Greene County Middle School

Happy New Year! We are excited to welcome students back to the building tomorrow. Please see the January Parent Ram Reminder below. It is full of updates and reminders. As always please reach out with any questions or concerns you may have. Cara Osborne- GCMS Principal https://docs.google.com/document/d/11OV7qfsnzlJ2yyMk7hGgBcIORFVUhMR3ZNmQ0s7L3Ss/edit?usp=sharing Translated Copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W-6YfCNyj68SIho02R7zmFda9sBDZsbHCEqLNVH_jm8/edit?usp=sharing

Good afternoon Ram Families, In the wake of the events that took place in Perry, I wanted to take some time and communicate what the Greene County Community School District has done recently to ensure the safety and security of our students, staff, and schools. Our belief is that before any child is able to learn, they must be safe. We also believe that you, as parents, family members, and community members should know what the school district is doing to provide a safe and secure environment for your children, grandchildren, relatives, neighbors, and friends. In November of 2022, an assessment was completed in each building by the Department of Homeland Security to determine key points that needed to be reinforced and secured. Our district immediately applied for and received $150,000 for our buildings through Governor Reynolds’ School Safety and Security grant. This allowed us to spend $50,000 per school on safety and security improvements. These funds, along with additional funds through our Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) were put to use in the following ways: Elementary: Installation of cameras in the gym, library, and cafeteria; guest access system in the front office, video door entry at the front of the school; badge-only access to all exterior doors; auto-communication with local law enforcement; emergency lockdown access from the main office Middle School: Installation of cameras on the south side of the school; guest access system in the front office, video door entry at the front of the school; badge-only access to all exterior doors; auto-communication with local law enforcement; emergency lockdown access from the main office High School: Installation of cameras in the south parking lot and south egress stairwell; additional security cameras in the main hallway; video door entry at the north and south entrances of the school; badge-only access to all exterior doors; auto-communication with local law enforcement; emergency lockdown access from the main office In the next two weeks, our elementary and middle schools will be having new, reinforced door handles with more secure and interior locking mechanisms included. These door handles are the best on the market, will allow our teachers to immediately lock doors from the inside of the classroom, and keep students safe. Furthermore, each school building is in the process of reviewing, revamping, and practicing the processes and procedures that are within each of their Emergency Operations Plans to put safety at the forefront of the conversation for our students, staff, and schools. Our principals and building leadership teams have done a tremendous job already and I know that they are going to continue this work each and every day. Lastly, our staff will be on high alert with a strong presence at entrances and exits of our buildings, standing in the available thresholds of their classrooms while monitoring students in the hallway, and be on the lookout for any activity that might be suspicious. While these are actions that all of our staff members take on a daily basis, we will reinforce the supervision and coverage. We want to thank you for partnering with each of our schools and our district to ensure the safety and security of all of our schools. It is extremely important to us that we provide a safe and secure environment for our students every day. Thank you, Brett Abbotts, Superintendent Greene County Community School District

Greene County Middle School hosted a talent show this morning in the middle school auditorium. The event was recorded and has been uploaded the district's YouTube page. Use the link below to watch our talented students and staff perform. What an absolutely awesome event! Great job to everyone involved. https://youtu.be/dv_dz9fORnU?si=LOP7XrtKjylhHAho

Dear GCMS Families, As we approach the end of the year, I want to take a moment to extend warm holiday greetings to you and your families. The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and togetherness, and I hope this message finds you surrounded by the love and joy that this special time of year brings. As we take a break to celebrate the holidays and recharge for the new year ahead, let's cherish the moments spent with loved ones and reflect on the achievements and growth we've witnessed in our students. Middle school is a crucial time in their development, and your partnership in fostering a positive and nurturing environment contributes significantly to their academic and personal progress. On behalf of the entire Greene County Middle School staff, I want to express our deepest appreciation for your dedication, involvement, and enthusiasm. May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and wonderful memories. Wishing you a Happy Holiday season and a Happy New Year! Warm regards, Cara Osborne Principal Greene County Middle School

Just a reminder that tomorrow is a 2 hour early dismissal. GCMS students will be dismissed at 1:25. Students will return on Monday, January 8th. Our last Holiday Spirit Day is Grinch vs. Santa. We are wrapping up the week of festivities with our student talent show. This is just for our students, parents are not allowed to attend. We are working to possibly video record it and share it out after the completion of the event. Ms. Osborne GCMS Principal

Reminder: Families can apply for free and/or reduced lunch benefits at any time during the school year. You may apply through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal. Paper applications are also available in building offices. The National School lunch program requires that each meal includes 3-5 different components to qualify. Please note, if your child only takes a milk this does not qualify for the program and the child's account will be charged. The price of milk only is $.40

Holiday Spirit Week Day 9- Run Run Rudolph! Wear your workout gear!

