Mr. Lekkas' KES Blog

Welcome Back!

2012-01-09T12:52:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year! We hope everyone had a safe and happy holiday season.

January brings about an excellent opportunity to assess where each of our students are on their path to learning. We will be conducting MAP testing and receiving results by the end of the month. Each student's individual assessment will specifically target key areas in Reading and Mathematics. This data will be used by teachers to meet the needs of each individual student.

Here is the link to the NWEA (MAP) homepage: http://www.nwea.org/

Look for MAP results to be sent home by the end of the month or early in February.

As always, please contact me with any questions. Thanks

Between Holidays

2011-11-18T08:56:00.003-06:00

We wish all our families a happy Thanksgiving.

As students return, the Holiday Season will be in full swing. Christmas plans, hectic schedules, and SNOW!!! At this busy and enjoyable time of the year, I remind parents that learning is still taking place. Reading, Math, Specials, and content area classes move forward over the next few weeks before Winter Break. Please do all you can to have your student continue to attend school regularly. A good breakfast at home, or utilizing our school breakfast program, is an important start for a great day.

Winter coats, hats, gloves, and boots are important to help children stay warm and allow them to participate in recess activities.

We look forward to making the most of the next month to help students excel.

Of Conferences and Thanksgiving...

2011-10-24T13:20:00.004-05:00

“Mrs. Lekkas, he is like a diamond in the rough. The potential is there, but it just needs a little polishing.” I remember Mrs. Alm saying that to my mom at Fall conferences in second grade. The leafless tree branches were swinging in the wind on a cloudy, blustery day. I sat there looking out the window, hoping I wouldn’t get into trouble. The whole time wondering if my mom knew what potential meant…

As we turn the calendar to November, we come upon Thanksgiving, my favorite holiday of all. Throughout my life, Thanksgiving has been a time of family. Though immigrants to the US, my parents always prepared a feast and hosted aunts, uncles, and cousins. Sure, there were some Greek recipes each year, but the staple remained turkey with stuffing, my mom’s sweet potatoes, and my aunt’s desserts.

Thanksgiving also holds a special place in my heart because it is the beginning of the holiday season. It is the first event of many more to follow, all enveloped with the “holiday season” feeling of cheer. Christmas decorating begins. The smell of snow is becoming present. The approaching new year and all its possibilities. All those things within arm’s reach as you gather with family around the Thanksgiving table. Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks and the potential for many great things to come.

The potential Mrs. Alm told my mother about is the same potential for us all to discuss for each of our students at conferences this month. It is vital that we take a look at data from MAP and AIMSWeb, analyze guided reading levels, and review all running records. It is just as important, that while we give thanks for these measured data points, we embrace that this is a time of potential. It is important that students, parents, and the entire school community all work together to help guide our students as they continue their educational path. Kids need to know that on a daily basis, their families and their teachers care about them doing the best they can: that they reach their potential.

I cannot guarantee that my mom could accurately define the word potential for you today. However, she 100% can tell you the story of the conference with Mrs. Alm. She will mime the process of polishing something in her hand while stretching out the words, “just needs a Lllitttllle polishing...”

As that conference ended, I thought Mrs. Alm was doing me a favor by not mentioning that I got caught throwing paper in the cafeteria the day before. Boy was I wrong. She wasn’t doing me a favor. She was purposefully recruiting my mom so that the two of them could conspire to force me to do my best for the next two years I was in her second and third grade looping class. Not a bad strategy, actually.

As we turn to November with conferences and the holiday season, we give thanks for all our great kids here at KES. We welcome parents to our building on conference day and any other day. We look forward to seeing you so that we may work together to problem solve, celebrate, and encourage students in ways that will help them reach their potential.

October at KES

2011-10-05T12:48:00.002-05:00

I hope all our KES families have been enjoying the perfect fall weather!

The October 7th institute will be dedicated to teachers analyzing MAP scores and creating goal sheets for each student. Kids and teachers will then work together to learn with these goals in mind.

Boo! We look forward the fun of Halloween parties and the parade! Please look for an informative flyer coming home with your student listing all the details, times, and locations.

Assessment and Curriculum

2011-09-16T11:42:00.002-05:00

KES just completed our first round of data team meetings. We used data from AIMSWeb, MAP, and Fountas & Pinnel. In short, we looked at assessment data from EVERY KES student. We are using this data to help ensure each student is being challenged and an individual and optimal level for success and growth. Please feel free to call or stop by the office with any questions. Thanks.

KES Open House

2011-09-16T11:40:00.003-05:00

Thank you to all the families attending our open house. It was a great opportunity for all of us to see great student work, have fun talking, and take our chances with Mrs. Hale's obstacle course in the gym. What a great night.

9 - 11

2011-09-08T21:45:00.002-05:00

I remember my first Fall as a principal. It was at the old middle school (now GES). I was a lot younger. I was eager to begin my new role in education. No longer a teacher, I was now a principal. And, it all changed.

I heard about a plane accidentally flying into the World Trade Center. Oh my. No time for that now, we need to do announcements. On my way to an administrator's meeting a little while later, I heard on the radio there was another direct hit. Certainly, this was not an accident. As the day went on, it was clear; our nation was under attack. It was time for that now.

Mixed feelings. I am responsible for this school. I have a pickup truck that I can fill with bottled water and drive to New York for the relief workers. I have young children at home. Where is my place right now?

My place was to stay at the middle school. To help families and children understand the events of the day. The repercussions of those events that would last into our nation's history.

Through the next few days and throughout the following decade, GKMS students learned about 9-11 and memorialized our nation's lost. In the early years we cried. As time went by, we learned.

Today, our Kingston Elementary School students will learn about an event that happened before they were born. But, they will learn. In every classroom, KES students will learn about the events of that September ten years ago. Although too young to fully comprehend the events of that day, our students will learn, and will learn to remember.

At all GK Schools - including KES - we remember. With respect.

Benchmarking and Curriculum

2011-09-01T09:03:00.003-05:00

We are off to a great start here at KES assessing student progress and implementing differentiated instruction to meet each student's needs.

