, they will have to make up exams after the Winter break.

If you are a veteran or have a family member that is a veteran that you would like honored in our ceremony, please email the following information to Ms. Michelle Adams at adamsm@lisd.net. This information will allow us to properly honor you and/or your family during our Veteran's Day Presentation:

• Name
• Branch of service
• Student/Staff in our school's name
• Please add a photo if you are able!

We will soon be starting out Second Step lessons during your child's advisory class. Second Step will focus on a variety of lessons that will be sent to you each week to preview. If you would like to see an overview of all the lessons, please CLICK HERE (https://drive.google.com/file/d/134fkfT4PVZPiYfR5Y4CT1pcNJcJs1f-i/view). These lessons will be taught throughout the year but our first will begin November 9th.

• Nov. 9th we will cover Unit 1 Lesson 3 - Mindsets and Goals (Link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-3WEEQrmH28jFNkSI-s4dPWlPLUCaxSj/view )
• Nov. 10th we will cover Unit 2 Lesson 8 - Recognizing Bullying and Harassment (Link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eCuwJAEomP7yekUdqHu4H0ODFxQdzBeS/view )

DAD's AND DUDE's CLUB Calling ALL Dads, Dudes and male role models! WE NEED YOU! Friday, Nov 18th we will be having a fun time from 8am to 9am in front of the school welcoming students and staff into the building. You can open car doors, give out high fives or fist bumps or just tell a few good dad jokes... you don't have to be outgoing, just willing to help! We would love to know you are coming out so let us know by signing up https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/dads-club.

PRIDE CLUB What’s PRIDE club? Pride club is a fun experience, during the lunch break, where students are invited to play video games, board games and even ping pong or air hockey while they eat their lunch. Each month this is hosted by the Administration and your PTA. To be entered into the drawing to attend students must meet all disciplinary requirements for the month. 10 students from each grade will be chosen at random to attend. All Student of the Month, for the current month, are also invited to attend. Pride Club is happening Friday, Nov 18th during all lunches.

CONNECT WITH GMS PTA Do you know all the ways you can connect with Griffin Middle School PTA? Check us out!

Website: https://sites.google.com/view/griffin-middle-school-pta/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GriffinPTATC

Twitter: https://twitter.com/pta_griffin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/griffinpta_tc/

GMS School-wide Fundraiser:

Our popcorn fundraiser is well underway! All students have received the information and order form for selling bags of popcorn. The money raised in this fundraiser will be used for field trips, recognitions and awards, and ways to enhance the overall student experience at Griffin.

Day of the Dead Celebration:

Tuesday, November 1, we will have our Fall Family night focusing on the cultural experience of Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Students and staff have created art work reflecting this celebration, as well as recreating an "alter" used to celebrate loved ones. There will also be activities for families to engage, music, snacks and more! Once the activities are concluded, we will show Coco on our outdoor movie screen (weather permitting)! So come on out and bring the whole family!

We will soon be starting out Second Step lessons during your child's advisory class. Second Step will focus on a variety of lessons that will be sent to you each week to preview. If you would like to see an overview of all the lessons, please CLICK HERE (https://drive.google.com/file/d/134fkfT4PVZPiYfR5Y4CT1pcNJcJs1f-i/view). These lessons will be taught throughout the year but our first will begin November 9th.

• Nov. 9th we will cover Unit 1 Lesson 3 - Mindsets and Goals (Link https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-3WEEQrmH28jFNkSI-s4dPWlPLUCaxSj/view )
• Nov. 10th we will cover Unit 2 Lesson 8 - Recognizing Bullying and Harassment (Link - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eCuwJAEomP7yekUdqHu4H0ODFxQdzBeS/view )

The Addams Family:

Come bring the family and see our GMS theater students perform The Addams Family! Showtimes are Friday, November 4, at 8:00 pm, Saturday, November 5, at 2:30 pm, and Monday, November 7 at 8:00 pm. These students have been working on the show since the first few weeks of school! I hope to see you there!

If you drop your student off in the mornings, please make sure you are following the same procedure as our afternoon pick up plan. All of these expectations are in place for student safety, and it is imperative that they are followed:

• Students may only exit the car when the car is pulled over to the curb on the right side (closest to the building)
• Once you have dropped your student off, pull into the middle/left side of the drive and continue on to exit
• Do not stop for an extended time or park in the drop off lanes in the mornings. If you need to park, pull into the parking lot and park in a visitors spot.
• Do not pull into the parking lot area to drop a student off. Drop off should only occur in the drop off lane.

Rainy Day Drop off:

We realize that our building does not have an adequate space at our front entrance for students to be protected from rain or other elements while waiting for the doors to open. Therefore, I want to remind everyone that in the event of rain/inclement weather during drop off, students can be dropped off at the fine arts/athletics end of the building and wait under the portico until 7:45. We will have staff let them in from that location on rainy days only.

Food Drive:

GMS will be having a food drive November 1-14. We want to encourage students to bring in canned/boxed food during this time. The items collected will be used to help feed those in our community who need assistance. See the flyer below for more information.

