Lion's Roar
April, 2023
Welcome Back GHEMS!
Dear GHEMS Families,
I hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement for the upcoming school year! It is with great pleasure that I extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you as we embark on another year of learning, growth, and community here at GHEMS.
As we prepare to open our doors to eager young minds, I am thrilled to introduce some new faces that have joined our GHEMS family. Our team of dedicated educators continues to grow, bringing fresh perspectives, passion, and expertise to our school community. Please join me in welcoming our new teachers and staff:
- Ms. Brooks, 1st Grade
- Ms. Sow, 3rd Grade Math
- Ms. Richardson, 4th Grade ELA/Social Studies
- Ms. Bell, Elementary Special Education Resource
- Ms. Hallmen, 5th Grade ELA/Social Studies
- Ms. Oliver, 6th Grade ELA/Social Studies
- Mrs. Spicer, Math Intervention Teacher
- Ms. Largo, 2nd Literacy Tutor
- Ms. Lacombe, School Psychologist
- Ms. Stewart, Coding Teacher
- Nurse Jane
We are confident that their presence will enhance the learning experience for our students and strengthen our school's commitment to academic excellence and personal development.
Our GHEMS Leadership team has been hard at work over the summer to ensure that everything is in place for a successful and enriching school year. We have exciting plans, engaging activities, and a supportive environment ready to inspire and empower our students.
As we embark on this new journey together, let us remember that the key to a successful school year lies not only in the hands of our dedicated educators but also in the partnership between school and home. I encourage you to stay engaged with your child's education, attend school events, and reach out to our staff whenever needed. Together, we can make this year a truly remarkable one.
I am looking forward to seeing the smiling faces of our students once again and witnessing their growth and achievements throughout the year. Here's to a fantastic school year ahead filled with learning, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Thank you for entrusting us with the education and well-being of your children. Let's make this year the best one yet!
Warm regards,
Mrs. Matthews-Traynham - Principal, Garrett Heights Elementary Middle School
Upcoming Events
- Thursday Sept. 21 - GHEMS Back to School Night - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday, Sept 26 - School Family Council Meeting - 5:30 PM
- Wednesday, Oct. 4 - Friends of GHEMS - 5:30 PM
- Friday, Oct. 6 - BCPS Async. Learning Day (Virtual School Day)
- Monday, Oct. 9 - October 13 - GHEMS Double Good Fundraiser
- Thursday, Oct. 19 - GHEMS Bingo Night - 5:30 PM
- Friday, Oct. 20 - No School (Teacher PD)
- Thursday Oct. 27 - Octoberfest / Trunk-or-Treat - 5:30 PM
- Friday Nov. 3 - Early Release Day
Attendance & Tardy Procedures
Attendance is a part of our Maryland State Report card. Please ensure your student is at school and on time. Attendance matters! Additionally, we are having a few students arriving as early as 8:15 am, please remember staff are not responsible for students prior to 9:00 am. If your scholar is attending coach class please make certain to confirm your scholar's attendance and teacher availability prior to drop-off.
Attendance Reminder
If you know your scholar will not be attending school due to a doctor or dental appointment, please provide a doctor’s note upon return to school.
Please try not to schedule vacations during testing as we must follow the state schedule..
Tardy to School
We are seeing an increasing amount of students that are arriving late to school on a daily basis. Please be aware that if a student arrives after 9:15 AM, they are considered tardy.
Truancy Reminder
If the student is tardy an inordinate number of times without a note from a doctor, truancy procedures will need to begin.
Please be sure your children arrive at GHEMS prior to the 9:15 AM start time.
Late students should go to the main office to secure a late pass.
Any students arriving to school after 12:00 pm will be considered absent for the day.
Parent Pick-Up Reminder
You must come to the main office and sign them out for the day. After signing your scholar out, he/she will be called down.
You will need to show a driver’s license to the office staff upon arrival.
Students can only be released to a contact listed on Infinite Campus.