How do we go about doing this? It begins with gathering student specific data. We are completing AIMSWeb and Fountas Pinnell benchmarking this week. MAP testing will be completed next week.

What do all those letters mean?
We use AIMSWeb to assess all students two times per year for universal screening (early identification). Think of AIMSWeb benchmarking as a thermometer. For most students, their temperature is in the healthy range. If a student is having difficulty with reading, this will serve as an early indicator so that appropriate interventions can be put in place. Once identified, those students are progress monitored more frequently.

Fountas and Pinnell benchmarking is done one on one with your student and their teacher. The benchmark provides levels from A to Z that will allow your student to be appropriately challenged to maximize academic growth during Guided Reading.

MAP testing is used to assess all students twice a year. MAP scores provide achievement breakdowns in all areas of Reading and Math. Your child's teacher will have the data to pinpoint areas where your child excels and areas to address for ongoing improvement.

Too Much?
While all this sounds like a lot of time spent on testing, rest assured that students are away from class work very little. AIMSWeb is a three minute screening assessment. Fountas and Pinnell is approximately 15 minutes of one on one time with your child's teacher. MAP testing is approximately two hours of testing. Over the course of two weeks, each student will spend less than 2.5 hours working on these assessments.

The outcome is well worth the time investment. Within the first three weeks of school, teachers have three data points for your child. As they analyze this data, our staff can specifically target reading materials and student work to individual instructional level.

These assessments are an example of using data to tailor and individualize instruction. Add all this information to our caring, supportive, and child-centered staff and it is easy to see why Kingston Elementary School is such a great place for kids and families.

Please feel free to stop by the office or respond to this blog with any questions or comments.

Welcome Back!

2011-08-11T12:28:00.002-05:00

I am very proud to be in the position to welcome our students and staff to KES and the 2011-2012 school year. As I meet with our teachers and so many great families, the anticipation experienced by all shows me that KES is a great place for kids, teachers, and families.

I have met teachers that love their work. They come with a positive attitude seeking to continue to improve and become the best educators possible. They are looking forward to building connections with students and working tirelessly to help them achieve academically and personally.

Our kids will know this. It is our goal that every student knows AT LEAST one adult in our building truly cares about them. Students who are connected learn and experience personal growth. They also have more fun.

Family involvement is also a key contributor to student success. Our parents can participate by consistently communicating through conferences, phone, emails, attending open house September 15th, playing a role in school improvement, and volunteering in a variety of ways.

KES is a great place because of all the people who care about being here every day. Our students, families, staff, aides, cooks, custodians, and others make KES a place where kids learn, enjoy life, grow, and succeed.

I look forward to doing my best to fulfill my role in helping to make all these great things happen.

As we come to a beginning...

2011-06-03T08:20:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Mrs. Dudley and Mrs. Todd, I have been learning more and more about curriculum and day to day life at KES.

I was also fortunate to join our future second graders at the first grade orientation. Mrs. Dudley told us all about the ABC's of Kingston Elementary School and we got to tour the building and meet teachers. It was very educational and a lot of fun!

Keep enjoying the summer; before you know it, we'll be back for a great 2011 - 2012 school year!

As we come to an end...

2011-05-16T15:15:00.008-05:00

With all the talk of 8th grade promotion a week away and two weeks left for 6th and 7th, even I have to admit we are reaching the end of the 2010 - 2011 school year.

Many parents and staff have heard me say countless times that middle school is a process. The learning and maturation from 5th grade to becoming freshmen is not a light switch. It is not an event or occurrence. It is a process that takes a full three years. I also view a student's education from K-12 and beyond as a process encompassing countless educational and personal milestones.

At the same time, there is no denying the last day of school as an event. I remember a first day of summer vacation almost ten years ago. My middle son had his brand new RED gym shoes and the temporary "cornrows" in his hair (remember Allan Iverson) running down the hill towards the neighbor's house on a perfect summer day.

It is like I am standing there now. The smell of lilacs. The dark green grass. The cloudless, bright blue sky. The brand new red shoes. The blond, goofy looking hair. Blue shirt, red shorts. The group of kids yelling his name and jumping around as he got smaller and smaller in view running down that hill as fast as he possibly could. I really don't think it ever gets better than that. The whole summer was in front of him with endless possibilities, and second grade was a thought too far into the future for him to even try to conceive.

I guess we all remember that feeling. In education, it is important for us to finish the year on a strong note. To make sure that we lay the ground work for continued growth next year - when summer vacation does inevitably come to an end.

The staff at the middle school will be working with Mr. McPherson this summer to ensure gains in curriculum and staffing for next year. I will be working with Kingston Elementary staff to make sure we continue the gains made in recent years under the leadership of Mrs. Dudley.

As our students run off with all the promise of a full summer, we hope they thoroughly enjoy it. That they get to do all they would like. We know, when August comes around again, they will be recharged and ready to continue on their path in education. We will make every effort to ensure that they will be coming back to a quality school that is another year better and another step further in meeting their individual needs.

I wish all GK families a happy and safe summer making memories that will last a lifetime.

.

It's Spring Again! A Time to Grow and a Time to Change

2011-03-17T10:27:00.005-05:00

Yes, I know, next week's weather forecast hints at the possibility of snow. However, it is a beautiful Spring day today! With Spring Break upon us, I am declaring that Spring has sprung.

It is an excellent opportunity to recharge, regroup, and finish the year strong. There are months left of learning and great opportunities for our students. Middle school is a time of such great change. Our students that enter as a large group of elementary kids develop and change over the years. They become more individual. More independent. More discerning of likes and dislikes. More conscious of where and how they fit in. More aware of being accepted or disenfranchised. Sometimes with ease; sometimes with a lot of pain. It is a process. Sometimes it takes all three years. Sometimes more. Through it all, the kids usually figure it out with support from family, friends, and teachers.

The next thing you know, it is 8th grade promotion night, and I find myself talking with parents wondering where the time went.