GMS School-wide Fundraiser:

Your 6th and 7th grade students should have brought home our Griffin Fall Fundraising packet. We are selling gourmet popcorn for $5 per bag. 8th grade students will bring these packets home Monday.

Dad's and Dude's Club: Calling ALL Dads, Dudes and male role models! WE NEED YOU! The last Friday of every month we have a fun time from 8am to 9am in front of the school welcoming students and staff into the building. You can open car doors, give out high fives or fist bumps or just tell a few good dad jokes... you don't have to be outgoing, just willing to help! We would love to know you are coming out so let us know by signing up HERE. Join us this coming Friday, October 28th at 8am in front of the school. Listen for the music!

Love and Logic Program: A parent education program that provides simple & easy to use techniques to help parents have more fun & less stress while raising responsible kids of all ages. CLICK HERE for more information about the series.

• 8:30 - 10:30 am; 6 - 8 pm in English | 6 - 8 pm in Spanish
• Fall Series - October 11, 18, & 25

Lewisville Family Center: All LISD students and their families are eligible for FREE service, based on the level of care needed. Services include: Brief Individual, Family, and Group Counseling Referral Services

CLICK HERE to get more information on how to contact the family center.

Red Ribbon Campaign:

We will have our Red Ribbon Campaign lessons the whole month of October during advisory. If you have any questions or would like to preview any of our materials, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Dixon or Mrs. Blackwood. To preview click on RED RIBBON LESSONS.

Day of the Dead Family Night:

Mark your calendars for a Night of Fun and Celebration at our Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Family Night! It will be Tuesday, November 1, from 5:30-8:30. THere will be fun activities for parents and kids of all ages, and we will end the night with a showing of "Coco" on the front lawn! See the flyer below for more information!

Boo Bash (GMS Dance):

The BOOO Bash is Friday, October 28th, from 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm!!! Tickets to the dance are 2 dollars and can be purchased Friday during lunch or at the dance. Students may wear costumes, but please don’t bring props to your costume or backpacks. This is a Griffin-only dance, so students from other schools are not allowed. There will be concessions sold inside, and the PTA has reserved an ICE cream Truck. Can’t wait to see you all there!!

Scoops for Chase:

Zuzu's Sweet Creamery will be at the Boo Bash selling "Ice Cream Cups for Chace" for $4 each. All profits will go towards Chace Cash. Students will need to bring money to the dance for these treats.

PTA Hosts Trivia Time:

IPAD Repairs and Needs:

There is a new process that will be implemented regarding students needing assistance with their iPads. When a student has an issue on their iPad, they are expected to complete a ticket and then report to the 7th grade office during the next available time for repairs. If it can be fixed quickly and right then and there, it will be fixed. If the issue is not something that can be correctly quickly, the student will be given a loaner and then sent back to class. If a student has an issue arise after the repair time for that day, they will have to wait until the next day to take their iPad in. Please see the attached flyer for the tech repair times.

Picture Re-Takes:

Picture Re-Take Day is Friday, October 21st. If your student was not present on Picture day, OR you did not like the original picture and would like to have your student re-take, this will be the day. Please understand that we will not call any specific student(s) to get their picture. There will be announcements for "any student who needs a re-take" to report, so your student needs to be aware that he/she needs to go.

Friday was the end of the first 9 week grading period. All student work should have been turned in by last Friday. The only exception to this would be students who were absent last week and still have days left to get work turned in. Grades will be available in Skyward on Wednesday, October 19. Also, if your student has been ineligible due to grades, he/she will become eligible this coming Friday, October 21. Likewise, if your student fails a class for this first 9 weeks, he/she will become ineligible on Friday, October 21.

GMS School-wide Fundraiser:

We need your help! Our fall fundraiser will start Friday and run through the end of November. We are asking you to encourage your student to participate and help Griffin stay the best school in Texas! We will be selling delicious popcorn in all sorts of quantities and flavors. Look for more information coming out his Friday!!

Lost and Found:

We have collected a wide range of jackets, hoodies, water bottles, and lunch bags over the first 9 weeks of school! We keep these items in the front foyer for students to come and look for anything they may have lost. We will be donating all uncollected items in two weeks. If your student is missing something, please have them stop by the front office foyer to look for it. Parents, you are also welcome to come in and look for missing items! Again, all unclaimed items will be donated October 21. (see pictures below for some of the items)

Love and Logic Program: A parent education program that provides simple & easy to use techniques to help parents have more fun & less stress while raising responsible kids of all ages. CLICK HERE for more information about the series.

• 8:30 - 10:30 am; 6 - 8 pm in English | 6 - 8 pm in Spanish
• Fall Series - October 11, 18, & 25

Lewisville Family Center: All LISD students and their families are eligible for FREE service, based on the level of care needed. Services include: Brief Individual, Family, and Group Counseling Referral Services

CLICK HERE to get more information on how to contact the family center.

Red Ribbon Campaign:

We will have our Red Ribbon Campaign lessons the whole month of October during advisory. If you have any questions or would like to preview any of our materials, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Dixon or Mrs. Blackwood. To preview click on RED RIBBON LESSONS.

