Hawk Highlights
September 26, 2022
September 26, Volume 2, Issue 6
Dear GVMS Families,
We've had another great few weeks at GVMS. Here's an update on what has been going on at Gainesville Middle School:
Back-to-School Nights are complete at GVMS! It was wonderful to welcome families into the building to meet GVMS staff and walk students' schedules. At BTSN we shared the current state of GVMS data and some of our goals as we move forward. That information will be shared with all later this week.
Thank you to all who participated in the Scholastic Fall Book Fair, which ran in the GVMS library from 9/19-9/23. The online Book Fair will continue to run until October 2, 2022. Orders will be delivered to school and students/families will be notified when the items arrive. Please click the link to shop. (A special thank you to all the family members who assisted with the Book Fair - we could not do it without you!)
We are in the process of finishing up VGA testing at GVMS. The testing window closes the first week of October, so we are hoping to have as many students test these next few weeks as possible. Once testing is complete and scores are in, we will share information with GVMS families and students.
On Friday 9/23, we completed our first lockdown drill of the school year. We provided a quick reminder to students and staff that we would be completing the drill before the lockdown. Our students and staff did an excellent job moving quickly into their positions.
Here are a few reminders for families and students:
Over the past few weeks, we've noticed an uptick in student behavior on school buses. We reviewed the following expectations with all students at our Code of Behavior assemblies at the beginning of September. Please review the following expectations with your student and discuss the importance of being safe on the bus. We will continue to share the same expectations with students in school.
Additionally, there is traffic information towards the end of the newsletter. If you are picking students up at the end of the day, please be patient and understanding with our staff directing traffic. Also, students should NOT be cutting through the parking lot to get to your car. We have routines set in place to help ensure that cars move quickly through the pick-up line and that our staff and students remain safe. Please encourage your student to exit the building quickly and safely so that they are ready for you when you arrive. As a side note, there was some chatter the first week of school about the amount of traffic and the location of our administrators who were directing traffic. PWCS staff members are not allowed to direct traffic off school property per the PWC Police.
As a reminder from GVMS teachers and staff members, students should have a pair of headphones with them each day when they come to school. We will have extras available for purchase in the library in a few weeks.
As always, we thank you for your partnership in education and are looking forward to another great week at GVMS.
Best,
Mary Kate Graham
Proud Principal
GVMS Murals
Last week, Capital Murals began painting some murals at GVMS. It's crazy to see how much progress can be made in a short amount of time. Check out our mural progress:
(More photos to come!)
GVMS Student Announcements will be shared over the PA system each morning and in the afternoon. Please click the link below to access the current announcements.
*The link will be updated as new announcements are added.
GVMS ATHLETICS IN ACTION - GO HAWKS!
Tuesday, September 27 - Girls' Track meet at HOME vs. Metz MS
Wednesday, September 28 - Girls' Volleyball plays at Reagan MS
Boys' Soccer plays at HOME vs. Reagan MS
Football plays at Bull Run MS
Monday, October 3 - Boys' Soccer at Unity Braxton MS
Girls' Volleyball at HOME vs. Marstellar MS
Tuesday, October 4 - Girls' Track meet at HOME vs. Unity Braxton MS
Boys Soccer at HOME vs. Bull Run MS
Girls' Volleyball at Metz MS
Thursday, October 6 - Football HOME vs. Metz MS
GVMS Athletics Events Reminders
Student Behavior at GVMS Events
It is important to remember that the Code of Behavior still applies at all PWCS and GVMS athletics and extra-curricular events. If students are not following the Code of Behavior, they will be sent home, and may lose privileges to come to future events.
PWCS Bag Policy at Athletic Events
Please notice the safety rule for bags that was implemented last school year (21-22) in PWCS. Please plan ahead before attending any school event across the county and possibly out of county.
BAGS ARE NOT PERMITTED IN THE ATHLETIC FACILITY
(Includes Backpacks, Purses, Fanny Packs, Etc.)
Clear bags are allowed for use as a diaper or medical bag and are subject to search.
GVMS Restroom Availability
For outdoor sporting events, there are portable restrooms located at the back of the school.
Parent Pick-Up
Please note the start time of sporting events and time accordingly to arrange for quick pick-up of students after sporting events. Administrators supervising the events provide reminders to students as to when to contact parents to arrange for pick-up.
