Gator Gazette - Boone County Schools

Gator Gazette
Gray Middle School Newsletter
Volume 6
HELP US PROVIDE BASIC NECESSITIES FOR STUDENTS IN NEED IN OUR SCHOOLS
Did you know that 32% of children in Boone County Schools are considered to be living in poverty,
and that 1% of those children are homeless? You can help provide these children with basic
items like clothing, personal hygiene items, food, and cleaning supplies by donating to the
Boone County Schools’ FRYSC at Gray Middle School.
What is the FRYSC? The Boone County Schools’ Family Resource and Youth Services Center
assists children in our schools with basic needs items. In these tough economic times, the
FRYSC is struggling to provide the help our students need to assure they are ready to learn when
they get to school.
The Board has started a district-wide initiative which aims to help keep the FRYSC stocked so it
can provide for our students in need. THE ITEMS MUST BE NEW. Each month, we will ask for
specific items to be donated. Personal hygiene and cleaning supplies are always needed. We will post each month’s item request on the Infinite Campus Portal, as well as in the Gator
Gazette. Simply send the item to school with your student (there will be a permanent donation box in the front lobby of the school) or drop off the item in the main office. We will make sure
your donation gets to the FRYSC. If you have any questions, please email Kara Nixon at kara.nixon@boone.kyschools.us
Family Resource & Youth Services Center
February Items Needed
Toilet Paper
Hair Brushes
Lice Kits
Break The Mold—GMS Teacher Recognized
Lisa Brewington, a 7th grade Math teacher at Gray Middle School is the
January 2015 BREAK THE MOLD Winner. Mrs. Brewington is an "outside
the box" teacher when it comes to teaching math. A passerby once witnessed Mrs. Brewington's class working on math problems while Kenny
Loggin's Footloose was playing in the classroom. This person says they
watched as she yelled the word 'SWITCH' and the class got up and
moved one seat over in a snake-like pattern with the exception of one
student. That student was at the end of the snake and needed to go to
the head of the snake. To do so he had to dance all the way to his new
seat. When a student is not doing well in class she comes up with creative ways to help. In one instance she invited the students' parents to a
spaghetti dinner to discuss her expectations of the student to the parents. Because she cares so much about her students' success, Mrs.
Brewington is considered authentic by everyone who knows her creative
teaching methods.
Gray Middle National Junior Honor Society
2014-2015 New Members
Congratulations to the following students who were recently inducted into the
GMS National Junior Honor Society. Congratulations Gators!
Katie Alderisio
Ella Holtz
Laura Savoia
Gracynne Apke
Tessa Hutchinson
Kaitlyn Skaggs
Callee Bates
Troy Hutchinson
Madison Smith
Emily Bechtol
Carson Inderwiesche
Sophie Smith
Claire Braun
Sierra Irvine
Maddie Snider
Ryleigh Bright
Logan Johnson
Will Snyder
Natalie Butler
Kennedy Jones
Makayla Sowards
Dominic Caggiano
Hunter Kohlsmith
Madalynn Stanton
Kiara Callahan
Emily Knecht
Thomas Taylor
Ania Campbell
Jaden Kopser
Ashley Torosian
Peyton Chaney
Paige Landfried
Davis Tranbarger
Phoebe Clark
Hannah LaRoy
Tyler Trostle
Kelsey Dickerson
Sarah Lonneman
Erika Vanderheiden
Callie Dickman
William Mahaney
Mitchell Wartman
Courtney Dolwick
Mansi Mamidi
Evan Webster
Noel Foltz
Leena Mayi
Megan Webster
Sophia Forlenza
Preston McAlpin
Grace Welsh
Peyton Fransen
Leah McClure
Audrey West
Ellie Fry
Seth McCoy
Ethan Wieland
Reagan Gooch
Jadin Moorman
Taylor Wimsatt
Katie Hadley
Zoey Novak
Shelby Wohlwender
Elizabeth Hamilton
Reece Oney
Olivia Ziegler
Sabrina Harrison
Jacob Pelton
Kurt Zurad
Ashley Hayes
Marc Renouil
Ainsley Hoh
Emily Robinson
GMS Library News
Former NFL Player, Tim Green, to visit
Gray Middle School
Tim Green, an All-Star college/NFL player turned lawyer
and author, will visit Gray Middle School on March
6. While playing football at Syracuse and for the Atlanta
Falcons, Tim began his writing career. Currently, he has
written 13 books for young readers and has traveled to
over 800 schools to talk with students about the importance of character, literacy and to explain that “Reading
is weightlifting for your brain.” You can read more about
him at http://timgreensyracuse.com/ or here http://
timgreenbooks.com/meet-tim/about/
On the day of his visit, Tim will also conduct a book signing. Vouchers will be sent home in February so students
can have an opportunity to purchase some of the books he
has written and all books purchased will be delivered and
signed on the day of the presentation.
