Daily Announcements

TODAY IS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2018 DAY 5

Monthly Calendar : 2018Oct6daycycle.pdf

GFMS Spirit Contest - GFMS has been chosen as 1 of12 schools with the greatest school spirit in the Hudson Valley. Starting Wed., 9/19, please visit http://hudsonvalley.news12.com/story/39002388/submit-school-spirit-showdown to vote for GFMS as much as you like for a chance to be a top 4 winner. Let's show the Hudson Valley who really ROCKS!

Basketball Intramurals - 5th & 6th Grade after school Thurs., 10/18 and Fri., 10/19.

Homework Club - Starts today, Mon., 10/15 after school. If you returned your permission slip and you are in: 5th grade report to room 108, 6th grade report to room 208, 7th grade report to room 265 and 8th grade report to room 217.

Spotlight - Students that would like to participate can visit Ms. Berardi in Room 236 for a permission slip. First Meeting is Mon., 11/5.

Art Club & Go Green Club - For sign up information and permission slips see Miss Lynne in Room 234.

Breakfast Program - Our breakfast program is available every day. If you have any questions, ask the cafeteria staff.

GFMS Ram TV, Jr.

GFMS Events

Oct 22

GFMS Book Fair

George Fischer Middle School
Oct 22 Oct 26

Book Fair

George Fischer Middle School
Oct 23

GFMS Book Fair

George Fischer Middle School
Oct 23

8A Ellis Island trip

George Fischer Middle School
Oct 24

GFMS Book Fair

George Fischer Middle School

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PISCITELLA POSTS!

As we begin the transition to October, I am happy to report that we are off to a great start. We thank the hundreds of parents who attended our curriculum nights earlier this month and encourage continued communication with our teachers and staff. The month of October brings a few events of note. Academically, we have undertaken a One School-One Author project in which all Grades 5/6 students will be reading a novel while Grades 7/8 students read another one. The links below are letters for you to read regarding this initiative.

SaveMeASeat56.pdf SoBeIt78.pdf

In addition, information is forthcoming regarding a Grade 5 Black and Orange Party that takes place after school on October 26^th from 2:30-4 PM. Later that evening, we will have a dance for Grades 6 and 7 from 7 PM-9PM. Again, information for both events will be delivered within a week.

Please continue to check the GFMS website for updates.

Sincerely

John Piscitella
GFMS Principal

845-228-2300 ext. 525

Grade 5 - Principal - J. Piscitella jpiscite@carmelschools.org

Grade 8 - Assistant Principal ext. 507- C. Barrie cbarrie@carmelschools.org

Grade 7 - Assistant Principal ext. 511 - M. Kirk mkirk@carmelschools.org

Grade 6 - Assistant Principal ext. 503 - N. Cyrus ncyrus@carmelschools.org

Attendance and Punctuality is a major point of emphasis this year. Students must be in the building by 8:04. We encourage our students to ride the bus, but if you must drop off, please make sure students are IN THE BUILDING by 8:04. Students who are habitually late are subject to school discipline. In addition, study after study shows the correlation between school attendance and punctuality are major points of emphasis, so please do your best to limit absences.

A reminder to pick up your children in the rear of the building (small cafeteria) if you arrive after 2:15 PM. From 2:20 to 2:30 we cannot do pick-ups unless there is a family emergency. In this case, please call the main office in advance so we can have your child ready.

I know that many questions will arise as the year unfolds and our office staff and teachers are happy to assist. Please do your best to contact the appropriate office for questions regarding your children (845-228-2300).

Grade 6 – Ms. Cyrus, ext. 503

Grade 7 – Mr. Kirk, ext. 511

Grade 8 – Mr. Barrie, ext. 507

Grade 5 – Mr. Piscitella, ext. 525

Please use the links below to access summer remediation:

Grade 5 Math - https://gfms.carmelschools.org/classes/67996/5th_grade_summer_math_2018/home

Grades 6-8 Math - http://www.mymathuniverse.com/

Grades 5-8 ELA, Science, Social Studies - https://portal.achieve3000.com/index

The Carmel Central School District educates the whole student through partnerships to become lifelong learners in an ever-changing world.

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

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

HONOR ROLL for grades 6, 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.

DATES TO REMEMBER

October 5 - Staff Development Day - early dismissal 10:50 am

October 8 - Columbus Day - no school

October 16 & 17 - School Pictures

October 24 - Flu Clinic - registration required - form on web page

Extra-Curricular Clubs and Activities

Here is a list of the GFMS extra-curricular clubs and intramural sports for 7/8 graders. Details are posted in the Resources and Clubs and Activities section.

Art Club	Dignity Club	Drama Club
FBLA	G.O.	Go Green	Jazz Band
Living History Club	Math Counts	Robotics Club	Rock Ensemble
Select Strings	Small Chamber Ensemble	Spotlight	Yearbook

Intramural Golf	Intramural B/G Basketball	Intramural Tennis

OCTOBER BLACK & ORANGE DAY

5th Grade Halloween Party - Friday, October 26 from 2:30-4:00 pm in Cafeteria - Tickets are $5 and sold in homerooms. Permission slips will be given out in homerooms and should be returned with the $5 by 10/26. Students should wear black & orange (NO COSTUMES). Snacks/beverages are available for purchase for $1. Parents MUST come into the gymnasium to pick up their child at 4 pm.

6TH AND 7TH GRADE HALLOWEEN PARTY will be from 7 - 9 pm on Friday, October 26 in the cafeteria. Tickets will be sold at the door for $5 and snacks/beverages will be available for purchase for $1. Students are invited to wear black and orange or festive Halloween shirts; NO costumes. Parents can pick up their child at 9 pm in the gymnasium.

2017-2018 Graduation 8th Grade Slideshow!

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 8; Mr. Kirk, gr 7; Mrs. Cyrus, gr 6; Mr. Piscitella, gr 5

web page Code of Conduct.pdf

web page DASA page.pdf

web page ROCK page.pdf

GUIDANCE NEWS!

New to the District? Registration packets are now available online by clicking here. 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.

Photo Gallery

2017 Science & Technology Fair
2017 Science & Technology Fair
2017 Science & Technology Fair
7th graders in Mr. Drebyczs' class learning AR verb conjugation using a game board
GFMS Robotic Rams Rule!
Students enjoy spending their free time in the GFMS Makerspace.
GFMS 5th & 6th graders are participating in the Million Page Challenge!
GFMS students got a sneak peek of the GFMS musical, Annie Jr. at the Pep Rally.
GFMS students wore purple to promote positive behavior.
Positiv-trees popped up all over GFMS--paper hands with positive messages posted all around the school.