Good Evening Peasley Pride!
School Starts Monday, August 28, 2023! The Peasley Staff is eager to have our students return and ready for teaching and learning to occur! We were very pleased to see so many students and their families at our two Open Houses hosted this week. So many teachers to visit and clubs and activities to begin reaching out to - it can be overwhelming at times. But we encourage all families to stay involved and engaged in their student's educational experience! I want to share some more specific details about Peasley with each of you.
- When visiting Peasley Middle School, please be sure to approach the front doors, ring the bell and be prepared to state who you are and the purpose for your visit. Once entering the building, you will be asked to present a pictured identification card to the person greeting you. All office staff do not know all parents/relatives, so for the safety of our students and staff, this new procedure is being put into place. Please remember to bring your picture ID into the building with you. We appreciate your cooperation and support!
- When visiting Peasley to eat lunch with your student, there is a designated table for our parents and guardians to sit with only their student. Also, when bringing in food from outside of school, foods can only be brought for your student, not friends of your student. Thank you again for your cooperation!
- Students will be able to bring water bottles to school for only water. We have several water bottle refilling stations located in our building. No other drinks should be in the water bottle or brought to school. If a student enters the building with a drink, other than water, they will be asked to finish the drink before going to class.
- Breakfast is served every morning. Students who will be purchasing the breakfast will be the only students accessing the cafeteria. Please find time for your student to eat at home if not purchasing breakfast.
- Eating in the classroom is not an option. Food and drinks will not leave the cafeteria. Snack times are not part of our daily schedule in the middle school. If your student has a medical need, please be sure to touch base with our school nurse.
- Each family should have received a message through the Parent Portal asking you to update the demographic form, review the following and sign the signature page for the Code of Conduct, sign the signature page for the Computer Use Agreement and sign the signature page for Media Release. Gloucester County Public Schools (GCPS) is asking that these documents now be updated and signed online, digitally. Please be sure you are also keeping a current email address on file in the Parent Portal so that you receive these messages.
- Through School Cash online, you can purchase your student's required agenda for $6 and optional Chromebook insurance for $20. See a link on our webpage for School Cash online.
- Through My School Bucks on the GCPS webpage under "Food Services" you can place money on your student's account for meals and snacks. You can also view the division's menu for meals.
- Chromebooks will be distributed towards the end of first week. All necessary paperwork and permissions must be provided first.
- Be sure to check out our school spirit wear fundraiser that is occurring until Friday, September 1st! You can see the options on the flyer picked up at Open House or on our Facebook page.
- Cell phones, i-watches and earbuds - all electronic devices should be turned off and in the student's bookbag (not on their person) during the school day. Once students enter our doors, cell phones and earbuds are not permitted for use. If students need to contact a parent, they are asked to come to the office. If students are found using these devices, it will be placed in the office and returned to them at the end of the day. When additional offenses occur using these devices, parents will be asked to come pick up his/her devices. Please encourage your student to follow our expectations for electronic devices.
- We ask that parents help monitor their student's dress when leaving each morning for school. GCPS does have a dress code policy that can be found in the Code of Conduct on page 6. Administration will determine when a dress code violation has occurred and contact the parent if a change of clothing is necessary.
- Our athletes that ride the bus to GHS in the afternoon will catch the bus typically between 2:45-2:55 to be taken to the high school.
- Please refrain from parking in the bus loop between the hours of 6:45am-8:00am AND 2:00pm-3:00pm.
- If your student plans to be picked up in our car loop on a regular basis, please be sure to sign up for this process to receive your car number. Contact our school office to set this up, at 804-693-1499. If your student is only being picked up on a nonregular basis, please send a note to the office informing us of this alternative transportation for that day. Likewise with our buses - in order for a student to ride home on a different bus, this has to be approved by transportation first due to overcrowding on some buses.
Lastly, we worked hard last year to revise our School's Mission Statement. It is as follows: Peasley Middle School strives for all students to succeed within a strong community of educators and learners who are dedicated to creating an environment embracing diversity, emotional and social wellness, critical thinking, and learning creatively while Recognizing One Another Respectfully (ROAR).
Together We Will ROAR! We look forward to working closely with all of our families this school year to make it the best possible experience for our students! As always, if you should have any questions or would like to help support our school in any way, please contact us at 804-693-1499. Don't forget to join our PTA, stay active and engaged in your student's educational experiences.
Most Sincerely,
Ms. Cathy Balderson
Principal, Peasley Middle School