Hurricane Newsletters
May
You know they have many more years of school ahead, but let them know how proud you are of them and how many hopes you have in your heart for their future…..This milestone is worth celebrating and marking with a special gift.
Might we suggest a good book? We have pulled together a list of middle-school-moving-up-worthy volumes that make great gifts for the middle school graduate in your life.
Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is observed in the United States during the month of May. It recognizes the contributions and influence of Asian Americans and Pacific Islander Americans to the history, culture, and achievements of the United States. For your viewing enjoyment please gather the family and discover this newly released story on the life of Duke Kahanamoku. He shattered swimming records and globalized surfing while overcoming racism in a lifetime of personal challenges.
You can find it HERE
PI Community: Highlighting Our Diverse Tapestry brings Asian Americans and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders together to celebrate across their communities, uplift their voices, and look toward a future of healing and strength. Hosted by Amna Nawaz of the PBS NewsHour, the celebration features remarks from President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.
We were inspired after reading the Brunswick News article about a new sport that seems to have taken over our local parks....Pickleball !! Our community has courts at 4 local parks. With the low cost of equipment, we thought it would be a splendid Summertime suggestion for our families. When we dug in and did some research and discovered that this sport existed because some dads were trying to entertain their bored kids during the Summer, we were already down the rabbit hole! We hope your family will try the fastest growing sport in America!!! It's a fact that family time together creates and nurtures better students. A win-win. Now serve.
Click HERE to register for this exciting event!
The 2022 Kentucky Derby takes place on Saturday, May 7 at Churchill Downs. Zandon is the favorite, followed by Epicenter and Messier. The 148th edition of the Run for the Roses gets underway at 6:57 p.m. Ladies, this is your chance to express your inner Southern Belle, so put on your most beautiful spring dress and add a fancy hat or fascinator. Gents, your dress code is bright, light, and preppy. This is not the time to be restrained, so put the kibosh on khaki pants, white shirts and blue blazers! Wear those bold pants, gingham shirts and sherbert-colored ties. As it turns out, you don't have to know anything about horse to enjoy the pageantry, pomp and circumstance of the Derby. Most of us will watch the race from our living rooms on NBC Sports. Which horse catches your eye?
The CAF Air Power History Tour is coming to YOUR TOWN!! A don't miss family event... featuring national historic WWII aircraft that you can book a ride in ! Yes, excitement is in the air.. go HERE to learn about all the details and book in advance before all the plane rides are sold out.
Welcome MAY !! Whether it's the flowers in bloom or the spray of the ocean, signs of Spring are filling the air around our homes. Marked by longer, sun-filled days, this is the time of year we love highlighting our outdoor activities and hope to encourage learning-filled family time.
April
Saturday, April 30th will feature an Arbor Day Celebration. Beginning at 8:30am. a treee will be planting in Goodyear Park, Brunswick. Next, a celebration from 9:00-1:00pm will be held in Jekyll Square East (next to Tipsy McSways). There will be tours, activities, educational resources and tree experts who can answer questions. Bring the family!
Shell-a-brate !!! The Georgia Sea Turtle Center will celebrate its 15th year in operation. From 10:00 am-3:00 pm Saturday, April 30th, both kids and adults will have an opportunity to learn about sea turtle nesting, life cycles and how the center rehabilitates the aquatic reptiles. The event also marks the beginning of sea turtle nesting season which begins May 1. A wonderful family activity that encourages the next generation to be curious!
STAR of Coastal Georgia works to ensure individuals in our community have the necessary computer skills, life skills, and work skills needed to be prepared for the workforce. They offer short morning and evening workshops on various topics, as well as their "signature" more comprehensive Employment Readiness Program (ERP). The next ERP class begins Monday, May 2nd and they are registering individuals now !!! Let this Spring be the time to turn your financial life around, and rise to the next level !! Parents, here is valuable help from a caring team.
At your local live theatre... a tantalizing tale. Brunswick's SoGlo Gallery.
