Principal's Message . . . .

Having worked with middle school children for 13 years now, I’ve had the opportunity to see how much each child changes in their middle school years. I’ve seen children make positive changes in their lives and, unfortunately, I’ve seen students go the other way. The one consistent factor in seeing a child make positive changes is that each one had parents who were actively involved at school. The parents knew their child’s team number, teachers, and their friends. The children spend 1/3 of their day here at school. It is important that we work as a team and are on the same page to help your child be successful.

Please take the opportunity to get involved at GEMS. The PTO is always looking for volunteers and chaperones. Each team of teachers has opportunities for parents, as well. You can volunteer to run copies for teachers, read with children, etc. I encourage you to attend the PTO meetings on the third Wednesday of each month or contact your child’s teachers for volunteering opportunities. All volunteers must be screened at the West Clermont Board of Education office. See details below.

To help parents stay involved with school news and their child’s academic performance, Edline activation codes have been mailed to each family. You can see your child’s current grades and homework for the week. Currently, only 42% of our parents have activated their Edline accounts. We’re a long way from our goal of 90%. If you need help activating your account or have lost your access code, feel free to call and we will assist you. I want to do everything possible to keep you informed of school news and your child’s academic progress.

Conferences will take place October 20 and 28 starting at 4:30 p.m. Make plans to come and discuss your child’s progress and your goals for them.

Together, we can help every child be successful at GEMS!

Volunteering at GEMS

Volunteering is encouraged at GEMS. There are many opportunities available to parents who are interested in taking an active roll in the education of their children. If you are interested contact your child’s teacher, call Mrs. Morgan in the school office at 947-7701, or contact Jenny Kleinwachter, PTO President, at 752-9060. All volunteers must be screened at the West Clermont Board of Education office on Aicholtz Rd. Screening is done every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., or by appointment by calling 943-5000.

Parent/Teacher Conferences will be held on Wed., Oct. 20 and Thurs., Oct. 28 4:30 - 8:00 p.m.  (Conference request forms enclosed)

Important Dates

October

7 Interims Sent Home
18 Fundraiser Delivery
20 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:30-8:00 P.M.
22 7th-8th Grade Dance, 7:00-9:00 P.M.
27 PTO Meeting, 7:00 P.M.
28 Picture Retakes
28 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:30-8:00 P.M.

November

2 NO SCHOOL - Teacher Inservice
5 Mega Bash
11 NO SCHOOL - Veteran’s Day
11-14 Washington, D.C. Trip
17 PTO Meeting, 7:00 P.M.
19 End First Trimester
25-26 NO SCHOOL - Thanksgiving Break

Parent Survey Enclosed

Glen Este Middle School is dedicated to providing your child with a school environment that is safe, clean, inviting, rewarding and challenging. Although these efforts are focused with good intentions, we feel there is always room for improvement. Please take the time to honestly complete and return the enclosed parent survey as soon as possible. You or your child can return it to the school office, your child can return it to a teacher, or you can mail it back to GEMS at the address listed above. Thank you in advance for helping us make GEMS the best school we can be.

New Guidelines Set

Due to the extremely high volume of requests from parents to deliver phone messages to students, only emergency messages will be honored. Please understand that every time a student is paged it interrupts the educational process for every student in the classroom. Also, please try to keep student deliveries to a minimum for the same reason. If you absolutely must bring forgotten items to your child, let your child know ahead of time that you will be dropping it off. This way, students can stop by the office during class changes or on their way to lunch and classrooms will not have to be interrupted while teaching is going on.

Visitors Must Sign In & Wear Visitor Badge

It is GEMS policy that any person visiting school during school hours, for any reason, must register with the school office immediately upon arrival. This policy is in accordance with Section KK Board of Education Rules and Regulations and Section 2917.211 of the Ohio Revised Code. School is in session from 7:15 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. Parents are not permitted in the hallways or at lockers with students while school is in session. If you would like to speak with your child’s teacher, please call the school to make an appointment.

Sports News

Fall Sports

Parents, your continued support of the football, cross country, and volleyball teams is greatly appreciated! The last football game of the season is a home game against Amelia on Thursday, October 21at 5:30 p.m. The cross country FAVC meet is Saturday, October 16 at Woodland Mound Park. Volleyball tournaments will be Saturday, October 23. The 8th grade team will play at Loveland and the 7th grade team will play at Kings. All sports schedules are listed on the school website at www.westcler.org/gm under Athletics.

** SPORTS NEWS FLASH **

The cross country team has been blazing a trail of wins recently. Both the boys and girls teams placed 1st at the Bethel and Amelia meets and the boys placed third at the New Richmond meet! Check out the trophies on display in the school office. Congratulations!!

Winter Sports

Girls and boys basketball tryouts begin Monday, November 1. Wrestling practice starts November 5. Athletes must have a school physical form turned in before they will be permitted to try out or practice. Also, remember that grade eligibility must be 1.51 or higher to play. Be sure to listen to WGEM for more information.

**Coming Soon!**

Be sure to check our new Spirit Shop link, coming soon to the GEMS website. See pictures of the latest spirit wear available along with ordering information.

Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a new after-school club that gives athletes and non-athletes alike the opportunity to “do life together.” Members will do service projects throughout the school and community. FCA will meet every Wednesday until 3:15 starting October 13 in room 310. Contact Ms. Erin Kurtz, club advisor, for additional information.

**Pre-Game Party Before GE vs. Amelia Football Game**

FCA will be hosting a pre-game party for students by the football field on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 4:30 p.m. before the 5:30 p.m. game. Included in the $5 fee will be admission to the game, a hot dog and a drink, plus a game souvenir! Parent chaperones and donations are needed. Email Ms. Kurtz at kurtz_e@westcler.org to volunteer.

Chess Club

The Chess Club begins on Thursday, October 14 after school until 3:30 p.m. in room 328. Chess Club welcomes all players from beginners to advanced. Mr. Steve Brungs is the club advisor. Contact Mr. Brungs for questions or additional information.

Picture Retakes

Lifetouch will return to GEMS the morning of Thursday, October 28 for picture retakes. This is a great opportunity to purchase fall pictures if you were absent on picture day in September. You may also have retakes done if you are unhappy with your earlier picture package. Just bring the original package with you on retake day. Order forms will be available in the office in mid-October.

School Fees $30.00

Please don’t forget to pay your school fees as soon as possible. School fees are $30.00 per child. Checks should be made payable to Glen Este Middle School (or GEMS). Note: School fees must be paid before students can attend skating parties, dances, etc. If you need to make arrangements to pay the fees in installments, contact Mrs. Terris at 947-7708.

Reminder: Mandatory Washington, D.C. Meeting For Parents and Students Monday, October 25, 7:00 P.M. In the Gym

PTO News

**PTO Meeting Time Change**
(Rescheduled Due to Conferences)
Next PTO Meeting: Wednesday, October 27, 7:00 P.M. GEMS Library

Membership Drive

The PTO membership drive is still underway! Please join us by being active in our school through the PTO. Membership is only $5.00 for a family or $3.00 for a single membership.You can pick up a membership form in the office. For more info call Jenny Kleinwachter, PTO President, at 752-9060.

PTO Thanks . . .

PTO would like to thank Holly Chilewski, Pam Hughes, and Donna Hoffman for selling spirit wear during Open House and during sports events. Also, thank you to Kathy Davis and Cathy Chesley for selling skating tickets during the 6th grade student/parent lunches. THANK YOU!!

Fundraiser Update

We are wrapping up the fall fundraiser. Thanks to all who sold items to benefit GEMS! Results will be announced later this month. Orders will be in and can be picked up after school on Monday, October 18 between 2:15 and 6:00 P.M. in the multi-purpose room. Please contact Dawn McNees at 528-9629 if you need to arrange an alternate pickup time. The winner of the $100 Kathryn Beich Fundraiser drawing is Emily Wildhaber.

7th-8th Grade Dance

There will be a school dance for 7th and 8th grade students on Friday, October 22 from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Tickets will be on sale during lunch time for $3.00 the week of the dance. Tickets will not be sold at the door. School fees must be paid in order to attend. Please note: the dress code for the dance will be casual. The school dress code will apply. Students dressed inappropriately will be sent home.

bigg’s Pay-Back Program

This year, bigg’s has agreed to host a receipt pay-back program to help defray the cost of our after school Homework Club. For every bigg’s receipt turned in to the school, bigg’s will pay back one-half of one percent of the total on that receipt. More information will be sent home with students about this program in the near future.

Transitioning to Middle School

Transitioning to middle school or transferring to a new school can create anxiety for children. Here are some tips for parents to try to help their children through these changes:

• Take the time to meet school personnel
• Review the code of conduct with your child
• Become involved in your child’s school assignments and
  experiences
• Encourage your child to ask teachers questions about
  schoolwork
• Encourage and supervise activities with friends
• Get to know your child’s friends and their parents
• Help your child learn problem-solving skills for use in
  difficult situations
• Discuss with your child ways to find help at school
• Encourage participation in extracurricular activities

For more information, contact Carrie Urshel, School Psychologist, at 947-7735.

It’s That Time of Year Again . . . .

Having head lice is not a sign of poor hygiene. They are passed from person to person by direct contact or from using something a person with lice has used, such as a hairbrush or a piece of clothing. If lice, or nits, are found it is the West Clermont School District policy that the student cannot attend school until all lice and nits have been removed. The student must be checked in the health clinic before returning to classes. If you suspect your child may be infected with lice, please inform the school at 947-7703 so we can discreetly check the student.

Medication Reminder

It is the West Clermont School District policy that no student be allowed to carry any medication with them, whether it is prescription or over-the-counter (such as Tylenol, cough drops, etc.). If it is necessary for your child to take medication during school hours, written authorization from the doctor and parent on a West Clermont medication form is required. The medication must be brought to school in the original container by a parent/guardian. Authorization forms are in the school office or from the GEMS web site. To get a copy from the website, go to www.westcler.org/gm, click on staff, then click on health aide.

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