Grizzly
Gram
October 31, 2025
Grisham Middle School
October 31, 2025
From the desk of
Kyla Mills
Follow us!
@Grisham_MS
Grizzlies and Grizzly Families,
It’s been a spirited week here at Grisham! Our students showed incredible energy and creativity during Red Ribbon Week, celebrating healthy choices and school pride through themed dress-up days and positive campus spirit.
We have had a busy week in Grizzly Nation — our football teams faced Canyon Vista in their final game of the season while our talented dancers lit up the stage at the McNeil Performing Arts Center. Our bands held their fall concert and orchestra held their Hauntcert, all showcasing musical talents. We’re so proud of the dedication, teamwork, and artistry our students continue to show in every arena.
Earlier this week, students also completed interim assessments in Reading and Mathematics. These checkpoints help teachers identify strengths and growth areas as we continue to support each student’s academic journey.
As we look ahead, I encourage all families to stay connected and informed by checking the Parent Action Item page in the Grizzly Gram each week. It’s the best way to make sure you’re up to date on the important items and opportunities that support your student and our school community. Be sure to check out the campus i-Ready Information Slide, as well.
As we head into November, thank you for continuing to encourage your students to stay engaged, show kindness, and take pride in being a Grizzly!
With Gratitude,
Kyla Mills
Campus Principal
@Grisham_MS
Parent Action Items
Upcoming Dates:
November 2025�November 5: Coffee & Conversation w/Ms. Mills @8:20am
November 5: Kona Ice- 3:30-4:30 pm�November 6: Grade 7 Girls Basketball @ Walsh [Schedule]
Grade 8 Girls Basketball v. Walsh (home)�November 7: Student Holiday - No School�November 10: Choir Vertical Concert @PAC (6-7pm)�November 11: Band Beginner Solo Recital Night (6-8pm)�November 12: Grade 7 Boys Basketball @Walsh� Grade 8 Boys Basketball v. Walsh (home)�November 13: Grade 7 Girls Basketball @Hernandez� Grade 8 Girls Basketball v. Hernandez (home)
November 20: GrizzGiving 5:00-7:00pm
i-Ready Information
The Campus and District requirement for i-Ready:
Each student should complete two reading lessons and two math lesson each week.
Individual i-Ready Reports were emailed today to update on your student’s progress from this week. Student should have completed at least 12 of each subject so far this year.
Every lesson builds growth – let’s all meet the goal together.
Ask your student about the iReady student challenge & the opportunity to earn points with their houses…including earning a change to pie an administrator in the face at the next pep rally & earn a house rally!
Moving Forward: Den can be used to complete i-Ready lessons and catch up.
Reminder: Drop Off & Pick-Up
When dropping off your student in the morning:
When picking students up, in the afternoon:
A LOOK BACK AT THIS YEARS RED RIBBON WEEK… THANK YOU TO ALL THAT PARTICIPATED.
RSVP and submit a question for Ms. Mills here.
SPECIAL PERK FOR STUDENT MEMBERS
Lunch in the Courtyard
Upcoming Dates:
PTA Student Members (and one friend) will get a special treat: lunch in the courtyard once a month! This is a fun way for our members to enjoy a change of scenery, relax with friends, and celebrate their support of our school.
If your child isn’t a member yet, it’s not too late!
Student Memberships are just $15 and every membership helps us fund important programs.
Before and after school, the track is off limits unless there is an adult there to supervise the club or activity
Reminder that pick up for students is 3:45 unless they are staying for club. Otherwise please make sure they leave and return at the start of sports game or event.
Page 125 of Student Handbook states: All students must leave immediately after dismissal.
GRISHAM GRIZZLY REMINDERS
X
Confidential
Copyright ©
11
Bus Rider Alert: SmartTags
Important Information:
Students, if you need a SmartTag please see
Mrs. Lewis in the Main Office (122).
Please call Twinette Lewis at 512-428-2651 if you have any questions about transportation or SmartTags.
