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Weekly Newsletter – October 2, 2023

Upcoming Dates

  • October 2, 4: Fall Growth State Testing-Math (6th, 7th)
  • October 2: National Custodian Appreciation Day
  • October 4: Walk & Roll to School Day
  • October 5: PBIS Store
  • October 9: Indigenous People Day (No School)
  • October 15: Reflections Entries Due
  • October 17: PTA Meeting
  • October 20: Spirit Wear Orders Due
  • October 20: PBIS Store
  • October 27: Harvest Festival
  • October 27: Picture Retake Day
  • September 15 – October 13: National Hispanic Heritage Month
  • October: Bullying Prevention Month

A Message from the President:

Thank you to Joy Pochatila and 7th grader, Lindy Evans, for coordinating the PTA Tropical Smoothie lunch for teachers and staff during conferences this week! The teachers and staff are always very appreciative of this lunch. It is wonderful to see so many smiling faces, and hear so many words of heartfelt gratitude. And Tropical Smoothie is ready and willing to support GW – despite inflation, they were able to match last year’s costs. Please consider stopping by the Bradlee location for a smoothie or to pick up your next take-out meal to say thanks.

Today is National Custodian Appreciation Day! Under the direction of our building engineer, Mr. Stephen Letsu, we are grateful for our custodian staff! Thank you to Elyn Toledo Ramos, Dennis Valenzuela, Rosalba Guerra, Ana Valenzuela, Marina Diaz, Milagro Manchado, Ana Campos, Yeny Cardenas, Maira Lopez and Maria Martinez.

Have you renewed your PTA membership for this school year? Our next PTA meeting will be held Tuesday, October 17th at 7pm in the GW Media Room. We hope you can join us!

Greta Gordon
GWMS PTA President 2023-2024
Please allow 24 hours for a response to your email.  Thank you!

http://gwmspta.digitalpto.com/


National Hispanic Heritage Month Calendar 

October is National Bullying Prevention Month
October 17 is the annual World Day of Bullying Prevention, and October 18, 2023, is Unity Day. Stay tuned for a Bullying Prevention Month Calendar of events from our Director of Counseling and our Student Support Team.


VA Growth Assessment Information

Monday:

  • 6th-grade students will take their fall Math VA Growth Assessment, they need to bring a book to read in case they finish early and their charged Chromebook
  • Teachers will have a staff meeting after school so all after-school activities and activity buses are canceled except for the Link Club

Tuesday:

  • 6th grade Fall VA Growth Math Make-ups for students who were absent on Monday

Wednesday:

  • 7th-grade students will take their fall Math VA Growth Assessment, they need to bring a book to read in case they finish early and their charged Chromebook

Thursday:

  • 7th grade Fall VA Growth Math Make-ups for students who were absent on Wednesday
  • 7th & 8th Grade Orchestra Field Trip

Friday:

  • All remaining VA Growth make-ups for any 6th or 7th-grade student who missed their original test session or specific make-up session

Walk & Roll to School Day

On your mark, get set, register! The 27th annual National Walk & Roll to School Day is October 4th, and registration is now open!

Whether addressing the need to make routes to school safer for active trips or encouraging children to be more active, these events can be powerful tools to inspire lasting change.  Of course, they are also lots of fun!

The official Walk & Roll to School Day date will be October 4th this year, but communities are welcome to celebrate any day in October that best fits their schedules.  Sign up today to join the fun and spread the impact of the 2023 event!


Parent Engagement Survey

The Parent Engagement Survey is an anonymous survey to help the GW Administration Team learn more about what parent needs are so that we can plan events to support their interests. Thank you to parents who have already completed the survey during parent-teacher conferences.


SPIRIT WEAR!

Show your school spirit with GW Spirit Wear!  Pre-order through Friday, Oct. 20. Items will be available for pick up starting Nov. 7 at our Election Day bake sale!

  • Short Sleeve T-shirts $10
  • Long Sleeve T-shirts $15
  • Sweatshirts $25
  • Hoodies $25

Order online with credit card at gwmspta.org/spiritwear
Email [email protected] to arrange to pay by check or cash.


PTA Reflections Art Competition 

Calling all Prexies – PTA Reflections Art Competition 2023-2024 needs you!

It’s that time again, when pre-K through grade 12 students nationwide create theme-based artwork – will you be one of them? The 2023-2024 theme is I am Hopeful Because…share why you are hopeful through dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, or visual arts.

Contest entries due by Oct 15. Entering takes 5 minutes online here or at the below QR code.

You can also turn your entry into GW Middle School Art Teacher Ms. Janice Rollins, Rm: C205, or into your grade-level office.

Entries are evaluated for interpretation of the theme, creativity, and technique.
Questions? Email [email protected]


Join the PTA! 

 

We are close to reaching our membership goal!  We just need 86 more members to be eligible to win $100 from the Virginia PTA. If you have not yet joined, please take a minute to join today.

Your $10 tax-deductible membership dues will support our school wide activities throughout the year such as teacher appreciation events, field trips, student socials, and more!

Thanks to all who have joined so far for the 2023-24 school year!


VOLUNTEER! 

Thank you to everyone who has contacted the PTA about volunteering! We are still looking for a few more volunteers to chair committees.

Please email us to help fill the following roles:

  • 7th Grade Social/Events – Volunteers from each grade plan an end-of-year event for each class. Chair will lead the volunteers in planning!
  • GW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee – work with the DEI rep, other parents, caregivers, the PTA Executive Committee, teachers and staff to foster an inclusive and equitable environment, focusing on family engagement in our school community.
  • Field Trip Coordinator – The GWMS teachers and staff would love to have help from parents with planning field trips throughout the school year. This is a new committee, so there will be some work to do to set expectations and roles.
  • Business Partners / Sponsorships – Do you have great connections with local businesses?  Sign up to help us partner with our business partners to help them find ways to make a big impact at GWMS.  Great for co-chairs!
  • Membership Chair – This is a new position! We want to grow our membership and ensure that we are representative of our whole GWMS community. Membership Chair would represent PTA at school events and develop new ways to reach a wider audience.
  • Gym Uniform Swap Coordinator – Collect gym uniforms from older students/alums and wash/sort/set up table at events to give to current students
  • PTAC Special Education Committee – The Alexandria PTA Council (PTAC) formed a Special Education Committee to ensure that the perspective of families and students receiving Special Education and 504 services are addressed within PTAC. The purpose is to continue this robust conversation district-wide by encouraging all PTAs to appoint a parent whose children are receiving special education services to serve as a Special Education Representative. This representative would –
    • Help families who have children receiving special education services feel more connected to their school communities;
    • Amplify their concerns to your PTA, PTAC and ACPS leadership;
    • Educate the Executive Board on how best to support families who have children receiving special education services within your school;
    • Meet with special education representatives from other schools to share ideas;
    • Host a meet & greet for new parents of students receiving special education services; and,
    • Work with the PTA to ensure that students with IEPs and/or 504s are appropriately supported in all PTA-sponsored activities.
  • Nominating Committee for 2024-25 – In the spring, the nominating committee will work to secure executive board slots for the coming school year, as well as committee chairs and members.