It is the same this year. As I reflect on my 10 years at GKMS, I think of the great kids, parents, and staff I have reached out to and those who have helped me learn and grow. I think of the great progress we have made. I have been truly lucky and consider it a privileged to have been a part of this great school for so long.

As Spring brings about new growth and change, I am fortunate to have a new opportunity. Next year I will be the principal of Kingston Elementary School. While GKMS will continue to move forward with leadership from Mr. McPherson and the great staff, I will have the opportunity to learn from the excellent and hard working staff at KES. Often, I have heard Mrs. Dudley praise the effort and dedication to kids that the KES staff commits to on a daily basis. I look forward to learning from them and playing a role in the process of continued growth and improvement of this already excellent school.

ISAT Week is Here!

2011-03-07T08:48:00.002-06:00

As some of you were surprised to read last year, I look forward to and welcome ISAT week. Of course there are some minor inconveniences to the schedule. And, there certainly are difficulties in conducting regular learning activities in shorter class periods.

However, for any inconveniences we may incur due to ISAT week, it brings with it great opportunity. Our students and teachers work hard all year to learn, grow, and create. ISAT week brings with it the opportunity to show that learning. Our students have the opportunity to prove that as individuals and as a group, we can succeed with kids from all over the state.

I look forward to a great week of giving our kids the chance to show what they know.

Mission Possible!

2011-02-16T11:54:00.002-06:00

Along with Character Counts and our PBIS Behavior programs, GKMS students talk openly and participate in lessons designed to help create a Bully Free GKMS.

February’s lesson took place during the early release / conference days. Staff and students discussed the various aspects of what constitutes a bullying situation. Not all negative behaviors are bullying, however, many are.

Students then participated in various projects from an assignment menu visualizing and describing a Bully Free GKMS. There is no doubt in my mind that the combination of excellent parental support, a positive climate, education, and our great students all make a Bully Free school very possible.

Some "Tips" for Educators

2011-01-06T11:40:00.002-06:00

There are many talented, creative, and dedicated professionals who devote their lives to helping kids learn and achieve. One of my favorites is Douglas Reeves. Below are his top tips to educators for helping to keep kids involved in learning.

We continue to work on strengthening these skills with GKMS staff and better serving our students' needs.

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Douglas Reeves’ Five Top Tips

to Improve Student Engagement

1) Choice - A recurring theme of the research on motivation is choice. This does not mean that students have the choice of whether to engage in the assigned work, but it does mean that effective teachers can provide choices of how students engage in the work. Every time students engage in a choice, they are making a wager that they are choosing wisely, and nobody likes to lose a bet. All of the remaining parts of this "Top Five" list are variations on the theme of choice.

2) Homework Menus - A Homework Menu creates a series of choices for students that will provide opportunities for proficiency for all students, while providing opportunities for challenge for those who are bored, and reinforcement and practice for students who are struggling. Some teachers create their Homework Menu in several columns, and students choose one or two problems (writing prompts, math problems, and so on) from each column. Not only does this strategy help to engage students, but it also provides valuable feedback for teachers based on the accuracy of the student work and the choices that students made.

3) Electronic Games - Using Macromedia Flash Professional 8 (free trial versions available at www.Adobe.com), one of Mr. Kane's 8th grade history students created his own electronic game. Built around the theme of freedom during Revolutionary times, the student-produced game first provided pictures and quotations from Founders, and then asked questions about this period of history. Players received immediate feedback, including the opportunity to learn more and change their answers. While many students also chose essays, posters, dramas, and other creative methods of completing the assignment, there's something about 8th grade boys and electronic games that seems to click.

4) Student-Generated Rubrics - Larry Ainsworth, author of Power Standards and many other publications, wrote Student Generated Rubrics, a book in which he demonstrates the power of students creating with clear and student-accessible language their expectations for performance. If you have ever had playground duty, you might have overheard students explaining the rules of a game to other students. In this context, students can be remarkably precise: You can go here, but you can't go there. You can do this but you can't do that. Equipped with such clear expectations, new students quickly learn the game. Why not capitalize on the ability of students to articulate expectations in the classroom? How much more clear might our rubrics and other expectations be if we took the time to have students express those expectations in a format and language that is clear to them? They might even use a combination of words, symbols, and pictures, knowing intuitively that not all of their classmates learn in the same way.

5) Engaging Scenarios - In the book and seminar series Making Standards Work, the first step of creating an effective standards-based classroom assessment is the creation of an engaging scenario. For example, before we assign a challenge to our students, we ask, "Why would anyone really need to know this? What real-life roles might our students play if they were using this information?" Science teachers in Alaska, for example, use simulations of the Exxon Valdez environmental disaster to help students develop language, math, science, and speaking skills as they engage in a court battle to represent the interests of Native Nations, local governments, tourist business owners, and many other stakeholders. Math teachers in Denver put students in the pilot's seat as they use real-world navigation problems to hone their rate/time/distance skills and their understanding of geometry. Speech teachers throughout the nation are using compelling scenarios ranging from domestic violence (the current Lincoln-Douglas debate topic) to concerns over the college early admissions process (the current Public Forum debate topic) in order to help students practice research, writing, and communication skills.

The New Year

2011-01-03T09:23:00.003-06:00

Welcome back. I hope everyone enjoyed Winter Break and is recharged and ready to go.

Over the next week, I will be reviewing upcoming curriculum with staff and map our course of action for next three months. Our staff is working to continue to provide standards based curriculum in meaningful ways for our students.

We will also continue working with students as they mature and seek positive interactions with each other. Our students all benefit when we treat each other with respect.

I welcome parents to contact the school at any time to review curriculum goals, PBIS positive behaviors and expectations, and any other aspect of GKMS life. Only by working together can we continue to make GKMS a great place.

Holiday Season

2010-11-29T11:20:00.003-06:00

The holiday season is here. For many, this seems to be the time of the year when we can most easily open ourselves to both giving and receiving help, encouragement, and friendship. In the current climate, some families never before needing help, find that a little would be welcome. Many families wanting to help others, find there are so many areas to be of service they can't possible meet them all.

