MARCH NEWSLETTER

Dear Ram Fam community,

As February comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on all the incredible things that happened at GMS this month. Despite the shorter month and a well-deserved break in the middle, our students and staff continued to demonstrate hard work, dedication, and a commitment to making our school a great place to learn and grow.

One of the highlights this month was celebrating National School Counseling Week, where we recognized the invaluable support that our school counselors provide to students every day. Their work in helping students navigate academics, friendships, and personal challenges is essential to the success of our school.

We also had the chance to honor some amazing staff members with the Hootie Award. This month, Mrs. Ricker (8th Grade Social Studies) and Mrs. Doran (8th Grade Math) were recognized for their outstanding contributions to our school. Mrs. Ricker’s enthusiasm for social studies and her welcoming classroom environment have made a lasting impact, while Mrs. Doran’s leadership and mentorship have helped ensure that our new staff feel right at home in the Ram Fam.

Exciting Learning Experiences

February was full of hands-on, engaging learning experiences across all grade levels. In 7th grade science, students celebrated Valentine’s Day in a unique way by dissecting cow and pig hearts to better understand the circulatory system. They also explored genetics through real-world applications, such as investigating how traits are passed down in families, analyzing inherited characteristics in plants and animals, and even discussing dominant and recessive genes in eye color and hair type. 6th grade social studies students showcased their understanding of ancient civilizations by creating detailed projects that brought historical cultures to life, & In 8th grade science, students learned about engineering and physics by designing and building catapults—culminating in a colorful paint-launching challenge aimed at their teachers!

We also had a special visit from author Barbara Dee to celebrate World Read Aloud Day, inspiring students to engage with literature in new and exciting ways. Meanwhile, the Fishing Club took learning beyond the classroom by heading onto the ice for a fun-filled ice fishing adventure, making the most of Maine’s winter season.

Celebrating Black History Month

Throughout February, we celebrated Black History Month with meaningful activities that helped students explore and appreciate the contributions of Black individuals throughout history. Across different subjects, teachers incorporated lessons on historical figures, key events, and cultural influences. In ELA classes, students analyzed poetry and literature by Black authors, while social studies classes examined the impact of the Civil Rights Movement and other pivotal moments in history. During morning announcements, we featured daily spotlights on influential Black leaders, inventors, and changemakers. Students also engaged in discussions and projects that encouraged reflection—reinforcing the importance of learning from the past to build a better future.

Looking Ahead

As we turn the calendar to March, we know that the next few months will fly by as we head toward the end of the school year. While June may seem far away, the time between now and then is packed with exciting events, activities, and learning opportunities for our students.

Coming up soon, we have our school dance on March 7th, where students can enjoy a fun night with friends. We also invite families to participate in our PIE Parent University session on March 18th. To help us plan meaningful sessions, we encourage you to fill out our Parent University Interest Form, where you can share the topics you’d like to learn more about now & in the future.

Beyond March, we have a variety of field trips, assemblies, and special events such as STEAM night in the works, so stay tuned! Spring is always a busy and exciting time at GMS, and we’re looking forward to making the most of the remainder of the school year with engaging learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom!

STAFF SHOUTOUTS - HOOTIE AWARD WINNERS

February may have been a short month with a break in the middle, but that didn’t stop the Hootie Award from making its way to two outstanding educators at GMS! This month, we are excited to recognize Mrs. Ricker, 8th Grade Social Studies teacher, and Mrs. Doran, 8th Grade Math teacher, for their incredible work and dedication to our school community.

Mrs. Ricker is new to the Ram Fam this year, and she has been an incredible addition. Her enthusiasm for both students and social studies is unmatched, and her classroom is one of the most welcoming spaces in the building. She brings energy, passion, and a deep commitment to student success every single day.

Right next door, Mrs. Doran was recognized for being a natural and authentic teacher leader and mentor. With several new staff members joining GMS this year, she has gone above and beyond to ensure they feel supported and connected. Whether answering questions, offering guidance, or making sure everyone feels like they've been a part of the Ram Fam for longer than just one year, her leadership has made a lasting impact.

We are so grateful for both Mrs. Ricker and Mrs. Doran, and we can’t wait to see where the Hootie Award lands next!

IMPORTANT MARCH DATES

• MARCH 4th - MIYHS Survey

• MARCH 5th - Incoming 9th Grade Families Night @ GHS (8th Grade Families only)

• MARCH 6th - Minding Your Mind Assembly

• MARCH 7th - GMS School Dance

• MARCH 10th 3rd Annual "Eat & Learn Event" @ GHS (Open to all Gorham community members)

• MARCH 12th - Early Release

• MARCH 13th & 14th - Conferences

• MARCH 18th - PIE: Parent University Night

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER APPRECIATION WEEK

We’ll be starting the month of March by celebrating another vital part of our Gorham Middle School team—our school social workers, Brooke Proulx & Thom Courtney!

