As our Gurrie Tigers continue to grow, many are spending more time on social media and digital platforms. Research shows that while social media can offer connection and creativity, it can also impact middle school students’ sleep, focus, self-esteem, and emotional well-being.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has shared a helpful, research-based resource for families on how social media affects adolescents and ways adults can support healthy habits at home:

👉 https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/mental-health-minute/social-media-and-adolescent-mental-health/

Families may also find this tool useful for setting shared expectations and routines around technology use:

👉 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/How-to-Make-a-Family-Media-Use-Plan.aspx

At Gurrie, we see the greatest impact when families and schools work together. Open conversations, clear boundaries, and ongoing guidance help students learn to navigate online spaces responsibly and confidently.

Thank you for partnering with us in supporting the whole child, both on screen and off.

Proud to be a Tiger,

Dr. Mendoza

Ordering a yearbook is important for students and families because it preserves irreplaceable school memories, provides a tangible keepsake for reflection, and offers a unique window into a child's school life. Your child will look back at this yearbook for years to come and be reminded of all the amazing things that they did, accomplished, and were a part of. Yearbooks are $25 and can be purchased in person with either cash or check, or online through this website: jostensyearbooks.com

This year, we are continuing with the option to customize their yearbook. This will be an additional cost and is ONLY available online. If you have already purchased one in person and would like to switch to the customization option, please reach out to Mrs. Neadly through either ParentSquare or email: lneadly@d105.net.

If you would like to submit photos for consideration for the yearbook or are wondering if you have purchased a yearbook, please send them to Mrs. Neadly through either ParentSquare or her email: lneadly@d105.net

We are excited to welcome LT to Gurrie on Monday, January 12, when representatives will speak with our eighth-grade students about elective options for high school.

On Wednesday, students will receive yellow elective forms to bring home. That evening, families are encouraged to attend the Class of 2030 Course Selection Webinar, hosted by LT, where additional information about course options and the selection process will be shared.

Families will also have access to the 2026–2027 Academic Program Guide on the LT website. The link will be sent directly to families through LT communications. A limited number of printed copies of the Academic Program Guide are available for parents to pick up in the Gurrie main office in both English and Spanish.

On Tuesday, January 27, LT counselors will meet individually with each eighth-grade student to assist with selecting electives.

Lyons Township High School Class of 2030 Parents/Guardians,

Happy New Year!  We are just over one week away from the first of two January transition events for the Class of 2030 students and families.   The Class of 2030 Course Selection Virtual Webinar will be held at 7:00pm on January 14 and Future Freshman Night will be held at Lyons Township High School South Campus on January 21 at 6:30pm.  Details about both events are included within this communication.  We look forward to spending time with Class of 2030 students and families as you prepare to select courses for the 2026-27 school year.

When: Wednesday, January 14 at 7:00pm  

Where: Virtual Meeting (Zoom Webinar link will sent to families prior to the January 14 event and will also be posted on our class of 2030 website prior to the virtual event) 

Details: The Class of 2030 Course Selection Virtual Webinar will include important information on the following:

The Webinar will be recorded and posted on our website for those who are unable to view it live. Information regarding Spanish Translation will be shared with families at the time that the zoom link is sent.

When: Wednesday, January 21 from 6:30pm - 8:15pm

Where: Lyons Township High School South Campus 

Entry: Doors will open for family entry at 6:00pm.  Families can enter at the following entrances: Main Entrance (Door 1), Pool Entrance, Commons (Door 25), and Fieldhouse Entrance  (maps will be available at all entrances)

Future Freshman Night Event Details:  

We are excited to announce our 8th-grade field trip to the Museum of Science and Industry, scheduled for January 23rd, 2026.  As a group, we will be visiting the Museum of Science and Industry in order to offer students an exciting opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. Exploring the exhibits allows them to see historical innovations up close, deepening their understanding of how technology and industry have shaped society. The Coal Mine exhibit, in particular, brings the Industrial Revolution to life by showing the working conditions miners faced and the critical role coal played in powering factories, machines, and transportation. By walking through a realistic mine setting, students can better visualize the challenges and advancements of the era, making our social studies unit more meaningful, memorable, and engaging.  Students will leave school right at 8:45 am and will be back in time for our usual 3:15 pm dismissal.

Students should plan to bring a sack lunch for the day with disposable containers, wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately for the weather. There is an $8.00 fee for the field trip for the Coal Mine Exhibit, due December 15th. If you need assistance covering the field trip fee, please contact your Social Studies teacher, and we can help with the cost.

Calling All Gurrie Families and Tigers 🐯

We have many exciting activities, clubs, and athletic events happening at Gurrie. Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

• GAC Winter Dance Planning

The Gurrie Advisory Council continues planning our upcoming Winter Dance, February 20th. All students are welcome to participate and help bring the event to life. For questions, families may contact Ms. Malik or Mrs. Neadly.

• EMM Club Updates

The EMM club gear order is now open. The ordering link is available through the EMM Google Classroom. Orders must be submitted by January 18.

Upcoming EMM meetings will take place on Monday, January 12, and Tuesday, January 13. During these meetings, students will receive information and permission slips for upcoming service projects including Project Cure, Snuffle Mats for a dog training facility, and Housing Forward.

Gurrie’s RPG Club meets after school in Room 108 until 4:00 pm. Students continue their campaign each week. Families may contact Mr. Walsen with questions.

Yearbook Club meets after school in Room 209B. Please contact Mrs. Neadly for additional details.

Everyday People Club will host a multicultural food experience after school on Thursday, January 29, meeting in the Health Room. New members are always welcome.

Athletics and Activities

Volleyball tryouts for 7th and 8th grade girls are taking place over the next two weeks. Students interested in trying out must complete the Volleyball Interest Form located on the Gurrie Athletics page and have a current sports physical on file. Please contact P.E. teachers with physical related questions or Mr. Walsen for additional information. Families should note that transportation home is required as there is no late bus.

7th Grade Tryout Info: Monday, January 12th & Tuesday, January 13th -(3:30pm-5:30pm- Gurrie Main Gym) 

8th Grade Tryout Info: Thursday, January 15th & Thursday, January 22nd -(3:30pm- 5:30pm- Gurrie Main Gym)

Gurrie will host its first home dual meet of the season against Maple Middle School on Thursday at 4:30 pm in the small gym. Families are welcome to attend.

Last week marked the final home game for Boys Basketball and the final performance for Cheerleading. Thank you for showing your Tiger pride.