Meningococcal Vaccine
This vaccine is now required for students in grades 7, 8 and 12. Please call your child's Doctor with any questions.
George Fischer Middle School
Principal's Coffee #5 (Hybrid 5/6)
PISCITELLA'S POSTS
September/October Calendar Schedule ---> REVISEDSept October
Principal Coffee #5- Go to www.facebook.com/gfmsrocks to view the Grades 5/6 Hybrid Model Principal's Coffee. A Facebook account is NOT required to view. Download the slides HERE .
Administration Directory
GFMS Principal - John Piscitella (jpiscite@carmelschools.org); ext. 525
Asst. Principal and Grade 5/6 Admin. - Laura Weiss (lweiss@carmelschools.org); ext. 511
Asst. Principal and Grade 7 and SWD Admin. - Christopher Barrie (cbarrie@carmelschools.org); ext. 507
Asst. Principal and Grade 8 (y Familias que necesitan servicios de traducción) - Nancy Cyrus (ncyrus@carmelschools.org); ext. 503
Student Resource Video - MS Office 365 and Teams
September Curriculum Nights - We are canceling evening activities for the month of September including GFMS Curriculum Nights that were supposed to take place during the week of September 8th. We will be working with our faculty to have them host team-based meetings with you during September.
**When we are able to set firm dates for the above items, we will immediately communicate with you.
Grade 8 2020 Remembrances
Student Addresses to Graduates
I hope this communication finds you safe and your children getting some much-needed rest as both students and families. Congratulations on the completion of your elementary school experience in The Carmel Central School District. This will be the first of MANY communications and updates you will receive from GFMS this summer.
Currently, our George Fisher administration and faculty are partnering with our district office administration, parent groups, and school board members to determine what a school opening will look like in September.
In the upcoming weeks, you can expect to get surveys from this district task force so we can gather information from different stakeholders. The information that we gather from the surveys will go along way in determining what GFMS will look like for your incoming fifth grader.
In the meantime, we will be using some of our video technology to get messages out to our students at several checkpoints over the summer. We have missed several opportunities to meet with both you and your children in our orientation process due to our school closure. If need be, we will do virtual information sessions with building administration over the summer. Please make sure you are checking your email and the GFMS website for updates.
I am looking forward to meeting a new group of families as soon as possible. Have a safe and enjoyable summer and hopefully we will see you in September.
Sincerely,
John Piscitella, Principal
YEARBOOK DISTRIBUTION:
Grade 8 - Yearbooks will be distributed in conjunction with the handing out of your graduation materials and lawn signs from 4-6 PM on:
Monday, June 15th (Team 8A)
Tuesday, June 16th (Team 8B)
Wednesday, June 17th (Team 8C)
Grade 7 - Monday, June 22nd from 10 AM to 2 PM in the main lobby of GFMS.
Grade 6 - Tuesday, June 23rd from 10 AM to 2 PM in the main lobby of GFMS
Grade 5 - Wednesday, June 24th from 10 AM to 2 PM in the main lobby of GFMS.
FAQs on Distance Learning and Grading - UPDATED MAY 1ST
Special Areas Enrichment Assignments can be found HERE!
CCSD Technology Resources - Student Resources CCSD Tech Support
Grade 8 DC Trip Refunds - We are so disappointed (as are your children) about the cancellation of this activity. At this time we are awaiting the arrival of some vendor deposit refunds to us and then refunds to families will be processed.
Initial Distance Learning Assignments: Use the links below to view, download, and/or save assignments. You may print the pages OR simply view and complete the assignments on loose-leaf/notebook journals. You could also choose to print only certain pages in the print menu. If you need clarifications or additional instructions, please email the teachers directly.
