Million Book Challenge
This year, Superintendent Pons has given us the charge of reading 1 million books, district-wide, by the end of the 2014-2015 school year. His goal is [image004.png@01CFD3F5] to get students to love and enjoy reading so that they will be lifelong readers. In a recent interview he stated, "The goal isn't to make them read. The goal is to teach them to enjoy reading." Griffin supports the Superintendent's efforts. We want to surpass last year's numbers, 365 from Destiny Circulation and 255 Summer Reading, and we need your help! Please encourage your child to read for at least 30 minutes each day and visit the Media Center to take an AR quiz on what they've read. We will do a monthly tally and as we move closer to meeting our goal, we will keep you up-to-date on how we are progressing. We are so excited about this initiative, Go Tigers!
Free Health Screenings
On Thursday, September 25, 2014 all 6th grade students will receive a vision, hearing, scoliosis, and BMI screening. [Vision screening] <http://aging.co.wayne.pa.us/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/4870307-161720-vision-screening.jpg> Screenings will be held during school hours in the Media Center. If your child wear glasses, they will need to have them on hand during the vision screening. Nurses from the Leon County Health Department will be conducting the screenings and are asking for parent parents, volunteers to assist them in their efforts. If you are available, please visit the front office to sign in by 8:30am on Thursday. NO special skills are needed, you will receive on the job training :).
Agenda Books Have Arrived!
[Books]Agenda books were issued to students on Wednesday, September 10, 2014. Only one agenda book will be provided for each student. Replacements are available for $5. These books have several uses. They will be used for Hall Passes, to record homework assignments, to keep track of important due dates, teacher-parent checkpoint, and as a reference for school rules.
Inside each book is an Internet Permission form. Please complete this form and have your child return it to their Homeroom teacher or the Main Office on Monday. We must have a completed form on file before your child can use the Internet. If your child does not have an Internet Permission Form on file, they will not be able to access the internet during the school day.
Progress Reports
[https://encrypted-tbn1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTyWMqxY09z-DX0xy2r4xVbC2FVrjnp6zvJYUlHkqP8jQsL8RDw]Progress reports will be sent home on Wednesday, September 24, 2014. This report will reflect you child's academic performance for the first half of the first nine week grading period. It is our hope that your child is having a successful year thus far. If your child is in need of additional assistance to reach his/her full potential, we encourage you to schedule a conference with Ms. Harris in Guidance to schedule a parent teacher conference.
JOIN OUR SWAT CLUB!
[4_1326979462.4.1.0_swat]SWAT is Florida's statewide youth organization working to mobilize, educate and equip Florida youth to revolt against and de-glamorize Big Tobacco. They are a united movement of empowered youth working towards a tobacco free future. If you would like to join the GMS SWAT Club, stop by Ms. Hurd's room from 8:45-9:15a.m, meetings are held daily. Help us make our community tobacco-free!
Support Our Tigers Athletes!
[102612-spt-BCC.TWOOD]Each week our student athletes compete against schools throughout the district. We take great pride in being there to cheer them on! We invite our parents to come out and support our students!
Magnet Program Information
[Join Us PTO Meeting]Magnet Meeting will be held on the 1st Friday of each month. If you are a member of the magnet program, please plan to attend these meetings. We will discuss upcoming events and ways to become more involved in the community. We are asking that all of our magnet students purchase a magnet t-shirt for Magnet Mondays! Our goal is to attract more students to become a part of our programs and help us become a driving force within Griffin and the community.
Our first service-learning project will be We Care Kits. We will be collecting toiletry items (toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, deodorant, lotion, combs, brushes, etc.) for the Homeless Shelter. We are asking all magnet students to donate five items, and we are soliciting participation from the faculty, staff, and the community. We will begin collecting items on Monday, September 8, 2014 and will deliver them on November 3, 2014.
We are excited to announce that our partnership with Riley Elementary has continued. We have been reading buddies with Mrs. Carter-Hall's [https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTZN6h1HEf25eQikLILf2gxfVTAQNCDGdH4umGL3_2UN4pZvdZCGQ] <http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=_2d4CNGodg8hyM&tbnid=ulozTrkeuuiL4M:&ved=0CAcQjRw&url=http://books-for-kids.org/Key-Elements.html&ei=h2QcVPqiBMLFggSc9ICYDw&bvm=bv.75774317,d.eXY&psig=AFQjCNHk3Hi6Sve9H0nCHPaj9hUIVvUjwA&ust=1411233256915409> kindergarten class for the past 3 years and it is something that all of the students enjoy! Our first trip will be Thursday, October 16, 2014. All participants must purchase a magnet t-shirt, the cost is $12. The first 20 students with a signed permission form and t-shirt fee submitted will be allowed to participate. All magnet students are invited to attend the monthly meetings. Meetings will be the first Friday of each month, from 9:00-9:20am in the Media Center. Our next meeting will be Friday, October 10, 2014. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Mrs. Montgomery @ [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>.
