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Caught being good this week … Wesley Kwong .. stop by the office to pick up your prize!
Safety – Traffic Update: Things have improved a bit over the past few days. Thank you for heeding our pleas for the safety of our students, staff, parents, and visitors. We are working with the City of San Ramon, San Ramon Police Department, SRVUSD Transportation Department, parents, staff and students to be sure all that can be done, is, to continue to improve the situation. New signage has been ordered and will be installed. Other physical and procedural changes are in the works as well. We will keep you informed as improvements and changes are implemented. Please continue to be aware of your speed (5mph speed limit on campus) 25mph on the streets surrounding the school, and ever watchful of pedestrians and other vehicles.
Conference Week: October 5th through 9th will be the time for parent, student, teacher conferences. At the middle school level, conferences are NOT held for all students. Conferences are based on Teacher requests. Our office staff will be placing calls next Tuesday, October 29th in the evening to set up times for the requested conferences. If you receive a call or message, please respond to the request. If you do not receive a call, but would like to schedule a conference, you may contact our office on Thursday, Oct 1st to schedule a time, space permitting. Or, you may contact the teacher directly to schedule time outside of conference week. Our minimum day schedule is in effect all week, with an 11:40am dismissal time. Please be sure to make arrangements to have your student(s) be off campus no later than 12:00noon.
PE Sweat Clothes and Spirit Wear Orders: For those that pre-ordered Sweat Shirts, Pants or Spirit Wear, the order has been placed with the vendor. (pre-orders were due September 14th). We expect to receive the order before the cold weather kicks in. Once the order is received, it will be processed, sorted and distributed to the students.
PE Clothes (shirts and shorts): As some of you are aware, we exhausted our supply for some of the more popular sizes distributed during registration. An additional order was placed and we expect to receive the shipment within the next two weeks. Your students’ PE teacher will announce to their classes when the clothing has arrived. At that time, if you would like to purchase additional shirts and/or shorts, they will be available. The prices are the same: $10 shirt $15 shorts, $25 for the set.
Picture Retakes: October 14th – PE Classes .. Lifetouch will be out on this date to take pictures of any students who missed the September Fall Picture Day or to Retake Pictures to replace original packages, if you desire. The process for this day is as follows:
1. First time picture – pre-paid package orders only. Student brings order form and payment to photographer when picture is taken on picture day. (Order forms and flyers will be sent home at least 1 week prior to picture day).
2. Return of original packet and picture retake: Student brings original packet and presents to photographer at time of re-take. New packet will be make from the new picture.
Magazine/Gift Sales Status: Congratulations Gryphons! Almost $15,000 in orders was turned in on Wednesday. The Gale Ranch Student Body will receive almost 50% of this to help fund extra-curricular activities. For those that were unable to make turn-in day, orders will be accepted through next Wednesday morning, for prizes. After that date, we will still accept Internet Orders, however, the prize window will have vanished. If you have any additional orders, please have your student drop them off in the office. Prizes (other than activities) will be distributed during the lunch periods on Wednesday, September 30th. Students only, please!
Attendance Reminders: If your child is going to miss school (all day or partial day) please call the attendance line; 479-1598. Please leave the student's name, date of absence, reason for absence and person calling. Check schoolloop for homework assignments and on the third day of absence you may request homework on the attendance line , if the information on schoolloop is incomplete. Please do not call or email the teachers. All absences are cleared through the attendance office. If you would need to pick up your student before the end of the school day, for an appointment, please follow this procedure:
- Student comes into the office before school with a note from parent. The note includes the time student will be picked up and the reason for the early pick up.
- Student will be given a pass to give to their teacher at the appropriate time to be dismissed from class.
- Student will come to the office to meet parent who will officially sign them out.
Students are not allowed to leave class without permission from the office (pass from the office). This process eliminates the need to call a classroom which disrupts the learning experience for the entire class. Thank you for your cooperation.