GKMS students are focusing on a few very specific ways to help all area families - including some of our own.

Delivery of items from our October food drive found a very sparse inventory at the Genoa Food Pantry. Because of this, Student Council and Community Impact Club are hosting a movie during the final school day before Winter break. Admittance for students will be 3 food items or a hat / mitten set. All items will go to the Genoa Food Pantry.

We will also be accepting donations from the public until Wednesday, December 15th. Please bring any donations to the front office.

On a more personal level, Student Council is helping to brighten the holidays for two families by contributing gifts for younger children and food cards. Student Council is also sending holiday cards to local service men and women who will be far from home.

No matter how overwhelmed we all may feel by work obligations, family schedules, and financial concerns, it is important to me that I remember to count blessings and appreciate those around me. We all have a wealth of people to help, to count on, to give to, to receive from. I consider this a perfect time to rededicate myself and remind our students of ways to contribute and excel. To take a moment to think of others. To let others do for us. To do what we should be doing all year long.

Veteran's Day 2010

2010-11-10T15:42:00.001-06:00

GKMS is very fortunate to welcome General Huber as our key note speaker on Veteran's Day. The ceremony will include a question and answer session with the General, a Powerpoint presentation recognizing those who serve us, several of our GKMS letter exchange servicemen, and the National Anthem sung by our very own Ms. Miranda.

The program begins at 9:00 in the old gym.

Remembering Cody

2010-11-02T09:06:00.003-05:00

It is a sad time at GKMS as we lost one of our 6th grade students due to a medical related condition. Cody impressed everyone with his outgoing personality, inquisitive nature, and his desire to help others. We will miss him.

Individual Student Goals

2010-10-05T12:24:00.004-05:00

"Testing, testing, testing. These schools do more testing than teaching!" It certainly may feel that way occasionally, but I assure everyone that working with kids is still the overriding priority in all we do. However, effective testing and monitoring can help us better meet student needs.

Over the past two weeks, each student participated in one MAP test in Reading and another in Math. Each test lasted from about 30 minutes to just over an hour for most students. More can be found out about MAP testing at the NWEA site: http://www.nwea.org/

So, what do we do with the data? The Friday, October 8th Teacher's Institute will be devoted to teachers analyzing EACH student's MAP data and constructing Individual Goal Sheets. Teachers will then conference with students, discuss / clarify goals, and begin the process of meeting them.

Timely data put into action with student input is an exciting step towards helping all kids improve and meet achievement goals. That is testing made worthwhile.

Curriculum Night 2010

2010-09-22T14:42:00.002-05:00

Thanks go out again to all the families who attended our Curriculum Night. I received many positive comments again about the current format. It seems clear that parents appreciate the opportunity to learn about curriculum and meet teachers.

The only drawback I heard voiced concerned families attending for two or more children. We will continue to look for ways to improve the process for families in that position.

Please feel free to leave comments regarding your thought on the 2010 Curriculum Night and changes you would like to see made in the future. All comments will be shared with the School Improvement Team and Parent Council as we look ahead to next year.

Reading Comprehension

2010-09-14T09:04:00.004-05:00

As many GKMS parents and students know, reading is a key skill to sustained success in almost any endeavor. The GKMS (and GK 424) Reading curriculum has evolved greatly over the past several years helping students succeed at a high rate. Students and teachers work daily on practicing and improving specific and targeted reading skills.

While reading an article on the Education Gateway site, I came across a few points worth reiterating with GKMS families:

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For both adults and children, reading comprehension involves not just understanding what we read but also adjusting to different kinds of reading material. As they progress, students will be able to read increasingly complex stories, understand much of what they read in newspapers, and adjust to different types of textbooks, from language arts to math.

A key to increasing reading comprehension is learning reading strategies. Encourage your child to:
• Use context clues
• Re-tell and summarize
• Employ prior knowledge
• Make predictions about "what happens next"
• Take notes or highlight important information
• Ask questions about content and vocabulary
• Discuss a book in class or at home
• Draw pictures, maps, and charts to illustrate what is read
-----

I encourage families to review reading strategies with students. Ask them which specific strategy they are currently addressing in class or to name a specific strategy that they find the most helpful.

Effective reading strategies truly have a lifelong, positive effect on our students.

Making AYP

2010-08-19T17:48:00.002-05:00

GKMS has made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) as prescribed by No Child Left Behind and measured by achievement on ISAT testing. While our worth and success is measured by far more important things than a single state test, success still feels good and should be celebrated. Well done everyone!

Welcome Back!

2010-08-19T16:33:00.005-05:00

I am looking forward to the new school year. As I met with all our teachers and some families in the days leading up to the 2010-2011 year, the anticipation experienced by all reminded me yet again why GKMS is a great place for kids, teachers, and families.

Whenever people ask me about our school, I always tell them about our great school climate. But, what makes a great school climate?

According to the National Association of School Psychologists, “a school with a positive school climate is a place where teachers, students, and parents feel welcomed and supported. It is a place where people come together not because they have to, but because they want to.” I believe that describes us.

Our staff truly loves their work. They come with a positive attitude seeking to continue to improve and become the best educators possible. Each day, they build connections with students and work tirelessly to help them achieve academically and personally.

Our kids know this. It is our goal that every student knows AT LEAST one adult in our building truly cares about them. Students who are connected learn and experience personal growth. They also have more fun.

Family involvement is also a key contributor to student success. Our parents participate by consistently communicating through conferences, emails, checking Powerschool, the Assignment Connection, chaperoning field trips, and playing a role in school improvement.

GKMS is a great place because of all the people who care about being here every day. Our students, families, staff, aides, cooks, custodians, and others make GKMS a place where kids enjoy life, grow, learn, and succeed.

I look forward to doing my best to fulfill my role in helping to make all these great things happen.

Happy and Safe Summer

2010-05-28T08:40:00.006-05:00

The 09-10 school year has come to a close. From my first years as an 8th grade teacher in Cicero, this has been a time of year for reflection. A lot of hard work by GKMS staff brought about a lot of learning. However, the staff's continual caring and work on the behalf of students has effected kids on a personal level.

