February 2024

February 2024

• Feb. 19th - President's Day (No School)
• Feb. 20th - PLID Day (No School)
• Feb. 22nd - 8th Grade Registration for High School

-Incoming 6th Grade Parent Night @ Garry 6-7 pm

March 2024

• March 12th - MAP Testing/Reading Assessment
• March 13th - MAP Testing/Math Assessment

-Northeast Multicultural Fair @ Rogers HS (5 - 8 pm)

• March 14th - MAP Testing/Science Assessment
• March 15th - Weather Makeup Day (No School)

Spring MAP testing is right around the corner. The second full week in March, students will be taking the Spring MAP assessment. March 12, students will take the Reading assessment; March 13 the Math assessment; March 14 the Science assessment. On these days, we will run an altered schedule.  Students take these formative benchmark assessments in the fall and spring to measure ELA and math standards growth. These are adaptive formative assessments where the more correct answers a student submits, the harder the questions get and as students answer incorrectly, the questions get easier. This provides a score range (RIT) and grade level equivalency for the student. While this is a formative assessment, it is important that students take this opportunity seriously and give it their best effort. We use this data to goal set and tailor instruction and practice in class toward growth. We also consider this data as one of our multiple measures when considering if an intervention class is appropriate to support them when constructing their class schedule. 

Take a moment to read about President Biden’s recent proclamation on January 31st regarding this very important topic related to teen safety:

National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month

To honor Black History Month, the hallways of Garry MS are graced with six large banners displaying six notable African Americans who have make a significant impact on society. Leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, and Barack Obama remind us of bravery in the face of adversity. The Harlem Hellfighters continue the theme of bravery of being fine soldiers who fought for our country in WWI. Alice Walker, author of The Color Purple, wrote a compelling novel of the strength and perseverance of an African American woman. And finally, who can forget the talented Louis Armstrong who brought the Harlem Renaissance to life through his trumpet and distinct, beautiful voice. Stop at every banner and read the quote under their photos…words to live by.

PBIS is focusing on the importance of using student planners. Planners aren't just notebooks; they're powerful tools for staying organized and responsible. When students use their planners to write down assignments in class and refer to them at home, they're developing crucial skills like time management and accountability. Students who use their planners regularly can significantly improve academic performance, and overall well-being.

On Wednesday, March 13th, Rogers High School is hosting the Northeast Multicultural Fair from 5-8 PM. We are looking for input from Garry students and families about what we can bring to the event. We know that there is an incredible amount of talent in our community! Some examples could be:

• Performance of a song or dance from your culture.
• Sharing a family recipe.
• Arts or crafts created by a small business in our area.
• Any other idea that shows off the gifts of the Garry community!

If you are interested in contributing to the event, please reach out to Mr. Newbury at JasonN@spokaneschools.org or Mr. West at MatthewWest@spokaneschools.org.

Here at Garry, we have topics of focus at certain times during the year. At the start of each semester one of those focuses is around Harassment, Intimidation, and Bullying (HIB). This is such an important topic as each of us have either experienced or witnessed some type of bullying in our lives. But there is a difference between bullying and just unkind or mean behavior. We teach our students that bullying is, “intentionally aggressive behavior, repeated over time, that may involve an imbalance of power.” This includes anything written, verbal, or any physical acts. As families I want you to know that you have a lot of ways to help your students. You can always check in with teachers, reach out to Mr. Sills or Mr. Hibbard our assistant principals who oversees discipline at Garry or Dr. Watson who is our Principal. If there are times where you are concerned that bullying behavior isn’t being dealt with, you can always fill out a HIB form which starts a formal investigation with the school and the district.

Another aspect of this conversation is our civility policy. As families we can expect to be treated with respect as well and to treat others with respect. Our district has a civility policy (No.5161) titled,

Expectations of Stakeholders (Board of Directors, Employees, Parents, Volunteers, Contractors, and Visitors). In support of this policy, the Board of Directors expects its members and all stakeholders to:



• Treat each other and students with dignity and respect.

• Exercise reasonable, good judgment in handling interpersonal disputes.

• Exercise respect, courtesy, and concern for the dignity and cultural background of others.

• Refrain from use of abusive language.

• Model respectful problem-solving.

• Reduce actions or behaviors that might provoke fear, anger, frustration, or alienation.

• Use clear, concise, and courteous oral and written communication to arrive at goodwill solutions.

• Extend common courtesy to others such as saying please and thank you.

• Practice civility in all conversations and behavior.

• Be respectful of others even when in a disagreement.

• Address incivility when it is observed.

• Seek to understand others’ points of view and cultural perceptions.

There can be so much more said about this topic, but I wanted to share the basics to make sure that you as families feel informed. If you have any specific questions or concerns I can help with, please reach out!

Devony Audet

Family Engagement Coordinator

DevonyA@SpokaneSchools.org

(509)354-5170

Have you seen the Big Blue Bin in the parking lot?

