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Lion's Ledger 19

Posted Date: 01/05/26 (02:18 PM)


Cambridge

Lion's Ledger

Vol.1 /Issue 19

January 5, 2026
70 Years

Principal's Corner

Dear Glenridge Families,
I hope everyone had a restful break. We officially begin the second semester tomorrow morning! Grades were closed out today, but report cards will not be ready to send out until next week. We will also be sending invitations out to our Lion Leader Celebration next week after we review grades and discipline.
 

Leadership Team

Mr. Daniel Kempinger- Principal
Dr. Kimberly Bispott- Assistant Principal
Mr. Nigel Hames- Assistant Principal
Camile Cassara- 7th grade Dean/8th grade A-L Dean
Patrick ODonal- 6th grade Dean/8th grade M-Z Dean
Melissa Summers- School Counselor A-L
Jayne Ness-Lee- School Counselor M-Z
Meredith Huebner- Staffing Specialist
Amanda Burchins-Testing Coordinator
Mellisa Livingston-Taylor- Safe Coordinator
Brianna Johnson- Social Worker
Mariela Rojas- Math Coach
Shanna Gefter- Literacy Coach

Student Services

No news this week.

Arts

Athletics

Basketball Information
Any student that is trying out for basketball should plan to stay after on Tuesday to check with coach and verify you have everything ready. Tryouts will be held Wednesday-Friday. 8th grade boys DO NOT have to attend Wednesday. They will officially start on Thursday. If you have any questions, reach out to Athletic Director Stock. David.stock@ocps.net
 

Esports Team Best in District

Our team's hard work and excellent preparation this fall paid off, and we went home tonight with the W to claim the 2025 Fall Super Smash Bros. Ultimate District Championship!  
 
Ryan Koch led the way with back-to-back devastating 2-0 victories over Avalon's strongest fighter and team captain to close out the match and nab the trophy. He was backed up by rock solid performances from Collin McNeill and Jaxson Pinilla and a sizable cheering section of students and staff. Please congratulate these gamers on an unbelievable fall campaign when you see them on campus. We will be back in the spring to try to do it again!
 
Big shout out to Mr. Childs, Mr. Kempinger, Mr. Berry and Ms. Guber for stopping by and supporting the team and also to Ms. Rojas for making us an awesome victory banner! Boys Volleyball is next up, GO LIONS!

Esports Champs

Counselor Corner

Attention families of 8th grade students! It is time to start planning for high school.

If you are interested in learning more about OCPS Magnet Programs click here. Magnet Program applications close on February 16th. Read on for more Save the Dates and an important message.

  • WPHS Advanced Studies Informational Meeting at the WPHS 9th Grade Center on Tuesday, December 16th at 6pm.

  • WPHS Advanced Studies Informational Meeting at Glenridge MS on Thursday, January 15th at 6pm.

Pre-IB Applications will be available on December 16th and due on January 16th, 2026. When the application opens, it can be found here.

As always, please feel free to reach out to either Mr. Noble or Ms. Ness-Lee if you have any questions.

Lastly, I (Mr. Noble), would like to thank you (the GMS community) for your support and encouragement throughout my 2.5 years as a School Counselor here at GMS. Tuesday, December 16th will be my last day working at the Lion's Den. I will be transitioning back to the high school ranks but this time in Seminole County. I wish the GMS community nothing but the best for the remainder of the 2025-2026 school year and beyond! Take care and GO LIONS!
A colorful poster displays the word THINK, with each letter representing a question to consider before speaking.

Deans' Den

Facts for Kids About Bullying

Bullying is being mean to another kid over and over again. Bullying often includes:

  • Teasing
  • Talking about hurting someone
  • Spreading rumors
  • Leaving kids out on purpose
  • Attacking someone by hitting them or yelling at them
Bullying does not always happen in person. Cyberbullying is a type of bullying that happens online or through text messages or emails. It includes posting rumors on sites like Facebook, sharing embarrassing pictures or videos, and making fake profiles or websites.

