A Note from Dr. Wendy Watson, Principal | |
Supporting Students and Families |
What a fantastic start to the school year, especially with the start of 6th graders in middle school. So not only are 6th graders brand new to our school, but the 7th graders are also walking the halls for the first time. With 2/3 of the students being new, we’re carefully explaining our protocols and procedures knowing that the 8th graders will lead the way. Students and families should be aware of all of the support staff who assist students outside of the classroom. The list of staff below are ready to connect when needed so we ensure that students have a great year:
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354-5157 Karyn Holt – Counselor (A-K)
354-5122 John Schutz – Counselor (L-Z)
354-5170 Devony Audet – Family Engagement Coordinator
354-5164 Adam Phillips – School Nurse
354-5128 Kim Scrima – SPED Dept. Lead
354-5132 Miranda Adair – Communities in Schools Coordinator
354-5175 Bill Decaro – Campus Safety Specialist
354-5150 Jonathan Kawira – Mental Health Therapist
354-5203 Lisa Kaiser – Office Manager
354-5176 Tricia Martin – Speech Language Pathologist
354-5143 Dayra Salcedo – School Psychologist
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Character Traits of the Month:
Leadership
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September's character trait is Responsibility. Students who display this trait are accountable, pursue excellence, and exercise self-control.
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"Ninety-nine percent of all failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses."
— George Washington Carver
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October's Trait of the Month
Respect
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Turn in your SOARRR tickets into the white box hanging on the wall next to the Student Office window. | |
Spokane Garry Ravens can SOARRR!
We are READY to learn every period, every day.
We are RESPONSIBLE for our own learning and for ensuring others can learn.
We are RESPECTFUL of ourselves and others.
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Seeking Opportunities Around Respect Responsibility Readiness
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Softball
The softball season is off to a wonderful start with over 25 players turning out to help form two teams this season at Garry! The Ravens will take on the Yasuhara Phoenixes at Garry Middle School on September 28st at 4:15 pm. Go Ravens!
Game Schedule:
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Sept. 21 - Garry vs Shaw at Shaw MS
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Sept. 26 - Garry vs Glover at Garry MS
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Sept 28 - Garry vs Yasuhara at Garry MS
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Oct 3 - Garry vs Glover at Glover MS
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Oct 5 - Garry vs Chase at Garry MS
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Oct 10 - Garry vs Salk at Salk MS
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Oct 12 - Garry vs Yasuhara at Yasuhara MS
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Cross-Country
Our boys' Cross Country team is already hard at work. They are improving each day, and continue to work on their stamina and pacing in practice. We look forward to a great rest of the season which ends with the All-League Finals at Franklin Park on October 12.
The boys on this year’s Garry Raven Cross Country team are:
- 6th grade – Hunter Trujillo
- 6th grade – Lyam Washington
- 7th grade – Trenten Kurle
- 7th grade – Steven Murphy
- 8thh grade – Spencer Madlin
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SAY CHEESE!
Picture Day is Thursday, September 29.
Order your pictures online here!
Retakes will be done Friday, November 18, 2022.
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MAP Testing
Beginning the week of September 19, students took the benchmark formative assessments in their English and math classes called MAP. 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 and grade level equivalency for the student. Students and teachers use the data to goal set and tailor instruction and practice in class toward growth.
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PSAT8
On Wednesday, October 12, 8th graders will take the PSAT8. The SAT, or Scholastic Aptitude Test, is an exam for high school juniors and seniors that provides indicators of college readiness. The PSAT8 is part of the SAT suite of assessments and is taken by 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th graders across the country, scaffolded down from the high school version. At Spokane Garry Middle School, we make a big deal about PSAT8 Day because it connects so well with talking to our students about their big, beautiful futures. The test takes a little more than 4 hours to complete and gives students an experience of what an exam like this is like. We get results from the PSAT8 mid-winter and plan to have students' goals set around them as they begin planning for their high school classes. The test results tell students and parents/guardians if students are on track with college readiness.