October PTA Meeting

Mark your calendars on Tuesday, October 17th for our next PTA Meeting.  This time IN PERSON!  Spanish Interpretation will be provided.


What About Me? Supporting Siblings of Students with Disabilities

Monday, October 3 12-1PM
Join via Zoom
The ACPS Anne R. Lipnick Special Education Parent Resource Center assists parents to become partners in their child’s education. Join this workshop to learn strategies for helping, reassuring and involving siblings. Interpretation services will be provided.



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Weekly Newsletter – September 25, 2023

Upcoming Dates

  • September 15 – October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
  • September 25: Yom Kippur Holiday (No School)
  • September 26: Fall Growth State Testing-Reading (8th)
  • September 28-29: Parent Teacher Conferences (No School)
  • October 2, 4: Fall Growth State Testing-Math (6th, 7th)
  • October 5: PBIS Store
  • October 9: Indigenous People Day (No School)
  • October 15: Reflections Entries Due
  • October 17: PTA Meeting
  • October 20: Spirit Wear Orders Due
  • October 20: PBIS Store
  • October 27: Harvest Festival
  • October 27: Picture Retake Day

Middle School Conferences, September 28-29

The first round of parent-teacher conferences will take place on Thursday, September 28, 2023, and Friday, September 29, 2023. Please read the below information about the upcoming conferences.

Dates and Times
Thursday, September 28 – No school for students. Conferences will take place from 8:30-3:30.
Friday, September 29 – No school for students. Conferences will take place from 8:30 – 11:30.

Conference Details
Each conference will be 10 minutes in length. Staff will be at the school campuses so the conferences are set to be in-person. Parents/Guardians may also request the conference via Zoom or by telephone conference.

Registering for Your Conferences
Individual teachers have posted sign-ups on ParentSquare from Friday, September 22, 2023 to Wednesday, September 27, 2023, for families to schedule conference times with each of your student’s teachers. Parents/Guardians are able to schedule conferences via ParentSquare. Interpretation services are available for conferences in Spanish, Arabic, Amharic, and Dari.

As a reminder, parents can meet with teachers outside of these conference days too. The teachers’ commitment to communicating with families regarding their students’ progress extends throughout the school year. Not every parent will be able have a conference on conference days due to the sheer number of students in middle school.  While it’s disappointing not to get a conference on the conference days, you can reach out to schedule a meeting with you child’s teachers at any time.


SPIRIT WEAR!

Spirit Wear is now on sale! Big shout to our amazing Spirit Wear Chair Fran Boller for getting us this great selection of attractive items at great prices!

Pre-order until Friday, Oct. 20. Items available for pick up starting Nov. 7 at our Election Day bake sale!

  • Short Sleeve T-shirts $10
  • Long Sleeve T-shirts $15
  • Sweatshirts $25
  • Hoodies $25

Order online with credit card at gwmspta.org/spiritwear

Email [email protected] to arrange to pay by check or cash.


Join the PTA!

 

Thanks to all who have already joined for the 2023-24 school year!

Your PTA membership dues are tax-deductible and support our activities throughout the year including grade level student socials, field trips, teacher grants for classroom resources, and so much more!

It’s just $10 per person per year, plus a small amount to cover credit card fees. You can also join by cash or check.  Email [email protected] with any questions.


VOLUNTEER!

Thank you to everyone who has contacted the PTA about volunteering! We are still looking for a few more volunteers to chair committees.

Please email us to help fill the following roles:

  • 7th Grade Social/Events – Volunteers from each grade plan an end-of-year event for each class. Chair will lead the volunteers in planning!
  • Parent Social Coordinator  Organize events to build the GWMS parent community.  They could be big events at local businesses or small events at the school like meet and greet coffees with staff or PTA.
  • Field Trip Coordinator – The GWMS teachers and staff would love to have help from parents with planning field trips throughout the school year. This is a new committee, so there will be some work to do to set expectations and roles.
  • Business Partners / Sponsorships – Do you have great connections with local businesses?  Sign up to help us partner with our business partners to help them find ways to make a big impact at GWMS.  Great for co-chairs!
  • Membership Chair – This is a new position! We want to grow our membership and ensure that we are representative of our whole GWMS community. Membership Chair would represent PTA at school events and develop new ways to reach a wider audience.
  • Gym Uniform Swap Coordinator – Collect gym uniforms from older students/alums and wash/sort/set up table at events to give to current students
  • PTAC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Representative – Serve as a representative of the GWMS PTA to the Alexandria PTA Council’s DEI Committee and share information with the GW community. The DEI Chair will lead the PTA commitment to foster an inclusive and equitable environment of family engagement in our school community.
  • PTAC Special Education Committee– The Alexandria PTA Council (PTAC) formed a Special Education Committee to ensure that the perspective of families and students receiving Special Education and 504 services are addressed within PTAC. The purpose is to continue this robust conversation district-wide by encouraging all PTAs to appoint a parent whose children are receiving special education services to serve as a Special Education Representative. This representative would –
    • Help families who have children receiving special education services feel more connected to their school communities;
    • Amplify their concerns to your PTA, PTAC and ACPS leadership;
    • Educate the Executive Board on how best to support families who have children receiving special education services within your school;
    • Meet with special education representatives from other schools to share ideas;
    • Host a meet & greet for new parents of students receiving special education services; and,
    • Work with the PTA to ensure that students with IEPs and/or 504s are appropriately supported in all PTA-sponsored activities.
  • Nominating Committee for 2024-25 – In the spring, the nominating committee will work to secure executive board slots for the coming school year, as well as committee chairs and members.

Los Tios Dine Out Fundraiser

Thank you to all who came out to support the GW PTA this week at Los Tios!  We’ll find out soon how much we raised during the 3 grade level nights, but we appreciate all the queso and guacamole you ordered!  We were happy to have a chance to see old friends and meet some new friends.  We also sold some GW magnets and passed out Membership and Spirit Wear flyers so we think it was a great success.


PTA Reflections Art Competition

Calling all Prexies – PTA Reflections Art Competition 2023-2024 needs you!

It’s that time again, when pre-K through grade 12 students nationwide create theme-based artwork – will you be one of them? The 2023-2024 theme is I am Hopeful Because…share why you are hopeful through dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, or visual arts.

Contest entries due by Oct 15. Entering takes 5 minutes online here or at the below QR code.