GVMS Signs of Suicide (SOS) Presentations
Our school is participating in SOS Signs of Suicide which teaches warning signs for suicide and how to ACT (Acknowledge, Care, Tell) to get help if you are worried about yourself or a friend. In class, we will watch SOS video clips and discuss them together. We will also distribute a questionnaire to help you learn more about symptoms of depression and suicide and when to seek help. After the lesson, all students will complete an exit slip asking if they would like to speak to an adult. After class, we will check in with any student who wants to talk. We will also be contacting some students for feedback about the program.
We hope that our class discussion will give students an opportunity to share their questions, concerns, and ideas. But if anyone finds the discussion difficult, they will not be required to participate. Students will be able to take a break if needed, and counselors will be available to help anyone who is having a tough time.
I am sending a letter about the program and some information about suicide prevention to your parents. I hope you get the chance to talk with them about the program. If you have any questions or concerns about participating in the program, you can contact any of our school counselors.
Our 7th grade will participate in these presentations on:
September 28 and 29 during their Social Studies Classes
GVMS Student Council Association
If you have a sixth, seventh, or eighth grader who wants to make a difference at GVMS, he or she should apply to become a member of the Student Council Association (SCA). In order to be a member of the 2022-2023 Gainesville SCA, students must complete the application form before October 4, 2022. Each advisory period will have one elected representative who will share important information with their peers about upcoming events at GVMS. Students who apply will be required to attend monthly after-school meetings from 3:00-4:30pm.
Meeting Dates:
Monday, October 17 Monday, November 14 Monday, December 12 Monday, January 23 Monday, February 13 Monday, March 13 Monday, April 17 Monday, May 8
Application Link: https://tinyurl.com/SCAGVMS22
GVMS PICTURE DAY
School Picture Day is coming Monday October 3rd & Tuesday October 4th 2022 . Pictures will be available approximately two weeks following our school's photo day. Save time and Pre-order online here: https://vando.imagequix.com/g1000940634
For questions about ordering school pictures please email underclass@vosphoto.com
GVMS HOMEWORK CLUB
Information will be shared with the GVMS community soon!
GVMS ParentVue and Canvas Cheat Sheets
Our fabulous Instructional Technology Coach, Mrs. Chrissy Richmond, put together some "cheat sheets" for Parent Vue and Canvas. Both documents can be accessed by clicking on the links below.
Virginia Growth Assessments (VGA)
The Growth Assessments are computer adaptive tests, shorter than the Standards of Learning tests, that were developed in grades 3-8 reading and mathematics as a result of legislation passed in the 2021 Virginia General Assembly. The growth assessments consist of test items that measure the Standards of Learning, have been reviewed by Virginia teachers, tried out with Virginia students, and accepted for use on the growth assessments.
Beginning with the second year of implementation (2022-2023) and beyond, the legislation requires that the grades 3-8 reading and mathematics growth assessments be administered to students once in the fall and once in the winter (mid-year) during the school year. In addition to the growth assessments, the SOL tests for grade 3-8 reading and mathematics will continue to be administered.
For more information regarding the Virginia Growth Assessment, please check out the VDOE website.
GVMS PTO UPDATES
PTO Spirit Wear
Pre-order spirit wear from the GVMS PTO. Please complete the form below:
PWCS Device Information and Insurance
Parents/guardians have the option to purchase low-cost student device insurance through the PWCS-approved third-party vendor, Securranty. Students at Gainesville Middle School will receive the HP Pro Book x360 G5 & G7. If purchased, the insurance covers unlimited repairs or replacements for everything from broken screens, lost chargers, and accidental damage, with a zero deductible for one year on a school-issued HP device. The insurance cost is $32.95, which may be significantly less than repair or replacement costs without insurance. (A replacement laptop costs around $450 and repairs range from $150 - $400 depending on the damage).
Parents/guardians will sign up on their own with the following information:
- School name
- Student last name, first name
- Student ID number
- Debit/credit card information
Paper Online Tutoring
Raise your hand if you could use some help with class assignments! The Office of Teaching and Learning is excited to announce that Prince William County Schools has partnered with Paper, a 24/7 academic support tutoring platform. Through Paper, our students can safely and securely chat with an expert tutor anytime, anywhere, for free.
Whether they need help clarifying homework questions or feedback on a written assignment, they can get on-demand and unlimited help when they need it! Teachers can also have students access this service during the school day for small group or individual support while in class!
