Doing more

than a Sport

It’s now time for GSMS to start the Cross Trainers Club again.

Mr. Roger Reetz, GSMS math teacher, and Mrs. Wendy McIntosh, GSMS Counselor, sponsor this club, which is a physical fitness club that helps people get and/or stay in shape.

In this club, students meet on Monday and Wednesday from 3:05-4:15 p.m.

Participants can expect to do running, biking, jumping jacks, aerobics, and other exercises.

This club is open to students in grades 6-8, as well as their parents.

To join this club students will need to fill out an athletic package which can be downloaded at gsmsdolphins.com/cross-trainers. 

One of the workout routines the club will focus on is running. Before all types of running please see a local doctor for your well being.

Weight training is another routine that you can do in cross training.

Weight training is a way to raise your metabolism.

If you would like to join the Cross Trainers club you need to contact Mr. Reetz or Mrs. McIntosh.

By: Kristen Shue; 7th

Passport to Adventure!

On Nov. 20, Mrs. Webb’s gifted literature seventh grade students and the entire eighth grade classes are going to the Mobile International Festival at the Mobile Civic Center.

For Mrs. Webb, taking her students to this festival is a tradition.

However, because the eighth grade team expressed an interest in taking the whole class, this is the first year that the entire eighth grade is getting to go.

This year is the International Festival’s 25th anniversary.

In this Festival the students will be able to experience the culture and cuisine of many countries such as Brazil or Greece.

Mrs. Webb’s class will incorporate the Festival into their learning by studying literature from and about other countries around the world.

The students may want to bring extra money to use for souvenirs or food tokens.

By: Sydney Taylor; 8th

Songwriter's Spotlight

Recently, several language arts teachers at GSMS began teaching a unit called “Words to Music.” 

The teachers are Mrs. Mindy Stringfeild, Mrs. Pam Tucker, Mrs. Carol Myers and Mrs. Donna Jo Webb. “Words to Music” is a program where students are required to write a song or poem that can be put to music.

They can write about anything they want. “I think this unit of study is a great opportunity for some students to possibly discover their hidden talent.

I was also very excited about teaching this section to my students. It was a great way to learn more about songwriting,” Mrs. Stringfield said.

By: Shelby Simpson; 8th

GSMS Students Get TUFF!

Recently, Mrs. Mindy Stringfield’s eighth grade literature classes studied the novel, The Outsiders by: S.E. Hinton.

While reading this novel Mrs. Stringfield’s classes had to make a “tuff” collage.

Tuff, in this particular book means something that someone thinks is cool.

Students made the tuff collage on poster board, displaying objects that they think were cool, such as pictures, jewelry, books, CD jackets, etc.

The purpose of this project was to help the students define the difference between the two words tough and tuff.

The requirements of this project were to use a poster board, include objects they thought were cool and every object had to overlap another.

Mrs. Stringfield said this about the tuff project. “I enjoy assigning the tuff project because it speaks volumes about what students think is important or cool to them. You can learn a lot about a student through their collage.”

By: Spencer Waters; 8th

FCA

The Fellowship of Christian Athletes is an international club that focuses on serving local communities by “equipping, empowering, and encouraging people to make a difference for Christ and demonstrate steadfast commitment to Jesus Christ and his word through integrity, serving, teamwork, and excellence,” according to the organization’s Web site.

The FCA is a student led organization and is open to all students and meets every Friday in the library at 7:15 a.m. 

About once a quarter they have special speakers come to the meetings in the library and discuss certain topics.

Once a year they host a special event to help out charities and people who need help. FCA also sponsors a camp.

Last year at the 2007 FCA Camp they had over 42,000 people. There are many professional athletes in FCA.

By: Hayden Morrison and Fox Lewis; 7th

Fast Feet

This year’s GSMS Cross-Country team has done very well.

The coaches, Mr. Roger Reetz and Mrs. Wendy McIntosh have led the team to high expectations and great wins.

The GSMS cross-country team used teamwork and dedication to get through the season.

The team ran many races and prevailed in a couple of them. Starting with the Foley invitational, the team took home the gold.

The girl’s team also came in first place at the Catman Classic, which was held in Orange Beach and sponsored by the city of Orange Beach, Columbia Southern University and Chiropractic Associates.

The team’s last meet was the County Championships, where Nicole Wallis, Savannah Kichler and Cap Peevy earned the status of All-County.  Nicole placed third in the girl’s 2A, and Savannah placed ninth. Cap came in fourteenth out of the boy’s 2A.

By: SarahBeth Loper; 7th