Kids Who are Bullied
Kids who are bullied can feel like they are:
*Different *Powerless *Unpopular
*Alone
Kids who are bullied have a hard time standing up for themselves. They think the kid who bullies them is more powerful than they are. Bullying can make them:
  • Sad, lonely, or nervous
  • Feel sick
  • Have problems at school
  • Bully other kids
Kids Who Bully Others
Kids bully others for many reasons, they may: 
  • Want to copy their friends
  • Think bullying will help them fit in
  • Think they are better than the kid they are bullying
Bullying is never ok. Those who bully use power to hurt people. Power does not always mean bigger or stronger. Power can also mean popular or smart. Or, the kid doing the bullying may know a secret about the kid being bullied.
Kids who bully can have other problems, too, even when they get older, like using alcohol and drugs, getting into fights, and dropping out of school.

Kids Who See Bullying
When kids see bullying, they may not know what to do. They may feel depressed or worried. They may be absent from school because they don’t feel safe. They may join in or stay silent so they won’t get bullied themselves. They may stand up to the bully. But the best thing to do is get an adult who will stop the bullying on the spot.


Parents and teachers: Please help us teach students to be kind and responsible citizens. Peer pressure can be positive when we all try to do what is right.
 

Glenridge Middle Happenings

Gradventure Updates

Gradventure Updates

Gradventure is steadily approaching. 8th graders received a paper today that breaks down the eligibility requirements for this field trip. This field trip will take place on May 1st, 2026 from 3PM- 1AM. Payment links for Gradventure are active as of December 12, and once payment is received students may come get a permission slip for parent signature.
If you are interested in chaperoning, please utilize the Gradventure Link in ADDitions. Once your background check has been approved then you may purchase your chaperone ticket. A QR code is also available on the eligibility paper.

Updates on groups will be sent out soon as group sizes will be dependent on number of chaperones.
The students received this form. It highlights the eligibility requirements for the field trip. The QR code to chaperone is also in the form.

Gradventure Rules & Expectations
Parents: Your child has been invited to attend the 8th grade Gradventure trip on May 1st, 2026.  In order to attend this activity/field trip, we have the following expectations:
Effective December 12, 2025
·         The student must be in good attendance standing (No excessive, unexcused absences& tardies; more than 10)
·        The student must demonstrate consistent, appropriate behavior in classrooms and other areas of campus.
·         No more than 2 Level 2, or 1 level 3.
·         Students who receive Level 4 referrals will not be authorized to attend. 
Administrative discretion/approval will be used for students if:
·     Level 2, 3, or 4 referrals – special requests or consideration will need Administration approval. (2nd Semester)
·         Administration Signature for approval (if needed)
AFTER your background check has been approved you may use the QR code or https://ocps.schoolcashonline.com/Fee/Details/45839/574/False/True
 to buy your ticket.


PTSA News/Lion's Pride News

🎁 PTSA Memberships make great Holiday gifts! Give the gift to yourself, spouse or students by clicking here!

🎄Our 2025 Glenridge Cares Giving Tree is virtual this year! Each $25 donation provides a gift for the student and anything above will help with food support over the break. Click here to donate!

🧁 Help us treat our GMS staff to some holiday themed treats for their next Staff Meeting. We’re asking for all items to be delivered to the front office this Wednesday, December 17 by 11 am. You can sign up here!

_____________________________________

Lion's Pride
Thank you to all of you who showed up for our kick off event. Here is a link to support our initiatives this year. All support is tax deductible and greatly appreciated.


Testing News

This week will be reserved for make-up tests for students that were absent during the testing window.
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After School Clubs

Math extra-help

Academics

🧮 Math Support Sessions Begin Tuesday!
We’re excited to offer Math Support Sessions to help students strengthen their skills and prepare for end-of-year assessments. These sessions will run weekly until testing concludes.

📍 Location for All Sessions: Room 626

🌅 Morning Sessions
Days: Tuesday through Friday
Time: 8:45 AM – 9:25 AM
Entry: Students should enter through the front office.

🌇 Afternoon Sessions
Days: Tuesdays & Thursdays
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

These sessions are a great opportunity for students to receive extra help, ask questions, and build confidence in math. We encourage all students who need support to attend!
Esports
Math Counts