A Note from Dr. Wendy Watson, Principal |
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Hello Spokane Garry students and families.
As we prepare for the launch of changed attendance boundaries for students across the district, and as we also prepare for the transition of 6 th grade students to attend middle schools, we find that the transition protocols can be numerous and confusing. Please be sure to go to the Spokane Public Schools webpage and scroll down to the section entitled, “ Enrollment now open” in order to get clear messaging. In addition, on the SPS main webpage you may click on the green “Contact Us” tab located on the right of the screen. Here you may type in a specific question and someone will get back to you as soon as possible. |
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While students enjoy a day off for President’s Day on February 21st, they will also have opportunities to learn about moments in history where our Presidents have shaped this wonderful country. 7th graders may look at articles about the Gettysburg Address. 8th graders will study the Constitution’s 13th Amendment, the abolition of slavery, with a lesson on Abraham Lincoln. |
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Black History Month Honored |
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During February, Black History Month, the hallways of Garry will be graced with banners that honor 2 incredible Americans: Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks. In social studies classes, students will have the opportunity to learn about 10 more notable African Americans who have earned greatness for a variety of achievements. From these 10 role models, students will vote for the top 2 who will be placed on additional banners for Black History Month.
In addition, in 7th and 8th grade classes respectively, students will study Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech or look at the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, citizenship rights and equal protection, and how it was used to advance the goals of the Civil Rights Movement, specifically focusing on the two cases of Loving v. Virginia and Brown v. the Board of Education.
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Character Traits of the Month:
Fairness
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February’s character trait is Fairness. Students who display this trait will show impartial and just treatment or behavior without favoritism or discrimination
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December and January's Students of the Month will be released in March's Newsletter.
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Holidays and Early Dismissals |
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Spokane Garry Middle School will be closed for Presidents' Day
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21st
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Students will be released early at
2:15pm on Friday, February 4th
and Friday, February 18th
for Teacher Collaboration days.
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Semester 1 ended on January 28th!
Report cards will be distributed on February 7th to students.
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School and classroom expectations were reviewed again with students in early January. Staff would like to partner with parents in helping students meet these expectations daily especially around technology and cell phone use which remains a consistent area of concern. Students should only use their district-provided laptops for school purposes. Cell phones should be off and out of sight from 9:00 to 3:30 with the exception of lunchtime and for emergencies.
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Spokane Garry Math Masters |
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This month’s prompt:
Leo the Rabbit is climbing up a flight of 10 steps. Leo can only hop up 1 or 2 steps each time he hops. He never hops down, only up. How many different ways can Leo hop up the flight of 10 steps? Provide evidence to justify your thinking.
Parents, you can also participate!
Anyone who completes that problem can turn it in to the Garry Main Office.
Last Month’s Winners
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Marie Akonkwa
Mrs. Fredekind
Aubrie Lowman
Peyton Rangel
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Mike Brown
Cheyanne Harlander
Mrs. Pascal
Sierra Sisemore
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Grand Prize Winner:
Aareel Washington!
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We are looking toward the 2022-23 school year and will work with our 7 th graders the week of February 14 th around registering for their 8 th grade classes. All 8 th graders take four year-long core classes (English, social studies, math, and science), a semester of Fitness & Health and a semester of CCLR (College, Career & Life Readiness). Eighth grade students also take either a year-long elective course or two semester elective courses. Registration resources will be available on our website beginning the week of February 14 th. For 8 th graders transitioning to 9 th grade, counselors from John R. Rogers HS will come to Spokane Garry Middle School on Wednesday, February 23rd with hard copy registration forms. A parent night will be hosted at John R. Rogers HS on Tuesday, March 1st, at 6pm.
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Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month |
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February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. The “Love is Respect” website states, “Dating violence is more common than people think, especially among teens and young adults: one in three teens in the US will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse from someone they’re in a relationship with before they become adults, and nearly half (43%) of college women report experiencing violent or abusive dating behaviors. Every February, young people and their loved ones join together across the country for a national effort to raise awareness about the issue of teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual, month-long push focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts.”
Spokane Garry Middle School is partnered with the local organization, Create Your Statement (https://createyourstatement.com/), to actively mentor students on safe and healthy dating relationships. The founder, Jenny Moeller, has already presented to 8th graders in 1st semester CCLR (College and Career Life Readiness) and will present to the other half of 8th graders 2nd semester. In the spring, Jenny plans to offer an after school training session in a club-like setting for interested students who want to know more about this topic and want to be peer leaders to help all students stay safe in respectful dating relationships. We’re happy to partner with this organization as Jenny also leads students in other schools across Eastern Washington, including colleges!
