Welcome back, Tigers! Get ready for the best year ever at Griffin Middle
School!

Our Week Ahead  It's "E" Week EFCDAB

01.09.06
Report Card Pick-up Night  6:00 – 7:00 PM/ Media Center

01.10.06
Report Cards go home with Tigers

01.11.06
Tropicana Speech Contest
Geography Bee Semi-Finals

01.12.06
Pre-AP Showcase  1:30 – 3:00 PM/ Media Center

                 Congratulations to Coach Gautney
             and the Division 1A Championship BSOC Team!

Join the GMS Chess Club
Mrs. Yontz will begin our Chess Club on Tuesday, January 10, 2006. All
students are welcome to complete an application for the club. Applications
can be picked up in the front office or by contacting Mrs. Yontz in Bldg.
12. Students are welcome to participate whether beginners or experts. The
Chess Club is limited to 20 students with at least a 2.0/C GPA. If you do
not have a 2.0/C GPA, you will need to get teacher recommendations in
order to participate. Come and join us!

Your Patience is Needed
Parents, I am asking for your understanding and patience in an important
matter – your child’s attendance record on the next report card. We have
been working hard to update excused absences. However, some of the
absences may not be completed in time for  this report card printing. I
assure you that the correct record of attendance will be reflected on your
child’s 3rd nine weeks report card.  Thanks for understanding.

FCAT Testing Dates   It’s Time to Show What You Know!
February 7, 2006
FCAT Writing Plus/ 8th Grade
Writes Upon Request/ 6th & 7th Grade

February 27 – March 10, 2006
FCAT Reading, Mathematics/ 6th, 7th & 8th Grade
FCAT Science / 8th Grade

Tiger Team Health Tips
Serving Savvy:
Did you know a standard serving of most foods is about the size of the
palm of your hand? Studies show that most people eat less when they are
served smaller portions. Starting with a smaller portion of a high calorie
food can help you eat less while still enjoy your favorites.

Tummy Tighteners:
A well-toned tummy not only gives you a slimmer profile, it also improves
your posture and helps support a weak lower back.  Concentrate on quality
not quantity when exercising.  Make sure your exercises strengthen the
back as well as the front of the body and all muscle groups for the whole
body image transformation.

Be brave.  Try new foods!
Believe it or not your tastes change as you grow.  You might not like
something now, but will like it later.  Try things again, even if you
tried it before and didn’t like it.
The same food can taste totally different depending on how it is
prepared.  For example, you may hate broccoli the way mom makes it, but
love your aunt’s recipe!

Five Tips on How to Stick with your New Year's Resolutions
1. Focus on positive self-talk. Congratulate yourself every time you take
a step towards your resolution goal. Be your own best cheerleader.
2. Avoid berating yourself if you should fall back or break a resolution.
Just brush yourself off and start over again.
3. Stick to your resolution by considering it a promise to yourself, not a
test of your willpower.
4. Avoid situations that put you in temptation's path, meaning if you're
on a diet, don't go to the ice cream parlor.
5. Keep a sticky note in a prominent place so that you see it every day,
reminding yourself of your resolutions. (i.e., on your bathroom mirror,
next to your bed, on the visor of your car, on the refrigerator)