GEMS Family Newsletter
February 2024
Upcoming Events
- Wed. Feb. 28 - Enrollment Information Session - 6:00pm
- Wed. March 13 - Enrollment Information Session - 6:00pm
- Fri. March 15 - No School - PD Day
- Mon. March 18 - Fri. March 22 - GEMS Math Week
- Tues. March 19 - Thurs. March 21 - Invited Conferences
- Wed. March 27 - Enrollment Information Session - 6:00pm
- Fri. March 29 - Mon. April 8 - No School - Spring Break
Haga clic en "Translate" (Traducir) a la derecha para ver esto en español.
Important School Information
- School Year Office Hours - 7:45am-4:30pm - office@gemsschool.org
- School Day Hours - 8:30am-3:15pm
Black History Month Celebration
Last week, GEMS had a Black History Month Celebration with poetry, dancing, singing and other performances from members of the GEMS community. The event finished with an electrifying performance by the Linden McKinley Marching Band!
Have you paid your School Fee?
We ask all families to contribute $35 per year, per student to help keep our classrooms equipped with basic supplies. You can pay with cash or check at the Front Office or visit the GEMS School Store to pay with a credit card. Thank you for your support!
Free Tutoring on Wednesdays and Thursdays for ALL GEMS Students
Free Tutoring Wednesdays and Thursdays, 5:00pm and 6:00pm with OSU students! GEMS Students can log on and share any topics that they'd like support with and work one-on-one with an OSU student in a zoom session.
Here is the link to the Zoom: https://osu.zoom.us/j/91278099967?pwd=bW54cGdWUWt5M1Q1c3J4Vlp6WHRrQT09
8th Graders Attend Come From Away
GEMS 8th grade students attended Come From Away at the Palace Theater. The musical told the moving story of a small town in Canada that welcomed thousands of people from the grounded flights after the September 11th terrorist attacks on the USA. We enjoyed dressing up and experiencing the impressive musical numbers at the show!
GEMS Family Crew
- Check out the GEMS Family Crew January Newsletter
- Spring Playground Cleanup - Sunday, April 21, 3-4pm
- Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week - May 6-10
Grade Level Updates
Kindergarteners
Are becoming meteorologists and studying the weather. Students are becoming experts in a certain weather and will be recording a meteorologist report at the end of the module. Students continue to work on counting within 100 and identifying different shapes. In skills block, we are getting closer to knowing all of our letter names and sounds and continue to build our skills in phonemic awareness.
First Graders
In Expedition are starting our adventure in becoming Bird Experts. We have been looking at the features that make birds unique. Soon we will be looking closer at the different types of feathers and beaks of different birds. We will be doing field work March 6th at the Grange Insurance Audubon Center. In Math we have been working hard on adding and subtracting within 20. We are getting close to the end of the unit. The Unit 3 test will be coming up soon.
Second Graders
In Expedition we are finishing our fossils module by writing our paragraph about how we excavated a fossil we made in the classroom. We will be heading out for field work February 22 to COSI to learn more about dinosaurs and fossils. Following our fossil unit we will begin pollinators and pollination by having OSU experts come in to teach about seeds. In math we are learning how to add and subtract on a number line. Students are using hands-on learning by playing math games on their number line.
Third Graders
What can we learn from reading literary classics? In module 3, students consider the answer to this question through a case study of Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie. In Unit 1, students begin reading Peter Pan. At the beginning of the unit, they also read an informational text about the author and historical context. As students read chapters of Peter Pan, they make connections between what they have read in Peter Pan and the issues presented in the informational text. Students also consider how each new chapter of Peter Pan builds on the events in previous chapters. In the second half of the unit, students analyze character traits and actions and compare their point of view to the point of view of the characters.
Fourth Graders
In Math class we are in deep review time. In many cases students need help with multiplication and we have many OSU students coming each day to help with this. Our Unit 4 is wrapping up. Students are ordering and comparing decimals. Students will move into multi digit multiplication and division soon. Our habit for the past few weeks has been Quality. Quality in our work and choices matter. Please continue to encourage very best efforts in both areas.
Fifth Graders
In math, we did a review to area. We used this knowledge to lead us into volume and finding the volume of rectangular prisms.