No student will be called down for early dismissal after 3:15 pm.
Attendance: Why it Matters
A missed school day is a lost opportunity for students to learn. There are many learning activities that happen during the school day that cannot be made up. These include direct instruction from the teacher, guided practice on new material, group work, presentations, the class read-a-loud, individual support from the teacher, and more. Research shows a correlation between attendance and achievement. Please read the nurse information below for procedures for student illness.
Letters concerning student absences are generated automatically through Infinite Campus. If you believe there is an error in your child's attendance record or if you have more questions about the procedures, you may contact the GHEMS office. If the number of student absences is equal or greater to 10% of the scheduled school days, GHEMS will review the file for documentation and make a referral to Attendance Court, if applicable.
We Are a Uniform School
Garrett Heights Elementary Middle School is a uniform school. Students in grades Pre-Kindergarten through fifth grade are to wear yellow tops and navy blue bottoms. Students in grades sixth through eighth-grade wear navy or white tops and khaki bottoms.
Students are allowed to wear GHEMS/HOUSE SWAG. This year there will also be GHEMS SWAG for purchased during various times of the year.
Cell Phones/Electronics
We are requesting that students do not use their cell phones during instruction. Cell phones must be turned off and put away during the school day. Students in grades fourth through eighth grade will have their phones collected each morning. Phones will be placed in the school safe and returned at the end of the day. In addition, other electronics such as, game systems, and toys are not permitted to be used during learning time.
Safe Internet Use
It is important that students who are using City Schools’ issued devices use their devices for instructional purposes only. While students are learning online, we want to continue to protect them by encouraging a safe and secure learning environment. It is also important to make sure that students are making choices that align with the expectations and policies included in the Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. Go Guardian for Teachers, is a classroom management solution that allows teachers to send documents, communicate and monitor students’ online activity. Parents will be contacted for their support if it is brought to the administration’s attention that students are accessing sites other than the teaching ones intended for student use.
Annual Student Verification
This year, all families must log in to Campus Portal to verify (or update) student and household information, such as, emergency contact information, medical information, and Back to School forms. This process is known as Annual Student Verification.
If you do not have access to Campus Portal, set up your account here.
If you already have access, sign in to Campus Portal and click on the Annual Student Verification link in the announcements section on the upper right hand side of the page.
Asynchronous Learning Days
Asynchronous learning allows students to access course materials and complete assignments on their own schedule. This approach allows students to work at their own pace and provides flexibility for families who may be juggling multiple responsibilities.
This school year we have (3) three Asynchronous Days, Oct. 6, Dec. 1, and Mar. 1. During asynchronous days, our students at Garrett Heights will use various online platforms for instruction. Please note...teachers will not be online. Students complete lessons on their own. Your child's teachers' will tell you what platforms and assignments will be used.
GHEMS teachers have been providing instruction to students using both synchronous and asynchronous methods to engage students. Because of this, students are familiar with what is being asked of them.
We understand that this approach may be new for some families, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you and your child. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or the school office.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's education.
GHEMS School Nurse
The GHEMS school nurse, Ms. Jane, will be monitoring the health of students and staff. If your scholar uses an inhalers, allergy medication, etc. you will need to complete a Baltimore City Health Form and return it to the main office. Please keep all of your contact numbers in Infinite Campus up to date. It is helpful to have multiple emergency contact numbers for each child.
As always, children should be fever-free and should not have thrown up for 24 hours before returning to school. If you are unsure about sending your child to school, please call the school nurse to discuss the situation.
Medications at School
Medications can be administered at school only if the conditions listed below are met. All medications to include Over the Counter (OTC) medications such as allergy medication, Tylenol, and cough drops must follow the conditions listed below.
The school shall have received written permission to administer the medication from the student's health care practitioner with prescriptive authority under Maryland law.
The school shall have received written permission from the student's parent/guardian to administer the medication to the student.
The parent/guardian shall be responsible for providing all medication to be administered
to the student.
