FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

CELEBRATING JANUARY

HAPPENING IN THE CLASSROOM

January has been a busy and exciting month at Gorham Middle School! From hands-on learning in the classroom to outdoor adventures and a great winter sports season, our students have been putting in the work and having a blast along the way. Here’s a look at what each grade level has been up to!

8th Grade – Bringing Science to Life

Our 8th graders have been getting hands-on with structural engineering, using real-world problem-solving to explore friction and electricity. These projects aren’t just about science—they’re about creativity, collaboration, and thinking like engineers. It’s been awesome to see students tackle challenges and apply what they’re learning in a way that really sticks!

7th Grade – History, Science, and Making Connections

This month, our 7th-grade social studies classes for an important discussion about Martin Luther King Jr.’s fight for equality. Students explored the incredible courage it takes to stand up for what’s right and how MLK’s leadership still impacts us today. Over in science, students have been diving into genetics, figuring out how traits are passed down and using Punnett squares to predict outcomes. It’s been really cool to see students make connections between what they learn in class and how it applies to their own families and the world around them!

6th Grade – Big Ideas in Science and Math

Our 6th graders have spent January uncovering Earth’s history through the geologic time scale, exploring fossils and discovering how our planet has changed over billions of years. In math, they’ve been working on writing and solving algebraic equations, setting the stage for more complex problem-solving ahead. Building a strong math foundation now is key, and we love seeing students gain confidence as they realize how much they have learned throughout the school year!

Team Katahdin – Hitting the Slopes

Team Katahdin has kicked off their weekly ski trips, and it’s been incredible to see students push themselves outside their comfort zones. Learning how to ski isn’t just about having fun (though that’s a big part of it!)—it’s also about building confidence, perseverance, and independence. Research shows that solo sports like skiing help students develop resilience and problem-solving skills, and we love seeing them take on this new challenge!

PE – Embracing Winter Weather

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean we’re staying inside! Our PE teachers have been making the most of the snow by getting students outside for sledding and other winter activities. Fresh air and movement are so important, and we love that our students get to enjoy Maine’s winter while staying active and engaged!

GMS Rams Basketball – What a Season!

Our basketball season has officially wrapped up, and we couldn’t be more proud of our student-athletes! They worked hard, gave it their all, and balanced their time between the classroom and the court like true champs. Sports teach important lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and leadership, and it was amazing to see our Rams grow both as players and as people this season. As always, GO RAMS!

It’s been a month full of learning, growth, and fun at GMS. We’re so proud of our students and can’t wait to see what’s in store for February!

STAFF SHOUTOUTS - HOOTIE AWARD WINNERS

At Gorham Middle School, we believe in recognizing the incredible work of our teachers who go above and beyond for students. The Hootie Award is a peer recognition award, passed along weekly from one staff member to another, celebrating those who make a meaningful impact on our school community. Whether it's through exceptional support, innovative teaching, or simply making a difference in students' lives, this award highlights the dedication and commitment of our amazing educators. Over the course of January, the Hootie Award got passed to Mr. McCarthy, Mr. Robinson, Mrs. Lamarre, and Mr. Valentin!

We are always intentional about passing the award off during a class, ensuring that students can see staff celebrating one another. It’s important for students to witness the strong sense of teamwork and appreciation that makes GMS such a special place. When one of our friends, peers, or colleagues gets recognized, let’s get excited! A culture of celebration and support benefits everyone in our school community. Our February Hootie Award Winners are below!

Mr. McCarthy - 7th Grade Science

Mr. Robinson - Reach

Mrs. Lamarre - 8th Grade Science

Mr. Valentin - Special Education

COMING UP IN FEBRUARY

IMPORTANT FEBRUARY DATES

SCHOOL COUNSELOR APPRECIATION WEEK

We’re kicking off February by celebrating two incredible members of our Gorham Middle School team—our school counselors, Heather Richards and Emma Ambrose!

National School Counseling Week is a time to recognize the essential role that school counselors play in supporting students' academic, social, and emotional growth. Heather and Emma go above and beyond every day to ensure our students feel supported, heard, and empowered to succeed. From helping students navigate challenges to fostering a positive school culture, their impact is felt in every corner of GMS.

Throughout the week, we encourage students, staff, and families to take a moment to thank Heather and Emma for their dedication and hard work. Whether it’s a kind note, a high five in the hallway, or a simple "thank you," let’s show our appreciation for all they do! 

CAREER INTEREST SURVEY - HELPING SHAPE FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES

This February, all Gorham Middle School students will be taking a Career Interest Survey to explore their strengths, interests, and potential career paths. This survey helps identify career clusters that align with students’ passions, giving them insights into future possibilities.

In the past, we’ve conducted this survey in June, but this year, we’re shifting it to February to make better use of the results. By gathering this information earlier, we can incorporate students' interests into our instructional planning and school-wide initiatives. This will allow us to be more intentional about how we connect learning to real-world applications and help students see the relevance of their education in preparing for the future.

We’re excited to see what career clusters emerge and how we can continue shaping engaging and meaningful learning experiences for all students!

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. Families will receive more information next week, including an opt-out form for those who prefer their student not to participate in the survey.

BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS ASSEMBLY MID-YEAR REVIEW

As we enter the second half of the school year, it’s important to take time to reset and reinforce our school-wide behavior expectations. On the other side of February break, we will hold our Mid-Year Behavior Expectations Review Assemblies with all students. These assemblies serve as an opportunity to remind everyone of the values that make Gorham Middle School a safe, respectful, and positive learning environment.

This year, we will place a strong focus on digital citizenship, harassment, and being in the appropriate space at the appropriate time. Students will be reminded of their responsibility when using technology, the importance of treating others with kindness and respect, and the expectations for being where they need to be throughout the school day.

We appreciate your continued support in reinforcing these expectations at home. Together, we can ensure a successful and positive second half of the school year! 

GMS ATHLETIC OFFERINGS IN FEBRUARY

As we move into February, we have some exciting athletic opportunities for our students!

Additionally, more information regarding spring sports will be shared at the end of February. If you have any questions or need more details, please contact our Athletic Director, Sherry Coyne, at Sherry.Coyne@gorhamschools.org.

We encourage students to get involved and take advantage of these great opportunities!

CELEBRATING NATIONAL GIRLS & WOMEN IN SPORTS DAY WITH USM ATHLETICS

We are excited to announce that on February 5th, Gorham Middle School will be collaborating with the University of Southern Maine (USM) Athletics to celebrate National Girls & Women in Sports Day! This special event recognizes the achievements of female athletes and promotes the importance of sports participation for all students.

USM student-athletes and coaches will be visiting GMS to engage with our 8th-grade students, share their experiences, and highlight the positive impact of sports on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to connect with collegiate athletes and be inspired by their dedication and success.

We look forward to celebrating this important day and encouraging all students to stay active, set goals, and embrace the many benefits of sports!

GMS PARTNERS IN EDUCATION PRESENTS: PARENT UNIVERSITY

We are excited to introduce 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 middle schoolers and help equip parents and guardians with valuable information and resources.

Looking ahead to next year, we plan to expand Parent University by hosting sessions every two months on topics relevant to students and families. But first, we want to hear from YOU! To help us plan our first Parent University Night on March 18th, we are seeking input from families on what topics you would like us to dive deeper into. We will be sending something out over the next couple of weeks to see what you are interested in learning more about, and will be including the questionnaire in our daily announcements. Be on the lookout!