May 2022 Message

From Glen Meadow Middle School

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Welcome to May 2022

Thank you for all of your support this school year. It is hard to believe that we only have less than two months of school left and then summer break will be upon us. It is our hope and mission that your child's school year has been and continues to be an enriching and rewarding experience!


Upcoming Events/Activities for the Month of May:


  • May 1: National School Principals' Day
  • May 2 - May 6: National Teacher Appreciation Week
  • May 3: National Teacher Appreciation Day
  • May 3: Band/Orchestra/Chorus Adjudication at GMMS (9:00 - 11:00 am)
  • May 3: GMMS Spring Choir Concert at GMMS (6:30 - 7:30 pm)
  • May 4: GMMS National Junior Art Honor Society Induction in GM Library (3:30 pm)
  • May 8: Happy Mother's Day!
  • May 10: NJSLA ELA Testing (Grades 6, 7 and 8)
  • May 11: NJSLA ELA Testing (Grades 6, 7 and 8)
  • May 11: National School Nurses' Day
  • May 12: 7th Grade Field Trip to The Bronx Zoo (8:30 am - 2:30 pm)
  • May 12: Tri-M Music Honor Society Induction at GMMS (5:30 - 6:30 pm)
  • May 12: Board of Education Work Session Meeting at LH (7:00 pm)
  • May 13: String Symposium Orchestra Concert at VTHS (7:30 pm)
  • May 17: NJSLA Math Testing (Grades 6, 7 and 8)
  • May 17: GMMS Unified eSports Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at GMMS (3:30 - 4:30 pm)
  • May 17: GMMS Spring Band Concert at VTHS (6:30 - 7:30 pm)
  • May 18: NJSLA Math Testing (Grades 6, 7 and 8)
  • May 18: GMMS Bus Drill (8:00 am)
  • May 18: GMMS SCA Meeting in GM Faculty Room (2:00 - 3:00 pm)
  • May 19: NJSLA Math Testing (Grades 6, 7 and 8)
  • May 19: Board of Education Public Meeting at LH (7:00 pm)
  • May 20: Dorney Park Band/Orchestra/Chorus Trip
  • May 23: NJSLA Science Testing (Grade 8)
  • May 23: 21st CCLC Family Night at The Farm at Glenwood Mtn. (5:30 - 7:00 pm)
  • May 24: NJSLA Science Testing (Grade 8)
  • May 25: 6th Grade Field Trip to Raritan Valley Planetarium (8:30 am - 2:30 pm)
  • May 25: 7th Grade Science Fair at GMMS (6:00 - 7:00 pm)
  • May 26: 6th Grade Field Trip to Raritan Valley Planetarium (8:30 am - 2:30 pm)
  • May 26: 8th Grade Field Trip - Hudson River Cruise (8:30 am - 2:30 pm)
  • May 30: Memorial Day - District Closed
  • May 31: 6th Grade Orientation for current 5th Grade Students


Thank you for partnering with us throughout the entire 2021-2022 school year. If you should ever have any questions or concerns about your child's education, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Together, we are stronger! When the school and home collaborate and communicate, we are all working towards one common goal - a successful school year for your child.


Jacquelyn M. Van Orden, Principal

Eric W. Kosek, Assistant Principal

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GLEN MEADOW ANNOUNCES 3rd MARKING PERIOD HONOR ROLL!

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GMMS 3rd MARKING PERIOD HONOR ROLL

Congratulations to the Glen Meadow Middle School Honor Roll Students for the 3rd Marking Period! Please click on the button above for a complete list of students.

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GMMS Announces 3rd Marking Period STAR Students!

STAR (Students Taking Academic Responsibility) Students exemplify #TheGlenMeadowWay. STAR Students are nominated each marking period by their teacher(s) based on one or more of the following areas. Most Improved/Best Effort; Most Passionate/Engaged/Dedicated; Most Improved Attendance; Positive Character Traits (Demonstrates Compassion, Honesty, Trustworthiness, Optimism, and Responsibility); Positive Attitude towards Learning; Demonstrates Leadership and Integrity; Respectful to Teachers and Peers and/or Other Noteworthy Reasons Shared by the Teacher.


CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 3rd MARKING PERIOD STAR STUDENTS!

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GMMS Announces Student Upstander and Student Citizenship Award Recipients!