GMS Library News continued
Library collecting Box Tops™
If you aren’t saving Box Tops™ yet, it’s never too late to start! Box Tops™ are worth
10₵ apiece and are an easy way you can help earn real cash for Gray without spending
an extra dime. Clip those Box Tops™ and send them to the GMS Library to be counted
and submitted! We would like to raise enough funds to purchase a 3-D printer and design software to begin a Makerspace in the library so your support is truly appreciated..
For more information on the Box Tops for Education program, including a list of participating products and our school’s progress, visit www.BTFE.com. Be sure to become a
member to receive exclusive coupon offers and recipes and learn about extra ways for
our school to earn.
Thank you for your support!
Guest Speaker at Gray Middle School
The 6th grade students at Gray Middle School have been studying weather
and climate in their science classes and were recently visited by a special
guest speaker. Channel 9 News meteorologist, Jennifer Ketchmark engaged and entertained over 350 students in the cafeteria as she spoke of
her job and popular weather topics. Mrs. Ketchmark did a great job of explaining to students that meteorology is a combination of science, geography and hard work. Students were amazed that she wakes up at 1:30 a.m.
in order to be in the newsroom by 2:30 a.m. to begin prepping for the
morning news! Not only did students learn more about how weather &
science are related, but they also learned the most important concept
about being a meteorologist is not appearing on television but one’s education. After providing a detailed account of how teamwork is a critical
part of putting together a news broadcast, Mrs. Ketchmark fielded a variety of interesting questions…the one most important and on everyone’s
mind, “When will our next snow day be?”
GMS Academic Team News
Congratulations to the Gray Middle School Academic Team on an
outstanding job in the District Governor’s Cup competition. The team
took first place overall and also placed first in quick recall. Below are
the individual assessment results. All of these students will advance
to regional competition on January 31. Way to go Gators!
Composition
2nd--Grace Welsh
3rd--Erika Vanderheiden
Math: (a sweep!)
1st--Koushik Devarakonda
2nd--Manu Nair
3rd--Evan Webster
Science: (a sweep!)
1st--Koushik Devarakonda
2nd--Kaylin Conley
3rd--Manu Nair
Social Studies
4th--Kaylin Conley
5th--Garrett Holley
Language Arts
4th (tie)--Garrett Holley
4th--Grace Welsh
Arts & Humanities
4th--Josh Johnson
5th--Evan Webster
Gray Middle School Student Council
Learning. Serving. Leading.
Our next Student Council Meeting will be Wednesday, 2/11/2015, in room 152 from 2:40
– 3:30. A representative of Pennies for Patients will be the guest speaker. New members
are welcome.
The Student Council will sponsor a Pennies for Patients Campaign from March 2 through
March 18. Money donated to Pennies for Patients will help the children in our area
suffering with cancer. All donations are appreciated.
For more information you may contact Mrs. Sturdivant at ronda.sturdivant@boone.kyschools.us. To receive automated text or email messages about
upcoming meetings or events, please text the message @gms-sc to 270-228-2388 or
send an email message to gms-sc@mail.remind.com.