Medication Disposal Day: Bring expired or unused over-the-counter or prescription medications and sharps to the location nearest you. See the ATTACHMENT for dates and more information

Day of the Dead Family Night:

Mark your calendars for a Night of Fun and Celebration at our Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Family Night! It will be Tuesday, November 1, from 5:30-8:30. THere will be fun activities for parents and kids of all ages, and we will end the night with a showing of "Coco" on the front lawn! See the flyer below for more information!

Boo Bash (GMS Dance):

Friday, October 28, we will hold our first dance of the year! Students will be able to dress up in school appropriate costumes, and come enjoy a "frightfully fun" evening at GMS, from 6:30-8:30. We will sell tickets starting Monday, October 24, for $2. Tickets will also be sold at the door on Friday for $3. In addition, there will be snacks and drinks on sale for $1 each during the dance. Parents will be able to drop students off at 6:30 and pick them up at 8:30.

Picture Re-Takes:

Picture Re-Take Day is Friday, October 21st. If your student was not present on Picture day, OR you did not like the original picture and would like to have your student re-take, this will be the day. Please understand that we will not call any specific student(s) to get their picture. There will be announcements for "any student who needs a re-take" to report, so your student needs to be aware that he/she needs to go.

IPAD Repairs and Needs:

There is a new process that will be implemented regarding students needing assistance with their iPads. When a student has an issue on their iPad, they are expected to complete a ticket and then report to the 7th grade office during the next available time for repairs. If it can be fixed quickly and right then and there, it will be fixed. If the issue is not something that can be correctly quickly, the student will be given a loaner and then sent back to class. If a student has an issue arise after the repair time for that day, they will have to wait until the next day to take their iPad in. Please see the attached flyer for the tech repair times.

This coming Friday marks the end of the first 9 week grading period. All student work must be submitted no later than Friday, October 14, at 1:00, as teachers will finalize grades that afternoon. Please check with students and in Skyward today and help your child make a plan to get complete missing/late work. For information on the late work policy for each grade level, please check on the Griffin website at lisd.net/griffin.

Lost and Found:

We have collected a wide range of jackets, hoodies, water bottles, and lunch bags over the first 9 weeks of school! We keep these items in the front foyer for students to come and look for anything they may have lost. We will be donating all uncollected items in two weeks. If your student is missing something, please have them stop by the front office foyer to look for it. Parents, you are also welcome to come in and look for missing items! Again, all unclaimed items will be donated October 21. (see pictures below for some of the items)

Love and Logic Program: A parent education program that provides simple & easy to use techniques to help parents have more fun & less stress while raising responsible kids of all ages. CLICK HERE for more information about the series.

• 8:30 - 10:30 am; 6 - 8 pm in English | 6 - 8 pm in Spanish
• Fall Series - October 11, 18, & 25

Lewisville Family Center: All LISD students and their families are eligible for FREE service, based on the level of care needed. Services include: Brief Individual, Family, and Group Counseling Referral Services

CLICK HERE to get more information on how to contact the family center.

Red Ribbon Campaign:

We will have our Red Ribbon Campaign lessons the whole month of October during advisory. If you have any questions or would like to preview any of our materials, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Dixon or Mrs. Blackwood. To preview click on RED RIBBON LESSONS.

Medication Disposal Day: Bring expired or unused over-the-counter or prescription medications and sharps to the location nearest you. See the ATTACHMENT for dates and more information

Day of the Dead Family Night:

Mark your calendars for a Night of Fun and Celebration at our Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Family Night! It will be Tuesday, November 1, from 5:30-8:30. THere will be fun activities for parents and kids of all ages, and we will end the night with a showing of "Coco" on the front lawn! See the flyer below for more information!

Boo Bash (GMS Dance):

Friday, October 28, we will hold our first dance of the year! Students will be able to dress up in school appropriate costumes, and come enjoy a "frightfully fun" evening at GMS, from 6:30-8:30. We will sell tickets starting Monday, October 24, for $2. Tickets will also be sold at the door on Friday for $3. In addition, there will be snacks and drinks on sale for $1 each during the dance. Parents will be able to drop students off at 6:30 and pick them up at 8:30.

Picture Re-Takes:

Picture Re-Take Day is Friday, October 21st. If your student was not present on Picture day, OR you did not like the original picture and would like to have your student re-take, this will be the day. Please understand that we will not call any specific student(s) to get their picture. There will be announcements for "any student who needs a re-take" to report, so your student needs to be aware that he/she needs to go.

IPAD Repairs and Needs:

There is a new process that will be implemented regarding students needing assistance with their iPads. When a student has an issue on their iPad, they are expected to complete a ticket and then report to the 7th grade office during the next available time for repairs. If it can be fixed quickly and right then and there, it will be fixed. If the issue is not something that can be correctly quickly, the student will be given a loaner and then sent back to class. If a student has an issue arise after the repair time for that day, they will have to wait until the next day to take their iPad in. Please see the attached flyer for the tech repair times.

