Griffin Middle School
4010 King Springs Road
Smyrna, GA 30082-4204
(678) 842-6917
What a beautiful day in the neighborhood – and what a great day it was to come out and help beautify Griffin’s campus! On Friday November 12, 2010, IBM employees came out to work alongside parent volunteers in support of Griffin Middle School’s campus clean up day, as well as, to help establish our student growing garden. Ms. Barlow’s students also participated by planting Jonquils around the school’s marquee. Dirt had to be moved to the planter boxes, leaves were blown, new grass was planted in bare areas, mulch was spread out around the bus loop, flowers were planted, and the hand rails were prepared for new paint. Special thanks goes out to Ann Kirk of Keep Smyrna Beautiful for organizing this event and providing most of the materials that were needed. Additional THANKS to some of our sponsors: Lowe’s on the East West Connector for donating the planting soil for our student growing garden, Chick Fil A for contributing towards the lunch for our volunteers, and a FREE milkshake coupon, Rita’s Italian Ice for donating FREE Ice coupons, and Jim N Nicks for donating FREE barbecue meal coupons to everyone that participated today.
On November 11, 2010 Griffin Middle School held a very special event to honor all of the veterans who have proudly served, or are currently serving our country. In front of students, staff, and family members, a very large American flag ( 9 ft. x 15 ft. ) was raised and saluted in honor of Veteran’s Day. This flag has special meaning to the Griffin community, due to the fact, that it was donated by the family member of a U.S. Air Force Reservist who recently served in Southeast Asia. A ceremonial Pledge of Allegiance was held at 8:30am around the flag pole, while pictures were taken, and our very own WGMS News taped the event to be broadcast later for the entire student body to see. After the ceremony, our veterans and their families were invited inside for a short reception; special thanks to Great Harvest Bread Company for donating some of their delicious muffins for our honored guests.
On October 12, 2010, Griffin held their Family Fitness Festival / AYP Celebration. This was a time for students, their families, and staff members to come together for a little FOOD and FUN. Participants in our fitness fair were – STEP IT UP FITNESS, VILLAGE HEALTH, RASHA MARTIAL ARTS, EMORY ADVENTIST HOSPITAL, and THE LITTLE CLINIC. Additional sponsors were – Bella’s Pizzeria, Rita’s Italian Ice, Just Nuts, Flowers Bakeries, and LIFEPOINT CHURCH. There was a dunking booth and a rock climbing wall, as well as, fitness tests, and healthy hot dogs. This was a great way for everyone to celebrate Griffin’s recent academic successes.
Also in October, the Griffin PTSA held their book fair, which coincided with Conference Week. This year’s Book Fair was a huge success – the PTSA received $986.00 in cash and the Griffin Media Center has $700 in Scholastic Dollars to spend to enhance the Media Center
Scholastic Book Fair, August 24 – 26, 2010
ImageFor Starting Tuesday, August 24th and ending Thursday, August 26th students may shop before school from 8:40 till 9:15 in the Griffin Media Center with a pass from their homeroom teachers. There will be a Family Event on Tuesday, August 24th from 4:15 till 7:00 for students and parents.
August 18, 2010
Mr. York Issues a Challenge
At last night’s Open House, Mr. York issued a challenge to all parents of Griffin students to give 8 hours to Griffin throughout the course of this year. Parents are asked to participate in PTSA events, dances, concerts, classroom visits, and conferences. “Over the past few years we’ve seen tremendous academic growth from our students. We’ve made AYP and want to continue that success. We have a team of outstanding educators here at Griffin but only with the support of parents can we continue to see student success” Mr. York states. While the challenge was announced at the 7th/8th grade Open House it is meant for all Griffin parents. Mr. York explained “We understand that Presentation46th grade parents are just now in the process of transitioning to middle school. That, in itself, takes a lot of time. We would love for all our parents to be involved throughout the year.” With the help of staff, parents and the community Griffin will continue to make the difference in the lives of our students.
Every year, 7th & 8th Griffin students are selected based on scholastic aptitude and ability to compete in the Academic Bowl. Students compete in county-wide competitions in the Fall and Spring. Students are quizzed on academic content, which includes, but is not limited to History, Geography, Biology, Physics, Astronomy, Literature, Grammar, Current Events, Geometry, and Algebra. During competition season, students practice twice a week in the morning. The Academic Bowl is sponsored by the Professional Association of Georgia Educators (P.A.G.E.).
Mission & Purpose: By practicing and competing in Academic Bowl, students participate in friendly, academic competition, which promotes the acquisition of knowledge.
Griffin Middle School Academic Bowl Past Activities and Events:
* County-wide Competitions for 2002-2008
* County-wide Spring Competition: 2nd place for Rising 7th Graders, 2006
* County-wide Fall Competition: 5th place, 2006
* County-wide Fall Competition: 4th place, 2007
Griffin is one of two middle schools in the Smyrna, Georgia area. The school has made AYP two years in a row. Clubs include the Robotics club, Academic Bowl, Youthact, Kiwanis Builder’s Club, Junior Beta and more.
Griffin’s “Give Back to Griffin” fund-raising campaign has brought in $1,866.00 so far this year. Thank you so much to all of those families that have contributed to the campaign. You can still make a donation; “Give Back” forms are available in the School Store on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
