October 11, 2019

We really strive to help build empathy in our students as well as focusing on the positive EVERY day.  Some days are easier than others, for sure.

Whether it is through Good News Referrals, Student of the Month candidates, Pride Cards, or anything else, we really try to get our students to be KIND, CONSIDERATE, and CARING!  We also know support from home is CRITICAL!  Take a look at THIS ARTICLE to get some helpful ways and techniques to support your Viking, at home, to build empathy which can carry over to GVMS!

As parents, we all STRIVE to teach our kids responsibility and, in middle school, it can be especially challenging.  How do we handle this and how do we encourage this when they aren't in our care and are at school?  Take a look at THIS ARTICLE on ways to encourage your middle school student to make smart decisions, be kind, be responsible, and to do the right thing EVEN when no one is watching!

We continue to do our best to encourage our student to make SMART and KIND decisions at GVMS and in life.  That being said, many students (especially when they get to middle school) feel it's time to express themselves and repeat the disrespectful words that they hear others use.  PLEASE encourage your student to not use foul language.  Click HERE for an article on ways to curb foul language.  You would be VERY surprised to hear what comes out of the mouths of some of our students. 

Many students, parents and families have been asking about Halloween and what is approved at GVMS for October 31.  Yes, our students MAY wear costumes AND they MUST be school appropriate.  They MAY NOT display drugs, drug use, profanity, illegal activity, gang activity, or include a mask.  Thank you!

Want to get involved?  Check out the clubs on GVMS Campus!

• Logic Club (Mr. Swarner): Meets every Thursday after school in F204 until 4:30  for all students to have a safe and fun space to play and talk logically about puzzles and games!
• Yearbook (Mrs. Laffey):  Join the yearbook club that meets every Wednesday after school from 2:50-3:45 in D102 and be a part of making our school memories for all to share!
• Black Student Union (Mr. Thomas): Meets every Wednesday from 3:05-4:00 in E201 to promote activities of common interest, as well as, cultural and educational benefit for all students; to promote community and self enrichment by way of community services and volunteerism; to have a forum for all students to voice their differences, goals and ideas!
• American Sign Language/ASL (Mrs. Pie): Meets every Wednesday during A and B lunch in Room G105 for hearing students and staff to learn how to communicate in sign language as well as learning about deaf culture!
• Lunch Bunch Club (Mrs. Geyer) : Meets Tuesdays and Wednesdays during A lunch in D204 to create a safe space with activities and friendly faces so that NO student at GVMS eats alone!
• College and Career Club (Mr. Pringle) : Meets in the library the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to get students engaged into college and career activities, including guest speakers and field trips to colleges!
• Be The Change Club (Mr. Lapid):  Meets Thursdays after school until 4 PM to also promote kindness, follow the Challenge Day foundation, create a culture of compassion and acceptance within your school.  If you LOVED Challenge Day, you will LOVE this!
• Invention Convention Club (Mrs. Lindahl): Meets Fridays after school from 3-4 to "match unlimited potential with creative solutions for real-world problem solving!"  Let's CREATE something AWESOME!!!

THANK YOU SO MUCH TO ALL OF OUR BUBBLE RUN SPONSORS!  WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!!

Want to help and come out and support us!  Click THIS LINK and join in the FUN!!!

Just a few friendly reminders that were announced during our morning announcements:

• The daily bulletin is on our website and is read each morning.  It can be found HERE.
• We know that short SHIRTS are super cute....AND need to be left at home please!  
• We follow FSUSD dress code policy, so please make sure that you and your Viking are aware of it or they will need to change.  It can be found HERE. 
• Please do NOT bring gum to campus.  It ends up EVERYWHERE!  Mints are totally fine!
• Earbud, wireless or not, MAY NOT be used during passing periods any longer.  It has become a safety hazard and we need all of our students to hear what's going on.  If teachers allow earbuds to be worn in class, with permission, then that is up to the teacher!
• PE Clothing can be purchased before and after school still.  
• Please make sure that your Viking has money on their lunch card.  We cannot give emergency lunches in middle school.  The website can be found HERE.
• If you still haven't created your Parent Portal account or need the instructions, please call the office or come in.  If you need the website again, you can find it HERE.
• If your Viking needs assistance from a different teacher than they are going back to for tutorial, they MUST arrange that the day before to get a pass!

