April 1, 2016

We are SO excited to let families know that we are voting on the possibility of having collaborative planning Wednesdays for the 2016-2017 school year!  While we realize that this can be a scheduling issues, we hope that our families and community will realize that this is so our teachers can CONTINUE to increase collaboration, increase student engagement, work to streamline instruction, and focus even more on student success!  This is THRILLING for our staff and we couldn't be MORE excited!

Our yearly Science CSTs/SBAC/CAASPP test is coming up!  Please make a note of the dates!  Science CSTs for 8th is April 11-15 and SBAC/CAASPP will take place from April 25- May 13!  We will be on block schedule for three weeks with Fridays as regular days!

Have you purchased your tickets?  We have some FABULOUS donations from San Francisco Giants, Auberge, Caymus, Heretic Brewing Co, Galvan Family Cellars, Calistoga Inn, and MORE!  Don't miss out!  Tickets are $25.00 for 5 tastings, one full glass, munchies, and access to all auction items and Dessert Auction items!  Wood fired pizzas will be available for purchase and DJ John Laxa will be on the scene!  Don't miss out and tickets are going FAST!

8th Grade Promotion is scheduled for Thursday, June 2nd from 11-12.  Each 8th grade student that is being promoted to 9th grade will receive FOUR PROMOTION TICKETS ONLY.  Due to space, parking and crowds, this is all that we can accommodate.  All balloons, posters, and such MUST remain at home as it cannot block the view for other families and will be checked at the front door when tickets are collected.  Again, we don't have the space for these items and they can be given outside the gates.  Parking will be a mess and gates will not open until 10:30 so please plan accordingly.  We appreciate your support in making this successful for our students before moving to high school!

Please note, there will be NO MORE schedule changes at this point.  We have less than 70 days of school left and we are enrolling more and more students each day.  We do not have the space to continue to more students back and forth.

Thank you to those that attended the Washington D.C. trip informational meeting for the 2106-2017 school year (sorry, no 8th grade trip this year).  The trip will take place in June 2017 and will be for 5 days!  Please check out this website and this link for those interested in financial assistance!

From our College and Career Counselor, Mrs. Walker:  

Yes2Kollege Educational Resources, Inc is holding a mentoring conference at Health Professions High School in Sac. on April 23rd.  This conference and their program is geared towards African American MS and HS students.  Check out THIS LINK for a video for more information!

Please start saving your e-waste items for Science Department Fundraiser!  Anything with a wire or a plug can be placed on the table near Mrs. Bates office mid-April.  If you have a bunch to donate please visit GVMS website and click on E-Waste 4 Good to have special arrangements made!  Thanks for your help!!

March 18, 2016

We are SO excited to let families know that we are voting on the possibility of having collaborative planning Wednesdays for the 2016-2017 school year!  While we realize that this can be a scheduling issues, we hope that our families and community will realize that this is so our teachers can CONTINUE to increase collaboration, increase student engagement, work to streamline instruction, and focus even more on student success!  This is THRILLING for our staff and we couldn't be MORE excited!

Our yearly Science CSTs/SBAC/CAASPP test is coming up!  Please make a note of the dates!  Science CSTs for 8th is April 11-15 and SBAC/CAASPP will take place from April 25- May 13!  We will be on block schedule for three weeks with Fridays as regular days!

Have you purchased your tickets?  We have some FABULOUS donations from San Francisco Giants, Auberge, Caymus, Heretic Brewing Co, Galvan Family Cellars, Calistoga Inn, and MORE!  Don't miss out!  Tickets are $25.00 for 5 tastings, one full glass, munchies, and access to all auction items and Dessert Auction items!  Wood fired pizzas will be available for purchase and DJ John Laxa will be on the scene!  Don't miss out!

WE HAVE A DANCE COMING!  We are having a Spring Dance Friday, April 1 from 3:05-4:30.  Interested in chaperoning?  Please let us know!  Here is the Sign Up Genius for Parent Chaperone Opportunities!

Thank you to those that attended the Washington D.C. trip informational meeting for the 2106-2017 school year (sorry, no 8th grade trip this year).  The trip will take place in June 2017 and will be for 5 days!

Please start saving your e-waste items for Science Department Fundraiser!  Anything with a wire or a plug can be placed on the table near Mrs. Bates office mid-April.  If you have a bunch to donate please visit GVMS website and click on E-Waste 4 Good to have special arrangements made!  Thanks for your help!!

