gmswolfpack

Yearbooks!

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 11 May 2008 06:38:00 +0000

Remaining yearbooks will be available on Monday, May 12. They will be sold in the commons area before homeroom. Cost is $45.

Art Students

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 18:30:00 +0000

Please congratulate the following students for their winning entries in the Combining Voices Competition. They will be honored at a reception this Sunday at the Morris Museum of Art.

Jessica Powell

Jessica Banasiak

Devan Weatherford

Derrick Bills

Spencer Duffie

Megan Rogers

Morris Museum of Art

Eighth Annual Combining Voices Literary Competition Ceremony

Sunday, April 20, 2008

2-3pm

GMS Teacher of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 00:06:00 +0000

Congratulations to Christi Thigpen, the GMS Teacher of the Year!

CRCT Information

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 21:00:00 +0000

Dear Parents and Students,

CRCT is only two weeks away, and I want to share with you some ways to achieve the best possible results.

The testing schedule is below, and we encourage you to make sure that your child is in school during these testing sessions, which typically conclude before lunch.

Monday (4/21) - Reading
Tuesday (4/22) – Language Arts
Wednesday (4/23) - Math
Thursday (4/24) - Science
Friday (4/25) – Social Studies

The following are links to resources that will help your child prepare for the CRCT. Also, please visit teachers’ websites for content-specific study materials:

Study Guides: http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/ci_testing.aspx?folderID=14730&m=links&ft=Student%20Guides
CRCT Online Practice Tests: https://www.georgiaoas.org/servlet/a2l

To help children prepare adequately for the CRCT, you can do several things to provide support and create a positive test-taking experience (from the American School Counselor Association).

1. If your children are nervous at test time, remind them that they are well-prepared and that they should do their best.
2. Encourage your child to use all available time to go back over their work and check for accuracy.
3. Make sure that your child is in school during the testing sessions. Please don’t plan any appointments on test dates.
4. Encourage your child to listen carefully to all test-taking directions given by the teacher and to ask questions about any directions that are unclear.
5. See that your child gets adequate sleep and is well-rested.
6. Make sure that your child eats a complete breakfast on the day of the test. Hunger can detract from a good test performance.
7. Encourage your child to do his/her best.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if I can assist you in preparing your child for the CRCT. In advance, I thank you for your support.

Dr. Angie McQuaig
Assistant Principal
Greenbrier Middle School
(706) 650-6082 x 504
http://www.gmswolfpack.com/

Congratulations!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 15:58:00 +0000

Congratulations to Mrs. Thigpen, the GMS Teacher of the Quarter!

CRCT

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 10:04:00 +0000

CRCTesting is coming soon! Try this site for an online study guide.

Teacher of the quarter nominations

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 15:56:00 +0000

A GMS Teacher of the Quarter is someone who:

· Inspires lifelong learning
· Focuses on student learning
· Leads a dynamic classroom for students
· Centers instruction and assessment on standards
· Fosters collaboration among colleagues and parents

If you are interested in nominating a teacher for this honor, please send an e-mail to Dr. McQuaig at angie.mcquaig@ccboe.net.

Please include the teacher’s name and the reasons that you are nominating him or her.

Nominations are due on March 13th.

Kind regards,

Dr. Angie McQuaig
Assistant Principal
Greenbrier Middle School
(706) 650-6082 x 504
http://www.gmswolfpack.com/

Friends and Family Plant Sale

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 01:52:00 +0000

The GMS PTSO is having a plant sale. See the front page of our website to download your order form.

We want your input!

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:51:00 +0000

Dear Parents and Students,

Columbia County Schools received SACS district-wide accreditation in 2006. To maintain our accreditation and monitor our school improvement initiatives, your input is important!

We are interested in surveying our stakeholders - Parents, Students, and Faculty.

Please complete one of the following surveys to assist us in our school improvement efforts.

Please click here to link to the survey: http://www.ccboe.net/sacssurvey.html

My best regards,
Dr. Angie McQuaig
Assistant Principal
Greenbrier Middle School
(706) 650-6082 x 504
http://www.gmswolfpack.com/

Website and e-mail interruptions (February 9-10)

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:09:00 +0000

Dear Students and Parents,

The Columbia County Schools Technology Department will be upgrading the power distribution in the school system’s Data Center over the weekend of February 9th and 10th. This upgrade includes additional power to the server room and emergency generator power to the server room and offices located within the data center.