We are ALWAYS thinking outside the box to create effective ways to reach all of our students!  Want to be a part of this??  Check out THIS LINK to see the different ideas that our teachers have come up with!!

October 4, 2019

We truly try our very best to promote kindness DAILY with our students and, yes, it is a GREAT struggle EVERY day at GVMS.  We truly need your help to encourage this at home while we promote it at GVMS.  Take a look at THIS ARTICLE at ways to help support this at home.  We want a campus where every student is KIND to one another!  Thank you!

We know that MANY of our students LOVE to post videos on multiple sites, but do we all TRULY know what is going on with them?  

STUDENTS!!  Check out WHY middle school students NEED to work on their digital footprint, help you find your screen time purpose, and build a POSITIVE "personal" brand on social media!  It's a SHORT video, I promise!

Want to get involved?  Check out the clubs on GVMS Campus!

• Logic Club (Mr. Swarner): Meets every Thursday after school in F204 until 4:30  for all students to have a safe and fun space to play and talk logically about puzzles and games!
• Yearbook (Mrs. Laffey):  Join the yearbook club that meets every Wednesday after school from 2:50-3:45 in D102 and be a part of making our school memories for all to share!
• Black Student Union (Mr. Thomas): Meets every Wednesday from 3:05-4:00 in E201 to promote activities of common interest, as well as, cultural and educational benefit for all students; to promote community and self enrichment by way of community services and volunteerism; to have a forum for all students to voice their differences, goals and ideas!
• American Sign Language/ASL (Mrs. Pie): Meets every Wednesday during A and B lunch in Room G105 for hearing students and staff to learn how to communicate in sign language as well as learning about deaf culture!
• Lunch Bunch Club (Mrs. Geyer) : Meets Tuesdays and Wednesdays during A lunch in D204 to create a safe space with activities and friendly faces so that NO student at GVMS eats alone!
• College and Career Club (Mr. Pringle) : Meets in the library the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to get students engaged into college and career activities, including guest speakers and field trips to colleges!
• Be The Change Club (Mr. Lapid):  Meets Thursdays after school until 4 PM to also promote kindness, follow the Challenge Day foundation, create a culture of compassion and acceptance within your school.  If you LOVED Challenge Day, you will LOVE this!
• Invention Convention Club (Mrs. Lindahl): Meets Fridays after school from 3-4 to "match unlimited potential with creative solutions for real-world problem solving!"  Let's CREATE something AWESOME!!!

Have you sent in your Bubble Run participation sheet?  This is going to be a great family event!  Don't miss out on this SUPER fun event!   Flyers went home and can be found on our website!  There is still time to sign up!  The Bubble Run will happen on October 18, right after school!  Kona Ice will be here as well!

Just a few friendly reminders that were announced during our morning announcements:

• The daily bulletin is on our website and is read each morning.  It can be found HERE.
• We know that short SHIRTS are super cute....AND need to be left at home please!  
• We follow FSUSD dress code policy, so please make sure that you and your Viking are aware of it or they will need to change.  It can be found HERE. 
• Please do NOT bring gum to campus.  It ends up EVERYWHERE!  Mints are totally fine!
• Earbud, wireless or not, MAY NOT be used during passing periods any longer.  It has become a safety hazard and we need all of our students to hear what's going on.  If teachers allow earbuds to be worn in class, with permission, then that is up to the teacher!
• PE Clothing can be purchased before and after school still.  
• Please make sure that your Viking has money on their lunch card.  We cannot give emergency lunches in middle school.  The website can be found HERE.
• If you still haven't created your Parent Portal account or need the instructions, please call the office or come in.  If you need the website again, you can find it HERE.
• If your Viking needs assistance from a different teacher than they are going back to for tutorial, they MUST arrange that the day before to get a pass!