Attention all 7th and 8th graders interested in the Spring Break trip to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. Deadline to register has been extended. Register today!
Famous people, places and events come to life. Walk through Civil War battlefields, experience the workings of our national government, visit famous landmarks of the American Revolution and enjoy our nation's finest museums.
It is time to register for the Gale Ranch trip to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia. Please go online to www.usastudenttravel.com to register, or for more information please contact Ms. Smith at lsmith@srvusd.net. Afterschool Activities
Math Counts Club – Has begun
Almost 80 students showed up for the informational meeting. The club will start in earnest next Wednesday, September 30th. Go to the MPR right after school be involved in this fun, challenging and exciting group. A $10 donation has been suggested to help defray the costs of afternoon snacks and required registration fees to become a competitive team this year. Do not confuse this $10 donation with the Afterschool Activity Donation suggested at registration time. This donation goes to all after school activities to help pay for the teacher, coach, or other staff support.
Drama Club – Sign Ups
Sign ups have begun. Forms are available in the MPR at lunch time. The Drama Club, again under the direction of Mrs. Buschini will hold its first on Wednesday, October 14th . (8:15am in the MPR) Drama Club will meet on Wednesday mornings at 8:15a (before school) on the dates listed on the flyer. (The Club does NOT meet every Wednesday.) Be sure to pick up a flyer and return the Policy Acknowledgment no later than October 2nd to the box in the MPR.
GIA – Gryphons in Action Attention All Students!
If you are interested in the GIA volunteer program starting on our campus, please visit our school website and click on the link "GIA" for more information about how to become a member. If you decide you are interested after reading the requirements, email Ms. Haws at ahaws@srvusd.net so that I can put you on our group email list for further news and updates.
You have until October 30th to turn in your 240 points= 30 volunteer hours which are required to become "an active member" of GIA. Please see the GIA info and read over the brochure on our school's website for clarification on all your questions. Click here to download the flyer. Click here to download an activity form. All volunteer hours must be turned into the office, where a clearly marked bin has been added to the wall that says "GIA" by October 30th. Many students have begun their volunteer work and the forms are being turned in. Go GIAs! Our first meeting of “active members” will be held Wednesday, November 4th @ 8:30 a.m., in room C102. At this meeting we will proceed then with the next steps. So for now, make sure you complete your 30 volunteer hours and have filled out the proper volunteer form (click here) by Oct. 30th and I will see you November 4th for our first meeting!
Any questions may be directed to Ms Haws at ahaws@srvusd.net
7th & 8th Grade Dance – October 1st
We are looking for a few brave souls who would like to volunteer to chaperone the dance. If you are up to the challenge and would like to be considered, please email mbchamberlain@srvusd.net to express your interest.
Thank You to our wonderful Sponsors .. They help to make GRMS Great!
We would like to thank our PTSA and Baskin-Robbins for supporting several of our programs. They have and will continue to provide coupons/discount cards for Student of the Month, Caught Being Good and Honor Roll celebrations. In addition, the PTSA secures volunteers, refreshments and other valuable resources as needed.
8th Grade News
With the first promoting 8th Grade Class this year, many exciting events will be coming their way. Watch the Gazette for announcements, opportunities and deadlines.
8th Grade Yearbook Ads
The Yearbook Staff would like to invite the families of 8th grade students to honor and celebrate your student’s promotion to high school with a personalized ad in the yearbook. Each ad includes one photo of your student and a personalized message (up to 150 words). All ads are 1/8 of a page and cost $40. They must be submitted no later than Friday, October 23 to be included in the yearbook. For questions and instructions on submitting your ad, please contact Amy Hill at ahill@srvusd.net Please click here for the form or download the form on our website www.grms.srvusd.net. Follow the directions for submission of the pictures either electronically or manually turn in to the bin provided in the office.
