Dear Galvin Families,

This past week was filled with tremendous school spirit as GMS celebrated PAWSITIVITY WEEK! Each day had a different theme, complete with morning announcements, music and other activities. Additionally, throughout the week, staff recognized students for their outstanding citizenship and kindness.

As we head into February break, it has been refreshing to see such high levels of participation and school spirit here at the Galvin. With next week being school vacation, this will be the final GMS weekly update for February!

We wish all families a safe and restful break.

Thank you,

GMS Administration

At last night's School Committee meeting, the committee voted to follow the most recent guidance around masking from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. When we return from break on Monday, February 28, students and staff are no longer required to wear masks while in school. Anyone that wants to continue to wear a mask will be supported and is most definitely able to do so. This is a shift from where we have been in the past two years, and we recognize that this step is exciting for many and also may cause some discomfort for others. Please make the decision that is best for your child and family, and know that we are committed to maintaining an inclusive school community where each circumstance and individual decision will be respected and supported.

Please note, as part of the policy there are three situations where face coverings are still required, which are outlined below:

● By federal public health order, all students and staff are required to wear a mask on school buses.

● By state public health order, masks will be required in all school health offices.

● By DESE and DPH protocol, students and staff returning from 5-day quarantine following a positive COVID test must follow strict mask use, other than when eating, drinking, or outside, and conduct active monitoring for symptoms, through day 10 of exposure.

The updated Face Covering Policy can be viewed on our website at www.cantonma.org

Unified Sports is run through Special Olympics and this is the inaugural year at GMS. It is a partnership of students with and without intellectual disabilities. The league strives to promote climates of dignity, respect and inclusion for students beyond the classroom. This program is currently in over 104 high schools and is now beginning at middle schools. Two GMS teachers, Coach Jackson and Coach Morrison, will be working with students to support the team. The primary focus of the Unified Basketball program is developing new skills, meeting personal goals and participating as a team.

The Galvin Middle School Drama Club will present Mary Poppins on Friday March 4th and Saturday March 5th at 7:00 pm at the Canton High School Auditorium. Come see this legendary show performed by 70 GMS students.

Tickets are $12.00 for Adults and $10.00 for Seniors and Students. They can be purchased at the door. For advanced tickets you may go to myschoolbucks.

The Galvin Middle School Program of Studies has been updated. Please use this link to access the GMS Program of Studies which includes academic and course information.

The 8th Grade Orchestra visited the CHS Orchestra this past week for Orchestra Step Up Day 2022. The GMS 8th graders did a wonderful job playing side by side with the CHS Orchestra on the high school warm-ups and the song Scarborough Fair. Students from the CHS orchestra talked about their experiences transitioning from 8th grade to high school and the role the orchestra has played in their lives. What a great way to dip our toes into the high school experience!

Eighth graders in Mrs. Robinson's art classes are working successfully through multiple lesson units. They are painting their clay relief sculptures, painting their mythological self portraits, experimenting with multiple materials for their representational / abstract scenes, and exploring various artistic styles to generate their own images.

It is our students' responsibility to bring their charged Chromebook to school with them each day. We have a very limited number of loaners available and are using those to first support students who's Chromebooks aren't working. The Chromebook is an essential, daily, school supply. Please help your child come up with a process that allows them to have their device ready for school each day. Thank you.

Get your popcorn ready because the Galvin is having a talent show on Friday March 25th at 6:30 pm! If you would like to sign up, use google classroom code aizqwpg on your school Gmail account. The show will be virtual and a link to view the show will be available the week of March 21st.

GMS is looking for a lunch aide to help supervise lunches each school day from 11:15 am to 1:00 pm. If you are interested in joining the Galvin team, please email Mr. Spillane, spillanej@cantonma.org.

There are many items in our lost and found including hats, sweatshirts, and water bottles. Please ask your child to check the lost & found table for anything that may be missing.

Please click here for At Home Rapid Testing Frequently Asked Questions.

Please see this link for information to apply to become a bus driver.

Please see this link for information to apply to become a substitute teacher.

February 21st - 25th - February Vacation week

March 7th - School Council and GMS CAPT

March 25th - GMS Talent Show

The Galvin CAPT (Canton Association of Parents and Teachers) is an organization which promotes well-being and enrichment for the students at the Galvin Middle School and encourages a close relationship between home and school.

Available CAPT Positions

The following positions could use support, potentially shadowing this year to take over in future years:

• GMS CAPT Treasurer (Shadow 21/22 for School year 22/23)

GALVIN CAPT Meetings

Galvin CAPT meetings are held the first Monday of every month at 6:30 PM. Please send us an email at galvincapt@gmail.com if you are interested in learning more. The next meeting is March 7, 2022.

Find us on Facebook! There are two sites:

Galvin Middle School Parents

Galvin Middle School CAPT