Jaguar News
Friday, December 17, 2021
It is incredibly hard to believe that our winter break starts next week. Our fall semester just seemed to fly by in a whirlwind of activity and new routines. As I walk through the school I am beginning to see holiday decorations and school projects showcased on walls and doors, in classrooms and displayed in our cases. A welcome sight for sure! As the old expression goes, 'tis the season...
As you head home for the holidays, I hope you all have a chance to reconnect and enjoy your time with family and friends and that together, you have the opportunity to reminisce about your shared memories made in 2021. Happy holidays from our entire Gentry Staff!
Final Newsletter for 2021
Lost and Found
Student Council (StuCo) Raises Money During Spirit Week
Student Council (StuCo) raised a total of $231 (one dollar at a time) during their Hat Day fundraiser at GMS this week. This money is earmarked to help combat hunger right here in CoMo during the holidays. Thanks for your generosity! Go Jaguars!
Notes from the Nurse
At this week's meeting, the Columbia Board of Education voted to remove its indoor masking requirement and update the district’s quarantine and contact tracing protocols.
Beginning January 4, given the increased access to vaccination for all who are eligible, which now includes scholars ages 5 and up, masks will no longer be required in all district buildings PreK-12 or at district events. Additionally, the district’s contact tracing and quarantine protocols will change. Those who are COVID positive or symptomatic will need to stay home.
Please note, federal regulations still require masks be worn on school buses. The district is working on additional guidance and information related to changes in contact tracing and quarantine protocols and will share that with families prior to the change taking effect on January 4.
The district will continue with its school-based COVID vaccination clinics through January. Gentry's 2nd COVID Vaccine Clinic will be held on Friday, 1/21/22 from 8:00 am-10:00 am. Additionally, families may also choose to access the vaccine through outside providers.
AVID at RBHS
The Rock Bridge High School AVID coordinator will be at Gentry on Thursday, Jan. 7th during RTI to recruit for next year. Your student does not have to be in AVID this year to apply for AVID at RBHS. If this is something that may interest your student, please make sure your student attends this informational meeting.
Attention Current 8th Grade Parents- RBHS Course Selection Begins
Our guidance counselors have been busy working with our current 8th grade students (rising 9th graders) equipping them with all of the information that they will need in order to select their courses for their high school years at RBHS. Individual Career and Academic Planning (ICAP) forms were given to all 8th grade students and most have completed their plan through their sophomore year. This process will continue after Christmas Break. Please ask your student to show you their ICAP, as well as their course Class of 2026, on Schoology.
Important Dates to Remember:
January 10-14: Columbia Area Career Center Presentation During RTI
January 12: High School Presentations During Advisory Classes
January 20: Columbia Area Career Center Open House- Please Register Using Link Below:
https://career-center.org/showcase/
January 28: Registration Cards Due for Rising 9th Grade
February 15: HAC Summer School Registration (Only parents have access to register their students).
Student Absences
As the holiday season approaches and students begin traveling near and far to be with family and friends, please be sure that you contact the main office at 214-3240 or email Kelly Harrison at kharrison@cpsk12.org to report your child's absence. Thank you!
Congratulations!
Lego League Club- Don't Delay in Registering!
Media Center Minute
#1 - Reading Improves Brain Function
A person who reads everyday gets better at it over time. Not surprisingly, daily readers also gain more enjoyment from it than those that read less often. It can even improve memory and critical thinking skills. And activities like reading have been linked to a lower risk of Alzheimer's disease.
#2 - Reading Reduces Stress
Modern life is stressful - period. Reading may reduce stress more than walking, listening to music or playing games. When people read a really engrossing book it actively engages their imagination, which in turn distracts from daily stresses (at least for a little while).
#3 - Reading Can Improve Your State of Mind
People who are well read tend to be more empathetic and have higher self-esteem. When we read about other people it introduces the idea that people are human. We're all different, we have flaws, things are not always perfect and that's okay.
#4 - Reading Improves Overall Wellness
Spending 30 minutes a day reading a good book does a body good (and burns calories - who knew?). People who read daily may live longer. And reading before bed can help improve sleep. Just try not to stay up all night reading unless you have zero obligations the next day.
