Toys For Tots
Registration will begin October 21st, 2013 and end on November 8th, 2013. Hours of registration will be from 8:00AM - 3:00PM. The location will be at the Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center at 2910 Roberts Ave. Tallahassee FL 32310. Attached is a flyer with registration information.
BoxTops for Education
Visit www.boxtopsforeducation.com<http://www.boxtopsforeducation.com/> for information on snacks you can prepare that will earn Griffin Box Top Rewards! Send your BoxTop labels to the office when you use up the products.
Boys Soccer
Boys interested in playing soccer for Griffin will begin conditioning October 7 – October 11. They will meet with Coach Gautney after school from 3:55 to 5:15 and must have a way home as well as turned in their HIPAA, Sports Physical and Activity Participation form to Coach Gautney.
Notes from Griffin’s Parent Liaison – Tanesia Porter
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. On October 3rd, we will have Paint the Town Pink, where we are asking for our students to wear pink in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We will also have a pink taxi throughout town on that day, a big thanks to Mrs. Danielle Liversage!
Octubre es el Mes de Concientización del Cáncer de Mama. El 3 de octubre habremos Pintar la Ciudad Rosa, donde estamos pidiendo a nuestros estudiantes a vestir de rosa en conmemoración del Mes de la Concientización del Cáncer de Mama. También tendremos un taxi de color rosa en toda la ciudad en ese día, un gran agradecimiento a la Sra. Danielle Liversage!
September 15- October 15 is Hispanic Heritage Month. Here is an Hispanic Heritage Month Fun Fact: Did you know that Ellen Ochoa is the first Hispanic American woman to fly in space? She has logged over 719 hours in space, traveling four million miles in one mission alone! If you have any fun facts that you would like to add, please feel free to contact Mrs. Porter at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
15 septiembre-15 octubre es el Mes de la Herencia Hispana. Aquí hay un Mes del Patrimonio Hispano Dato curioso: ¿Sabías que Ellen Ochoa es la primera mujer hispanoamericana en volar al espacio? Ha registrado más de 719 horas en el espacio, viajando cuatro millones millas en una misión de paz! Si tiene datos curiosos que le gustaría añadir, no dude en ponerse en contacto con la señora Porter en [log in to unmask] favor
If you have any ideas for Parental Involvement Workshops, please feel free to contact Mrs. Porter at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.
On Saturday, September 28th, 8:30-4:00, the Parents of the Panhandle Information Network (POPIN) will be having a conference called Literacy Lift Off: Reading Strategies for the Common Core. This conference is free to all. You may register for the conference at http://www.eventbrite.com/event6263144233 or by contacting Kathy Powell at (850) 570-3190. This event will take place at The Howell Center located at 3955 W. Pensacola Street.
Parents, if you would like to join the Griffin PTO, the next meeting will be held on October 7th at 7pm in the GMS Media Center. We look forward to seeing you there. You may also email the GMS PTO at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> to become a member of the PTO email notification group.
The Pinpoint Parent/Student portal
By now, parents should have received letters containing sign-on information for the Parent Portal. For more information, see the Pinpoint Support page at http://www.leonschools.net/pinpoint/
Griffin Parent Opportunity - PTO
The Griffin PTO is off to a great start. The first official meeting was held on Tuesday, September 10th in the Media Center. New Officers were elected and they are very eager to get the ball rolling! The next meeting will take place on October 7th at 7pm in the Media Center following the SAC Meeting. We encourage all parents to come and get involved with the PTO! A special thanks to the PTO Executive Board for their exceptional work at the Open House last night, by recruiting members and assisting with serving the meal. Newly Elected Officers:
President: LaToya Spivey
Vice President: Stephanie Coleman-Solomon
Secretary: Danielle Liversidge
Treasurer: Niya Hubbard
Parliamentarian: Sylvia Hubbard
Health Screenings
Griffin will participate in health screenings for 6th grade students on October 1st. The pink Emergency Medical card was sent home with all students the first week of school. There is a section on this card asking if parents want to opt out of this health screening. If that is your desire, please make sure you have returned your child’s card. It is important that we have Emergency Medical cards on all students. The clinic is in the process of sending home cards to students who have not returned one. If you do not remember completing a pink Emergency Medical card, please let us know and we will get one to you as soon as possible.
Title 1 September Newsletter
Attached is the September newsletter from Leon County Schools, Title 1, that students received earlier this week. Please take a few minutes to look over this informative newsletter which is one of the many services for our parents and students we receive as a Title 1 school. For more information visit the Title 1 webpage at http://www.tandl.leon.k12.fl.us/title1/index.html
2013-2014 Parent Survey Winner
We would like to congratulate Jamila W., the mother of Christopher M. She completed our 2013-2014 Parent Survey and was one of 139 names entered into a drawing to win a free gift basket! We greatly appreciate the huge parent and student participation and because of you, we exceeded our goal of 57 completed surveys and had a whopping 139! Students that turned in surveys were given a spin on our Positive Behavior Support wheel and were awarded prizes during lunch. Everyone was a winner! We would like to thank our PTO for sponsoring this event. If you would like to become a member of Griffin Parent Teacher Organization, please plan to attend the next meeting on October 7, 2013 at 7:00pm in the Media Center. For additional information, please contact Mrs. Montgomery at 617-5353 or [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.
