May 2023

A Note from Dr. Wendy Watson, Principal

Teacher Appreciation Week, May 1-5

"A good education can change anyone. A good teacher can change everything.” What a great quote from an unknown author about the importance of teachers in society. And they deserve the greatest THANKS for taking care of students. With Teacher Appreciation Week kicking off the month of May, the closing of the school year is a wonderful time to thank teachers for their dedication and hard work to support students and families. After 8 months of encouraging students to work hard and learn, we should all take a moment to thank teachers for their patience and resilience in helping students. As principal of this middle school, I know that the teachers in this building are tireless workers who love kids every day with their hopeful words, sound advice, and excellent instruction. Thank you, teachers!!

Amazing Staff!

April 4-8: National Asst. Principal Week - Kent Hibbard and Alyson Chamberlin



April 4: School Librarian Appreciation Day – Jason Newbury


April 6: Paraprofessional Appreciation Day – Richard Maysonet, Willie Bouton, Elizabeth Leonard, Arti Pliakos, Sarah Young, Bobbie Rice, Grey Kaminski,

Shawn Price-Sladich, John Knight, and Khay Zellner


April 27: Administrative Professionals Day – Lisa Kaiser, Bonnie Ereaux, Deborah Swanby, Bri O'Neil, and Jazmin Sullivan


May 1: School Principal’s Day – Wendy Watson


May 6: School Lunch Hero Day – Irina Lunin, Jason Connerley,

Aferdita Hashani, and LeahAnne Houk


May 11: School Nurse Day - Adam Phillips


May 12: Natl. Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day – Jonathan Kawira



May 18: Natl. Speech Language Pathologist Day – Tricia Martin

Dates and Events

SBAC Testing

May 2 - May 5 ELA SBAC Testing


May 16 - May 19 Math SBAC Testing

6th Grade Block Schedules

7th & 8th Block Schedules

Spokane Garry Calendar

Family and School Connections

8th Grade Fieldtrip to NEWTech

Spokane Garry Middle School 8th graders visited NewTech Prep recently and had time to explore their variety of program offerings and career field opportunities. Students engaged in hands-on experiences from construction and auto body shop to computer animation and dental hygienistry. Lots of minds opened to possibilities and wheels turning about the next steps in their education toward their big, beautiful futures. Special shout out of appreciation to Kathleen Proud leading her staff and students at NewTech Prep as hosts, our A-K alpha counselor Karyn Holt for coordinating Spokane Garry MS student and staff participation, and SPS College & Career Readiness Coordinator Amanda Riccelli for transportation and making all of this happen.

Shadle Clubs, Sports, and Activities Night for Incoming 9th Graders

May 17th, 6PM - 7 PM @ Shadle Park High School

Supporting Students

Can you believe how close we are to summer vacation? It always seems like the end of the year approaches so quickly. This time of year, I start looking for things happening over the summer to keep my children busy, engaged, and building community. This summer Spokane Garry has a summer school opportunity that will provide all those things. My own children will be attending. Keep an eye out for a link to register! 


With the idea of building community in mind, I wanted to share a fun event happening on May 8th. The Northeast Community Center is having a Farmers Market Opening from 3-6 PM. There will be free food, community resources, a legal clinic, and activities for the whole family. It is a great way to get out, enjoy the beautiful weather and meet people who live in our area of town. I will be there with my children for part of the evening so if you see me there make sure to say hi! 



Next month in this section of the newsletter I will provide a list of summer opportunities in our area so make sure to check back. If you have any specific questions never hesitate to reach out and I would be happy to help in any way I can.  

Devony Audet

Family Engagement Coordinator 

devonya@spokaneschools.org

509-354-5170

Communities in Schools



Spokane Garry Community Center

Located in Room 125W

Open Monday-Friday 8:45 am-4:00 pm


Miranda Adair

CIS Community in Schools

MirandaA1@spokaneschools.org

509-354-5132

Raven Circle

Ashley Bartels

21st CCLC Site Coordinator

509-354-5133

Character Trait of the Month:

Forgiveness

May's trait of the month is Honesty. Honesty means being free from deception- not only saying true things but living a life that is consistent with what you say.