#5 - Reading Improves Your Imagination
By reading, you are exposed to so many wonderful things. This helps your imagination when it comes to creating and thinking. By reading, you are painting those pictures of the story in your mind. Books can take you anywhere you want to go.
#6 Reading Improves Focus and Concentration
When you are reading, you are focusing and concentrating on one thing. By sitting still and reading, you are training your body/mind to slow down, relax, and focus on what you are reading. This helps you focus and concentrate on other activities because you are used to doing it.
#7 Reading Improves Your Fluency
Fluency is defined as the ability to read with speed, accuracy, and expression. The more you read, the more fluent you become. This will help you if you are asked to read aloud.
# 8 Reading is Hard and "Hard" is Necessary
One characteristic emerges as a significant predictor of success...GRIT.
Grit is passion and perseverance for very long-term goals.
Grit is having stamina.
Grit is sticking with your future, day in, day out, not just for the week or for the month, but for years.
Grit is working really hard to make that future a reality.
#9 Reading Makes You a Better Writer
"If you don't have the time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that."
Stephen King (a famous adult author)
#10 Reading Helps Protect You From Being Treated Unfairly
85% of juvenile offenders are unable to read well enough to participate in their case.
Over 60% of prison inmates cannot read well enough to handle day-to-day issues.
#11 Reading Builds a Mature Vocabulary
The more that you read, the more that you are exposed to words that you haven't heard before and you learn their meanings. Challenge yourself to read a book that may be harder and your vocabulary will grow.
#12 Reading Opens the Door to College and Beyond
Reading is an essential component of college and workplace readiness. 14 1/2% of Americans with poor reading skills are underemployed and 50% of people with the lowest literacy skills live in poverty.
Gentry Media Center Wishlist
If you are doing some holiday shopping and you like to give books, you might want to check out the Gentry Media Center Wishlist on Amazon. All books received will have a bookplate inserted telling who the donor is and these will be available for all of our students to enjoy!
Thank you for your support!
Thank You to our Partner in Education
Kindness Club
Mr. Walter, Head Night Custodian, was recently interviewed by Kindness Club members as a ‘Gentry Behind-The-Scenes Hero’. The club seeks to highlight members of our school who are indispensable to our mission, but often work out of the spotlight. The Kindness Club celebrated Mr. Walter with a display and questions/answers from his interview. Keep reading to learn more about Mr. Walter Robinson, GMS Behind-The-Scenes Hero:
Mr. Walter is from Monroe, Louisiana. He has 5 brothers and 5 sisters. He’s proud of his diverse family and loves when everyone comes together for family gatherings. You’ll find Walter in charge of the grill at these gatherings as cooking his favorite thing to do. He loves BBQ and seafood. Mr. Walter studied and played football at Grambling University. His favorite hobbies involve helping others. He regularly mows the lawns of elderly neighbors and cooks them meals. Mr. Walter will be the first to tell you that he’s a great cook. When asked why his cooking is so good, Mr. Walter responded by saying, “Because I put love in it. Put love into everything you do!”
Thank you, Mr. Walter, for all you do to make GMS a special place! You are appreciated!
In Time for The Holidays
HoneyBaked Ham, Co. will donate 20% of all gift cards sold to GMS. Thinking of spending less time in the kitchen this holiday season? Think HoneyBaked Ham gift card! Pondering holiday gifts? Think HoneyBaked Ham gift cards! Considering what to serve for your holiday meal? Think HoneyBaked Ham gift card! It's a win-win for everyone. Click here for further details and to place an order anytime between now and January 8, 2022. Thanks for your support!
Future Dates to Remember
12/22-12/31- School Not in Session Due to Winter Break
1/3- School Not in Session Due to a Teacher Work Day
1/7- Interim Progress Reports Available on Home Access
1/7- RBHS AVID Student Presentation
1/13- Incoming 6th Grade Student Instrument Enrollment Night @ 6:00 pm
1/17- School Not in Session Due to MLK Day
1/19- PTSA Meeting in the Media Center @ 6:00 pm
1/25- Early (12:05) Student Dismissal
1/26- 6th Grade Intramural Basketball Begins
Josh Johnson, Principal
Email: Josjohnson@cpsk12.org
Website: https://www.cpsk12.org/Domain/17
Location: 4200 Bethel Street, Columbia, MO, USA
Phone: (573) 214-3240