Student Council Members are pictured below at the January meeting. Front row: Analisa
Castronovo, Jadin Moorman, Logan Batte, Ujjala Patel. Middle Row: Abigail True, Lauren
Welch, Tyler Cook, Nate Ramsey, Tate Ohmer. Back: Emma Bish, Ella Holtz, Izzy Wetherall, Brian Yorke, and Michael Koch.
GMS Band Helps the Homeless
GMS Bands gave a winter concert on December 9th and collected canned
goods for the homeless. They collected a pickup truck full of food and
over $400 in cash for the Fairhaven Rescue Mission. The bands collect
donations at every concert to help those less fortunate. In the past,
they have supported the Fairhaven Mission and the Susan G. Komen
Foundation among others.
The bands have begun preparing for the next concert on March 5 here
at GMS. This concert will preview pieces to be taken to the Northern
Kentucky Concert Band Assessment at NKU. The band has a long tradition of distinguished ratings at that assessment and they hope this
year’s performances will yield the same accolades.
Pictured left to right: Cassie Ogburn, Ethan Horgan, Wyatt Richards, Chris Darna, Erik Vezina and Liam
Greene
GMS 7th Grader—Jaden Kopser
BOOKS FOR BIG SMILES
GMS 7th grader, Jaden Kopser, has spent time at Children’s Hospital recently. During his
time at Children’s Hospital he noticed that lots of younger kids are in the waiting room for
long periods of time. Jaden has organized a book drive, BOOKS FOR BIG SMILES, so that
he could donate books to these patients to make their wait a “good time”.
Jaden has already made one donation of 150 books to Children's Hospital Northern Kentucky campus, and he will be donating another 200 books at the end of January.
Jaden’s former elementary school St Paul Catholic School in Florence, has promoted
Jaden's book drive, BOOKS FOR BIG SMILES, during their Catholic Schools Week service
celebration. They are honoring Jaden on Friday January 30th and presenting him with all
of the books donated by students, teachers and staff.
GMS is very proud of Jaden and his willingness to serve others in need. Please be on the
lookout for more information in the future on how you can help Jaden through the GMS National Junior Honor Society in March!
8th Grade science
Alternative Energy Project
Attention Alternative Energy Task Force:
Your country needs your help in a national crisis! Because we are at war in oil producing nations of
the Middle East, your generation will be greatly affected as this energy crisis continues to grow into
the future.
Since you are our country's future leaders, it is up to you to decide the best alternative forms of energy our nation should consider. Remember----your entire country is depending on you!
Recently in 8th grade science, students were given the above task and asked to investigate an alternative energy source that might be used to help our country in need. Based on the research that they collected, students then created a website to present their energy source. After presenting each energy
source, the classes then determined which form of energy would best serve the needs of our county.
Below you will find student generated QR codes that link to a student’s website about the specified alternative energy source! You will need to download a FREE QR Reader app on your phone or tablet in order to
view their websites!
Wind
Nuclear
Biomass
Fuel Cells
8th Grade science
Alternative Energy Project (Continued)
Hydroelectric
Solar
Geothermal
GMS Dance Team
Girls donate 27 pairs of shoes to nonprofit group which helps NKY school children and veterans in need of shoes
UNION – The Gray Middle School dance team has completed a community service project.
The team, made up of girls in the sixth, seventh and eighth grade, is coached by Lori Dolwick
and choreographed by Hannah Montgomery.
Their community service project was Free Feet Footwear Inc. It’s a nonprofit organization that
has been serving Northern Kentucky children and families since 2006.
With the collaboration of schools, churches, friends and organizations, Free Feet has been
able to provide over 5,000 pairs of new athletic shoes over eight years. Free Feet also supports the veteran residents of Fort Thomas VA skilled nursing/rehab facility.
Free Feet Footwear Inc. is a 100 percent nonprofit organization. All money and donations go
to those living in the Northern Kentucky area. Free Feet Footwear Inc. uses all volunteers to
help those in need.
