Hawk Highlights
GVMS Weekly Newsletter
April 16, Volume 2, Issue 28
Dear GVMS Families,
It's hard to believe that we have reached the final quarter of the 2022 - 2023 school year. This year really is flying by! We have some important events happening this week at GVMS:
- On Monday, April 17, 2023, we will be giving the PWCS student climate survey in AM Hawk Time (Advisory).
- On Tuesday, April 18, 2023, we will have our bi-annual bus evacuation drill during morning arrival.
- This week, our rising 7th-grade students will be creating their schedules with their counselor through their music classes. Students will be bringing their scheduling form home for signature.
- Spring athletic events begin after school this week - check the calendar below for more information.
- There will be no school on Friday, April 21, 2023. This day marks the end of the month of Ramadan and the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak to those who celebrate.
Here's an update on what's good at Gainesville:
- On Friday, April 14, GVMS students participated in the Unified Track Meet at Reagan Middle School. We are so proud of Mrs. Seymour and Mr. Zydor's students! A huge shoutout to Alex, Logan, and Bella, who attended the event and helped to support our students in the different events. GO HAWKS!
- Our Drama club put on their production of Enter Bogart this past weekend. Excellent job by our performers. Thanks to Mrs. Rodriguez-Snellings for her hard work and leadership!
GVMS Yearbooks - last year we sold out of yearbooks and we don't order more once they are gone. Please order your yearbook today.
As always, we thank you for your educational partnership and look forward to another great week at GVMS.
Best,
Mary Kate Graham
Proud Principal
Twitter: @HighFlyingHawks
Monday, April 17, 2023
- PWCS Student Climate Survey in AM Hawk Time
- SCA Meeting in Hawk Hall @ 3:00 - 4:30 PM
Tuesday, April 18, 2023
- Bus Evacuation Drill - AM Bus Arrival
Wednesday, April 19, 2023
- Girls' Soccer and Softball Games vs. Bull Run MS (Home @ 4:45 PM)
Thursday, April 20, 2023
- Baseball Game vs. Bull Run MS (Home @ 4:45 PM)
Friday, April 21, 2023
- Eid al-Fitr - NO SCHOOL
Wednesday, April 26, 2023
- Girls' Soccer and Softball Games vs. Metz MS (Home @ 4:45 PM)
Thursday, April 27, 2023
- Baseball Game vs. Metz MS (Home @ 4:45 PM)
- Gainesville HS Freshmen Orientation @ GHS (5:30 - 7:30 PM)
Friday, April 28, 2023
- Tri-School Boys' Track Meet (Home @ 4:45 PM)
GVMS Spring SOL Schedule 2023
Tuesday, May 2, 2023 - Reading SOL
- All grade levels will test beginning at 8:30 AM.
- GVMS will operate on a delayed schedule which will be shared closer to the time of testing.
Tuesday, May 9, 2023 - Civics SOL
- 8th-Grade only testing, beginning at 8:30 AM.
- 6th and 7th-grade students will operate on a normal schedule.
Friday, May 12, 2023 - Math SOL
- All grade levels will test beginning at 8:30 AM.
- GVMS will operate on a delayed schedule which will be shared closer to the time of testing.
Thursday, May 18, 2023 - Science SOL
- 8th-Grade only testing, beginning at 8:30 AM.
- 6th and 7th-grade students will operate on a normal schedule.
GVMS End of the Year Events 2023
Thursday, May 11, 2023
- 6th-Grade Chorus Concert at GVMS - 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 18, 2023
- Rising 6th-Grade Information Night
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
- 6th-Grade Band and Orchestra at GVHS - 7:00 PM
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
- 7th-Grade Chorus at GVHS - 7:00 PM
Thursday, May 25, 2023
- SCA Talent Show at GVMS
Wednesday, May 31, 2023
- 8th Grade Band, Orchestra, and Chorus Concert at GVHS - 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 1, 2023
- 8th-Grade NJHS Induction Ceremony - 6:00 PM @ GVMS
Friday, June 2, 2023
- 8th-Grade Drama Production at GVMS - 7:00 PM
Thursday, June 8, 2023
- 7th-Grade Band and Orchestra at GVHS - 7:00 PM
Friday, June 9, 2023
- 8th-Grade End of the Year Dance - Time TBD
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
- 8th Grade High Flying Hawk Award Ceremony - 6:00 PM
- Invitations Only
Autism Acceptance Month - April 2023
April is recognized as Autism Awareness Month, a time to promote understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and support those who have been diagnosed with it. At Gainesville Middle School, we believe in fostering a community that celebrates diversity and inclusivity. We recognize that individuals with ASD have unique talents and perspectives that can enrich our school and our world. Throughout the month of April, we encourage all members of our community to learn more about ASD and how we can support individuals with this diagnosis.