As a result of this upgrade, portions of our website, teacher voicemail service, and staff e-mail accounts will be unavailable. We expect our communication systems to be operable when school resumes on Monday, February 11th.

Thank you for your patience as we strive to improve our service to you.

My best regards,

Dr. Angie McQuaig
Assistant Principal
Greenbrier Middle School
(706) 650-6082 x 504
http://www.gmswolfpack.com/

Electronic Devices at School

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 15:12:00 +0000

Dear Students and Parents,

Please take a moment to review the county policy on electronic devices in school.

Possession of Unauthorized Electronic Devices

No student shall possess unauthorized electronic devices not expressly permitted by school authorities. Students shall not have cellular phones out, on, or in use during the school day.

Violators will be subject to the following disciplinary actions:

First Offense- Detention. Phone will be held until retrieved by the student’s parent

Second Offense – Detention. Phone will be returned following a parent conference

Third Offense - Principal’s discretion up to recommendation for long-term suspension
or expulsion; item(s) will be confiscated and returned at principal’s discretion.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

My best regards,

Dr. Angie McQuaig
Assistant Principal
Greenbrier Middle School
(706) 650-6082 x 504
http://www.gmswolfpack.com/

Parent conferences & early release on February 7th

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 00:46:00 +0000

Dear GMS Parents and Students,

I'd like to remind you that students will be dismissed at 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, February 7th so that we may conduct parent conferences. We encourage you to schedule a meeting with your children's teachers to discuss their progress. To schedule a conference, please call the front office at (706) 650-6080.

Warmest regards,
Dr. Angie McQuaig
Assistant Principal
http://www.gmswolfpack.com/
(706) 650-6082 x 504 (office)

2008-2009 School Council Members Needed

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 13:06:00 +0000

January 24, 2008

Dear Parents,

We are looking for parents who are interested in serving on the Greenbrier Middle School Council for the 2008/2009 school year. The purpose of the school council is to “bring communities and schools closer together in a spirit of cooperation to act as a link between the school council and the community, to encourage participation of parents and others and to work to improve student achievement and performance.” At a minimum the council is comprised of seven members: the Principal, two certified teachers, four parents (two of which must be businesspersons) and two business persons. The council meets four times a year; we currently meet at 3:00 on Wednesday afternoons, although the day and time are subject to change pending the council’s decision.

We will be losing four of our highly motivated GMS School Council members next year due to the rezoning. Fortunately, we still have a strong core of members who will provide continuity and leadership. We need four more people who would be willing to serve, specifically two parents and two business persons. The term is for two years. If you are interested in learning more about this important school improvement role, please contact me at 706-650-6080 or email scarson@ccboe.net to discuss how you can become a member of the GMS School Council.

Thank you,

Sharon Carson

Principal

Greenbrier Middle School

January Events

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Sun, 20 Jan 2008 12:03:00 +0000

Monday 21 - Holiday

Tuesday 22 - 8th Grade Students meet with GHS counselors to discuss high school registration.

Wednesday 23 - Spelling Bee

Thursday 24 - 8th graders receive high school info packets

Tuesday 29 - 8th Grade Parent Orientation for rising 9th grade students attending GHS. 6:30-7:30

Wednesday 30 - Student of the Month Luncheon

Lets Dance!

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 00:23:00 +0000

Friday, Jan. 18th - GMS Dance

6:30-9:00

Teachers of the Quarter

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:11:00 +0000

Congratulations to

Mr. Kevin Baggott

and

Mrs. Tammy Wilson,

our teachers of the quarter!

Track at GMS

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 17:22:00 +0000

Are you interested in running track? There will be a track meeting on February 5th immediately after school until 3:15. (Please have your rides here by 3:15.) Track tryouts will be held February 25 – 28. Remember, you must have a current physical and a copy of your insurance card on file to tryout. I look forward to a great track season and to seeing you there!

– Mrs. A. Price

Report Cards

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 22:12:00 +0000

Report cards were distributed during homeroom today. Please review the results with your child.

Activities on December 20th

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Wed, 12 Dec 2007 20:17:00 +0000

December 12, 2007

Dear GMS parents and students,

December 20th is the last day of the first semester. It is also the day on which we will reward students for their behavior and responsibility; behavior incentive parties will begin at 1:35 in various locations at GMS.

To maximize instruction, we are employing an activity schedule on December 20th, and we encourage all students to attend school for the full day. Our regular attendance policy will apply.