Red Ribbon Campaign:

We will have our Red Ribbon Campaign lessons the whole month of October during out advisory. If you have any questions or would like to preview any of our materials, please feel free to reach out to Mrs. Dixon or Mrs. Blackwood.

Whole Child Series:

Love and Logic Program:

A parent education program that provides simple & easy to use techniques to help parents have more fun & less stress while raising responsible kids of all ages. 8:30 - 10:30 am, 6 - 8pm in English | 6 - 8pm in Spanish Fall Series - October 11, 18, & 25

CLICK HERE for more information about the series

Lewisville Family Center:

All LISD students and their families are eligible for FREE service, based on the level of care needed. Services include: Brief Individual, Family, and Group Counseling Referral Services CLICK HERE to get more information on how to contact the family center.

HB4545 Tutoring:

We will be starting up our HB4545 tutoring again on October 17. As a reminder, this is a requirement from the state of Texas for any student who did not meet the standard any STAAR test given last spring. Many students completed these hours during the summer at our Summer camp. Those who did not attend this summer and/or did not complete the 30 hour requirement will be receiving notification letters next week. Please check all communication that comes from LISD over the next two weeks to ensure you receive information.

End of the 9 weeks:

We are two weeks away from the end of our first report card grading period. I highly encourage you to check SKYWARD and review your child's current grades, missing assignments, etc. Now is the time to ensure students are taking care of these items.

Missing Something?

Hoodies, jackets, water bottles, and lunch bags are beginning to accumulate in the Lost & Found, located in our front lobby. If your student is missing one of these, remind them to check there!

TCHS Football Games:

We have been asked to share some behavior expectations for TCHS football games and other sporting events with students and families.

• Students should remain in the stands during the game.
• Students should not run/play under the stands, at concessions or on the walkways.
• Students should respond to adult game supervisors and follow all behavior expectations.
• Parents should be on premises for pick-up at the conclusion of the game – make a plan with your child ahead of time.
• No backpacks allowed in stadiums.
• No outside food or drinks/cups/water bottles.
• Students who are unruly or fail to comply with expectations may be asked to leave and are subject to school consequences, up to and including suspension from future games.

Whole Child Series:

Medication Disposal Day:

Bring expired or unused over-the-counter or prescription medications and sharps to the location nearest you. See the ATTACHMENT for dates and more information.

Love and Logic Program:

A parent education program that provides simple & easy to use techniques to help parents have more fun & less stress while raising responsible kids of all ages. 8:30 - 10:30 am, 6 - 8pm in English | 6 - 8pm in Spanish Fall Series - October 11, 18, & 25

CLICK HERE for more information about the series

Lewisville Family Center:

All LISD students and their families are eligible for FREE service, based on the level of care needed. Services include: Brief Individual, Family, and Group Counseling Referral Services CLICK HERE to get more information on how to contact the family center.

PTA has partnered with Thirsty Lion in Grandscape to bring you September Dine-To-Give! For the entire month of September, Monday through Thursday ONLY, from open to close (11a-10p), Thirsty Lion will donate 15% of your bill to our PTA. Yes, the entire bill, including adult beverages! Bring your co-workers for lunch, families for dinner, and buddies for after dinner, and we will see you there. Thirsty Lion is located at 5754 Grandscape Blvd and don’t forget to tell them when ordering Griffin Middle School sent you over!

Dad's and Dude's Club:

Calling ALL Dads, Dudes and male role models! WE NEED YOU! The last Friday of every month we have a fun time from 8am to 9am in front of the school welcoming students and staff into the building. You can open car doors, give out high fives or fist bumps or just tell a few good dad jokes... you don't have to be outgoing, just willing to help! We would love to know you are coming out so let us know by signing up HERE. Join us this coming Friday, September 30th at 8am in front of the school. Listen for the music!

Trivia Time:

PTA will be hosting a fun round of Trivia during lunch on Friday, September 30th in each grade level. While students eat their lunch they will have the chance to answer a few questions and win a small prize! If you would like to assist with this event please reach out to your PTA President Rachel Doig at griffinpta@yahoo.com. We are looking for people that would like to hand out prizes and assist with spotting raised hands. Must have a current background check through Voly on file.

There is a new process that will be implemented regarding students needing assistance with their iPads. When a student has an issue on their iPad, they are expected to complete a ticket and then report to the 7th grade office during the next available time for repairs. If it can be fixed quickly and right then and there, it will be fixed. If the issue is not something that can be correctly quickly, the student will be given a loaner and then sent back to class. If a student has an issue arise after the repair time for that day, they will have to wait until the next day to take their iPad in. Please see the attached flyer for the tech repair times.

Student Trip to NYC and Washington DC:

September 27 at 6 pm in the Lion's Den, we will have a meeting for parents about our Summer 2023 travel opportunity to Washington DC and New York City. This is a great opportunity for your student (and you too, parent, if interested) to see a different part of our nation! Come see what it's all about!

GMS Band is on the Go!

