Hello GMS Community,

I hope this finds you well and enjoying this beautiful Fall weather. This message includes information, events details, and insights into what’s happening at George MS. We appreciate your partnership and involvement with the success of our students and George Community!

GMS School Climate: Over the past three weeks we have seen an improvement in our student climate, though we still have progress to make. From late September through October 23, our school climate was challenged by a number of factors, including difficult events in the North Portland community and student behaviors within our school (e.g. student conflicts and fights). In response, our staff, climate team, leadership team, and students responded in a number of ways.

First, our staff and climate team has been working closely with individual students and groups of students, especially when proactive steps such as mediation and restoration could lead to positive outcomes. Second, in late October we held grade-level assemblies to provide important messages and reset expectations for our students. These included calling on our students to step forward and make positive changes in how they influence each other. We asked them to be positive leaders to help reduce student conflicts and fights. Additionally, we made sure students knew of the importance of having a safe school environment and that fights would not be tolerated.

Since we implemented these and other steps, our students have risen to the occasion and we have seen a dramatic decrease in fights and student conflicts. When challenges arise, we are finding an increasing number of students helping their peers to work through the issues in appropriate ways, seeking adult guidance, and participating in mediation and restorative conversations. While three weeks simply marks the start of a new trend, we believe that this positive momentum is important to notice and celebrate.

Our Students Are Leaders: At the center of positive change in our school are our students. As they embrace high expectations for themselves and each other, we see a positive difference. When they influence their friends and peers, they play a key role in the change they want to see. Positive peer pressure makes a difference this is something we are increasingly seeing from our students. At George we have student officers and official student leaders, and we also know that every student can be and is a leader among their peers. Each student makes an important difference in our school and climate.

Parents and Guardians: Your role with our school climate is crucial. We have heard from a number of parents, sometimes to bring concerns to our attention and sometimes to ask how they can help. We very much appreciate our parent partnership, support, and the difference you make. Your voice, high expectations, the time you take to listen to your student(s), and your involvement, all contribute to making a positive contribution to our school climate. Please continue to share any concerns you have with teachers, staff, and administrators. Together we can continue to make strong progress toward maintaining a safe, respectful, and kind school environment, one where excellence in character and academics can be realized.

Advisory Starts Our Day at George: Each morning in every class we start our day with a 15-minute advisory lesson. Students learn and participate in important topics related to the school climate and culture, learn about opportunities and events, and how they can make a positive difference. Among the topics, students learn about expectations, growth mindset, empathy and character, cultural heritage, and develop individual awareness. They also participate in community circles, have weekly binder checks, set and monitored academic and attendance goals, and participate in student government. Advisory is a time for our students to connect with what’s important for individual and collective success.

Thank You Voters!: All of us at PPS are thankful that voters across Portland voted to renew the levy that pays for over 800 teachers per year, teachers in every school in the district, including here at George MS. That’s about one-third of all PPS teachers. 

PTA Meeting This Wednesday (Tomorrow): We'd like to invite all George families to join us at our next George Middle School PTA meeting this Wednesday. Meetings start with pizza, refreshments, and socializing from 5:30 to 6:00 pm and then from 6:00 pm to around 7:30 pm we work together to figure out ways we can help our students succeed at George! At this month’s meeting, the PTA Board Election meetings will be held. George PTA is looking to elect a President, Treasurer, and Secretary.

Staffing Updates: On Monday last week, Maria Kidder began her service as our Learning Resource Center teacher. This allowed Kevin Carter, who had been serving as the long-term Learning Resource Center substitute since the first few days of school, to switch and begin subbing in PE/Health. The PE/Health need was due to the recent resignation of Neil Millberger. Additionally, for 7th grade science, Ms. Hall is on leave through winter break. Stephan Hoda has taken over the 7th grade science position serving as the long-term substitute. We are pleased to have these new teachers as a part of our GMS staff.

Columbia Project: Construction for the Columbia project is happening now! It should last about 45 days to install a traffic light, and about 100+ days for the whole project to be completed. For more information on the project please check out the website HERE.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have questions, concerns, or information you would like to share.

Sincerely,

Peter