Principal's Message

Greetings Undaunted Knights!

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

I am SO grateful for the family support Gholson and our children receive! Our Knight parents are some of the best! I'll put them up against anybody! And there is NOTHING they won't do to see that their children are safe, seen, and supported to be successful. From connecting with admin to give heads up of student concerns; volunteering in the office, substitute teaching; advocating for students at school and at the Board of Education; breaking up neighborhood fights; or coming together with other families to partner with the admin team to resolve student conflicts, our Knight parents do it all! Thank you for making this a great year! Stay strong! We only have a few more weeks left until summer break. 

Monday, you may receive Notices of Concern from teachers alerting you to your child's grade if it is below 70%; unresolved behavior concerns; or if your child has missed 3 or more days. If you don't hear from your children's teacher, please reach out and check in to make sure your child is still on the right track. We will reach midquarter May 6 and progress report grades will go in. This is a GREAT time to intervene if their grades have gone off track.  If your child has a D or E in math or language arts (RELA), bring your child to our Saturday Academy 9:00 -12 PM for free tutoring and enrichment. Some teachers are also offering extra credit for student attendance. This week we continue with our Math MCAP testing. Please ensure your child has turned in their Chromebook and gets a solid night of 8 hours of sleep so they are primed to do their best. We also look forward to field trips to Towson University and Skate Zone this week. 

Remember, PGCPS and Gholson MS primarily communicate via SchoolMessenger. Click the link to make sure your phone, text, and email are connected so you don't miss important messages from PGCPS and Gholson. Check on your friends and family with children at Gholson MS to make sure they are connected too.

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 that discounts their abilities and intelligence 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.

We will continue to  push Positivity at "THEE G." It is my expectation that our children will "push P(ositivity) 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 theirselves; keeping our school clean and free of graffitti; reporting any concerns or needs to adults immediately 

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.]

• No uniform violations 

• No grade less than 70%

Students who do not meet this criteria will not attend or participate. 

And thank you to all who continue to advocate, write letters and call the area office on behalf of Gholson Middle School! Your advocacy has brought much needed attention and prioritization of the needs of our children. Please continue to write, call, and lift your voice to PGCPS leadership at http://apps.pgcps.org/pls/apex/f?p=370; email this letter to PGCPS Board of Education at District 6 Branndon.Jackson@pgcps.org; State senator joanne.benson@senate.state.md.us; PGCPS leadership at Associate Superintendent Amelia.Coleman@pgcps.org and Superintendent House Superintendent@pgcps.org. 

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. 

Communication is the best way to know how the children are! PGCPS and Thee G. James Gholson Middle School have employed a few tools to enable two-way communication between staff and families. Teachers post attendance, assignment grades and comments via SchoolMAX. This is the primary tool to view your child's attendance, grades, and progress. It is PGCPS' and my expectation that parents will regularly check their children's grades in SchoolMAX and intervene. Best practice- Log into SchoolMAX with your child and have them review their attendance, assignment and course grades with you on Wednesdays of each week. This midweek check gives children time to ask their teachers questions and make any needed corrections. If you have questions or concerns as you are reviewing your child's grades, email your child's teacher or reach out to their professional school counselor to schedule a parent/teacher conference. 

This Active April let's find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy. Today's Action for Happiness encourages us to pause regularly, stretch, and breathe during the day in this "Active April."

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

Who is the soccer team's last opponent?

What does the Action for Happiness Calendar say on April  22?

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?

Communication is the best way to know how the children are! PGCPS and Thee G. James Gholson Middle School have employed a few tools to enable two-way communication between staff and families. Teachers post attendance, assignment grades and comments via SchoolMAX. This is the primary tool to view your child's attendance, grades, and progress. It is PGCPS' and my expectation that parents will regularly check their children's grades in SchoolMAX and intervene. Best practice- Log into SchoolMAX with your child and have them review their attendance, assignment and course grades with you on Wednesdays of each week. This midweek check gives children time to ask their teachers questions and make any needed corrections. If you have questions or concerns as you are reviewing your child's grades, email your child's teacher or reach out to their professional school counselor to schedule a parent/teacher conference. 

If your child has a D or E in math or language arts (RELA), bring your child to our Saturday Academy 9:00 -12 PM for free tutoring and enrichment. Some teachers are also offering extra credit for student attendance. 

PGCPS and Gholson MS also communicate via SchoolMessenger. Click the link to make sure your phone, text, and email are connected so you don't miss important messages from PGCPS and Gholson.

Come out this week and show your support for our students in our Visual Arts program at the Central Area Visual Art exhibition. And come out to cheer on our girls and boys soccer teams. Thank you to the families were able to come to last week's Family Forums. If your schedule prevented you from joining us, please keep an eye out for the recap coming to your emails later this week. 

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 that discounts their abilities and intelligence 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.

We will continue to  push Positivity at "THEE G." It is my expectation that our children will "push P(ositivity) 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 theirselves; keeping our school clean and free of graffitti; reporting any concerns or needs to adults immediately 

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.]

• No uniform violations 

• No grade less than 70%

Students who do not meet this criteria will not attend or participate. 