Soon we continue the work of analyzing data and finding areas of strength and room for growth. We will seek improvement through enhanced curriculum, teaching methods, and educational opportunities. We will use data and research based programs to ensure the best possible educational opportunities for GKMS students.

Today, I am not analyzing data. Today, I am reflecting on the vast variety and vast number of challenges our nearly 500 students faced this year.

Some students struggle to find where they will "fit" in the approaching adult years. Being one big group of elementary aged kids suddenly doesn't seem to apply. Overnight, a large group of friends has turned into three or more entirely different cliques. Where do I fit in? Will I ever fit in?

Some families face very real financial hardships in these times. How will we pay for this or that? Why did my mom have to ask Mr. Lekkas to waive my sports fee? Our family has never done that before. Why do I have to wait for my dad's next check to get shoes? Why can't I get an ipod? For some families, these concerns extend to keeping the house or finding means to pay rent. Some kids are wondering why they have moved in to a relative's house.

Some kids are facing very real personal concerns with families. They are experiencing their parents splitting apart or new step parents for the first time. Some kids face abusive situations at home.

School is not a very high priority when other, more personal, issues flood over one's day.

In addition to all these things, middle school is a time where most kids experience change in their bodies and hormone levels they have never dealt with before.

As I reflect on the year I think about our staff. Are they reaching out to kids? Are they visible? Approachable? Know kids' names? Like kids? Care about kids? Build rapport? Am I in the halls enough? Is my office door open enough?

Then, I come to the biggest question of all: Does EVERY student know that at least one adult in this building cares about THEM?

Of course, I want that answer to be yes. In my heart, when I think about recognition plans like Extra Degree, Good News Cards, Cogs Cards, Clubs, Sports, I know ample programs are in place. In my heart, when I think about our assistant principal, social workers, teachers, assistants, lunch staff, custodial staff, and secretarial staff I know that our people do reach out to kids. I know that our staff does care about kids and likes working with them. They take their responsibility to kids seriously and enjoy being a part of GKMS.

As I reflect on this year, I know that the privileged of being GKMS Principal encompasses doing good work with dedicated people to help advance and inspire great kids.

As I reflect on all that was accomplished and all the help we provided for individual kids and families, 09-10 was a good year.

Enjoy the summer.

Final Days of the Year

2010-05-17T08:34:00.002-05:00

In the blink of an eye, we have reached the last two weeks of the school year. ...flew right by.

Kids, teachers, and parents are all counting down the final days. As we do, it is important to continue working together to keep GKMS a great place. As we wrap up this year, we begin looking at data for next year finding ways to be more effective and help students achieve. It is a time to reflect, evaluate, and plan. Great opportunities for improvement lay at our feet. For all of us and our students, it's all mental from here.

I would also like to personally thank our parents for your continued support of our school and the process of education. Together, we make GKMS all that it is, and by working together, we can continue the process of improvement.

Pictures at School and Posting Online

2010-04-13T09:01:00.003-05:00

Technological advancements bring great opportunities. They also bring additional responsibilities. Our curriculum for Computer's Class and Life Skills specifically address Cyber Bullying, Electronic Harassment, and Posting of Pictures. Character Ed, including assembly presentations help students to clearly see the line between appropriate and inappropriate use of technology.

It is vital that parents, teachers, students, and the community work together to be vigilant and help maintain a positive environment for our kids in the physical and cyber worlds.

As a rule, students are not allowed to take pictures in school on the vast majority of days during the vast majority of activities. Often pictures of friends include others who do not want their photo take. It is also important that images taken by students in school are not posted on internet sites - especially networking sites like Myspace and Facebook. If we become aware of any of these types of images, it is imperative we do what we can to have them removed. We owe that to the privacy of ALL students.

Parents can help by checking in on their child's networking site. My wife and I have a repeating event on our Google Calendar to remind us to check our son's Facebook site. Other strategies will work better for other families. Anyone wanting to brainstorm ideas is welcome to contact me to discuss options.

Through vigilance and awareness, our children can stay safe while using technology as advanced tools to help them flourish.

Spring is Springing ...

2010-03-19T09:58:00.003-05:00

Something like that. Some days in the 60's with sun and others 40's and rain. It certainly is a transition time of year.

And nowhere is transition more evident than at a middle school. A transition time in life. Little elementary aged kids come through our doors and leave young men and women. I think that is why many middle school professionals are drawn to helping kids in this age group. The educators who choose to impact student lives in this age group understand the importance of these years and their effects on long-term success and happiness.

As the weather breaks and we enjoy the Spring, we look forward to working with kids and families. Each academic and social learning experience will help GKMS kids take another step towards maturity. With families and the school working together, we can help ensure each step is a positive one.

Hey, Hey, ISAT is Here!!!

2010-02-18T08:19:00.005-06:00

"Hooray for ISAT!" Is this the cry of a principal gone mad? Perhaps. But, that is the topic for a different entry.

ISAT testing is the week of March 1-5, and there are plenty of negatives to stew about:

"The measure of a school is not one test."
"Filling in the circles doesn't REALLY measure what kids know."
"One bad morning labels a kid inaccurately."
"Why would anyone expect students with learning disabilities to perform at grade level on written tests?"
"Why would anyone expect English language learners to perform at grade level on written tests?"
"A whole school shouldn't fail because one subgroup does poorly."
And on and on...

Those objections and others are certainly valid to a degree. However, as a member of the GKMS learning community, they are meaningless to our goal. Helping students excel and contribute to their community is not about making excuses or finding reason why we can't do something.

Our students are performing at a high level in their classes every day accomplishing higher order thinking projects, collaborative assignments, solving difficult problems, using real world technology, and finding personal success outside the classroom. Data identifies areas for improvement on an individual basis, and interventions are put in place for that specific student. More and more instruction is differentiated challenging students to achieve at their highest level. Our kids, staff, and learning community are moving in a positive direction, and our students are benefiting from a quality education every day.

Parents can help by ensuring that students get a good night sleep, eat a healthy breakfast, and know you would like them to do their best.

