The business careers class held their Tiger Case Business Competition this week.  From the different classes, the businesses were narrowed done to 16.  After presentations, students rated the students and three were selected:  "Thirst No Mow" - Shelton; "Sit Huts" - Carlton; and "Swish Nation Incorporation" - Jake.  Two parents along with myself judged these remaining projects.

 photo by Victoria H.

The EXCEL classes participated in a winter door contest.  There were some creative ideas.  There were 4 ways to win:  Best in Texas Winter, Most Creative Use of Materials, Great Diversity, and Most Artistic.  EXCEL Class winners are Moreno, Allevato, Snyder, Palmer, Martin, Cooper, Bell, Renfro, Butler, Ransom, and Chandler.

The girls 7th & 8th grade basketball teams finished their seasons as Southwest Zone Champions. So proud of these Lady Tigers.

The boys 7th & 8th grade soccer teams also finished their season.

 photo by Mandy P.

Did you know that our Fashion and Design class this semester made dresses for orphan children in Africa?  They were made out of pillow cases!  What a creative idea.

 photo by Halle K

The new year's Lone Star list is out and there are some awesome books on it.  The new Lone Star Challenge begins.  All you need to do is read 15 books off the list to participate in the next year's luncheon.  As I roamed the library during the celebration, one of the questions I asked the students was how many books a week they read.  Two was the average number!  Wow, I was quite embarrassed.  My number wasn't close to that at all!

We ended the semester with an amazing Winter Concert from our fine arts department.  The students did an outstanding job!

 photos by Ashley J.

Thank you to all the parents who participated in the Faculty Cookie Exchange.  It was so much fun selecting all the different cookies.  My favorites were the fudge and dipped pretzels!  I wish you a great holiday season and hope you are able to relax and spend time with family.  See you January 5, 2016!

Last Friday the 6th grade Science Club attend a mini-science competition at UT.  Our students did great. Logan and Alex received Gold Medals for their Energy Roller Coaster.  Tor and Zachary earned Silver Medals for their Density project.

On Monday the No Place for Hate Coalition attend the annual conference.  They represented GMS well.

Monday was also the 8th grade career fair.  Student gained ideas on possible career opportunities from some of our previous staff as well as husbands of current staff. 

Both the 7th and 8th grade B Basketball teams won their games this week making them AISD Southwest Zone Champions.  The A teams play next week.  We wish them the best of luck.

Students were highly active and showcasing what they have been working on this week.  There was a Dance Team showcase, Glee Club Choir performance, and Guitar Concert.  The kids did great. 

I am sure I forgot something.  I appreciate the emails and pictures reminding me of things to post.  

Have a great weekend.  One week left to break!

Building Update:  The boiler, which is part of the heating system, has gone out.  Please have the students put on an extra layer of clothes for the next few days just incase it is cold inside the building.

Did you know that Gorzycki students are in the "giving" mood?  There are several ways students can participate in the "giving" all of which have been annual traditions here.  GMS has selected Travis County Sheriff's Office Brown Santa Program which provides toys for boys and girls within the county.  Huge bins are in the front foyer.  Just place a toy in there.  The PALS program has selected Austin Coats for Kids which provides new and gently used coats to children in Austin.  There are bins in the commons area as well as the library.  NJHS selected All for Books which provides books for the Dell Children't Hospital Library. Books can be purchased through our book fair in the library.  Please help any or all of the organizations. The containers are very empty.

Have a great weekend!

Congratulations to the cast and crew that performed at the AISD Middle School One Act Play Festival last week!  Ella, Breckon, and Zoe took home Bronze All-Star Cast awards for their roles as the narrators.  Patrick took home a Silver All-Star Cast award for his role as Smeagol.  Maya took home a Gold All-Star Cast award for her role as Cinderella.  Our actors weren't the only stars to shine...Esther received an Outstanding Tech award for her work as Sound Technician.  Way to go Tigers!

Check out Digit newspaper issue 1 at digit.press

It was a short week, but still learning was happening.  The 6th grade ELA classes hosted "The Poetry Coffee House".  There was lots of poetry and pie!

For pie, even some teachers got in on the reading...Is that Coach Mahoney?

Thanks to all the parent volunteers who served the pie.

It was also our first PJ day.  The Leadership class did a great job with all the rules.  Students and staff followed them all.  Maybe this will become a Gorzycki tradition?!

Hope you all find time to relax and enjoy the time with family.  Happy Thanksgiving!

Team 6-2 celebrated the following students for their hard work and positive attitude:  Samantha, Brody, Kelli, Ali, Brodi, and Brenden.  I am so proud of those students for going above and beyond the expectation and representing their peers.

Congratulations to our Lady Tiger basketball teams.  They devoured the Bailey Bears this week.

Does your child like to dance?  The GMS Dance Teams are hosting a dance camp December 5th.  If your child is interested, forms can be picked up from Mrs. Hanson or from our website.

Have you heard that Tuesday is Pajama Day?  The leadership students have established guidelines for what can and can't be worn.  Please make sure you know.

For all the parent volunteers that helped with our staff Thanksgiving luncheon - thank you!

Have a safe and warm weekend.

Congratulations to all band members who auditioned for the All-District Band.  GMS had 39 students make the All-District band and 21 advancing to Region Auditions.  Special congratulations to Tate, Hope, and Jacob on making first chair.  Also to the Wind Ensemble Trombones and the Euphonious 100% of them made All-District Band.

Auditions for The Little Mermaid school wide musical in almost here.  An information session will be November 17th at 6:00 pm.  All your questions about participating and auditioning will be answered then.

