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.

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.


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