So, yes, hooray for ISAT! While not the whole measure for our school, it is an excellent opportunity for our kids to do their their best and show what they know. I am looking forward to it.

Great Happenings at GKMS

2010-02-03T14:32:00.001-06:00

Second quarter honor roll numbers are in. We are happy to see so many students reach their goals.

45 - 6th grade high honors
74 - 6th grade honors
119 - 6th grade total (77.8%)

54 - 7th grade high honors
65 - 7th grade honors
119 - 7th grade total (78.8%)

47 - 8th grade high honors
74 - 8th grade honors
121 - 8th grade total (70.3%)

GKMS remains a vibrant school community affording opportunities to students in all areas of the educational process. Students continue their participation in Drama, Girls Basketball, Garden Club, Tech Club, Student Council and Community Impact Club.

Students will be participating in the 5th annual Mini Career Fair on Thursday, February 11. Many thanks go out to all the community professionals giving their time to help our students. Also, a special thank you to Ms. Chronopoulos for her efforts in making our Career Fair possible.

ISAT
GKMS Families, I would like to remind everyone that ISAT state testing will be taking place March 1-5 with makeup testing the following week. Students perform best when well rested and after a healthy breakfast. As attendance is also a key to success, it is best not to schedule routine appointments during these days if at all possible. Please encourage your child to do their best and show what they know.

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Happy New Year

2010-01-04T13:06:00.004-06:00

Over the next few months, GKMS students will have great learning opportunities as our staff continues to incorporate best practice instruction and instructional activities in the classroom.

Here is what parents can do to help:
- Establish a set schoolwork time and place at home
- Encourage a full night sleep and breakfast for your student
- Use Powerschool to review the Assignment Connection frequently with your student to discuss curriculum in each class
- Use Powerschool to review grades with your student
- Call or email teachers with ANY questions

Feel free to contribute any additional tips to the list. We look forward to a positive and productive January at GKMS.

Happy and Safe Holiday Season

2009-12-14T09:12:00.003-06:00

We wish all our families a happy and safe holiday season. GKMS students are contributing to their community in many ways for the holidays.

Community Impact Club is sponsoring our Toys for Tots drive. Over 300 toys have been donated to help brighten the season for area kids.

Student Council continues its Hat, Scarf, Mitten, and Glove Drive. Hundreds of items have been collected for local families.

Student council is also helping GK families through food and gift cards.

Our students continue to show respect, positive behaviors, and contribute to their community.

GKMS Parent Survey - Until December 4

2009-11-17T14:44:00.006-06:00

I have posted a parent survey on Survey Monkey that will be open until December 4th. Please take a few minutes to answer the 9 questions and leave any comments you would like.

All responses can be kept confidential and will be shared with staff and our parent council to help shape school procedures and practices. Thank you for you time.

"Click Here to take survey"

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Contributing to our Community

2009-11-13T18:31:00.004-06:00

GKMS is always seeking ways for students to contribute to our community.

Our annual food drive raised hundreds of food items for the Genoa Food Bank that will help our families through the Thanksgiving holiday.

Community Impact Club is beginning their Toys for Tots gift drive. Information can be found in our office. The are also ample ways for students to help if their families are not in a position to donate a gift.

Of course, we are continuing our annual Student Council Hat, Scarf, and Mitten drive this year. All donations help GK families.

Whether it is donations or time, our students and families continue to contribute to our community through giving. Please contact me for any information or opportunity. We have a wonderful community here through good times and more difficult ones.

It is a priveledge working with these great kids and families. Thank you.

Learning and Grades

2009-11-05T09:25:00.004-06:00

I have been a "professional educator" for 18 years. The 16 years prior, I was on the student side of things. Besides showing that I'm just plain old, those years have caused me to view many staples of the "educational process" differently than I used to.

I have had many discussions with parents, neighbors, and kids about grades over the years. While I still don't feel I have the "right" answer, I know my views on this subject have changed. My sons are now 15, 13, and 9 years old. As they travel through the education system, I continue to change my views on grades.

As an example:
A doctor, carpenter, and teacher all work hard and rightfully expect to be compensated for their time in pay. They need it to survive, and their families count on it. But, do I want my surgeon to be in it just for the check? Or do I want someone whose life mission is to save lives and improve quality of life? Do I want the carpenter building my house to only be interested in a check or to also take pride in doing a quality, long lasting job? Do I want my son's teacher to focus solely on fulfilling requirements, or to get to know and care about my child?

Are grades necessary? They certainly do give a running record of students meeting the requirements of school. In later years, they will allow our students options for which colleges they can attend and which fields they can study -- choices.

What we need to do, though, is continue to look for ways that grades can also measure student learning besides quizzes and tests. Sure the paycheck... er grade matters, but I want my kids to also learn, understand the processes for learning, and to be participants in their education. I am confident almost all parents want the same.

At GKMS we will continue to strive towards improvement in engaging students in the learning process and measure their "grades" by using additional methods that will reflect more than simply mastering the "process" of school. Not a small task, but we are getting better. Below are the honor roll numbers for the first quarter. Many students are taking a part in their education, and it is beginning to show that we are measuring more than the simple, basic requirements of school.

Whole School High and Regular Honors - 76%
Whole School High Honors - 29%

6th Grade High and Regular Honors - 74%
6th Grade High Honors - 24%

7th Grade High and Regular Honors - 80%
7th Grade High Honors - 34%

8th Grade High and Regular Honors - 73%
8th Grade High Honors - 29%

H1N1 News

2009-10-30T14:39:00.009-05:00

Parents and community members have asked several questions about our district's plan for coping with H1N1 concerns.

The following link is to a letter from Superintendent Wakeley addressing the concerns and our district's procedures to help foster a safe environment for all students and staff.

The link for the letter is under "Health Announcement" on our district's home page.

GK Webpage

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Temporary Volunteer Crossing Guards Needed

2009-10-22T19:51:00.001-05:00

G-K PTO walk safe program is seeking volunteer crossing guards to help provide safe passage for all GK kids. Please contact gkpto@yahoo.com with your name and phone number if you can help with the program.