Grade 5 - Math ELA Science Soc. Studies RTI Reading RTI Salza Wilson Rdg Salza RTI Math
Grade 6 - Math ELA Science Soc. Studies RTI Reading RTI Salza Wilson Rdg Salza RTI Math
Grade 7 - Math7All Levels Scaperotti Math ELA Schwark ELA Science Sci Scaperotti Soc. Studies Soc St Schwark World Lang Reading Salza
Grade 8 - Algebra Math 8 Math Devico&Dangelo ELA ELA Tonchuck ELA Chiappone Earth Science Sci 8-1 Sci 8-2 Science Devico&Dangelo Soc. Studies Soc St Tonchuck Soc St Chiappone World Language Intro to Spanish
Special Areas - Art 5 Drawing Art 6 Drawing Art 7 Drawing Art 8 Drawing Phys. Ed. & Health FACS 6 Holzmann FACS 6 Taylor FACS 8 Holzmann FACS 8 Taylor Tech 5 Diamonde Tech 6 Diamonde Tech 7 Sottile Tech 8 Sottile Naso-Parent Letter Tech 6 Naso Tech 7 Naso Tech 8 Naso Band&Chorus 5/6 Orchestra 5/6 Band 7 Orchestra 7 Chorus 7 Band 8 Orchestra 8 Chorus 8 Gen Music 5 Gen Music 6 Gen Music 7 Gen Music 8
Multi-Grade Programs - PACE Program PACE Speech GFMS Speech&Lang
Counseling Programs - GFMS Corona Virus Counseling Activities GFMS General Counseling
Other Reminders:
Please read the Field Trip Update Letter here---> Trip Summary Updates En Espanol
Please read the attached documents about protection from flu and other airborne illness: Flu Protection CDC Student Illness Guidelines (Fever Highlighted)
For morning drop-off, please be aware that we are not fully staffed for supervision until 7:15 AM. Students may NOT enter the building with early-arriving teachers until we have a permanent presence at the reception desk in the main lobby.
Earth Science selection criteria have been emailed to parents. Here is a copy of the letter that was sent: Earth Science Letter You may access more information on the GFMS Science Page.
News & Announcements
Thursday, 9/17 - Come to GFMS Principal's Coffee #6 on Facebook Live where we will discuss the Grades 7 and 8 Hybrid Model. Go to www.facebook.com/gfmsrocks to view the event. You do NOT need an account to watch.
Calendar of Events
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In-Person Learning Begins
Carmel Central School District -
Cohort A Attends, Cycle Day 4
Carmel Central School District -
Cohort A Attends, Cycle Day 5
Carmel Central School District -
Cohort A Attends, Cycle Day 6
Carmel Central School District -
Cohort B Attends, Cycle Day 1
Cohort B Attends
Carmel Central School District
MUSIC NOTES
Attention Band, Chorus and Orchestra Parents, If you are considering dropping band, orchestra or chorus, please send a note to the ensemble teacher so that they can keep a record of the change. The teacher will contact the schedulers to make any changes.
The last day to drop BOC in the first semester for grades 6-8 is Friday, September 21st. There will be another "window" to drop the first week of February for semester 2.
The last day to drop BOC in the first semester for grade 5 is Friday, September 28th. There will be another "window" to drop the first week of February for semester 2.
If you are considering dropping any ensemble after the concerts, please contact the music teacher. The teacher will make a recommendation to keep or drop the course. Deadline to make this change is through the end of quarter 2, January 25
We will not drop these courses after these dates.
Math Corner
Math is EVERYWHERE…look around you ! It is crucial for students to keep exploring numbers and patterns, and thinking about mathematics. Click for some resources to support and motivate your child. Students should choose a variety of games and activities to enjoy throughout the year. Your child will be better prepared for school and to take on the challenges in math that a new school year brings.
HONOR ROLL and COMMUNITY SERVICE
HONOR ROLL for grades 7 and 8
To achieve Honor Roll recognition, a student would need an 87 overall average, with no single grade lower than 85. to achieve High Honor Roll status, a student would need a 93 overall average, with no single grade lower than 90. This system is weighted based on "seat time," calculated as: 1.0 - for courses that meet daily and .5 for courses that meet every other day (i.e. PE, possibly ensemble classes)
National Jr. Honor Society (NJHS) has been established at GFMS for Grade 8. There are applications available in the 8th grade administrator's office or the main office.
*Deadline to return forms is June 1, 2020*
NURSES' NOTES
Please review the information regarding physicals and the requirements under the NURSES' NOTES. This is a new policy. district physical letter 5-18.pdf
Code of Conduct
The code of conduct signature page/emergency page are listed below. Refer to these pages with questions for disciplinary actions. If you need further explanation, contact the grade level administration - Mr. Barrie, gr 6; Mrs. Cyrus, gr 7; Mrs. Burns, gr 8; Mr. Piscitella, gr 5
GUIDANCE NEWS!
New to the District? Registration packets are now available online. If you are unable to print the registration packet, you may pick one up in the main office or by calling the building Registrar, Debbie McIntyre, at (845) 228-2300, ext. 530.
National Junior Honor Society Requirements
National Junior Honor Society Requirements:
National Jr. Honor Society (NJHS) has been established at GFMS for Grade 8. There are applications available in the 8th grade administrator's office or the main office.
