George Fischer Middle School

Latest GFMS Headlines

• Learning Independence at the Library

  It was fifth grader Kayla's first trip to the George Fischer Middle School library, and she was amazed by the selection of books.  

  “I used to have a big collection of books in my room, but then I realized they were all from when I was in first grade,” Kayla said. “I got rid of them, so I’m really glad to see there are so many good books here in the library to read.”  

  Her friend Olivia agreed. But the one book Olivia really wanted, “The Summer I Turned Pretty” by Jenny Han, was already checked out.  

  Read more

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Art Develops Character at George Fischer Middle School

  SpongeBob SquarePants is one of sixth grader Eugene’s favorite cartoons, so when he was asked to draw any character, Eugene just had to draw SpongeBob.  

  “Our teacher said to make a banner with a character behind it,” Eugene, 11, said. “That is SpongeBob looking out in the back. My shield has a dragon on it.” 

  The banner and shield are part of the Coat of Arms, the first art project of the year for the sixth graders at George Fischer Middle School. The project teaches the students drawing skills and reinforces curriculum themes that will come up later in the year when they study medieval history, art teacher Sandra Swarm said.  

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  George Fischer Middle School News

• Fifth Graders Gain Insight Into How Animals Adapt

  An ocelot. A cheetah. A polar bear. The fifth-grade students at George Fischer Middle School all took their guesses. Finally, one raised his hand, certain he had the answer.

  “A grizzly bear?” the student asked.

  “Ooh,” Patrick Harmon said. “Very close.”

  The skull not only belonged to a relative, the black bear, it was a highlight of Harmon’s recent presentation on Animal Adaptation. Harmon, a naturalist from Putnam Northern Westchester BOCES’ Center for Environmental Education, led a 40-minute program for the students.

  Read the full story about the presentation.

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Business-Minded Middle School Students Raise Money for Local Animal Rescue Organizations

  Recently, students from George Fischer Middle School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) club hosted a bake sale that raised nearly $800 for two local animal rescue organizations – the Putnam Humane Society and the Wolf Conservation Center in North Salem – and the students were invited to visit both locations to see the efforts that their fundraising supports.

  Read the full story and see more photos from the FBLA student field trip!

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Middle School Students Learn to Understand the Perspective of Others

  How much do you really know about someone? 

  Learning to understand people for who they are as individuals and taking the time to get to know them without judgment were some key lessons that George Fischer Middle School students learned during a recent assembly from Dr. Mykee Fowlin, “You Don’t Know Me Until You Know Me.” 

  The packed middle school auditorium was buzzing throughout Fowlin’s performance, which was part lecture and part comedy show with many interactive components. Through his use of humor and open conversation, Fowlin’s messages resonated with the students, and the positive energy he brought to the conversations left students thinking about his message even after the assembly ended. 

  Read the full story about the assembly!

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Local History Comes to Life for Middle School Students

  George Fischer Middle School students took a step back in time during a recent walking tour that brought to life the rich local history of Carmel and Putnam County that was the focus of recent in-class lessons under the direction of RTI teachers Denise Santalis and Lucy Weidenhamer.

  Dressed in replica uniforms from the Revolutionary War period, 45 students were led by social studies teachers Robert Buccheri (Carmel High School) and Keith Reilly (George Fischer Middle School) on a historic hike through the Fred Dill Wildlife Sanctuary. Accompanying the group were several Carmel High School student-mentors. 

  Read the full story and see photos from the walking tour trip!

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Gaining Confidence Through Reading

  George Fischer Middle School reading classes had recent special visitors: LCC K-9 Comfort Dogs!

  Our super reading students had the opportunity to meet, pet and read to comfort dogs Leah, Abraham and Beloved during the visit.

  "It was amazing. The students read to them with such confidence!" said RTI teacher Denise Santalis.

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Middle School Students Discuss the Dangers of Vaping

  During recent early dismissal days, George Fischer Middle School students attended an in-school assembly led by our community partners at The Prevention Council of Putnam and CoveCare Center on the dangers of vaping and using e-cigarettes. The presentation series, CATCH My Breath, discussed the negative consequences and health hazards associated with e-cigarette use, the use of flavor chemicals and their role in e-cigarette marketing and how they can make smart decisions for their developing minds. 

  Read more about the assembly.

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Creative Art Collages Honor Black History Month

  Seventh-grade students at George Fischer Middle School honored Black History Month through creativity in art class, creating collages of individuals who have had a positive impact on black history in our country.

  See the collages our students made honoring individuals who have had a positive impact on black history in our country.

  George Fischer Middle School News

• Spreading Love Through Words of Affirmation

  During the week of Valentine's Day, classrooms in George Fischer Middle School participated in a doorway decorating contest organized by the PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) team. Teachers and students decorated around the doorways of classrooms using words of positive affirmation to promote self-respect and kindness to ourselves and others.

  See a video slideshow of the many decorated doorways throughout the school.

  George Fischer Middle School News