Hello, and welcome to this edition of Cruiser Connections. Our goal is to keep our Cruiser community informed of the happenings, celebrations, and news of the school district, our students, staff, and schools. We’re excited to have you join us on this journey, and we look forward to your feedback.

The end of May marks a time of celebration. For some, it is the conclusion of another year and the joyful anticipation of the freedoms of summer. For others, it’s about an ending and a beginning. 

Our preschool students will make the transition from their early years to the more formal structure and expectations of elementary school. Our fifth-grade students will transition to middle school, and our eighth graders will move to the high school.

And finally, our seniors will pass through our halls for the last time to celebrate the completion of their secondary education and their transition to postsecondary school, the military, or the workforce. I especially congratulate them as well as their parents on this accomplishment.

The past two years have impacted each of us in ways we could have never imagined. However, looking back, I have realized how we all have rallied together to embrace the challenges and have truly demonstrated our resolve and Cruiser Spirit through collaboration, adaptability, resilience, and empathy for one another. I believe these lessons have made us stronger and will continue to serve us well as we continue to face what life throws at us.

Thank you again for your unparalleled partnership and support of our schools and school district. On behalf of the Board of Education and the school district, we hope you and your family have a joyful, rejuvenating, and safe summer.

Having earned a 4.0 GPA or higher throughout their entire high school career, twenty-two GMHS students were named Class of 2022 Valedictorians. In alpha-order, they are Aidan Barnhart, Alyssa Brown, Elise Byrd, Nira Cruz, Shelby DeMatteo, Nanyeli Encarnacion Laurencio, Natalie England, Donovan Friley, Andrew Gacnik, Makayla George, Cinthya Gutierrez, McDaniel Jean, Johnathan (Kyle) Jennings, Lindsey Jones, Olivia Moye-Isaly, Dillon Randleman, Nicholas Shelton, Kara Snyder, Sage Taft, Cameron Uptegraft, Anessa Wills, and Keller Weston. (Not all students were available when the above picture was taken).

Please join us in congratulating each of these students for their diligence, commitment, and hard work to attain such an accomplishment.

The Board of Education and the District administration believe that providing reliable, on-time student transportation service and real-time communications with the school district and building-level leadership as non-negotiable performance measures that must be met. Once full-time classes resumed this school year, repeated significant problems with student transportation (no-notice route cancellations, missed/untimely student pick-ups/drop-offs, etc.) forced Groveport Madison Schools to file a breach of contract lawsuit against the current transportation provider and seek viable transportation alternatives for the upcoming school year.

After receiving proposals from four school bus transportation providers, the Groveport Madison Schools Board of Education has recommended that the District enter into contract negotiations with Community Bus Services, Inc. for services to commence with the 2022-2023 school year. Companies submitting proposals for consideration included ALC, LLP; First Student, Inc.; and the incumbent - Petermann Transportation, Inc. Each submission was carefully evaluated, and it was determined that Community Bus Services' proposal was the preferred choice. 

The Board of Education will consider the contract with Community Bus Service at their May 25 meeting.

We’re excited to announce that the Class of 2022 graduation ceremony will be livestreamed on the high school’s Facebook page. You can join in the Class of 2022's graduation celebration without leaving the comfort of your home. Graduation begins at 6:00 PM.

Parents of students who have medication(s) stored at their child’s school must pick up all medications no later than 3:00 PM on Thursday, May 26, in the school’s health clinic. A parent or guardian must pick up the medications, as we cannot send them home with the student. Any meds remaining at school after the deadline will be destroyed, according to District policy. Should you have any questions or concerns, please call your child’s school to speak to the school nurse. 

On May 12, several hundred guests joined us for our Celebration of Cultures Night, held at GMHS. The event was organized by the District's English Language Learner teachers and the staff from our Teaching and Learning Office. The evening included food trucks featuring various ethnic treats, displays, games, performances, and activities – along with numerous door prizes that were given out. The event received widespread praise from students, parents, and District staff.

The District’s Communications Department is spotlighting our seniors on the District’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/gocruisers). Parents or family members of graduating seniors are invited to submit a brief congratulatory message and up to two photos of the graduate. Submitting your message and pictures is easy; simply go to our website (https://www.gocruisers.org/seniorspotlight.aspx) and fill out the online form, or email your photos and your message to Nancy Daly in the Communications Department at nancy.daly@gocruisers.org.

Students with more challenging disabilities from Groveport Madison Schools and Canal Winchester Schools participated in a field day designed especially for them. The event provided a fun-filled day of activities, such as bounce houses, motor games, bike rides, water fun, snow cones, music, laughing, and building friendships for the nearly 300 students.

More than 50 volunteers assisted, most of them being students from GMHS and MS North. We also want to thank TurnPoint Church for its partnership with this great program for our students.

We want to remind you that the USDA has discontinued the universal free lunch program (where all students receive free lunches without the need to apply). Groveport Madison Schools will continue to provide free breakfast for all students, but students’ families will need to complete an online application to receive free lunch next school year. The online applications will be available on the District’s website in early July. 

None of us want to be surprised by an unexpected change of plans. You can stay informed of any last-minute changes that might impact your child or their schedule by ensuring your contact information on file with the school district is always up-to-date. Update your information as often as needed through your FinalForms account. Go to gocruisers.org/FinalForms.aspx to sign in to your account and make any necessary changes.

Before the upcoming school year, incoming seventh graders must have a second dose of the Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) and MCV4 (Meningococcal) vaccine. Incoming twelfth graders must have a second MCV4 (Meningococcal) vaccine dose. Please call your health care provider soon to make an appointment to get these required vaccines and booster shots.

The District’s Human Resources Department is accepting applications for the following classified (non-licensed) positions for the 2022-2023 School Year:

Please email your resume/letter of interest to elaine.dawson@gocruisers.org.

Openings for teaching and other licensed positions can be found through the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio’s website.

Over the past several weeks, 2,100 new Chromebook computers have been unpacked, inventoried, and readied in preparation for the 2022-2023 school year. As the current Chromebooks are collected over the coming week, older models will be replaced with the new Dell models.

The technology department will continue their work throughout the summer where they will be installing new display panels in the elementary schools, checking all of the returned equipment for damage, rewiring several Chromebook carts, and reconnecting classroom technology after all of our classrooms have been deep cleaned, and floors have been stripped and waxed.

At the recent Ohio School Public Relations Association’s (OHSPRA) spring conference, the District’s communications office was identified as the “Best of the Best Award” winner for its 2020 Annual Report. OHSPRA recognized school districts from across the state for communications excellence.

The department (Jeff Warner and Nancy Daly) were recognized at the May 11 Board of Education meeting for their accomplishment.

This summer, your child can join forces with the Reading League to strengthen their reading skills! Columbus Metropolitan Library's Summer Reading Challenge is back! Starting June 1, sign up at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading or download the free READsquared app through the App Store or Google Play. Your child can track their reading progress to earn great prizes – and earn raffle entries to win even more! Learn more at columbuslibrary.org/summerreading, or stop in. Staff at the library’s 23 locations are ready to help!

We know that great news occurs every day. We invite you to share positive news items with us via our social media outlets as well. News and information can be shared via personal messaging on Facebook (GroveportMadisonSchools). You may also email us at gm.communications@gocruisers.org, or call us at (614) 492-2520.

Facebook: GroveportMadisonSchools

Twitter: @GMSchools

Instagram: @gmschools

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