Tuesday, December 20, 2016

With such a short week, one wouldn't think there was learning happening.  But...
7th grade science was still dissecting frogs.


And we had a door decorating contest...


And of course we ended the semester with our wonderful Winter Fine Arts Assembly and luncheon.  This is a great tradition started by Diane Gorzycki herself.













Gorzycki wishes you a safe, peaceful, and happy holiday season!

Friday, December 16, 2016

There will be a new EXCEL tutoring schedule beginning January 9th.  
    • Monday = Social Studies
    • Tuesday = ELAR & Spanish
    • Wednesday = Science
    • Thursday = Math
    • Friday = SEL/ GNASHER NEWS
These subjects have priority on these days.  Tutoring can occur during any of the days if a planner isn’t stamped. Some EXCEL classes will remain (Cheer, NPFH, Leadership, PALS, Chickens 101, Recycling). However students can still receive tutoring if needed.

GMS Science Club came in 1st place at the UT Science Competition this week. Several students placed:
Physical and Chemical Changes: 4th place Neel K. and Jose B.
Density: 5th place Ethan S. and Max S.
Energy Roller Coaster: 2nd place Abby C. and Liam M. 3rd place Danielle C. and Annabelle R.

There were several different band performances. I happened to be at the beginner band concert. It is totally impressive how much these students learn in just a few months. The Steel Drums were amazing too.


 There were also several performances by our dance classes and teams.  Below is one of our dance classes performing.


National Junior Honors Society kicked off the Brown Santa drive by purchasing gifts themselves that totaled over $1000!

GMS PALS donated over 120 coats to Coats For Kids. It is really great to be in a school that cares so much for others.

Mr. Howard's Robotics Career class participated in the Robot Olympics.


PTA brought back the Reflections project. Below are the winners.

Sixth graders had their annual Poetry and Pie celebration.  Students did an excellent job composing and reading their poems.




Ms. Finkler's Business Careers finished the semester with their Tiger Cage Challenge. Students designed new companies and proposed their ideas to parents to judge.  Liam S. created a "Built-it Website" and won 1st place.  Ava P. "AP Paw Patrol" received 2nd and Abby W. placed 3rd with her "Delicious Kitchen" concept.   



On another note, I want to remind everyone again about the importance of monitoring your child's cell phone.  Remember that if should observe anything inappropriate or alarming the authorities must be called.  Please don't wait until the next day.  Please let me know if you have questions.

A huge thank you to the PTA for our cookie exchange.  The cookies were delicious!  
 It was great to hear our GMS choir caroling through the classrooms today.


Enjoy the cold weekend.  Two days left until vacation.  We still have girls playing basketball and there is a Fine Arts Showcase on Tuesday for the students and staff here at GMS. 

Thursday, December 8, 2016

I would like to thank everyone who participated in one of our current fundraisers.  The children of this county will not only be dressed warmly but will also receive a great toy.

Our choir students had an amazing winter concert.  It was a great way to hear some holiday music.


There are lots of different events next week from band concerts to basketball games.  Check the school website's calendar for upcoming events.


Friday, December 2, 2016

This is definitely the time of year for giving.  GMS is participating in several different opportunities for giving.  The PALS program is campaigning for Coats for Kids.  NJHS is collecting toys for Brown Santa.  Student Council is fundraising for Breast Cancer with Pink Power Dunk.   Hopefully you can help support one or all of the fundraising efforts.  

The No Place For Hate student coalition is running an anonymous pen pal activity that addresses stereotypes.  The idea is to help students develop relationships with other students based on who they are and not what they look like.  For more information please visit our website at www.gmstigers.com



AISD has proposed three calendars for the 2017-2018 school year.  To vote for your favorite calendar, go to www.austinisd.org

Unfortunately, GMS  has dealt with several students using social media inappropriately this week.  I urge you to monitor what your children are doing on their phones daily.  It is relatively easy for students to create new accounts and find hiding places for their pictures.  When administration learns of such inappropriate use, parents are notified and students could receive consequences.   If you would like more information, please let me know.