Northwest Center's Big Blue Truck is excited to announce our partnership with Spokane Garry Middle School offering families a sustainable way to donate their unused clothing and cloth items. We are committed to making this partnership a success, and we appreciate your involvement.

For more details on what can be donated, click here.

Miranda Adair

CIS Community in Schools

MirandaA@spokaneschools.org

354-5132

Happy February! Not much has changed in a month, but here are some reminders. Raven Circle starts at 3:30 pm and students will be turned away if they try to come in after 3:40 pm. We are asking all parents to pick up their students from the Central side of the school. There is a parking lot by the tennis courts and spaces to pick up by the bus stop. Students will be leaving the GCC at 5:15 when Raven Circle is over. Gonzaga programming happens on Tuesdays and Wednesdays - we participate in lots of fun activities! If you have any questions feel free to email me at torisc1@spokaneschools.org.

Thanks! 

Tori Schauer 

21st CCLC Student Support Coordinator 

125W 

February: Compassion

Having sympathy for and being compassionate of others' suffering and/or misfortunes.

March: Perseverance

Students of the Month

January - Responsibility

Congratulations to Kaiden Clatworthy for earning the prestigious Exceptional Excellence Award for being an outstanding student! Once a month, one student out of 30,000 in Spokane Public Schools earns the award. Kaiden was nominated by Mrs. Caballero who appreciates his excellent grades and attendance coupled with his fantastic, positive attitude. Kaiden received his award from Superintendent Dr. Adam Swinyard along with a $50 gift card. Even better, this award will look AWESOME on his college applications in the coming years. 

WE’RE PROUD OF KAIDEN!!

THANK YOU to Mr. Schutz and Ms. Holt, Garry’s fantastic counselors who take care of students every day! We don’t need to take one week of the year to thank them because their support and love for students is worthy of our gratitude on a daily basis. If you see the counselors, just yell out, “You are appreciated!!”

The ASB students had another successful candy gram fundraiser for Valentine’s Day. Students sold 200 ring pop candy grams and valentines! This money goes towards supporting athletics here at Garry. Below are some ASB students assembling and delivering the candy grams on Valentine’s Day. Great job supporting our school ASB!

Spokane Garry Ravens 7th Boys Varsity Basketball – The Ravens completed their season on February 8th after playing seven games. The boys had a great season. They worked hard on practicing their skills, and each boy got better and better as the season progressed. Not only that, but the boys were all passing their classes by the end of the season, the definition of a Student Athlete. Congrats on a great season!! 

Individual awards given out at our end-of-the-season celebratory pizza party were:

• Offensive Player Of The Year – Julian Grigsby
• Defensive Player Of The Year – Daemon Gonzales
• Mr. Hustle – Andre Scabby Robe
• Most Improved – Noah Jimboy
• Coach’s Award – Joshua Domke

Congratulations to the 7th Girls Varsity and JV teams for a successful season!

7th Girls Varsity Basketball Team

Front Row: Anna Glaztmaier (manager), Tru Anna Ella, Emma Gilbrech, Molly Kifer, Eva Krebs (manager). Back Row: Coach Pascal, Whitney Sams, Aaliyah Bolen, Lehena Wilondja, Juleena Gomez, Jaishia Collier, Upendo Chenze, and Coach Ferris.

7th Girls JV Basketball Team

Front Row: Audrena Mendoza (manager), Alexie Rodriguez, Nevaeh Bothwell (manager). Back Row: Coach Postlewait, Caileigh White, Grace Jones, Hadeesa Roustmi, Raven DeBates, and Atiliyanna Delgado.

Way to go, Lady Ravens!

Describe what you do at Spokane Garry Middle School and how long you’ve worked here.

Here at Spokane Garry, I am a Communities in Schools Student Support Coordinator. I get to work with students, teachers, and administrators to help provide resources to help kids stay in school and achieve in life.

What do you love about your job?

What I love about my job is that I get to see and work with some pretty amazing kids every day. I love being able to support the Garry Students and their families.

How do you like to spend your time when you’re not at work?

When I am not at school, I am hanging out with my two dogs, Cooper and Pippin. I also really enjoy going on dates with my husband.

What’s something people don’t know about you?

Some people do not know that when I was younger I attended Garry Middle School and Rogers High School.

Where is the coolest place you’ve traveled to?

I think one of the coolest places I have traveled is Mexico.

Is there one thing you’ve dreamed of doing for a long time?

My dream has always been to work with kids, be present for my own kids, and travel. Honestly, I am doing exactly what I have always dreamt of doing! #makingadifference

The Lost and Found is located in the Student Office.

During the last week of each month the lost and found items will be put on display in the cafeteria for to students to look through.

Any items not claimed by the end of the week will be donated.

InvestED provides middle and high schools with funds to assist promising young people. Plus, they provide schools with tools to boost fundraising in local communities. Join nearly 700 secondary schools across Washington and partner with InvestED!

To learn more about InvestED click here.

Visit the Spokane Garry Facebook Page and the Spokane Garry YouTube Channel for more updates and information!