And thank you to all who continue to advocate, write letters and call the area office on behalf of Gholson Middle School! Your advocacy has brought much needed attention and prioritization of the needs of our children. Please continue to write, call, and lift your voice to PGCPS leadership at http://apps.pgcps.org/pls/apex/f?p=370; email this letter to PGCPS Board of Education at District 6 Branndon.Jackson@pgcps.org; State senator joanne.benson@senate.state.md.us; PGCPS leadership at Associate Superintendent Amelia.Coleman@pgcps.org and Superintendent House Superintendent@pgcps.org. 

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 Active April let's find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy. Today's Action for Happiness encourages us to relax our bodies and minds with yoga, tai-chi, or meditation "Active April."

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

Who is the soccer team's first opponent?

What does the Action for Happiness Calendar say on April 17?

How can 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?

Thank you for your outpouring of love and support for our hardworking Assistant Principals! This week we begin MCAP Math testing. Please be sure your child gets at least eight hours of sleep and arrives to school by 7:20 AM to enjoy a healthy, brain energizing breakfast each day. Remember, the use of cell phones and other portable devices are prohibited during testing. Please read this disclosure statement .

Mark your calendars! Set your clocks and reminders for this Thursday, April 11 at 5:00 PM. Join the Gholson Assistant Principals and staff fat the Family Forum for pasta dinner, student performances, important nformation, goodies and freebies that will support your child in finishing school year 23-24 successfully! Note: students whose families attended the Parent Orientation in August 2023 have less incidences meriting disciplinary action and students achieved higher grades compared to the students whose parents did not attend the Parent Orientation. Why? Their parents missed the opportunity to understand school expectations; learn all the staff and resources that they can employ to support their child academically, mentally, and physically; and to know important dates and information to prepare their child for success. Come and equip yourself to give your child a strong start to this quarter!

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 that discounts their abilities and intelligence 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.

We will continue to  push Positivity at "THEE G." It is my expectation that our children will "push P(ositivity) 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 theirselves; keeping our school clean and free of graffitti; reporting any concerns or needs to adults immediately 

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.]

• No uniform violations 

• No grade less than 70%

Students who do not meet this criteria will not attend or participate. 

And thank you to all who continue to advocate, write letters and call the area office on behalf of Gholson Middle School! Your advocacy has brought much needed attention and prioritization of the needs of our children. Please continue to write, call, and lift your voice to PGCPS leadership at http://apps.pgcps.org/pls/apex/f?p=370; email this letter to PGCPS Board of Education at District 6 Branndon.Jackson@pgcps.org; State senator joanne.benson@senate.state.md.us; PGCPS leadership at Associate Superintendent Amelia.Coleman@pgcps.org and Superintendent House Superintendent@pgcps.org. 

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 Active April let's find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy. Today's Action for Happiness encourages us to discover the joy of the simple things in life "Active April."

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

Who is the soccer team's first opponent?

What does the Action for Happiness Calendar say on April 12?

What time does the Family Forum Start

How can you give your input about next year's budget?

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?

HAPPY EASTER/RESURRECTION SUNDAY/ SPRING BREAK! I pray this message finds you well rested and your refrigerators full after having "school stomachs" home with you all week! Parents, caregivers, managers of teenagers- HOLD ON! WE ARE IN THE HOME STRETCH! We only have ONE quarter left! FINISH STRONG! Check your child's grades in SchoolMAX regularly so you can intervene if needed and support our children in doing well Quarter 4. There are several opportunities below- Saturday Academy Extended Learning Opportunity (ELO), Math tutoring- to name a couple- that are available to support our children in succeeding in school. Please take advantage of these free opportunities! Additionally, share your thoughts about how we should spend our budget for school year 24-25. This week is National Assistant Principal Appreciation Week! Show our wonderful assistant principals some Gholson LOVE! And mark your calendars for upcoming dates!

Additionally, 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 that discounts their abilities and intelligence 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 them they better not get caught in the hallways during class time without a pass.

   2. Coming to shadow your child at school.

We will continue to  push Positivity at "THEE G." It is my expectation that our children will "push P(ositivity) 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 theirselves; keeping our school clean and free of graffitti; reporting any concerns or needs to adults immediately 

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.]

• No uniform violations 

• No grade less than 70%

Students who do not meet this criteria will not attend or participate. 

And thank you to all who continue to advocate, write letters and call the area office on behalf of Gholson Middle School! Your advocacy has brought much needed attention and prioritization of the needs of our children. Please continue to write, call, and lift your voice to PGCPS leadership at http://apps.pgcps.org/pls/apex/f?p=370; email this letter to PGCPS Board of Education at District 6 Branndon.Jackson@pgcps.org; State senator joanne.benson@senate.state.md.us; PGCPS leadership at Associate Superintendent Amelia.Coleman@pgcps.org and Superintendent House Superintendent@pgcps.org. 

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 Active April let's find ways to get moving and stay active and healthy. Today's Action for Happiness encourages us to discover the joy of the simple things in life "Active April."

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

When does the Math and RELA MCAP Saturday Tutoring end?

What does the Action for Happiness Calendar say on April 1?

What time does the Parent Leader Club start?

How can you give your input about next year's budget?

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.