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8th Grade Field Trip to Americans and the Holocaust Exhibit
On Wednesday, October 5, 8th graders will have the opportunity to visit the Americans and the Holocaust Exhibit from the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum hosted by Gonzaga University at the Foley Library. Students will have some prework completed in their social studies classes prior to attending the field trip and the learning will be tied to work they do later in the school year in their English class. While at Gonzaga University, students will also participate in a campus tour. All students attending must have a signed permission slip to attend. On the back of the permission slip is an optional opt-out media release. Permission slips were presented at launch conferences and are still available through social studies teachers. All permission slips are due to the office by Friday, September 30th.
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Supporting Families - Supporting Students | |
I am so excited to welcome all our students and families to the 2022-2023 school year! Here at Spokane Garry MS, we believe parents are the best indicator of student success so we hope to foster a school environment where parents can be active and involved in their student’s education. To help with this, we will be starting monthly parent meetings. These meetings will be hosted by me, Devony Audet, as Family Engagement Coordinator and the Principal, Dr. Watson, in our Spokane Garry Community Center.
One meeting a month will be at night to cover a specific topic – for example, anti-bullying and harassment during the month of October. In addition, we will have one meeting a month in the morning with coffee provided. This will be a less formal meeting and provide the opportunity to give Dr. Watson feedback about the school from a parent perspective.
Our meetings this month are...
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Sept. 29, 8:00-9:00 am – Transitioning into Garry for 6th and 7th grade specifically
Another topic I would like to touch on is transportation. As I have been connecting with families over the last month, the new bussing system has frequently been a topic of concern. Some students don’t qualify for bussing but may live further away than parents are comfortable with for walking. STA passes are available for all youth, 6-18, called a “Riders License”. These passes are free but are not available at Spokane Garry or any other middle school. You may get one for your child online or at the STA plaza. Here is a link to learn more.
As always, if you ever have a question or a concern please reach out! My phone number is (509)354-5170 and my email is DevonyA@SpokaneSchools.org
Devony Audet
Family Engagement Coordinator
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Communities in Schools’ Mission:
Surrounding students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
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Hello! I am Miranda Adair Garry's CIS Coordinator. Communities in Schools started nationally in the 1970s. We have been actively supporting students at risk of school failure here in Spokane with evidence-based approaches since it started in 2007. It is my job to build on student strengths, and overcome barriers through advocacy, partnerships, and one-on-one social/emotional support. I’m here to work alongside all of you to help every student succeed in school and life. I believe greatness exists in every child and am committed to helping kids see it too.
My goals are to bring supports into the school, run successful small groups, find mentors for the students for additional academic/ social support, and provide our students with basic needs.
My number one priority is to be here for our students. I’ll strive to create trusting relationships which will help me be very intentional in finding the best resources for each student. Some of those resources could come from our clothing closet, our free food pantry, arranging weekend Bites to Go, securing a weekly PrimeTime mentor during lunch, and encouraging participation in after-school programs or groups.
Last year I was here to serve the entire school through a series of school-wide events: our Winter Clothing Market, Pennies for Pets, and scorekeeping at the volleyball games.
While I’m not a counselor, I strongly believe that when a child has one more caring adult in their lives, we can show them that amazing things can happen. It is also important for you to know how to contact me and where to find me.
My office is in room 125W/SpokaneGarry Community Center, my phone number is 354-5132, my office hours are Monday-Friday 8:45 am-4:00 pm, and my email is MirandaA1@spokaneschools.org.
Miranda Adair
CIS Community in Schools
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Raven Circle is back and looking a little different this upcoming year!
Raven Circle is the before and after school academic program that runs from 8:00 AM to 8:55 AM Tuesday through Friday and Monday through Thursday from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM. This year, Raven Circle will be centered around helping students stay on top of their homework load and teaching new, exciting knowledge and skills. Both the before and after-school program will have time for students to work with teachers to complete their homework, and the after-school program will have time for students to attend sessions taught by Garry teachers and other staff. Sessions may be STEM-based, arts-based, physical fitness-based, life skills-based, etc. Look for more information coming your way about Raven Circle enrollment and participation in the next couple of weeks!
