Remember GRAMS

Remember GRAMS

George R. Austin Middle School: 1972-2002

The school was named for Mr. George R. Austin, the first superintendent of the Freetown-Lakeville Public Schools. Mr. Austin was involved in the original construction of Apponequet Regional High School and the Middle School, which was named for him after his retirement. Known as "Gentleman George" to many people, he is remembered as a diligent worker and was respected by his staff as an administrator who was concerned for the needs of the school community.

GRAMS Principals

1. Mr. Andrew Miller

4. Mr. Thomas Librera

2. Mr. Richard Pazasis

5. Mr. John Tweedy

3. Dr. Karl Smith

6. Dr. Jeanne Bonneau

The following poem, written in 1998 by then sixth grade student Michael McCue, had been a prominent feature at the entrance to GRAMS during its last seven years. Many of us will always remember it.

"When I look at the flag, I see courage, integrity, and knowledge. I see the people who fought for the country's freedom. I look deep into the field of blue and see the stars. I see all fifty states united under one God. I see the soul of our nation."

We remember September 11, 2001.

Teachers waved goodbye to departing students for the last time at GRAMS in June 2002.

This was a memorable experience for the music department and administration at the end of the 2002 school year at GRAMS. Mr. Heywood's performance is featured here.

8th-graders wave good bye to George R. Austin Middle School

Harrison Media Center Rededication
May 23, 2001

HMC Rededication photo

Six eighth graders sang "I Will Remember You" at the rededication ceremony.

Jump to Harrison Media Center rededication ceremony.
GRAMS Beautification Project
During the 1998-1999 school year, a group of student volunteers from GRAMS and Apponequet Regional High School, under the direction of Social Studies teacher Mr. James Taylor, undertook a beautification project at GRAMS. Interior walls were decorated with paintings depicting scenes from Lakeville and Freetown. Exterior panels were painted with designs and logos designed by students and teachers and representing different subject areas and activities.

Mr. Taylor and crew

Mr. Taylor and "The Crew" beautifying the hallways at GRAMS. View the murals!

Starlab at GRAMS!

Mike McCue and class
Former GRAMS student Michael McCue conducts a class in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) for interested Middle School students in 2000. Mike had run this successful class several times since 1998!

Santas in the HMC (December 2001)

Other GRAMS HMC Scenes (2001-2002):

band graphic
Career Day 2000 at GRAMS

Michael McCue, a GRAMS eighth grader at the time, prepared this documentation of the May 19, 2000 event.

GRAMS Student Wins the Massachusetts Geography Bee!
Congratulations to Jay Ben Markson who took first place in the Massachusetts Geography Bee sponsored by the Massachusetts Geographic Alliance.

You may find out more by clicking here.

You may read about it in Ms. Cindy Bernard's South Coast Today article by clicking here.

You may read an update article by clicking here.

5100 Team Lighthouses

Dr. Seuss' Birthday

January 2002 Spelling Competition

The weather outside may have been cold, but inside the spelling competition was hot. On three afternoons in January 2002 thirty-six 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students battled to prove themselves the best spellers in school. Mr. Alexander, Word games Advisor, coordinated the meet in which contestants had to unscramble words and play head-to-head challenge games as well as spell individually. Over 1,500 words were spelled during the competition. Victoria P of 8100 earned first place while sixth graders Tara P and Samuel M tied for second. Michael B of 7100 won third place honors. Other finalists receiving awards were Jesse C of 8100, Tim E of 7200, and Michael K of 6200. Dr. Bonneau presented certificates to the winners who also divided $75.00 in cash prizes sponsored by our PTO.

Computer Art: Fruit Bowls

This was one of our pioneer interdisciplinary projects involving computer science and art.

Fifth Grade Illustrated Writing

Included here are Fables, "How-To's" and writings inspired by Island of the Blue Dolphins.

See our wall sized Periodic Table of the Elements.

GRAMS Press Archive

This is just a sampling of material which has survived and we hope it provides a glimpse of life at the former George R. Austin Middle School.

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Return to FLMS District pages.

Contact the webmaster.

GRAMS Principals
1. Mr. Andrew Miller	4. Mr. Thomas Librera
2. Mr. Richard Pazasis	5. Mr. John Tweedy
3. Dr. Karl Smith	6. Dr. Jeanne Bonneau

Harrison Media Center Rededication May 23, 2001 Six eighth graders sang "I Will Remember You" at the rededication ceremony. Jump to Harrison Media Center rededication ceremony.	GRAMS Beautification Project During the 1998-1999 school year, a group of student volunteers from GRAMS and Apponequet Regional High School, under the direction of Social Studies teacher Mr. James Taylor, undertook a beautification project at GRAMS. Interior walls were decorated with paintings depicting scenes from Lakeville and Freetown. Exterior panels were painted with designs and logos designed by students and teachers and representing different subject areas and activities. Mr. Taylor and "The Crew" beautifying the hallways at GRAMS. View the murals!
Starlab at GRAMS!	Former GRAMS student Michael McCue conducts a class in HTML (Hypertext Markup Language) for interested Middle School students in 2000. Mike had run this successful class several times since 1998!
Santas in the HMC (December 2001)
Other GRAMS HMC Scenes (2001-2002):

Career Day 2000 at GRAMS Michael McCue, a GRAMS eighth grader at the time, prepared this documentation of the May 19, 2000 event.	GRAMS Student Wins the Massachusetts Geography Bee! Congratulations to Jay Ben Markson who took first place in the Massachusetts Geography Bee sponsored by the Massachusetts Geographic Alliance. You may find out more by clicking here. You may read about it in Ms. Cindy Bernard's South Coast Today article by clicking here. You may read an update article by clicking here.
5100 Team Lighthouses	Dr. Seuss' Birthday
January 2002 Spelling Competition The weather outside may have been cold, but inside the spelling competition was hot. On three afternoons in January 2002 thirty-six 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students battled to prove themselves the best spellers in school. Mr. Alexander, Word games Advisor, coordinated the meet in which contestants had to unscramble words and play head-to-head challenge games as well as spell individually. Over 1,500 words were spelled during the competition. Victoria P of 8100 earned first place while sixth graders Tara P and Samuel M tied for second. Michael B of 7100 won third place honors. Other finalists receiving awards were Jesse C of 8100, Tim E of 7200, and Michael K of 6200. Dr. Bonneau presented certificates to the winners who also divided $75.00 in cash prizes sponsored by our PTO.
Computer Art: Fruit Bowls This was one of our pioneer interdisciplinary projects involving computer science and art.	Fifth Grade Illustrated Writing Included here are Fables, "How-To's" and writings inspired by Island of the Blue Dolphins.
See our wall sized Periodic Table of the Elements.
GRAMS Press Archive