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.
Monday, November 29, 2010
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Veteran's Day 2010
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.
The program begins at 9:00 in the old gym.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Remembering Cody
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.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Individual Student Goals
"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.
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.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Curriculum Night 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Reading Comprehension
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:
-----
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.
While reading an article on the Education Gateway site, I came across a few points worth reiterating with GKMS families:
-----
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.
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Making AYP
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!
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.
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.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Happy and Safe Summer
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.
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.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Final Days of the Year
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.
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.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Pictures at School and Posting Online
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.
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.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Spring is Springing ...
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.
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.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Hey, Hey, ISAT is Here!!!
"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.
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.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Great Happenings at GKMS
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.
.
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.
.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year
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.
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.
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