The end of the first 9-weeks is just next Thursday.  Students should be checking to see if they have any assignments that have not been completed and turned in.  It is not too late to earn quality points for the 9 weeks.  Also, don’t forget there is no school on Friday, October 18.  This is a Teacher Planning/Work day.

October Title 1 Newsletter

Attached is the Title 1 Newsletter for October.

Parent Liaison Notes

October is kicking off with full steam ahead!  Recently, we celebrated Paint the Town Pink and our students showed support by wearing pink and participating in Music in the Park – thanks to DJ Glenn of Palmer Monroe Teen Center for bringing the music. We would also like to thank the Liversidge Family for bringing out the PINK Taxi.  This provided a great photo opportunity as each class was able to take a picture with the cab.  Kudos to the Faculty, Staff, Students, and Volunteers!

·       There are several workshops that are being offered in October. There will be a Bullying Prevention Workshop offered at the Smith-Williams Center on Thursday, October 17^th, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  A FREE Meal is included as well as FREE Child Care. Be sure to mark your calendar for this workshop!

·       Our Griffin PTO will have a Dollar Drive November 1^st at Parent Pick-up 8:15 - 9:00 a.m.  Please support your Griffin PTO by making a donation as you deliver your child to school.

·       November 13^th is National Parental Involvement Day. We would like to invite  Griffin Parents to attend this event which will be held at Pineview Elementary School, 2230 Lake Bradford Road, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Dinner will be provided for this event.  If you would like to attend, please RSVP with Mrs. Tanesia Porter @ [log in to unmask] or 617.5353.

Parents please encourage your student to be on time and prepared for school each day. It is essential that they are punctual and ready to learn. Let’s partner together to ensure that your child is successful in all academic areas

FAMU Athletics will be hosting a Community Day, November 16, 2013. For this game, discounted tickets are offered for groups and community organizations. Tickets are $10.00.  If you are interested in purchasing tickets, please send your name, number of tickets and payment to Mrs. Tarran Jefferson by Thursday, November 14.

GRIFFIN MIDDLE BAND & TIGERETTES kick off Yankee Candle® Fundraiser    We need your help! We are raising funds for special programs and materials.  Our group earns 40% of every dollar you spend.  Simply go to www.yankeecandlefundraising.com and on the side where is says start shopping enter the group # which is 990055749 and my seller ID which is Tarran99.  Browse through the exciting collection of America's Best Loved Candles™, candle accessories, flameless fragrance and assorted gift wrap.  Shop online 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – everything is shipped directly to you.  Our fundraiser will be running from 01-Oct-2013 through 15-Oct-2013. Please help me by placing your order before the end of our sale. You can continue to order all season – my group will receive credit.  If you have any questions, email Tarran Jefferson at [log in to unmask]   Thanks, my group and I really appreciate your support!

The Griffin Middle School Chorus, Beginning & Symphonic bands, and Tigerettes present their 2013 Fall Dinner Concert fundraiser

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

6:30 p.m.

 Griffin Middle School Cafeteria

Dinner will be served to guests with tickets at 6:00 pm.

Tickets are $7 in advance/$10 at the door. One child (age 12 and under) may eat free with purchase of each adult ticket purchase. Any additional child ticket will cost $5 at the door. See Mr. Singleton, Mrs. Jefferson or any band, chorus or Tigerette student for a ticket.

Toys For Tots 

Registration will begin October 21^st, 2013 and end on November 8th, 2013. Hours of registration will be from 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. 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- Don’t Forget to Send Labels to School

Visit 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.

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 next meeting will take place on November 4, at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center following the SAC Meeting at 6:00 p.m. We encourage all parents to come and get involved with the PTO!   Newly Elected Officers:

President:                   LaToya Spivey

Vice President:           Stephanie Coleman-Solomon

Secretary:                  Danielle Liversidge

Treasurer:                  Niya Hubbard

Parliamentarian:          Sylvia Hubbard

Science Fair & Science Projects

Every child should have received a copy of this letter.  Although, 6^th 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 7^th and 8^th grade students are required to complete a science fair project. The 6^th grade science teachers will be teaching their classes how to successfully complete a science fair project, therefore, 6^th 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

2013-2014 Yearbooks

Students can order their yearbooks now until December 20^th.   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] 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.

1^st Monday of the Month             SAC (6:00 p.m.) & PTO Meeting (7:00 p.m.)

Friday after 3^rd Thursday            Faculty Meetings, 7:45 a.m.

Everyday                                   Morning Band Rehearsals 8-8:45 a.m., for students without band class

2013           

October          

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 Girls Basketball & Boys Soccer

                        16                    Picture Retake Day

17                    Lights On After School, 4:00 p.m. – Visit our after school program to see the exciting things our students are doing.

17                    Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration, Spanish class/club to On the Border Restaurant, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

17                    End of 1^st 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 8^th 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

25                    Blue Pop Fundraiser, students can pre-purchase Blue Pops during the week and                                       enjoy on Friday.

                        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       

                        1                      SWAT Leaders Summit, 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at FSU, field trip for students in the                                                      SWAT Club

1                      PTO Dollar Drive, PTO members will collect money donations at the parent pick up area in front of Griffin MS, 8:15 – 9:15 a.m.

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

                        15                    Blue Pop Fundraiser, students can pre-purchase Blue Pops during the week and                                                   enjoy on Friday.

                        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

                        5                      Griffin Spelling Bee, cafeteria, 2:00-3:55 p.m.

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 2^nd 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 3^rd 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                    8^th 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 4^th 9 Weeks & Last Day of School

June                11                    Secondary Report Cards Available

August             18                    Students Report