Principal’s Letter . . .

We’re very proud that the State of Ohio has identified Glen Este Middle School as an “EXCELLENT” school, based on results from last year’s Ohio Achievement Tests. We will continue to put student achievement on the front burner and provide an atmosphere that students want to be a part of. If you are interested in seeing our building report card, go to: http://dnet01.ode.state.oh.us/DistrictRatings/Buildings.aspx.

The 2006-07 school year has gotten off to a great start due, in part, to the work of our teachers implementing our school-wide behavioral expectations. Norms have been established and taught to students so that we are all clear on how we expect them to behave in classrooms, hallways, on the buses, etc.

To help make this year be as successful as possible, edline codes were mailed to every household last week. Edline is a great way to check on your child’s grades, email teachers, read about school news and activities, and access the school calendar. Please sign up for edline. Last year only 50% of our parents activated their accounts, which was very disappointing. I’d like to see at least 80% of our families on edline this year.

The Glen Este Middle School PTO is up and running and we have a great group of parent leaders! The first meeting of the year was very well attended. PTO meetings are at 6:30 PM in the school library on the first Thursday of every month. Please support the students by joining the PTO. There are many ways to get involved, even if you have a busy work schedule. Consider volunteering after work. It’s so important at this age to get involved in your child’s school. Please take advantage of the opportunity. A family membership is only $5.00. Contact the PTO at PTOGEMS@aol.com.

I hope that the start of the school year has been a big “thumbs up” for you and your child. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to contact us. With your help, we will maintain “EXCELLENCE.”

Important Dates

September

18  Team 6-1 Student/Parent Lunch, 11:30 AM
19  Team 6-2 Student/Parent Lunch, 11:30 AM
20  Team 6-3 Student/Parent Lunch, 11:30 AM
21  Team 6-4 Student/Parent Lunch, 11:30 AM
21  6th Grade Skating Party, 6:30-8:30 PM
27  Early Release Day, 11:00 AM

October

5  PTO Meeting, 6:30 PM, Library
20  7th/8th Grade Dance, 7:00-9:00 PM
25  Fundraiser Pick-Up 
27  End 1st Quarter Grading

Yearbooks Now on Sale

Yearbooks are on sale now through February 23, 2007. If you order before December 1, the price is $25.00. After December 1, the price goes up to $30.00. Please make checks payable to GEMS and return to your 1st core teacher.

Open House at Public Library

On Thursday, September 28, the Union Township Branch of the Clermont County Public Library will sponsor Services Without Boundaries: Making Access Possible. This is an opportunity for teachers, parents and students to learn about services available for customers with disabilities, including computer workstations featuring ZoomTest and Jaws for Windows. The Open House will be held from 6:00-9:00 PM. Call 528-1744 for more information.

Early Release Day

Students will be released at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 27 for staff development activities.  Brunch will be served to students. 

Mark your calendar! Upcoming Early Release Dates:
November 29 - January 24 - March 21 - May 16

Sports News

Fall sports at Glen Este Middle School are in full swing. Try to come out and support the football, cross country and volleyball teams! Go to www.westcler.org/gm/ for team schedules and directions to other schools. Reminder: There is a charge of $4 for adults and $2 for students for admission to our sporting events. Spirit wear will be sold every Friday during lunch periods. View clothing, accessories and prices on the school website.

School Fees Due September 30

Please don’t forget to pay your school fees as soon as possible. School fees are $32.00 per child. Checks should be made payable to Glen Este Middle School (or GEMS). Fees are due September 30. If you need to make arrangements to pay in installments, call Mrs. Terris at 947-7708.

Career Exploration

Many activities are planned this year to start 8th grade students thinking about their future career paths. Students will complete an assessment to help identify their interests. These results will help students select a career field to explore on the Ohio Career Information System which will be available on our website. This system provides detailed career and college information, including financial aid. On October 12 and 16, 8th grade students will tour the Live Oaks campus, giving them an opportunity to explore additional high school alternatives. Students will tour the school and individual labs will be organized so students see the range of vocations offered at the Great Oaks schools. This helps them make informed choices as they begin high school scheduling in February. Parent volunteers will be needed for the tour. If you wish to volunteer, please call Mrs. Llamas, 8th grade guidance counselor, at 947-7711.

After-School Bowling League

Cherry Grove Lanes after-school bowling league begins October 5. Students will bowl after school every Thursday for 10 weeks. Transportation will be provided by Petermann Bus Service, picking the students up at the school gymnasium and transporting them to the bowling center. Parents must pick the students up by 5:30 PM. Registration forms were previously sent home with students. More forms are available in the office.

Parents: Five Ways to Build a Great Relationship With Your Child’s Teacher

1. Introduce yourself via voice mail, email or a letter with relevant family information and anything specific the teacher needs to know about your child.

2. Keep in touch by letting your child’s teachers know if there is a situation at home that might affect their child’s behavior or performance at school.

3. Pitch in by offering to help out with your child’s class. The time you invest can really make a difference.

4. Be a great communicator. If an issue arises, set up an appointment to talk with the teachers about it sooner rather than later. By communicating early on, most problems can be easily resolved.

5. Show your appreciation. Let your child’s teacher or the principal know about a job well done.

PTO News

Next PTO Meeting: Thursday, October 5, 6:30 pm in the GEMS Library

2006-2007 PTO Board Officers
President - Angie Fackler
Vice-President - Cherie Melzer
Corresponding Secretary - Holly Chilewski
Recording Secretary - Melissa Janssens
Treasurer - Kim Prewitt

Membership Drive

PTO supports the school in many ways such as the Homework Club, student status card rewards, teacher appreciation, scholarships and dances. Parental support and involvement is essential for the success of our programs at school. Please join us by being active participants in our school through the PTO. Membership is only $5.00. If you have any questions, ideas or concerns please contact GEMS PTO at PTOGEMS@aol.com.

Fall Fundraiser

This year’s fundraiser is new and offers a variety of gourmet beverages from “Boston’s Best” including coffee, teas, gourmet hot chocolate and smoothies. Students are taking orders now and are due back to school on September 22. Order pick-up is October 22.

PTO Thanks . . .

PTO would like to thank Eastgate biggs’s for donating all the food for the 6th grade picnic on August 16. Many thanks also go out to the parents and NJHS students who volunteered for that event.

6th Grade Skating Party

There will be a skating party for 6th grade students ONLY Thursday, September 21 from 6:30-8:30 PM at Beechmont Rollerena. Tickets will be sold for $3.00 starting September 18 during lunch time.

Volunteer!

Whether you volunteer to help one of your student’s teachers or for PTO events, it is a worthwhile experience and you will enjoy your time spent at GEMS. A PTO volunteer sign-up binder is available in the school office.

Gardening Angels Program

Bard Nurseries will again be hosting a fundraising program that will help raise money for Glen Este Middle School. The program will be open to all families and staff at GEMS. Between October 1-8, Bard Nurseries is inviting all families to shop for their flowers, plants, and hardgoods for fall. At the end of the event, GEMS PTO will receive 15% of the total purchase amounts.

Need Help with Homework?

Homework Club meets every Tuesday and Thursday from 2:15 until 3:15 PM in room 324. Teachers are present to assist students. This service is free to students and is sponsored by Glen Este Middle School PTO. Students must bring a permission note with them signed by a parent plus a desire to work! Students are not required to come to every session. Just show up as needed!

Campbell Soup Labels and Box Tops for Education

Glen Este Middle School is collecting Campbell Soup Labels and Box Tops for Education again this school year. You can turn them in to the front office or to your first period teacher!

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