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Hello 8th grade students and families! Did you know students have a choice on where to attend High School? The Community School is one option for students looking for something different.
“Where Ya Going to High School?”
Project Based Learning is an approach to education that mirrors the real world. Rather than artificially isolating content into separate classes, we engage with our community to create meaningful integrated projects where students learn the 21st century skills that matter. Projects are collaborative, consequential, complicated, supported, timely, dynamic and above all, authentic.
*Attendance at an Information Night is required before applying.
TCS Information Nights
Tuesday, February 8th at 6 pm
Tuesday, February 15th at 6 pm
Tuesday, February 22nd at 6 pm
Wednesday, February 23rd at 6 pm
The Community School - 1025 West Spofford Ave - Spokane, WA 99205
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The following students have been nominated by their AVID elective teacher for the AVID Student of the 2nd Quarter! These students exemplify the characteristics of healthy communication with students and staff, perseverance in the classroom, and positive citizenship at Spokane Garry Middle School. Thank you for being positive role models for your peers and community!
7th Grade 5th period
Mrs. Sargent
Lauren Widner
8th Grade
Mrs. Tramp 5th period
Erik Golub
8th Grade
Mrs. Tramp 6th period
Jasmin Covarrubius Serrano
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The 7th grade girls JV basketball team are undefeated! The 7th grade girls varsity basketball team is determined and are learning how to play different positions on the team when their teammates are out sick. They have great drive! Our 7th grade boys basketball teams have grit and determination. With busing issues and cancellation of two games, they still show up for practice and give it their all! They play well scoring many points and working as a team!
The following upcoming sports begin as follows:
7th/8th Wrestling February 14-March 26
8th Boys/Girls Basketball February 14-March 31
7th/8th Track & Field April 11- May 27
7th/8th Baseball April 11- May 27
If you have questions, please contact Kim MacPherson at 509-354-5138
Sign up for Family ID here!
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Frustrated with picking up your child after school in the parking lot? Here are a few reminders that will help the process go quickly for everyone:
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Joseph Ave. is for student pickup and drop-off. Designate a street space with your child where you regularly meet. A half block away is recommended.
- Central Ave. is for bus pickup and drop-off.
- Keep traffic moving by not stopping in the middle of the street.
- Only use the parking spaces in the lot if you plan on entering the building.
- Avoid idling the car in the parking lot because it blocks people in spaces who are trying to get in or out, especially spots reserved for people with disabilities.
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Khay Zellner - Resource Paraeducator |
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Describe what you do at Garry Middle School and how long you’ve worked here.
I am a resource paraeducator and I’ve been working at Garry for about 6 years. Although I work with students with IEPs, I love working with any student who needs help. I work closely with students that may need assistance with their classwork and accommodate as needed. In the years I worked at Garry, I created the Hip-Hop club to teach breakdancing and started Anime Club with another paraeducator here at Garry.
What do you love about your job?
I love learning about the different cultures and backgrounds of the students. Their energy is contagious when working with the students I learn as much from them as they do from me. I love helping students figure out their strengths and turn them into passion. There’s always going to be ups and downs, but it is rewarding to know I have helped students every day even when things get hard.
How do you like to spend your time when you're not at work?
When I’m not at work I love spending time with my 2 dogs and my husband. I love to breakdance with my husband and practice with my friends a few times a week. We travel to dance competitions in different states. I also love to cook food. Lao food is my favorite!
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
“I love the woman I’ve become because I’ve fought to become her." I’m not sure where I have heard this quote, but it always resonated with me since I was in high school. I was born and raised in Spokane in the Hillyard area with a less than ideal upbringing, but I have learned and unlearned as I grew. I am constantly in a state of growing and being the best version I can be. Whether it was negative or positive, it has made me who I am today. I am proud of myself. I love who I become and I am excited.
Is there one thing you've dreamed of doing for a long time?
I have always dreamed of organizing an event that could be an annual event to uplift our Spokane community. An event that would help our local businesses, non-profits and our youth, bringing together different artists, leaders and citizens of Spokane. There would be resources, collaboration, music and dancing! I hope to accomplish this dream in the future.
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