Hawk Highlights
November 15, 2022
November 15, Volume 2, Issue 12
Dear GVMS Families,
We have had another great week at GVMS. Here's an update on what's good at Gainesville:
- On Wednesday, November 16, our teachers and administration team will celebrate our A/B Honor Roll and Principal's Honor Roll recipients.
- There is information below about the SCA Glow-in-the-Dark Dance at GVMS on 11/18 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. We sold 220 of 400 tickets on Monday 11/14. Tickets are still available!
- GVMS was selected for the Rhithm app pilot program! Look below for more information. We are really excited for how the Rhithm app can support the social-emotional needs of our students.
We want to extend our thank you and appreciate and recognize our GVMS community Veterans who serve today and did so in the past. We thank you for your service!
As always, we thank you for your education partnership and look forward to another great week at GVMS.
Best,
Mary Kate Graham
Proud Principal
Tuesday, November 15, 2022
- GVMS Advisory Council Meeting at 6:00 PM
Meeting ID: 835 4451 6910
Passcode: hawks
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
- GVMS Honor Roll and Principal's Honor Roll Recognition
- Picture Retake Day
- Pictures will be available approximately two weeks following our school's photo day. Save time and Pre-order online here: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1000940634
- Brentsville H.S. will hold its first of two Specialty Program Information Nights on Wednesday, November 16 at 7:00 PM. Information Below.
Friday, November 18, 2022
- SCA Glow-in-the-Dark Dance 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, November 23, 2022
- No School - Thanksgiving Break
Thursday, November 24, 2022
- No School - Thanksgiving Break
Friday, November 25, 2022
- No School - Thanksgiving Break
Tuesday, November 30, 2022
- 7th and 8th Grade - Winter Concert, Gainesville High School @7:00 PM
Thursday, December 1, 2022
- 7th Grade Choir - Winter Concert, Gainesville High School @7:00 PM
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
- 8th Grade Choir - Winter Concert, Gainesville Middle School @7:00 PM
Tuesday, December 13, 2022
- 7th and 8th Grade Orchestra - Winter Concert, Gainesville Middle School @7:00 PM
GVMS Student Announcements will be shared over the PA system each morning and in the afternoon. Please click the link below to access the current announcements.
*The link will be updated as new announcements are added.
Student and Family Introduction to Rhithm
Our district is excited to announce the use of the Rhithm app as a part of our commitment to supporting whole child development. Rhithm will help is better understand each student's learning readiness and respond to social-emotional needs.
At Gainesville Middle School, we plan to utilize Rhithm to help meet our student and staff needs with our climate and culture, specifically in the areas of wellness and belonging. We plan to implement Rhithm during our AM Advisory periods (AM Hawk Time) three times a week to start, beginning the first week of December.
If you would like to opt your student out of the use of the Rhithm app, please complete the opt out form and submit to Mrs. Jessie Castles, director of school counseling, at castlejm@pwcs.edu.
What is the Rhithm app?
The Rhithm app is a daily check-in tool that provides responsive support for students in just 3 - 5 minutes. Students respond to five questions around Mental, Energy, Emotional, Physical, and Social wellness, then engage in brief well-being-related activities that are tailored to student needs, build social-emotional skills, and help students get ready to learn.
How can I access the Rhithm app?
Rhithm uses Clever for easy student access whether at school or at home. In addition to classroom use, students can access the Rhithm activities during evening and weekends.
Step 1: Open your Clever app
Step 2: Log in with student credentials or badge
Step 3: Once you are signed in, click on the Rhithm icon
What is the Rhithm privacy policy?
Rhithm does not share student data with anyone, including marketers. Rhithm has strict internal data governance policies and hosts data on private, HIPPA compliant dedicated servers with the highest security levels. The app, along with all Rhithm business policies, are structured to be FERPA compliant. View Privacy Policy
How can I learn more about Rhithm?
View this parent video for more information: English Spanish
Additional information and access to these activities can be found at: https://rhithm.app/parent-faq/
Brentsville HS Specialty Program Information Night 11/16
Brentsville H.S. will hold their first of two Specialty Program Information Nights on Wednesday, November 16 at 7 p.m.
