GMS Falcon Update
3/1/2019
Good luck to our 6th grade boys and girls basketball teams in the tournament this weekend!
3rd Quarter Interims will go home on Tuesday with students.
Congratulations to our Winter Scholar Athletes!
Carter Neves
Cooper Shore
Lee Burkett
Hayden Hughes
Logan Kiser
Landyn Simons
Bryce Kohler
Cody Swigart
Girls Basketball
Audrey Larmee - 4.0
Addie McAuley - 4.0
Cora McWhinney - 4.0
Marissa Pine
Ava Prince - 4.0
Annabella Odle
Teagan Setty - 4.0
Emma Yukon
Kelsey DeMarco - 4.0
Mira Ervin - 4.0
Brynn Estep
Mazzy Johnson
Jayden Jones
Marlee Kite
Madison Lute - 4.0
Tory Pence - 4.0
Abby Yukon
Cheerleading
Julia Reinke
Brooklynne Verlaney
Madison Demmitt
Amelia Mangus
Olivia Shirk
Boys Basketball
Wyatt Faulkner
Aiden Ford
Jacob Goldsberry
LJ Lewis
Gus Ward
Jack Boggs
Eli Hollingsworth
Sam Ludlow
Bode McGuire
Nick Prince
Ben Sells
National FFA Celebration
National School Breakfast Week #NSBW19
This week will be an Aloha Themed Week!
Eating a healthy breakfast before starting the school day is linked to improved concentration, better test scores, increased energy, a higher intake of vitamins and minerals, and even healthier body weight. Breakfast is especially important for young students whose brains use up about half of the body's energy.
Breakfast Prices
Free and Reduced - FREE
Paid - $1.00
Graham Middle School Receives National Recognition for Commitment to Empowering Students
Named a distinguished school for STEM and career learning program
St. Paris, OH – Graham Middle School announced today that it has been recognized as a Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for providing broad access to transformative learning opportunities for students through PLTW GatewayTM. It is one of just 148 middle schools across the U.S. to receive this honor. PLTW is a nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in schools across the U.S.
“We have worked hard to provide intentional pre-pathway learning experiences for our students here at GMS. Not only is Project Lead The Way coursework an opportunity, but it is also an expectation for our students” –Nick Guidera, Assistant Principal
“To say that 100 percent of our students are taking PLTW coursework is something special. Very few schools nationwide can make that claim. We value the learning taking place in these programs and this coursework is a big piece of our STEM education here at Graham Middle School.” –Chad Lensman, Principal
The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, Graham Middle School had to meet the following criteria during the 2017-18 school year:
Offer at least one PLTW Gateway unit at each grade level;
Have at least 50 percent of the student body participating;
Have 25 percent of students advancing to high school participate in two or more units during their middle school tenure.
Through PLTW programs, students develop STEM knowledge as well as in-demand, transportable skills that they will use both in school and for the rest of their lives, on any career path they take. PLTW Gateway empowers students to lead their own discovery and uncover a range of paths and possibilities they can look forward to in high school and beyond.
“It is a great honor to recognize Graham Middle School for their commitment to students,” said Vince Bertram, President and CEO of PLTW. “They are a model for what school should look like, and they should be very proud of ensuring students have the knowledge and skills to be career ready and successful on any career path they choose.”
Graham Middle School is part of a community of PreK-12 schools, colleges and universities, and corporate and philanthropic partners across the country united around a passion for providing students with
inspiring, engaging, and empowering learning opportunities. For more information about PLTW’s recognition program, visit pltw.org/our-programs/program-recognition.
For more information on Graham Middle School’s PLTW Gateway program or to set up a school visit, contact Nick Guidera at (937) 663-5339 x 3333 or GuideraN@grahamlocalschools.org
Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nonprofit organization that provides a transformative learning experience for PreK-12 students and teachers across the U.S. PLTW empowers students to develop in-demand, transportable knowledge and skills through pathways in computer science, engineering, and biomedical science. PLTW’s teacher training and resources support teachers as they engage their students in real-world learning. Approximately 11,500 elementary, middle, and high schools in all 50 states and the District of Columbia offer PLTW programs. For more information on Project Lead The Way, visit pltw.org.
Academic Behavior Expectations
Presentation on the Dangers of E-Cigarettes , Vapes, and Juuls
Dr. Peace is a leading expert in the field and speaks to groups around the country. We are fortunate to be able to bring her to GMS as where she was a graduate of Wittenberg University.
The presentation will begin around 1:15. If a parent would like to attend please contact the Middle School Office so we can prepare enough seats.
Going Green at Graham Local Schools
By. Don Burley, Director of Operations, Graham Local Schools
Graham Local Schools is a rural district in Champaign County, Ohio. Encompassing over half of the county at 186 square miles, Graham is one of the most innovative districts in the state and has been recognized as an innovation leader nationwide. We are a member of the League of Innovative Schools and have been named one of the nation's most innovative schools by AASA, The School Superintendents Association. These honors and many others have been birthed out of our student-centered culture, which focuses on innovative ways to include students in leadership and give them voice and choice in learning.
Our "green" journey started over 15 years ago with the implementation of multiple energy savings projects. Graham was one of the first districts in our region to install light sensors in restrooms and implement districtwide HVAC policies for energy efficiency and financial stability. Partnerships with Energy Optimizers USA and Waibel Energy Systems have allowed us to carry out projects such as lamp replacement, standardizing HVAC controls across the district, and installing skylights and variable speed drives for HVAC motors and well pumps. These initiatives have resulted in energy cost savings of over $550,000. We continue this quest for "Green Excellence" with the implementation of districtwide student-led green teams.