In science, students are learning how we see the objects around us and are going to learn how we see colors. In the ecosystem world, our 5th grade ecologists are on a mission to figure out why the jaguars and slows are not growing or thriving in their habitat. We have learned about matter and living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things that are in the ecosystem that are helpful for all creatures. Let’s see if we can protect the animals before their numbers get too small!
Sixth Graders
In humanities, we are reading our new book Two Roads about Cal and Pop, a father and son living as hobos during the Great Depression. Cal discovers that he is Native American and goes to a Native American Boarding School. We have delved into relevant topics such as Colonization, Poverty, and Forced Assimilation. As we discover the connections from big picture topics to the things occurring in our book, we are also figuring out what the Main Idea and Supporting Details are and practicing looking at Point of View.
In math we are moving forward to our next learning target of solving division and multiplication equations that involve fractions. We are taking time to grapple with challenging math questions to build a deeper understanding of not only how to do the math we are working with but why those strategies actually work!
In science we are finishing our unit on metabolism and human body systems. We are finishing our work as “medical students” by diagnosing our patient and writing arguments to justify our findings. Our next area of focus is rock formations and types. Soon we will be gaining new expertise in this area of geology!
Online Tutoring—We are encouraging participation in tutoring opportunity for middle school students on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The OSU tutors will be online at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm to work with students for an hour long session.
Zoom: https://osu.zoom.us/j/91278099967?pwd=bW54cGdWUWt5M1Q1c3J4Vlp6WHRrQT09
Seventh Graders
In humanities, we are finishing our unit on Patient Zero and the study of the COVID-19 epidemic. Then, we will move into argumentative writing and students will decide if epidemiologists are similar to crime detectives. Please encourage your student to read independently at home!
In math, We are currently working on our Angles Learning Target. In this target students are using their previously learned knowledge from our equations learning target to identify complementary and supplementary angles and solve for X. Please encourage your students to actively engage and ask questions. I am excited for the remainder of the learning target because students have already shown such great work!
In science, we are continuing into the second chapter of our ‘Weather Patterns’ unit, where we learn about what conditions affect temperature and what conditions can lead to severe rainfall.
Online Tutoring—We are encouraging participation in tutoring opportunity for middle school students on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The OSU tutors will be online at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm to work with students for an hour long session.
Zoom: https://osu.zoom.us/j/91278099967?pwd=bW54cGdWUWt5M1Q1c3J4Vlp6WHRrQT09
Eight Graders
In math, students recently finished their cell phone projects to demonstrate their understanding of the Pythagorean theorem. We started exploring transformations on the coordinate plane and will be starting a project later this week where students will create their own shapes to model the different transformations on a graph.
Online Tutoring—We are encouraging participation in tutoring opportunity for middle school students on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The OSU tutors will be online at 5:00 pm and 6:00 pm to work with students for an hour long session.
Zoom: https://osu.zoom.us/j/91278099967?pwd=bW54cGdWUWt5M1Q1c3J4Vlp6WHRrQT09
Middle School Adventure Club enjoyed a walk to the OSU Library!
Art - K-5
We are looking into the art of collaging in kindergarten and first grade, seeing how different pieces can come together to form a picture. 2nd is printmaking and exploring the idea of positive and negative space. 3rd graders are investigating different line techniques, including drips and will be starting a collaborative mural to pull our learning together! 4th graders are starting their zentangle unit and learning how art can be a mindful practice to help us find our calm. 5th graders are studying all about landscapes and creating their own using one point perspective! We understand better how things further away towards our horizon line begin to get smaller, while things in our foreground are bigger and closer to our audience.
If you would like to donate to the art room we are in need of more pipe cleaners, beads and tempera paint!
Art - 7-8
Our seventh and eighth graders are finishing their painted “table logo” project. Each student had the opportunity to create a personal logo that represents themselves, and over the past couple of weeks, we have created multiple drafts of these logos. This week, we started drawing and painting our table logos at our assigned seats to take ownership of our personal space. They are really turning out wonderfully! Next week, we will move into our black history month quote quilt project.
SEL - K-5
Students in K-3 SEL are exploring strong emotions and how breathing can help them calm down. 4th and 5th graders have started problem solving strategies. K-5 students are continuing to learn how SEL can help avoid negative consequences.
Counseling
Middle School Classroom Guidance and Lunch Bunch groups are spaces for kids to express any concerns they have and get their questions asked and answered about subjects such as Communicating with Adults and Transitioning From Middle School to High School. Not only are the Classroom Guidance and Lunch Bunch groups spaces for kids to ask questions but also spaces for them to collaborate with one another by getting into groups and having live discussions about specific topics with one another in what we at GEMS call Think-Pair-Share.