You can also turn your entry into GW Middle School Art Teacher Ms. Janice Rollins, Rm: C205, or into your grade-level office.

Entries are evaluated for interpretation of the theme, creativity, and technique.
Questions? Email [email protected]


October PTA Meeting

Mark your calendars on Tuesday, October 17th for our next PTA Meeting.  This time IN PERSON!  Spanish Interpretation will be provided.


School Health Advisory Boards

“The purpose of the School Health Advisory Board is to assist with the development of health policies in the school division and the evaluation of the status of school health, health education, the school environment, and health services with the goal of ensuring equitable access and alignment with students’ needs.  Our mission is to confirm an environment with accessibility and support for health services, and strive for instructional excellence and educational empowerment for students to maintain healthy behaviors throughout their lives.

The School Health Advisory Board meets monthly at 6:30 pm on the third Tuesday of each month (the next meeting being held on Tuesday October 17) at Alexandria City High School. The most up to date details on meeting dates and times can be found at the ACPS IC Board page.  We welcome parents and community members who would like to ask questions or share insights that will help us better support ACPS students’ health needs. We also encourage any parents who are interested in joining the School Health Advisory Board or one of its subcommittees to submit an application via the ACPS website. Please contact [email protected] if you have any questions about our work or would like to learn more about getting involved.”




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Weekly Newsletter – September 18, 2023

Upcoming Dates

  • September 15 – October 15: National Hispanic Heritage Month
  • September 18: PBIS Store
  • September 18-20: Los Tios Dine Out Fundraisers
  • September 25: Yom Kippur Holiday (No School)
  • September 28-29: Parent Teacher Conferences (No School)
  • October 5: PBIS Store
  • October 9: Indigenous People Day (No School)
  • October 15th: Reflections Entries Due
  • October 20th: Spirit Wear Orders Due
  • October 27th: Harvest Festival
  • October 27th: Picture Retake Day
  • September 19, 21, 26: Fall Growth State Testing-Reading (6th, 7th, 8th)
  • October 2, 4: Fall Growth State Testing-Math (6th, 7th)

SPIRIT WEAR!

Spirit Wear is now on sale! Big shout to our amazing Spirit Wear Chair Fran Boller for getting us this great selection of attractive items at great prices!

Pre-order until Friday, Oct. 20. Items available for pick up starting Nov. 7 at our Election Day bake sale!

  • Short Sleeve T-shirts $10
  • Long Sleeve T-shirts $15
  • Sweatshirts $25
  • Hoodies $25

Order online with credit card at gwmspta.org/spiritwear

Email [email protected] to arrange to pay by check or cash. (Los Tios dine outs this week are the first chances to turn in your order form to me with check/cash.)


Los Tios Dine Out Fundraisers

Neighborhood favorite Los Tios Grill is hosting 3 nights of fundraising socials for George Washington Middle School PTA!  Each night will feature one grade so you can be sure to see new and old friends from your classes.  Los Tios will donate a portion of each evening’s sales to GWMS PTA so come hungry!

  • 6th grade-Monday, Sept. 18
  • 7th grade-Tuesday, Sept. 19
  • 8th grade-Wednesday, Sept. 20

Los Tios is located at 2615 Mount Vernon Avenue.  Dine-in sales from 5 to 10p.m. count toward the fundraiser.  Be sure to tell them that you are with GW when you arrive to be seated in the GW room!


PBIS Store

Thank you to those who have been supporting PBIS! Friday’s store was rescheduled to TODAY (9/18) and we are in need of volunteers for the PBIS store during each of the grade-level lunches.

SIGN UP!


Join the PTA! 

 

Thanks to all who have already joined for the 2023-24 school year!

Your PTA membership dues are tax-deductible and support our activities throughout the year including grade level student socials, field trips, teacher grants for classroom resources, and so much more!

It’s just $10 per person per year, plus a small amount to cover credit card fees. You can also join by cash or check.  Email [email protected] with any questions.


VOLUNTEER! 

Thank you to everyone who has contacted the PTA about volunteering! We are still looking for a few more volunteers to chair committees.

Please email us to help fill the following roles:

  • 7th Grade Social/Events – Volunteers from each grade plan an end-of-year event for each class. Chair will lead the volunteers in planning!
  • Parent Social Coordinator  Organize events to build the GWMS parent community.  They could be big events at local businesses or small events at the school like meet and greet coffees with staff or PTA.
  • Field Trip Coordinator – The GWMS teachers and staff would love to have help from parents with planning field trips throughout the school year. This is a new committee, so there will be some work to do to set expectations and roles.
  • Business Partners / Sponsorships – Do you have great connections with local businesses?  Sign up to help us partner with our business partners to help them find ways to make a big impact at GWMS.  Great for co-chairs!
  • Membership Chair – This is a new position! We want to grow our membership and ensure that we are representative of our whole GWMS community. Membership Chair would represent PTA at school events and develop new ways to reach a wider audience.
  • Restaurant Dine Out Fundraisers – Contact local restaurants and set up dine out nights to raise funds for the PTA.  Coordinate dates with school calendar, plan details of event with restaurants, and help publicize the event.
  • PTAC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Representative – Serve as a representative of the GWMS PTA to the Alexandria PTA Council’s DEI Committee and share information with the GW community. The DEI Chair will lead the PTA commitment to foster an inclusive and equitable environment of family engagement in our school community.
  • PTAC Special Education Committee – The Alexandria PTA Council (PTAC) formed a Special Education Committee to ensure that the perspective of families and students receiving Special Education and 504 services are addressed within PTAC. The purpose is to continue this robust conversation district-wide by encouraging all PTAs to appoint a parent whose children are receiving special education services to serve as a Special Education Representative. This representative would –
    • Help families who have children receiving special education services feel more connected to their school communities;
    • Amplify their concerns to your PTA, PTAC and ACPS leadership;
    • Educate the Executive Board on how best to support families who have children receiving special education services within your school;
    • Meet with special education representatives from other schools to share ideas;
    • Host a meet & greet for new parents of students receiving special education services; and,
    • Work with the PTA to ensure that students with IEPs and/or 504s are appropriately supported in all PTA-sponsored activities.
  • Nominating Committee for 2024-25 – In the spring, the nominating committee will work to secure executive board slots for the coming school year, as well as committee chairs and members.

GWMS PTA September Meeting

Missed our Member Meeting last week?  Find a live recording on our Facebook Page, check out the presentation slides, or minutes.


Middle School Conferences, September 28-29

  • Conferences will be held from 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, September 28.
  • Conferences will be held from 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. on Friday, September 29

More information about the conferences, including how to sign up, will be coming from the school this week.