Science Fair & Science Projects
Every child should have received a copy of this letter to take home to their parents this week. Although, 6th grade students are not required to complete a science fair project, they will be taught the process of how to complete one and will have the option to complete a science fair project as extra credit.
Dear Students and Parents: It is time to start work on our school’s Science Fair! Ample time has been scheduled and work has been spread out, so students can complete the work at a comfortable pace. All 7th and 8th grade students are required to complete a science fair project. The 6th grade science teachers will be teaching their classes how to successfully complete a science fair project, therefore, 6th grade students are not required to complete a science fair project, but can elect to complete one as extra credit. The initial project will be due in class on November 18, 2013. At that time teachers will provide feedback and allow students to modify their projects based on this feedback. Final submission of the science fair project will be Friday, December 13, 2013.
This is a major project and will represent (2 test grades) and the test category is 70% of your child’s grade for the next grading period(s). The primary objective of this project is to have students approach a problem scientifically. This includes: (1) asking questions and forming hypotheses, (2) creating experiments to test those hypotheses, (3) organizing data and drawing conclusions, and (4) communicating their scientific research both written and orally.
The project must be scientific in nature as opposed to research oriented. In other words, students must choose one of the following options: (1) scientific investigation, (2) scientific model, or (3) scientific experiment to determine the answer to their question instead of just looking it up in a book or internet. We encourage students to pick topics that they are genuinely interested in from a list of required science fair topics provided by the teacher. Over the next 8-week period, your child will design, test, analyze, and present a project that uses scientific methods to solve a problem. Students are encouraged to work independently but have the option of working with one other student in his/her same class period with parental permission. Project boards ($5.00) and labels ($1.00) are available for sale in the GMS School Store.
Please note that this project will be a collaborative effort that will be done partially at home and partially at school during class time. The science department will offer after-school sessions to further assist any students who may need additional help. Students will be given project guidelines and timelines, and teachers will monitor timelines periodically. Parents are encouraged to offer emotional support and reminders, but to allow children to do the projects themselves
SWAT Club
The GMS SWAT Club is working to make our community tobacco-free. Students who would like to be a part of this group should see Mrs. Hurd, building 4, room 1, for more information. Meetings take place 8:45-9:15 a.m.
2013-2014 Yearbooks
Students can order their yearbooks now until December 20th. No orders will be taken after that date and yearbooks are expected to be delivered in May. See Mrs. Sanders with your $40.
Parent Survey
In an effort to improve system practices, Leon County School District is conducting a Parent Survey. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey. In order to complete the survey, please go to: http://www.advanc-ed.org/survey/public/2032475 . Please be assured that your responses to this survey will be anonymous. Your honest opinion is appreciated. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact James Mills at [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or (850) 617-5353.
Dress Code Policy Reminder! This year our theme is “Digging deeper to soar higher” and our primary focus is providing a quality education to the students that we serve. So far, the number of referrals and dress code violations have decreased tremendously and we would like to thank you for matching our efforts. We have had a few minor offenses and to ensure that this is not something that is reoccurring and taking away from classroom instruction, I want to remind you of this year’s dress code policy. No camisoles or tank tops are permitted to be worn as shirts, they can be worn as undergarments but not underneath a see through dress or blouse. See through tops, blouses, or dresses are not permitted, even if a shirt is worn underneath. Jeans with holes can be worn, as long as the holes are below the child’s fingertips. All shorts, skirts, and dresses must be fingertip length (middle finger) with no adjusting required. If your child is in violation of our dress code, you will be contacted and an alternative top or bottom will be provided on their first offense; thereafter, we ask that a change of clothes be provided by the parent and if it is reoccurring, In School Detention or Out of School Suspension will be assigned.
We take pride in maintaining and establishing relationships with our parents. We welcome you, your thoughts and opinions, and ask that you attend our monthly School Advisory Council and Parent Teacher Organization meetings on the first Monday of each month so that you can be heard. Let’s all work together to soar higher, and dig deeper and provide an environment that is conducive to learning and meeting the needs of your child! ….Mrs. Montgomery, Dean of Discipline
2013-2014 Calendar
(Dates may change and events will be added throughout the school year.)
Ongoing throughout the school year
Everyday Waste Free Lunch, cafeteria, 11:30-1:00
Every Friday Recycle Curbside Pick Up, 9:25-9:50 a.m.
1st Monday of the Month SAC (6:00 p.m.) & PTO Meeting (7:00 p.m.)
Friday after 3rd Thursday Faculty Meetings, 7:45 a.m.