CHANGE IT! Standing Up to Bullying

2009-10-22T13:04:00.003-05:00

"CHANGE IT! Standing Up to Bullying" is an assembly presentation the Boom Troupe will be performing at GKMS on Monday, October 26th. 6th and 7th grades will be participating at 9:00 while the 8th grade presentation is at 10:00. The performance helps students recognize bullying, explains the 4 roles of bullying, empowers victims, and, most importantly, emphasizes the strength and power of the bystander in ending the cycle.

Parents are welcome to sign in at the office and join us. As usual, things like this would not be possible without the help and support of our PTO.

For more information, check out the Boom Troupe Webpage.

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GKMS School Improvement and the "Blog"

2009-10-08T19:49:00.002-05:00

The School Improvement Plan (SIP) is a yearly plan filed with the Illinois State Board of Education. However, as everyone knows, improvement is not something you "do" once year when complying with state mandated paperwork. Improvement is something we all do as educators and parents doing our best to help guide students through the fun, happiness, confusion, and just about every other possible emotion known as middle school. It also a lot about learning!

In filling out questions about communication with families, I listed many things. Our GKMS Newsletter mailed to every home, Assignment Connection, Powerschool grade book, and Connect Ed (those phone messages) all made the list.

I also included this blog. I hope that GKMS families do find value in these posts as at least one more source of information. I hope everyone feels their voice can be heard through this communication tool as I try to post almost every comment.

I look forward to comments to this post addressing value you have found in past postings or suggestions for future ones that can make this a better tool for communicating with GKMS families.

As always, it is a pleasure working with you and your student.

GKMS Open House Format

2009-09-15T19:37:00.005-05:00

Thank you to all the parents who came to our open house. As discussed in a previous Blog Post, our goal is to create an open house environment more conducive to meeting teachers, discussing curriculum, and gaining a better understanding of your student's day.

We are open to continuing to improve tonight's format or seek other opportunities. As this all began with input from our Parent Council, parent input is what will continue to make us a better place for families. I look forward to your thoughts and comments.

GKMS Remembers

2009-09-13T18:43:00.007-05:00

GKMS staff remembers the events of 9/11/2001. Our students were very young when these events occurred - but some do recall the day. We all came to the flagpole for comments and the Pledge of Allegiance. Students participated in curriculum based activities throughout the day. At sunset, our annual candle lighting and storytelling included students, families and community members. Above is a picture from last year's ceremony. GKMS and America remembers.

President Obama's Address to U.S. Students

2009-09-03T22:39:00.003-05:00

Parents and Students,

There has been much discussion in the media and around dinner tables about the president's address to students. I am fortunate to have received an email from the U.S. Department of Education that perhaps many others have not seen.

The portion regarding his address reads: "... During this special address, the president will speak directly to the nation’s children and youth about persisting and succeeding in school. The president will challenge students to work hard, set educational goals, and take responsibility for their learning."

I assure you that no part of the correspondence alludes to any political topics. If you would like the full text, please email me at: alekkas@gkschools.org, and I will be happy to forward the press release to you.

While all students will be given the opportunity to view the address in the gym and cafeteria, we understand some families may choose to not participate. If you would like your child to attend an alternative activity, please have your student bring a note expressing your request or feel free to call me at 784-5222. The Media Center will serve as an alternative room where students will be welcome to read their AR books or work in a positive environment.

We look forward to an excellent opportunity for our GKMS students.

Literacy and GKMS

2009-08-24T17:33:00.003-05:00

After a successful pilot of the Making Meaning reading program in 6th grade last year, 7th and 8th grade will also be using the program this year. Making Meaning is a reading program that successfully combines best practice literacy strategies while allowing differentiation for all students. Support programs such as Read 180, AMP, and Reader's Workshop enable our great teachers to use data addressing each student's needs and specifically targeting areas for growth.

What that means in plain English is that we are in a better position that ever to analyze each student's reading ability and help everyone improve.

As each strategy is introduced in Reading class, it will be reinforced in the same way in all content area classes such as Social Studies, Science, Math, and Encore. This coordination will offer students the opportunity to continue to excel. These are very exciting times.

Welcome ...

2009-08-18T08:48:00.003-05:00

Welcome 6th graders and welcome back 7th and 8th grade students! We are looking forward to having a great year.

Our goals for this year are outlined in our School Improvement Plan. As always, we are seeking to continue to find better means by which to help students excel in Math and Reading. Another goal is to fully implement PBIS so that student behavioral expectations are consistent from grade to grade and class to class. Effective RtI (Response to Intervention) is our final goal so that we may better meet EACH student's individual needs.

In the end, GKMS is a great place with energetic students, caring staff, and ample parent and community support. GKMS is a great place for a young adult to learn, mature, and have fun. It's a great place to be.

Preparing students to excel and contribute to their community...

Happy and Safe Summer

2009-06-02T20:39:00.004-05:00

Enjoy the next two months with family and friends. We all will. We will also be analyzing data to help engage our students in an exceptional curriculum using best practices in instruction.

We look forward to meeting with everyone again this fall and having a great 09-10 school year.

Anyone wanting to share summer plans is welcome to do so in the comment section.

"It's all Mental from Here"

2009-05-19T11:02:00.004-05:00

The Chicago Marathon is actually run in the exact opposite direction it
should be... for the runners. It is this way because the North side
neighborhoods have more clout and want the runners out earlier to get
their roads back.

So, middling pack runners find themselves beginning the run through
beautiful streets shaded by trees in the morning. As the day grows hotter
they are on the South side of the course. Much of it is wide flat HOT pavement with no shade and industrial areas which translate to little spectator support.

Taking the turn up from Comiskey Park (around mile 23) is where my wife
was on the verge of quitting her first marathon 8 years ago. She easily
noticed a Rastafarian man on the side amongst the sparse spectators
snapping his fingers. As she got closer she heard him repeating, "It's
all mental from here. It's all mental from here." Of course, she knew he was right and finished strong revitalized from his simple encouragement and accurate observation.

