Principal's Message

Greetings Undaunted Knights!

And how are the children? How would you answer this question?

This is our last week of school! Thank you to all parents, staff, students and community members for making this a memorable first year and school year '24 for me and our baby Knights! I appreciate your support of  Thee G. James Gholson Middle School! I'm pleased and proud of our children and our Gholson Community. UNDAUNTED, we faced and overcame many obstacles this year. Here are just some of our wins-

• Had the largest reduction of Chronically Absent (students who were absent 10% of total school days) in the district from January 2023 to January 2024.

• Overcame 20 vacancies

• Added 4 new permanent staff

• Added 5 substitutes to our substitute cohort- 2 of which are current Gholson parents

• Fed over 1,000 households through the monthly Family Food Market

• Students embarked on 10+ field trips

• Average score on PGCPS Benchmark Assessments increased at least 4+ points between Benchmark I and Benchmark III (with 20 teacher vacancies)

• 75% of the 8th graders have completed 8 or more Student Service Learning hours

• Recognized for completing the most lessons across all grade levels in new Second Step program

• Jump started the Parent Leaders Club

• Suspensions were down 55% compared to SY 2023

• Fights decreased compared to SY 2023

• Consistent decrease of overdue Special Education Individual Education Plans (IEP) and reevaluations

• No Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) SpEd complaints were filed during this school year

• 3 students with IEPs returned to general education after re-evaluations

• Over 80% Special Education Progress Report Completion

• 3 students placed in appropriate most restrictive environment

• Completed IEPs and no overdue even given significant SpEd department vacancies

• 8th graders accepted to Fairmont Heights, Central, Flowers Science & Tech, Largo International, Duval Aviation, Bladensburg, and Bishop McNamara High Schools

AND THIS ISN'T EVEN half of our WINS this year!

Last week we welcomed rising sixth graders; students played games at Main Event; seventh graders learned how to manage their finances; sailed the Inner Harbor; eighth graders danced out of their shoes; celebrated our parent volunteers, scholar-athletes, and all the eighth graders who UNDAUNTEDLY excelled in their academics, service, and citizenship. As Assistant Principal Giles passionately shared at the 8th Grade Awards program, "We are raising the standard at Thee G. James Gholson!" We don't celebrate "E"s, we celebrate UNDAUNTED EXCELLENCE! Check out all we got into on Twitter @gholson_knights.

Remember Fourth Quarter and the 2024 school year end Thursday, June 13.  Be mindful that June 12 and June 13 are 3-hour early dismissal days. Be sure you make adjustments to ensure you pick up your child at 11:15 AM, if they are a car rider. Also, all students should have returned their PGCPS-issued Chromebooks by now. If not returned, students will receive a fine up to $200. Beginning June 24 through August 16, Gholson registration, enrollment, etc. office hours will be 9 - 3 PM.

ICYMI, Prince Geroge's County Public Schools is moving to Synergy Student Information System. Synergy will replace SchoolMAX. Please make sure all your contact information is up to date and that you've completed the Transportation survey here:

http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/-aKJbFSnaACXkXDBeoWedQ~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRoLH8IP0QxaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3VydmV5bW9ua2V5LmNvbS9yL0NvbnRhY3RUcmFuc3BvcnQyNVcHc2Nob29sbUIKZkSIS0tm68BW51IdbmF0YXNoYWplbmtpbnNzb2dkY0BnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAE~

Thank you to our parents and families who heeded my call and spoke with their child about their use of profanity and respect. Please continue to encourage our children to represent you well and show their best selves! 

And we will continue to  push Positivity at "THEE G." It is my expectation that our children will "push Positivity at THEE G" by-

• being PREPARED- wearing their complete uniform, no ski-masks or hats; having their Chromebook, pens/pencils, notebook; arriving to school and classes on time

• being UPLIFTING- assisting classmates and staff; positively encouraging classmates; sharing with classmates

• being SAFE- following all instructions and directions of all Gholson staff members; following all school procedures and routines; keeping hands/bodies and objects to theirselves; reporting unsafe, inappropriate, or unusual goings-ons to adults

• being HELPFUL- cleaning up after themselves; keeping our school clean and free of graffitti; reporting any concerns or needs to adults immediately 

The weather is warming and we know off-task and negative behaviors tend to rise during warmer seasons. At Gholson, we will continue to enforce our high expectations of our Knights. Remember, my expectation is that all students will arrive to class on time every time. Please know we don't accept any excuses for students not being in their assigned location on time; for students being in the hallways without a written pass. Our children are old enough and intelligent enough to know their daily schedule; to follow verbal and written directions; and to procure written permission (pass) to exit class during class time. To accept any excuse, discounts their abilities and intelligence and is disrespectful to them. We are conducting hallsweeps every MOD every day to support students in arriving to class on time. Students who are caught more than once in the hallsweeps will face increasing disciplinary actions and exclusion from field trips and incentive activities for trespassing, loitering, and refusal to follow reasonable staff directions.

