EMS Newsletter
February 2020
Important Dates for February
February 6..................High School Counselor Visit to 8th graders
February 10................Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 p.m. at Perry Center Board Room
February 12................Count Day
February 13................GBHS Curriculum Night, High School East Campus, 6:00-8:00 p.m.
February 17................No School - President's Day
February 18................Pre-Festival Band Concert, 7th/8th grade bands - 7:00 p.m.
February 24................Board of Education Meeting - 7:00 p.m. at Perry Center Board Room
February 25................Pre-Festival Choir Concert, 7th/8th grades - High School Auditorium, 7:00 p.m.
The Principal's Message
Dear Parents:
It amazes me that 2019 is in the past and we are already beginning the second semester! This is a crucial time for our students and an important time for you to continue to be actively involved in your child’s school experience. With all of the activities that occur at the middle school, it is easy for our students to lose their academic focus. I know you join me in supporting our East Middle School students toward the successful completion of all their classwork.
As the semester starts, and we push through the cold winter months, keep your child focused and continue to be active in their education. Offer them time and support at home as they work on projects, test preparation, and daily assignments. Homework is essential for assessment and used to help identify academic areas that may need more attention.
Course Selection sheets will soon be sent home with your son/daughter. Please look at this information and help your student select the appropriate classes. Please remember that Course Selection Sheets need to be returned to school by Friday, February 14, 2020.
I am looking forward to our second half of the school year. I know the best is yet to come! As always, thank you for your support in your child’s educational journey.
Sincerely,
Jodi Kruse, Principal
Grand Blanc East Middle School
February is Attendance Awareness Month
#SchoolEveryDayAttendance Contest
As Grand Blanc continues to focus on the importance of attending school every day, East Middle School will hold an attendance contest which will begin on February 10th and end on March 20th. All students at East Middle School who have two or fewer absences will automatically be entered into the contest. The three winners, drawn on March 20th, will each receive a $50 Amazon gift card and will be recognized at the April 27th Board of Education meeting. We will also be celebrating small attendance accomplishments of students throughout the contest period. Thank you to Horace Mann Insurance for generously donating the Amazon gift cards.
How can you help make school attendance a priority?
• Talk about the importance of showing up to school every day, make that the expectation.
• Help your child maintain daily routines, such as finishing homework and getting a good night’s sleep.
• Try not to schedule dental and medical appointments during the school day.
•Don’t let your child stay home unless truly sick. Complaints of headaches or stomachaches may be signs of anxiety.
No Vaping Challenge
Online Registration
The 2020-21 online registration for Grand Blanc Schools will be available starting Tuesday, February 25, 2020. Parents are required to complete the annual online registration through your ParentVUE account prior to picking up schedules in August.
Please visit the link below for instructions on how to login and register your student:
https://sites.google.com/grandblancschools.org/howtoregister/currentreturning-students?authuser=0
If you prefer, you can also go to grandblancschools.org and click on “Online Registration” from the homepage.
Below is a brief summary of login instructions:
If you have a ParentVUE (or are unsure):
· DO NOT create a new account if you may already have an account because the new account will not allow you to view your student’s information.
· If you have a ParentVUE account but do not remember your login, please call (810) 591-4696 and a staff member will be able to provide your username.
· If you know your username but have forgotten your ParentVUE password, you can click the “More Options” button below the login, then click “Forgot Password,” and the system will step you through resetting your password.
If you have never activated a ParentVUE account for any of your children:
· Please call (810) 591-4696 to receive an activation key
· Once you have an activation key, go to site above and scroll down to follow the instructions to create a new ParentVUE account.
Once you login to ParentVUE:
1. Please verify that you are on the Current/Returning Student tab (do not create a new enrollment unless your student is new to the district).
2. Scroll through each screen to review and update all information on your student(s).
3. Electronically sign required forms.
4. Review all information then click SUBMIT at the bottom.
Please call if you do not have access to a computer or have any questions about registration.
It's time for some basketball fun!
There will be a staff vs students basketball game on February 27, 2020, at 3:15 p.m. in the gym. Proceeds will benefit Men of East, our male-mentor group.
London Strong Blue Out 2/27
On Thursday, February 27th the foundation hopes to turn the city blue with t-shirts and pass out “Be the reason someone smiles” cards. Order forms may be turned into the main office at EMS no later than Friday, February 21st and shirts will be delivered Tuesday, February 25th.
Get ready for the Book Fair!
A Scholastic Book Fair is coming to our EMS Library the week of Spring Conferences, March 2-6, 2020.
If you would be interested in volunteering a few hours, please contact the library at jhusbene@gbcs.org.
We would love to see you there!
Career Day is Coming!
Career Day is coming in March. Plans are being made for our 7th and 8th graders to take part in a career day. If you are interested in volunteering to present your career, please reach out to Mr. Sokoloski at msokolos@gbcs.org
March 13th Lock-In
March 13, 2020, is the 2nd annual Lock-In for students, hosted by the EMS PTO. Wrist bands will be sold during lunches in the days leading up to the event. Many activities will take place, and students will be able to purchase water, pop, pizza & candy during the lock-in. Stay tuned for more details!