GMS Principal's Corner
Sarah Shannon, 2020 ~ 2021
Dear Galvin Families,
Unprecedented. This seems to be the word of 2020. And, it’s unprecedented for all of us. On top right now, is that it’s unprecedented for schools, teachers and parents. We are all in unchartered territory. Though this is my 8th year as a middle school principal, I am doing things and making decisions that I never in my life thought I’d have to consider. As a teacher, I’m learning new technology tools daily, considering how I will engage the staff who are in the building and at home in ways that keep everyone connected and doing meaningful work. Every Galvin teacher is thinking about those same things. And, as a parent, I am struggling with the same things you are. My husband and I both work outside of the house and are still figuring out my boys’ 3 days at home will look like and how they will get to/from school on their in-person days. In addition, while I know what learning will look like at the Galvin, I am less certain about what it will look like in their schools. And, while I worry about that a bit, I also know that their teachers are good people. They are excited to get back to teaching and are going to put their heart and soul into making this a good year for my boys. I also know that every teacher at the Galvin is ready to do the same for your children. Educators came to this profession because it is a calling. How we answer that call will look different for a while, but have no fear, we are ready to answer it.
Because we are all going through this unprecedented time together, we have two options - to all row in the same direction or to each take our oar and paddle for ourselves. I hope that we all choose to row in the same direction together and truly partner to make this year a success for everyone. Recently the Huffington Post shared an article about supporting your child’s teachers during this unprecedented time. The link to the whole article is here, but their seven take-aways are:
Be patient - so, so patient: We already know you can do that and appreciate it so very much. Please continue to be patient with us. We have worked hard to make decisions we believe to be in the best interest of everyone and we’ve never done this before. As we implement our plans, we will continue to evaluate what is working and build upon it and what isn’t and refine it.
Read everything that is sent to you: I know we are sending email after email. We wouldn’t send it if it wasn’t important. It will slow down once we’re in a groove. We promise.
Let your child’s teacher, counselor, or principal know when something isn’t working: A lot of what we are doing is new. We are VERY open to feedback and to course-correcting our processes. If you don’t let us know that something isn’t working for you, we can’t fix it. Don’t let it go too long and please, when you email us, remember that we are working hard and in the best interest of your child.
And, let them know when something is: Far too often we only hear what’s wrong. Let us know what’s working too so we can keep doing it or build upon it. That’s another way we’ll continue to get better! Also, is there anyone you know of who doesn’t like to hear good news? Send a quick note and make a teacher’s day!
Practice mask-wearing - and other COVID-19 safety precautions - at home: Ask anyone who’s had to wear a mask 6 hours a day and they’ll tell you it took a couple days to get used to it. Practice at home so that when you child comes to school it’s not the first time they’ve done it.
“Thank you” goes a long, long way: See #4 - good news makes people smile!
Get in the team mindset - we are here for you too: Communication is the key to a successful partnership. Keep talking to us so we know! We want to work with you to make this year a great one for all - students, teachers and families.
The Galvin teachers are amazing. They are excited to see your children on September 16. They are also here for you too. Let’s take the word unprecedented and turn it into a positive - let’s have unprecedented parent-school and parent-teacher relationships. Let’s partner together in unprecedented ways this year. Let’s take this opportunity to be remarkable together for your children.
In partnership,
Sarah
GMS Back to School Plan
We are pleased to share with you our Galvin Middle School Back to School plan. We hope that it address your questions about school operations, schedules and learning. Please click the green link below to access the document. We can't wait to welcome your students back to school on Wednesday!
Welcome to Galvinland, Grade 6!
Hello Grade 6!!!!
Welcome 😊 We are so excited to meet you all for our orientation week starting on September 16, 2020 and welcome you into the Galvin community. Below you will find the schedule for our time together.
September 16 - 1st day of school for all students (remote)
September 17 - 2nd day of school for all students (remote)
September 18 - 3rd day of school for all students (remote)
September 21 - All 6th grade students @ GMS 7:45am - 2:15pm*
September 22 - All 6th grade students @ GMS 7:45am - 2:15pm*
September 23 - All 6th grade students remote ½ day synchronous
September 24 - All 6th grade students @GMS 7:45am - 2:15pm*
September 25 - All 6th grade students @GMS 7:45am - 2:15pm*
(*students on the remote pathway will be remote this week and participate via their
assigned classes)
September 29 - All students hybrid (Cohort A @GMS Mon/Tues, Cohort B @GMS
Thurs/Fri)
The driving question for our orientation week together is: “What is my role as a Galvin Middle School community member?” By the end of our week together we hope you each have an answer to that question and know that you are an important part of the Galvin community!
We have an exciting week planned with lots of activities for you to get to know your teachers, for your teachers to get to know you, and for you to get to know your peers. By the end of our time together you will:
Feel like a valued member of GMS
Make connections with teacher and classmates
Be able to make your way around the GMS building
Feel confident about the technology used at GMS (Google Classroom, Plus Portals, email, etc.)
Have supplies set up and ready to go
Know how your schedule works
Activities this week include creating a community “locker”, playing getting-to-know-you games, completing scavenger hunts, learning new technology, answering all of your questions, and most importantly having fun while doing it all! We can’t wait to meet you all!
Please be sure to bring your device and supplies with you all week!