Exploratories

🎨 In GMS Art, students are encouraged to think and work like true artists. The program follows a choice-based learning model grounded in the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) philosophy — where the student is the artist and the classroom is the studio.

Students explore two- and three-dimensional materials through a mix of required “skill builder” mini-lessons and independent studio time. They’re introduced to a wide range of techniques and media and are given the freedom to pursue projects that are personal and meaningful.

Here’s what students may focus on by grade level:

• Grade 5: Intro to choice-based art, colored pencil techniques, Zentangle drawing, shaped-based design, watercolor, collage styles, paper sculpture, pinch pots, styrofoam printmaking, and basket weaving.

• Grade 6: Drawing with form and value, landscape painting, acrylic textures, watercolor layering, origami books, coil pottery, printmaking, and an intro to sewing.

• Grade 7: Perspective drawing, portrait and figure proportions, brush painting, tunnel books, wire sculpture, double pinch pots, gelli printing, and needle felting.

• Grade 8: Technique review with chosen materials, blind contour drawing, mandalas, clay slab construction, mural work, gelli printing, and fiber arts.

Grading Breakdown for Art:

• 30% Choice Work – Effort, creativity, and skill within your chosen medium

• 30% Skill Builders – Completion of structured technique lessons

• 40% Artistic Engagement – Participation, preparation, focus, collaboration, and care for the studio

All assignments, resources, and inspiration live in Google Classroom and The Virtual Art Room, which is updated yearly with videos, lesson ideas, museum links, and more.

👩‍🎨 Meet the Teacher

New teacher bio, coming soon!

🩺 Health Education at GMS equips students with the knowledge and tools to make informed decisions, build healthy habits, and take care of their bodies and minds. Students take Health in grades 5 through 8, with topics and discussions becoming more advanced each year. Assignments and projects are managed through Google Classroom, and students should bring a two-pocket folder to every class.

Topics by Grade Level:

• Grade 5: Introduction to the Wellness Wheel, kindness and anti-bullying, self-esteem, hygiene, MyPlate nutrition, and puberty.
  Projects: Health Info from the Sky • Time Capsule Project

• Grade 6: Continued focus on the Wellness Wheel, anti-vaping education, and deeper discussion around puberty.
  Projects: Wellness Wheel • Vaping Awareness

• Grade 7: Decision-making skills, substance abuse prevention, fad diets, and eating disorders.
  Projects: Wellness Wheel • Tombstone Project • Rethink Your Drink

• Grade 8: Reproduction, abstinence, conception, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
  Projects: Baby Project • STI Museum Exhibit

Grading Breakdown:

• 40% Class Participation – Be present, be engaged, and get involved

• 40% Projects – Submit on time and follow the rubric

• 20% Homework – Timely and complete submission

👩‍🏫 About the Teacher

Mrs. Butremovic has been teaching Health at Griswold Middle School since 1998 and is passionate about guiding students toward lifelong wellness. She’s known for creative projects, meaningful conversations, and a welcoming classroom environment. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with her family, beach days, and hanging out with her beloved dog, Teddy Bear Butro.

🎵 At GMS, all students in grades 5-8 participate in General Music, where they explore the elements of music through hands-on experiences with rhythm instruments, chimes, beginner guitar (grade 6), American popular music, music production and technology, music careers, and more. General Music is taught by Mrs. Shea and Ms. Richmond.

Students in grades 5–8 also must join either Band, Orchestra, or Chorus (BOC) electives for a deeper dive into performance, musicianship, and collaboration.

👉 Want to learn more about our music programs? Visit our Music page for full details on ensemble opportunities, performances, and more.

🏃‍♂️ The Griswold Middle School Physical Education program encourages all students to lead active, healthy lifestyles while building confidence, self-esteem, and a strong sense of self-worth. Our curriculum emphasizes lifetime fitness and sequential skill development through activities that strengthen gross motor skills and promote teamwork, sportsmanship, and cooperation.

👟 All students in grades 5–8 have Physical Education every other day. Students should wear sneakers on all PE days. In Grades 7 and 8, students should also bring a change of clothes for class. A combination lock is recommended for locker use—students may bring one from home or leave a $5 deposit for a school-issued lock.