Through April 24th !! At Hofwyl Broadfield Plantation from 10:00 - 4:00 . So much family fun you will not want to miss this! Click here to get all the details.
Earth Day! Saturday April 23rd in Mary Ross Park. Click here for full details and schedule of this family friendly event.
February
This month's LEARNING SPOTLIGHT is on Copyright Piracy. Learn all about the harms of copyright piracy, what is copyright piracy, what types of work does this apply to, and much much more! CLICK HERE for the guide.
Parents, guardians and caregivers.. we all know the struggles of keeping up with digital learning. Here's a wonderful resource for you to help navigate this most important tool. And, as always, let us know how we can assist. The guide in ENGLISH. And here is the guide in SPANISH.
When: Sunday, February 13th
Where: Howard Coffin Park
What Time: 1:00pm-4:00pm
Cost: FREE
Learn bike handling skills, strategies for riding in traffic, and other methods for safe cycling. This class is presented by Georgia Bikes in partnership with Bike Walk Golden Isles and Bike Walk Savannah.
Parents! February is Black History Month, so we are spotlighting our own black history in this month's Parent and Family Engagement Workshop entitled "Building Brunswick's Liberty Ships..African Americans and the J.A. Jones Shipyard". Not only will your family learn about our local people, and the fame brought to our port city with the building of Liberty Ships, but you will actually be able to visit the site where it all happened! It's OUR history. We know you will enjoy this family activity featuring "Our Town".
January
Parents!
We are super excited to tell you all about the Food Talk series starting in February. On Tuesdays from 5:30-6:30, the UGA Extension Office will host healthy food/cooking classes right here at Glynn Middle for GCSS families free of charge!! Families will get to sample the food and go home with freebies. The best part is that those families who attend 6 out of the 8 classes will receive a certificate from UGA. So, save the date(s)!! and come join us for these fun events.
The downside is that she is only able to accommodate 25 participants at a time. So please sign up ...... . Count Me In!
Every year on the third Monday in January, we honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This holiday provides teachers and parents the opportunity to talk openly with kids about America's history, the values that Dr. King and other civil rights activists fought for, and how we can continue to strive for and promote equal rights. Did you know that his now famous speech almost didn't have the phrase..." I have a dream" ?.. Learn about the speech and the passion of that day.
What to watch with your family this month:
Animals with Cameras on PBS. https://www.pbs.org/video/about-animals-cameras-oceans/
The natural world isn't always easy to film, so this series hands filming to the animals! Each recording could reveal secrets to protect wildlife. This is their footage, and this is their story.
This month's Parent Involvement Workshop is focusing on hunting. Continuing our focus this year on "Our Town", our virtual workshops are activities for the whole family to enjoy. "Our Town" activities are right outside your door, and are meant to inspire interest in the world around you. We certainly hope you enjoy. We highly promote family activities.....families having fun together, families learning together...families playing. Our resource center has lots of games if your family would like a fun evening in! Just call at ext 2108 and we can make arrangements to send them home with your student.
December
Parents... it's that most wonderful time of the year! Here at Glynn Middle, we have a Christmas tradition that is called HOLIDAY ANGELS. Our teachers and staff volunteer to don angel wings and bless a child's holiday season.... bringing joy and spreading Christmas magic.
Join the community at our local Oak Grove Cemetery for this event! BHS and GA will both be represented in the program...make GMS's voice heard too ! Learn about our historic cemetery in this presentation, and about the Wreaths Across America Program by clicking on the highlighted link and opening the presentation.
The annual community Brunswick Christmas Parade takes place on the first Saturday in December, on the 4th. The Christmas parade is a night-time parade, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Howard Coffin Park, over 100 floats, vehicles, walking groups, and marching band units make their way one mile down the length of Gloucester Street to Mary Ross Waterfront Park in the heart of the Old Town National Register Historic District.
Santa Claus also makes an appearance at the end of the parade.
