Did you know that being absent just one day every two weeks equals four weeks of missing school? That's why Peninsula School District is committed to helping every student succeed through consistent attendance.
Why Every Day Counts
Regular attendance is more than just following school policy—it's an investment in your child's future. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to:
- Read at grade level by third grade
- Graduate on time from high school
- Build meaningful friendships and social connections
- Develop essential life skills for future success
Research shows that missing just 2 days a month (or 10% of school) can significantly impact your student's academic progress and social development.
How Families Can Help
Establish Consistent Routines:
- Set regular bedtime and morning schedules
- Prepare for school the night before
- Talk with your child about the importance of school attendance
Plan Ahead:
- Schedule appointments before or after school hours
- Plan family vacations during district holidays
- Develop backup transportation plans
Stay Connected:
- Communicate with teachers about any concerns
- Contact the school if your child will be absent
- Reach out if you're having challenges getting your child to school
Our Commitment to You
We understand that challenges affecting attendance can arise, and we're here to help. Our school staff — including nurses, counselors, and teachers — is ready to support your family in overcoming any barriers to regular attendance.
Remember: We take attendance daily as required by state law, communicate about unexcused absences, and work with families to find solutions that support student success.
Understanding Washington State Requirements
Parents of children aged 8-18 must ensure that their children attend a full-time public school, private school, or receive approved home-based instruction. If you enroll your 6- or 7-year-old, they must attend school full-time.
For more information about our attendance policies and resources, visit our student handbook or contact your child's school directly. Together, we can ensure every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.
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Conference week is coming October 27 - 31! Students are dismissed daily at 11:30 during conference week and there is no late start on Wednesday, Oct. 29th. There will be an opportunity for students to bring home a sack lunch from our lunchroom on those days if they wish to. We will be sending out information separately around our Arena Style Conference, so stay tuned! More information to come.
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Mark you calendars, picture make-up day will be Wednesday, November 5th.
School pictures can be ordered here.
More details will be out later this month.
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Pre-order your YEARBOOK by Oct 31, and students will receive a free signing pen with their Yearbook, and a Pre-Release party! Yearbooks are $40, or $35 with ASB card!
We also would LOVE to have photos of:
* First Day of School!
* Summer Activities!
* Sports photos!
You can upload here:
Or scan this QR code from your phone: (May not work with older phones!)
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Follow the Goodman VPO on Facebook @goodmanmiddleVPO and Instagram @gms.vpo
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Thursday, 10/2 at Iscreamery - Let the cashier know you're with Goodman, and 15% of sales will be donated to our VPO!
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Monday, 10/27 at MOD Pizza during conference week! 25% of sales will be donated to the Goodman VPO!
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The Goodman Student store is open Wednesdays and Fridays during lunch and is CASH ONLY! Support the VPO and purchase frozen yogurt and other treats!
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A well-stocked staff lounge can really boost everyone’s spirits! Our teachers and staff would appreciate it. Thank you for supporting the GMS staff!
You can shop for items on your own and drop them off at the school office anytime:
Or you can ship them directly to the school from Amazon:
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National Hispanic Heritage Month begins today, offering our Peninsula School District community an important opportunity to recognize and celebrate the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to our educational landscape and broader society.
From September 15 to October 15, we honor not only the rich cultural heritage of our Hispanic and Latino students, families, and staff members, but also the transformative impact they have on our district's success and innovation.
As educational leaders, we recognize that celebrating diversity enhances our learning environment and prepares all students for success in our increasingly interconnected world.
We're committed to creating inclusive spaces where every student can see themselves reflected in their education and feel empowered to pursue their dreams. This month serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work we do year-round to ensure educational equity and excellence for all.
#HispanicHeritageMonth #EducationLeadership #InspiredAndEmpoweredPSD #EveryChildEveryDay
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PAYING FOR COLLEGE - Information Night for High School Families
Planning for your teen's college future? Join us for an essential information session!
📅 When: Wednesday, October 2nd at 7:00-8:00 PM
💻 Where: Via Zoom (link below)
👥 Who: Parents and students in grades 9-12
What You'll Learn: Financial expert David Aramaki, MBA from Ameriprise Financial, will cover:
- College financing strategies and options
- Tax considerations for education expenses
- Step-by-step FAFSA completion guide
- Q&A session for your specific questions
Whether your student is just starting in 9th grade or a senior finalizing plans, this session will provide valuable insights to help you navigate the financial aspects of higher education.
Don't miss this opportunity to get expert guidance on one of the most significant investments in your child's future!
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We ask for your cooperation in keeping our school community healthy. Please review our health policies regarding illness and keep your child home if they are showing any signs of sickness.
When to Stay Home From School:
Should you stay or should you go?
Stay home when you are sick, wash hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes.
Students will be kept home from school/sent home from school for any of the following symptoms that may indicate a communicable disease:O
- Fever – oral temperature of 100.4 F or greater
- Shortness of breath and/or cough
- Red, draining eye(s)
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Any symptom(s) causing great discomfort for the student (e.g., severe cough, sore throat, earache, headache)
Student may return to school after illness under the following conditions unless directed otherwise by local health jurisdiction:
- Fever-free without anti-fever medication for 24 hours
- Relief from symptoms including shortness of breath and/or cough
- No vomiting for 24 hours
- No diarrhea for 24 hours
- Note from health care provider indicating no longer contagious
Medication at School:
If a student needs medication (prescribed or over the counter) at school, the parent/guardian must sign permission and provide a written order from a licensed health care provider. OTC medications include cough drops, ointments, pain/fever reducing medication (Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen), and Tums. The appropriate form may be accessed through the PSD website or obtained from the Health Room. Medication must be brought to school in the original container.
