It seems just yesterday I was wishing students an enjoyable spring break, yet today we are just a few weeks from summer break. The year just flew by, but I attribute that to the wonderful experience I had this year as principal with this particular group of students, as well and the exceptional staff I have the privilege of working with on a daily basis. As I think back over the year, many accomplishments come to mind:  Mr. Edelman was selected as a Kansas Horizon recipient; Mr. Kilmer was selected as middle school athletic director of the year; GMS won the Pioneer League Food Drive collecting over 5000 items; Student Council raised money through shirt sales and other activities to furnish Christmas presents for nine mittens from the Mitten Tree; students raised a record amount for Pennies for Patients; preliminary state assessment results indicate our students performed well with some of the highest scores ever reported at GMS; PTO provided several worthwhile activities for students including a cook out for Open House, a dance and raffling two Nintendo Wii units. 

This group of students has continued the GMS tradition of excellence by demonstrating leadership, pride and sportsmanship in their academic and athletic endeavors, and modeling citizenship and a commitment to their community. Thank you, parents, for the role you have played and for sharing your children with us this past year. 

We still have a busy month ahead of us and welcome your attendance to many upcoming events, including our final recognition assembly on Friday, May 16. Also that day will be our annual school picnic followed by a school-wide talent show and the ever-popular yearbook signing party. Spring sports will be drawing to a close and the music department will host their final concerts. Please check the district calendar for these events. Also in May is staff appreciation week. I encourage each of you to take a moment to thank a teacher or staff member for his/her efforts. Encourage your students to do the same.

Our last day of school is Wednesday, May 21. Note that this last day of school is a change from the original school calendar! Students will clean out their lockers on Tuesday, May 20 and will not have access to their lockers the last day of school. The only items students need to bring on the last day are a pen and/or pencil and paper. In the past, this procedure has proven successful in preventing any major problems. Our goal is to have a safe, productive final day of school.

There will be a few new faces among our staff next fall as some of those familiar to our building leave us. We say good-bye to Melanie Buettgenbach, 7/8 English teacher, and Dan Millar, special education teacher, and wish them both well. 
On behalf of the faculty and staff at Robert Goddard Middle School, I would like to wish each of you a safe, relaxing summer.

It seems impossible that the school year is just about over.  As I reflect upon the year, it feels like just yesterday that we were conducting the new student orientation and staring at nervous seventh graders who didn’t seem sure they could adjust to life as middle school students.  These same students who lacked confidence at the beginning of the year have matured and will be positive role models for next year’s seventh grade class.

In addition to maturing, our students have also worked hard in the classroom this year. Two other groups are instrumental in making sure our kids are successful in the classroom:  our parents and staff members.  Their support and dedication along with hard work on the part of our students combine to provide our children with a quality education.   

Now that warmer weather is here, I would also like to remind the students and parents of the RGMS dress code.  Our dress code permits students to wear shorts as long as they reach mid thigh.  Short shorts are prohibited.  No mesh, see-through, halter, crop, low cut shirts or shirts that expose the midriff may be worn.  Spaghetti strap shirts may be worn as long as another shirt is underneath.  The dress code applies to all school related activities and sporting events.  Please help us by monitoring what your son or daughter wears to school.

Thank you again for an excellent school year.  I hope that each of you has a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing summer break.

MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Robert Goddard Middle School, in partnership with parents and the community, is to provide a safe, positive learning environment in which all students:

• Experience a superior academic curriculum enhanced by a variety of extra-curricular activities.
• Apply knowledge acquired to reach their highest potential.
• Demonstrate behavior that is responsible, resourceful and respectful.
• Become productive citizens who will make positive contributions in the 21st century.