Parents please join us and help us to redirect and curb any students who come to 900 Nalley Road and try to do what they want, disrupt learning, and put the safety of everyone at risk.  We cannot allow students who choose to do actions that make it unsafe and disrupt the learning and teaching of everyone to be at 900 Nalley Road without their parent/guardian. Either children will be at home with their parent/guardian or they will be in school with their parent/guardian. Thank you to the parents and caregivers that have already come and shadowed their children! We see the difference your influence has made.

Work with us in ensuring Gholson MS is safe, seen, and supported by-

1. 1. Using your parental influence to impress upon your child they better not get caught in the hallways during class time without a pass.

   2. Coming to shadow your child at school.

Remember, in order for students to be invited to field trips, incentive activities (dances, pep rallies, 8th Grade Dance, 8th Grade Class Trip, 8th Grade Awards, etc.) they must meet the following criteria-

• No PS-74, minor incident form, suspensions (ISS/OSS) [incl. cutting class, loitering, tardiness, absconding, etc.]

• Passing grades of C/D

• No uniform violations 

• No grade less than 70%

Students who do not meet all of these criteria will not attend or participate. 

And to those who have negative opinions about Gholson MS, I ask "What is your most recent step you've personally taken to improve Gholson MS and our children's experience?" And "What is the evidence of the impact of your actions?" If you are struggling to answer these questions, I invite you to -

1. Join our Parent Leaders Club which meets the first Thursday of each month.

2. Shadow your child or come in and check on them. 

3. Volunteer at Gholson MS via www.pgcps.org/volunteer or recruit long term substitutes.

4. Apply at www.pgcps.org/careers or recruit teachers.

5. Ask your child's teacher how you can support your child and the classroom.

Be sure to discuss school expectations with your child daily so they are able to make sure they and everyone in our community is safe, seen, and supported to be successful. Only when students meet our expectations and abide by our procedures and protocols can we ensure their safety, learning, and the orderliness of school operations. 

This Joyful June let's find ways to look for what's good. Today's Action for Happiness encourages us to bring joy to others by doing something kind for them "Joyful June."

Together, with you, we are the #UndauntedKnights. Together, we will overcome any and all obstacles to ensure our beloved children feel safe, seen, and supported to be successful!

SCROLL TO  THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

A dress down ticket to the student of the parent who e-mails Principal Broussard the correct answers to these questions

What does the Action for Happiness Calendar say on June  21?

By what date should your child return their Chromebook?

What are the new school start times next year?

Did you vote on Gholson's uniform policy?

This newsletter will be updated Sunday nights and posted on the G. James Gholson Middle website to keep all students, staff, families and community members informed. Be sure to read and make note of all details.

Principal's Message

Greetings Undaunted Knights!

And how are the children? How would you answer this question?

We are one week closer to summer break! As things are winding down, parents don't let up on communicating with staff, monitoring your child's social media, text messages, and grades! FINISH STRONG! Fourth Quarter ends June 13, be mindful that June 12 and June 13 are 3 hour early dismissal days. Be sure you make adjustments to ensure you pick up your child at 11:15 PM, if they are a car rider. Tomorrow, June 3, is the last day students should return their PGCPS-issued Chromebooks. Also, I invite all rising sixth and seventh graders (SY 25), to come to Gholson at 6:00 PM for the Rising 6th and 7th Grade Parent Night. At this time, parents and students will have the opportunity to learn about Thee G. James Gholson MS and how they can support their child in being successful. 

June 1 marked the first day of Pride month. Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In the United States the last Sunday in June was initially celebrated as "Gay Pride Day," but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the nation the "day" soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, cookouts, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

ICYMI, Prince Geroge's County Public Schools is moving to Synergy Student Information System. Synergy will replace SchoolMAX. Please make sure your contact information is up to date and that you've completed the Transportation survey here -> http://track.spe.schoolmessenger.com/f/a/-aKJbFSnaACXkXDBeoWedQ~~/AAAAAQA~/RgRoLH8IP0QxaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3VydmV5bW9ua2V5LmNvbS9yL0NvbnRhY3RUcmFuc3BvcnQyNVcHc2Nob29sbUIKZkSIS0tm68BW51IdbmF0YXNoYWplbmtpbnNzb2dkY0BnbWFpbC5jb21YBAAAAAE~

Check out Twitter @gholson_Knights to see pictures of all that we got into last week! This week students continue to take the PGCPS Benchmark 3 to measure their progress in RELA, Math, and Social Studies and seventh graders will get a taste of being an adult and managing their finances in real life via the Junior Achievement Finance Field Trip. And Honor Roll awardees will embark on a fun field trip to Main Event.  

Thank you to our parents and families who heeded my call and spoke with their child about their use of profanity and respect. Please continue to encourage our children to represent you well and show their best selves! 

