GRAVELLY HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL

Week of November 6th, 2023

Email: tenisha.williamson@orange.k12.nc.us
Phone: 919 245-4050

As we enter the wonderful month of November, I would like to give you some school-related updates and reminders. It's a time to celebrate the progress and achievements of our students, stay informed about important events, and foster a sense of unity within our school community.

It's the perfect opportunity to express gratitude for the educational journey we're on together. We're grateful for your trust and support, and we're committed to providing the best possible learning experience for your children.

Let's continue to support one another and ensure a safe and nurturing environment for our students. As the weather gets colder, please remember to dress your child warmly and label their belongings to prevent mix-ups. We are still going outside for recess within temperature guidelines.

If you have time and skills to share, consider volunteering at the school. We always welcome parents and guardians who can contribute their time and expertise to enrich our educational programs.

As we move through November, let's focus on nurturing our school community, appreciating the progress our students are making, and fostering a sense of togetherness. Your active involvement and engagement make a significant difference in the educational journey of our students.

In the spirit of November, I encourage us all to focus on gratitude, togetherness, and the warmth of family. Our connections and the love we share make our lives richer and more meaningful.

Email etiquette, or email manners, refers to the customary code of polite behavior when sending and receiving emails. Proper email etiquette is essential in both personal and professional communication.

Here are a few reminders:

1. Use a clear and concise subject line

2. Be mindful of your tone

3. Keep it concise

4. Proofread and edit

5. Use meaningful subject lines

6. Acknowledge receipt and say thank you

We love our staff & want to make sure they feel appreciated! If you would like to donate for the "Stock the Staff Rooms", please visit http://bit.ly/492eRSk. There is a staff room for each grade. The list is for coffee/tea/sodas but snacks are also welcome! Please bring your items by THIS Friday!

As we approach the time of the year when report cards are distributed to our students, we want to emphasize the importance of reviewing your child's report card together as a family. This document provides valuable insights into your child's academic progress and is a tool for fostering open communication between parents, students, and teachers.

Why Review Your Child's Report Card:

1. Assess Academic Progress: The report card is a comprehensive snapshot of your child's academic performance. It includes grades, comments, and feedback from teachers, providing you with a clear understanding of their progress.

2. Identify Strengths and Areas for Improvement: By reviewing the report card, you can identify your child's strengths and areas where they may need additional support or attention. This insight can help tailor your child's educational journey.

3. Encourage Accountability: Reviewing the report card together reinforces the importance of accountability and responsibility in your child's education. It's an opportunity to set goals and celebrate achievements.

● Cell phones and other portable communication devices (PCDs) should be turned off prior to the beginning of the school day. Students will not be allowed to loiter outside of the building in the morning to use cell phones.

● Cell phones cannot be visible (e.g., sticking out of a pocket, in a student’s hand) or in use at any time during the school day (8:25 am-3:25 pm) unless approved by a school official. This includes during morning activities, class changes, locker breaks, recess, or in the bathroom/locker room, office, hallway, auditorium, gymnasium, or cafeteria. Cell phones cannot be used during fire drills, lockdowns, or any other safety drills.

● Earbuds/headphones cannot be worn in the hallway or the restroom during the instructional day (8:25-3:25) unless a GHMS staff member has authorized their use for instructional purposes inside the classroom.

● Cell phones should be stored in students’ assigned lockers or book bags during the school day.

● Students will receive a warning the first time their cell phone is visible and/or in use. Students will receive a warning the first time their earbuds/headphones are in/appear to be in use. Subsequent infractions will result in the phone/earbuds being confiscated by any Orange County Schools employee, and the parent/guardian will be required to pick up the device from the front office.

● Students may not send or check text messages or other social media forums during the school day unless directed by school staff for an instructional purpose.

Please discuss the dress code with your child(ren). Please refer to Policy Code 4326, Student Dress Code for Orange County Schools.

Students are expected to adhere to standards of dress and appearance that are compatible with an effective learning environment. Presenting a bodily appearance or wearing clothing that is disruptive, profane, vulgar, or obscene, or which endangers the student is prohibited.

Newsletter

Newsletter

Check out the 8th grade newsletter.

Check out the 8th graders doing opinionated work centered around banned books.

Newsletter

Yearbooks are on sale for $35! Preorder your yearbook now. We have had a great start to the year- fall sports, Spirit Week, a pep rally, the first dance, and more- and the yearbook captures it all! Purchase your yearbook at https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/2068820/Gravelly-Hill-Middle-School/.

It is also time to create ads for the yearbook! If you have an 8th-grade Grizzly, a yearbook ad is the perfect way to make them feel special and honor all they've accomplished so far. Local business owners, you are also invited to advertise in our GHMS yearbook. Jostens allows you to upload your pictures and customize your site all online. https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/2068820/Gravelly-Hill-Middle-School/

Thank you for supporting our yearbook!

If your child is absent, please:

• Call the school
• Email the teachers and karen.riley@orange.k12.nc.us
• Send in a note when they return.