Units Covered Include:

• Health-Related Fitness and Cooperative Activities

• Invasive & Evasive Games

• Team Sports: soccer, football, volleyball, basketball, floor hockey, and more

• Lifetime Activities: Golf, pickleball, fitness circuits

• State Assessment: Connecticut Physical Fitness Test (Grades 5–8)

• Special Events:

  • ❤️ Kids Heart Challenge (Grades 5–6)

  • 🏐 Student vs. Faculty Volleyball Game (Grade 8)

  • 🏃‍♂️ ACES Walk

  • 🪢 Tug-of-War Tournament on Get Out and Play Day

Grading Breakdown: Students earn up to 5 points per class, based on effort and engagement—never on ability. Grades are updated every two weeks in Infinite Campus.

• 40% Participation (2 pts): Active participation in warm-up and activities

• 40% Behavior (2 pts): Good sportsmanship, following directions, playing safe and fair

• 20% Preparation (1 pt): Wearing sneakers (required for all grades) and a change of clothes (Grades 7–8)

Students will be tested each year using the Connecticut Physical Fitness Test. This state-mandated test assesses a student's muscular strength, muscular endurance, flexibility and cardio-pulmonary endurance.

Meet Our PE Team:

Mrs. Valentine teaches 5th-8th grade Physical Education as well as Adapted Physical Education. She is a GHS alumna and loves spending time with her family. Her favorite sport to play and to teach is volleyball!

Mr. Efthimiou teaches 5th-8th grade Physical Education and has taught at GPS for over 10 years. His favorite sport to play and teach is baseball. 

Both teachers bring great energy to every class and are proud to be a part of the Wolverine family!

⚙️ In Technology Education, students explore the four key systems of technology: Communication, Construction, Manufacturing, and Transportation. Through hands-on projects like laminating, bridge building, 3D design, and woodworking, students learn how tools, machines, and design thinking shape the world around them.

Students also strengthen their word processing and graphic communication skills using Google tools like Docs, Slides, and Classroom. And they’re reminded of an important truth: technology is much more than just computers and phones — it’s the systems and solutions that move the world forward.

Every student in grades 5–8 takes Technology Education on a rotating schedule throughout the year.

Here's what students focus on in Tech Ed each year:

• Grade 5: Students build foundational tech skills through Google Classroom, internet safety, keyboarding, word processing, basic coding, and creating presentations with Canva focused on invention and innovation.
• Grade 6: Students explore technology concepts including word processing, coding, graphic communication, introductory 3D design using TinkerCAD, and presentation design with Canva.
• Grade 7: Students dive into technology systems by designing bridges in TinkerCAD and completing a hands-on STEM project building balsa wood truss bridges.
• Grade 8: Students learn lab safety, create floor plans with QuickCAD, explore hand and power tool safety, design tool presentations in Canva, and construct a woodworking project.

Grading Breakdown for Tech Ed: Classwork (50%) • Tests (25%) • Quizzes (15%) • Homework (10%)

Meet the Teacher:

Mr. Butremovic — or “Mr. Butro” as he’s known to students — has been part of the Griswold Middle School community for over 20 years. In addition to teaching Technology Education, he collaborates with fellow Exploratory teachers to coordinate student activities and has been a familiar face in the GPS Athletic Department. Whether coaching, supervising, or announcing at athletic events, Mr. Butro brings spirit and energy to everything he does.

A proud fan of the UConn Huskies, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and (yes, even) the Miami Dolphins — Mr. Butro never misses a chance to talk sports. Favorite snacks? Seafood, cookies, and Twizzlers. He’s always Griswold Proud and Wolverine Strong.

🌎 GMS students take Spanish every other day for one semester each year in grades 5–8. Our Proficiency-Based Language Program focuses on what students can do with the language, encouraging confidence through listening, reading, writing, and speaking in an engaging, low-pressure environment.

All students should bring a notebook and something to write with to class.

What We Cover:

• Grade 5: Spanish Foundations: Students tune their ears to Spanish through the alphabet, basic conversation, colors, numbers, and classroom vocabulary. Lessons are interactive and project-based to bring learning to life.

• Grades 6–8: Spanish in Action: Learners expand on foundational skills by reading short stories, practicing real-world scenarios (like ordering food or asking for directions), and engaging in creative, hands-on projects.

• Key Concepts Throughout: Grammar through context (e.g., ser vs. estar), vocabulary development, reading/writing for communication, cultural awareness, and expressing personal ideas.

Grading Breakdown:

• 50% Community: Respectful participation and contribution to a positive classroom environment

• 50% Participation: Classwork, projects, and active engagement
  ⏰ Homework must be turned in on time; late work won’t be accepted more than one week past the due date.

👩‍🏫 Meet the Teacher

Sra. Oulahan loves traveling and learning about other cultures—and she brings that passion into the classroom. When she's not teaching, she's spending time with her family and working with animal rescue organizations to help furry friends find their forever homes.