As a reminder, parents can meet with teachers outside of these conference days too. The teachers’ commitment to communicating with families regarding their students’ progress extends throughout the school year. Not every parent will be able have a conference on conference days due to the sheer number of students in middle school.  While it’s disappointing not to get a conference on the conference days, you can reach out to schedule a meeting with you child’s teachers at any time.


PTA Reflections Art Competition 

Calling all Prexies – PTA Reflections Art Competition 2023-2024 needs you!

It’s that time again, when pre-K through grade 12 students nationwide create theme-based artwork – will you be one of them? The 2023-2024 theme is I am Hopeful Because…share why you are hopeful through dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, or visual arts.

Contest entries due by Oct 15. Entering takes 5 minutes online here or at the below QR code.

You can also turn your entry into GW Middle School Art Teacher Ms. Janice Rollins, Rm: C205, or into your grade-level office.

Entries are evaluated for interpretation of the theme, creativity, and technique.
Questions? Email [email protected]


SEAC

What is SEAC and its role?
Every school division in Virginia is required to have a Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC), as detailed in the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (effective January 25, 2010). The Committee must be comprised primarily of parents of children with disabilities and of individuals with disabilities. It must include one teacher.  In Virginia, the role of local SEACs is to build positive relationships between parents and school leaders.

Read more about SEAC, including the 23-24 meeting schedule:
English
Spanish
Amharic
Arabic
Dari


Friday Night Lights: Information for ACHS Home Football Games

Tickets: $5.00 for students, $7.00 general admission. No cash sales – all tickets must be purchased in advance online. H.S. Student Code: student’s ID number.

Younger Students: All elementary and middle school students should purchase general admission/family (opposed to student) tickets.  elementary and middle school students must be accompanied & supervised by an adult while at the game. High school students who get dropped off must plan to have their rides waiting for them at the conclusion of the game.

Rules to Review with your Students:

  • No backpacks or other bags will be allowed in the stadium.
  • No outside food or drinks. The concession stand will be open.
  • The purpose for students who attend our varsity football games is to watch the game, cheerleaders, and band.
  • We cheer for our team and not against our opponent. All cheers should be positive.
  • The gates to the stadium will open at 6:00pm.
  • All students must leave immediately following the game.
  • If you leave the game, you will not be able to re-enter the stadium.
  • Whistles, air horns, cowbells and similar noisemakers are prohibited.


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Weekly Newsletter – September 10, 2023

Upcoming Dates

  • September 11 – 14: GWMS Picture Day dates
  • September 12: MAP Testing for Math
  • September 12: PTA Meeting
  • September 14: Back to School Night
  • September 18-20: Los Tios Dine Out Fundraisers

GWMS Picture Day

All students will be photographed in PE according the schedule:
Sept 11th and 12th:

  • Ms. Gregory
  • Ms. Partlow
  • Mr. Quinn
  • Mr. Hart
  • Ms. Moody

Sept 13th and 14th

  • Mr. Eisenhour
  • Mr. Sonoda
  • Mr. Alderton
  • Ms. Sonoda
  • Mr. Storr

ORDER IN ADVANCE:
Step 1: mylifetouch.com
Step 2: Picture Day ID – EVTRSFVF9
Step 3: Choose a package and process your payment


COME TO THE FIRST PTA MEETING ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th at 7pm

COME TO THE FIRST PTA MEETING ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th at 7pm. Our first PTA meeting will be virtual and hosted via Zoom and live-streamed on our Facebook page.  We are kicking off the first meeting with an update from our principal, Mrs. Jeanette Vinson. Spanish translation is available for all meetings.

  • AGENDA
  • We will approve our June meeting minute’s, including the online vote to 1) approve the May 2023 minutes and 2) approve the slate of GWMS PTA officers.

Back to School Night, September 14, 2022, 6:00PM  to 8:00PM 

We look forward to seeing everyone at Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, September 14, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.

Please plan to arrive early (5:30-5:45PM), so you can be ready for the first presentation.  It’s a fast paced event and you don’t want to miss anything!

The evening will begin in your student’s advisory class at 6:00 PM.  After advisory, you will follow your child’s schedule (for periods 1-7), visiting with each teacher for 10 minute periods. Arrive on time to make sure you are in the right class at the right time to hear the right presentation.

Remember to bring your student’s schedule with you.  Students will create an adult friendly schedule during their Advisory for you.  You can also find your student’s schedule in Powerschool.  Look under “Grades and Attendance” to get the schedule in number order with the room numbers.  (Note that you will be going in number order, which is not the same as students do with block schedules.)

And finally, please stop by the PTA table before or after the event! You can meet the PTA officers, join the PTA, buy a car magnet, and/or pre-order spiritwear.


Los Tios Dine Out Fundraisers

Neighborhood favorite Los Tios Grill is hosting 3 nights of fundraising socials for George Washington Middle School PTA!  Each night will feature one grade so you can be sure to see new and old friends from your classes.  Los Tios will donate a portion of each evening’s sales to GWMS PTA so come hungry!

6th grade-Monday, Sept. 18
7th grade-Tuesday, Sept. 19
8th grade-Wednesday, Sept. 20

Los Tios is located at 2615 Mount Vernon Avenue.  Dine-in sales from 5 to 10p.m. count toward the fundraiser.  Be sure to tell them that you are with GW when you arrive to be seated in the GW room!


Join the PTA!

Thanks to all who have already joined for the 2023-24 school year!

We are working toward 400 members by Oct. 1 for a chance to win $200 from the Virginia PTA membership!  Help us meet this membership challenge and join today!

It’s just $10 per person per year, plus a small amount to cover credit card fees. You can also join by cash or check.  Email [email protected] or stop by the PTA table at Back to School Night.

As a reminder, your PTA membership dues are tax-deductible and support our entire GW community.


PBIS Store

Dean Malone will have the PBIS store open again September 15th!  The PBIS Store Volunteers link includes all of the PBIS sign-up opportunities for the first quarter.   We are still in need of 7th grade parents!


Volunteers Needed

Thank you to everyone who has contacted the PTA about volunteering! We are still looking for a few more volunteers to chair committees.
Please email us to help fill the following roles:

  • 7th Grade Social/Events
  • Parent Social Coordinator
  • Field Trip Coordinator
  • Business Partners / Sponsorships
  • Membership Chair
  • Resturant Dine Out Fundraisers
  • PTAC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Representative
  • PTAC Special Education Committee
  • Nominating Committee for 2024-25

PTA Reflections Art Competition 

Calling all Prexies – PTA Reflections Art Competition 2023-2024 needs you!

It’s that time again, when pre-K through grade 12 students nationwide create theme-based artwork – will you be one of them? The 2023-2024 theme is I am Hopeful Because…share why you are hopeful through dance choreography, film production, literature, musical composition, photography, or visual arts.