Absences must fall within the OCS Attendance Policy 4400:

1. Personal illness or injury that makes the student physically unable to attend school

2. Isolation ordered by the State Board of Health

3. Death in the immediate family

4. Medical or dental appointment

5. Participation under subpoena as a witness in a court proceeding

6. A minimum of two days each academic year for observance of an event required or suggested by the religion of the student or the student's parent(s);

7. Participation in a valid educational opportunity, such as travel or service as a legislative or Governor's page, with prior approval from the principal

The mission of the school counseling program is to promote student success, provide preventive services, and respond to identified student needs through a comprehensive school counseling program. We work in collaboration with teachers, parents, administrators, and outside agencies to assist students in their academic, career, and social/emotional development.

Newsletter

Last week Gravelly football played a tremendous game against Smith.
Below are the events happening this week. Please mark these dates and times on your calendars.

-November 6, 8, and 9 Girls Basketball Tryouts (3:30-5:00)

-November 6, 8, and 9 Wrestling Practice (3:30-6:00)
-November 8 Football vs Northern Roxboro @ Person High (5:00)

Additional reminders/Information:

-Volleyball/Cross Country uniforms are due for return! Please note there will be a charge for lost items. Failure to return uniforms will prevent student-athletes from participating in additional school athletic teams.
-The Fall Sports Season Award Ceremony will be held on 11/13 in the Auditorium from 6:45-8:00. Please join us for this special celebration!

-Boys Basketball tryouts will be November 13-15 (3:30-5:00)
-We need volunteers and new Boosters members for next year! Please see Ms. Gentry in the front office to complete your required background check.
-Please allow for 24 hours to pass until you speak to a coach about game concerns! Concerns about playing time will not be discussed!
-To ensure your child's safety, please make sure you are following the traffic pattern and procedures for pickup after games and practices. All student-athletes must be picked up in the back of the school.
-The end of the marking period was October 25th and in order to maintain or regain eligibility, all student-athletes must have at least a 70% Grade Point Average with no more than one failing mark on their report card.
-Please regularly check your child's grades and reach out to AD Gugino or your child's coach if there are any concerns.

AD/Boys Varsity Basketball: Coach Gugino Email: Matthew.gugino@orange.k12.nc.us

JV Boys Basketball: Coach Luke Dehli Smith

Email: luke.dehlismith@orange.k12.nc.us

Football: Anthony Cecil

Email: cheezy174@gmail.com

Volleyball: Logan Parker

Email: logan.parker@orange.k12.nc.us

JV Volleyball: Zoe Barnhardt
Email zwb31704@gmail.com

Cheerleading: Chris Smith

Email: christopher.smith@orange.k12.nc.us

Girls Varsity Basketball: Coach Will Stinnett

Email: robert.stinnett@orange.k12.nc.us

Wrestling: Coach Steve Hancock

Email: steve.hancock@orange.k12.nc.us


Thank you for your support of Gravelly Athletics! GO GRAVELLY!!

Yearbook: Sports Photos Needed!

Families, if you are taking photos at sporting events, please consider sharing them for potential use in the yearbook. If you have any you'd be willing to share from any of our sports games, please email them to cristie.watson@orange.k12.nc.us

November 6th-Athletic Boosters Mtg (6-7 pm)

November 7th-No School

November 10th-Holiday(Veterans Day)

November 13th-SILT meeting

November 13th-GHMS Fall Sports Awards (6:45-8:00)

November 15th-Fall makeup pictures

November 16th-Parent/Coaches Mtg (5:45-6:30)

November 22nd-No School

November 23-24th-Holiday (Thanksgiving)

Please take a look at the policies and tips for families.

English

Spanish

Student Handbook: The 2023-2024 Code of Conduct, Character, and Support is available online. Please use the handbook for discussions with your child about expectations for behavior and supports available at school.

2023-2024 OCS Transportation Parent/Student Guidelines and Expectations

Here Comes the Bus APP is available for download.

Middle School Afterschool Application

English

Spanish

Calendar: Bookmark the OCS calendar web page and stay current on all the important dates for both students and staff.

Each family is considered VIP when in the carpool lane. Please remember to continuously pull up into empty spaces to ensure the line goes quickly! Staff assist in the morning and afternoon to support a smooth transition.

We must also limit the number of students crossing during morning and afternoon pick-up. Please get in the line for drop off and pick up. Students are not allowed to walk around the school near the soccer field for pickup; it is a safety issue.

Safety is our 1st priority! We genuinely appreciate your support in this matter.

No food from an outside source (e.g., fast food, restaurant food) will be accepted by the front office staff. Deliveries of such food disrupt the consistency of the instructional day.

"Cross The Line" Grizzlies.

Choose To Commit

Make that choice to improve your chances to go beyond mediocrity. Approach the things you do with the intent to deliver, succeed, and serve.

Work Hard

Real effort and attention are the keys to making good things happen. There are no quick fixes. Push yourself. Earn your results

Focus

Eliminate distractions. Minimize the negative people, thoughts, and things. Time moves quickly and you can’t get it back. Take good care of it

Bounce Back

Embrace your challenges and learn from mistakes. Remember your choice to cross the line and make good things happen for yourself and the people around you.

New to TransACT? If this is the first time that you have used this application, you must register your email address first. Click the New Registration button to register.
Click here to see Video on Registration process for Volunteer Tracker

Vea un video sobre cómo registrarse para el TransACT

Email: tenisha.williamson@orange.k12.nc.us
Website: https://www.orangecountyfirst.com/gh
Location: 4801 W Ten Rd, Efland, NC, USA
Phone: 919 245-4050