Panther Prowl

We only have...

• 5 More days till June 9th

IT'S the end of the school year!!!! Please be sure to read each item below and discuss with your student.

Let us know if you need anything. We are always here to support you and your Panther!

Ana Castillo

ancastillo@wpusd.org

Jessica Fernandez

jfernandez@wpusd.org

As we come to the end of another fulfilling school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have experienced together. This has been a year of growth, discovery, and memorable moments, and I am immensely proud of each and every one of you.

Our students have shown incredible dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for learning. You have embraced challenges, explored new interests, and worked hard to expand your knowledge and skills. Your achievements in academics, arts, sports, and extracurricular activities have been nothing short of impressive. I applaud you for your commitment, effort, and the positive impact you have made on our school community.

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the parents and guardians who have been steadfast partners in your child's education. Your support, involvement, and encouragement have played a vital role in their growth and success. Your commitment to their development and well-being has created a nurturing environment that has allowed our students to thrive.

I would also like to acknowledge our exceptional team of educators and staff. Your passion, expertise, and dedication have made a significant difference in the lives of our students. You have not only imparted knowledge but also fostered a love for learning, critical thinking, and creativity. Your tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our students' growth and well-being are truly commendable.

As we approach the well-deserved summer break, I encourage everyone to take time for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Use this opportunity to explore new hobbies, spend quality time with family and friends, and recharge your batteries. Take advantage of the summer months to pursue your passions, engage in outdoor activities, and create lasting memories.

To our 8th Grade Students, congratulations on reaching this important milestone. You have grown in knowledge, character, and resilience during your time at GEMS. As you embark on the next chapter of your educational journey, I have no doubt that you will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the world around you. Remember to cherish the memories and friendships formed here, and embrace the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Lastly, I want to express my gratitude to the entire school community for your support, trust, and collaboration. Together, we have fostered an inclusive and vibrant learning environment where students can flourish and reach their full potential. The sense of community and shared commitment to education and personal growth have been instrumental in creating a positive and enriching experience for everyone.

As we conclude this school year, let us celebrate the achievements, growth, and positive experiences we have shared. I wish you all a wonderful summer filled with joy, relaxation, and rejuvenation. May you return to us in the fall with renewed energy, enthusiasm, and a readiness to embark on new academic adventures.

Thank you for being part of our incredible community.

The 8th Grade Promotion Dance is in the final planning stages. This is an event planned and executed by you….the parents, and your involvement is needed to ensure its success. The dance will be on June 7th from 6:30pm-8:30

If you have been unable to attend any of the planning meetings thus far there is still time to find a way to help. Here is a link to the "sign up genius" for items that are still needed:

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A054AADA828ABF94-8thgrade

Please check with Committee Coordinator, Tiffany Brown (norcal4life8@yahoo.com) if you have any questions or concerns.

If you would like to check your child out at the end of the promotion ceremony and do not want to have to wait for long periods of time to go to the office, please make sure you fill out this form.

Once this form is submitted, your child will be issued a wristband the morning of promotion.

At the end of the ceremony we will have your students wait until all students without wristbands are released back to class. At that time we will check your child out to you from the blacktop. The person who is checking out the student MUST be on the emergency card. There will be no exception made.

Promotion Early Check Out - 8th Graders

Can you believe it.... we are down to our last 5 days of the school year!!

This is an exciting time for students and staff and the energy levels are up. With that being said we are seeing an increase in off task, disruptive, and disrespectful behavior in and out of the classroom while at school.

Please have a conversation with your student about staying on task in classes and while on campus.

In these last few days there have been a number of students making behavioral decisions that are resulting in them losing their end of year events.

• 6th grade- BBQ
• 7th grade- Bowling
• 8th grade- Dance and Promotion Walk

If you have any questions, please email jfernandez@wpusd.org

Thank you,
Mrs. Fernandez
Assistant Principal

All library books were due today. Library overdue/lost book notices were emailed periodically with library account information to student email accounts and parent/guardian emails on file. Payment for books that cannot be returned will be accepted in the front office or the library. When a book is returned, the lost book fine/fee is deleted and no payment is needed.

6th grader Chromebook and chargers will be returned on Monday, June 5th to their Language Arts Class. Mrs. LeBeau will be collecting them in the 6th grade Language Arts classrooms. Please check that your student’s Chromebook has the WPUSD barcode sticker on the back. If the sticker is missing, ask your student to stop by the library before June 5th to get a replacement sticker.

7th and 8th graders will keep their Chromebooks through high school.

Thank you,
Kelle LeBeau
GEMS Librarian

Dear Parents and/or Guardians,

Please see the attached letters regarding immunization requirements for 7th Grade Entry.

Once your student has completed records, you can scan and email a copy (preferably PDF format) or bring a copy into the office. We will need updated immunization records for your student to receive their schedule in August and to be allowed on campus the first day of school. Records need to show they have the required immunizations to enter 7th grade, in addition to all required immunizations for school attendance.

If you have any questions regarding the immunizations, please email your school nurse, or visit the California Department of Public Health's Immunization Website (Shots For School - Parent Resources).

Please choose the size for your PE Uniform!! Shirts=Sport Tek Material / Shorts=Mesh Polyester / Sweatpants =60 Cotton 40 Polyester Blend. Please take this into consideration when CHOOSING your sizes.

Uniform pricing: Shirts=10$ / Shorts=10$ / Sweatpants=20$

Cash Payments Only

Payment due upon receipt of cloth which will be DURING PE CLASSES the 1st week of the 23/24 school year. PE teachers will be issuing these PRE-SIZED PE Uniforms to all students while also issuing PE locks. Please ensure your child has cash payment ready 8/22/23 for PE Clothes. There is no charge for the lock.

