Dear GMSA Family,

The school year is off to a great start! Our students and staff are excited to be back. This year we are promoting healthy minds and bodies. New programs are in place to address the climate, socio/emotional health and curriculum. When attending GMSA we want students to feel safe, secure and physically and emotionally healthy.

Two programs we implemented are the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program and Calm Classroom. When surveyed many of our students stated that they feel bullying inside and outside of the school. In a school-wide effort to address these concerns, our staff, parents and community representatives trained in strategies to prevent bullying. Anti-bullying rules are posted in the classrooms and hallways. Teachers and students discuss strategies to prevent bullying. Students recognize and address bullying behavior with their peers in the classroom.

In an effort to reduce inappropriate behaviors, the Calm Classroom is an additional program adopted by the GMSA staff. Calm Classroom is used in schools across the nation including several Chicago Public Schools. This program uses breathing techniques to help reduce stress and anger among students. Teachers guide students through a different breathing strategy two or three times per day.

To address the social/emotional needs of our students, we have expanded counseling opportunities. Students have access to Peace Room which is staffed by a certified social worker. Students attending the Peace Room participate in Peace Circles, conflict resolution and one–to-one discussion with the social worker. A counselor intern is staffed at GMSA where students can participate in weekly counseling sessions. Lastly, we will have a full-time social worker on staff to assist with the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program, promote and develop relationships with community agencies and address additional needs of our GMSA families.

Lastly, the GMSA Parent Patrol is going strong. Several parents trained and received yellow safety vests and hats. Each school day parents patrol various street crossings to watch over and assist students to and from school. The presence of the GMSA Parent Patrol is felt throughout the school and community. We thank them for their diligence. More volunteers are needed! If you are interested please contact us.

The GMSA students, staff, parents and community are going to have a successful school year. We need the support of all stakeholders. If you are available to donate your time by volunteering or tutoring, we welcome you. If you are aware of additional funding opportunities, we ask that you please assist us in obtaining these resources. Feel free to attend our monthly LSC meetings which are held the second Tuesday of each month. The time is 5:00 pm until 6:00 pm. As always, thank you for your continued support of GMSA.