Contest entries due by Oct 15. Entering takes 5 minutes online here or at the below QR code.

You can also turn your entry into GW Middle School Art Teacher Ms. Janice Rollins, Rm: C205, or into your grade-level office.

Entries are evaluated for interpretation of the theme, creativity, and technique.
Questions? Email [email protected]


ASA Afterschool Soccer

Afterschool pickup soccer program with ASA is back on September 12th. Open to all GWMS students for free. See details below, link to register in the comments and email [email protected] with any questions.


Community Events

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Weekly Newsletter – September 5, 2023

Upcoming Dates

  • September 6: MAP Testing for Reading
  • September 11 – 14: GWMS Picture Day dates
  • September 11: After School Activities Begin (more information coming this week from the school)
  • September 12: MAP Testing for Math
  • September 12: PTA Meeting
  • September 14: Back to School Night
  • September 18-20: Los Tios Dine Out Fundraiser

GWMS Reminders, Helpful Hints and Quick Links

Our principal, Mrs. Vinson, provided this helpful resource, including bell schedules, A/B block calendar, a staff directory, and grade level contact information:  2023-2024 GWMS Parent Quick Links

COME TO THE FIRST PTA MEETING ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th at 7pm. Our first PTA meeting will be virtual and hosted via Zoom and live-streamed on our Facebook page.  We are kicking off the first meeting with an update from our principal, Mrs. Jeanette Vinson. Spanish translation is available for all meetings.

Last week’s Town Crier had information about absences and dismissals, gym and locker fees and more!


Back to School Night, September 14, 2022, 6:00PM  to 7:30PM 

We look forward to seeing everyone at Back-to-School Night on Wednesday, September 14, 2023  from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.

Please plan to arrive early (5:30-5:45PM), so you can be ready for the first presentation.  It’s a fast paced event and you don’t want to miss anything!

The evening will begin in your student’s advisory class at 6:00 PM.  After advisory, you will follow your child’s schedule (for periods 1-7), visiting with each teacher for 10 minute periods.

Remember to bring your student’s schedule with you to save time.  Students should create an adult friendly schedule for you during their Advisory.  You can also get the schedule in number order with the room numbers in Powerschool under “Grades and Attendance”.  (Note that you will be going in number order, which is not what your students do since they have block schedules.)

And finally, please stop by the  PTA table before and after the event! You can meet the PTA officers, join the PTA, buy a car magnet, and/or pre-order spiritwear (more information coming soon).

We look forward to seeing you at Back to School Night!


Los Tios Dine Out Fundraisers

Neighborhood favorite Los Tios Grill is hosting 3 nights of fundraising socials for George Washington Middle School PTA!  Each night will feature one grade so you can be sure to see new and old friends from your classes.  Los Tios will donate a portion of each evening’s sales to GWMS PTA so come hungry!

6th grade-Monday, Sept. 18
7th grade-Tuesday, Sept. 19
8th grade-Wednesday, Sept. 20

Los Tios is located at 2615 Mount Vernon Avenue.  Dine-in sales from 5 to 10p.m. count toward the fundraiser.  Be sure to tell them that you are with GW when you arrive to be seated in the GW room!


Join the PTA! 

The PTA membership drive is going strong!  Thanks to all who have already joined for the 2023-24 school year!

The Virginia PTA issued a challenge to double our membership for a chance to win $100.  Help us meet this challenge by joining today!

Each member of the family can join for just $10 per person per year, plus a small amount to cover credit card fees.  (If everyone in your family joins together, it’s a lower % fee.)  You can also join by cash or check.  Email [email protected] for more information or stop by the PTA table at Back to School Night.

As a reminder, your PTA membership dues are tax-deductible and support our entire GW community.


PBIS Store

Dean Malone will have the PBIS store open again September 15th!  The PBIS Store Volunteers link includes all of the PBIS sign-up opportunities for the first quarter.


Magnets

Have you seen cars with GWMS car magnets at drop off?  Need one for your car?  Purchase your car magnet (with or without shipping for local pick up) at our PTA online store.


Volunteers Needed

Thank you to everyone who has contacted the PTA about volunteering! We are still looking for a few more volunteers to chair committees.
Please email us to help fill the following roles:

  • 7th Grade Social/Events
  • Parent Social Coordinator
  • Field Trip Coordinator
  • Business Partners / Sponsorships
  • Membership Chair
  • Resturant Dine Out Fundraisers
  • PTAC Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Representative
  • PTAC Special Education Committee
  • Nominating Committee for 2024-25

ASA Afterschool Soccer

Afterschool pickup soccer program with ASA is back on September 12th. Open to all GWMS students for free. See details below, link to register in the comments and email [email protected] with any questions.


LINK Club

LINK Club is a FREE afterschool program offered by Alexandria City Public Schools.  LINK Club at GWMS operates 3-6 p.m. after school every day.  Space is still available at GWMS. If you are interested in your child participating in LINK Club, please complete the application form in English or Spanish. For more information on LINK Club, please contact the ACPS out-of-school-time manager, at [email protected].

From ACPS: “To address the needs of many of our Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) students and families, our school division provides supervised after-school programming. The programming available can help develop the skills children need to make positive life decisions. Since 2018, ACPS has offered high-quality afterschool programs through its Linking Instruction Nurturing Knowledge (LINK) Club sites. LINK Club provides a safe and productive environment where students can be engaged in hands-on learning activities, receive help with their school work and develop new skills and interests.

“During LINK Club, ACPS certified teachers work with the students to ‘link’ the social-emotional and academic services received during the school day to the support provided during after school hours. This includes academic tutoring, homework help, project-based learning and social-emotional supports. ACPS teachers implement LINKing to Our Future Club at several of its sites, which integrates best practices from Project GLAD and Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) to engage students in thematic exploration focused on being an agent of community change. Students also have a weekly STEMulation Club to brainstorm ways to solve everyday challenges and enhance their understanding of essential concepts in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).”

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Weekly Newsletter – August 28, 2023

Upcoming Dates

September 1 : NO SCHOOL – Labor Day holiday weekend
September 4 : NO SCHOOL – Labor Day holiday weekend
September 11 – 14: GWMS Picture Day dates
September 12: PTA Meeting
September 14: Back to School Night


A Message from our PTA President

The first week of school has concluded, congratulations to all! Just a reminder that this week is a short week, as there is no school Friday, September 1st and Monday, September 4th due to Labor Day. There is lots of information below – and please mark Tuesday, September 12th on your calendar for the PTA’s first meeting at 7pm, via Zoom and Facebook Live.

