Dear Students and Parents,
Our 2011-12 school year is in the fourth quarter! The year seems to be passing quickly and our students are amazing us everyday with their creativity and passion for learning! Please take a moment to click on our SRVUSD Framework for Excellence on our website. The document supports students and their learning along with staff and their work. GRMS focuses on all three characteristics of rigor, relevance and relationships at the highest level. I am really proud of our students and how they have embraced this academic year. These terms could also be referred to as Core Standards, 21st Century Learning Skills and Character Development. We have ongoing work with these three practices throughout the year. Many have asked what does 21st Century learning skills means and I would encourage you to use the five C’s in your conversations with students. The five C’s are Critical thinking, Curiosity, Communication, Creativity and Collaboration.
As always, we are working on developing compassionate and caring young adults. Throughout the year, we will challenge our students to continually work on their character. Character Counts is woven throughout the Dougherty Valley and is making a lasting impression on developing young lives. Watch for our Character Counts announcements during the year.
Our students have embraced the change of only having two lunches. Our 6th graders have lunch together and then our 7th and 8th graders have a combined lunch and it has been fantastic!
Please check on the website for all of our after school activities that are available for our students. We have vocal music, GIA, Athletics, Science Bowl, Odyssey of the Mind, Math counts, CJSF, etc...This is the time for our students to find their passions!
It is great to have continued support from our parent groups. A special thank you to Renata Price, PTSA president, and Mohammed Fattah, GRMSEF president, for their leadership this year!
Tdap (Whooping Cough) Booster is required prior to starting 2011-2012 School Year. A new California law (AB354) now requires students to be vaccinated against whooping cough. For the 2011-12 School year, ALL students entering 7th through 12th grades will need proof of an adolescent whooping cough booster shot (Tdap) before starting school. This law is also in effect for our current student body and the upcoming school year.
Please keep our loop of communication going by using School Loop to help track your student’s progress and communicate with teachers. It is also important to read the Gryphon Gazette, which gets published at the end of each week. It is also published on our website.
Once again, our doors are always open and we look forward to improving and building the Gale Ranch Community!
Make it a great year,
Lisa Ward
Principal
Gale Ranch Middle School
“Home of the Gryphons”