Who? Prospective Students, Parents, & Guardians seeking Specialty Program Transfer for school year 2023-2024
What? Cambridge and Agriculture Specialty Programs Information Night #1
When? November 16 at 7 p.m.
Where? BDHS Auditorium and Cafeteria, 12109 Aden Road, Nokesville VA 20181
Why? Because at Brentsville the Cambridge Program grass is greener...thanks to our Agriculture Program!
GVMS Honor Roll and Principal's Honor Roll Celebration 11/16/22
On Wednesday, November 16, GVMS teachers and administrators will be celebrating our A/B Honor Roll and All A Principal's Honor Roll students. We congratulate all of our students for their hard work during Quarter 1!
GVMS Glow-in-the-Dark Dance 11/18
The Glow in the Dark dance will take place on Friday, November 18 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM. Students can pick up permission forms beginning this Wednesday 11/9 in the mixing bowl, main office, and cafeteria during lunches. Students must have a signed permission form with them when they purchase their tickets (no emailed copies will be accepted). Tickets will cost $5, and starting Monday, November 14, they will be available in the morning from 7:55 - 8:25 AM in the cafeteria and from 8:25 -9:00 AM in the front office for late busses/arrivals. Tickets will not be sold at the door on the night of the dance. Food and drinks will be available for purchase at the event. In addition, teachers and administrators will be chaperoning the dance. In the time leading up to the dance, if students violate the Code of Behavior, students may be placed on social probation by the administration and will not be able to attend the dance. Below is a list of friendly reminders about the dance.
Ticket Information:
· There are 400 dance tickets available for purchase.
Tickets will go on sale Monday, November 14 from 7:55 - 8:25 AM in the cafeteria and from 8:20 – 9:00 AM in the front office for late busses/arrivals. Students may not purchase dance tickets during the school day.
· Tickets will cost $5
· Students must submit a signed permission form when they purchase their tickets. Permission forms can be picked up in the mixing bowl, cafeteria during lunch, or in the front office.
· Tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis while supplies last.
· Tickets will not be sold at the door on the night of the dance.
· Tickets will only be sold to current GVMS students.
· Admission tickets are non-refundable
Behavior:
· Students are expected to follow all PWCS Code of Behavior expectations and GVMS school policies and rules.
· The dance is a casual event, and the school dress code will be enforced.
· No bags or backpacks will be permitted unless a student has a documented medical exception.
· No outside food or drinks will be permitted unless a student has a documented medical exception.
· Students who are not picked up on time and/or students who do not conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Behavior, may not be permitted to attend further school functions.
· Once a student leaves the building, they may NOT re-enter and will be asked to call their parents for pick up.
Student drop off/pick up:
- Parents are responsible for providing and/or finding transportation for their child before and
after the dance. There will be NO activity buses.
- Students are to be picked up PROMPTLY at the following time: 7:00 PM. PLEASE MEET
YOUR CHILD OUTSIDE THE BUILDING!
- Students are encouraged to carpool if possible.
GVMS PTO UPDATE
Direct Donations: Our direct donations are still going on. Please consider giving no denomination is too small. Where does the money go? Last year we funded the 8th-grade dance, monthly staff appreciation events, and funding for the classrooms. We gave out money to buy art supplies, library games, books for kids, incentives for classroom rewards, incentives for writing contests, and much more.
If you can donate please do so at this time.
Winter 1 Sports Tryouts - Nov 2, 7, and 9
GVMS Winter 1 Sports Tryout Dates - UPDATED
Wednesday 11/2
Thursday 11/3
Friday 11/4
All try-out dates run from 3:00 PM - 5:15 PM. An activity bus will NOT be offered.
It is important to note that students are NOT allowed to walk home from tryouts or athletics events at any time. Please arrange for a ride for your student.
All information can be found on the PWCS Student Athletics Website.
Winter 1 Sports - November: Boys' Basketball
Winter 2 Sports - January: Girls' Basketball and Wrestling
In order to try out for an athletics team, all students must:
- Take concussion training;
- Meet participation requirements; and
- Have a current physical dated after May 1, 2022.