Our GMS Band students have been busy this week! It started out Tuesday night with the band playing at our GMS football game against Delay MS. Next stop, they spent the day Friday traveling to all of our feeder elementary schools to provide some school spirit for the elementary pep rallies, and finished off the night at the TCHS football game! Great job band students... AND the parents who got them to those events!

Title 1 Meeting Coming up:

Quick reminder of the 2nd opportunity to have a part in jointly creating the Family Engagement Policy and Parent/Student/Campus Compact. Our first meeting was on August 23, and the district has asked us to provide one more meeting opportunity in order to include anyone who may not have been able to attend the first meeting. I sent out an email laast week announcing the second of these meetings. It will be a virtual meeting, held on the WEBEX platform, and will occur on September 29 at 12:00 noon. If you have any input you would like to add to these documents (you can view them in the attachments below), please join us for this meeting.

Student Progress Reports:

The 2nd three week grading period ends today. Teachers will finish grading and input all grades up to this point by the end of the day Monday (September 19). This progress reporting period will cause students who are failing one or more classes to become ineligible for all UIL activities. This includes sports teams as well as fine arts. The ineligibility will go into effect NEXT Friday, and will remain in place until the next grade reporting period. I strongly encourage you to check student grades this weekend and encourage students to complete and turn in any missing work. If you need help accessing the parent portal in SKYWARD, click HERE. If you are not able to access your parent account, contact the GMS office for assistance.

Free/Reduced Lunch Program:

Many of you have already completed this form to apply for the benefits that go with being in the F/R Lunch Program. If you haven't done so yet, I encourage you to complete the application. There are so many advantages to being a part of this program in addition to reduced cost of meals! Click HERE to apply.

Mrs. Blackwood A-K, blackwoodt@lisd.net

Mrs. Dixon L-Z, dixonk@lisd.net

• Click to Preview 22-23 Middle School Suicide Prevention Curriculum - Parent Overview and Opt Out

The LISD Social Workers are having their biannual snack drive to collect snacks for students. It will be held on 9/17 from 10-12 with drop off locations at TECC-E and Marcus. Please click HERE to access the flyer for more information.

Title 1 Meeting Coming up:

Thanks to those of you who attended our first Title 1 meeting on August 23 to jointly create the Family Engagement Policy and Parent/Student/Campus Compact. The district has asked us to provide one more meeting opportunity in order to include anyone who may not have been able to attend the first meeting. I sent out an email this week announcing the second of these meetings. It will be a virtual meeting, held on the WEBEX platform, and will occur on September 29 at 12:00 noon. If you have any input you would like to add to these documents (you can view them in the attachments below), please join us for this meeting.

Student Travel Opportunity:

We have some great opportunities for your student to see other parts of the United States! On September 27 at 6:00 pm in the Lion's Den, Ms. Hartman will have a meeting for parents to share information about our Summer 2023 travel opportunity to Washington DC and New York City. We hope you will join us!

Collaborating with Teachers and Staff:

As we approach the 6 week mark of the school year, I am beginning to hear some stories students have shared with parents about why they are failing a class, how "unfair" their teacher is, etc. I want to take this time to remind you of what I said at orientation, and encourage you to teachers with questions you have as to why your student is not being successful, received a zero for an assignment, etc. I assure you that your student's teachers want students to be successful in class, and they are happy to work with you regarding tutoring, explaining missing assignments, and collaborating on how to help our students be successful. Please reach out!

Missing Something?

Hoodies, jackets, water bottles, and lunch bags are beginning to accumulate in the Lost & Found, located in our front lobby. If your student is missing one of these, remind them to check there!

Ipad Information and Update:

We are now done with all ipad distribution. The only students who should be without technology are those who have fines/fees that are owed. If your student is without his/her district issued ipad and all fines/fees have been paid, please contact Mr. Cleburn at cleburng@lisd.net to let him know. It is our goal to have 100% of our students receive ipads.

My hope is that we stop and remember not just the tragedy that occurred on September 11, but also the flood of kindness that immediately followed. Let us continue to find reasons to spread kindness, even in the face of tragedy.

May you be confronted with kindness this week, and may you find ways to throw kindness towards others!

Mrs. Blackwood A-K, blackwoodt@lisd.net

Mrs. Dixon L-Z, dixonk@lisd.net

• Click to Preview 22-23 Middle School Suicide Prevention Curriculum - Parent Overview and Opt Out

The LISD Social Workers are having their biannual snack drive to collect snacks for students. It will be held on 9/17 from 10-12 with drop off locations at TECC-E and Marcus. Please click HERE to access the flyer for more information.

Tomorrow, Monday, September 12, marks the start of LISD Kindness week! Each day we will celebrate kindness with dress up days and small acts of kindness that can cause a great "wave" of generosity! I hope you are able to spend time this week to reflect with your students on the countless small ways we can make a huge impact on others by showing kindness to others!

#PRIDEmovement:

Our hashtag challenge will continue this week with the focus on #speakkindly. We will be on the lookout to find and promote students who encourage and speaking kindly to one another. Follow our social media pages to keep up to date as we encourage our students to create positive communication interactions with each other!

Missing Something?