Attention all Marine Science Institute Camp Attendees!  Mrs. Love, Mr. Vohs and Mrs. Lee look forward to seeing all of you on 3/25/16!  Please be on time, no later than 12:40 PM at the Redwood City facility.  If you are unable to attend please email Mrs. Lee here so others can attend.  Friday, 3/18/16, is the last day to accept cancellations for a refund.  Please remember to dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes. Have fun!

Check out the gofundme project HERE that Mr. McNamara created for our PE Department!  Also, check out Ms. Toll's project on donorschoose HERE!

March 11, 2016

Welcome to MARCH MADNESS!!  We have a lot going on during this month, including Spring Break coming March 21- March 28.  Students return March 29th!

WE HAVE A DANCE coming!  We are having a Spring Dance Friday, April 1 from 3:05-4:30.  Interested in chaperoning?  Please let us know!  Here is the Sign Up Genius for Parent Chaperone Opportunities!

We are SO excited to let families know that we are voting on the possibility of having collaborative planning Wednesdays for the 2016-2017 school year!  While we realize that this can be a scheduling issues, we hope that our families and community will realize that this is so our teachers can CONTINUE to increase collaboration, increase student engagement, work to streamline instruction, and focus even more on student success!  This is THRILLING for our staff and we couldn't be MORE excited!

Need some alternative resources for parenting?  Wish our kids all came with instructions and owner's manuals? =)  You are NOT alone!  Check out THIS article for resources on academics, behavior and social issues for your tween/teen!

The reality of Digital Drama is not something new.  Our kids, just like all other kids, discuss their drama in person and MUCH more online.  Check out THIS ARTICLE to understand the reality of digital drama and getting your Viking OUT OF IT!

SPRING FLING is coming!!  Don't miss out on your chance to have a SUPER FUN time at GV Cellars on Saturday, April 30th from 4-8 PM AND support GVMS at the same time!  WE NEED YOUR HELP!  We are in need of a few more donations to make this event even better!  Do you have a new BBQ grill/tools to donate?  Plane tickets? Timeshare points/reservation? Lift tickets? Giants/A's/49er/Sharks/Kings/Warriors tickets?  Own a limo/catering/party planning business?  WE NEED YOU!!!  Please email Mrs. Cherry HERE to let her know!  Click HERE to get your tickets through PayPal! Thank you for supporting GVMS and helping us reach our goal of 1:1 devices for students and to bring more supports to our kids!

Washington D.C. invitations will be personally given to all 7th graders at GVMS this week!  There will be a parent meeting on MARCH 17th from 6-6:30 in G104 to plan for the trip for the 2106-2017 school year (sorry, no 8th grade trip this year).  Please have parents attend this meeting in order to learn more about the trip and financial aid options.  The trip will take place in June 2017 and will be for 5 days!

HAVE YOU HEARD OF IT?  We want to be part of the "Dude.  Be nice." program! Interested in joining us and showing your pride for being nice?  Let us know!!

Special thank you to PTC BOARD MEMBERS for coming to 6th grade orientation this past Wednesday!  We always appreciate your support for our students and staff! Want to get involved or have something FABULOUS to donate for the Spring Fling coming up on April 30?  Please email GVMS PTC here and let them know!  We appreciate ALL DONATIONS to raise money for more technology and student support services on campus!!!

WE NEED YOU!!  We are already planning for 2016-2017 and need PTC Board members for next year!  Can you help at school, at home or during the school year?  Please email our board here and let them know!  We look forward to working with you!

March 4, 2016

Our 7th grade students will be taking the CA Healthy Kids Survey beginning the week of March 14th.  If you DO NOT want your student to take this quick online survey, please email Mrs. Cherry here to let her know and she will send you the opt out form!

We appreciate you!  Thank you to the WATCH D.O.G.S. (Dads of Great Students) that come before school to help make connections and supervise our kids!  Interested in joining their squad??  Email Mrs. Cherry HERE to get involved and hang out with some fabulous middle school students! 

Special thank you to PTC BOARD MEMBERS for coming to 6th grade orientation this past Wednesday!  We always appreciate your support for our students and staff! Want to get involved or have something FABULOUS to donate for the Spring Fling coming up on April 30?  Please email GVMS PTC here and let them know!  We appreciate ALL DONATIONS to raise money for more technology and student support services on campus!!!

**WARNING**

I know we have said it before and we will say it again:  PLEASE check your student's phone and see what apps they have loaded.  The pictures that were attached to the weekly newsletter and also take a look at THIS ARTICLE to get even more information.  

Do you know what your Viking student is watching on YouTube?  Take a look at what they are watching and what they have access to HERE and keep informed!  

Did you know that our teens have access to adult dating apps online?  There are some great resources to understand how to chat with your teen/tween about dating and who is out there on the Internet....