Parents must bring in the medication to the main office.
Students are not allowed to carry or use medications that have not been approved for self carry.
All prescription medication, the student's name, name of the medication, dosage, how often it is to be administered, and name of the prescribing health care practitioner shall be printed on the container.
Visiting GHEMS
While we encourage parents to talk with teachers about their children’s progress throughout the school year, teachers cannot be interrupted during the instructional day. If you need to speak with your children’s teacher(s), please email them and they will call you at their earliest convenience, within 48 hours. If you are unable to reach the teacher within 48 hours or it is an emergency, call the school and the secretary will take a message to relay to the teacher.
Per Baltimore City Schools Policy, all visitors must present a photo identification to enter the school building. Identification cards will be scanned through the school’s security system and upon successful clearance, a visitor’s pass will be issued. City Schools is requiring that all visitors must be scanned through the security system to ensure safety throughout the school year.
Due to COVID-19, the following measures are also being taken for all visitors entering our school building:
Call the school and make an appointment to ensure that staff are in the building and can provide the assistance you need the day you plan to come to see us.
If you are not feeling well, we ask that you not enter the school building and visit us another day. Contact your health care provider and get the support you need right away.
Cover your mouth when you are coughing or sneezing.
Early Dissmissal
All students leaving class before the school day ends falls in the category of early dismissal. Being dismissed early from school often will affect a student’s attendance. Early dismissal is anytime a student leaves the learning experience before 3:15 pm. Following these guidelines will help us to reduce classroom disruptions during instructional times.
Our “Early Dismissal” procedures are only in place for students who have doctor/dental appointments or family emergencies, which prevent the student from completing the entire school day. Instruction is ongoing from 9:00 am to 3:40 pm. No student will be allowed to leave for early dismissal after 3:15 pm. We don’t want your student to miss any vital information. Please keep this in mind when scheduling appointments. Your student’s education is always our top priority.
Only the adults listed as emergency contact or guardian will be allowed to pick up a student for early dismissal. In addition, all adults wishing to sign a student out for early dismissal must show their identification.
GHEMS Cafe’
GHEMS participates in the National School Lunch and Breakfast program. All school meals will be free for all students for the 23-24 school year. All students are able to participate in our Grab and Go Breakfast Program, as well as our free lunch, and supper.
Lunch and Dinner Options will be posted at the Main Entrance of both the main building and annex. GHEMS participates in the City Schools' Fresh Fruits Program. This allows us to provide students with fresh fruit snack options once a week.
GHEMS will begin serving supper, starting Monday, September 18 at 3:45 pm. Daily Cafe’s can be found on the bulletin board by the cafe’.
Springboard Fall Session - Oct. 16th
We are excited to bring back Springboard!! Springboard aims to close the literacy gap by bridging the gap between home and school through afterschool and summer programs.
“The organization envisions a world in which all children have the necessary literacy skills to succeed in school and beyond.”
Springboard Fall: October 16th - December 14th
M-Th 3:40 pm-4:50 pm
Four Parent Workshops: TBA
We are currently enrolling students in grades K-5 for the Fall Session.
If you have any questions, please contact
Mrs. S. Moreland at srrollins@bcps.k12.md.us
Friends of GHEMS
The Garrett Heights Friends of GHEMS invites you to become an involved member of our organization. Friends of GHEMS plays a vital role at Garrett Heights. Your time, talent, and resources provide our students with many exciting and challenging programs that would not be available at Garrett Heights without your support of the Friends of GHEMS
Research has shown that parental involvement has a very significant impact on a child’s achievement and attainment at school. Additionally, becoming a member gives you a powerful voice for all students.
The Friends of GHEMS at Garrett Heights is a way to create a team of parents and teachers committed to an excellent education for all our Garrett Heights' Lions! To join please contact Mr. Strother - gjstrother@bcps.k12.md.us
Community School Coordinator Corner
School Family Council (SFC)
We are looking for teachers, parents, and students to join this year's School Family Council. Let your voice be heard - visit the link on the flyer to join.