Promotion Party Planning Meeting
The first planning meeting for the 8th Grade promotion party is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29th, 9:30am. Please join us as the theme is discussed, committees are forms and ideas are laid out. This is a great, fun, exciting time for both volunteers and our 8th grade promoting students. 6th and 7th grade parents are welcome to participate. It will be a great learning experience so you are even better prepared for your student’s promotion when the time comes. Please respond to this email if you will be joining for the meeting, or if you would like to be included on the volunteer list.
Leadership News
Primos Run October 11, 2009
Go to www.primosrun.com and sign up before October 8th. Everyone can (parents, students, staff, everyone) help out by signing up .. There are multiple cash prizes in several categories based on registrants.
In addition to the cash prizes to the school, individual students have a couple of other reasons to participate.
Students participating in the 5k or 1/2 marathon should bring in your bib number or confirmation from the computer and you will either get 5 extra credit points for PE or get a free day of not dressing on the Monday following the race.
If 40% of your PE class participates, your PE teacher will run the mile the next fitness day and you get to watch.
If the Gale Ranch as the MOST participates for Middle Schools then there will be a chance to throw a pie at your PE teacher.
Student Store/Balloons The student store is open before school (8:00am) Tuesdays through Fridays. Balloons, pencils and other Gryphon items are available for sale each day. The only balloons allowed on campus must come from the student store. A maximum of 6 balloons per student may be transported on campus. Any balloons brought from off campus, or more than 6 balloons per person will be held in the office until the end of school.
GRMS Website
Our website contains loads of information that we hope will be informative and relevant to you. Please check it often. It contains, among other things, upcoming event, school, district and sports calendars, PTSA and Ed Fund information, links to pertinent sites and so much more. www.grms.srvusd.net
Opportunities
Our front office has a literature rack containing informational flyers about school and outside activities. These could include sports, support groups, scholastic and other school groups. Please stop by periodically to peruse the rack. Your students should be checking it often too! Currently there is information about Lacrosse, Softball, CJSF, GIA, PTSA, ED Fund, La Asia, Office Depot and more!
School Lunches & Mealtime
Our food services staff will once again be planning and preparing nutritious and appetizing lunches. Next week’s menu is posted to the Gale Ranch website. The price for the complete lunch is $4.00 this year and all meals include an entree, choice of milk, fresh and canned fruits and vegetables from the salad bar.
This year we are striving to have a cashless operation in the cafeteria. This is possible with the Mealtime lunch system. Money is simply deposited into your student’s account and they can then purchase lunch using their student id. You can deposit via the website or simply bring a check made out to SRVUSD into the office and it will be deposited into your student’s account.
City of San Ramon Library
Pokémon Party
Saturday, October 10 1:00pm
San Ramon Library
Hey Pokémon players, have you got the skills to catch them all? Bring your Nintendo DS and your copy of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum. You’ll play against other kids and we’ll also have Pokémon Battle Revolution on the Wii. Don't miss this chance to meet other Pokémon fan-atics!
Teen Read Week 2009 - Read Beyond Reality
October 18-24
Drop by the libraries and vote for your favorite title in our Teen’s Top Ten Contest. Get inspired to read something from our list of nominees, then join us for the TRW party!
Game Night @ Dougherty Station Library – Our Teen Read Week Party!
Friday, October 23 DSL
6:00 –8:00pm
Join us for a loud and lively evening when teens take over the library and we celebrate Teen Read Week. The library will be open only to teens and it will be all about games and gaming with over 40 computers and console games like the Wii on our big screens. Bring your friends and play the night away! Refreshments will be served.
Tea and more for Teens
Saturday, November 7 SRL
6:00 –8:00pm
Have you ever wondered what fork to use at a formal dinner or if it is okay to send a text message instead of a thank you note? Life can be complicated and the finer points of social graces can be confusing! But help is here! Just in time for the holidays Rebecca Black, etiquette consultant, teacher and image coach will cover the basics including table manners and teen etiquette. And just to prove how much we’ve learned, we’ll enjoy a “formal” tea and have fun too.