The Student Upstander Award: This student exemplifies the definition of an Upstander. Student Upstanders are nominated by their teacher(s) based on one or more of the following:


  • The student befriends someone in need of a friend
  • The student stands up on behalf of a peer and offers support to their peer
  • The student speaks out and asks an adult for intervention and/or support for their peer


The Student Citizenship Award: This student exemplifies good citizenship towards their school community and is nominated by their teacher(s) based on one or more of the following:

  • The student performs voluntary service (before, during, and/or after school)
  • The student participates in school activities that benefit the school community

  • The student goes above and beyond to make Glen Meadow the great school that it is!


CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL 3rd MARKING PERIOD STUDENT UPSTANDER and STUDENT CITIZENSHIP RECIPIENTS!

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Inspire Kindness Campaign

It’s never too early to teach the value of kindness and the impact that kindness can have on those around us. We all have the opportunity to make a significant, positive impact on the people in our lives simply by being kind. Learning about, implementing, and inspiring kindness is the foundation of a successful learning community. To kick off our inspire kindness campaign, every student and staff member will be receiving an inspire kindness bracelet on Tuesday, May 3rd. It is our hope that all will choose to wear the bracelet as we inspire kindness together at Glen Meadow!
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Meaningful May 2022

How can we find a greater sense of purpose and meaning? Being part of something bigger than ourselves – and focusing on the things we value – is vital for our wellbeing. This month, let’s take time to reflect on what we care about and prioritize the things that matter. Our Meaningful May calendar is full of actions to help us find more meaning and practice kindness towards ourselves and others. Inspire Kindness, Glen Meadow!


~obtained from: actionforhappiness.com

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Field Trips are This Month!

6th Grade Trip - Raritan Valley Planetarium

DATE: May 25th or May 26th (determined by homeroom)

TIME: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

7th Grade Trip - Bronx Zoo

DATE: May 12th

TIME: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

8th Grade Trip - Hudson River Cruise

DATE: May 26th

TIME: 8:30 am - 2:30 pm

Join The 21st Century Community Learning Center!

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21st Century Community Learning Center Website

To learn more about the GMMS 21st CCLC Program, please click this button to visit our website.

The 21st Century Community Learning Center (CCLC) is an after-school program that provides students with academic enrichment opportunities that will offer support beyond the classroom curriculum. Students will receive homework support and a nutritional snack each day. The 21st CCLC allows students to explore STEM, Physical Fitness, and Visual and Performing Arts activities, including but not limited to Theatre, Robotics, Engineering, and Culinary Arts. Students will also have the opportunity to attend field trips within the community to work with key stakeholders of this initiative. The Farm at Glenwood Mountain has partnered with Glen Meadow Middle School’s 21st CCLC. In addition, there is a Parent University component that provides workshops for parents/guardians and also affords students the opportunity to showcase their learning activities.


The program operates Monday through Friday, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm with parent/guardian pick up. The 21st Century Community Learning Center is only available to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade Glen Meadow Middle School students and is at no cost to families!


If you are interested in registering your child for this outstanding program, please contact Mrs. Kait Ramirez, Program Director, at kramirez@vtsd.com or (973) 764-4534. Likewise, please feel free to contact Mrs. Jacquelyn Van Orden, GMMS Principal, at jvanorden@vtsd.com. We are excited to provide this engaging and enriching learning experience for your child and are looking forward to all of the incredible adventures that await!
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Celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month while becoming involved in physical fitness activities since May is also recognized as National Physical Fitness and Sports Month! Or, try some calming strategies at various times during the day. Your mind and body will thank you! Some activities you may want to try are HIKING, WORKOUTS, or MINDFULNESS (LINK 1 and LINK 2).


Also, please be sure to thank the wonderful teachers in your life every day, but especially during the first week in May when it’s Teacher Appreciation Week!

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Opportunities for Students to Get Involved

  • Volunteer to be a Peer Tutor at Glen Meadow. Click HERE for more information.
  • Volunteer at Sussex County Libraries. Click HERE for more information.

Additional Happenings at Glen Meadow

Ava Dilzer Wins 1st Place!

Last month, we shared that 8th grade student, Ava Dilzer, completed a six-month portrait of the Art Master Renoir, "The Theatre Box". Last month, this impressive piece of art took 1st Place at the National Art Honor Society Art Show at Wallkill Valley High School. Congratulations, Ava!