We are ALWAYS thinking outside the box to create effective ways to reach all of our students!  Want to be a part of this??  Check out THIS LINK to see the different ideas that our teachers have come up with!!

September 27, 2019

Social media is SO hard to stay on top of.  Trust me, we know.  We found out that Instagram and Facebook posts and stories that are private can actually be shared by friends and followers.  Make sure that you know what your Viking is posting!
Instagram has, however, release two new features to help reduce cyberbullying and increase positive interactions as seen in the above video.  Check it out and check out more social media information HERE.

Want to get involved?  Check out the clubs on GVMS Campus!

• Logic Club (Mr. Swarner): Meets every Thursday after school in F204 until 4:30  for all students to have a safe and fun space to play and talk logically about puzzles and games!
• Yearbook (Mrs. Laffey):  Join the yearbook club that meets every Wednesday after school from 2:50-3:45 in D102 and be a part of making our school memories for all to share!
• Black Student Union (Mr. Thomas): Meets every Wednesday from 3:05-4:00 in E201 to promote activities of common interest, as well as, cultural and educational benefit for all students; to promote community and self enrichment by way of community services and volunteerism; to have a forum for all students to voice their differences, goals and ideas!
• American Sign Language/ASL (Mrs. Pie): Meets every Wednesday during A and B lunch in Room G105 for hearing students and staff to learn how to communicate in sign language as well as learning about deaf culture!
• Lunch Bunch Club (Mrs. Geyer) : Meets Tuesdays and Wednesdays during A lunch in D204 to create a safe space with activities and friendly faces so that NO student at GVMS eats alone!
• College and Career Club (Mr. Pringle) : Meets in the library the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to get students engaged into college and career activities, including guest speakers and field trips to colleges!
• Be The Change Club (Mr. Lapid):  Meets Thursdays after school until 4 PM to also promote kindness, follow the Challenge Day foundation, create a culture of compassion and acceptance within your school.  If you LOVED Challenge Day, you will LOVE this!

THANK YOU to all of the parents that signed up to participate in our Watch D.O.G.S. program at GVMS!  Our Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students) is looking for even more volunteers to join our organization!  The purpose is to provide positive male role models and enhance campus security.  We are only asking for 1 shift this school year!  FSUSD fingerprinting is required.  Our first meeting will be Wednesday, October 2 from 6-7:30 at NELDA MUNDY ELEMENTARY (570 Vintage Valley Drive) beginning at 6 PM.  Please contact Jason Biggs at jjbiggs129@yahoo.com or 707-330-6977 if you have any questions!  Hope to see you there!

Just a few friendly reminders that were announced during our morning announcements:

• The daily bulletin is on our website and is read each morning.  It can be found HERE.
• We know that short shorts and short shirts are super cute....AND need to be left at home please!  
• We follow FSUSD dress code policy, so please make sure that you and your Viking are aware of it or they will need to change.  It can be found HERE. 
• Please do NOT bring gum to campus.  It ends up EVERYWHERE!  Mints are totally fine!
• Earbud, wireless or not, MAY NOT be used during passing periods any longer.  It has become a safety hazard and we need all of our students to hear what's going on.  If teachers allow earbuds to be worn in class, with permission, then that is up to the teacher!
• PE Clothing can be purchased before and after school still.  
• Please make sure that your Viking has money on their lunch card.  We cannot give emergency lunches in middle school.  The website can be found HERE.
• If you still haven't created your Parent Portal account or need the instructions, please call the office or come in.  If you need the website again, you can find it HERE.
• If your Viking needs assistance from a different teacher than they are going back to for tutorial, they MUST arrange that the day before to get a pass!

