Jaguar News
Volume 2, Issue 36 - May 3, 2019
Dear Gentry Families,
With spring in full swing and all the activities, many students and families begin to think about the end of the school year. High school seniors aren't the only ones who experience "senioritis" or the "end-of-the-school-year-blues." Middle school students can begin to shut down and dial back their efforts towards the end of the school year.
It's important to help our students finish the school year strong. We want to raise responsible learners who don't quit and are able to work hard despite distractions. Here are some tips to help your student continue to put forth their best effort until that last school bell rings.
- Gear check - Make sure they bring their backpack to school with all their materials and iPad charged.
- Lead by example - Avoid speaking negatively about school, homework, how you can't wait for the year to be over, etc. in front of your child. It will be harder for your student to put forth their best effort if they think you don't care.
- Stick to the routine - When it's warm and light outside, it is harder to enforce bedtime. It is important to help your student continue to make time for homework and at home reading. Help your child develop responsibility and perseverance by maintaining that good learners do what they need to do until the job is done!
8th Grade Dance
The 8th Grade Dance is TODAY May 3 at Rock Bridge High School from 7p-9p.
Some reminders about the dance!
-There will be a DJ and raffle prizes
-Snacks and drinks will be provided
-Dress casually (school dress code applies)
-Parents can drop off and pick up at the south entrance
-Please arrive on time- as doors will close a little after 7:00 pm. Also, if kids need to leave early parents will need to come in and check them out. We want to provide a safe and fun evening for all.
- Please pick up your student promptly at 9:00 pm.
6th Grade Night
Parent/Student Athletic Information Night
We will be hosting our GMS Parent/Student Athletic Information Night on Tuesday, May 14th at 6:30 pm in our cafetorium. At this meeting our athletic director will be presenting information regarding athletic opportunities for incoming 7th/8th grade students, required MSHSAA paperwork, our summer athletic camp schedule and information regarding registration. Our A.D. will also be available to field any questions that you may have regarding Gentry athletics. Go Jaguars!
May Lunch Menu
Opportunity for Current 6th and 7th Grade Students
For the summer of 2020, Gentry Middle School will be offering the chance of a lifetime: a trip to Boston and New York City!!! Experience the magic of seeing history come alive through the streets where the American Revolution was born. See the sights and hear the sounds of one of America’s largest and most diverse cities all while exploring new and exciting places in the world. We will pass out information next week and have an informational meeting on May 16th for all those interested in attending.
If you have questions, feel free to contact Ms. Bri Noltie at bnoltie@cpsk12.org or Mr. David Aulgur at daulgur@cpsk12.org who are planning and chaperoning the trip.
GMS Cheerleading Tryouts
Cheerleading tryouts for incoming 7th and 8th graders will be held during the last full week of school (5/20-5/23). Interested students should go to Room 204 (Ms. McCormick) for cheerleading tryout applications. Jiggy the Jaguar mascot tryouts will be held separately and will be announced at the beginning of the 2019-2020 school year.
8th Grade MU Rec Day- Help Needed
Our amazing PTSA is organizing our 8th grade field trip to the MU Rec Center and Stankowski Field on May 17th. Many volunteers and donations are needed to make this a great day! Please click on the link below if you would be willing to volunteer your time or make a donation to round out the student’s lunchtime meal. Thank you in advance for any help you can provide!
Lost and Found Items
All items that are left in the lost and found at the end of the school year will be donated to a charity of our choice. Please don't delay in having your student stop by our lost and found located in our cafeteria to check for lost items. Items that are smaller and of more value are locked and stored in the office. ALL items will be removed from the school and donated to a local charity by the end of the day on Tuesday, May 28.
Notes From the Nurse
We've Got Spirit! How 'Bout You?
Our new cheer coach, Chrissy McCormick, will be hosting cheer squad clinics on May 20th and 21st from 2:35-4:00 pm in our commons area for those 7th/8th grade students who are interested in trying out for the 2019 GMS cheer squad. During these sessions students will have a chance to learn and practice the material needed for the actual tryout day which will be held on Thursday, May 23rd. Completed MSHSAA physical and insurance paperwork must be on file in the main office in order for girls to attend both the clinic sessions and the tryouts.
Congratulations!
- Saloni Chaurasia, Allison Kim, and Joan Kwon placed 3rd at state for their exhibit. Third place means they are the alternate for nationals if one of the top two places don’t go in June.
Also, the following students were awarded special prizes for their projects.
- Matthew Qian - Jewish History Prize for his website Chiune Sugihara: A Triumphant Act of Bravery in a Dark, Tragic Time
- Addison Spiller – American Association of University Women (AAUW) Women’s History Prize for her documentary From Tragedy to Triumph: Anne Sullivan Macy’s Story
- Ella Koerkenmeier – Missouri German Heritage Prize for her documentary The Lemps: The Business Triumph that Led to a Family Tragedy
Parents are Welcome!
We wanted to be sure to let you all know in advance that parents are welcome to attend the 6th and 7th grade End-of-Year Award ceremonies and the 8th grade Graduation/Transition Ceremony. It is not necessary to dress formally for any of these ceremonies. Students should simply plan to wear what they would normally wear for a school day. Hope to see you there!