For the 5th year, our IT/AP Magnet Programs will be collecting toiletry items for the Homeless Shelter! We are asking that each student bring [http://www.tyrellmara.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/GivingBackjpgTxt1.jpg] in at least 1 item and our faculty, staff, and magnet students to bring in 5. We would like to spread a little sunshine into the lives of those that are less fortunate. Items such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, lotion, deodorant, chap stick etc. are things that we use on daily basis and some others are lacking. Please help us to continue to make some else's day a little brighter! Items will be collected from now, until October 30, 2014.
For more information, please contact Mrs. Montgomery @ [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]>
PTO Meeting
On Monday, October 6, 2014 at 5:30pm, we will be holding our next PTO and SAC meeting of the 2014-2015 year! We would like to thank [https://origin.ih.constantcontact.com/fs134/1104907686741/img/314.gif] those individuals that were able to attend our first meeting for their support! We are excited to announce that we were able to nominate and elect parents into leadership positions at our very first meeting! What an amazing start to an awesome year!
It's never too late to join. We welcome each of you to attend the next meeting on October 6, 2014 @ 5:30pm.
2014-2015 PTO Board
Aysha Edwards- President
Beunita Lee- Vice President
Vaughn Wilson- Secretary
Thais Wilson- Treasurer
[Logo]<http://parentportal.leonschools.net/>
Parent Portal Access
The Parent Portal is now available! This great resource makes student grades and attendance accessible to you 24/7. Parent Portal letters that include student's username and passwords, have already been sent home. If you are in need of log in information, please ask your child to stop by the main office and we will be happy to assist them in retrieving this information.
If you are a new Leon County Schools parent and you are not familiar with Parent Portal, then please visit the Parent/Student User Guide link below:
Parent and Student User guides: http://parentportal.leonschools.net/PinpointPortal.html
Dress Code
Students have been reminded of the Dress Code since the first day of school. Student that are sent to the office, seen during transition, or warned by the classroom teacher will be issued warning on the first offense. If clothing is distraction to the learning environment, students will be asked to contact a parent for a change of clothing, or be assigned to ISD for the remainder of the day. A formal copy of the dress code guidelines will be listed in your child's agenda book. Listed below is an abbreviated list of violations:
1. No tights or leggings.
2. No see through tops.
3. Skirts, shorts, or dresses should be fingertip length (index finger).
4. No obscene language on any clothing item (drugs, tobacco, alcohol or inappropriate language or pictures, etc).
5. No camisoles can be worn as a shirt.
6. Holes, rips, or tears in jeans must be below the knee.
7. Tank tops must be 3 fingers in width.
8. Tank tops worn by young men cannot expose chest.
9. No hats, bonnets, or head wraps.
10. Clothing worn underneath a jacket, vest, or sweatshirt must be within dress code guidelines.
11. Pants, jeans, shorts worn by young men must be on their waist at all times (no sagging).
[https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRV60Hc2ut6TsnlP4_Tvf8pYnbjDsIHSUowKlrYdvoNRHylAUBM]<http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=Oi3KIq-vjyjRiM&tbnid=chO-IEFn3jtSbM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pinterest.com%2Fhillbilly98%2Fpantsjeans%2F&ei=lpUAVL_AHpDxgwTu-4DYDQ&bvm=bv.74115972,d.eXY&psig=AFQjCNHehpJUCsTD_6U6ubGKrs0s81JWig&ust=1409410822196588>
What is Bullying?
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally, and excluding someone from a group on purpose. Griffin Middle School will not tolerate bullying.
Your administrative team is available to assist you when you need us. Best wishes for a very good school year. Please share this information with your neighbors who have children attending Griffin. The Griffin List Serv is published every Friday with upcoming calendar events and other information the keep parents informed.
Fee-Based Before School Program
Parents, Griffin continues to announce our fee-based Before Based Program. Students are not allowed on campus prior to 8:45 as supervision is not available before that time. Parents who need to drop off their child prior to 8:45 may sign up for the before school program for $5.00 per day/ $25.00 per week, or $100.00 per month. Please pick up an application in the front office to sign up. Thank you for your support as we work to ensure the safety of our students by providing the necessary supervision for a safe and orderly school environment.