Local school choirs and music students will present Christmas Caroling in The King and Prince Resort’s grand lobby throughout the month of December. Enjoy the sounds of the season among beautifully decorated fresh-cut evergreen trees and stunning holiday décor. Complementary and delectably cozy refreshments like hot chocolate, Christmas tea and mixed array of sweet treats will be provided. Frederica Academy performs on Tuesday, December 7, Oglethorpe Point Elementary on Thursday, December 9 and St. Simons Elementary on Thursday, December 16. All performances are held from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Christmas Caroling events are open to the public at no charge.
Police and fire and rescue, oh my! Join us on Saturday, December 4, on the Main Lawn in front of The Great Tree, Jekyll Island. FREE. Kids can sit in the driver’s seat and explore several emergency vehicles from Jekyll Island Fire/EMS and Georgia State Patrol. Don’t forget your camera! Plus, chat with real emergency personnel and learn about these exciting vehicles. They’ll also have the chance to see Santa!
Sirens will be silenced.
The wonderful and colorful work of Glynn County K-12 students returns to the Ritz Theatre Gallery when the Annual Student Art Show opens on First Friday, December 3, 2021 from 5-8 pm.
The exhibit features hundreds of art pieces in every medium made by creative K-12 students. “We look forward to this exhibit every year,” says Heather Heath, executive director, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities. “It is so bright and imaginative, and really adds to the festive holiday season.
In addition to the opening, this First Friday will feature a performance by Golden Isles Brass on the Ritz Theatre stage at 6 pm. This new ensemble will play a variety of Christmas music that evening. The Golden Isles Brass Quintet features Mike Bradberry, Don Davis, Ed Jackson, Fred Leif and Ralph Nantze.
The Annual Student Art Show will be on display from December 3, 2021 through January 28, 2022 and can be seen Tuesday -Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. or by appointment or during events. (Please note: The Ritz Theatre will be closed December 20 – January 3 for the holidays.) The Ritz suggests that patrons wear masks in the building but no other restrictions are in effect at this time.
For more information about the exhibit or to find complete details about upcoming events including the upcoming performances of A Christmas Carol, contactGolden Isles Arts and Humanities at (912) 262-6934, or email [email protected]
Did you know?! The Georgia coast is the calving ground for one of the rarest species of whales on Earth !!!! This unique opportunity only happens here, off our coast, and during this season. Let's learn more about this fascinating occurrence, and follow along with the birth rates for the 21-22 Season. Click HERE to access the presentation.
NOVEMBER 2021
Peanuts Fans REJOICE !!
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving featuring Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the gang will be on PBS just in time for Thanksgiving.... but take note, it's only for one day. Tune in to PBS and PBS Kids on Sunday, November 21st at 7:30pm
It's WHALE WEEK here in Georgia. Our North Atlantic Right Whales are endangered, with a current population of only about 350. We want to do everything we can to protect them.
Learn about some of the new gear and regulations that are now in place to help protect our precious whales Every year, December marks the season for North Atlantic Right Whales to come home to Georgia's waters to calve their newborns.
Parents! Want to sharpen your student's math skills? How about practicing math while baking ?! After all, don't we all look forward to the desserts.... Here is a simple recipe for Pumpkin Bars that is sure to delight whether served after the Thanksgiving Dinner, or with your morning coffee.
As we celebrate Veteran's Day, November 9, 2021.. we look back on those who have served to preserve our freedoms. Hollywood war stories mostly end with the hero's return. In reality, the road back to civilian life can be a little less certain. For some, there were ticker tape parades, for others, protests. Watch this moving documentary, part of a series sponsored by PBS, which helps us to understand their experiences. Perhaps we should be asking ourselves.."What can I do to help?"
Dear ELL student's parents, join us on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 @ 5:00 at Risley Annex located at 2900 Albany St, Brunswick, GA 31520. This Title I and Title III event workshop will be conducted in Spanish. We will see you there!
