George McGovern Middle School 6221 W. Maple St., Sioux Falls, SD 57107

Where attitude is everything, and the attitude is one of respect.

September 2016 Principal Ms. Lynn Gil lette Assistant Principal Mr. Richie Hutchinson Intern Asst. Principal Mr. Jeff Noll

Principal’s News

Important Phone Numbers

Main Office 367-4440 Office Hours 7:45-5:00 Attendance 367-4438 and Health 24 hr voicemail Counseling 367-4435 and Registration Kitchen Manager 367-4492 Fax 367-4434

Publ ished Monthly

Issue No.0019

Dear Parents and Guardians: Greetings! By the time your child arrives for the start of what we are striving to

make the BEST SCHOOL YEAR YET, our entire staff at George

McGovern Middle School has put in several weeks of work to create a

beautiful, clean, engaging, and welcoming learning environment for our

students. We are PROUD of the school we have created and are even

prouder of WHO we have created it for this year. Our students are not

only the WHO of our lives at George McGovern; they are the WHY.

Your children are why we strive to perform our best, challenge ourselves

in our own learning and professional growth, and build relationships

with students, families, and colleagues. The students of George McGov-

ern Middle School deserve nothing but the best education to help them

grow academically and develop as upstanding citizens. As your new

principal, I commit to each and everyone of you that I will follow the

two expectations I have set for all: WORK HARD and BE KIND! I am looking forward to this year and the amazing accomplishments of

our staff, students, and families. Kindest regards, Lynn Gillette GMMS Principal

All families who complete their registration on-line

BEFORE August 31 will be included in the prize drawings!

See following insert for Eagle Launch Day (Formerly known as Purple & Black Day)

Important Dates

Eagle Launch Day, @ GMMS

Wednesday 8/31 1:00—8:00 Monday 9/5 Labor Day No- School Tuesday 9/6 1st Day of School

EAGLE LAUNCH Day(former ly known as Purple/Black Day)

AUGUST 31st 1:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at George McGovern Middle School

Students’ Schedules Busing Information School Pictures Spirit Wear PTA Lunch Account Information

AVOID THE LONG LINES AND SAVE YOURSELF MUCH TIME BY REGISTERING ON-LINE AS FOLLOWS. If your child is ALREADY a student in the Sioux Falls School District:

• www.sf.k12.sd.us • You will see an article titled, Register Online •

• Within the article, is a red link called Infinite Campus Parent Portal - Click on this •

• Enter your username and password to log on •

• Complete all parts of the on-line registration •

• (Families with multiple students will only need to complete one registration within the Parent Portal.) •

•

If your child is new to the Sioux Falls School District: • www.sf.k12.sd.us.

• On the left side of the screen, you will see a link called Welcome New Families - Click on this •

• In the first item under Where to register, is a red link called Online Registration System - Click on this •

• After completing the required information, click on Begin Registration to begin and complete the registration process.

•

If you need assistance with your Infinite Campus Parent Portal username and password, please click on the orange ton on the Parent Portal login page. You may also call 367-8432 or call George McGovern Middle School at 367do not have access to a computer, we have computers available at this time and will continue to have them available through Eagle Launch Day.

All families who complete their registration on-line

BEFORE August 31 will be included in the prize drawings!

6th Grade - September 2016 Welcome to the 6th Grade at George McGovern Middle School!! We are looking forward to ge�ng to know each

of you. Please join us for our Parent, Student, Teacher (PST) Day on Wednesday, August 31st to get your sched-

ule, prac*ce your locker, and meet your teachers!! The following school supplies will help you have a successful

school year:

• 3 inch three ring binder (with zipper or flap if possible • 1 package of loose leaf paper • Pens, pencils, and erasers (lots of them) • 1 composi*on notebook (not spiral) • 2 college rule spiral notebooks • 3 pocket folders • 2 large *ssue boxes • 1 box of markers • Colored pencils • Elmer’s glue • Wooden pencils (#2 – for art class)

Language Arts/Reading – We will begin with building a classroom community and narra*ve wri*ng. Our first

quarter will be spent improving our wri*ng and learning about the 6 traits of wri*ng. Please be prepared to dis-

cuss a book that you have read over the summer. Math – Factors, mul*ples, and number characteris*cs will be our first unit. We will also prac*ce comple*ng tasks

in groups. Science – We will begin our year asking scien*fic ques*ons. We then jump into inves*ga*ng the layers of the

Earth, minerals and rocks, plate tectonics, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Social Studies – We will start the year with map skills and con*nents before jumping into ancient civiliza*ons

where will be begin learning about early man and the Stone Age.