What is National Junior Honor Society?
One of the nation’s premier organizations established to recognize outstanding middle level students. More than just an honor roll, NJHS serves to honor those students who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, and Citizenship. Chapter membership not only recognizes students for their accomplishments, but challenges them to develop further through active involvement in school activities and community service.
Who is Eligible for NJHS?
At GFMS, in accordance with national standards set by NJHS, students will first qualify for an invitation through their demonstration of success in the area of scholarship. That means, students in 7th or 8th grade with a cumulative GPA of 94 or higher will receive an invitation to fill out an information sheet. Students then fill out the information sheet to give examples of their accomplishments in cumulative GPA (scholarship), does not mean they will automatically be inducted into the NJHS.
Who chooses inductees into the NJHS?
After students fill out an information sheet and the required recommendation forms from teachers and/or other adults, all of their qualifications will be reviewed by our Faculty Council. The Faculty Council is an anonymous group of faculty members who make the final decision about who will be invited for induction into the NJHS. The Faculty Council also serves as the group who determines if a student should be dismissed because of a failure to meet expectations in one of the five areas of Scholarship, Leadership, Service, Character, or Citizenship. The NJHS sponsors do not have a vote on the Faculty Council and will not be making any decisions regarding acceptance.
What does an exemplary NJHS candidate look like?
Scholarship: Students who have a cumulative grade point average of 94 or higher, as established by the Faculty Council, meet the scholarship requirements for membership. These students are then eligible for consideration on the basis of service, leadership, and character (and citizenship for NJHS).
Service: This quality is defined through the voluntary contributions made by a student to the school or community, done without compensation and with a positive, courteous, and enthusiastic spirit.
Leadership: Student leaders are those who are resourceful, good problem solvers, promoters of school activities, idea-contributors, dependable, and persons who exemplify positive attitudes about life. Leadership experiences can be drawn from school or community activities while working with or for others.
Character: The student of good character, upholds principles of morality, and ethics, is cooperative, demonstrates high standards of honesty and reliability, shows courtesy, concern, and respect for others, and generally maintains a good and clean lifestyle.
If I’m a 6th grader, what can I do to become a better candidate for NJHS in 7th and 8th grade?
One of the best things you can do as a 6th grader is to have really strong grades. You should work hard every day in school because as a 7th grade inductee, you will qualify in the area of scholarship based on your grades in 6th grade! Also, becoming involved in school clubs and activities, outside of school, you can begin to track community service hours (work in which you don’t receive some kind of pay) in order to strengthen your information sheet.
What do you do in NJHS?
The goal of NJHS is to build leaders and do service. Other than that, the activities are up to the NJHS members. Some examples of these activities are walk-a-thons to raise money for cancer research; providing hygiene supplies to neighborhood pantries; and car washes to raise money for charity. Each student can select his/her own service project that best reflects his/her personal interests.
Extra-Curricular Clubs and Activities
Here is a list of the GFMS extra-curricular clubs and intramural sports for students in grades 5-8. Further details are posted in the Resources and Clubs and Activities section.
- Art Club
- Babysitting Course
- Book Club
- Chess Club
- Dignity Club
- Drama Club
- Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)
- General Organization (GO)
- Go Green Environmental Club
- Lego Robotics Club
- Living History Club
- MATHCOUNTS
- Musical Groups
- Clarinet Choir
- Jazz Band
- Rock Ensemble
- Select Strings
- Peer Leaders
- Reflections (PTA)
- Safe School Ambassadors (SSA)
- Science and Technology Fair
- Spotlight
- Teens-N-Kids Mentoring Club
- Tutorial Program
- Yearbook
- Golf (Fall)
- Tennis (Fall)
- Boys Basketball (fall)
- Girls Basketball (fall)
- Tennis (fall/Spring)
- Volleyball (Spring)
- Wrestling (fall)
2019-2020 Community Service Application
Name: __________________________________________ Grade: _____________
GFMS Community Service
2019-2020
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Date |
Organization |
# of Hours |
What you Did |
Supervisor (Please print & sign) |
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Total Hours_______
The following is a list by grade including the hours suggested to attain the total of 65 hours required for this community service recognition.
5 hours as a 5th grader – 10 hours as a 6th grader – 25 hours as a 7th grader – 25 hours as an 8th grader
Guidelines: Volunteer to help your community outside of your family.
Family members cannot sign off on service hours
*Deadline to return forms is June 1, 2020*