8th Grade Family newsletter
Week of 9/30 - 10/4
Week of 9/30 - 10/4
Our Mission
Grace Snell Middle School provides a culture of excellence that prepares all students to reach their maximum potential today, tomorrow and beyond.
Our Week at a Glance
8TH GRADE MATH
In Math this week, scholars will determine Rate of Change, initial value, y=mx + b
ENHANCED MATH / ALGEBRA CONNECTIONS
In Enhanced Math/Algebra this week, scholars will engage in various algebraic activities.
LANGUAGE ARTS
In Language Arts this week our scholars will continue Unit 2: The Thrill of Horror. Students will finish analyzing point of view in "The Tell-Tale Heart" and also analyze word choice in the poem "The Hollow."
PHYSICAL SCIENCE
In Physical Science this week, scholars Students will focus on AKS 9d. -9e. Develop and use models to explain changes in sound waves associated with the Doppler Effect.
SOCIAL STUDIES
In Social Studies this week, scholars will analyze the Judicial branch's role in Georgia's state government and how the Courts of Georgia treat Juvenile Offenders.
CONNECTIONS CLASSES
Monday: B
Tuesday: A
Wednesday: B
Thursday: A
Friday: B
Greetings, Comet Families!
Happy Monday, everyone! As we welcome a new week and transition from September to October, I’d like to reflect on the importance of striving for excellence in all that we do. As Ralph Waldo Emerson wisely stated, “Excellence is not a skill, it is an attitude.” Let’s carry this mindset into the new month, embracing challenges as opportunities to grow and improve. October brings a fresh start and the chance to elevate our efforts, both academically and personally. I encourage everyone to support one another in pursuing excellence and making this week truly remarkable. Here’s to a week filled with inspiration and achievement!
Should you have questions or concerns at any time, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
Also, just a few reminders:
Grace Snell dress code is designed to reduce the likelihood of distraction or disruption and to maintain an academic focus in the classroom and on campus. Instruction is interrupted when a student has to be seen by an administrator because of inappropriate dress. If dressed inappropriately, the student will be required to change clothing. Missed instructional time while waiting for a change of clothing will be regarded as unexcused. Parents may be called to bring a change of clothing for the student. Our GSMS Student Dress Code policy includes but is not limited to the following:
All shorts lengths will be NO SHORTER THAN 5” above the knee.
The highest point of any slit in a dress, skirt, or shorts must be NO MORE THAN 3” above the knee. This rule applies to shorts, skirts and even worn with any type of tights or leggings.
Student pants/shorts: No holes, slits, rips, or tears that show skin above the knee.
For additional information on GSMS Student Dress Code, please reference the GSMS Student Handbook.
Students’ cell phones should be silenced and placed in their bookbags. Cell phone use is not permitted at any time during the school day (including the lunch period), for any reason, inclusive of, but not limited to: contacting parents/guardians, family members, other students, or engaging in online or social media activities, or any entertainment purposes.
If staff observes students with cell phones, the following steps will be taken:
All school issued materials (instruments, chromebooks, and textbooks) to students should be treated as borrowed property. In the event of loss or abuse of school issued materials, whether accidental or purposeful, students must pay for the loss in accordance with the scale fixed by the Board of Education. See the fees chart below:
October 3-7 JA Finance Team Field Trips Parents please see your child's permission slip in Parent Square.
All students must have a signed permission slip to attend.
School Calendar Approved for 2025-26
Parents, as you make various personal plans for your family for the next two years, we wanted to make you aware that Gwinnett County Schools has released approved calendars for the next two academic school years. You may access the links to each calendar below:
Portrait of a Comet
Watch this video to get a snapshot of the competencies our scholars are developing at Grace Snell Middle School now, to prepare them to reach their maximum potential today, tomorrow and beyond!
Our 8th Grade Teams
Team G.O.A.T.
Team Blaze
Team Phoenix
Team I'So Elite
Team Trailblazers
State law requires that children between the ages of 7 - 16 attend school DAILY.
Students will be excused from school for the following legal absences:
Personal illness
Death in the immediate family
Recognized religious holidays observed by your faith
Absences mandated by governmental agencies
Service as Page in the Georgia General Assembly
Visit with parent or legal guardian prior to deployment or while parent is on leave (up to 5 days)
Instances where attendance would be hazardous
Students absent from school for legal reasons stated above, will be excused IF they bring a written excuse from a parent, guardian, or medical provider, stating the reason for the absence.
The written excuse must be given to the desk clerk in the front lobby on the day the student returns to school.
8th Grade Office
School Hours
8:55 AM - 4:00 PM
No drop-offs before 8:50 AM
Missed instructional time is detrimental to a student’s performance.
Parents are urged to make dental, medical, and other appointments before or after school hours.
If it becomes necessary for a student to check out during the day, parents must report to the desk in the front lobby to sign out the student.
Parents will be required to show picture identification in order to check out their children.
No check-outs or transportation changes shall be made after 3:30 PM.
It is the expectation that students make up missed assignments whenever they are absent from school, or check-out early.