September 15, 2021
GMS Parents, Guardians, & Students:
We have had a successful start to the new school year and wanted to thank you for your help in starting the year off right. Students seem happy to be back learning in-person and have made the necessary adjustments required to keep our school community safe and healthy.
September’s dates to be aware of:
September 16th- School Picture day at GMS
September 29- Half-day Professional development
(10:30 am dismissal)
School Pictures
Thursday, September 16th is School picture day at GMS. O’Connor studios will be here to take a picture of every student and staff member as these photos are used in our school database and the yearbook. Those families wishing to purchase pictures should have received an order form in the mail. There are also extra order forms available here in the GMS Main Office. If you have questions, please go to: www.oconnorstudio.com
The GMS Student Council has been hard at work collecting donations for our 9/11 Memorial fundraiser. For each quarter that is donated, a star is being added to the poster. Today Mayor Nicholson and Superintendent Pellegrino visited us to show their support for this initiative. Donations are being accepted through the end of the week. Please consider donating to this worthy cause.
Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic heritage month begins today!
Gardner City hall will be holding a celebration this evening beginning at 6:00 pm at City Hall. There will be speeches, music and food from Taco Rey. There will also be a pop-up vaccine clinic for anyone age 12 or older who would like to receive the first dose of the vaccine.
Come on down and check it out
Looking to get involved in our school? Consider joining the GMS Equity Committee
GMS is forming an Equity Committee and is looking for a few parents to become involved in advising our school on how to best move this work forward. This committee will look at curriculum and materials to ensure that all groups are equally represented. If you are interested in being a part of this new initiative, please contact Matt Lehtonen at lehtonenm@gardnerk12.org
Welcome to the start of the new year!
My name is Mercy Frimpong. I wanted to reintroduce myself as the Educational Talent Search Advisor at your school. ETS is excited to be working with you and your students during the school year and even more excited to be in person.
Our goal is to increase the number of students who come from disadvantaged backgrounds to complete high school and enroll in post-secondary opportunities. The types of services that we offer include academic advising, workshops, career exploration, and cultural activities. With our older students we work more on the college process including Financial Aid completion and college essay help. We are resources aiming to help students do better and helping students see that there are many opportunities for them to take advantage of.
We are always looking for new students to join the program and would also like to work closely with all of you to ensure students' success. So, if you have anyone in mind....please send them my way!
I will start coming into schools during the week of September 13th, 2021, and as the month goes on, I will finalize my schedule with my respective schools so that staff and students will know when I am available to them. However, I do check my emails daily. My phone number is 978-630-9130 and I can call and text.
I am excited for the new year and looking forward to meeting you all and working with you. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to me through email, call or text.
See you soon!
Mercy Frimpong
Recruitment Counselor
ETS, Access and Transition
978-630-9130
42nd Greater Gardner Turkey Trot
It's that time of the year, the early registration for 42nd Greater Gardner Turkey Trot is open.
greatergardnerturkeytrot.racewire.com
Thanksgiving November 25, 2021
Walkers 8am and Runners 8:30am
5 miles Route 68 Gardner to Baldwinville.
The Turkey trot Benefits Both Narragansett & Gardner High/ Middle Schools Track & Field & Cross Country programs.
More info about the race & past results can be found at greatergardnerturkeytrot.org
The Covid-19 plan: if needed, would be similar to last year with distance waves starting 8am and the last wave off by 8:45am the latest, masks at the start line until distanced and masks around the finish line. Limited people allowed in the halls at any one time with masks on. This is only if Massachusetts is like it was last year with restrictions, otherwise it will all be traditional starting with walkers leaving at 8am and runners at 8:30AM with optional masks.
Thanksgiving Tradition flier
Registration form
Seeking volunteers for GMS School Council and PTO
GMS is seeking a few volunteers to serve on our School Council as well as the PTO.
School Council: This is a group that meets 4 times a year with Principal Murphy and other school personnel to discuss issues related to school plans and decision making.
PTO-Meets monthly to discuss how to support staff and students through fundraisers, activities and presentations.
Please email Mr. Murphy if you are interested in either of these volunteer opportunities.
murphya@gardnerk12.org
Yearbook will be starting up and running during Club block. If interested, please fill out the form linked below: Yearbook Application
H.O.P.E After School Program
The H.O.P.E. After School Program will be starting on Monday, September 13th. The program runs from 2-6 pm each day. Please see the flyer below for more information.
H.O.P.E. After School Program
Keep Smiling and Go Wildcats!
Arthur Murphy, Principal