Greta Gordon
GWMS PTA President 2023-2024


GWMS Reminders, Helpful Hints and Quick Links

Our principal, Mrs. Vinson, provided this helpful resource:  2023-2024 GWMS Parent Quick Links

COME TO THE FIRST PTA MEETING ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th at 7pm. Our first PTA meeting will be virtual and hosted via Zoom and live-streamed on our Facebook page.  We are kicking off the first meeting with an update from our principal, Mrs. Jeanette Vinson. Spanish translation is available for all meetings.

Absences and Early Dismissal 
As a reminder, you can email or call your grade office to report an absence or to request early dismissal. Please plan to pick up students between 9am and 3pm and avoid lunch times. The bell schedules with the lunch blocks and A/B day schedule are included to aid in planning.

6th Grade
Caitlin Fronce, temporarily covering for
Diana Velasquez
703-706-4515
[email protected]

7th Grade
Wanda Thrash
703-706-4534
[email protected]

8th Grade
Victoria Menjivar
703-706-4518
[email protected]

Helpful tip: Print out the schedule and put it in the fridge or near your student’s backpack to help them remember what to bring to school each day.

Gym Uniform and Lockers
In case you didn’t get the information from your student, gym and locker fees should be turned into the homeroom/advisory teacher. Please send cash or checks made out to George Washington Middle School.

$20 for 6th Grade Students (or others needing gym uniforms)
($6 for shorts, $6 for shirt, $5 for gym locker and towel, $3 for hallway locker)

$8 for 7th & 8th Grade Students just for locker fees.

If your family needs assistance with the locker or gym uniform fee, contact the student’s teacher, counselor, or social worker.


Volunteer: We need you!

Thank you to everyone who has contacted the PTA about volunteering! And a special shout out to the folks below who have already confirmed positions for the year!

  • PTAC Liaison – Teri Gennarelli
  • Reflections – Lee Lynch
  • Spirit Wear – Fran Boller
  • Teacher Appreciation/Hospitality – Kathryn Howell Dalton, Emily Grarrahan, Meredith Sawyer, Nichole Corey, Erin Davis
  • Teacher Grants – Lauren Marquez Heslep
  • 6th Grade Social/Events – Fran Boller
We are still looking for a few more volunteers to chair committees.
Please email us to help fill the following roles:

  • Diversity Equity and Inclusion Representatives
  • Family Community Events and Socials Coordinator
  • Field Trip Coordinator
  • Gym Uniform Swap/Donation Coordinator
  • Lost and Found Coordinator
  • Nominating Committee Members for 2024-25
  • PBIS Celebration/Prizes
  • Fundraising Subcommittee Representatives:
    • Business Partners / Sponsorships
    • Election Day Bake Sale
    • Membership
    • Restaurant Dine Out Fundraisers
    • Spring2ACTion!
  • 7th Grade Social/Events
  • 8th Grade Social/Events
  • 8th Grade Picnic/Promotion
Descriptions on some new/updated positions
  • Field Trip Committee – The GWMS teachers and staff would love to have help from parents with planning field trips throughout the school year. This is a new committee, so there will be some work to do to set expectations and roles.
  • PBIS Chair – Our GWMS students earn Prexie dollars for their positive behaviors. Each quarter, Dean Malone hosts PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) open store time during lunch for the kids to spend their dollars on rewards. Dean Malone needs help from a parent or caregiver to help staff the store (i.e. create sign-ups and inform the PTA Communications Chair of upcoming volunteer opportunities to publish on social media, the Town Crier, and ParentSquare), as well as help purchasing items for the store (funded by the PTA).
PBIS Store Grand Opening
Dean Malone will have the PBIS store open this week! We need 1-2 adults per lunch period to help move the PBIS cart around the cafeteria. The PBIS Store Volunteers link includes all of the PBIS sign-up opportunities for the first quarter.

Join the PTA! 

The PTA membership drive is on!  Help us meet our membership goal by joining today.

Your membership supports student events, teacher grants, field trips, teacher/staff appreciation activities, the family emergency fund, the Reflections contest and so much more!

Just $10 each year per person, plus a small amount to cover credit card fees (join everyone in your family together for a lower % fee).  You can also join by cash or check.  Email [email protected] for more information.

Thanks to all who have already joined for the 2023-24 school year!


Reminder – School Zone 15mph

The City of Alexandria’s new school zone speed camera program is live for the 2023-24 school year.  The City is committed to providing Safe Routes to School, and vehicle speed is among the top concerns cited by parents and guardians when asked about their children walking or biking to school. The speed cameras are a result of GWMS PTA and community advocacy for a Safe Routes to School survey!


Community Events

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Weekly Newsletter – August 20, 2023

Upcoming Dates

  • August 21: First Day of School
  • September 12: PTA Meeting
  • September 14: Back to School Night

A Message from our PTA President

IT’S HERE! The first day of the 2023-2024 school year is TOMORROW! It was great to have open houses and 6th grade orientation (see attached slide presentation) last week. The GWMS teachers and staff were thrilled to welcome and meet so many families! And, don’t worry if you were not able to attend; the GWMS staff are ready to assist and guide all students through their first days back to school. We’re providing a few reminders that can help everyone navigate the first week of school.

Greta Gordon
GWMS PTA President 2023-2024


Last-Minute Reminders from GWMS

Log into PowerSchool! You can view your student’s schedule on the main page.  Under STUDENT INFORMATION, you can view lunch PIN, find your student’s Google sign-in and password information, as well as find bus information. Make sure to fill out your BACK TO SCHOOL FORMS near the bottom of the left hand side of the page. In the Back to School Forms, make sure to check the box to share your information with the PTA if you want to be included in the family directory (on the ACPS signature page).

Get to know CANVAS. You can link to Canvas from your PowerSchool account.  Canvas is where your student will view teacher pages and assignments. As a parent, you can also view your student’s assignments.  Additionally, you’ll be able to view school announcements and after-school activities/clubs later in the quarter. GWMS teachers and staff will continue to update Canvas with your student’s class pages, so if you see any older information for your student, please be patient this first week of school.

Enroll in ParentSquare.  GWMS uses ParentSquare for communications. To enroll, visit www.acps.k12.va.us/parentsquare and sign up using the email or cell phone number you provided to GWMS.

Arrival:
The school day will begin at 8:30 a.m. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m.  Students will report to their morning locations which are as follows:

  • Cafeteria: All 6th-grade students and 7th and 8th-grade students who eat breakfast at school
  • Main Gym: All 7th and 8th-grade students who are NOT eating breakfast at school.

Students report to their advisory class when they are released from their morning locations at 8:20 am.


Volunteer: The PTA Needs You!
Thank you to Nichole Corey, Martha Davis, Andrew Freeman, Sarah Hoffman, Anna Kiss, Crystall Merlino, Antoinne Nailon, Amie N’Dure, Joy Pochatila, and Amy Smith for their help ensuring our Welcome Back Teacher and Staff Breakfast was such a success! Teachers and staff were so grateful to feel the PTA love as they returned to GW on Monday morning. Would you like to support our students, teachers, staff and families? Join the PTA!

