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Lion's Ledger 25

Posted Date: 02/23/26 (08:04 AM)
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Cambridge

Lion's Ledger

Vol.1 /Issue 25

February 23, 2026
70 Years

Principal's Corner

Dear Glenridge Families,
I want to start by congratulating the theater students who produced and performed a version of "Finding Nemo" this weekend. Ms. Hodges continues to find ways to challenge her students and they continue to meet those challenges and exceed expectations.
Believe it or not, we have released our full end-of-year testing schedule, and the details can be found in the newsletter. Please make every effort to have students here on the testing days to avoid having tests pile up. We are limited in the days we can use to test, and we try and provide students with some room between tests to reduce any stress.
Finally, we will be hosting the boys 2nd round playoff games on Wednesday at 5:30. Please come out and support the boys as they try to complete an undefeated season with a championship run!
 

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
Fatima Oman- 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

Arts

Jazz Band has "Excellent" Performance at MPAs

We are thrilled to share some truly exciting news about our Glenridge Middle School Band!
Last week our jazz band students received the 2nd highest rating at their Music Performance Assessment (MPA). A majority of the students were playing their second instrument and did a fantastic job representing the school. Our band program also earned over 60 Superior medals at Solo & Ensemble — the highest number in school history. In addition, we had more students participate than ever before, setting another incredible record for our program.
These achievements are a testament to the hard work, dedication, and perseverance of our students. Their commitment to practicing, supporting one another, and striving for excellence truly paid off. We are so proud of the growth they have shown, not only as musicians but also as leaders and teammates.
Thank you for your continued support of our band program. Your encouragement at home, attendance at performances, and partnership with our school make accomplishments like this possible.
Congratulations to all of our amazing band students on a historic year!
With pride,
James Brannock
Glenridge Middle School Band Director

Ensemble 2
Ensemble 2

Athletics

Basketball Information
Our boys basketball team has a first round bye in the playoffs and will host the winner of round 1 games on Wednesday at 5:30 in the gym. Come support your undefeated Lions. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students.
Playoff Bracket

Student Services

Winter Park HS counselors will be on campus this week to help our 8th grade students select their courses for next year. This is an exciting time for our 8th graders. Parents, if you haven't done so already, you may want to discuss these choices with your students.
Disability Workshop
Disability Workshop Spanish
Career Camp
 

Counselor Corner

Counselors will be working with our students over the next few weeks to help select courses for next year. If you have any questions regarding the options, please email the counselors:

Melissa Summers: Counselor for A-L
Fatima Oman: Counselor for M-Z




Deans' Den

Big Changes Coming This Week!
Your Glenridge Dean Team is rolling out some new rules and consequences for students who don't think getting to class on time is important. Most of our Lions won't see a big difference during the day, but there are big changes to students arriving after 9:25 AM. Be sure to read to the end to get all the information!
  1. Car loop doors will close PROMPTLY at 9:28. If you are not a bus rider and arrive after that, you will need to check in through the front office to get a "Late to School" hall pass.
  2. If the bus drops you off after 9:27 AM, you will get your breakfast and then a Late Bus pass BEFORE you leave the cafeteria.
  3. Once you receive your pass, you will have 5 MINUTES to get to first period and be "Tardy, Excused." After that, students are considered "Tardy, Unexcused" and will receive a referral and 2 lunch detentions. Repeat offenders may face PASS or Out of School Suspension!
  4. Arriving on time every day? Awesome! be IN YOUR CLASS by 9:30 AM, or you will be considered "Tardy, Unexcused" and receive a referral.
  5. Hallway and classroom doors will close as soon as the tardy bell STARTS to ring, so get there early.
We recognize that 95% of our Lions are doing the right thing and that these new rules will have little or no effect on them. Of those who are left, 4 out of 5 will understand that being on time matters and will join the rest of the Pride. Our goal is to get every Lion in class and ready to learn as fast as possible. Parents and teachers, please be patient in the coming weeks as we make these new rules part of our GMS culture. If you see something we might need to adjust, let us know by email or Parent Square!
Meme
 

Glenridge Middle Happenings

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 GENERAL MEETING - ZOOM - FEB 17, 7PM 🦁
Please join us to catch up on all things PTSA on February 17! A zoom link will be sent via email to all PTSA members. Not a member yet? Click HERE to join!

🏀 BASKETBALL SHIRTS 🏀

Congratulations to all of the students that made the basketball teams! Help support them by clicking HERE to purchase your GMS Basketball Tee! 50% of the proceeds go back to basketball!

💚 FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL! 💛

Get all the latest information on upcoming events, opportunities to volunteer, and see photos by following us on Instagram and Facebook - @glenridgeptsa! Remember to like our posts so they come up in your feed!


_____________________________________

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

WIDA ACCESS testing for ESOL students has begun! Between January 20-March 11, ESOL students will be taking tests in 4 domains (Reading, Listening, Writing, and Speaking) to assess their English language proficiency.

Algebra 1, Geometry, Civics, and Science classes will take PMA 3 on Tuesday, March 3 and Wednesday, March 4. We will be on a block schedule both days to allow students plenty of time to complete their tests.

The B.E.S.T. Writing Test will be on Tuesday, March 31.

FAST ELA PM 3 will be on Tuesday, May 5. FAST Math PM 3 will be on Thursday, May 7. Algebra 1 and Geometry students will take their EOC on May 7, as well.

Civics and 8th grade science classes will have their EOC on Tuesday, May 12.

All other classes will administer their CFEs on Tuesday, May 19 and Wednesday, May 20. We will be on a block schedule for both of those days to allow students plenty of time to complete their tests.
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!

Media Center News

Events happening this week.

Let's Read OCPS

Dear Parents/Guardians,
We are excited to announce that Glenridge Middle School is participating in the district-wide reading challenge, Let’s Read, OCPS! This challenge will run from January 26 to April 30, 2026, and will encourage students to read for enjoyment and develop a lifelong love of reading by contributing to the district-wide goal of reading 50 million minutes! All reading is encouraged and celebrated! We believe that giving students the freedom to choose what they read is the key to igniting their passion for literacy. All reading counts!
How it Works:
Each student's goal is to log at least 500 minutes of reading or 10 minutes daily into Beanstack. Beanstack is a free and easy-to-use app that can be found in the Library Research Tools folder on LaunchPad. Beanstack allows students to log their reading minutes, set reading goals, and earn virtual badges and rewards.
How to Participate:
● Log through Launchpad: Open Beanstack in the Library Research Tools folder on Launchpad to track your students’ reading daily and even set a timer while they read!
● Download the mobile app: Visit the App Store or Google Play Store and download the Beanstack app to your mobile device. Search for “OCPS [School Name]” and fi nd your school to join the challenge.
○ Username: Student ID Number
○ Password: student last name, lowercase
● Start Reading and Logging: Encourage your child to read books, magazines, or articles and log all of their reading time on Beanstack, daily.
● Join in on the Conversation: Discuss with your child what they are reading and who their favorite characters are. Explore new genres or authors together, and be a reading role model to them! Use the hashtag #OCPSReads on social media and post what you’re reading or how you’re participating!
By participating in this challenge, your child will improve their reading skills and have the opportunity to win exciting prizes. Let's work together to make this reading challenge a success!
More information about the reading challenge can be found at read.ocps.net.
Thank you for your support!
Math Counts