Sincerely,

Dr. Angie McQuaig
Assistant Principal

Evacuation

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 21:24:00 +0000

Dear Greenbrier Parents and Students,

Unfortunately, we had a false bomb threat today at our school which necessitated an evacuation that lasted over an hour. Please be aware that making a bomb threat is a felony which means that the legal authorities will be involved and students will be prosecuted. As far as school consequences, violations of this nature may result in explusion from Greenbrier Middle School.

Please review our Columbia County School Code of Conduct so that you are well informed about the actions and choices that could result in grave consequences. It is each student’s responsibility to know and follow the rules that keep our school a safe and dynamic place to learn.

Thank you for your support and please contact me if you have any questions.

Sharon Carson

Principal

Greenbrier Middle School

December Events at GMS

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 23:01:00 +0000

Dec 1
10 a.m.- Basketball GMS @ RMS
District Honor Band Auditions

Dec 3
2:35 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. - Math Club
2:40 p.m.- 4-H Meeting
6:30 p.m.- Holiday Band Concert

Dec 4
2:40 p.m.- Student Council Meeting
4 p.m.- Basketball CMS @ GMS

Dec 6
UGA Honor Band

Dec 7
7 a.m.- J.A.M.
4 p.m.- Basketball GMS @ HMS
6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. - GMS Dance &
PTSO raffle tickets for sale
UGA Honor Band

Dec 8
UGA Honor Band

Dec 10
2:40 p.m.- Earth Club

Dec 11
2:40 p.m.- Student Council Meeting
4 p.m.- Basketball EMS @ GMS

Dec 12
2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.- Art Club

Dec 13
6:30 p.m.- Holiday Concert
PTSO Wii Raffle Drawing

Dec 14
7 a.m.- J.A.M.
4 p.m.- Basketball GMS @ LMS
Nine-weeks exams- Social Studies & Career Connection 2

Dec 17
2:35 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.- Math Club
2:40 p.m.- 4-H Meeting
Nine-weeks exams- Science & Literature

Dec 18
2:40 p.m.- Student Council Meeting
4 p.m.- Basketball GMS @ GTMS
Nine-weeks exams- Math & Career Connection 1

Dec 19
Nine-weeks exam- Writing

Dec 20

1:35 p.m.- Behavior Incentive Parties
End of 1st Semester

Friday, December 21, 2007 through Tuesday, January 1, 2008-Holiday

Jan 2
Teacher Professional Learning Day

Jan 3
Students return to school

View from GMS

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:28:00 +0000

Greenbrier Middle School Sunset

New Bike Rack

noreply@blogger.com (blogger) — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 11:40:00 +0000

New Location for Bicycle Rack

For your convenience and easier access, the bicycle rack has been moved to the grassy area right of the main entrance as you face the building. The rack is embedded in the ground so it is not readily visible from the street. I hope this new location helps all of our bicycle riders who ride their bikes to school.

Sharon Carson

Principal

Greenbrier Middle School

Staph Infection Information

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 20:07:00 +0000

October 29, 2007

Dear Parent or Guardian:

Greenbrier Middle School has received reports of a staph infection, possibly Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) within our school community. Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, is a common germ that many people carry in their nasal passages, under fingernails or on their skin with no ill effects. MRSA is a type of staph that has developed antibiotic resistance (certain antibiotics are unable to kill the bacteria). Since staph is spread primarily by direct (skin-to-skin) human contact or with direct contact to wound drainage of someone who is carrying or infected with the bacteria, anyone with a break in his or her skin is at risk. MRSA may also occur less frequently through indirect contact with contaminated surfaces or items. MRSA is not spread through the air.

Staph infections begin abruptly. Symptoms may include a large area of redness on the skin, swelling and pain, followed by a pustule or abscess or boils and carbuncles (red, lumpy sores filled with pus). If left untreated, staph can infect blood and bones, causing severe illness that requires hospitalization.

Students and their family members should take the following precautions to help prevent skin infections:
§ Encourage frequent hand washing with soap and warm water.
§ Encourage students to keep their fingernails clean and clipped short.
§ Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or anything contaminated by a wound.
§ Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, towels, deodorant, or soap that directly touch the body.
§ Clean and disinfect objects (such as gym and sports equipment) before use.
§ Wash dirty clothes, linens, and towels with hot water and laundry detergent. Using a hot dryer, rather than air-drying, also helps kill bacteria.
§ Encourage students who participate in contact sports to shower immediately after each practice, game, or match.
§ Keep open or draining sores and lesions clean and covered. Anyone assisting with wound care should wear gloves and wash their hands with soap and water after dressing changes.

