School Announcements
Check Out What’s Happening at Gulf Shores Middle!
There’s always something exciting going on at Gulf Shores Middle School — and we want you to be part of it!
Staying informed and attending school events are great ways for students and families to connect, build community, and support our school’s vibrant culture.
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Be sure to read our school announcements to:
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Let’s stay engaged, informed, and involved — together we make GSMS an amazing place to learn and grow!
January 27-29 - ACAP Practice Assessment (ALL students required to participate)
February 5-10 - Amazing Shake Competition (Rounds 1-4)
February 11 - "Next Wave" Rising 5th Grade Parent Information meeting
February 16-17 - NO SCHOOL (Mardi Gras Break)
February 18 - E-Learning Day
February 23-March 12 - ACCESS Testing
February 26 - Gulf Shores Gives Back (Make-up day, 2/27)
March 2-12 - ACAP Alternate
March 3 - PSAT 8/9 (8th Grade Only) ACAP Practice for grades 6/7
March 13 - Early Dismissal/End of 3rd Quarter
March 31, April 1, 2 - ELA ACAP SUMMATIVE
April 3 - E-Learning Day
April 7, 8, 9 - MATH/SCIENCE ACAP SUMMATIVE
April 13-17 - NO SCHOOL (Spring Break)
April 20-24 - MAKE-UP TESTING ACAP SUMMATIVE
April 24 - 8th Grade Gala; Spring Fling Dance 6th/7th
April 24 - Earth Day
May 1 - GSMS Dolphin Powderpuff Games
May 1 - GSMS Career Day
May 5-6 - iReady EOY Diagnostics (Math/Reading)
May 7 - IXL EOY Diagnostics (Science/Social Studies)
May 8 - Roshambo Celebration / HOUSE sorting day
May 13 - GSMS Awards Day
May 14 - GSHS Senior Walk
May 15 - GSMS Field Day, AU Nutrition bus
May 18-21 - Final Exams
May 22 - Early Dismissal/Last Day of School
May 25 - Memorial Day
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Please do not hesitate to reach out at (251) 968-8719 or contact myself at jhill1@gsboe.org or our amazing admin team...Ms. Boggus at wboggus@gsboe.org or Mr. Talantis at rtalantis@gsboe.org. with questions. |
The following information is being provided regarding our new Personal Electronic Device Policy at Gulf Shores Middle School for the 25-26 school year...
The Alabama FOCUS Act (Freeing Our Classrooms of Unnecessary Screens for Safety), signed into law in May 2025, bans student use of personal wireless devices—such as smartphones, smartwatches, and gaming devices—during the instructional day beginning the 2025–2026 school year. Devices must be turned off and stored out of sight, such as in lockers or backpacks, unless specifically permitted for educational purposes, emergencies, or as part of a student’s IEP or 504 plan.
At Gulf Shores Middle School, we recognize the importance of communication and collaboration in the world today. While we provide devices for students to be productive in the classroom, we also understand the need to establish guidelines to ensure a focused learning environment. To maintain a positive academic atmosphere and reduce unnecessary distractions, the school enforces the following cell phone and personal technology (including earbuds, headphones, smart watches, etc.) policy:
Gulf Shores Middle School students are expected to adhere to the following policy to remain compliant with the FOCUS Act.
1. Cell phones and all personal technology shall be TURNED OFF AND KEPT IN THE STUDENT'S BACKPACK WHILE ON CAMPUS during the instructional day (7:40-3:00).
2. Personal technology can be used at the end of the school bell upon exiting the building to communicate regarding transportation.
3. If a student needs to make an emergency call during the day, he/she must come to the office.
If students violate the school's cell phone and personal technology policy, the following consequences may occur:
1st Violation: Electronic device taken/turned into the main office; Parent/guardian pick up after school; Student counseled
2nd Violation: Electronic device taken/turned into the main office; Parent/guardian pick up after school; 1 day OCS; behavior contract
3rd Violation: Electronic device taken/turned into the main office; Parent/guardian pick up after school; 2 days OCS; Parent conference; Loss of Phone/Device privileges
4th Violation: Electronic device taken/turned into the main office; Parent/guardian pick up after school; No Phone/Device on campus for 9 weeks; Daily inspections; 1 days OSS
5th Violation: Electronic device taken/turned into the main office; Parent/guardian pick up after school; Escalated to defiance; Further suspension at admin discretion
Additional Notes:
- Repeated offenses of the policy may be treated as defiance under the school's Code of Conduct.
- Lost, stolen, or damaged devices are not the responsibility of the school.
- The school reserves the right to inspect and review any device used in violation of this policy if it involves safety, bullying, or academic dishonesty concerns.
- Technology offenses are cumulative per student, not per device or type of device. The school is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones and cannot assist in searching for lost devices.
Additional Offenses:
- Each additional infraction could result in an out-of-school suspension. Students may be placed on a remedial discipline plan with a daily check-in/check-out expectation.
*The administration reserves the right to adjust these consequences on a case-by-case basis if needed. For example, extreme behaviors that break the law or engage in bullying or harassment of other students may result in suspension and/or devices may be turned over to law enforcement. Please be aware that this policy is subject to review and modification as necessary to reflect changing circumstances and technological advancements.
Our GSMS Student-Parent handbook 2025-2026 has been updated with this information. For access, please visit our GSMS website: https://gsms.gsboe.org/parents/student-handbook