Pictured left to right:
Caitlin Holbrook, Hannah Ross, Ashley Torosian, Grace Wellmann, Katie Hadley, Ashlyn Green, Ariel Klaas, Danielle Corbin,
Peyton Fransen, Ally Price, & Courtney Dolwick
Gray Middle School Archery
GMS Archery took 1st place Saturday, January 10th at the Ryle Haven
Games at Ryle High School. Mikayla Owen took 3rd place middle school
girls and Josh Freels took 3rd place middle school boys. Here is a photo
from this event of our kids accepting their trophy.
Back Row from left to right is: Ian Roberts, Coach Mike Benton, Kaylin Conley, Kiersten Riddle,
Kyrie Amon, Mikayla Owen, Hannah Hamilton, Coach Susan Schneider, Sabrina Harrison
Front Row from left to right is: Caden McDowell, John Lyons, Kyle Stegman, Amelia Minton
At the Cougar Classic on January 17 the GMS
Archery Team took 1st place middle school division and 3rd place overall in the competition.
Coleman Larison took 1st place high score in
middle school male division and Mikayla Owen
took 3rd place high score in middle school female division. Also, on Saturday January 23
GMS Archery competed in the Twenhofel Winter Classic Tournament where the team took
1st place in the Middle School Division. Way to
go Gators!
2015 INTRAMURAL BASKETBALL REGISTRATION
GMS would like to invite your child to participate in the Intramural Basketball Program. This is an
extremely energetic and fun program. Each team is divided as evenly as possible in the following
manner: 6th grade boys and 7/8 grade boys mixed. We divide the girls onto the boys’ teams by
their grade. The 6th grade will play only 6th grade and the 7/8 grade will play only 7/8 grade. If you
as a parent are interested in “coaching” a team, please complete the form below. Sometimes we
do not have enough parent coaching volunteers so we offer a few 8 th grade students and high
school students the opportunity to “coach” the younger teams. This generates A LOT OF FUN AND
EXCITEMENT! The games are also refereed by High School Students. If your child is interested in
playing, please complete the form below and return it with $35 (check made payable to GMS) by
Wed. Feb 13th. NO SIGN UPS AFTER THIS DATE!!
Student Name:_________________________
T-Shirt Size: Adult only
S
M
Grade:_________________
L
Did you play on a GMS Basketball team this year?
XL
XXL
YES
NO
My Child has permission to play intramural basketball at GMS. I understand he/she needs to be
picked up at the conclusion of his/her game. Students will not be permitted to stay and watch a following game unless they are with a parent/guardian. All students are required to go home after
school and return 15 minutes before their scheduled game unless they are scheduled for the 2:45
game immediately after school.
Parent/Guardian Signature: _________________________Emergency Contact#____________
If interested in coaching a team, please complete:
Name_______________________
Phone#______________________
Each team will get only one practice for 45 min. Practice will be the week of Feb 23rd. Games will be
Monday thru Wednesday. Each game is scheduled in 45 Min intervals. Schedules will be passed out
at practice.
Game times will be 2:45 or 3:30. Players need to be picked up right after games.
Games will be completed before Spring Break.
ALL TEAMS AND PRACTICE SCHEDULE WILL BE POSTED IN CAFETERIA. GAME SCHEDULE WILL BE
HANDED OUT AT TEAM PRACTICE: T-SHIRTS HANDED OUT AT FIRST GAME.
COMPLETE BOTH SIDES OF THIS FORM.
Intramural Release
I understand that basketball is a strenuous activity and requires
strong physical effort. By signing this form, I state that
_______________________________ is physically able to participate
in intramural basketball at Gray Middle School.
I further state that I will not hold Gray Middle School; its designated
officials, or the Boone County Board of Education responsible for accident or injury resulting from participation in the Gray Middle School
Intramural League.
Parent/Guardian Signature:
__________________________________
Date:____________________________________________
This is an intramural league. Be advised that the officials do their best
to give everyone a fair chance. Players will not be allowed to harass
officials or other players. If a player receives 2 warnings (technical
fouls) they will be asked to leave the gym. Any further violations will
result in their dismissal from the league. Parents are invited to watch
the games. Please remember that this an intramural program, not a
competitive or instructional league. The sole purpose of the program
is for the enjoyment of the game.