- All documents/information need to be completed and turned in to Mr. Cadolino in the gym prior to November 2. If you already turned documents in for the 2022-2023 school year, then you do not need to turn any additional information in.
Important Forms
Middle School Physical Exam Form (PDF)
Middle School Activities Participation Guide (PDF)
Concussion Training Information
All student-athletes and their parent/guardian are required to complete an annual Concussion Training according to PWCS Policy 759. Concussion training information can be found on the PWCS Student Athletics Website. In-person GVMS Concussion Training dates are TBD and will be updated on the website.
You are eligible for Online Concussion Education Training if you are in grades 6, 7, and 8 and are currently enrolled in the Prince William County Public Schools. More information and the Online Concussion Education Training can be found by clicking the button below.
Any questions? Please reach out to Mr. Cadolino at cadolisx@pwcs.edu.
GVMS Athletics Events Reminders
Student Behavior at GVMS Events
It is important to remember that the Code of Behavior still applies at all PWCS and GVMS athletics and extra-curricular events. If students are not following the Code of Behavior, they will be sent home, and may lose privileges to come to future events.
PWCS Bag Policy at Athletic Events
Please notice the safety rule for bags that was implemented last school year (21-22) in PWCS. Please plan ahead before attending any school event across the county and possibly out of county.
BAGS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE ATHLETIC FACILITY
(Includes Backpacks, Purses, Fanny Packs, Etc.)
Clear bags are allowed for use as a diaper or medical bag and are subject to search.
GVMS Restroom Availability
For outdoor sporting events, there are portable restrooms located at the back of the school.
Parent Pick-Up
Please note the start time of sporting events and time accordingly to arrange for quick pick-up of students after sporting events. Administrators supervising the events provide reminders to students as to when to contact parents to arrange for pick-up and will send out a text to families with about 10 minutes left in the game.
Student Council Association Updates
Upcoming Events:
The next Student Council Meeting will take place on Monday, November 14 from 3:00-4:30 PM in Hawk Hull. Students are reminded that they should remain in their last period until ALL students are moved to their secondary locations.
- Operation Turkey Canned Food Drive - The GVMS Student Council Association (SCA) is working with Northern Virginia Family Service to collect items for Operation Turkey, which benefits over +1200 families yearly in Prince William County. In 2022, our school community donated 2,568 canned and nonperishable food items, and our goal for this year is to match or exceed that number! Donation collection will begin on Tuesday, November 1, and ends on Monday, November 7. Students will bring their donation items to their advisory period for collection. The class from each grade level with the largest percentage of collected items will win a special breakfast.
Suggested Donation Items
- Stuffing Gravy Cornbread mix
- Muffin mix
- Bisquick mix
- Applesauce
- Rice
- Pancake mix and syrup
- Dry/canned beans,
- lentils
- Soup/broth
- Pasta and sauces
- Coffee/tea/cocoa
- Boxed dessert
- Peanut butter and jelly
- Cooking oil/spray
- Sugar
- Flour
- Cereal and oatmeal
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables (green beans, carrots, peas, corn)
- Canned sweet potatoes
- Canned/instant potatoes
- Shelf-stable milk
PWCS Transitioning to High School Information
Below you will find the information that the GVMS counseling team presented to our 8th-grade students this past week. Please reach out to your student's counselor if you have any questions.
GVMS ParentVue and Canvas Cheat Sheets
Our fabulous Instructional Technology Coach, Mrs. Chrissy Richmond, put together some "cheat sheets" for Parent Vue and Canvas. Both documents can be accessed by clicking on the links below.
Paper Online Tutoring
Raise your hand if you could use some help with class assignments! The Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to announce that Prince William County Schools has partnered with Paper, a 24/7 academic support tutoring platform. Through Paper, our students can safely and securely chat with an expert tutor anytime, anywhere, for free.
Whether they need help clarifying homework questions or feedback on a written assignment, they can get on-demand and unlimited help when they need it! Teachers can also have students access this service during the school day for small group or individual support while in class!
To get started:
- Log into Paper via Clever or visit app.paper.co to connect with a tutor.