We are ALWAYS thinking outside the box to create effective ways to reach all of our students!  Want to be a part of this??  Check out THIS LINK to see the different ideas that our teachers have come up with!!

September 20, 2019

Helping your GVMS Viking to be make responsible decisions is something that can be a challenge.  Parent Toolkit is a GREAT resource to help guide you through some tips and advice on what to do.  From defining what safe and smart choices are to setting guidelines on homework, social life and more, check out THIS LINK for this and more ideas on social emotional support, relationships, academics, and more!

Want to get involved?  Check out the clubs on GVMS Campus!

• Logic Club (Mr. Swarner): Meets every Thursday after school in F204 until 4:30  for all students to have a safe and fun space to play and talk logically about puzzles and games!
• Yearbook (Mrs. Laffey):  Join the yearbook club that meets every Wednesday after school from 2:50-3:45 in D102 and be a part of making our school memories for all to share!
• Black Student Union (Mr. Thomas): Meets every Wednesday from 3:05-4:00 in E201 to promote activities of common interest, as well as, cultural and educational benefit for all students; to promote community and self enrichment by way of community services and volunteerism; to have a forum for all students to voice their differences, goals and ideas!
• American Sign Language/ASL (Mrs. Pie): Meets every Wednesday during A and B lunch in Room G105 for hearing students and staff to learn how to communicate in sign language as well as learning about deaf culture!
• Lunch Bunch Club (Mrs. Geyer) : Meets Tuesdays and Wednesdays during A lunch in D204 to create a safe space with activities and friendly faces so that NO student at GVMS eats alone!
• College and Career Club (Mr. Pringle) : Meets in the library the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month to get students engaged into college and career activities, including guest speakers and field trips to colleges!
• Be The Change Club (Mr. Lapid):  Meets Thursdays after school until 4 PM to also promote kindness, follow the Challenge Day foundation, create a culture of compassion and acceptance within your school.  If you LOVED Challenge Day, you will LOVE this!

September is Attendance Awareness Month!!!

Did you know?  By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.  Did you know?  Research show that missing 10% of the school year, or just two days a month, negatively affects a student's academic performance?

Did you ALSO know?  GVMS has one of the HIGHEST attendance rate in the ENTIRE district!  YAY!  We want this to continue as our goal for the year is 98% and that is where we are for this first month of school!  Why does attendance matter you ask?  Check out THIS LINK with information on why being at GVMS matters!  Plus, we miss you when you are gone!

THANK YOU to all of the parents that signed up to participate in our Watch D.O.G.S. program at GVMS!  Our Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students) is looking for even more volunteers to join our organization!  The purpose is to provide positive male role models and enhance campus security.  We are only asking for 1 shift this school year!  FSUSD fingerprinting is required.  Our first meeting will be Wednesday, October 2 from 6-7:30 at NELDA MUNDY ELEMENTARY (570 Vintage Valley Drive) beginning at 6 PM.  Please contact Jason Biggs at jjbiggs129@yahoo.com or 707-330-6977 if you have any questions!  Hope to see you there!

Just a few friendly reminders that were announced during our morning announcements:

• The daily bulletin is on our website and is read each morning.  It can be found HERE.
• We know that short shorts and short shirts are super cute....AND need to be left at home please!  
• We follow FSUSD dress code policy, so please make sure that you and your Viking are aware of it or they will need to change.  It can be found HERE. 
• Please do NOT bring gum to campus.  It ends up EVERYWHERE!  Mints are totally fine!
• Earbud, wireless or not, MAY NOT be used during passing periods any longer.  It has become a safety hazard and we need all of our students to hear what's going on.  If teachers allow earbuds to be worn in class, with permission, then that is up to the teacher!
• PE Clothing can be purchased before and after school still.  
• Please make sure that your Viking has money on their lunch card.  We cannot give emergency lunches in middle school.  The website can be found HERE.
• If you still haven't created your Parent Portal account or need the instructions, please call the office or come in.  If you need the website again, you can find it HERE.
• If your Viking needs assistance from a different teacher than they are going back to for tutorial, they MUST arrange that the day before to get a pass!