[cid:image008.png@01CFCE91.213820A0][cid:image009.png@01CFBE25.955A1550] Griffin welcomes WGMS 1620 on your AM dial. Tune in to Griffin's information radio daily for news updates. Stay tuned for further information.
Grandparents Program
The grandparents program is called "Grandparents as Parents" or GaP, for short. It is a support group for grandparents and other relatives raising another person's children. They meet on the last Wednesday of every month at the main public library downtown for a free catered luncheon at noon with an educational presentation, exhibits from community agencies, health screenings and access to representatives from DCF and legal services. But reservations are required so that they can have enough food for everyone! If you are interested in this program, call Karen Boebinger at 891-4027 or email [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> to make a reservation. They would LOVE to have anyone who is raising a relative's child join us for these lunches, or for a GaP family picnic, outing or holiday party.
[cid:image003.png@01CFA763.B4AAB140]
[cid:image005.png@01CFA763.B4AAB140]
Dress Code Policy Implementation
Students are reminded that our dress code policy remains the same. You are not permitted to wear house shoes, jeans with holes or rips above the knee (even if you have tights on underneath), see through shirts, camisoles or thin strapped tank tops cannot be worn as a shirt, anything worn underneath a vest or unzipped jacket must be within dress code (including camisoles), shorts, skirts, and dresses must be fingertip length, tank tops must not show cleavage and be 3 fingers in width. Tights or leggings cannot be worn as pants, jeggings can be worn with pockets on the back. Young men must have their jeans, pants or shirts on their waist at all times. Hats are not permitted, and hoods from hoodies cannot be worn on your head. Failure to adhere to the dress code will result in 1 day of ISD on your 1st offense, 2 days on your 2nd offense, 3 days on your 3rd offense and OSS any time thereafter. Please see Mrs. Montgomery if you have questions or concerns.
Box Tops For Education
Visit boxtops4education.com to find ways to support Griffin MS as well as discovering a selection of coupons to save money on food purchases.
Pop-Tops For Ronald McDonald House
Don't forget to pop the tops off your aluminum cans and send them in to Griffin. We will donate all pop-tops to the Ronald McDonald House.
2014-2015 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 (5:30 p.m.)
Friday after 3rd Wednesday Faculty Meetings, 7:45 a.m.
Everyday Morning Band Rehearsals 8-8:45 a.m., for students without band class
2014
September
15 Volleyball, Montford vs Griffin, 6:30 p.m., Montford
16 Football, Griffin vs Raa, 5:30 p.m., Cox Stadium
17 Volleyball, Deerlake vs Griffin, 6:30 p.m., Deerlake
18 Cross Country @ Gretchen Everhart, 6:00 p.m.
19 Blue Pop Friday, Order your Blue Pop for $2.00 from Mrs. Jefferson
22 Volleyball, Fairview vs Griffin, 6:30 p.m., Fairview
23 Football, Deerlake vs Griffin, 5:30 p.m., Chiles Stadium
23 Band/Chorus Share Night @ Chick-fil-a on Monroe St., 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
24 Cross Country @ Alford Greenways, 6:00 p.m.
24 8th Grade Parent Night, 5:30-6:15 p.m., Media Center
24 Interim Report 1st 9 weeks
25 6th Grade Health Screening, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., media center