GMS Cheerleading
The Gray Middle School cheerleaders competed in their last
competition of the year on January 25 at the Bank of Kentucky
Center at Northern Kentucky University. The team placed 2nd at
the NKCCA Competition. Congratulations GMS Cheerleaders!
We are very proud of you.
This competition also included an academic award for those students achieving a 3.5 or higher cumulative GPA. Nine of our
GMS Cheerleaders received this academic award. The following
cheerleaders receiving the academic award were Madison
Anspach, Mackenzie Brown, Annabelle Bugg, Gracie Merritt,
Caitlyn Powell, Mia Powell, Madison Smith, Keara Wetzel, and
Lindsey Yowan.
GMS ATHLETIC NEWS
The Basketball season is coming to a close. All the teams and coaches have worked extremely hard to make this season a success. Tournament play starts the Week of Feb 9. Each team will be in the
tournament at a different location. These will be posted on the GMS
webpage. Coaches will give players the brackets when they become
available.
Cheerleaders have been at all games and the teams and fans are loving them. It certainly adds to the excitement of the games.
Dance team has been amazing this season. Their routines are spectacular and we have received several compliments from fans and
other schools.
FANS have really come out to the games and supported the teams in
a big way. GRAY and the teams really appreciate all of the cheers
and enthusiasm that they bring to the games.
GATOR MASCOT has appeared at several games and helped the
cheerleaders lead the fans in cheering for the Gators. Everyone enjoys seeing him at the games!!
GMS PTSA NEWS
The Reality Day event canceled due to weather on January 26th has
been rescheduled for February 9th from 9:30-12:30. We are in need
of volunteers for that date.
The second Reality Day event is April 29th, so that all 8th grade students are able to participate. Volunteers will work with the students
to create a realistic view of life in the real world. We will need 25 volunteers from 9:30 - 12:30 to serve at the various life stations. Please
sign up here to help for one or both of the events:
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C044DA8A828A1F58-reality
Looking for an opportunity to be part of the PTSA, but unsure of what
you might want to do or how much work it might entail? Consider
shadowing one of this year’s officers! Join us on Monday, February
9th at 6:00pm in Room 101.
This month’s highlighted position: VP Membership – Track and maintain accurate membership rosters. Forward and file reports and dues
to the District, State and National PTA on a timely basis.
8th Grade Dance
Are you interested in helping with the 8th grade dance? The dance is
set for May 9th from 7-10pm. April Bailey has volunteered to be the
committee chair for the dance. If you are interested in helping with
this dance please contact April at bnzbailey@fuse.net or any member
of the PTSA board for further details.
Upcoming PTSA Events
February 13
March 9
April 13
April 24
May 9
Social and dance 7 – 9pm with Valentine theme
PTSA meeting 6pm (SBDM 5pm)
PTSA meeting 6pm (SBDM 5pm)
5th-6th-7th Social and dance 7 – 8:30pm
8th Grade dance 7-10pm
GMS is proud to announce that one of our 7th grade students, Ainsley Hoh, will be performing with the Cincinnati Ballet in their production of Alice (in wonderland). Below , please find information on
how to order tickets.
Important Dates
2/4 End of Term 3
3/27 End of Term 4
2/9 Reality Day
3/27 & 3/28 Odyssey of the Mind Tournament
2/13 School Dance
3/30—4/3 Spring Break
2/16 No School
4/23-4/25 8th Grade Chicago Trip
2/19 Parent Reading Night 5:30-7:30
4/24 School Dance
3/5 Band Concert
4/29 Reality Day #2
3/6 Author Visit to GMS
5/4 Band Concert
3/10 Choir Concert
5/9 8th Grade Dance
3/13 No School
5/12 Choir Concert
3/14 State Governor’s Cup Competition
in Louisville
5/19 No School
3/20 & 3/21 GMS Spring Musical at Ryle
5/20 End of Term 5
3/23 Spring Pictures
SBDM meetings are held the second Monday of every month at 5:00 pm.
PTSA meetings are held the second Monday of every month at 6:00 pm.
Please feel free to join us for these meetings.