What can we learn from our Native Americans? Tap into the power of your warrior spirit by applying Native American traditions and philosophy to the challenges of everyday life. D.J. Eagle Bear Vanas provides a clear and compelling guide to creating a more rewarding and satisfying life. By allowing our warrior spirit to emerge, we learn to overcome obstacles and find the joy of fulfillment in our ability to serve others. Available on GPB Passport.
When Christopher Columbus reached the Americas, he hoped the land would be rich with gold, silver and precious spices, but perhaps the New World's greatest treasure was its bounty of native food crops cultivated for millenia by indigenous Americans. As we celebrate Native Americans during the month of November, read along and discover their genius in relation to foods.
Parents, join us in our November workshop where we focus on the benefits of reading. We will be gifting books at the Thanksgiving luncheon at the school, or via the Google Form in the workshop presentation. We are thankful for our parents, and want to encourage the family ritual of reading together.
We are thankful this year to welcome our parents back into the school! Please join us for our annual tradition of a Thanksgiving meal with your child.
Parent Involvement will be promoting their November Reading workshop, and gifting books. Do you have an awesome kid? Let's read together over our Thanksgiving break.
The Glynn Middle PTA will also be present and we encourage you to support and participate in this great organization.
Who are you thankful for?
A positive attitude, grateful heart and meaningful relationships can lead to a healthier lifestyle. Who at Glynn Middle are you most thankful for?
October 2021
Please join in on the fun at the 4th Annual Trunk or Treat, Sunday October 31st 4:00pm-6:00pm. In addition to all the candies, there will be live music and food trucks ! Sponsored by the Downtown Development Authority and First Baptist Brunswick.
Bring the whole family out to Queen's Square (1419 Newcastle St) on Saturday, October 30th for a free family movie night. 7:30pm- 9:30pm. Popcorn provided by Compass 360 Realty and hot cocoa provided by Daddy Cates Coffee. It's sure to be a thrilling good time!
Haunted Bike Tour & Movie Night !!!!
October 23 @ 6:00pm-7:00pm . Put on a costume and join your sponsors for a haunted bike tour of Historic Old Town Brunswick on Saturday, October 23 at 6pm. this hour-long spooky tour reveals the spirits that haunt Brunswick! The tour ends at Machen Square with a ghoulish costume contest, a pizza and drink from Arte Pizza, a cupcake from Pam Pam Cupcakes, and a screening of Young Frankenstein. Cash prizes for the best costume and bike helmet design. Bring your own bike or use one of Brunswick Old Town Bicycle Tours. Haunted bike tour & Movie Night!
October Title I Family Engagement Event .. All parents and student teams invited. You don't want to miss this live Google Meet. Thursday, October 14, 2021 @ 5:00 pm. Monarchs and Migration is our topic with RMS Parent Involvement Coordinator Angela Enoch.
Google Meet Code: meet.google.com/aqf-ozpe-xgk
or by phone: (316)746-8057 PIN: 640 599 252#
Parents...you will be the hit when you grab only 3 ingredients for your student and make the most bewitching concoction! You will only need gatorade, gummy worms and dry ice. Watch this video to see the easy instructions. And then use the magic ingredient, dry ice, as a learning moment. There are safety tips you should teach your children when dealing with this material. It's fascinating!
Together we can create a World without Bullying! Wear ORANGE on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 to show your support for Unity Day. Watch this YouTube video about the importance of unity day here. October is National Bullying Prevention Month. Every action, no matter how small, is important.
"Either we spend time meeting children's emotional needs by filling their cup with love, or we spend time dealing with the behaviors caused by their unmet needs. Either way, we spend the time." Pam Greene
Parents, why not take advantage of being out of school on Friday, October 8th, and enjoy a family based activity of a Brunswick Walking Tour!
Looking to scare up a few good shows to watch as a family this month? We've got the scoop on the spooky-and-not-too-scary new show, Scaredy Cats, coming to Netflix this month. So grab the remote and get streaming..In Season 1, Willa Ward receives a magical amulet on her 12th birthday that unlocks a secret world of witchcraft and magic for her and her friends. Stop by the Parent Resource Center with a selfie of your family movie night and win a free popcorn!