Hoodies, jackets, water bottles, and lunch bags are beginning to accumulate in the Lost & Found, located in our front lobby. If your student is missing one of these, remind them to check there!

Ipad Information and Update:

At this time, it looks like we just about about 30 students who still owe either money or the AUP form in order to receive their ipad this year. Several of those are students who owe for repairs and/or lost or damaged parts. If this is what is keeping your student from receiving his/her ipad, please contact Mr. Cleburn at cleburng@lisd.net to see about getting a payment plan in place. It is our goal to have 100% of our students receive ipads.

Restroom Time:

Just as we have done in the past, we are strongly encouraging students to use the 5 minute passing periods between each class to use the restroom. This ensures students don't miss important instruction by leaving class. However, we understand that exceptions arise when students just "can't wait"! Our staff will be talking to students in the coming days regarding time out of class. The general class guideline is that a student should not need to leave any class more than once in a week for a "restroom emergency" and teachers will be holding students to that expectation. One of the "stumbling blocks" we run into in middle school is students using the excuse of needing the restroom in order to get out of class, wander the halls, and/or avoid classwork. That is the reason for this guideline. So, if your student is asking for restroom breaks too frequently in the same class, or classes, they may be asked to visit with one of the assistant principals to try to workout a more successful means to handling this. I want to share this information (and the reason WHY we have to do it) with you in order to avoid any misinterpretations/misunderstandings students may bring home! Of course, we encourage you to reach out if you have specific questions!

Complete Free/Reduced Lunch Forms:

Students are only able to charge up to $20 in breakfast/lunch fees, and then they receive a "standard" sunflower butter sandwich and juice. The state is no longer providing free meals to all students, so students must either bring money or parents can put money on the "REVTRAK" system for your child. If you are interested, be sure to complete the application for the Free/Reduced Meal Program. There are so many advantages to being a part of this program in addition to reduced cost of meals!

Click HERE to apply.

Student Progress Reports:

Your student's first 3 week progress report is now in SKYWARD. If you need help accessing the parent portal in SKYWARD, click HERE. If you are not able to access your parent account, contact the GMS office for assistance.

Feeling Thirsty?

PTA has partnered with Thirsty Lion in Grandscape to bring you September Dine-To-Give! For the entire month of September, Monday through Thursday ONLY, from open to close (11a-10p), Thirsty Lion will donate 15% of your bill to our PTA. Yes, the entire bill, including adult beverages! Bring your co-workers for lunch, families for dinner, and buddies for after dinner, and we will see you there. Thirsty Lion is located at 5754 Grandscape Blvd and don’t forget to tell them when ordering Griffin Middle School sent you over!

SPIRIT NIGHTS:

Spirit Nights are fundraisers where businesses donate a percentage of their sales, on a specific date and time, to local charities or non-profits. We have reached out and partnered with a variety of local businesses to help with some of our operating costs for the year. The PTA uses the funds we receive from these Spirit Nights for programs for students and families, student recognition, staff appreciation etc. So, mark your calendars and join us for delicious meals prepared by others, all while supporting our school! Invite family, neighbors, co-workers and friends and always be sure to mention GRIFFIN FUNDRAISER, to your waitstaff or at the register, so our school can get credit.

Student IPAD Update:

We have had a wonderful start to the year, and we continue to work hard to get technology to students as quickly as possible. We have a few students whose "Back to School" forms and/or iPad fees have not been completed/paid in Skyward. Unfortunately, we have to "hold" any iPad that is still missing one of these items. Instructions on how to access these forms in Skyward can be found HERE, or contact Mr. Cleburn at cleburng@lisd.net. We are here to help!

#PRIDEmovement:

Thank you to all who participated in our first Social Media hashtag challenge #helpcleanup. The movement caught on with our students, as evidenced by the Staff vs. Student volleyball game. We had multiple students stay after the game to help clean up the bleachers without being asked to do so! We are excited to announce our next 2-week hashtag challenge will be #speakkindly. We will be on the lookout to find and promote students who encourage and speaking kindly to one another. Follow our social media pages to keep up to date as we encourage our students to create positive communication interactions with each other!

Missing Something?

Hoodies, jackets, water bottles, and lunch bags are beginning to accumulate in the Lost & Found, located in our front lobby. If your student is missing one of these, remind them to check there!

Student ID's:

Please help remind your student to have their ID with them when they come to school each day. Starting this week, students will have to get a temporary ID when they don't have their IDs, and these temporary IDs will result in Lunch Detention after the 3rd one issued. Due to some of the increased safety measures, it is even more imperative that all students (and staff) have identification visible all day, every day.

1. Complete and sign the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) in Skyward
2. Pay the $30 ipad insurance fee OR check that you are choosing not to pay the insurance.
   

**NOTE: If you choose NOT to pay insurance, your student will receive a DIFFERENT type of ipad with a much sturdier case.

Complete Free/Reduced Lunch Forms:

Students are only able to charge up to $20 in breakfast/lunch fees, and then they receive a "standard" sunflower butter sandwich and juice. The state is no longer providing free meals to all students, so students must either bring money or parents can put money on the "REVTRAK" system for your child. If you are interested, be sure to complete the application for the Free/Reduced Meal Program. There are so many advantages to being a part of this program in addition to reduced cost of meals!