26 History Makers Guest Presentation, 9:45-10:30 a.m., Cafeteria
26 Blue Pop Friday, Students receive pre-paid Blue Pops
29 Volleyball, Griffin vs Ft. Braden, 6:30 p.m., Griffin
30 Football, Fairview vs Griffin, 5:30 p.m., Cox Stadium
October
1-31 Yankee Candle Fundraiser
1 Volleyball, Griffin vs Nims, 6:30 p.m., Griffin
1 Cross Country City Championship @ Apalachee Park, 6:00 p.m.
3 Fall Holiday - No School
6 Volleyball, Griffin vs Swift Creek, 6:30 p.m., Griffin
6 PTO (5:30 p.m.) & SAC (6:00 p.m.) Meetings, Media Center
7 Football, Swift Creek vs Griffin, 5:30 p.m., Chiles Stadium
10 Blue Pop Friday, Students receive pre-paid Blue Pops
14 Football, Griffin vs Nims, 5:30 p.m., Cox Stadium
15 8th Grade Uncle Jerry's T's Fundraiser to pay for 8th grade events
16 Bruster's Fundraiser @ Bruster's, 6-8 p.m.
17 Blue Pop Friday, Students receive pre-paid Blue Pops
17 End of 1st 9 weeks
20 Teacher Planning/Inservice Day - No School
22 Football, Championship Game Teams TBA, 5:30 & 7:30 p.m., Cox Stadium. Admission - $4.00
27 Boys Soccer Cobb vs Griffin @ Belle Vue Field #2, 6:30 p.m
27 Girls Basketball Cobb vs Griffin @ Cobb, 6:30 p.m.
28 Band/Chorus Fall Fundraiser, Dinner tickets $10.00, Cafeteria @ 6:30-7:45 p.m.
29 Girls Basketball Griffin vs Raa @ Griffin, 6:30 p.m.
29 Report Cards 1st 9 weeks
November
3 Girls Basketball Montford vs Griffin @ Montford, 6:30 p.m.
3 PTO (5:30 p.m.) & SAC (6:00 p.m.) Meetings, Media Center
4 Boys Soccer Montford vs Griffin @ Belle Vue Field #2, 6:30 p.m.
5 Girls Basketball Deerlake vs Griffin @ Deerlake, 6:30 p.m.
6 Boys Soccer Deerlake vs Griffin @ Belle Vue Field #1, 6:30 p.m.
10 Boys Soccer Fairview vs Griffin @ Belle Vue Field #1, 6:30 p.m
11 Veterans Day Holiday - No School
12 Girls Basketball Fairview vs Griffin @ Fairview, 6:30 p.m.
17 Girls Basketball Griffin vs Ft. Braden @ Griffin, 6:30 p.m.
18 Boys Soccer Griffin vs Swift Creek @ Belle Vue Field #2, 6:30 p.m.
19 Girls Basketball Griffin vs Nims @ Griffin, 6:30 p.m.
19 Interim Reports 2nd 9 weeks
20 Boys Soccer Griffin vs Ft. Braden @ Belle Vue Field #1, 6:30 p.m.
25 Turkey Trot, 2:00 - 3:50, PE/Backfield
26- 28 Thanksgiving Holiday - No School
December
2 Boys Soccer Griffin vs Raa @ Belle Vue Field #2, 6:30 p.m.
3 Boys Soccer Griffin vs Nims @ Belle Vue Field #2, 6:30 p.m
3 Girls Basketball Griffin vs Swift Creek @ Griffin, 6:30 p.m.
8 PTO (5:30 p.m.) & SAC (6:00 p.m.) Meetings, Media Center
17-19 Exam/Early Release days - Dismissal at 1:20 p.m.
19 End of 2nd 9 weeks
20 Teacher Planning/Inservice Day - No School
22-31 Winter Holidays - No School
2015
January
1-2 Winter Holidays - No School
5 Teacher Planning/Inservice Day - No School
6 Students Return
14 Report Cards 2nd 9 weeks
16 School Geography Bee, 9:45-10:30 a.m., Cafeteria, Mrs. Marshall sponsor
19 Martin Luther King Holiday - No School
February FCAT Writing (Grade 8) Date TBA
2 PTO (5:30 p.m.) & SAC (6:00 p.m.) Meetings, Media Center
4 Interim Reports 3rd 9 weeks
5 School History Fair Website and Documentary Judging, 9:30-4:00, Media Center
6 School History Fair Performances and Exhibit, 9:30-4:00, Media Center
March
2 PTO (5:30 p.m.) & SAC (6:00 p.m.) Meetings, Media Center
13 End of 3rd 9 weeks
16-20 Spring Break - No School
23 Teacher Planning/Inservice Day - No School
24 Students Return
April FCAT Reading, Math, Science
1 Report Cards 3rd 9 weeks
6 PTO (5:30 p.m.) & SAC (6:00 p.m.) Meetings, Media Center
22 Interim Reports 4th 9 weeks
May
4 PTO (5:30 p.m.) & SAC (6:00 p.m.) Meetings, Media Center
12 Band/Chorus Spring Concert - 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
20 8th Grade Accolades, 9:00-4:00, Awards Ceremony and cookout for 8th graders
25 Memorial Day Holiday
28-29 Exam/Early Release Days - Dismissal at 1:20 p.m.
June
1 Exam/Early Release Day - Dismissal at 1:20 p.m.
Last Day of School/End of 4th 9 weeks
2-3 Teacher Planning/Inservice Days
10 Secondary Report Cards
Griffin Middle Information Technology School
800 Alabama Street
Tallahassee, Fl 32304
T: 850.617.5353
F: 850.617.5354