George Washington Middle School Parent Teacher Association (GWMS PTA) Information for New GWMS Families

What does the GWMS PTA do? The GWMS PTA focuses our resources to support students, teachers and staff, and families in the following ways:

  • Student Support: Emergency Family Fund, Positive Behavior and Support (PBIS) Fund, Awards for Competitions (Reflections, Spelling Bee, National History Day, etc), Grade Socials / End of Year Parties / 8th Grade Promotion
  • Teacher / Staff Appreciation: Teacher Mini-Grants, Welcome Back Breakfast and Monthly Staff Coffee and Breakfasts, Teacher Appreciation Week
  • Parent Support and Appreciation: Monthly Special Topic Speakers, PTA rep coordination with ACPS Parent Liaisons, Honor Roll of Donors, Honor Roll of Volunteers

Want to support these PTA activities?: Join the PTA! Membership is $10 per person, annually. Join through this membership link.

Where can I find information about the GWMS PTA?
Web: https://gwmspta.digitalpto.com/
Email: [email protected]
Instagram and Twitter: @GWMSPTA
Facebook: “George Washington Middle School PTA”:
https://www.facebook.com/gwmspta
Facebook Group (unofficial): “Parents and community of George Washington Middle School – ACPS”:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1016645478367573
You can also sign up for our GWMS Town Crier newsletter.

When does the GWMS PTA meet?
The GWMS PTA meets the second Tuesday of the month at 7pm (September meeting via Zoom and Facebook Live).HOW CAN YOU HELP? Want to get to know GWMS teachers and staff better and stay informed? Join the PTA and volunteer to help us.  We have great opportunities to use the talents of our families to enhance the middle school experience for all students. Please email us to help fill the following roles:

  • Membership Chair: This is a new position! We want to grow our membership to include more families to ensure that we are representative of our GWMS community.
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Chair: Serve as a representative of the GWMS PTA to the Alexandria PTA Council’s DEI Committee and share information with the GW community. The DEI Chair will lead the PTA commitment to foster an inclusive and equitable environment of family engagement in our school community.
  • Reflections Chair: The Reflections program serves over 300,000 students in Pre-K through Grade 12 across the country each year. A true community event, the chairs are all volunteers or parents and the judges are local artists! It’s fun, friendly, flexible and, most importantly, ACCESSIBLE. The competition includes dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts – so there are categories for every artist and performer. We need a chair from GW to guide our talented Prexies through the process.
  • Business Partners / Sponsorships: Do you have great connections with local businesses?  Sign up to help us partner with our business partners to help them find ways to make a big impact at GWMS.
  • Spiritwear Chair: We have a vendor identified and ready to start selling some GWMS merch!  We need a volunteer who can help implement the plan!
  • Grade Level Social Chairs (6th, 7th, and 8th grades):  Volunteers from each grade plan an end-of-year event for each class.  The 8th grade chair also helps chair graduation and the 8th grade trip.
Don’t forget about our music programs!  The GWMS music programs are supported by booster clubs.  Families can receive more information:

PTA Meeting, September 12

COME TO THE FIRST PTA MEETING ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12th at 7pm. Our first PTA meeting will be virtual and hosted via Zoom and live-streamed on our Facebook page.  We are kicking off the first meeting with an update from our principal, Mrs. Jeanette Vinson. Spanish translation is available for all meetings.


Your Membership and Support Matters

PTA Membership provides the opportunity for you to share your ideas, volunteer at events, and help make our school a great place to learn for our students. If you have not already, please join the PTA!

Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to help!

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A Message from our PTA President

Upcoming Dates
August 14: Staff Welcome Back Breakfast
August 16: Open House for 7th and 8th Grade Students, 5:00-6:30 pm
August 17: Open House for 6th Grade Students, 5:00-6:30 pm
August 18: 6th Grade (& newly enrolled 7th and 8th graders) Orientation, 9:00 am – 12:45 pm
August 21: First Day of School
September 12: First PTA meeting
September 14: Back to School Night

Welcome to all our new and returning GWMS families! The first day of school is just a week away, Monday, August 21st. The PTA Executive Committee is so excited for the year ahead, and ready to support our families, staff, teachers, and administrators.

WHAT IS PTA?
The George Washington Middle School PTA is our parent/family/teacher association that supports our school, builds community, provides opportunities for our children, communicates messages to our families, and so much more! When families are involved in their children’s education,  schools improve and kids perform better.

HOW CAN I JOIN?
PTA membership provides the opportunity for you to share your ideas, volunteer at events, and help make this school a great place to learn for all of our students. We invite our families, teachers and staff to join the PTA. Membership is annual, and $10 per membership. If you would like to volunteer, please contact us at [email protected].

PTA OFFICERS 2023-24

  • Greta Gordon – President
  • Katie Palavecino – VP of Communications
  • Pam Townsend – VP of Fundraising
  • Sarah Hoffman – Secretary
  • Chris Upham – Treasurer
  • Joy Pochatila – Past President
  • Jeanette Vinson – Principal
  • Elizabeth Dere – Staff / Teacher Representative

Greta Gordon
GWMS PTA President 2023-2024

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A Message from our PTA President

IT’S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! (da da da daaa… da da da da daaa). The final quarter of the school year has arrived and it’s a sprint to the finish. Your PTA is BUSY!!!  And we need all hands on deck for end-of-year celebrations and Teacher Appreciation Week (May 8-12).  The events are planned for 180+ staff members and nearly 1,500 students.  Accept the challenge to help when and how you can.  Because the pestering emails and social media posts are coming…

We returned from Spring Break and honored our Assistant Academic Principals and Deans of Students with gift cards to St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub to enjoy beverages, breakfast, lunch, and/or sweets from the PTA. Thank you to Ms. Gullette (6th Grade), Ms. Ortiz (7th Grade), Ms. Muse (8th Grade), Dean Malone, and Dean Perkins!

We have another superhero to add to our Honor Roll of Donors. Thank you, Robert Knotts, for your contribution!

Spring2ACTion is April 26th! – Alexandria’s Day of Giving may be 10 days away, but early giving has already started!  We are almost 10% to our goal of raising $11,800 for end-of-year activities. Please see the message below on how you can help!