ESOL
State OELPA testing for students receiving ESOL services will start at GEMS on March 5. Families will receive letters with more information. Please contact Mr. Spackman at spackman.1@gemsschool.org with questions.
GEMS Math Week!
The week of March 18-22nd, will be the first Annual GEMS Math Week! Families will have opportunities to engage in math stories and content at home with opportunities to earn prizes for participation.
Attention 8th Grade Families
Join us for Enrollment Information Sessions to talk about high school. The Graham Family of Schools comprises GEMS, The Graham School, and The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University. However, an application must be submitted before a GEMS student may be enrolled in either high school. Please join us:
- The Graham School - Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30pm & Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30pm - *RSVP is required for all sessions. Please contact Bryan Kossmann, Enrollment Coordinator/Registrar at 614-262-1111 or bkossmann.1@thegrahamschool.org with questions or to RSVP. Click here to complete an online application. Completing an online application does NOT commit the student to attend TGS.
- The Charles School at Ohio Dominican University - Wednesday, February 21 at 6:00pm & Wednesday, March 6 at 6:00pm - Please contact Amanda McCain, Enrollment Coordinator at amccain.1@thecharlesschool.org or 614-258-8588 with questions. Click here to complete an online application. Completing an online application does NOT commit the student to attend TCS@ODU.
Do you know someone interested in attending GEMS?
GEMS is accepting applications for the 2024-2025 school year. Please share this newsletter with anyone who is interested in learning more about GEMS and suggest they attend an upcoming Enrollment Information Session. Click here to complete a New Student Online Application. Please e-mail Alisha Porter at aporter2308@gemsschool.org with questions.
GEMS Groovy Gryphon Fridays!
GEMS is on Facebook and Instagram! Please like and follow!
When you shop at Kroger you can help GEMS raise money for expeditions!
Kroger
Go to: www.krogercommunityrewards.com or call 1-800-837-4483 to enroll in the program. Add GEMS to your Kroger card. You can search for GEMS by name or use our school code: FD086. Shop! Every time you shop and use your Kroger Rewards Card GEMS gets rebates. Kroger totals those rebates and sends GEMS a check.
IMPORTANT SCHOOL MEAL INFORMATION
The Graham Family of Schools participates in the National School Lunch Program that allows for all families to apply for free or reduced meals. Lunch is available to all students. Should they choose not to participate in the school meal program, students may bring their lunch from home. NO OUTSIDE FOOD MAY BE ORDERED OR DELIVERED AS THIS DIRECTLY VIOLATES THE NATIONAL SCHOOL LUNCH PROGRAM POLICY.
Breakfast Information
EL Education
Our partnership with EL Education empowers our teachers to unleash the potential of their students. EL Education is built on ten design principles that reflect the educational values and beliefs of Kurt Hahn, founder of Outward Bound and co-founder of EL Education. These principles also reflect the design's connection to other related thinking about teaching, learning, and the culture of schools. The 10 design principles are: The Primacy of Self-Discovery, The Having of Wonderful Ideas, The Responsibility for Learning, Empathy and Caring, Success and Failure, Collaboration and Competition, Diversity and Inclusion, The Natural World, Solitude and Reflection, Service and Compassion.
GEMS School-wide Title 1
GEMS is a School-wide Title 1 program, enabling us to receive Federal Funds to ensure that our students receive the support they need to reach and exceed grade level goals particularly in reading and math. We welcome parent involvement in planning, review and improvement of Title 1 programs. Please contact Debbie Addison at addison.2@gemsschool.org with any questions. Follow this link to the Parent Pact.
RESIDENCY VERIFICATION NOTIFICATION
Per House Bill 21 community schools are required to perform a monthly review of student files and randomly select families for residency verification. Please contact the school immediately in case of an address change. Proof of residency must be submitted within two weeks of an address change. If evidence is not provided, requests for additional documentation or a home visit may occur.
GEMS
School Day Hours - 8:30am-3:15pm
Email: office@gemsschool.org
Website: https://www.thegrahamfamilyofschools.org/gems_home.aspx
Location: 140 East 16th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43201, USA
Phone: (614) 253-4000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Graham-Elementary-and-Middle-School-109578509098428