Ashley Bartels
21st CCLC Site Coordinator
509-354-5133
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Pictured: Shay C., Ellie A., Cristina P., Ethan W., Monica G., Juslene I., Lyriq V., Tagyn C., Andrew G., Baraka D., Amani N., Jathan Q., Kayla T., Payton C., Shealynn L., Alanah A., Ariana G., Naomi K., Allison R., Mikey G., Aidan F., Hunter B., Anastacia M., Leah W., Bam (Ruethaithip) W., Orchid E., Lauren W., and Mrs. Sarget (AVID 8th Grade Teacher)
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID is an elective class that focuses on WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading). This class focuses on rigor and community building to teach students strategies that will help them in high school, college, and life. It also targets students in the academic middle with the desire to go to college and the willingness to work hard.
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September 17th was Constitution Day and staff and students celebrate this day every year to help our students learn about and appreciate this fantastic document created by our wise forefathers. Students voluntarily memorized the Preamble to earn a Pizza Party. They learned about the Constitution in social studies classes. Students are learning about the Washington State law that requires teachers to teach patriotism (RCW.28A.405.005). Choir classes sang two important songs at lunch to the other students: “America the Beautiful” and “The Star Spangled Banner.” They also watched videos of Ray Charles singing, “American the Beautiful,” and Whitney Houston singing, “The Star Spangled Banner.” Some staff members dressed up as colonial characters with the assurance that George Washington and Abe Lincoln would be at school during lunch for a photo op! And students received a free pocket Constitution and flag if they wanted one. Our freedoms are precious and it’s critical that our students understand how fortunate they are to live in the United States of America. | |
September is Hispanic Heritage Month acknowledged in our school with a 6-foot tall banner at the school entryway featuring Cesar Chavez, an American civil rights activist. Cesar Chavez co-founded the National Farm Workers Association to ensure fair working wages and safe working conditions for immigrants working on farms. He emphasized nonviolent tactics, like picketing and boycotting, to unite hard-working Hispanics and create change.
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In addition, another banner is positioned at the front of the library featuring Frida Kahlo. Frida was a Mexican artist who created bold and colorful paintings that depicted Mexican and indigenous culture. She is also celebrated for her depiction of the female experience and form making her a pioneer feminist.
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Describe what you do at Spokane Garry Middle School and how long you’ve worked here.
This is my second year at Garry middle school on the intervention team. Last year my focus was on the math, and this year my focus is on behavior.
What do you love about your job?
I love talking with students about their views on the world. I think it is fun to hear about what is considered popular and what the current expressions are. I also like helping students to problem solve and overcome challenges that they face, both academically and socially.
How do you like to spend your time when you’re not at work?
When I am not at work, I am usually reading or exploring outside. I like swimming, paddle boarding, rock climbing, hiking, and more.
Is there a quote or saying that you live your life by?
“There are far, far better things ahead, than any we leave behind.”
– C.S. Lewis
Where is the coolest place you’ve traveled to?
The coolest place that I have traveled to was Japan in my senior year of high school. I went as a foreign exchange student and traveled all alone to live with a family in Japan and learn about their culture. It was the first time I had ever been on a plane. I loved trying all their amazing foods and visiting beautiful, historical sites like Todai-Ji Daibutsuden or the Great Buddha Hall in Nara. My favorite thing to eat was Kakigōri, a shaved ice dessert. It was a trip I will never forget!
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What's happening next month: | |
- October 12 - PSAT8/T24 Day
- October 14 - No School
- National Disabilities Awareness Month
- National Bullying Prevention Month
- ASB Elections:
- 7th Grade Officer elections
- 8th Grace Vice President elections
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