To get started:
- Log into Paper via Clever or visit app.paper.co.
- View the attached 90-second welcome video.
- Bookmark the Educator's Guide for Implementing Paper to learn about the platform and how to maximize its time-saving benefits for you in support of your students in and out of the classroom.
- Share information the information below with your families about three upcoming parent webinars* or advertise the service in your announcements or newsletters to our families: Title I schools: September 7 at 7 p.m. (Click to register) All middle and high school families: September 12 at 7 p.m. (Click to register) All elementary families: September 13 at 7 p.m. (Click to register) Use this link to help our families learn more: https://www.pwcs.edu/departments/ Instructional_technology/paper
GVMS DRESS CODE (FROM THE PWCS CODE OF BEHAVIOR)
The following clothing items are prohibited:
- reveal bare skin to the extent that they distract or may foreseeably distract other students or staff;
- reveal or expose undergarments;
- fit in a manner as to reveal or expose undergarments;
- contain vulgar, discriminatory, lewd patently offensive, or obscene language or images;
- contain threats or gang symbols;
- promotes the use of weapons and violence, or the use of alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs, and/or associated paraphernalia;
- cause or may foreseeably cause a disruption to the learning environment; and
- accessories that could be regarded as or used as a weapon
- bandanas
- crop tops
- hoods
- excessively tight/revealing clothing
GVMS CELL PHONE POLICY
While cell phones remain an important aspect of communication between students and parents, they can also limit our students' ability to focus and stay on task during instructional time. Because of this, our school policy is that cell phones are "Away for the Day". Students should have their cell phones turned off and placed in their backpacks or lockers. We believe this is the best policy to support our students' instructional and social needs during the school day and will also help decrease negative exchanges via social media during the school day.
GVMS Lockers and Backpacks
During the 22 - 23 school year, GVMS will bring back the optional use of student lockers. Students will also be able to carry their backpacks throughout the school day for easy access to their supplies.
- Any issues with lockers will be directed to the front office to fill out a form. Our security team will work to fix locker issues. Please contact Mr. Jeter or Mr. Barnes with any questions.
LOCKER TIMES WILL BE ENFORCED FOR ALL STUDENTS.
GVMS 2022 - 2023 TRAFFIC REMINDERS
As we begin the 22-23 school year, I want to provide some reminders for our traffic patterns to help keep all of the GVMS community safe. We understand that the pick-up/drop-off traffic lines can be long, however, the safety of our students and staff is critical.
If you drive your child to/from school or pick them up from a club/activity after school, we ask you to adhere to the following expectations:
- Please do not drop your student off on Limestone Drive.
- Please follow the flow of traffic around the parking lot and only pick up/drop off students from the designated area.
- Use a single file traffic pattern to loop around in front of the school.
- Refrain from entering visitor parking lots/spaces to drop students off or exit the student drop-off line. This is crucial to the safety of our students.
- Remain in line and follow traffic flow back to Limestone to exit school grounds.
- Please make sure you are using crosswalks when necessary.
As a reminder, it is illegal for PWCS employees to direct traffic off of school grounds, including Limestone Drive. These directions are intended to retain an orderly, predictable traffic environment for the safety of our students, faculty, and staff. Thank you for your assistance in keeping our students safe in and around our parking lots each morning and afternoon.
Gainesville High School Dance & Cheer Clinic - 10/9/22
Gainesville High School is holding a Combo Dance and Cheer clinic on Oct 9th. Join us to learn dance and cheer techniques and for the opportunity to perform at the 10/14/22 GHS Varsity Football Game. Registration information can be found on the attached flier.
Contact Coach Kilmer (kilmercd@pwcs.edu) or Coach Hackman (hackmand@pwcs.edu) with any questions.
Optional Health Insurance Through Medicaid and FAMIS
The effects of COVID continue to impact Virginia’s 1.3 million public school students. Families are still facing many challenges. The Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) is sponsoring a Back-to-School campaign to let families know how they can receive low-cost or no-cost health insurance through Medicaid and FAMIS. Find out who qualifies for coverage and learn about Medicaid and FAMIS benefits at FAMIS. To see if your child may qualify, use the Eligibility Screening Tool and answer five easy questions, and then apply online.
Visit the FAMIS Back to School webpage on the Cover Virginia website for more information.
