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!

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. 

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.

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.  

We had a great week honoring our Teacher Assistants.  We definitely couldn't do it without their support.

Theater Arts put on a great performance of Hamlet:  Zombie Killer of Denmark.

GMS Band placed a total of 53 students in district band with 38 of those advancing to the next round.  In the final audition, GMS had the highest number of students place in AISD with 28 being in the All-Region Band and 6 making the orchestra.  

Did you know that GMS offers woodshop?  Look at what the students have created.

Today was our annual pajama day.  Students were quite creative. 

Thank you to all the parents that helped with our annual staff Thanksgiving Feast. It was so nice to have it all ready.

Another thank you for those that participated in my Principal's Coffee.  The topic was on student mental health and programs that GMS is offering.  7th grade will receive the NAMI presentation - Ending the Silence.  Then in January, a student support group will be started.  More information will be coming.

We ended the week with our PAWS for Fun celebration.

Happy Thanksgiving

What an amazing week this was.  It began by showcasing GMS electives at our annual Only One Gorzycki Night for incoming 6th graders.  Watching the students perform reminds me of why I am so proud to be the principal of the campus!

Tiger Dancers...

Glee Choir...

 Guitar...

 Theater Arts...

 Orchestra...

Wind Ensemble...

Then on Wednesday GMS honored Diane Gorzycki with a Tribute Concert and played some of her favorite pieces.  We are so honored that both her son and sister continue to support Gorzycki with their volunteering.  I am sure you have seen them around.

Symphony band...

I also want to thank all of those that supported Ms. Wilbank's donorschoose project, Desk Cycles.  As you can see, the students loved putting them together as well as using them in the room.

Today students participated in a No Place for Hate lesson designed by students in Mr. Martin's EXCEL class.  They did an awesome job relaying the message.
https://drive.google.com/a/austinisd.org/file/d/0B7OrrvZxpEFcS0pXZmFVNkpFczg/view?usp=sharing

Next Friday is my Principal's Coffee.  The topic will be a new student support group for GMS students, #oktotalk presented by NAMI.  This is the same organization that provides the Ending the Silence presentations for our students.  This year 7th grade students will participate in the presentation.  Information related to the student support groups was featured on the news this week.
 http://kxan.com/2016/11/08/nami-austin-bringing-free-teen-support-groups-to-middle-schools/