National Arab American Heritage Month - April 2023
During the month of April, we recognize the contributions of Arab Americans to the United States. Americans of Arab heritage have advanced our nation's achievements in diplomacy, science, technology, arts, and culture. Arab Americans have also been at the forefront of the fight for social justice and civil rights. We celebrate National Arab American Heritage Month by celebrating the rich culture and heritage of Arab Americans.
GVMS x Panda Express Spirit Night
Join the GVMS PTO on Thursday, April 20, from 10:30 AM to 9:00 PM at Panda Express in Gainesville. 20% of the event sales will be donated to the GVMS PTO to help fund events. You can order through the app or share the flyer on your phone at the restaurant.
We'll see you there!
8th-Grade Family Life Education Information
Beginning on Tuesday, April 11, 2023, GVMS 8th-grade students will begin their unit of study on Family Life Education (FLE) in their health and physical education classes. The middle school FLE program is taught by science teachers in grades six and seven and by health and physical education teachers in grade eight. The program builds upon concepts introduced at the elementary level. Although the FLE program is highly compatible with existing curricula and serves to enrich the educational experiences of students, FLE content may be considered sensitive. Therefore, parents/guardians may choose to opt their child out of all or any part of FLE instruction. Students who are opted out will be provided with non-punitive activities during FLE instruction. Parents/guardians should review the FLE objectives pertaining to their child’s grade or course before making opt-out decisions. The Parent Information Letter/Opt-Out Request Form, Grade level objectives, and Instructional Scope and Sequence and Pacing can be found by clicking on the link below.
The GVMS FLE schedule is as follows:
April 14, 17, & 18, 2023
3rd Period: Grinnell
4th Period: Cadolino/Comune
5th Period: Cadolino/Comune
Students will be split into two groups, boys and girls, and will be taught by an HPE teacher of the same gender. Please contact your student's HPE teacher if you have any questions/concerns. If you choose to opt your student out of FLE, please fill out the attachment and send it to your students' HPE teacher and Jessie Castles at castlejm@pwcs.edu.
GVMS - Spring SOL Expedited Retakes
The Virginia Board of Education has directed school divisions to offer students the opportunity to retake grades 3-8 Standards of Learning (SOL) tests this spring. Students will be permitted an expedited retake of an SOL test if they are passing the course associated with the test and:
- Scored between 375 and 399 on their first attempt; or,
- Did not pass their first attempt and have extenuating circumstances that warrant retesting; or,
- Did not sit for the regularly scheduled test for legitimate reasons.
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) does not endorse excessive or unnecessary testing of students. However, we believe some students may benefit from an expedited retake when targeted subject-matter assistance can be provided. In the event your student does not pass a grade 3-8 SOL test this spring and you would like to have them retested, we ask that you please read and complete this form to indicate your consent. Please have your student return the signed form to their school. Please note that PWCS will not administer an expedited retake unless your consent is given in advance. Please also note that your consent can be withdrawn at any time and any decision to omit your student from an expedited retake will not negatively impact their class grade.
GVMS Counseling Newsletter - April Edition
Check out the GVMS Counseling Newsletter, linked below, for more information about supports, programs, and services offered by our fabulous counseling team.
Inspirigirl @ TJHS - Coding Classes
We are the teaching coordinators of Inspirigirl, a nonprofit educational group run by students at Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHSST) that provides free computer science classes, workshops, and events for students with a focus on encouraging girls to participate in computer science.
The nonprofit educational group run by students at Thomas Jefferson High School (TJHSST), Inspirigirl, will be holding free Spring 2023 virtual computer science classes this year. GVMS students are invited to register and learn about computer science with Inspirigirl! All students are welcome, and various coding courses are offered for all different age and level groups. Classes are completely free thanks to the TJHSST teaching volunteers. Please check the flyer below for more information and you can register at the following link: linktr.ee/springregistration.
PWCS Bark Special Offer for Families
PWCS seeks to shape students into digital citizens using information technology to better the world around them. This includes using digital tools to explore and exchange ideas safely and responsibly. In support of this, many parents and families have asked PWCS for potential solutions to monitor children’s online activity on personal devices.
PWCS has robust monitoring in place within the PWCS network on PWCS-provided devices to keep students safe and identify potential concerns. Through a partnership with Bark, PWCS is pleased to provide a potential solution for families who may wish to monitor personal devices provided to their children.
Through this partnership with PWCS, Bark is now offering all PWCS families Bark Jr for free (normally $5 per month) and Bark Premium for 20% off full price (now $80 per year). Using Bark Jr, parents and guardians can manage screen time, block websites and apps, and get location alerts. Bark Jr works on Apple, Amazon, and Android devices.
