Did you see Gorzycki Middle School on the news this week?  Our very own Mrs. Christensen was surprised by AISD's Superintendent, Dr. Cruz, and received his first "SUPERintendent Coin" for her dress project last semester.  If you missed it, watch the attached link. http://www.kvue.com/story/news/local/2016/01/06/aisd-highlights-exceptional-teachers-with-unique-collector-coin/78359624/

While on campus that day, Dr. Cruz visited several other classrooms, and he took lots of pictures.  They can be seen on his twitter account, and I tweeted them as well.

Next week the format for EXCEL classes will look different.  After hearing from students, parents, and staff, time for homework is being added.  All the students have been told, so they should be able to answer any questions.  If not, send me an email.   Monday and Tuesday are enrichment or lab days.  Wednesdays and Thursdays are when the students will have time for homework.  There are 4 options:  Tiger Time = work on homework, study or read a book.  Computer Time = time to work on the computer in the library.  Tiger Help = tutoring provided by teacher.  This can be teacher required and/or student requested.  Tiger Den = this is for students who need "motivation" to get their work done.  These students will work directly with an administrator to get their work completed.  Fridays will be DEAR/SEL time.  Starting next six weeks, the 1st and 4th Friday of each month will be a reward day for those students that are passing all subjects, that don't have behavior concerns, and that are caught up on attendance.

Starting in February, all fieldtrips will have the same criteria for students to attend.  The school will use UIL guidelines for fieldtrip participation.  Basically, this requires all students to be passing with a 70 to attend.  Again, let me know if you have any questions.

The new attendance guidelines have caused a few students to not receive credit in some of their classes last semester.  We have spoken with all students who were impacted by this rule.  Remember that all students must be in class 90% of the time in order to receive credit.  It doesn't matter if the reason for the absence is excused or not excused.  If you have questions, please contact your grade level Assistant Principal.

Did you know that our PALS program provides over 1000 volunteer hours of support each year?  If you convert that into dollars it is over $23,000 they would have earned!  Thank you, Mrs. Sindt for sponsoring this program!

Next week, 7th graders will be part of a presentation from Deputy Taylor with the Travis County Sheriff's Office Community Outreach division during their social studies classes.  The topic of the presentation is on Choices, Decisions, and Consequences.

It has been a great first week back.  Have a wonderful weekend!