It is the same with us now. Kids, teachers, parents are all counting down the last week of school. As we do, it is important to continue working together to keep GKMS a great place. As we wrap up this year, we begin looking at data for next year finding ways to be more effective and help students achieve. It is a time to reflect, evaluate, and plan. Great opportunities for improvement lay at our feet. For all of us and our students, it's all mental from here.

Mason

2009-05-06T16:59:00.007-05:00

Mason's wonderful humor and incredible smile is part of all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him. Our thoughts and prayers are with the McPherson family.
Mason's Caring Bridge Site

Open House Night Format

2009-04-21T08:20:00.004-05:00

One of the goals for our SIP Parent Council is to examine current open house practices and determine if another format would be more beneficial to GKMS families. We will be seriously discussing this issue and making decisions over the next few weeks, so now is certainly the time to make opinions known.

Currently, open house begins in the gym with a very brief introduction of staff. Immediately following, students and parents tour the building meeting with staff, talking curriculum, and "checking out" lockers and hallway art. There are no structured presentations.

Technology in the Classroom

2009-03-19T12:03:00.002-05:00

I appreciate all the input given by students, staff, and parents in the discussion on PED's in our school. A recent activity I led with our staff included using a Wiki - the first time for many.

Obviously, this made me think about our classrooms and our students. We certainly do use technology on a daily basis at GKMS.

What are some uses of technology that you enjoy using in your classes? What are some activities that you think should incorporate technology but currently do not? What are some tools we don't have, that you think would benefit students? So many questions...

GKMS Moments

2009-03-10T13:19:00.001-05:00

The school year is not over! There is plenty of valuable instruction and social time for all students to continue to learn and grow. However, now is a good time to reflect on the things we’ve learned so far and what GKMS means to us all.

Personally, I value being principal at this great school. I enjoy working with our students and staff each day to help create a positive environment where kids learn, mature, and have fun. I also enjoy working with parents to help kids succeed, problem solve, or just talk for a few minutes.

I know students, parents, and staff members also have many positive experiences to share about life at GKMS, and I am interested in hearing some of them. As we enter the final quarter of the year, let us know some of the things you value at GKMS. And, as our 8th graders near promotion to the high school, what are some of your favorite GKMS memories?

Please, take a few minutes and share a GKMS moment with us, and remember not to use any student last names. Thanks.

ISAT – High Stakes Testing

2009-02-23T08:19:00.002-06:00

It is clear that accountability through standardized testing is here to stay in one form or another. It is also clear that there are valid arguments to both sides of the debate as to whether or not it should be.

The APA states, “It is important to remember, however, that no test is valid for all purposes. Indeed, tests vary in their intended uses and in their ability to provide meaningful assessments of student learning. Therefore, while the goal of using large-scale testing to measure and improve student and school system performance is laudable, it is also critical that such tests are sound, are scored properly, and are used appropriately.”

However, in conjunction with No Child Left Behind, all initial steps of meeting standards begin and end with ISAT.

The idea of accountability through testing is a positive for kids in that it requires schools to research needs in curriculum, instruction, and climate. Although there are many drawbacks, never has curriculum been so standards based amongst schools for ALL kids.

As students, do you value the importance of ISAT testing to your school and do your best? As a parent, do you recognize the shift in your student’s curriculum to Illinois Standards? As education professionals, do find standards based curriculum to benefit kids?

There are many opinions to be expressed, and I look forward to hearing from all of you.

Should we allow Personal Electronic Devices (PED's) at GKMS?

2009-01-20T14:45:00.006-06:00

Mr. McPherson and I joined all GK administrators at a technology workshop recently. One of the topics was students using Personal Electronic Devices (PED’s) in schools. The example was a school in a suburban district using iPod Touches. Knowing the advanced technological ability of our students and staff, I started thinking about several things.

While it initially sounds expensive, the scientific calculator function alone offsets some of the cost of an iPod Touch. Also to consider is the value of additional apps such as graphing calculator, Wi-Fi, dictionary, Webpage design, spreadsheet, and countless more that can be found at: http://www.apple.com/webapps/index.html

G-K schools will NOT be selling PED’s such as iPod Touch, Palm Pilots, and smart phones any time in the near future. However, many of our students do have such items already.

I have several questions. Can the educational process be better served by allowing students to use such devices in school? What benefits would students gain if our school was had accessible Wi-Fi for their PED’s? Would that aid in research projects? Would too many students be texting and calling others to a degree that it would interfere with their education?

I am looking forward to input from all members of our community. Opening up some of these opportunities seems within reach – but only worthwhile if students will benefit educationally. Let me know what you think.

Homework

2009-01-12T09:57:00.009-06:00

Many times each year I discuss the topic of homework with students, parents, staff, and other administrators. Most people recognize homework as a necessary element of education. It is a way for students to gain additional practice towards mastery than possible during our limited school day. Homework can also help reinforce classroom learning and foster the development of higher level thinking skills. However, what types of assignments help students learn?

Here is a link to a ten minute interview with Alfie Kohn, author of The Homework Myth, discussing his unconventional views on homework and its place in our schools:

http://www.alfiekohn.org/hmaudio.htm

Fortunately, GKMS teachers have been working to create more meaningful assignments for students that encourage higher level thinking, independent learning, and student selected products.

Students, please leave comments telling me some of the most useful and beneficial assignments you have completed at GKMS (remember to use only your first name). By you telling us what types of assignments have helped you the most, teachers will be able to continue and increase those opportunities. We also welcome input from parents and guests.

PBIS

2009-01-08T11:10:00.000-06:00

PBIS (Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports) is our model for effective school wide behavioral intervention. We are very fortunate to have Mr. McPherson leading our students and staff in supporting or four key expectations:
Respect Yourself
Respect Others
Respect Property
Respect Learning

This week, students participated in a few "cool tool" exercises. Staff and students practiced and modeled appropriated hallway and bathroom behavior. Parents, please talk to your students about these activities and see if they found them useful.

I look forward to comments from students and families on these cool tools.