Join Us as Classroom Parents - Be a Parent Leader for Your Scholar's Grade!
I am thrilled to introduce The GHEMS Classroom Parent Program, designed to enhance communication and support among families within each grade level. Our aim is to create a nurturing and inclusive environment where parents can work together to support their children's education and strengthen our school community.
What Does a Classroom Parent Do?
Classroom Parents will serve as liaisons between the school and the families within their respective grade bands. Your role as a Parent Leader will involve:
Communication: Facilitating effective communication among parents within your grade level, including sharing important school updates, event information, and academic resources.
Support: Offering support to parents who may have questions or concerns and directing them to the appropriate school resources when needed.
Collaboration: Working closely with teachers, staff, and the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) to plan and coordinate grade-level activities, events, and initiatives.
Community Building: Encouraging a sense of community and involvement among parents within your grade band, fostering friendships, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.
Why Become a Classroom Parent?
By becoming a Classroom Parent, you will play a pivotal role in enhancing your child's educational journey and the overall school experience. You will also have the opportunity to:
Connect with other parents who share your dedication to your child's education.
Gain a deeper understanding of the school's curriculum and programs.
Make a positive impact on the school community and contribute to its growth.
How to Get Involved:
If you are interested in becoming a GHEMS Classroom Parent for your child's grade band, please email Mr. Strother at gjstrother@bcps.k12.md.us .We will be hosting an informational meeting in October where we will provide more details about the program and answer any questions you may have.
We believe that every parent at Garrett Heights Elementary Middle School has valuable insights and contributions to make, and we look forward to working together to create a vibrant and supportive learning community for our students.
Thank you for your continued support and commitment to your child's education. We are excited about the possibilities that the Classroom Parent Program holds for our school, and we hope to see many of you join us in this exciting endeavor.
Let's Get Connected..
Join our Email List
GHEMS Volunteers
Whether you are a community member looking to share your time or talent or a parent looking to support your child’s school, we thank you for your interest in contributing to our students' success. There are many ways you can participate. From tutoring or mentoring a student to helping out in the office or joining a work crew to landscape, paint, or help beautify our school are ways you can volunteer.
READY TO VOLUNTEER?
Here's how to get started.
One of the best starting points for getting involved is at parent–teacher conference or Open House. These are usually scheduled early in each school year. They’re a great opportunity to talk to your child’s teachers or the principal about volunteer involvement.
If you have something to offer or just want to help out in whatever way you can, talk about it with your child's teacher/s.
Click the link to be taken to the Baltimore City Schools Volunteer Registration Portal.
Google Classroom
GHEMS Teachers will maintain a virtual classrooms so that students have access to learning. For our Pre-k scholars the learning platform is Seesaw, while students in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade will use Google Classroom.
The Google Classroom will contain current classroom information. In order for students to access anything on the City Schools’ domain, they will need their username and password. Returning students’ information is the same as last year. New GHEMS scholars who attended another Baltimore City Public School last year, can reuse the same username and passwords from the previous school.
For students new to City Schools, the parent will receive a district-issued username and password. If you scholar has a device that is broken or a device that was lost or stolen, families are encouraged to go to North Ave ITD to receive a laptop in a timely fashion.
Intramural Sports
We are gearing up for Flag Football this quarter and the GHEMS Lions are ready to take the field. Students participating will need to participate in after school practices and competitions off- site. Each quarter students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of sports. If you have any questions or concerns please reach out to Mr. Rose acrose@bcps.k12.md.us. Mr. Rose will be sending out the application for those students interested in participating in:
Session 1 - Flag Football (mixed) and Cross Country
About Us
Email: hello@garrettheights212.org
Website: garrettheights212.org
Location: 2800 Ailsa Avenue
Phone: 410-396-6361
Facebook: facebook.com/GarrettHeights
Twitter: @GarrettHeights