GMS Summer Sports Camps
Gentry Middle School will be hosting various summer sports programs and camps throughout the summer months (June-August) for all incoming 7th and 8th grade students. The developmentally appropriate activities that will be offered are designed and selected by qualified professionals with years of coaching experience to ensure your child's enjoyment. Activities will take place in the school gymnasium and playing fields. Please click on the link below for a camp registration form.
RBHS Spirit Store
The RBHS Spirit Store will be open on Tuesday, May 7th from 4-7 pm under the pavilion at the entrance to the RBHS football/track complex. The opening of this store will coincide with the last middle school track meet of the season and is an opportunity for students to get official RB gear for summer workouts or for rising freshmen and their families. New styles and colors of white, ash and green t-shirts will be available! For further information, contact Melissa Murphy at melissa@johnstonpaint.com or 573-289-8755.
FINAL Two Days of MAP Testing
Tuesday (5/7): 6-8th Grade Make-Up MAP Testing and 7th/8th Algebra I EOC Make-Up Testing
Track Uniform Turn-In
StuCo’s Student/Staff of the Week
The purpose of the GMS Student Council (StuCo) is to give students an opportunity to develop leadership skills by organizing and carrying out school activities and service projects. One of the projects that this club currently oversees is their Student/Staff of the week project.
This week's StuCo students of the week are Ross Taylor for ”being a great friend and being respectful to everyone” and Annie Stagg for “being an amazing friend, someone who you can count on and talk to and a hard worker and who is very funny.”
This week's StuCo staff members of the week are Mrs. Moreau for “helping to keep this enormous school clean” and Mrs. Kossmann for “making her class feel welcome, complimenting her students, and helping students with their work.”
Advisory for May 6-10
During the week of May 6th-10th, Gentry students will explore the ins and outs of social awareness and gain a better understanding of what labeling others looks like and how appreciating diversity benefits everyone. Additionally, students will gain a better understanding of the fact that there is far more to a person than appearances alone .
Monday: SSR
Tuesday: Advisory Lesson (Labeling Others)
Wednesday: Academic Day
Thursday: Advisory Lesson (Crossing the Line: Diversity)
Friday: Academic Day
After School Activity Bus
PBIS Expectations for the Week of May 6th-10th
The PBIS expectation for the week of May 6-12th is being respectful in the bathrooms. This means we will be looking for students who are able to:
• Wait patiently for their turn
• Leave a clean stall
• Consider the privacy of others
RBHS Tennis
Those students who live in the Rock Bridge High School attendance area are invited to attend a Learn About Tennis Opportunities in Columbia meeting on Thursday, May 9 @ 6:45 p.m. at the Bethel Park Tennis Courts.
On Friday, May 10 from 2:45 - 3:50 p.m. there will be a Tennis Play Day for 6th and 7th graders living in the Rock Bridge High School attendance area. The event will take place at the Bethel Park Tennis Courts. If you have any further questions about the RBHS Tennis Program, please don't hesitate to contact bloeb@cpsk12.org.
Looking Ahead May 6-12
Monday, May 6: (A Day)
1:30-2:30 pm- RBHS Show Choir Practice/Annex N and Stage
2:35-4:30 pm- 7th/8th Track and Field Practice/Up Commons and Outside
2:35-4:00 pm- 6th Grade Co-ed Intramural Volleyball/Gym
6:15 pm- 6th Grade Orchestra Concert/Stage
7:00 pm- 7th/8th Grade Orchestra Concert/Stage
Tuesday, May 7: (B Day)
4:30 pm- 7th/8th (V Only) Track and Field City Relays/RBHS
6:00 pm- PTSA Meeting/Media Center
Wednesday, May 8 : (A Day)
2:00 pm- Show Choir Practice/Annex N and Stage
6:00 pm- Spring Choir (6th-8th) Concert/Stage
Thursday, May 9: (B Day)
2:35-4:00 pm- Tennis Club/Meet at Locker Room
2:35-4:00 pm- French Study Hall/Annex K
7:00 pm- 8th Grade Band Concert/Gym
Friday, May 10: (A Day)
10:30-12:47- Dippin' Dots Served at Lunches
Saturday, May 11:
There are no activities scheduled for today.
Sunday, May 12:
There are no activities scheduled for today.
Future Dates to Remember
5/6- 6th-8th Grade Orchestra Concert
5/8- 6th-8th Grade Spring Choral Concert
5/9- 8th Grade Spring Band Concert/Gym
5/11- 8th Band at World's of Fun Music Festival
5/13- EEE Expo @ 5:00 pm
5/13- 7th/8th Gentry Choir Tour Day
5/14- Parent Athletic Informational Meeting @ 6:30 pm
5/17-6th-8th Grade End-of-the-Year Field Trips
5/22- 7th Grade End-of-the-Year Award Ceremony (8:00 am)
5/22- 6th Grade End-of-the-Year Award Ceremony (1:30 pm)
5/23- Cheer Squad Tryouts
5/23- 8th Grade Graduation (8:00 am)
5/28- Final Day of School (12:05 Early Release) and Talent Show Assemblies
Jaguar News
Dr. Fairouz Bishara
Email: fbishara@cpsk12.org
Website: https://www.cpsk12.org/Domain/17
Phone: (573) 214-3240
Twitter: @FairouzBishara