Thee G. James Gholson Middle School is a place where every community member feels safe, feels seen, and is supported to succeed.

Principal's Message

Greetings Undaunted Knights!

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

Quarter 3 ends FRIDAY, MARCH 22. As this is the last five days before the end of the quarter, no late work or make up work will be accepted in order to give teachers fair opportunity to grade work, give feedback to students and close out the quarter. Check your child's grades in SchoolMAX so you know what to expect when grades come out in April and you can support them 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.

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 note- if children come to 900 Nalley Road and try to do what they want, disrupt learning, and put the safety of everyone at risk, I will not allow them 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.

If you believe these measures are too harsh, you have two choices-

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

   2. Come shadow them at school for at least three days.

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, 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. 

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 Mindful March let's pause, breathe and notice, so we can respond more mindfully. Today's Action for Happiness encourages us to have a "no plans" day and notice how it feels "Mindful March."

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 March 22?

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.

Opportunities for students

Upcoming events

Principal's Message

Greetings Undaunted Knights!

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

It's great things happening at THEE G. James Gholson Middle School! If you didn't come through last week, you definitely missed out! This month we celebrate Women's History and Social Emotional Learning Week. Check out the "Upcoming Events" and the rest of this newsletter to see how you can participate in the celebrations and activities. I'm calling all parents to show up and show out at our Parent Leaders Club- our GJGMS parent association and to complete the Budget Survey to share your ideas for how we should spend next year's budget. Remember to take advantage of all the supports available to you and your child such as the parent meetings, Monday Parent Support Centers, etc. 

Parents please note- if children come to 900 Nalley Road and try to do what they want, disrupt learning, and put the safety of everyone at risk, I will not allow them 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.

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 of them. 

If you believe these measures are too harsh, you have two choices-

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

   2. Come shadow them at school for at least three days.

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 skimasks 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 

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

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

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

4. 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 Mindful March let's pause, breathe and notice, so we can respond more mindfully. Today's Action for Happiness encourages us to start today appreciating your body and that you're alive in this "Mindful March."

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 March 1 ?

What day can you come to Gholson and open a savings account?

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.

Opportunities for students

Upcoming events

School Mission: All GJGMS stakeholders will work collaboratively and communicate effectively to create a respectful, safe, and orderly environment where there is a passion for innovative teaching and lifelong learning.

School Vision: We at GJGMS will provide a healthy and collaborative community where students develop literacy skills across all content areas and are afforded opportunities for problem-solving, critical thinking, and self-awareness in order to develop strong academics in preparation for college.