We are ALWAYS thinking outside the box to create effective ways to reach all of our students!  Want to be a part of this??  Check out THIS LINK to see the different ideas that our teachers have come up with!!

September 13, 2019

Thank you to those families that were able to come by on Back to School Night!  If you still need Parent Portal info, an agenda, a spirit shirt, and lanyard, want to sign up for the Bubble Run (click HERE) or sing up to be on Watch D.O.G.S (see below) please contact the office at 646-7000!  We are happy to help!

Please reach out to your student's teacher with any follow up questions, Google Log in information, grading policy and more!  

MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) testing will take place THREE times during our school year, with Winter scores helping to determine high school placement for our current 8th graders.  We started and continue to MAP test in Math and ELA. These tests are done on a computer and they measure academic growth throughout the year.  The tests are unique as they can adapt to your your Viking's level of learning!  Each student has the same opportunity to set goals for themselves and to succeed while maintaining a positive attitude toward testing!  MAP tests take a shorter amount of time to administer and give us detailed accurate information about their growth.  Check out THIS Parent's Guide to MAP Growth!

THANK YOU to all of the parents that signed up to participate in our Watch D.O.G.S. program at GVMS!  Our Watch D.O.G.S (Dads of Great Students) is looking for even more volunteers to join our organization!  The purpose is to provide positive male role models and enhance campus security.  We are only asking for 1 shift this school year!  FSUSD fingerprinting is required.  Our first meeting will be Wednesday, October 2 from 6-7:30 at NELDA MUNDY ELEMENTARY (570 Vintage Valley Drive) beginning at 6 PM.  Please contact Jason Biggs at jjbiggs129@yahoo.com or 707-330-6977 if you have any questions!  Hope to see you there!

There are so many positive benefits to social media....Heck, we work hard to bring you into our classrooms through social media.  There are, however, some draw backs as we are certain that you have already discovered for your selves.  Check out THIS ARTICLE to become more aware of the best and worst social media apps, how it is considered more addictive than some substances, and how it can be linked to depression.  Just being aware could help you and your teen with these issues!

Speaking of social media, how do we check and see which apps are there to keep our kids safe and what do they mean?  Take a look at the video above to see how parents can research and better understand social media apps!

Just a few friendly reminders that were announced during our morning announcements:

• The daily bulletin is on our website and is read each morning.  It can be found HERE.
• We know that short shorts and short shirts are super cute....AND need to be left at home please!  
• We follow FSUSD dress code policy, so please make sure that you and your Viking are aware of it or they will need to change.  It can be found HERE. 
• Please do NOT bring gum to campus.  It ends up EVERYWHERE!  Mints are totally fine!
• Earbud, wireless or not, MAY NOT be used during passing periods any longer.  It has become a safety hazard and we need all of our students to hear what's going on.  If teachers allow earbuds to be worn in class, with permission, then that is up to the teacher!
• PE Clothing can be purchased before and after school still.  
• Please make sure that your Viking has money on their lunch card.  We cannot give emergency lunches in middle school.  The website can be found HERE.
• If you still haven't created your Parent Portal account or need the instructions, please call the office or come in.  If you need the website again, you can find it HERE.
• If your Viking needs assistance from a different teacher than they are going back to for tutorial, they MUST arrange that the day before to get a pass!

7th and 8th grade Vikings will be participating in Challenge Day on September 12, 18 and 19 to help build empathy, love for others, kindness and compassion and WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP!  We need parent volunteers to be the host of small groups during these days!  If you are able to help for the day (THANK YOU!!) please take a look at this form:  Challenge Day Sign Up and take a minute to check out what Challenge Day is all about at www.challengeday.org 

We are ALWAYS thinking outside the box to create effective ways to reach all of our students!  Want to be a part of this??  Check out THIS LINK to see the different ideas that our teachers have come up with!!