The GT Committee has announced a new competition for students.  All students are invited to participated in this school-wide event - 2015 Lego Design Challenge!  There are several design categories of Robotics, Art, Holiday Theme, Wonders of the World,  Architecture and Landscaping. For more information contact Mrs. Butler.  

The library hosted author Joelle Charbonneau today.  She was amazing and had the students spelled-bound.  (I'll try to tweet pictures this weekend.)

There is only one month left to meet the Lone Star Challenge.  You only need to read 15 books on the list!  Ask Mrs. Johnson for more details.

The GMS Lost-and-Found is overflowing.  You have until November 19th to retrieve you lost items or they will be donated to Goodwill.

If you haven't donated to the PTA Love Your School Fundraiser please do.  It is almost over.

For the next two weeks, the SEL lessons will be related to our No Place for Hate Campaign.  Lessons are available on the website.

Hopefully you were able to attend our Diane Gorzycki Tribute Concert.  All the of our bands performed, and they sounded amazing.

The GMS NJHS participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Fund Walk.  The group collected over $1200 to donate to the cause.  

Some of our Theater Arts students attended the Renaissance Festival.

Did you know that our awesome PTA has begun their annual Love Your School Fundraiser?  Not only does Gorzycki love your volunteer support, but we totally appreciate your financial support as well.  Please go to http://www.tigerpta.org/ if you are interested in donating. 

Gnasher News is back in swing!  Check out Gnasher News Episode 1 at digit.press  This comes out each Thursday.  Stay current each week and check it out.

The 7th and 8th grade football team finished their season.  Our 7th grade team finished as Runner Up in the City Championship.  Way to go Tigers!

The girl's basketball teams have already begun their seasons and had incredible wins over Murchison this week.  Boy basketball tryouts are today. 

I appreciate all the parents that came to my Principal's Coffee.  It is always an open and lively conversation.  My Principal's Coffees are the first Friday of each Monday.  December 4th at 8:30 is my next one.  Hope to see you there.

Next week begins MOYs (Middle of Year Benchmarks).  These tests are designed to assess the curriculum taught this far.  It allows us to put interventions in place for the students that aren't mastering concepts that have been taught. 

Did you know that November 9th is Diane Gorzycki's birthday?  Let's all show our appreciation of this outstanding educator by wearing a Gorzycki shirt. 

Have a great weekend!

What a great Red Ribbon Week we had here at GMS. The door decorations will be judged today and prizes awarded next week.  Here is one of my favorites.

There were also some great costumes today.  Here are some of the teachers during our PTA catered luncheon!  

 A huge thank you to our PTA and school supporter, Santa Rita.  Lunch was awesome and what a perfect day for it....Halloween and crazy weather.

If you haven't had the chance to see one of the orchestra concerts, I encourage you to attend one.  Last night was the first one of the year and the students were amazing.  There was even an appearance from the Theater Arts class.  It was a great performance. 

I need your help.  

• I am horrible at remember to take pictures at all the school events.  If you have great ones, please email them to me.  Once I check to make sure all students can have their pictures taken, I can add them to my blog and tweets.  
• Second, we are so close to our Chicken Coop goal.  If you haven't donated and would like to, can you do so by going to www.gofundme.com/gorzyckichickens   
• Third, the Gorzycki flower beds could use some significant help.  If you are interested in "adopting" one of our flower beds, please let me know.  

We are already at the end of the six weeks.  Please take the time over the weekend to review your child's grades. If there is a concern, contact the teacher immediately.  

Please have a safe and dry weekend.  

GMS has new student council representatives.  6th grade representatives are:  Reese A., Abigail B., Maya C., Emma D., Emma D., Ella G., Reese G., Adelynn L., Trei L., Kelly M., Keira R., Page V., and Kaitlin Z. 7th grade reps are:  Barsotti, Mariah B., Ella F., Drew G., Addison L., Abbey S., Brook S., Sydney S., and Elizabeth T. GMS 8th grade reps are:  Hope A., Katie C., Anna E., Jade F., Plato F., Nabeeha G., Talia H., Sarah I., Rachel K., Aspen K.,Rishi K., Stephanie M., Samantha P.,  Marissa S., Brianna S., Aurora T., Hanna W.,  Faith W., and  Kaitlyn Z.

The GMS Choir had their first concert this week.  It was an amazing event.  

What an amazing season for our volleyball players.  The 7th grade team ended in 2nd place for the southwest and 8th grade came out on top - first place.  Congratulations to the players and coaches. 

Also this week during  Mrs. Synder's Texas Wildlife Appreciation EXCEL class, Retired Texas A&M entomologist, Dr. Dress teaches about insects.

Gorzcyki students are getting ready for Red Ribbon Week 2015-this year's theme is:  Respect Yourself.  Be Drug Free.  At school, students will engage in activities which have been designed by the Student Leadership Group that promote a drug free and healthy lifestyle such as signing a drug free compact and decorating their classroom doors.  In recognition of this event, Tuesday is Gorzycki Spirit Day so wear a GMS t-shirt.  Wednesday is wear red. Thursday is crazy sock day and Friday is costume day.  (Please make sure the dress code is followed.)

Did you know that children of parents who talk to their teens regularly about drugs are 42% less likely to use drugs than those who don't.  Please partner with us and discuss this message at home, at the dinner table or at family outings.  Ask your student to show you the flyer he/she received at school about Red Ribbon Week or visit www.redribbon.org to learn more about Red Ribbon Week and get tips for talking to your children about drugs. 

Stay dry this weekend!