GMS NEWSLETTER
September, 2022
Message from the Principal...
It has been a good start at Gaylord Middle School. We had some nervous 7th graders it seems like, but everyone is settling in very well. Our doors will be open each school day at 7:20 a.m. Everyone at GMS is excited for a great year. I hope to see everyone next Thursday at our parent night.
Joe Somerville
VIP NIGHT FOR PARENTS
Parents are invited (parents only) to experience a day in the life of their student on Thursday, September 22nd from 6:30 p.m. to approximately 7:45 p.m. Please try to arrive at 6:00 p.m. to enjoy dinner on us. Mr. Smith and Mr. Somerville will be grilling hot dogs. The evening will begin with a brief welcome in the gym. Parents will then move through an abbreviated class schedule allowing them to meet their child’s teachers and learn about the class curriculum. Parents that attend will receive a “free admittance” ticket for their student to use at the first GMS dance of the year. Please join us for an evening of information and fun as we celebrate the importance of parent involvement in education. If you have any questions, please call the office at (989) 731-0848.
Groen Nature Preserve
On September 22, 2022, our entire 8th grade class will be traveling to the Groen Nature Preserve in Johannesburg. The visit will consist of our students rotating through numerous learning stations. They are as follows: water, soil erosion, oil and gas, agriculture, logging history, forestry, and wildlife. The entire cost for the field trip (transportation, lunch, etc) has generously been paid by a private foundation. We will be leaving the school at 8:30 a.m and returning at approximately 2:00 p.m.
Clear Reusable Water Bottles & Water Filling Stations
Students are highly encouraged to bring CLEAR reusable water bottles to school. The students are allowed to use them throughout the day with the ability to refill the bottles. GMS now has a total of 3 water filling stations that are available to the students to refill their bottle between classes or during lunch as needed.
GMS Office Procedures
Attendance: If your child is absent from school, please call the school at 989-731-0848 as early as possible in the morning. We will be answering our phones as early as 7:00 a.m., but if you have a touch tone phone you may leave a message for the Middle School prior to 7:00 a.m. by using the district’s voicemail system. Only a parent or guardian can excuse a student’s absence.
Medication: If your child requires medication during the school day, you must complete authorization forms which are available in the school office. All medication, prescription and non -prescription, must be stored in the office in it's original package/bottle.
Pre-excused Absences: If you know your child is going to be absent, please have them pick up a pre-excused absence form from the office. They will need to have it signed by a parent or guardian and their teachers, and return it to the office. This will allow us to excuse the absence and allow your child to get their homework ahead of time.
Students Arriving Late/Leaving Early: Students arriving to school late must sign in at the office before reporting to class. Parents or guardians can excuse their child's tardiness by phone or a note. Students leaving before the end of the school day will only be released to a parent or guardian.
Address Changes: The District has updated their policy and if you have a change to your physical address you will need to provide documentation before the school is able to make that update.
Student Items: Parents please make sure items being dropped off are labeled with student's name.
Absent Students: Students who are absent are able to access what they missed in Google Classroom. If having trouble logging in or finding the work please contact us at 989-731-0848.
PICTURE DAY IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14TH
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Athletics
Girls basketball & wrestling tryouts will begin the week after Holiday Break .
All student athletes must have a current physical on file in the GMS office in order to participate.
PARENT PORTAL
Parent Portal is a great way to keep up-to-date on your student's grades and attendance. To access parent portal use: Gaylord.powerschool.com. Login credentials were sent home with students on the first day of school. Please ask your child about Parent Portal. The student's homework this weekend is to show parents how to log in.
IMPORTANT DATES
September 22nd - VIP Night for parents
October 14th - Picture Day
October 28th - NO SCHOOL for students; PD for teachers
November 15th - NO SCHOOL for students; PD for teachers
November 18th - Picture Retakes
November 24th & 25th - NO SCHOOL for students & staff - Thanksgiving Break
December 23rd thru January 2nd - NO SCHOOL for students & staff - Holiday Break
January 16th - NO SCHOOL for students; PD for teachers
March 27th - March 31st - NO SCHOOL for students & staff
April 7th - NO SCHOOL for students & staff - Good Friday
May 29th - NO SCHOOL for students & staff - Memorial Day
June 7th (tentative) - Last day (half day)
GMS DRESS CODE
Please take time to read the following attachment regarding the GMS Dress Code Policy
Gaylord Middle School
Joe Somerville, Principal
Dave Smith, Assistant Principal
Location: 600 E Fifth Street, Gaylord, MI
Phone: 989-731-0848