GMS Newsletter
March, 2021
Message from the Principal...
Hello parents, we have made it to March and warmer weather is in sight! A few more weeks and our students will get a well deserved break. The marking period ends on March 26th, if you would like to make a change from online learning to face to face please contact us before the 26th. We have a busy April with state testing. Have a good spring break!!
Education Development Plans (EDP)
Gaylord Middle School students will soon begin their Educational Development Plans (EDPs). The purpose of an EDP is to provide a personal, ongoing record of career planning and future goals. Students begin this process in middle school and refine their EDP as they move through high school. Middle school is a good time for students to begin to explore available careers and the training needed to attain those careers.
Students use a website called Career Cruising to make their EDP’s. Each student has their own Career Cruising account where they can explore all types of career and future education options in addition to financial aid information, resume writing capabilities and many other resources. We ask students to take an inventory called Career Matchmaker that uses a student’s likes and dislikes to suggest careers that might appeal to them. Then each student saves at least three careers they find interesting. We also look at post-secondary education options. Some students choose to save colleges, trade schools and military options to their EDPs as well. Mostly, we want students to be thinking about the future. If you have any questions concerning this you may contact Mrs. Baril at barilm@gaylord.k12.mi.us.
PSAT and M-STEP Testing
All 8th grade students will take the state-required PSAT 8 (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) on Tuesday, April 13th. There will be a reading, a writing and two math portions on this test. Please make every effort to have your 8th grade student here and on time that day. The M-STEP (Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress) will begin in April as well. 8th graders will test in Science and Social Studies. 7th graders will test in Math and ELA. The 8th grade M-STEP testing will begin the week of April 19th. The 7th grade M-STEP testing will begin the week of May 3rd. Student attendance on these days is incredibly important. Students are able to concentrate better on a full stomach, after a good night’s sleep. Please encourage your child to get a few extra hours of sleep and eat a nutritious breakfast.
Progress Reports
Quarter 3 Progress Reports were sent home on Monday, March 1st. On-site students received theirs in school. Virtual students will be receiving theirs in the mail. Please review this information with your student.
Athletics
Track & Field practice will begin April 6th weather depending. Students must have a physical on file in the GMS office. Coaches are Mr. Berkshire, Mrs. Wieland, and Mr. Mendolia. If your student has not been active this winter, we suggest having them do a bit of running between now and when we start. The track meet schedule, when finalized, will be on the GMS website.
Cafeteria News
Parent Portal
Lost & Found
We still have many unclaimed items in the lost and found (jewelry, clothing). Students if you are missing anything, please stop in and check the lost and found in the cafeteria and office. UNCLAIMED ITEMS WILL BE DONATED TO CHARITY. Thank you!
Mark Your Calendar
March 29th - April 2nd: No School - Spring Break
April 5th: End of 3rd Marking Period
May 31st: No School - Memorial Day
June 9th: Last Day of School (tentatively set as 1/2 day)
Gaylord Middle School
Joe Somerville, Principal
Dave Smith, Assistant Principal
Location: 600 E Fifth Street, Gaylord, MI
Phone: 989-731-0848