GMMS: BRING YOUR CHILD TO WORK DAY!

Pictured below are some of the amazing children who joined us for Bring Your Child to Work Day on Thursday, April 28th! We had over 30 children attend Glen Meadow with their special person and it was a fantastic day had by all! Our Glen Meadow students were incredibly welcoming to our special guests and we are so thankful for such an amazing day! Students participated in narrating their day through words and drawings, a school-wide scavenger hunt, and snacks and treats with Principal Van Orden!
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Jeff Veley Visits Glen Meadow!

Mr. Jeff Veley, an award-winning youth motivational speaker, social skills educator, and entertainer who specializes in resilience education for bullying prevention, came to speak to our parents, guardians and our 6th, 7th and 8th grade students on Friday, April 8th. Students were engaged and the feedback was incredibly positive! If you haven't done so already, ask your child to tell you about Mr. Veley's Peace Sign Approach!
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Vernon Junior Police Academy

2022 Recruit Class: July 25th - July 29th

Application packets will be available on Monday, March 16th, and applicants will be accepted on a first come first served basis. Deadline for returning packet is Monday, June 27th.
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The Glen Meadow Way

#TheGlenMeadowWay is built on three core principles:


  • Respect Yourself and Others
  • Take Responsibility for Your Actions
  • Reach Your 100%


Here at Glen Meadow, we focus on respect, responsibility, and reaching our goals. We accomplish this by following the 5 Ps. We are Prompt, Prepared, Polite, Positive, and Productive!

Pre-Order Your Glen Meadow Yearbook!

Glen Meadow Middle School yearbooks are now available for pre-order! The 2021-2022 yearbook is available for $35 and can be purchased at the link HERE. Don't miss out!

Glen Meadow Honor Societies

GMMS National Honor Societies Website: In addition to the National Junior Honor Society, Glen Meadow Middle School now offers induction into the National Junior Art Honor Society and Tri-M Music Honor Society! Please click HERE for the GMMS Honor Societies website, which has been updated to include important information regarding these prestigious societies. A very special thank you to Mrs. Hirkaler and Mrs. Young for their partnership with both organizations.

Glen Meadow Musings!

Extra, Extra... read all about it! Read the Glen Meadow Middle School newspaper for students, by students! Click HERE to hear more about the spring musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and our visit with the therapy dog, Ashlee!

GMMS SCA

Please consider joining us at the third SCA meeting of the year, on Wednesday, May 18th at TIME TBD, which will be held in the Glen Meadow Faculty Room. To view the SCA Welcome Letter, please click HERE. In addition, please click HERE for all of the wonderful happenings and fundraisers on behalf of the GMMS SCA!

Healthy Kids Running Series

Beginning on Sunday, May 1st, the Healthy Kids Running Series begins at Lounsberry Hollow Fields. This program is open to all students in grades Pre-K. through 8th Grade. For additional information and the registration form, please click HERE.
Glen Meadow Middle School Schedules

This document includes schedules for a Regular Day, an Early Dismissal Day, a Delayed Opening Day, and the A Week/B Week Schedule for Glen Meadow Middle School.

Glen Meadow Middle School Clubs and Activities

Clubs and Activities are a great way for students to get involved! Please review the after-school offerings at GMMS. If you have any specific questions, please email the club advisor by clicking on their name within this document.

Glen Meadow Middle School Calendar

Please click on the button above for the GMMS Calendar for the 2021-2022 school year.

Glen Meadow Middle School SCA

Please click on the button above to access the GMMS SCA website to learn about all of the amazing things the GMMS SCA does for our faculty, staff, and students!

Follow Glen Meadow Middle School on Twitter

Please click on the button above to follow the official Twitter page for GMMS (@GMMSVikings).

Vernon Township School District Calendar

Please click on the button above to access the VTSD Calendar for the 2021-2022 school year.

Random Drug Testing in Grades 7 and 8

This information is being shared with our families, should you wish to opt your 7th or 8th-grade child in for voluntary random drug testing. If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Scott Waleck, RDT Coordinator, at (973) 764-6106.

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In closing...

Thank you, GMMS families, for your continued partnership this school year. We are honored and grateful to have the opportunity to work alongside you and your children. If there is anything we can do to assist you or your child in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us. #TheGlenMeadowWay


The Faculty and Staff of Glen Meadow Middle School