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🚗 Skip the wait inside - your student can meet you right at your car for early dismissal!
Just send them with a note to the office in the morning, and we’ll give them a pass. When it’s time to go, they’ll be ready and waiting outside at the time you choose. Easy, quick, and stress-free!
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Do you need to drop off a lunch, a chromebook, items for sports or other school items for your child? Please place the item in the designated bin located outside by the front doors. Please make sure all items are clearly labeled with the student’s name. Thank you!
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As you’re out gathering just the right spooky treats for Halloween (you know, the candy that’ll make you a hero in the trick-or-treat circuit 🎃), we have a sweet favor to ask!
While you’re picking up your stash of Halloween goodies, could you think of us and maybe grab an extra bag or two of individually wrapped candy? 🍫🍬 We’d love to stock up on some sweet rewards for our students who are showing off their amazing behavior. Nothing motivates positive choices like a little treat!
So whether you’re grabbing chocolate, gummies, or something fun-sized and fabulous, your donation will make a difference in brightening up our students' day and encouraging their best behavior.
Drop off the candy at the office and know that each piece is helping build a kinder, more positive school environment (and maybe giving you a little extra space in your pantry!).
Thank you for helping us keep the “treat” in trick-or-treat!
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Students are expected to dress appropriately for school. The District Dress Code applies to ALL school days and at ALL school events:
- Do not wear clothing or accessories that present a health or safety hazard or would damage school property.
- Clothing must cover the torso/midriff, cleavage, and undergarments.
- Clothing, accessories or displays associated with gang affiliated behavior are not permitted.
- Sunglasses are not to be worn indoors.
- Clothing, accessories such as face coverings, or jewelry that displays or promotes alcohol, tobacco, drugs, weapons, illegal actions, or obscene and vulgar messages or interrupts the educational process are not permitted.
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Happy Fall to all! This month we have some programming and tips for raising middle schoolers.
October is Bullying Prevention and Awareness month. Students will receive education around this topic in several formats:
Students will have three lessons on the topic from CharacterStrong on Tuesdays this month. Bullying is defined as unwanted, harmful behavior that is likely to be repeated, coming from someone who has more power.
Check out the link below for some parenting resources from CharacterStrong
Students will also view the movie Upstanders from iMPACTFUL.
As parents/guardians you can HELP!
- Talk to your student
- Know who your student’s friends are
- Check your student’s phone regularly
- Limit social media
SLEEP!
As we move into the routine of school we see more and more students struggling to stay awake in class and talking about how tired they are. Teens need more sleep than they did in elementary school. Please work with your students to improve sleep habits which might improve their overall mental and physical health. Follow the link below to an article about sleep and your teen or almost teen from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
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Wrestling Registration is Now Open! Wrestling begins Monday, October 21st through December 14th. Please click on the link to register your child in FINALFORMS Schedule to be determined and will be posted soon!
You can register your studetnt/s by going to FinalForms in order to:
1.) Create your parent account
2.) Add your student(s) to your account and select their sport
3.) Sign and submit your required forms to participate in that sport
Please be sure your athlete has their ASB Card ($20) and is current with their Sports Physical (good up to 2 yrs). This can be downloaded into FinalForms.
This will complete the registration process and your student will be ready to participate in athletics at Goodman Middle School.
Before the start of the season we will verify that all required paperwork has been submitted
If you have any questions, please contact Darla Rockstrom at 253-530-1606 or via email at rockstromd@psd401.net
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Calling all high school and middle school students and families! Get ready to explore your future at our annual College & Career Fair.
📅 When: Tuesday, October 15th from 5 - 7 p.m.
📍 Where: Tom Taylor YMCA (10550 Harbor Hill Dr, Gig Harbor)
Perfect for:
- Students exploring college options and career paths
- Families researching post-graduation opportunities
- Anyone looking to network with local employers and colleges
What to Expect: Connect directly with college representatives, local businesses, trade schools, and community organizations. Bring copies of your resume, come prepared with questions, and dress to impress!
This is a fantastic opportunity for students to:
- Learn about admission requirements and programs
- Discover scholarship opportunities
- Explore career paths in various fields
- Make valuable connections for internships and jobs
Come along to support your student and gather information about programs that interest them. Many booths will have materials specifically for families!
Sponsored by the PSD Career Center. Questions? Contact your school's counseling office.
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- Wednesday, Oct. 1st, Boys Soccer & Girls Volleyball Home game vs KOPA MS 3:30 Start
- Thursday, Oct. 2nd, Cross Country First Meet @ Sehmel Homestead Park 3:30 Start
- Monday, Oct. 6th, Boys Soccer & Girls Volleyball Home game vs. HRMS 3:30 Start
- Wednesday, Oct. 8th Cross Country Meet @ Gig Harbor High School 3:30 Start
- Wednesday, Oct. 8th, Boys Soccer & Girls Volleyball First Away game vs. KPMS 3:30 Start
- Wednesday, Oct. 15th, Boys Soccer & Girls Volleyball Away game vs. KOPA 3:30 Start
- Friday, Oct. 17th, Cross Country Meet @ Sehmel Homestead Park 3:30 Start
- Friday, Oct. 17th, Boys Soccer & Girls Volleyball Last Away game vs. HRMS 3:30 Start
- Friday, Oct. 18th, Young Authors Conference
- Monday, Oct 27-Friday, Oct. 31, Conferences, Half days, no late arrival on Wednesday
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🌟 Stay Connected with Us on Social Media! 🌟
Want to see all the amazing things happening at our school? 📸 From art projects and student achievements to event updates, we’re sharing it all! Get an inside look at our school community. Don't miss out on the fun – join us today and be part of the journey! 🎉 #StayConnected
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