Graham implemented a comprehensive wellness plan in 2017 to support and improve student and staff wellness. Students participate in menu planning, our elementary and middle schools have running clubs, and programs are in place to increase water consumption among staff and students. Each year, we hold a staff wellness day that offers everything from mobile mammography and health screenings to yoga, meditation, and massage. It's the kickoff for our annual wellness challenge through our partners at the Dayton Educational Purchasing Council, where we purchase our health insurance. The wellness challenge offers gift cards and prizes for those who participate in online activities and wellness education.
STEM education is part of our culture at Graham. In 2018, Graham Middle School and Elementary joined a group of 33 public school buildings in earning designation as STEM schools by the Ohio Department of Education. This rigorous process requires schools to demonstrate a culture of STEM education and results. We are especially proud of our Graham Middle School all-female "Energy Team." These young women have won multiple awards for leadership and implementation of green energy practices across the state and region. They are also committed to educating others. After attending a week-long conference held by the Ohio Energy Project, the team took their learning and developed lessons for their peers and elementary students. On top of that, they teach energy conservation, green practices, and STEM careers at the elementary school and host an annual energy education fair to demonstrate and educate about green practices.
Agricultural education plays into our STEM culture. Implementation of Project Lead the Way at Graham Middle School allowed us to develop unique opportunities for our students. These include our Jr. Bee Keepers who manage and care for hives and a working poultry learning space. We were recently awarded $50,000 from Battelle for Kids to install a greenhouse on our Middle School and Elementary property that will be used for education and green farming operations. We were also awarded $40,000 from Monsanto to develop and implement Falcon Farms, our student-led and student-driven farming operation. Students are using cross-curricular activities to develop test plots for pumpkins, and possible fruit trees in the future.
Our community is very important to us at Graham and we are always looking for ways to engage and give back. One way is through partnerships with colleges, universities, and local businesses to enrich student learning. For example, our district's Career Gears program exposes K-12 students to career pathways, giving them opportunities to explore careers throughout their educational experience. Through strategic partnerships, our students have on- and off-campus connections to local businesses and other partners, giving them a leg up on identifying their pathway after leaving Graham. Our district also participates in a student planned/led/organized "United Service Day." During this annual event, students and staff engage in community service projects across the district for an entire school day. Past projects included visiting local cemeteries to assist with cleanup, making dog chew toys out of used t-shirts for the local animal shelter, and securing funding and materials to build picnic benches for outdoor learning. For 2019, students are collaborating with other Champaign County school districts to make this effort a countywide student leadership project.
This narrative only scratches the surface of Graham's commitment to green, healthy, and sustainable practices. If you would like more information about Graham Local Schools, visit our website at www.grahamlocalschools.org.
Saint Paris Lion's Club Pancake Day
Students will be performing throughout the day. We hope to see many people in the community our at this great event!
Aircamp
Air Camp is a hands-on, educational adventure in aviation and aeronautics. We inspire students at the intermediate and middle school levels, as well as teachers and educational leaders across all grades, to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) using aviation and aerospace as our medium while promoting the values of scholarship, leadership, and citizenship.
Air Camp is the vision of Dayton-area leaders who want to help young people nationwide achieve their potential, develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, and pursue further education and future careers in STEM-related fields, aviation, and aeronautics.
Check out www.aircampusa.com for more information.
Ohio Hi-Point 8th Grade Visit
The 2nd Tour Group (Buell's ELA and Spelling Bee Participants) is rescheduled for Friday, March 1st.
Students will be touring Hi-Point to see the programs that they have to offer as they plan their high school pathways. Students will also be stopping to eat in Bellefontaine for lunch.
6th Grade Signs of Suicide Prevention Program
The 90-minute program will take place during the ELA Block on February 26th (Mrs. Cantrell's ELA Students) and February 28th (Mrs. Wintrow's ELA Students).
2019 Wing Contest ** NEW DATE** March 15th
2019/2020 7th and 8th Grade Schedule Information Meeting
The 2019/2020 6th Grade Information Meeting will be March 12th at 6:00 PM in the GMS Auditeria.
STEAM Tour Day - Please RSVP
We hope you are able to join us for our Graham STEAM Tours. Please RSVP via the following link so we can customize your visit as you see fit: https://goo.gl/forms/CFPLVXCmwM7hI6ri2 . If you are unable to access the link, contact Assistant Principal, Nick Guidera via email: GuideraN@grahamlocalschools.org or phone 937-663-5339 x3333
We have multiple dates available for your convenience.
Week at a Glance
BREAKFAST is only $1.00 or FREE for free or reduced!
Upcoming Events
March
4 Dangers of Vape/Juul Assembly (1:15) ALL STUDENTS
7 2019/20 Scheduling Mtg (7th/8th grade) Auditeria (6pm)
8 Teacher In-Service (No School for Students)
8 GMS FFA General Livestock Judging
9 PenOhio Competition @ GMS
12 2019/20 Scheduling Mtg (6th grade) Auditeria (6pm)
15 USD Planning Meeting (Intervention or Club)
15 Wing Contest
20 SOAR Scholars visit to Clark State (9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.) (leave GMS by 8:45, return by 1:30)
21 STEAM Showcase #2 (6:00pm)
22 GMS STEAM Tour/Leadership Lunch
22 End of 3rd 9 Weeks
22 2nd DC Payment due
25-29 Spring Break
Chad Lensman - Principal
Nick Guidera - Assistant Principal
Laura Morgan - Guidance Couneslor
Grades 6-8
Email: Lensmanc@grahamlocalschools.org
Website: www.grahamlocalschools.org
Location: 9644 W US HWY 36 Saint Paris, Ohio 43072
Phone: 937-663-5339
Twitter: @grahammidschool