“The high road is always respected. Honesty and integrity are always rewarded."


— Scott Hamilton,

American Figure Skater and Olympic Gold Medalist

March Students of the Month

Caden Brackins

Graciana Butters

Conner Francia

Mica Pearson

Taylor Hoffman

Riley Morden

Nathan Arroyo

Daisy Bui

Elijah Audet

Lexi Rhoads

Rae Culver

Henry Daines

Emily Cox

Keep Soaring, Ravens!

BOOKS!

Thanks to Spokane Public Library for our latest shipment of new books. Our collection of graphic novels and manga is the best it has ever been! Every book on the shelves pictured below is a brand-new graphic novel.


Did you know that thanks to the SPS-SPL Partnership, Spokane Garry students can request books from any SPS middle school or SPL Library and pick them up at Garry? Talk to Mr. Newbury if you need help logging into spokanelibrary.org to make your requests.

Club Updates

Strategy Game Club

Congratulations to the winners of the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament at Strategy Club.


Alex Cox played Pokémon Trainer and had competitive games all the way through the tournament to finish in a close 4th place. Andrew Gannaway played Little Mac to an impressive 3rd place. David Hidalgo took 2nd place with Kirby in the nailbiter of a championship set that went to the final moments of the last game. And Hunter Buckmaster persevered through a number of close matches and showed off his skill with a variety of characters to take 1st place. Shout out also to Riley DeGroat for winning the Spirit Award for their positive attitude.



Sports Updates

7th/8th Basketball Games

May 8: Varsity Game @ Hart Field 4:14,

JV GREY Game @ Garry 4:15


May 10: Varsity Game @ Garry 4:15,

JV RED Game @ Chase 4:15


May 11: JV GREY Game @ Garry 4:15


May 15: Varsity Game @ Flett 4:15,

JV RED @ Garry 4:15


May 17: Varsity Game @ Garry 4:15,

JV GREY Game @ Chase 4:15


May 18: JV RED Game @ Garry 4:15


May 22: Varsity Game @ Flett 4:15,

JV GREY Game @ Garry 4:15


May 23: Varsity Game and JV Games

@ Rogers High School 4:15

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7th/8th Track and Field Meets

May 4: Track Meet @ Rogers High School 4:15


May 18: Track Meet @ Shadle Park HS 4:15


May 24: All City Track Meet @ Hart Field 4:15

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6th Grade Sports

6th Grade Volleyball Games


May 16 @ Garry 3:40

May 18 @ Garry 3:40

May 23 @ Garry 3:40

May 25 @ Garry 3:40

6th Grade Basketball Games


May 15 @ Garry 3:40

May 17 @ Garry 3:40

May 22 @ Garry 3:40

May 24 @ Garry 3:40

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Staff Spotlight

Mrs. Tramp

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

This year I teach 7th grade ELA and the 7th grade AVID Elective. This is my sixth year teaching at Spokane Garry Middle School. In the past, I have taught Social Studies and have worked as an Interventionist.


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

When I am not at work, I spend a lot of time with my family (husband and two daughters). We love to do projects all around our house. Recently, I have been working on getting our garden ready to plant in the next few weeks. I also love to read. I have currently read eleven books this year, and my goal for the whole year is to read fifty.


What are some pets you’ve had or would like to own?

I have owned cats, dogs, fish, and a bearded dragon. My dog and bearded dragon were my all-time favorites. Bearded dragons are the best! Mine would chase my cats around the house and then crawl up my leg to my neck and hide behind my hair. Eventually, I would love to own another one.  


What is one of your hidden talents?

When I was in high school, I used to be in the choir program. For most of high school, I traveled and competed in singing competitions across the state. At one point I considered becoming a choir teacher.


Where is the coolest place you’ve traveled to?

The coolest place that I have ever been to is the Oregon Coast. It is one of my favorite places. We vacation there every summer. I love Seaside and Newport, Oregon. The sunsets are so beautiful, and I love walking on the beach and hearing the roar of the ocean. The Oregon Coast has beautiful lighthouses as well. I love being able to sit on the porch and drink a cup of coffee while hearing the ocean and watching the sunrise and set.

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