PWCS Transportation Information
Wondering where the bus is? Check out Here Comes the Bus
Wondering if the bus is delayed? Check out the PWCS Bus Delay Website
Questions or concerns about your bus route? Contact Transportation Services
PWCS uses the “Say Something” Anonymous Reporting System (SS-ARS) designed specifically for students in grades 6-12 and staff to report any type of serious or potentially violent concerns of unsafe behavior or threats of harm to self or others. Say Something is a youth violence prevention program from the national nonprofit organization Sandy Hook Promise and is provided and sustained at no cost to PWCS.
“Tipsters” can send reports on anything from school threats they’ve seen or overheard to personal crises including sexual harassment, self-harm, and depression. The system enables school administrators and those in law enforcement to create effective interventions and intervene upon at-risk individuals to help prevent violence, suicide, bullying, self-harm, and other forms of threatening behavior.
All tips submitted receive an immediate response by one of the highly skilled crisis counselors at the Sandy Hook Promise National Crisis Center; this person then determines the necessary support steps. When credible tips are received that are life-threatening and require immediate attention, the crisis center will notify school-based representatives, even after hours. And, in cases of imminent threat, the crisis center will contact local 911 dispatch and involve law enforcement. Users can submit a tip by calling 1-844-5-SAYNOW or by visiting www.saysomething.net. The free app is available for download from the App Store and Google Play Store, where students can submit tips instantly.
School Meal Payments 2022 - 2023
The USDA waiver that allowed us to serve breakfast and lunch free of charge to all students since March 2020 is no longer in place for this school year. Families of students attending Gainesville Middle School are encouraged to complete a Free Meal Benefits Application. Free meals are available to students whose households qualify under federal standards. The Meal Benefits Application is available in English and Spanish on the PWCS Food and Nutrition website. After your 2022-23 Meal Benefits Application is processed, you will be notified by e-mail or US mail of your child's status. Until you are notified, you must provide your child with meals or money for meals. If your child was eligible for free or reduced-price meals in the 2019-20 or 2020-21 school year, they will receive free breakfast and lunch until October 6, 2022.
Meal prices for the 2022-23 school year are listed below. You can pay for meals online via www.MySchoolBucks.com. Students can also bring cash or check on the first day of school and deliver them to the cafeteria staff when paying for lunch. Checks should be made out to Gainesville Middle School (please include your student's ID number in the memo).
Our breakfast and lunch menus are available online at www.pwcsnutrition.com. You can sign up to have the menu emailed to you monthly and download our free menu app for your smartphone! Contact the Food and Nutrition Department at 703-791-7314 with questions, or visit our website, www.pwcsnutrition.com, for more information. We are looking forward to serving your students again this year!
**Students are strongly encouraged to practice and know their student ID numbers for Monday. They will need to punch their numbers in to purchase breakfast or lunch.
Monday, September 26, 2022
NO SCHOOL
Monday, October 3, 2022
School Picture Day
Tuesday, October 4, 2022
School Picture Day
Wednesday, October 5. 2022
NO SCHOOL
Monday, October 10, 2022
NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Staff Professional Learning Day
Administation Team
Mrs. Mary Kate Graham - Principal - grahammk@pwcs.edu
Ms. Michelle Praul - 6th Grade Assistant Principal - praulmh@pwcs.edu
Mr. Ed Schultz - 7th Grade Assistant Principal - schultej@pwcs.edu
Mr. Steve Williams - 8th Grade Assistant Principal - williasp@pwcs.edu
Safety and Security Team
Mr. Antione Jeter - jeterad@pwcs.edu
Mr. Jeffrey Barnes - barnesja@pwcs.edu
Counseling Team
Mrs. Jessie Castles - Director of School Counseling - castlejm@pwcs.edu
Ms. Janaelle Robles - Last Names A - Cou - roblesj@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Erin Abbott - Last Names Cr - Hin - abbotte@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Sarah Ware - Last Names Hl - Mik - waresm@pwcs.edu
Ms. Alexis Hawkins - Last Names Mil - Rut - hawkinam@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Autumn Brown - Last Names Ruu - Z - brownal2@pwcs.edu
Mrs. Patricia Lopez - Registrar - lopezpa@pwcs.edu
Technology Team
Mrs. Christine Richmond, Instructional Technology Coach: richmocm@pwcs.edu
- Canvas
- Parent Vue/Student Vue
Mr. Joseph Evans, Technology Specialist: evansj1@pwcs.edu
- Device Information and support