Bark Premium monitors texts, email, YouTube, and 30+ apps and platforms, web searches and saved photos & videos. Parents will receive parental monitoring alerts for issues like cyberbullying, online predators, suicidal ideation. Bark Premium can also help manage screen time, block websites and apps, and get location alerts and check-ins.
Parents/guardians can get the discount via this link or sign up using J4S5MQ3 as the referral/promo code when signing up via Bark website.
Please see the PWCS website for additional resources for digital citizenship, internet safety and media literacy.
The Virginia Board of Education has directed school divisions to offer students the opportunity to retake grades 3-8 Standards of Learning (SOL) tests this spring. Students will be permitted an expedited retake of an SOL test if they are passing the course associated with the test and:
- Scored between 375 and 399 on their first attempt; or,
- Did not pass their first attempt and have extenuating circumstances that warrant retesting; or,
- Did not sit for the regularly scheduled test for legitimate reasons.
Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) does not endorse excessive or unnecessary testing of students. However, we believe some students may benefit from an expedited retake when targeted subject-matter assistance can be provided. In the event your student does not pass a grade 3-8 SOL test this spring and you would like to have them retested, we ask that you please read and complete this form to indicate your consent. Please have your student return the signed form to their school. Please note that PWCS will not administer an expedited retake unless your consent is given in advance. Please also note that your consent can be withdrawn at any time and any decision to omit your student from an expedited retake will not negatively impact their class grade.
TJ Techstravaganza Event
The 19th annual Techstravaganza will be held at at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, VA, on May 13, 2023 from 10:00 - 4:00 PM.
Admission is free, food will be for sale, and we hope that you can spread the word in your school! You can register by clicking on the link: https://tinyurl.com/techstrav2023tix.
More information about the event can be found at tjtechstrav.org.
GVHS Open House
Gainesville High School will be hosting a Freshman and New Student Open House on Thursday, April 27th, 5:30-7:30 pm. Students and families will be able to tour the school and meet department representatives, club sponsors, and athletic coaches. There will be information sessions throughout the evening.
Ramadan at GVMS
Ramadan begins on Wednesday, March 22, and ends on Friday, April 21, 2023. For our Muslim students and families, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year. It is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During Ramadan we provide our Muslim students with:
- A food-free space
- The option to avoid physical activity in PE
If you are interested in exempting your student from physical activity in PE during Ramadan, please provide a note to your student's PE teacher.
GVMS Family Needs Survey 22-23
As we are entering the last few months of the 22-23 school year, we want to be sure that we are planning and scheduling events that meet the needs of our community. If you don't mind taking a few minutes to complete our survey, we would really appreciate it!
Did you know that all PWCS students can get free help from Paper tutors?
- If you have an important assessment coming up, reach out for free tutor support.
- Do you need to catch up on your assignments or need extra help remembering how to do something you had in class a few weeks ago? Paper tutors can help.
- Do you need to see an example of how to work through a problem? Reach out to your own personal tutor.
- It's fast, easy, free, safe, and encouraged by PWCS.
- There is no limit to the amount of help you can get, and there is absolutely no charge to you for using the service.
- The tutors will meet you in less than 30 seconds from the time you contact them.
- Tutors are available to you anytime, day or night, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
- To contact your free tutor, visit Paper - Online Tutoring - Prince William County Public Schools (pwcs.edu).
*Note: Teachers can see the names of the students who use Paper in their classes. You'll grow in your confidence as you get help with the areas you might be having difficulty learning.
Why wait until it is too late? Start using a tutor today. Paper can be found in Clever as well.
Afternoon Announcements - Beginning Thursday, March 9
Beginning on Thursday, March 9, GVMS will transition to an announcement-free dismissal. Many of our feeder elementary schools do this, so we are going to try the same! We will begin our regular announcements at 2:49, announcing any important messages for students, before dismissing walkers, kiss-n-ride, band students, and athletes. We will then remind students and teachers to display the Padlet before beginning our "silent" dismissal.
Students will be provided with the following to ensure that they are making it to their bus when it arrives:
- Reminders each day this week on the morning and afternoon announcements.
- Teachers will display the Padlet in their classrooms for students to see on their Newline Board.
- The link for the Padlet can be found below. Students can access this link from their cell phones or school laptops.
After a majority of the buses are dismissed, we will then dismiss students to their final location. It'll be important for students to pay attention to the Padlet, as it tells them when their bus arrives and where their bus is located. Many of our students have been dismissing themselves like this all year!
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.
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.
Ways to Report Absences...
1. ParentVUE:
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 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