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.