Flicktion Book Club for Middle Schoolers
Tuesday 10/20, 11/17 and 12/15 3:15-5:00pm DSL
Wednesday 10/21, 11/18 and 12/16 2:30-4:00pm SRL
You can’t judge a book by its cover…or by its movie! San Ramon Libraries would like to invite all teens to join our newest book club! We’ll explore some great stories together. Read the book ahead of time, and then come watch the movie. Stay around afterwards for a brief discussion of how the book and movie compare and which one was better! Everyone is welcome, even if they haven’t read the book! Upcoming titles are:
October - Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz
November - The Princess Bride by William Goldman
December- How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss
City of San Ramon Upcoming Programs
The City of San Ramon Parks & Community Services Department offers a variety of programs, classes and events. Visit our teen website, www.SRTeen.org, for a complete listing of what’s going on for teens in San Ramon. To register for classes or other programs stop by the San Ramon or Dougherty Station Community Centers or you can register online at www.SanRamonRecGuide.com. If you have questions or need more information please call 973-3200.
Hip Hop Dance
Come get your groove on! The class will include a warm-up, stretching and strengthening exercises and the latest moves of the most popular street dance today, hip-hop. Popular, age-appropriate music will be used. Please wear comfortable/stretchy clothing and tennis shoes, no jeans. No class 10/7 & 11/23.
Grades 6 - 8
5 Classes $45(R)/$56(N)
Diablo Valley College San Ramon Campus
Mon 9/21 - 10/19 3:05 - 3:50pm Act# 61337
Mon 10/ 26 - 11/30 3:05 - 3:50pm Act# 63127
Babysitting for Beginners
The class you have been looking for to develop all the skills needed to be a trusted and responsible babysitter. Learn about child development, bedtime strategies, discipline, how to get jobs, and ways to make babysitting fun for you and the kids. Basic first aid, general safety, and what to do in an emergency will also be covered.
Ages 10-18
1 Classes $60(R)/$75(N)
Community Center at Central Park
Sat 10/10 9:00 – 2:30 pm Act# 63235
Sun 11/8 9:00 – 2:30 pm Act# 63221
Upcoming Events
Middle School Halloween Dance
Put on your Halloween costume and come have a howling good time at the Halloween Middle School Dance. All 6th, 7th, and 8th graders with a valid school ID are invited to attend this fun event. Tickets will be sold for $7 at our middle school Teen Centers and San Ramon Community Center beginning October 19. Tickets will only be sold at the door if available for $10. The last dance sold-out so get your tickets early! Visit www.SRTeen.org for dress code
and parental permission form.
Grades 6 - 8
$7 in advance/$10 at the door
Community Center at Central Park
Fri 10/30 6:00 - 9:00pm
Visit SRTeen.org
Visit San Ramon’s all new website, www. SRTeen.org, to get information on teen events, concert information, classes, and other programs. At SRTeen.org you can sign up for email updates and participate in contests that can make teens eligible for free prizes and discounts on programs and events. Check out www.SRTeen.org to get the 411 on teen programs .
Interested in playing fastpitch softball?
SRVGAL (San Ramon Girls Athletic League) is now open for registration.
Girls are placed in grade based divisions. Minimum player age is 5 yrs old by 12/31/09.
There are 3 levels of play: recreational, developmental and competitive.
Register on-line at www.srvgal.org
Introducing the San Ramon Raptors
Do you know a boy or girl who is interested in playing lacrosse? If so, check out the website for the new San Ramon Raptors Lacrosse Club <http://www.sanramonlacrosse.com/sanramonlacrosse/sanramonlacrosse.html> . Formed to promote the sport of lacrosse in San Ramon, the club is creating teams in four age groups for the SPRING 2010 season (U13 - Grade 5 & 6, U-15 - Grade 7 & 8).
There will be an informational meeting held Thursday, October 8th from 7:00 - 8:00 pm at the San Ramon Community Center, Central Park, Terrace Room. There will be 2 FREE fall registrations given away (value $195.00 ea).
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