Last 5 days of Holiday Spirit week! Monday- Pajama Day Tuesday- Workout Clothes Wednesday- Red & White Thursday- Crazy Hair Friday- Grinch Vs. Santa **Remember we will run a 2 hour early dismissal on Friday, December 22nd**

And the winners of the Guess How Many are.....8th graders Collin Russell and Breanna Pope!! Collin guessed 158 and hit the number right on! Breanna guessed 350 and the actual number was 330! Great job Collin and Breanna! Stay tuned for our Holiday Door Decorating Contest!

Day 7 of Holiday Spirit Week- Festive Friday! Wear an Ugly Holiday Sweater! Don't forget to get your votes in for the "guess how many" by 1:15 tomorrow! Use the google form in your email to submit your guesses!

Holiday Spirit Week Day 6- Family Photo Wear your favorite Flannel tomorrow!

Greene County Community School will be holding the monthly board meeting at the admin building (101 Ram Drive, Jefferson, IA) this evening beginning at 5:15 PM. The public is welcome to attend. The event will also be livestreamed on YouTube. The meeting agenda can be viewed on the GCCSD Board of Education page under the Links header. GCCSD Board Meeting YouTube Livestream Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/IEuYxdZvlyk?si=BEgTWOEpZbquqvJj Board Meeting Agenda: https://www.gccsd.k12.ia.us/page/board-home

Good afternoon! Tomorrow is Day 5 of our Holiday Spirit week! Clash of the Carolers (wear your grade level color) 5th- Red 6th- Green 7th- White 8th- Blue Cara Osborne GCMS Principal

Good morning GCMS Families, Below are the events for our 12 Days of Holiday Spirit next week. Have a fabulous weekend. Monday- Jingle Toes-Festive Socks Tuesday-Holiday Cheer- Favorite Jersey Wednesday- Clash of the Carolers (5-Red, 6-Green, 7-White, 8-Bue) Thursday- Family Photo- Wear Flannel Friday- Festive Friday- Ugly Holiday Sweater Student drawing/coloring Contest All week- See flyer and pick up in Library Guess How many Candies- in the library Thursday and Friday Cara Osborne GCMS Principal

Day 2 GCMS 12 Days of Holiday Spirit Top of The Morning to you- Festive Headgear

Day 1 of our GCMS 12 Days of Holiday Spirit is tomorrow! Let The Festivities Begin-Wear a Festive Shirt!

GCMS Students had the opportunity to deliver 545 items to the Food Pantry yesterday! Items were collected as part of the staff monthly challenges. We are proud of our staff and students for always wanting to give back to the community. #goRams

Join us for the Greene County Middle School winter concert this evening, starting at 7:00 in the high school auditorium. The event will kick off with the 5th-grade band, followed by performances from the 5th-8th grade student choirs. For those unable to attend in person, we're excited to offer a livestream of the concert -- see below for the link. Please note that due to copyright restrictions, the livestream will NOT be accessible once the concert concludes. We encourage you to join us in real-time and enjoy the magic of the performances! GCMS Winter Concert: https://youtube.com/live/FAaysY74wP0?feature=share

Good afternoon GCMS Families! Please see the link below for our monthly Ram Reminder. There is tons of information about upcoming events! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-8cuP98M2b9FvBptSpY4XG6-toRoprgK/view?usp=sharing

Friendly Reminder: For the safety of our students and staff, all guests at Greene County Community School District are required to check in at the front office during regular school hours before entering any building. Please have a valid driver's license or photo ID ready for registration. Your cooperation helps us maintain a secure and welcoming environment. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to the safety of our school community!