SmartTag Replacement Fees:
Remember:
You are responsible for keeping track of your SmartTag.
Coming Soon: 6th grade Field Trip to hear author Adam Gidwitz
Wednesday, November 12
Permission forms will be distributed through
6th grade ELA classes the week of October 13
Counselor News:
Texas Health and Human Services Commission
HHSC Highlights Substance Use Prevention Resources for Red Ribbon Week
AUSTIN – The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is observing Red Ribbon Week Oct. 23–31 by highlighting resources that encourage youth to make safe, healthy choices and live drug-free.
“Red Ribbon Week is a powerful reminder that prevention starts with education, awareness and community support,” said Trina K. Ita, deputy executive commissioner of HHSC Behavioral Health Services. “We are committed to creating safe and supportive environments where people — especially our youth — feel empowered to choose drug-free lifestyles.”
HHSC offers support for anyone struggling with substance use through several programs:
Additional resources are available on the HHSC Mental Health Program for Veterans webpage
For more information on resources available to adults and youth, visit the HHSC Mental Health and Substance Use webpage.
CTE Opportunities!
Exciting opportunities await CTE students beyond the classroom! From exclusive scholarships and paid internships to leadership programs and community partnerships, students can gain valuable experience while shaping their future careers. Don’t miss out—encourage your student to explore these CTE opportunities today and sign up for what inspires them most!
(Website LINK OR STUDENT Section HERE)
In front of the School
Counselor News:
Community Resources
Use ConnectATX to find up-to-date information on food, utilities, employment, transportation, child care, financial assistance, medical care, and more.
EMERGENCY FOOD ASSISTANCE REFERRAL LIST
LISTA DE REFERENCIA DE ASISTENCIA ALIMENTARIA DE EMERGENCIA
Counselor News:
8th grade Parents/Guardians:
8th graders will be watching this video & powerpoint about high school courses throughout the fall semester. Students will be working on a 4 year plan for high school, which will be shared with parents/guardians when we wrap up the presentation. Students & parents/guardians will meet with their high school counselor in February to go over the plan, make changes if needed, and discuss electives. Don’t forget to check out the GMS Counseling Website for any upcoming information.
Counselor News:
8th grade Parents/Guardians:
Upcoming events:
Nov. 3 IB Information Night @ WHS 6pm
Parents & students will have the opportunity to learn about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme offered at WHS
Dec. 12 & Jan. 21 Counselor Lunch Q&A @ GMS (during 8th grade lunch) WHS Lead Counselor will be available to students during their lunch to ask questions they might have about the courses at WHS.
Counselor News:
8th grade Parents/Guardians:
Permission slip required -
8th Grade Students will be touring Westwood High School on Friday, Nov. 21st in the morning. Students will be able to meet with Academy Ambassadors and learn about the various programs offered at the high school. A permission form with additional information will be sent home with the student on Monday, Nov. 3rd and is due by Friday, Nov. 14th. Please be on the lookout for the form.
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IB Community Service Projects
**6-8 Community Service and the IB Experience**�Did you know that all students are encouraged to complete at least 30 hours of community service? It’s an important part of our IB culture and supports the development of caring, engaged learners. Community service helps students grow as individuals while making a positive impact on the world around them.
Want to learn more? Click HERE for additional information on completing community service.
Did you say you’ve already started? GREAT! Here is the Service Hours Template
**8th Grade Community Project**
As part of the IB program, 8th grade students will work on a Community Project of their choice, which includes at least 15 hours of service and a presentation in April. During all this, your student will have a sponsor (they will get to choose) who will oversee their project. Next week, I will be meeting with all 8th grade students to discuss the project in more detail and provide additional information and answer all questions.
If your grader has not yet submitted their ideas, please have them submit here. If there are any issues or questions, please email me at nikol_michailos@roundrockisd.org
Specific IB questions: Reach out to Mrs. Nikol Michailos, Grisham IB MYP Coordinator
November is for Caring
IB Learner Profile Spotlight: Caring
At the heart of the IB program is the Learner Profile—a set of 10 traits that help students grow into thoughtful, well-rounded global citizens. These traits support academic success, personal development, and meaningful engagement in the world.