Social Studies—Mr. Moulton and Mr. Flock

Welcome to 7th Grade Geography with Mr. Flock and Mr. Moulton. Geography is "to describe or write about the Earth". Students will become more familiar with reading and interpret-

ing a variety of maps, finding locations using latitude and longitude, understanding physical systems that affect the

characteristics, distribution, migration, and settlement of people, and the uses of resources. Geography is studied

through the five themes: Location, Place, Human-Environment Interaction, Movement, and Regions. Students will work individually and in groups throughout the course of the year. We will be using numerous re-

sources to help gain a broader view of the world. Students will use their Chromebooks to improve research skills,

develop projects, and complete tasks online. Math—Mrs.Mielke and Mrs. Hieronimus

Science—Mr. Helget and Mr. Josephson Welcome, 7th Grade Scientists! Mr. Josephson and Mr. Helget are delighted to be your Life Science teachers this

year. I would like to give you some information about our class and what you can expect. This is a laboratory class,

so completing all labs and lab reports is essential to being successful. Please be sure to ask questions, if you do not

understand anything. We will begin the year learning about the scientific method and measurement. Our first unit of

study will focus on ecology and the environment. English Language Arts-Mrs. Dossett and Mrs. Thie

Welcome back 7th graders!! The seventh grade math students will begin their year with a study of integers

(positive and negative numbers). We will discover the algorithms for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing

integers, as well as working multi-step problems using integers. It will be a fun unit to start the year with. As sev-

enth graders, we have 8 units (books) to cover throughout the year. We will work hard to cover our grade-level

standards. Remember to replenish your student's supplies throughout the year. Pencils and paper for math are al-

ways needed, and quickly consumed. Ensuring your child has these two essential items is very much appreciat-

ed. Thank you!!

We will begin the year by reading some short stories to identify setting, plot and characterization. In addition to this, we will begin discussing the writing traits, and what makes writing outstanding. Please remind your student to come to school prepared to learn; each day students need a notebook, a choice reading book (either from home or school), and a writing utensil. We look forward to meeting your student

Yearbooks on sale now!!

Cost: $15.00 - Bring money to the office or Mrs Erwin or Mrs Whitesel

Greetings from the Coyotes/Jack Rabbits Eighth Grade Teams

Greetings from the Coyotes/Jackrabbits Eighth Grade Teams

We, the staff of the eighth grade teams of

McGovern Middle School, extend a warm wel-

come to you, our incoming eighth grade stu-

dents and parents. It is going to be a fantastic

year! We love the fresh start of a new school

year, and want you to know that as a staff we

are enthusiastic and dedicated to making this an

exciting and enriching year for you. Students, after a fun and relaxing summer, we

are eager to get back to what we do best, teach-

ing and guiding you to new levels of learning

and independence. We hope that you are eager

to get back to school, too. We will give you our

best, but your motivation and attitude toward

learning will determine how much you grow

and how positive your last year of middle

school will be. We need to work as a team-students, parents and staff-to live up to all the

potential and opportunities this special year has

to offer. We are ready; are you? Let’s work to-

gether to make this our best year ever!

Your Coyote Team Teachers: Mrs. Case--Social studies-Team Leader Mr. Knapp--Math Mrs. Whitesel--English Language Arts Mrs. Schroeder--Science Your Jackrabbit Team Teachers: Mrs. Freese--English Language Arts -- Team Leader Mr. McIntyre--Social Studies Ms. Kunkel--Math Mr. Rank--Science _________________________________ Eighth Grade Supply List ¨ 3-inch three ring binder (with zipper or flap if possible) ¨ 2 packages of wide-lined loose-leaf paper ¨ Lots of pens, pencils and erasers ¨ 2 college ruled spiral notebook ¨ 1 highlighter ¨ 5 folders with pockets ¨ 2 large boxes of tissues for PRO ¨ Notebook of graph paper for math ¨ Wood pencils (#2—for art class)

YMCA A�er-School Informa�on

YMCA will con*nue to offer an exci*ng and affordable a<erschool program at your child’s middle school

this upcoming school year. It is now referred to as Y-Club. Any child enrolled in Y-Club also qualifies for a

FREE YMCA Family Membership during the dura*on they are enrolled at both the Downtown YMCA

loca*on and the Youth Performance Center. Y-Club provides quality, safe and fun a<erschool care un*l

6pm, healthy snacks, field trips, homework help, STEM projects, sports, arts, music, special guests and

more. Sign-up forms are available in the School Office.

GEORGE MGEORGE MGEORGE MGEORGE MCCCCGOVERN MIDDLE SCHOOL GOVERN MIDDLE SCHOOL GOVERN MIDDLE SCHOOL GOVERN MIDDLE SCHOOL

EAGLES FALL ATHLETICSEAGLES FALL ATHLETICSEAGLES FALL ATHLETICSEAGLES FALL ATHLETICS

As you are planning for the upcoming school year don’t forget about participation in athletics. We will get going right away the first week of school with practices.