Speaking of end-of-year celebrations, your PTA volunteers have been hard at work planning events for the students!  Please see the dates below and, if you have questions or would like to help with planning, please contact Debbie Altenberg (8th grade Social Chair), Soledad Pellegrini and Ashley Lombardi (7th Grade Social Chairs) and Terra Liddell (6th Grade Social Chair):

  • June 6th: 6th Grade Dance, Time: 3:15 pm to 5:30 pm (Bus transportation after event), Location: GW Main Gym
  • June 8th: 7th Grade Dance, Time: 3:15 pm to 5:30 pm (Bus transportation after event), Location: GW Main Gym
  • June 9th: 8th Grade Farewell Field Trip, Time: 9:00am to 7:30pm, Location: Six Flags
  • June 12th: 8th Grade Field & Food Truck Day, Time: 11am to 2:00pm, Location: Field and Track area
  • June 13th: 8th Grade Dance, Time: 5:00pm to 7:00pm, Location: GW Main Gym
  • June 14th: 8th Grade Promotion, Time: Arrive at 4:00pm, Promotion is from 5pm to 7pm (time may change), Location: ACHS, NOTE: Each family will receive 2 tickets. Overflow seating is available in the cafeteria with CCTV viewing.

Please Save the Date for Friday, May 12th, as the GWMS PTA and PTAC will be hosting the movie SCREENAGERS. The award-winning film probes into the vulnerable corners of family life and depicts messy struggles over social media, video games and academics. The film offers solutions on how we can help our kids navigate the digital world.

Joy Pochatila
GWMS PTA President 2022-2023

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Spring2ACTion is April 26th!

It has been wonderful to return to a more “normal” school year, but the COVID pandemic continues to impact our school, teachers, and students. There are still learning and maturity losses that our GWMS teachers and staff respond to daily.  The teachers and staff are exhausted from a stressful three years and the PTA has been working to alleviate the stress with meals, treats, and supplies. The GWMS PTA is focusing our Spring2Action fundraiserwith a goal of $11,800, to bring some light and joy to the teachers, staff, and students in 2 ways:

Recognize our wonderful staff who are doing an amazing job during this time. Teachers and staff are still performing additional duties and dedicating longer work hours and the PTA is committed to showing our gratitude with multiple staff and teacher appreciation events throughout the year. Contributions through Spring2ACTion will fund our Teacher Appreciation Week, May 8th to 12th.  We need $3,200 to give our teachers and staff the week they deserve.  Plans are underway for a special delivery every day that week.  Let’s make it happen!

Support our children’s social and emotional health with grade-level socials and the 8th grade promotion events. Especially now, our kids need activities to improve their social and emotional health. The end-of-year socials are wonderful opportunities for our kids to celebrate the end of the school year in a SAFE and FUN environment. Our 8th graders did not have promotion events at the end of their 5th grade year due to COVID. To say they are ready for an awesome promotion week is an understatement! The PTA is excited to sponsor these events, but we need $8,600 to do so!

DONATE HEREhttps://www.spring2action.org/organizations/gwmspta

And don’t forget about our music programs!  The GW Orchestra, Chorus, and Band Boosters are also raising funds through Spring2ACTion:

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PBIS Volunteers Needed for Event on 4/28

We need volunteers to run the next PBIS event on April 28. The event will be outdoors and will include music and games. We need 3-5 parents per grade level. Contact Dean Malone for questions. Please sign up here!

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ACHS Rising 9th Grade Tours

Families interested in learning more about attending 9th grade at ACPS are invited to participate in a guided tour of the ACHS/Minnie Howard campus. See attached flyer for dates and additional information.

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Yearbooks for Sale

Preorder your GWMS yearbooks through Lifetouch. The Yearbook ID is 14437623.

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Be Smart at George Mason, 3/27 at 7:30 pm

Our friends at George Mason PTA are inviting neighboring schools and members of the community to join them for a Be SMART presentation at their next PTA meeting on March 27th at 7:30 p.m. in their school cafeteria. The Be SMART program is designed to help parents and other adults normalize conversations about gun safety and take responsible actions that can help prevent child gun deaths and injuries. This presentation is very much for ALL adults, those who possess firearms and those who do not. Spanish translation will be provided at the meeting and more information about Be SMART and other available resources can be found here. A flyer with more information is attached.

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ACPS Family Workshops on Substance Abuse Prevention

ACPS will be holding a series of family workshops on substance abuse prevention for grades 6-12 on 3/22, 3/30, and 4/19 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm to help parents learn about current drug trends, the signs & symptoms of substance abuse, and what resources are available if they need support. See attached flyer for more information.

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Online Survey for Next GWMS Principal

You are invited to provide your thoughts on the qualities and attributes you desire in the next principal of George Washington Middle School.  The current job posting for this position can be found on the George Washington webpage. Your input is instrumental in providing information to compile a Leadership Profile of what stakeholders desire in the next principal.  The Leadership Profile will inform the search process and those who will be interviewing the candidates. Specifically, the survey seeks your thoughts on the current strengths of George Washington, challenges facing the school, and the personal and professional qualities/attributes you believe are important in a new principal for the school. Please use this link to take the online survey.

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GWMS PTA Nominations for 2023-24

We are accepting nominations for next year’s GWMS PTA Executive Board. We have multiple roles to fill! If you are interested in, or would like to continue in, any of our executive positions (President, VP of Fundraising, or Treasurer) or committee chair positions (Reflections, Teacher Appreciation, Staff Hospitality, PTAC Representative, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Chair, Business Outreach, Teacher Grants), contact us at [email protected].

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GWMS Social at Port City Brewing, 3/23

Join us for the FIRST GWMS PTA Social since 2019!  Port City Brewing is hosting the GWMS PTA this Thursday starting at 6:30 pm. Support the PTA and enjoy LIVE music from The Neighborhood Band and Noise in the Basement. Admission is $20 per person.  Free admission for all GWMS teachers and staff.  Buy a beer for a GWMS teacher or staff member! Pre-purchase tickets here https://gwmspta.memberhub.com/store/items/837676 and see attached flyer for more information.

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A Message from our PTA President

This week we celebrated our School Security Staff and our Maintenance Workers with a delivery of treats from Great Harvest Bread. The PTA is always appreciative for everything they do for our students, staff, and teachers!

We wrapped up our Honor Roll of Donors contest on Friday, and the winner of the $2,500 credit from Del Ray Landscapes is June Shih!  Congratulations!  And a huge thank you to our sponsor!

SAVE THE DATE for our first parent social, hosted at Port City! Please join fellow GW parents at Port City’s big vat room on March 23 from 6:30 – 8:30 PM.  Admission is $20 per person – all funds go toward the PTA.  It will be great to see everyone!

Joy Pochatila
GWMS PTA President 2022-2023

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Safe Routes to School Feedback Needed!

The City of Alexandria is conducting a Walk Audit at GWMS to identify ways to make it easier and safer to walk and bike to school. Families, students, members of the school community, and neighbors are encouraged to share their experiences via an online feedback form. To learn more about the Walk Audits and to submit feedback visit: alexandriava.gov/go/4203.