(Pictures from last week's blog were from the Girl's Locker Room, 8th-grade hallway, and the chicken coop.)

Well, Tigers we did it!  If someone would have asked if I thought everyone could move to an online learning platform in two weeks, the answer would have been NO!  But we did.  It wasn't smooth and not even our best work but learning occurred for every GMS Tiger.  I am super proud of the GMS Staff for the incredible amount of learning it took to pull this off in two weeks and to keep it going.  I am equally proud of our GMS students who had to learn how to use the online tools, learn from them, and submit assignments!  Of course, none of this would have happened without the support of our amazing GMS families.   The amount of pride I have for this community is overwhelming.  During this time, not only did many of you forgo the district laptops allowing for needier students to receive theirs first.  Families also supported the GMS faculty financially in multiple ways.  I have even heard of GMS Tigers continuing their volunteerism by creating earpieces for masks, delivering food, and placing positive thoughts around the neighborhood.  Really, I can't be more proud to be their principal.

As we move into summer, the plan for returning in August isn't clear.  It will look different.  As I learn what this will look like, I will communicate with you.  Please continue to check the different communication formats for GMS.

I leave you with a link of highlights for 2019-2020. 
https://www.facebook.com/GMSTigers/

Have a great summer.

Hard to believe that this is the last week of VLOs for students.  

Do you know where these pictures were taken?

The pictures from last week's blog were from the GMS Library and Mr. Branham's US History classroom. It's one of my favorite classrooms at GMS.  

Next week brings the last week of school and end of year celebrations.   There is something different planned for each grade level.  Sixth graders will participate in a virtual Ice Cream Social.  7th graders will have a virtual celebration. For our 8th graders, the campus is hosting a parade next Thursday.  Please check out our website for more details.  

Just a reminder that all VLOs are over and grades will be finalized next Tuesday.

Monday is Memorial Day so GMS will back on Tuesday.  Have a great weekend. 

8th graders, we need your help with submitting pictures for the 8th Grade Panoramic photo.  The deadline has been extended to next Friday the 22nd. 

https://www.emailmeform.com/builder/form/jv5d7fNYJ0rRw

 Last Friday I posted pictures of different places at GMS and asked if you knew where they were.  Here are the answers:  The Commons, over Tiger Mart, and the gym.  Those were easier.  Do you know where these pictures were taken?

Just a reminder that items in the PE lockers are able to be picked up.  An email was sent earlier this week with a link.  The link must be completed prior to you coming to school.  

Thank you all so much for your patience as GMS has worked through this unprecedented situation.  Stay safe and hope to see you soon. 

I want to thank the GMS Community for the wonderful Teacher Appreciation Treats this week.  You helped make cleaning out our rooms much easier. Thank you.

While I was on campus this week, I decided to take some photos of different places in the building.   Hopefully, you will know where in the building each of the photos came from.  If you need some help, just send me an email.  

Parents with students in high school level courses don't forget that you must submit the survey and if you want your child out of the class, email your gear level counselor.  

If you would like to have your 8th-grade child's picture in the 8th-grade slideshow, please email michelle.roddewig@austinisd.org

My last Principal Coffee for the year is Monday, May 11th.  Please RSVP to the above email.

Have a great Mother's Day Weekend. 

Hope this blog finds you well and adjusting to our new norm. 

GMS Art work from home...

Needs ideas on how to create a poem?  Mrs. Juettner has a great idea.

Huge shout-out to the GMS PTA, specifically Mandy K. and Katy H. for hosting the Screenagers screening this week. 

This week you should have received the approved Middle School grading guidelines.  There are some significant changes for students taking high school credit classes.  Within the next few days, you will also receive another email from the district informing you of your child's current grade in high school-level courses, and if you want your child to continue in them.  Knowing there will be lots of questions, I am hosting a parent meeting on May 5th at 11:00.  Please RSVP to michelle.roddewig@austinisd.org to attend. May 6th, you should receive a survey where you will need to inform GMS of your decision to stay in the high school level course or be removed.

GMS is working on end of year celebrations.  We are in current need of pictures of our 8th graders.  Please send photos to michelle.roddewig@austinisd.org by May 15th. 

As we close out the year, students have items that need to be returned.  These are very specific items and you will receive an email from the teacher with more details if this pertains to your child.
Athletics, May 7th, 10:00-12:00, drop off in back by the gym
Band, May 14th, 10:00-2:00, front carpool lane
Orchestra, May 14th 10:00-2:00, loading dock near dumpsters
Dance, May 14th, 10:00-2:00, driveway by portable entering street from the front of the school.

At this time, all student materials will remain where they are until schools reopen. 

Next Principal Coffe is May 11th.  Look for more details.  Have a great weekend.