Thee G. James Gholson is moving into a school-based program for student devices beginning with the school year 2024-2025. The school-based program means that students will no longer be assigned a device that travels with them from home to school and back. Their Chromebooks will be placed in a cart or a secure location for use during the instructional day in the classroom. Even though our school will be school-based for student devices in the upcoming year, if you choose, your child can be assigned a device to take home with them after signing the Student Device Usage Agreement. 

Please help prepare for our school-based program by completing the following:

• By June 3, be sure your child brings their PGCPS-issued device (with charging cord and case) to school so it can be checked and kept at school for the upcoming school year.

• If your child does not return a device or your child’s device has been damaged as a result of negligence, lost, or stolen, a fee may be assessed based on what’s identified in the Student Device Usage Agreement

And we will continue to  push Positivity at "THEE G." It is my expectation that our children will "push Positivity at THEE G" by-

• being PREPARED- wearing their complete uniform, no ski-masks or hats; having their Chromebook, pens/pencils, notebook; arriving to school and classes on time

• being UPLIFTING- assisting classmates and staff; positively encouraging classmates; sharing with classmates

• being SAFE- following all instructions and directions of all Gholson staff members; following all school procedures and routines; keeping hands/bodies and objects to theirselves; reporting unsafe, inappropriate, or unusual goings-ons to adults

• being HELPFUL- cleaning up after themselves; keeping our school clean and free of graffitti; reporting any concerns or needs to adults immediately 

The weather is warming and we know off-task and negative behaviors tend to rise during warmer seasons. At Gholson, we will continue to enforce our high expectations of our Knights. Remember, my expectation is that all students will arrive to class on time every time. Please know we don't accept any excuses for students not being in their assigned location on time; for students being in the hallways without a written pass. Our children are old enough and intelligent enough to know their daily schedule; to follow verbal and written directions; and to procure written permission (pass) to exit class during class time. To accept any excuse, discounts their abilities and intelligence and is disrespectful to them. We are conducting hallsweeps every MOD every day to support students in arriving to class on time. Students who are caught more than once in the hallsweeps will face increasing disciplinary actions and exclusion from field trips and incentive activities for trespassing, loitering, and refusal to follow reasonable staff directions.

Parents please join us and help us to redirect and curb any students who come to 900 Nalley Road and try to do what they want, disrupt learning, and put the safety of everyone at risk.  We cannot allow students who choose to do actions that make it unsafe and disrupt the learning and teaching of everyone to be at 900 Nalley Road without their parent/guardian. Either children will be at home with their parent/guardian or they will be in school with their parent/guardian. Thank you to the parents and caregivers that have already come and shadowed their children! We see the difference your influence has made.

Work with us in ensuring Gholson MS is safe, seen, and supported by-

1. 1. Using your parental influence to impress upon your child they better not get caught in the hallways during class time without a pass.

   2. Coming to shadow your child at school.

Remember, in order for students to be invited to field trips, incentive activities (dances, pep rallies, 8th Grade Dance, 8th Grade Class Trip, 8th Grade Awards, etc.) they must meet the following criteria-

• No PS-74, minor incident form, suspensions (ISS/OSS) [incl. cutting class, loitering, tardiness, absconding, etc.]

• Passing grades of C/D

• No uniform violations 

• No grade less than 70%

Students who do not meet all of these criteria will not attend or participate. 

And to those who have negative opinions about Gholson MS, I ask "What is your most recent step you've personally taken to improve Gholson MS and our children's experience?" And "What is the evidence of the impact of your actions?" If you are struggling to answer these questions, I invite you to -

1. Join our Parent Leaders Club which meets the first Thursday of each month.

2. Shadow your child or come in and check on them. 

3. Volunteer at Gholson MS via www.pgcps.org/volunteer or recruit long term substitutes.

4. Apply at www.pgcps.org/careers or recruit teachers.

5. Ask your child's teacher how you can support your child and the classroom.

Be sure to discuss school expectations with your child daily so they are able to make sure they and everyone in our community is safe, seen, and supported to be successful. Only when students meet our expectations and abide by our procedures and protocols can we ensure their safety, learning, and the orderliness of school operations. 

This Joyful June let's find ways to look for what's good. Today's Action for Happiness encourages us to save positive things in your conversations with others "Joyful June."

Together, with you, we are the #UndauntedKnights. Together, we will overcome any and all obstacles to ensure our beloved children feel safe, seen, and supported to be successful!

SCROLL TO  THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE

A dress down ticket to the student of the parent who e-mails Principal Broussard the correct answers to these questions

By what date should your child return their Chromebook?

What are the new school start times next year?

What does the Action for Happiness Calendar say on June 13?

Did you vote on Gholson's uniform policy?

This newsletter will be updated Sunday nights and posted on the G. James Gholson Middle website to keep all students, staff, families and community members informed. Be sure to read and make note of all details.