PE Uniform PRE-SIZE 23-24

Our current 6th & 7th graders all received a spirit shirt when school started this year 22-23.

If you wish to PURCHASE another Spirit Shirt for your Panther, please choose a size on the google form below!! Fabric will be cotton so take that into consideration when CHOOSING your size. The cost will be $15.00 each (cash only) and payable by 8/22/23 (or the first full week of school).

Spirit Shirt PRE-SIZE 23-24

At the end of each year, all students will be returned to their home school based on the District boundaries (except for previously approved bilingual immersion, GATE and Honors (GEMS) programs).

You must reapply if you wish to continue your intra-district transfer in 2023-2024. We will begin accepting priority intra-district transfer requests on January 19, 2023. Intra-district transfers are approved for one year only.

• Parents are to submit the form online and must have a Parent Portal Account to submit.
• For LHS and TBHS students - any incoming 8th–– 9th and 10th grade students who wish to attend a high school that is not their home school for the 2022-2023 school year should also submit the form online. On the form there is a notation to include the CTE pathway they are requesting (if applicable).

Hi There Panther Families!

Reminder, easy way to SUPPORT GEMS APTS with very little effort is to be sure to assign Glen Edwards Middle School to your Box Tops and Amazon Smile accounts. Amazon account is under Association of Parents, Teachers, and Students.

We have created wish lists for all teachers to hopefully help get them needed classroom supplies. Teachers will add/edit it throughout the year. Please be sure to support!
Agrippino Banderas Baracosa Butler Colson Cuomo

Davena Fulton Greenside Hargis Harrigan Hunt Johnson

Law Luci Mahan Mason McAdam Mullen Noonan Ransford

Rayos Santos Saul Simko Smith, Richard Smith, Ryan

Stolesen Trueman Ward White

Be sure to follow us on Facebook @GEMSAPTS. Click here to learn more about our parent group and what we do to support the staff and students.

Any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us via email at GemsAPTS@Gmail.com

• 8 YEARBOOKS LEFT until we are COMPLETELY SOLD OUT!!!
  Purchase in the office for $60 cash

6th Grade BBQ: The 6th grade teachers will be putting on a BBQ for students on the last day of school. To complete the day, we will also have games and activities for students to participate in. We are in need of a small donation of $3-5 dollars per student to help fund our event. Donation forms will be sent home in May through Mr. Luci's and Ms. White's history classes.

Our 7th grade class will be going bowling on June 8th. Permission forms are in the works and will go home with students in the upcoming week. They will leave by bus in the morning to get their "bowl on" but return to campus for lunch. Should you have any questions about the 7th grade end of the year activity please email pmcadam@wpusd.org. We look forward to continuing the bowling tradition.

End of the year will wrap up quickly and the 8th graders have a few last middle school events that have been planned. Please note the following activities, times & dates.

Wednesday, June 7th Promotion Dance - $20.00 (students only)

6:30-8:30pm @ Glen Edwards Middle School (see below for dress requirements)

Thursday, June 8th Promotion Ceremony - (for parents/families)

9:00am at Glen Edwards Middle School. Students should arrive to school on time (8:00am) to prepare for ceremony entrance. Guest seating is first come first serve. Please be prepared for any type of weather. No umbrellas or pop ups allowed.

Appropriate dress for the Promotion Ceremony is as follows:

• It is recommended that boys wear dress shirts and slacks; ties are optional.
• It is recommended that girls wear a dress or blouse with a skirt or slacks
• Clothing must not expose buttocks, cleavage, midsection or underclothing when standing still, bending over, raising arms, or in motion.
• Tuxedos, jeans, shorts, T-shirts and overalls are not appropriate. Dresses or blouses should be in good taste and age-appropriate for the occasion. Spaghetti strap dresses are allowed for the promotion dance.

Please keep this dress code in mind when selecting promotion clothing with your child. School administration has final determination as to what is appropriate for the occasion, and administration will deny entrance should your child choose to dress inappropriately.

Promotion Certificates:

Names will be printed as they appear on the school computer unless otherwise requested by parents. Please contact our office if you would like your child’s name updated.

Day of Promotion: (See more info in the TO DO section above)

EARLY CHECK OUT 8th GRADE- PROMOTION 6/8/23

• 6/7/23 - Promotion Dance (6:30-8:30 / Spirit Center)
• 6/8/23 - 7th Grade Bowling
• 6/8/23 - Promotion (9:00-10:00am)
• 6/9/23 - 6th Grade BBQ
• 6/9/23 - Last Day Of School

Below are a couple of relevant items previously posted for you to still access:

GEMS 2023-2024 Course Catalog

• Please click the link below to review our revised course catalog for the the 2023-2024 school year. GEMS 2023-2024 COURSE CATALOG

We have rolled out a new Schedule (course) Change Policy and Procedure to ensure equitable and timely changes for all stakeholders. Please click here for more information.

ParentSquare Resources for Parents

What is ParentSquare and why do I need to use it?

ParentSquare is the primary method of communication (aside from your standard email and phone call) district and site staff will use to communicate with you! To access your account, log in through your internet browser or download the ParentSquare app. It offers different notification settings, so you are in control of when and how you receive information. Learn how to get started here!

Seeing too many emails? Switch to digest mode by accessing your account and notification settings.

Have you been interested in substitute teaching? You can apply to be a substitute with us on Edjoin HERE