This month, we are focusing on the trait Caring. IB students show empathy, compassion, and respect toward the needs and feelings of others. They act to make a positive difference in the lives of people, animals, and the environment. Caring students recognize that even small acts of kindness can create meaningful change in their community and beyond.
💬 Ask your student:
Encouraging students to reflect on these questions helps connect school learning to real life—and builds habits that last well beyond the classroom.
Specific IB questions: Reach out to Mrs. Nikol Michailos, Grisham IB MYP Coordinator
Join us for a Texas Stars Game Nov. 8th!
Come join all the RRISD IB schools on Saturday, Nov. 8th for a Texas Stars hockey game!
We’ve scored discounted tickets, and part of the ticket sales will go towards our IB programs.
Scan the QR code and choose ‘Grisham’ at checkout.
The game starts at 7pm sharp. Hope to see you at the arena! 🌟🏒
IB Student Project Assistance
IB Updates
Nurse’s News
A sick child who is unable to participate at school in a meaningful way should be kept home to rest and recover until symptoms resolve
To prevent/minimize local outbreaks of contagious disease, parents must keep children who have an illness that can be spread from person to person at home. These just a few with guidelines:
*Covid-Refer to the Round Rock ISD COVID-19 Resources for students who are experiencing symptoms, have tested positive, or have been in close contact with an individual who tested positive.
*Fever-A child must remain home with fever equal to or > 100.0° F and may only return to school after they have been fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine such as Tylenol or Motrin
*Diarrhea-A child with diarrheal illness must stay home until they are diarrhea-free without the use of diarrheal-suppressing medication for 24 hours.
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All students, new and returning, must complete their immunization requirements or have an exemption affidavit filed at their campus. Please provide me with updated immunizations.
How Can you Help??
Come for Dinner (Link to RSVP)
Volunteer your time! (Link to Sign Up)
Donate a Turkey!
Help your house Win!
All donations will be used for Grizzgiving!
If you’ve been missing the connection, support, and sense of belonging your child had at our schools, Spring is the perfect time to come back.
Walk-in, walk-out enrolled.
Saturday, Dec. 6, 3 - 6 p.m.
Round Rock High School
201 Deep Wood Dr.
Round Rock
No appointment needed.
Book an appointment
for faster service.
our enrollment documents ✅ checklist.
The Round Rock ISD logo is a registered copyright of the Round Rock Independent School District © 2025 Round Rock ISD. All rights reserved. The District prohibits discrimination, including harassment, against any student on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, gender, national origin, disability, age, or any other basis prohibited by law. The District prohibits dating violence, as defined by FFH (LOCAL) policy. Retaliation against anyone involved in the complaint process is a violation of District policy and is prohibited.
Boys Athletics accepting ties!!!
If you are cleaning out your closet, Boys Athletics will gladly accept any ties for the program! During 7th and 8th grade boys basketball, all boys wear shirts and ties during game day! And every year, we are always on the lookout for ties for students that may not have any at their house!
If you have any clean used ties and would like to donate them, you may bring them to the front office to drop off!
Thank you in advance! Boys Coaching Staff!
Previous year BBall
📢 Calling All Mathletes!� Do you have quick math skills or love solving problems under pressure? Join UIL Calculator Applications OR Number Sense! 🧮✨
✔️ Show off your speed and accuracy� ✔️ Compete with schools across the district� ✔️ Build confidence & sharpen problem-solving skills�
Whether you’re lightning-fast with mental math 🧠💡 or a pro with calculator strategies, there’s a spot for you!
➡️ Sign up today with Ms.Price in room 118
Campus Clubs
�Clubs are a way for students to connect and find a sense of belonging. Our clubs are still being updated, and we are always open to hear the clubs that students want to experience. Take a look at our Club List for all of the options!
Students must have parent permission to participate in a club. Please complete the
Grisham Club Permission Form if your child would like to participate in a club.