Parents, be sure to bring your children to explore and learn about our historic city by the sea. This will be Brunswick's 1st inaugural Cities Week! The theme is Shaping the Future, and each planned activity explores how our city is moving forward through technology and engaging the next generation. You don't want to miss the equipment display by our Police, Fire and Public Works departments at Mary Ross Park...or the food trucks..You'll want to bring the family for the historic walking tour. ..Then use the city beautification day to teach the next generation the importance of volunteering and caring for where we live. Find all the details HERE.
Anyone interested in learning about our coastal Georgia's natural habitats and wildlife will have an opportunity this week (Tuesday October 5th through Thursday October 7th) from the comfort of their home. The annual CoastFest event, hosted by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources will return in a virtual format due to COVID. CoastFest introduces the important work of the DNR to the community's youth while allowing them to explore what's happening in their own backyard. TUNE IN!
Embark and walk the decks of the Nao Santa Maria that has just docked at the Brunswick Landing Marina, downtown Brunswick. This full-scale replica of a 15th Century merchant vessel showcases what would have been seen as modern innovation 550 years ago. Setting sail on a voyage to cross the Atlantic Ocean was like sending astronauts into space. Boarding the vessel and stepping back 5 centuries yields tales of history related to boat building and tales on the sea. Our community is excited to host one of the most famous ships of mankind. Tickets are $15 adults, $5 children or $35 for a family pass.. but don't tarry... this floating history classroom is only here until Sunday, October 3rd.
October 4-8 the STEMIE Fest is thrilled to bring you great events for 5 days of interactive learning and discussions. Learn more HERE.
A Better Glynn Community Resource Fair, Sunday October 3rd at the Rise Risley Campus located at 1800 Albany St., Brunswick. It promises to be packed full of great information, so bring your family between 2:00 and 5:00pm.
Ready to turn over a new leaf! The STAR FOUNDATION has you covered. Click on the links below to learn about their two programs starting this month. The 2-day Computer Workshop Class is October 19-21, and conveniently offered in the evening from 5:15-7:15pm at the Brunswick Library. The always popular Employment Readiness Workshop is being offered starting 10-18-21. This 6-9 week course will have you career ready for the holidays!
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month! In honor of this, the Glynn County Health Department will offer free mammograms on Tuesday, October 5th for women who meet certain eligibility guidelines. The event will take place from 9:00am to 2:30 pm at the health department located at 2747 Fourth St in Brunswick. Click the link below to learn more.
SEPTEMBER 2021
Title I Parent-Family Engagement Event for September 2021.. All parents and families are invited!
Parents..grab your students and head outdoors...It's birding's Fall Migration Season in Our Town. Click the link below to join us in this seasonal family activity.
Constitution Day Friday, September 17
September 17th is Constitution Day. On this day in 1787, George Mason stood up for his principles by refusing to sign the just-finished United States Constitution. A new video from Gunston Hall explains a few of George Mason's "objections" to this new government.
September Parent Academy! Please join us on September 23, 2021. As always, meetings will be recorded for later viewing to accommodate family schedules. HERE is the link to the Parent Academy Homepage.
It's Fall... and time once again for our Annual Title I Meeting !!! As the name suggests, we hold this meeting every year ... so what is the deal?
The Purpose of this meeting is to provide our Parents, Learning Coaches, and Stakeholders with information about our Title I program and your right to be involved in your child's education.
Items and documents such as the School Wide plan, Title I policy, Parent and Family Engagement Policy, School Compacts, and Family Engagement Staff and Parent trainings are reviewed.
The Glynn County Schools Parent Academy was created to engage families in becoming full partners in their child's education by offering them training, information, and assistance. To find the 1st Parent Academy course, click HERE.
While we are in our "Distance Learning" phase, we have a few pointers to assist you! You, the parents, the guardians, the angels in your students' lives, can be the LEARNING HERO. Below, please find resources to assist you during this time.