- Use this link to learn more: https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/ Instructional_technology/paper
PWCS Cafe Corner - November Local Harvest of the Month
November’s Local Harvest of the Month is Cabbage! The Food and Nutrition Department features local farmers who grow the produce we serve on our menu on their Twitter and Instagram accounts. Follow @PWCSNutrition to learn more about the local foods being served to students! Here is the recipe for the Stir Fried Cabbage served in all schools!
The PWCS Food and Nutrition Department is Hiring!
Are you tired of working evenings and weekends? Would you like to be off for your child’s school vacations? Are you looking for a job that truly has an impact on your community? Consider working for PWCS Nutrition!
The PWCS Food and Nutrition Department is seeking passionate, dedicated, fun-loving applicants for all areas of the county. We strive to provide wholesome, enjoyable, high-quality, nutritious meals to our students, so they can be ready to learn and take full advantage of the educational opportunities provided to them. The work we do is important, and the people who do it are inspiring. If these values are important to you too, come be part of our team! The number of hours needed varies by school. Most shifts fall between 9am and 3pm. Employees have weekends, evenings, school holidays, and snow days off. Most staff members work close to home in their own neighborhood schools. Starting pay is $14.34 an hour. Opportunities for growth and advancement are available. Ready to join us? Go to https://jobs.pwcs.edu/Jobs/, and choose “Classified – FOOD SERVICE” from the job type drop-down menu. Click the job link you are interested in applying for, and then click “log in to apply.” If you do not yet have an account, click “here” to set one up! For help with the online application, contact Human Resources at 703-791-8050. If you have questions or need additional information, please contact the PWCS Food and Nutrition Department at 703-791-7314. We look forward to hearing from you!
PWCS Transportation Information
Wondering where the bus is? Check out Here Comes the Bus
Wondering if the bus is delayed? Check out the PWCS Bus Delay Website
Questions or concerns about your bus route? Contact Transportation Services
PWCS uses the “Say Something” Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) designed specifically for students in grades 6-12 and staff to report any type of serious or potentially violent concerns of unsafe behavior or threats of harm to self or others. Say Something is a youth violence prevention program from the national nonprofit organization Sandy Hook Promise and is provided and sustained at no cost to PWCS.
“Tipsters” can send reports on anything from school threats they’ve seen or overheard to personal crises including sexual harassment, self-harm, and depression. The system enables school administrators and those in law enforcement to create effective interventions and intervene upon at-risk individuals to help prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm, and other forms of threatening behavior.
All tips submitted receive an immediate response by one of the highly skilled crisis counselors at the Sandy Hook Promise National Crisis Center; this person then determines the necessary support steps. When credible tips are received that are life-threatening and require immediate attention, the crisis center will notify school-based representatives, even after hours. And, in cases of imminent threat, the crisis center will contact local 911 dispatch and involve law enforcement. Users can submit a tip by calling 1-844-5-SAYNOW or by visiting www.saysomething.net. The free app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store, where students can submit tips instantly.
Administation Team
Mrs. Mary Kate Graham - Principal - grahammk@pwcs.edu
Ms. Michelle Praul - 6th Grade Assistant Principal - praulmh@pwcs.edu
Mr. Ed Schultz - 7th Grade Assistant Principal - schultej@pwcs.edu
Mr. Steve Williams - 8th Grade Assistant Principal - williasp@pwcs.edu
Safety and Security Team
Mr. Antione Jeter - jeterad@pwcs.edu
Mr. Jeffrey Barnes - barnesja@pwcs.edu
Counseling Team
Mrs. Jessie Castles - Director of School Counseling - castlejm@pwcs.edu
Ms. Janaelle Robles - Last Names A - Cou - roblesj@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Erin Abbott - Last Names Cr - Hin - abbotte@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Sarah Ware - Last Names Hl - Mik - waresm@pwcs.edu
Ms. Alexis Hawkins - Last Names Mil - Rut - hawkinam@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Autumn Brown - Last Names Ruu - Z - brownal2@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Patricia Lopez - Registrar - lopezpa@pwcs.edu
Technology Team
Mrs. Christine Richmond, Instructional Technology Coach: richmocm@pwcs.edu
- Canvas
- Parent Vue/Student Vue
Mr. Joseph Evans, Technology Specialist: evansj1@pwcs.edu
- Device Information and support