Click HERE to apply.

Complete ALL Skyward Forms:

Every year, parents must complete forms in Skyward. Be sure you log into Skyward Parent Portal to do this no later than August 26. For information on how to do that, click HERE.

Be sure you check out the flyer below and purchase a Duck for the upcoming Duck Derby! Then come on out to the Grandscape on September 4 and watch your Duck "compete"! Hope to see you there!

Last Call for Spirit Wear:

Going, Going, GONE! Get your Griffin Spirit Wear before it is no longer available! Sale has been extended until Sunday so make sure you place your orders this weekend. Notice we are selling BOTH youth and adult sizes, so please choose carefully. After this weekend, we will not be offering Spirit Wear again until next year. Orders will be delivered to the school in approx. 3 weeks and will be distributed to your students during their advisory period. To place an order click HERE.

Feeling Thirsty?

PTA has partnered with Thirsty Lion in Grandscape to bring you September Dine-To-Give! For the entire month of September, Monday through Thursday ONLY, from open to close (11a-10p), Thirsty Lion will donate 15% of your bill to our PTA. Yes, the entire bill, including adult beverages! Bring your co-workers for lunch, families for dinner, and buddies for after dinner, and we will see you there. Thirsty Lion is located at 5754 Grandscape Blvd and don’t forget to tell them when ordering Griffin Middle School sent you over!

SPIRIT NIGHTS:

Spirit Nights are fundraisers where businesses donate a percentage of their sales, on a specific date and time, to local charities or non-profits. We have reached out and partnered with a variety of local businesses to help with some of our operating costs for the year. The PTA uses the funds we receive from these Spirit Nights for programs for students and families, student recognition, staff appreciation etc. So, mark your calendars and join us for delicious meals prepared by others, all while supporting our school! Invite family, neighbors, co-workers and friends and always be sure to mention GRIFFIN FUNDRAISER, to your waitstaff or at the register, so our school can get credit.

Events Next Week:

Next Friday, September 2, will be an early release for all students at 1:00 pm. During the morning, we will also have a student/teacher volleyball game where staff play our volleyball team! Students can pay $2 to come down and cheer on either team! Snacks will also be provided by our amazing PTA! - All snacks are $1/item.

Monday, September 5, is a school holiday to honor Labor Day.

Picture Day:

Picture day will be August 30 through a subject specific class. This means that students will be coming for pictures at anytime during the day. These are the pictures that will go in our GMS yearbook at the end of the year.

Rainy Day Drop Off:

On days that it is raining when you drop off your student BEFORE 7:45, please drop them at the East end of the drive through so they can wait under the covered patio. We will let these students in the building at 7:45 to report to the cafeteria. For students who arrive at 7:45 or after, continue to use the main entrance by the flagpole. Hopefully, this plan will help keep our students dry while waiting to enter!

#PRIDEmovement:

With students influenced by what's trending on social media, we want to encourage them to start their positive trends. Our GMS social media team has created 30 hashtags with positive messages and challenges. This initiative will help us encourage students to decide which trends to start and follow. Our first challenge, #helpcleanup, starts next Monday. I can't wait to see our kids exhibit a new positive trend each week! Please ask your student about what the weekly "trend" is, and how they can participate!

Student ID's:

Please help remind your student to have their ID with them when they come to school each day. Starting this week, students will have to get a temporary ID when they don't have their IDs, and these temporary IDs will result in Lunch Detention after the 3rd one issued. Due to some of the increased safety measures, it is even more imperative that all students (and staff) have identification visible all day, every day.

Every year, parents must complete forms in Skyward. Be sure you log into Skyward Parent Portal to do this no later than August 26. For information on how to do that, click HERE.

Pay IPAD Fees:

Complete all AUP form (in Skyward) and pay the $30 ipad insurance fee no later than August 26. Student ipads will be locked starting August 29 if these are not completed.

iPad Password Updates:

Parents, please make sure your student has reset their passwords prior to August 26th. You can change your student's password via the LISD website (LISD.NET). Click HERE to access it. Students whose passwords are not updated by the 26th, will be locked out.

Complete Free/Reduced Lunch Forms:

The state is no longer providing free meals to all students, so be sure to complete the application for the Free/Reduced Meal Program. There are so many advantages to being a part of this program in addition to reduced cost of meals!

Click HERE to apply.

Buy a Duck for GMS:

Morning Drop Off:

Please make sure you use the drop off lane in the drive through to let your students out for school. I know the line can get a little long at times, but it is for the safety of your student. You can pull over and drop off anywhere along the drive, and students are to enter the building at the front doors (unless they are instructed to enter through the Fine Arts/Athletics hallway for early morning practice). The parking lot area should only be used if you need to park and enter the building. Please do not use it as a "drive through" drop off area.