2016-2017 Sioux Falls Public Schools “Middle School” Athletic Participation Packet.

All students participating in middle school athletics will need a completed participation packet. It is recommended that the packet be completed online when you register your child for school.

The fall sports season gives 7th and 8th grade boys and girls 3 sports choices:

• 7th and 8th grade football practice starts Wednesday, September 7 after school • 8th grade girls’ volleyball practice starts Wednesday, September 7 after school • 7th grade girls’ volleyball practice starts Thursday, September 10 after school 7th/8th grade girls’/boys’ cross-country practice star ts Wednesday, September 7 after school The coaches will have a schedule of practices and games/meets that will be available at open house, on the first day of school, and at sign-ups during lunch the first 2 days of school. You can also access the games/meets schedule through the Sioux Falls School District web site. If you have questions about anything sports related please do not hesitate to contact the school of-

fice or email joseph.flock@k12.sd.us More information will also be available at Open House.

Eagle Pre-Season Football Mini-Camp Information

Who: Any 7th or 8th grader planning to play football this fall should plan to attend When: Monday, August 29; Tuesday, August 30; Thursday, September 1 from 4:15-6:00 PM What: A pre-Season football mini-camp free to any 7th or 8th grader planning to play football Where: George McGovern Middle School Football Field

Why: The coaches want to get a jump star t on the upcoming football season. At the mini-camp

athletes will get fitted for helmets and pads, learn safe tackling techniques, develop good practice hab-

its, play some non-contact games, improve their football knowledge and IQ, etc.

MEAL PRICES FOR 2016 – 2017 SCHOOL YEAR BREAKFAST ELEMENTARY $1.80 ELEMENTARY REDUCED .30 ADULT 2.10 MIDDLE SCHOOL $1.80 MIDDLE SCHOOL REDUCED .30 ADULT 2.10 HIGH SCHOOL $1.80 HIGH SCHOOL REDUCED .30 ADULT 2.10 LUNCH ELEMENTARY $2.60 ELEMENTARY REDUCED .40 ADULT 3.30 MIDDLE SCHOOL $2.80 MIDDLE SCHOOL REDUCED .40 ADULT 3.50 HIGH SCHOOL $2.80 HIGH SCHOOL REDUCED .40 ADULT 3.50 MILK STUDENTS .30 ADULTS .35

COUNSELORS’ CORNER To contact the counseling office, please call 367-4435

The George McGovern counseling department would like to welcome everyone to the 2016-2017 school

year! George McGovern’s two professional school counselors are here to assist students and their fami-

lies with academic, social, emotional and career issues. To contact the counseling office, please call 367-4435.

Counseling Assignments: Steve Fisher

7th Grade 8th Grade A - K

Tina Hawkins 6th Grade

8th Grade L – Z

Olweus Bullying Prevention Program Our school cares about the safety and well-being of our students. We want to make sure our school is a

good place for students to learn. To do this we use a program called the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) is one of the best-known bullying prevention

programs. OBPP has been proven to prevent or reduce bullying. The goals of OBPP are to reduce bullying problems and prevent new bullying problems from happening.

The program also works to make relationship better among students. The program is for all students, not

just those who are being bullied or who are bullying others. Parents and guardians play a key role in this program. Your child will be asked to tell an adult at school

and at home if he or she is being bullied or sees bullying happening at school. It will be very important

that you take any bullying seriously and tell our school staff. Our school staff members have been trained

to deal with bullying situations when we are told about them. Bullying should not be seen as “kids being

kids” or something that students just need to deal with. Having a safe school experience is something that

all student should be able to enjoy. These are the anti-bullying rules at George McGovern. Please review them with your child……… We will not bully others. We will try to help student who are bullied. We will try to include students who are left out. If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

Welcome to WEB (Where Everybody Belongs)!

WEB training this year will be held on Friday, August 26th from 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM. Here are some things WEB

leaders need to know:

This is the ONLY day of WEB training. If you can’t be here, make sure you’ve communicated that with a WEB

Coordinator (Mrs. Freese, Mrs. Case, Mrs. Vandrongelen). If it’s an unexcused absence, you will be

dropped from the WEB program.

Bring a snack to share with the WEB group. Examples: chips, cookies, pringles, crackers, bars, fruit snacks,

granola bars, etc. You don’t have to bring 40+ of your item. If everyone brings a little something, we’ll

have plenty of snacks for break times.

Bring your own drink, but make sure it has a lid on it.

We will have pizza for lunch for you.