UIL Chess meets on Thursdays in the Library
3:35 - 4:35
See Ms. Hart for details
Make sure parents fill out the Club Permission Form
Meeting Dates:
11/6
11/13
11/20
12/1 (Monday)
12/11
1/8
Chess Club meets on Mondays in the Library
3:35 - 4:30
See Ms. Hart for details
Make sure parents fill out the Club Permission Form
Meeting Dates:
9/29
10/6
10/27
11/3
11/17
12/1
Grisham Running Club!
Parent Permission Slip Required before ANY running! Click Here to print out, or click here: to sign the Google Form!
Anyone is welcome to join our Fall Running Club!
With Coach Hart!
All skill/fitness levels are welcome! We utilize Jeff Galloway’s Run/Walk Method!
German Club
A Look Back at the Berlin Wall
November 4th from 3:35-4:15 in room 205
Join us we dive into the history of the Berlin Wall and the stories of what life was like in Cold War Berlin. We will end by creating our own East Side Gallery (The open air art gallery with murals from artist
around the world on the remaining parts of the Wall.)
Haven’t joined the German Club yet? Fill out this form or come by room 205 for a paper copy!
Buy your son/daughter a personalized ⅛ page in the yearbook! Deadline is in Dec!!!
Attending Sporting Events in RRISD At GMS if you have 7 or more tardies you cannot attend games as a spectator | ||
Be Safe | Be Respectful | Be Responsible |
Stay SEATED in the bleachers unless going to the restroom or concession stand. Items prohibited on campus are prohibited at games. Unsafe behavior such as horseplay, fighting, and running will result in being removed from the event without a refund. | Use a voice level and appropriate language. Do not play music from your phone or portable speaker. Show school spirit with cheers or applause. Cheer for GMS not AGAINST the other team. Listen and respond quickly to instructions from adults. | Follow guidelines for food & drinks. Throw away all of your trash before leaving the stands/gym. Call your ride at the end of halftime. If you are picked up after 15 minutes of the game ending, you may lose the privilege to attend the next game. This applies to road games. |
CELEBRATIONS
Grizzly Gram
CELEBRATIONS
House Tongxin
Students of the Month!
Tongxin Teachers each month pick one student they feel has best represented the idea of our house, which roughly translates into “communicator” or “together as one.” For the Month of September, we are proud to highlight the following students!
6th Grade:
Lucas Braun -Ms. Spanyers
Decklyn Durapau - Coach Anderson
Sara Pant - Mr. Cutter
Sean Watters - Ms. Maxwell
7th Grade:
Morgan Besserman
Chris Rodriguez - Coach Hart
Kedar Suryanarayan - Ms. Emery
Cortana Coss - Mrs. Hart
8th Grade
Madeline Cox - Mrs. Gonzalez
September
Wildly Wonderful Belt Winners
We have amazing staff members who do “wildly wonderful” things every day. Below are the staff members who made the start of the school year extra special.
If you encounter one of our staff members doing something Wildly Wonderful, email Mr. Jeremy Ferrero: jeremy_ferrero@roundrockisd.org. Tell him who the staff member is and tell him what they did.
Mr. Butler, Coach Hart, Coach Lopez de Victoria (first slide), Mr. England, Mr. Estrada, Mrs. Lewis, and Mrs. Speaks (second slide) do the best they can to connect with students and staff in a way that makes Grisham the place to be.
Wildly Wonderful Belt Winners
We have amazing staff members who do “wildly wonderful” things every day. Below are the staff members who made the start of the school year extra special.
If you encounter one of our staff members doing something Wildly Wonderful, email Mr. Jeremy Ferrero: jeremy_ferrero@roundrockisd.org. Tell him who the staff member is and tell him what they did.
Mr. Butler, Coach Hart, Coach Lopez de Victoria (first slide), Mr. England, Mr. Estrada, Mrs. Lewis, and Mrs. Speaks (second slide) do the best they can to connect with students and staff in a way that makes Grisham the place to be.