Afternoon Pick Up:

As promised, our pick up lines are gone within 10 minutes after dismissal! You guys are doing a fantastic job of pulling up in the pick up lane as cars move out! As a reminder please don't use the parking lot area to stop and pick students up. This area should only be used if you are parking and walking up to campus. The parking area is already congested with our traffic flow of cars leaving campus and we don't want to add to it.

Picture Day:

Reminder that Picture day will be August 30 through a subject specific class. This means that students will be coming for pictures at anytime during the day. These are the pictures that will go in our GMS yearbook at the end of the year.

#PRIDEmovement:

With students influenced by what's trending on social media, we want to encourage them to start their positive trends. Our GMS social media team has created 30 hashtags with positive messages and challenges. This initiative will help us encourage students to decide which trends to start and follow. Our first challenge, #helpcleanup, starts next Monday. I can't wait to see our kids exhibit a new positive trend each week! Please ask your student about what the weekly "trend" is, and how they can participate!

Student ID's:

Please help remind your student to have their ID with them when they come to school each day. Starting this week, students will have to get a temporary ID when they don't have their IDs, and these temporary IDs will result in Lunch Detention after the 3rd one issued. Due to some of the increased safety measures, it is even more imperative that all students (and staff) have identification visible all day, every day.

7th and 8th grade Sports Information:

If you have students participating in athletics at GMS this year, you have already been notified of the district's new "no cash" policy for entry into games. After working with the district, we were able to make some modifications to the previous requirements. Now, students may enter games free WITH a parent who has the season pass. I am hopeful this will help those students who have siblings that come to the games with parents! Please see the flyer below for more information.

Open House - Carrabba's Dinner

We would love to make things easier for you and your family by having dinner ready for you! Please join us for an amazing fresh cooked meal from Carrabba's Italian Grill. Dinner will be served from 5pm to 7pm and will consist of Grilled Chicken Breast (Marsala sauce optional), your choice of red or white sauce over pasta and a salad. Water to drink will be included. To purchase your meals please visit the PTA Square Site - https://griffin-middle-school-pta.square.site

GRIFFIN PRIDE WEAR

Looking for ways to show your Griffin Pride? Check out our NEW Griffin Spirit Wear! We have t-shirts, shorts and the sought after hoodies. Order now as Spirit Wear will not be offered again this year - sale ends August 26th. To order your Spirit Wear please visit our PTA Site https://griffin22.itemorder.com/shop/home/

Join PTA - Become a Member!

Please show your support of PTA by joining our organization and becoming a member. Does this mean you have to volunteer? Nope! Does this mean we will call and email you all the time? Not unless you ask us to! Membership only costs $10 and we can make that dollar stretch! Where does your money go? Last year PTA was able to sponsor the monthly Student of the Month program and Dad's and Dude's club, the weekly Pride Club, UIL Competitions, assist with Fall and Spring Family Events and so many amazing events for our Teachers and Staff. We need your help in keeping that going plus more! To join PTA please visit: https://griffin-middle-school-pta.square.site/

Our amazing staff is working to ensure students have a welcoming, safe learning environment when they come through our doors August 10! Our maintenance crew has spent the summer cleaning the building from top to bottom in preparation for you. Our office staff is back on campus ready to answer any questions you may have, from registering new students to giving tours upon request! All student school supplies are being sorted and organized to be ready to hand to students when they arrive next Wednesday!

If you made it orientation last Thursday, then you had the chance to meet our amazing teachers, staff, and PTA! In the weeks to come you will be hearing more from us about LISD and Griffin's focus on proactive and positive communication to uphold our partnerships with families and communities. You may have already seen the new LISD logos #OneLISD! Be sure to like us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, AND TIKTOK for pictures, announcements, updates and more! We are the first campus in LISD to have an official Tik Tok page! We want to show our students the POSITIVE aspects of social media!

I have had the honor and pleasure of getting to know many of you over the past few years, and I look forward to meeting so many more! I will always strive to create a collaborative relationship with all parents and community. I look forward to partnering with you this year in providing all students a positive academic experience!

Welcome home to the Griffin family!

Heather Garrison, Principal

• School starts at 8:55, so all students should be in building by 8:50 at the latest in order to make it to class without being tardy.

• We do a staggered dismissal, starting at 4:03. All students are released for the day by 4:10.

• Students need to know their student ID# when they buy breakfast and/or lunch.

• Student schedules will be available in Skyward starting Monday, August 8. We will be able to provide them a paper copy the first day of school if they do not have their ipad yet.

FAMILY ENGAGEMENT POLICY

PARENT/STUDENT/CAMPUS COMPACT

From The Nurse:

The Texas Department of Public Health requires that all students entering 7th grade receive both a Meningococcal/Meningitis vaccine (MCV4) and a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis/whooping cough) booster prior to starting the school year. These vaccines are often given during a well child visit sometime between 10th – 12th birthdays. Your child may have already received the vaccines, if so please provide records to the school nurse. You may do this one of 3 ways:

• Email a copy to the nurse: RichardC@lisd.net
• Fax a copy to the nurse: 972-350-9195
• Drop off a copy at the front office

Contact Nurse Richard at 972-219-6204 or RichardC@lisd.net with any questions.