In addition to this training, we will be asking WEB leaders to help on the Purple and Black Day. More infor-

mation will be coming about this. Again – if you have questions, contact a WEB coordinator. The school office

has their phone numbers (367-4440). You can also email Mrs. Freese @ Heidi.Freese@k12.sd.us

The following students are our WEB leaders for the 206-17 school year:

Alemayehu, Kerubel

Alvarado, Jeymi

Bush, Brianna

Castanon, Diana

Cochrane, Michael

Deschepper, Leila

Endsley, Mason

Fiedler, Tiffany

Flannery, Doreen

Graff, Nathan

Herman, Dallas

Hornbeck, Dezaray

Ismail, Adam

Jimenez, Ricardo

Johnson, Kiana

JohnsonBoyles, Kylee

Khanthavong, Aaron

Kothe, Allison

Lawyer, Tanner

Lewis, Reanna

Lilly, Kaylee

Mahamed, Rachida

Martinez, Klely

Meinberg, Keilee

Mekuria, Yoseph

Nabity, Sami

Negash, Alazar

Nelson, Courtney

Nies, Jasmine

Noriega, Edgar

Ordonez, Ramiro

Parker, Madison

Pate, Kaylee

Pieretti, Tasia

Pusl, Danielle

Quick, Jeremy

Ramirez, Donald

Reyes, Maria

Rouillard, Sam

Sand, Desiree

Townsend, Kadin

Van Epps-Lund, Kamryn

Westin, Mya

Help Support the WEB Program Support the WEB program – Buy a Big Soo Coupon Book. The books are $40, but if you used every coupon you would save $12,000. There are numerous coupons from various restaurants in the Sioux Falls area. The coupons are effective NOW until August 31, 2017. That’s 12 months of use! There are numerous restaurant coupons, car wash cou-pons, oil changes, golfing, etc. Please contact Heidi Freese @ 367-4440 if you are inter-ested. You can also email her @ Heidi.Freese@k12.sd.us. Thanks for supporting WEB!

Yearbooks Yearbooks for the 2016-2017 school year are on sale now! Cost is $15.00 - bring money to the office, Mrs. Erwin, or Mrs. Whitesel!

Dear Parents/Guardians, Our school cares about the safety and well-being of our students. We want to make sure our school is a good place for students to learn. To do this we use a program called the Olweus Bullying Pre-vention Program. The Olweus Bullying Prevention Program (OBPP) is one of the best-known bully-ing prevention programs. OBPP has been proven to prevent or reduce bullying. The goals of OBPP are to reduce bullying problems and prevent new bullying problems from hap-pening. The program also works to make relationships better among students. The program is for all students, not just those who are being bullied or who are bullying others. Parents and guardians play a key role in this program. Your child will be asked to tell an adult at school and at home if he or she is bullied or sees bullying happening at school. It is very important that you take any bullying seriously and tell our school staff. Our school staff members have been trained to deal with bullying situations when we are told about them. Bullying should not be seen as “kids being kids” or something that students just need to deal with. Having a safe school experience is something that all students should be able to enjoy. These are the anti-bullying rules at George McGovern. Please review them with your childBB.

We will not bully others.

We will try to help students who are bullied.

We will try to include students who are left out.

If we know that somebody is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an

adult at home.

Welcome to the 2016-2017 School Year from the GMMS Music Department!

Meet our teachers:

Barb Myers, Vocal Music

Erin McFarland, Assistant Vocal Music

Jason Rygg, Band

Dan Sailer, Assistant Band

Andrew Travers, Orchestra

Please remember that Chorus, Band, and Orchestra are elec*ves open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grad-

ers. Students may take up to 2 of these classes. Most of our music students take a combina*on of

chorus, band, and orchestra and easily manage to maintain good grades in their other classes.

Our department offers addi*onal ensembles for those students who are looking for a greater musical

and performance challenge. Chorus students may audi*on for Expressions, Band students may audi-

*on for Jazz Band, and Orchestra students may audi*on for Gryphon. These ensembles meet 2

mornings a week for the en*re year. More informa*on to come about those audi*ons!

EXCITING NEWS: All of our chorus, band, and orchestra students will be performing their Decem-

ber concert with the progressive rock band, the Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Premier Center on

December 17. This is an incredible, once-in-a-life*me opportunity for all of our music students!!

MORE EXCITING NEWS: Right away this fall, rehearsals will begin for a new opportunity called the

Sioux Falls All City Middle School Honor Band. Mr. Rygg will be conduc*ng the band, and we are hop-

ing that we will place many of our own GMMS band students into this select honor band!

If you have not signed up for chorus, band, and orchestra yet, it’s not too late! Come talk to one of

the directors or see your counselor to change your schedule.

Check out our website for more informa*on and to keep up with our department:

hFps://sites.google.com/site/mcgovmus