Make Learning Fun and Motivating ! click HERE
Questions to Ask Your Child's Teacher Right from the Start ! Be a Learning Hero
Start HERE
AUGUST 2021
Welcome back to school everyone! We are very excited to begin our 2021-2022 School Year!
You will encounter structures of great beauty, with construction techniques that seem beyond human. This is a story about us, about how our building culture has shaped the way that we think about the places in which we live, and how we choose the value in our built environment.
This journey begins with beauty, beauty from models that captured our attention, the craftsmanship of extreme technical precision. The geometric compositions seem miraculous.
The drawings and the models beg the questions.. How were these made? Who was behind it? What were the cultural conditions that led to the development of these techniques?
Feast your eyes.... and perhaps be inspired by those pesky Math classes... THIS is where the road leads.
Parents! The National Park Service was established on August 25, 1916 when President Woodrow Wilson signed the Organic Act to create the agency that would oversee America's national parks. At the time, just 35 sites made up the National Park System.
Today, thanks to Acts of Congress, national monument designations by U.S. presidents, and the generosity of people like you, there are over 400 parks and monuments that comprise our beloved National Park System.
August 25 is now know as NPS Birthday and is also a fee-free day. For every park supporter, it is a day to celebrate the magnificent park system we've all played a role in building and protecting. We encourage you to celebrate NPS 105th birthday by visiting a park near you and revel in the cultural and natural places you love and protect.
Grab those water bottles, throw on your walking shoes and head to Cumberland Island National Seashore or Fort Frederica National Monument to take advantage of this birthday gift!
After school education and development. The Boys & Girls Club, known as the Hurricane Club here at Glynn Middle School, offers a wide range of programs.
TUTORING.....STEM......HOMEWORK HELP.......
Learn more at www.bgcsega.com
or call (912)267-4150 Ext 2816
The Brunswick Mural Project - Why Art? Why Murals?
The arts sub-committee is creating murals in downtown Brunswick to help heal and build community. Something powerful happens when public art enters a community. When artists and the community come together to create art that reflects a community's history, aspirations, dreams and local culture, the community responds with recognition and pride. It is a beautiful thing!
The Brunswick Muralists Exhibit featuring the works of artists who have contributed to the Brunswick Mural Project, and will be on display from 10a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays through October 8 at Glynn Visual Arts, 106 Island Drive, St. Simons Island. An outdoor opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Aug 19th. Masks are required in the galleries. Parents, this is a great opportunity to nurture your budding artists!
YMCA is hosting
"BEYOND THE CLASSROOM"
a 14 week program for Middle - High school aged students. It is every Thursday @ 6:30 pm. Sign up can be done at the Y or online here. The 12 to 18 years old age group is one of the most important age groups in our nation, they are our future generation of doctors, politicians, philanthropists, and artists. We need to start molding their minds and bodies now to ensure their successful futures. That starts at the Y!
August 26th through November 18, 2021
the Y is offering one class per week that teaches students basic skills that will be needed in life including paying taxes, car maintenance, home care, digital and social media etiquette, mental health awareness, and so much more. And guess what... it's FREE !
Let's Start this Year by Focusing on Learning Gains!
Instead of lamenting learning loss or stressing about how far behind the pandemic has put your student in the curriculum, I encourage you to start this school year asking your students to reflect on how they grew because of the pandemic. I can name 5 soft skills that students developed ..let's start with .....1-flexibility,..... 2-time management.....3-communication....... 4- self-motivation or goal-setting and ..........5- responsibility or independence. It was difficult, yes. It was messy, yes, but the pandemic forced many students to become more independent, and it created conditions for developing the communication skills, adaptability, and resilience that employers and colleges will look for. It would be a shame to return to normal without acknowledging any growth that occurred during the pandemic. A reflection that helps us learn more about our students and celebrate their accomplishments and resilience is the perfect way to begin this year.