Mrs. Proulx & Mr. Courtney play a crucial role in supporting students’ well-being, helping to remove barriers to success, and ensuring that every student has the resources they need to thrive. Whether they’re connecting families with support services, providing a listening ear, or advocating for students, their impact is felt in every corner of GMS.

Next week, let’s take a moment to recognize and appreciate all that they do. Whether it’s a quick thank you, a kind note, or just letting them know their work makes a difference, we encourage our school community to show their gratitude!

MIYHS SURVEY

On March 4, 2025, Gorham Middle School will administer the Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey (MIYHS) to students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade. This survey, sponsored by the Maine Center for Disease Control and the Maine Department of Education, helps gather important data on the health behaviors of Maine students. We will have an altered schedule for March 4th, which will include an extended advisory in the morning to complete the survey. If you filled out the form or emailed to have your student opt out, we have received that information and communicated to the respective advisors!

MINDING YOUR MIND

At Gorham Middle School, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our students, and we are excited to announce our partnership with Minding Your Mind, an organization dedicated to providing mental health education for young people, parents, and educators. Results from our school climate survey, given to students in early December, showed that out of several different focus areas, 7th and 8th grade students overwhelmingly expressed that they would like us to prioritize mental health. In response, we are taking intentional steps to provide meaningful resources and conversations around this important topic.

Minding Your Mind’s mission is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by fostering open and honest discussions. Their evidence-based programs help students recognize the importance of mental health, develop coping strategies, and seek support when needed. On March 6, as part of  Changing Minds: Stories Over Stigma, Jordan, a dynamic trained young adult from MYM, will share his story of hope, recovery and his journey with his own mental health challenges. His presentation includes time for Q&A and will be followed up with a hands-on activity to allow students time to process and reflect in their own way. You can read more about Jordan's story here.

We look forward to incorporating these valuable lessons into our school community and continuing to create a culture where students feel supported and empowered.

SCHOOL DANCE

Get ready for a fun night at our upcoming GMS School Dance on Friday, March 7th, from 6:00–8:00 PM! This is a great opportunity for students to enjoy music, dancing, and time with friends in a safe and supervised environment. We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations. We look forward to a great evening!

Important Reminders:

• All rides must arrive by 7:50 PM to ensure a smooth pickup process at the end of the dance.

• Cell phones are not permitted during the dance. While we understand that many students need their devices to communicate with their families, phones should not be used for pictures, videos, or any other reason during the event. Students will be permitted to use their device in the office to communicate with their parent. If a student is not following this policy, their phone may be held until the end of the dance.

MARCH CONFERENCES

This year, conference sign-ups will be online. Time slots fill quickly, so please register as soon as possible, but no later than March 11th, 2025. Conferences will be held in person on March 13th (evening only) & March 14th. If you need alternative accommodations, please contact your student's advisor. Families will be able to sign up for a conference slot on Monday, March 3rd.

How to Sign Up for a Conference:

1. Visit www.myconferencetime.com/gorhamms.

2. If you have multiple children at GMS, select the option to register for multiple conferences.

3. Find and click on your child’s advisor’s name.

4. Choose your preferred date and time.

5. Enter the required information. (Providing an email address is optional, but you’ll receive a confirmation if you do.)

6. Click “Sign Up for Your Conference” at the bottom of the page.

7. That’s it—you’re all set!

GMS PARTNERS IN EDUCATION PRESENTS: PARENT UNIVERSITY

We are excited to launch Parent University, a new initiative at Gorham Middle School designed to support and engage families in the middle school experience. Our goal is to provide clarity on key topics that impact students and equip parents and guardians with valuable information and resources.

Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 school year, we plan to expand Parent University by hosting sessions every two months on topics that matter most to families. To ensure we are addressing your needs, we want your input as we plan our first Parent University Night on March 18th.

Please take a moment to fill out this short form to let us know which topics you would find most helpful. Options include:

• What’s Changing for the 2025-2026 School Year

• Navigating Google Classroom & Infinite Campus

• Helping Your Student Navigate the Digital World at Home

• Understanding the Rapid Brain Development of a Middle Schooler

Your feedback will help us create sessions that are informative, relevant, and valuable for our school community. Thank you for your input—we look forward to continuing our partnership with you!