We encourage you to be vigilant in looking for signs and symptoms of staph infections. On the bottom of this letter is more information to help educate our community on MRSA prevention. If you or any family member exhibits symptoms as described above, you are encouraged to contact your family doctor.

Angie McQuaig
Assistant Principal

MRSA Facts for CCSS Schools:

MRSA is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, a staph infection that has to be treated with antibiotics other than what is used for a normal staphylococcus infection.

Personal hygiene is the key to preventing MRSA and Staphylococcus infections.

MRSA is everywhere in our communities. It is estimated that 30 to 50 percent of the population carry the bacteria on their bodies every day!
The infection is spread through skin contact. People are at risk for MRSA or a Staph infection if they have poor personnel hygiene or if they have a sore, boil, or scrape that is not covered with a bandage. The open wound can allow the bacteria to get into the skin. It should be noted that the drainage from the abscess is infectious.

Students are not allowed in school if they have an abscess that is draining, even if they are on antibiotics. MRSA students are usually out of school for 2 weeks.

There are two “types” of MRSA:
Soft tissue – Skin only
Systemic - In the lungs, blood, joint and etc..

The students in our schools that have been given a diagnosis of MRSA have soft tissue MRSA which can be treated as an out patient. These students are usually taking two antibiotics (Keflex and Bactrim or Septra) and additionally treated with topical antibiotic ointments.
The danger with MRSA is failing to seek treatment early and having the infection become systemic.

Education is the key! Please encourage the following activities:

Frequent hand washing with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Keeping all sores, abrasion, or rashes covered with a bandage that attaches to the skin on all sides.
Avoiding the sharing of towels, bar soap, or other personal hygiene items.
Disinfecting with a commercial cleaner surfaces that may have come into contact with fluids and/or infected students.

****Before infected students may return to school, their MRSA wound must be free from open sores and drainage.

November Events at GMS

noreply@blogger.com (Dr. Angie McQuaig, Assistant Principal) — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 16:21:00 +0000

Thursday, November 1, 2007

7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Book Fair

FBLA Drive-In

Salvation Army Food Drive-PLEASE HELP!

Red Ribbon Week Door Decoration Contest Judging

Friday, November 2, 2007

7 a.m. J.A.M.

7:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. Book Fair

4 p.m. Tennis GMS @ EMS

Field Trip to Chamber Repertory Theatre (Eighth Grade)

Salvation Army Food Drive-PLEASE HELP!

Monday, November 5, 2007

2:35 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Math Club

2:40 p.m. 4-H Meeting

Salvation Army Food Drive-PLEASE HELP!

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

2:40 p.m. Student Council Meeting

4 p.m. Tennis GMS @ CMS

Salvation Army Food Drive-PLEASE HELP!

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

2:30 p.m. PTSO Meeting

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Art Club

4 p.m. Basketball RMS @ GMS

Salvation Army Food Drive-PLEASE HELP!

Thursday, November 8, 2007

Pajama Day fundraiser

Salvation Army Food Drive-PLEASE HELP!

Friday, November 9, 2007

7 a.m. J.A.M.

4 p.m. Tennis GMS @ LMS

6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. GMS Dance

Picture Re-takes

Salvation Army Food Drive-PLEASE HELP!

Monday, November 12, 2007

2:40 p.m. Earth Club

Salvation Army Food Drive-PLEASE HELP!

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

2:40 p.m. Student Council Meeting

4 p.m. Basketball GMS @ CMS

5:30 p.m. BOE Meeting

Salvation Army Food Drive-PLEASE HELP!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

3 p.m. School Council Meeting

Salvation Army Food Drive-PLEASE HELP!

Thursday, November 15, 2007

6:30 p.m. Sixth Grade Musical

Progress Reports

Friday, November 16, 2007

7 a.m. J.A.M.

4 p.m. Basketball HMS @ GMS

Monday, November 19, 2007

2:35 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Math Club

2:40 p.m. 4-H Meeting

4 p.m. Basketball GMS @ EMS

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

2:40 p.m. Student Council Meeting

Holiday - Thanksgiving 11/21-11/23

Monday, November 26, 2007

2:35 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Math Club

2:40 p.m. Earth Club

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

2:40 p.m. Student Council Meeting

4 p.m. Basketball LMS @ GMS

5:30 p.m. BOE Meeting

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m. Art Club

Thursday, November 29, 2007

6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. Mother-Daughter Book Club

Friday, November 30, 2007

7 a.m. J.A.M.

4 p.m. Basketball GTMS @ GMS