Everyday Morning Band Rehearsals 8-8:45 a.m., for students without band class
2013
September 21-11/8 8th Grade Uncle Jerry T’s Fundraiser
30 Griffin vs Montford Volleyball, 6:30 p.m. @ Griffin
30 Writes Upon Request
October 1 Health Screening for Students
1-2 SGA Candidate Videos shown in homeroom
2 Cross Country City Championship @Apalachee Park, 6:00 p.m.
3 Paint the Town Pink, students and faculty/staff wear pink to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month
4 SGA Elections
7 SAC Meeting @6:00 and PTO Meeting @ 7:00
10 SWAT Meeting, Ms. Hurds room, 8:45-9:15
14 Band parent meeting 6:30 p.m. in Band room
14 Beta Club/Magnet Program Meeting, media center, 9-9:25 a.m.
14-18 Try-outs for MS Girls Basketball & Boys Soccer
16 Picture Retake Day
17 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Spanish class/club to On the Border Restaurant, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
17 End of 1st 9 Weeks
18 Teacher Planning Day/No School
19 Griffin Band participates in FAMU Homecoming Parade
21 Chorus parent meeting 6:30 p.m. in Band room.
21-11/8 Uncle Jerry T’s Fundraiser for 8th grade
22 Fall Concert & Fundraiser, Cafeteria, 6:30-8:00 p.m., Dinner Performance, Tickets $5-$7.00
24 SWAT Meeting, Ms. Hurd's room, 8:45-9:15
28-12/5 Boys Soccer Season
29-12/5 Girls Basketball Season
29 Jazz Band Rehearsals – every Tuesday beginning today, 3:50-6:00 p.m.
30 Report Cards Go Home
November 4 SAC Meeting @6:00 and PTO Meeting @ 7:00
9 Permission slip and money due for LA trip to FSU Ruby Diamond Auditorium, for presentation of “Encore” and lunch at Stevie B’s Pizza, cost $30
11 Veterans Day Holiday
14 SWAT Meeting, Ms. Hurd's room, 8:45-9:15
18 Chorus parent meeting 6:30 p.m. in Band room.
20 Interim Reports
27-29 Thanksgiving Holiday/No School
December 2 SAC Meeting @6:00 and PTO Meeting @ 7:00
9 Band Parent meeting 6:30 p.m. in Band room
9 Beta Club/Magnet Program Meeting, media center, 9-9:25 a.m.
10 Band & Chorus Concerts, 6:30-7:45 p.m.
12 SWAT Meeting, Ms. Hurd's room, 8:45-9:15
12 Music Winter Celebration, 4-6:00 p.m. Band room & Cafeteria
16-1/10 Geography Classroom Bees in classrooms
16 Chorus parent meeting 6:30 p.m. in Band room
17 School Geography Bee, 10-11:00 a.m., Cafeteria
18-20 Middle & High School Exam Days/Early Release Days Griffin Early
Release Time is 1:20 p.m.
20 End of 2nd 9 Weeks
23-31 Winter Holidays/No School
2014
January 1-3 Winter Holidays/No School
6 Teacher Planning Day/No School
6 SAC Meeting @6:00 and PTO Meeting @ 7:00
6-10 Try-outs for Boys Basketball and Girls Soccer
7 Students Return
11 Magnet School Choice Showcase, Leon HS, 10:00 a.m.-12 noon
13 Beta Club/Magnet Program Meeting, media center, 9-9:25 a.m.
13 Magnet School Choice Showcase, Leon HS, 6-8:00 p.m.
15 Report Cards
17 Griffin Geography Bee
20 Martin Luther King Holiday/No School
21 Magnet School Choice Showcase, Leon HS, 6-8:00 p.m.
21-2/21 Boys Basketball Season & Girls Soccer Season
28-30 Civics Field Trip to Leon County Courthouse, 9:30-1:30
February FCAT Writing (Grades 4, 8, & 10)
3 SAC Meeting @6:00 and PTO Meeting @ 7:00
5 Interim Reports
10 Beta Club/Magnet Program Meeting, media center, 9-9:25 a.m.
12-14 Griffin History Fair, Media Center
24-28 Girls Softball Try-outs
24-3/11 Track Practice dates
March 3 SAC Meeting @6:00 and PTO Meeting @ 7:00
10 Beta Club/Magnet Program Meeting, media center, 9-9:25 a.m.
12, 26 & 4/2, 9 Track Season
14 End of 3rd 9 Weeks
17-21 Spring Break/No School
17-4/25 Girls Softball Season
24 Teacher Planning/No School
April FCAT Reading & Math Grades 3-10
FCAT Science Grades 5, 8 & 11
2 Report Cards Go Home
7 SAC Meeting @6:00 and PTO Meeting @ 7:00
14 Beta Club/Magnet Program Meeting, media center, 9-9:25 a.m.
23 Interim Reports
May 5 SAC Meeting @6:00 and PTO Meeting @ 7:00
12 Beta Club/Magnet Program Meeting, media center, 9-9:25 a.m.
23 8th Grade Accolades, Gym/Basketball courts, 9-3:50
26 Memorial Day Holiday/No School
28-30 Middle & High School Exam Days/Early Release Days
Griffin Early Release Time is 1:20 p.m.
30 End of 4th 9 Weeks & Last Day of School
June 11 Secondary Report Cards Available
August 18 Students Report
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