Dear GMS Families, 

It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of the school year's first quarter. The weeks have flown by, and teachers have already covered a tremendous amount of content. In addition to signaling the beginning of the second quarter, October is an essential month at Goza Middle School. It includes both our first-quarter academic period and fall conferences.

Our teachers are looking forward to providing and receiving additional insights regarding your child's education. As a parent, you provide valuable information to teachers so they can better address your child's needs. Our teachers genuinely appreciate the support you give your child in their education while at home. Parent-Teacher Conferences are from 4-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 17, and Thursday, October 19. The staff and I thank you in advance for taking the time to participate in Parent-Teacher Conferences. 

Maximizing communication between home and school is imperative to your child's educational success and something that we will continue to find ways to improve. This newsletter is one of the ways we communicate to our community regarding what is happening at GMS. You can also follow us on Facebook and visit our website. Communication among students, parents, and staff is the key to your child's success. 

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in our school community. We look forward to another successful month filled with learning, growth, and memorable experiences. I hope you are enjoying the middle school years, and as always, please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions. Communication is key!

Goza's office number is 870-246-4291.

Cheryl Merk

GMS Principal

October 2, 2023

Dear 6th-Grade Parent,

We will be having Parent-Teacher Conferences district-wide very soon. Goza teachers will be here and available for conferences from 4-6:30 on October 17 and 19.

Since your child is now a middle schooler, we wanted to explain to you how conferences work here at Goza. In the past, you have been given an assigned conference time for your child’s teacher. We do not do that here due to your child having so many teachers. When you arrive at Goza, there will be a table set up at the entrance of the 6th-grade hallway. Please make sure you sign for your child’s report card. You may then visit with whomever you wish to visit with. If your child is only having trouble in math, you may wish to conference with their math teacher. If they are doing okay, and you don’t have any questions, you may choose to leave after picking up the report card.  If you want to visit with every teacher, you may choose to do that as well.

If you cannot make it during conference hours, report cards will be mailed home. If you would rather conference via phone or email, please contact us, and we will be happy to make that happen. We are required to have 100% participation in our homeroom classes. If you do not attend, we will be contacting you. 

The school year is passing quickly. We hope your child is enjoying Goza as much as we are enjoying having them here. We look forward to meeting with you.  

Sincerely,

The 6th-Grade Teachers

We will be continuing our weekly food bag program at Goza Middle School this year. We have a limited number of food bags that will be available for students to take home each Friday. This program is designed for children who do not have enough food at home on the weekends.

If you feel that your child has a need, please contact Mrs. Tuggle in the counselor's office at 870-246-4291, ext 2249.

This program is funded by donations from Patterson Federal Credit Union, Kiwanis Club of Arkadelphia and many community donations.  If you would like to donate to this program, call or email Mrs. Tuggle at dana.tuggle@arkadelphiaschools.org.

Congratulations to the following students for making the chess team:  7th Grade-Team - Kambry Elgas, Teagan Gaddis, Gavin Greenwich, Peter Harrell, Charlie Person, Milo Queitsch, Kaden Samuels, and Benjamin Zhao. Eighth-Grade Team - Anthony Bell, Chase Conroy, Hayden Darby, Caleb Davis, David Garrett, Henry Ivy, Annabelle Klein, Kerry Miller, and Jadyn Thompson. They will be representing Goza on Friday, October 6.

Corporal Phillip Foster and several members of the JROTC visited with 6th-grade students on Friday, September 29, to close out Freedom Week.  The social studies classes of Ms. Bowers, Mrs. Forthman, and Mrs. Unruh spent the week studying the Bill of Rights. The JROTC members presented the history of the flag, discussed proper behavior when the colors are presented, and demonstrated how to fold the flag. The 6th-grade students also learned what to do with a flag that is no longer in good condition.  

Foster discussed the symbolism of the flag and what it means to him and other soldiers as well as explaining a few basics of the JROTC program with the students.

We appreciate them taking time out of their schedules to visit with our students.   

Congratulations to our 2023-2024 Goza Middle School Student Council members! These students campaigned for their positions by placing posters on the hallway walls, and giving a speech to their fellow classmates at lunch. They will do a fantastic job for our school this year!