Welcome to Geneseo Middle School 2016-17 to all of our incredible new 6th, 7th and 8th graders. Thank you to our teachers, students and parents or guardians that joined us this evening in getting our young people settled for a great year. 

Greetings Geneseo Middle School Families, and welcome back for an exciting start to the 2016-17 school year. There have been a number of painting, cleaning, and facility improvement projects at GMS over the summer that we are excited to share with all of our students and parents. We are also energized by the unique experiences, expertise, and passion for learning that our new to GMS professionals bring to our community.

As the staff of GMS makes final preparations for our 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade students to enter these hallowed halls, we want to update you with some back to school information and documents. Please review these carefully, for they will likely answer many of the questions that come up as you complete the process of going back to school.

Back-to-School Reminders:

• School Supply lists are posted at all major store outlets in the area, or you can find them here: http://www.dist228.org/indexwidenew.php?page=familyresources.html
• August 9^th New Student Registration at GMS from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• August 12^th Student schedules will be available for viewing on Skyward Family Access
• August 17^th 5-7 pm is GMS Open House/Backpack Night
  • Stop by at any time between 5-7 pm to get schedules, check and set up lockers, and meet your teachers
  • Students & Parents/Guardians should first report to their child’s 1^st period classroom for sign-in, copies of schedules, and an orientation welcome (1^st period rooms are listed on each student’s schedule, lists will also be posted in each hallway)
  • For sale at Open House will be:
    • Activity Passes $10 each (2 types)
    • Book Covers
    • GHS Football T-Shirts
    • GMS Yearbook orders/information
• August 18^th school begins, an opening day schedule is attached
  • August 18^th, students will report to their 1^st period class at 8:10 am to get planners, schedules, and listen to opening expectations
• August 18^th and 19^th are both one-hour early releases for students
• The GMS regular school day is 8:10 am – 3:10 pm, 1-hour early out is 8:10 am – 2:10 pm, ½ day dismissal is 8:10 am – 11:40 am
• Academic Student Assistance Period (ASAP):
  • Students will report to ASAP daily, during 8^th period, where they will engage in research-based learning programs, including: Silent Sustained Reading (SSR), Language Arts or Math Learning Centers, Writing Workshop, Special Education services, or Strategies for Academic Success (SAS)
  • SSR Expectations:
    • Students should be seated and reading quietly for all 30 minutes
    • A book for enjoyment is preferable, but magazines, newspapers, and articles are acceptable
    • Readers may use a Kindle, iPad or other electronic reading device ONLY to read a book during SSR (*students are not to read using phones), consequences of abuse will follow the GMS Electronic Device violation procedures in the Student/Parent Handbook
• If you are participating in a fall sport or activity make sure you have your physical form turned in to the main office before your sport or activity begins, and have the Medical Authorization form filled out and brought to your coach on day 1 of practice

http://www.dist228.org/parent_student/forms/authorization_for_medical_treatment_ms.pdf

• Please be aware of the updated District 228 Food Allergy Management Plan, which establishes District-wide guidelines to help our administrators, teachers, students and parents protect those with food allergies. If you have questions regarding “Food in the Classroom” see page 9, for the “Safe Snack List” see pages 11 and 12.

http://www.dist228.org/parent_student/health/food_allergy_plan.pdf

It is mid summer, and the heat index is 108 today. With 25 days until school returns in session it is our hope you are recharging, relaxing, staying out of the heat or spending these days in a pool. We will see you all in a month!

Former GMS student and GHS grad Evan Sammons guest conducted at the Maple City Band concert July 4th in the Central Park band shell. Great music highlighted a celebration of our nation’s 240th anniversary. 

The GMS band, directed by Mr. John Versluis, performed in the Geneseo Central Park on Memorial Day. The band, along with military veterans and members currently serving in our armed forces, demonstrated our appreciation of those that fought and died in service to our country. 

We had a meet and greet for the kids at 6:30 Wednesday night at GMS in the main gym. Here is a link to the end of year video:

https://gcsdstaff.org/gmstrackandfield/?page_id=30

Day 1 – Esther Brown placed 5th in the 7th grade girls 400 meter dash. Her time was 1:02.59. She broke her own school record. Also, Gracie Erickson set the school record in the 7th grade girls pole vault at 6’6”.

Day 2 – 7th Grade Girls 4 x 100 Meter Relay consisting of Esther Brown, Chloe Adams, Allison Bowers and Taylor DeSplinter placed 5th.

7th Grade Boys 800 Meter Run – Rafe Morrison placed 7th.

7th Grade Boys 4 x 400 Meter Relay consisting of Mason Jones, Brendan Hipkins, Ethan Holke, and Rafe Morrison placed 6th.

8th Grade Girls 4 x 400 Meter Relay consisting of Ava Bieneman, Anna Girten, Elaina Hines, and Keeli Frerichs placed 8th.

7th Grade Girls 4 x 400 Meter Relay consisting of Esther Brown, Maddie Barickman, Riley Coulter, and Chloe Adams placed 1st (State Champions).

The 7th grade girls placed 5th as a team.

Thank you to the fine arts team, coaches and sponsors, and Mr. Helling today for a great end of year assembly. Great performances, recognition of student achievements, and our final day for the 2015-16 school year.