This Week at GMS: September 23

Hello Greendale Middle School families,

I hope everyone had a good week. The middle school was a busy place this week with another cross-country meet and our first home basketball game of the year which included our first cheer and poms performances. There are plenty of athletic and academic activities for our students to try. This week, I would like to highlight the GMS MathCounts Club. This club is designed to increase enthusiasm for and enhance achievement in middle school mathematics. Any student who is interested in mathematics and becoming a better problem solver is encouraged to attend. From September to early February, students meet to solve math problems in preparation for the regional MathCounts competition on Saturday, February 4, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at MSOE. Please check the Activities and Clubs link on the GMS webpage for more information.

I want to thank everyone that was able to attend the PTO meeting last week. We had a nice turnout giving Ms. Talsky and I the opportunity to meet many of our new 6th grade parents. Please consider joining us for our next meeting to be held on October 12 at 6:00 p.m. followed by a District Information Night. This is a great way to be involved at the middle school and helps us to provide your children with a comprehensive middle school experience.

I want to also thank the Education Foundation of Greendale and the Friends of Music and Greendale School District for their support of the new Digital Music Lab and Recording Studio at Greendale Middle School. The lab, under the direction of Dawn Pachniak, is up and running and features an electric keyboard, electric drum kit, professional grade microphones for recording live sound, music recording and production software such as Garageband, and a subscription to Smartmusic software. The digital music authoring lab and recording studio enables students to create or compose music using the newest technology that is available in the industry. It also gives students the opportunity to record their own vocal and instrumental performances. The photo above shows some of the equipment in the studio.

Enjoy the weekend with your families.

Important Information and Upcoming Events…

Magazine Drive
The GMS-PTO is again sponsoring an all-school magazine subscription fundraiser. Students will be bringing home materials pertaining to this the week of October 3 and a SchoolMessenger will be sent with information about how to get involved. All proceeds from this fundraiser are funneled back into our classrooms to support student programs, special activities, and for innovative instruction through our GMS-PTO.

Greendale Panther Athletic Booster Club (GPABC) Homecoming Tailgate
On Friday, September 30, the GPABC will be having their annual tailgate party before the Homecoming game versus the Whitnall Falcons. To purchase tickets, complete the order form which is available at www.greendaleboosterclub.org.

This Week’s Links and Downloads:

• Upcoming GMS Events (PDF)