The Bark
GHMS Newsletter - 9/3/21
Gold Hill Middle School
Tega Cay, SC 29708
(803) 548 - 8300
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter - @GHMSBulldogs
Important Points for Parents
Message from the Principal
Need some help with the book bags!
Parents, we need some help with cleaning out some of our students' book bags. We are worried about the size and weight of the backpacks. Lockers were not issued this year due to spacing in the halls and a lack of need for them. Teachers are working with the students to help them consolidate their classes. Students are able to combine classes in one notebook or binder and things like that. Students, for the most part, do not have any textbooks that were individually issued to them that need to be carried around in their book bag. Help us go through these backpacks and take out unneeded materials. Some of the school supplies can be left at home until they are needed later in the year.
New Rule Reminder
Starting this school year, no outside lunches are able to be delivered or dropped off at the front office for students. Students are able to bring their own lunch or get a lunch in the cafeteria. Lunches are free for all students this year.
For Students who may be Quarantining
Parents, please take a look at this document to see some helpful tips for students who are home on quarantine.
COVID Safety Precautions
At the school board meeting held on Tuesday, August 24, Dr. Epps announced new mitigation strategies that the district will begin implementing in response to the rise in COVID-19 cases in our area. Beginning this week, the following strategies will be added to our current protocols:
- Masks are strongly encouraged for students and staff.
- All out of district academic field trips are suspended.
- No volunteers or visitors will be allowed in the buildings.
- All large participation events such as open houses or pep rallies will be canceled or transitioned to virtual events.
- All sports programs and events will follow the guidance of the SCHSL.
Parent Portal
The first round of quizzes and tests are wrapping up, so please be sure to keep an eye on your child's grades through parent portal.
Here is the link to Parent Portal.
school nurse news (updated)
To the parents of current 7th graders:
The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) wants to assure that all children and teens receive recommended vaccines to prevent disease. DHEC reminds parents and guardians that South Carolina law requires that all students in 7th grade have one (1) dose of Tdap vaccine. The Tdap vaccine protects preteens and teens from three serious diseases: tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (whooping cough).
The deadline to submit the documentation to GHMS is 9/14/2021. After this date, your student cannot attend school until the documentation has been received. Please contact Staci Hyde, School Nurse, if you have any questions regarding this vaccine. Please ask your physician’s office for the documentation on a SC Immunization form. This certificate is required by state law for school attendance.
Your local DHEC health department also can provide this vaccine. Call 1-855-472-3432 to make an appointment. For more information about vaccinations in South Carolina, go to scdhec.gov/Health/Vaccinations/
Masks on school buses
Based on COVID-19 data being reported by schools, along with increasing levels of the highly transmissible Delta variant in local communities, more protective measures are needed to lower the risk of virus transmission and keep our schools open and operating as safely as possible.
For this reason, the SCDE will again enforce the CDC’s Order requiring the use of face coverings by students and staff on state owned and operated school buses. All districts must be in compliance with this requirement no later than Monday, August 30, 2021.
To facilitate adherence to the CDC Order, the SCDE will equip all state-owned school buses with an adequate supply of face coverings that meet CDC Order requirements. If a student boards a bus without a face covering, bus drivers should offer the student a face covering. However, no student should be denied transportation for failing to adhere to the CDC Order.
Paws for a cause
GHMS Volleyball
- Next Week -
Wednesday (9/8) - Springfield Middle School will be coming to GHMS at 5:00
Thursday (9/9) - Banks Trail Middle School will be coming to GHMS at 5:00
All tickets must be purchased through Gold Hill's GoFan site/app.
Good luck Bulldogs!
Are You Ready For Some Football???
The Black and Blue scrimmage was awesome... except for the MONSOON!!! :)
All tickets must be purchased through Gold Hill's GoFan site/app.
Good luck Bulldogs!
robotics
Bulldog Robotics is back for the 2021-2022 season! If you are interested in joining Bulldog Robotics to design, build, program and compete VEX IQ robotics, stay afterschool for the information session on Tuesday, September 7th until 4:00 in the GTT room. Applications can also be picked up outside the GTT room and are due Tuesday, September 14th. See Dr. Rodriguez if you have any questions.
yearbook staff applications!
Are you interested in Journalism?
Do you want to learn about writing & graphic design?
Do you think you might enjoy interviewing others?
Then Yearbook Staff is for you!
Applications can be found outside Ms. Shrum’s room (615) or online. Just scan the QR code.
Applications are due Sept. 8th.
yearbook sales!
Yearbooks are $35 at Jostens.com until Oct. 15. After Oct. 15, the price goes up.
Recognition ads are on sale at Jostens.com until Jan. 28
PTA Update
First PTA Meeting
Friday, September 10, 8:30 am
We will meet at the picnic tables outside of the gym/cafeteria. Park and walk to the black top area near the basketball courts. Do not go inside of the school. Hot coffee will be provided by Tega Cay Coffee Co.
Your current PTA Board
Co-President – Brittany Giametta
Co-President – Carrie Shearin
Co-Vice President – Kim Miller
Co-Vice President – Open position, will be accepting nominations soon
Treasurer – Stefanie Hill
Secretary – Carissa Wiand
Visit our website for the most up to date information – http://www.ghmspta.org
School Name: Gold Hill Middle School
Picture Day Date: Tuesday, September 14
Picture Day ID: EVTPP6Q32
Virtual students are invited to participate in Gold Hill Middle School's picture day at 7:40 in the gym. All other students will be participating throughout the school day in their predetermined class.
GHMS Back pack program
This year our District will partner with The Fort Mill Foundation and the Second Harvest Food Bank to provide food items to students who are in need during the weekends. If this pilot program may help your family with weekend food supplies, then please complete the GHMS Back Pack Parent Referral & Permission Form.
Since this is a new middle school pilot program, supplies may be limited. We will do our best to honor your requests. Submit the Permission Form by September 3rd. Our goal is to provide Back Packs to participating students on Friday, September 10th
sora is a reading app with e-books
early dismissal/transportation and pick up information
GHMS Parents,
Please take a minute and complete the two forms below. The first form provides the school with early dismissal, transportation and student pick-up information. The second form provides the school with information if your child would like to walk/bike to and from school. The data from these forms is captured confidentially for the front office at GHMS only.
Early Dismissal, Transportation & Pick-Up Information - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScF54ax8XCOV2Yrm67sV3CGmwp0Qpj8MWfBq3QSOhlAxG1H_A/viewform
Walkers/Bike Rider Permission - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfxsV1KB9WFOaIVBs5uhBmy7gNT3dFaIyNtgo4gj4U3ipCATg/viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0
School Counseling Information!
Check out the Counselors' Corner for more information from your school counselors.
Mrs. Ashley DiMaggio, 6th grade
Mr. Marc Wesseling, 7th grade
Ms. Lisa Ross, 8th grade