Happy Holidays

We here at GKMS wish nothing but the best for all our families over the holidays.  We look forward to getting back to work and helping kids grow and succeed in the new year.

Link to a great Parenting / Internet Webpage and Article

Commonsensemedia.org is a GREAT resource for parents.  We will never stay "ahead of the game" when it comes to sites kids want to use online.  This website helps give parents up to date info and some much needed help.

Especially interesting is this article about 15 sites kids go to after Facebook.  Let me know what you think.  I left the active link text visible so it is more easy for you to copy and share with others.

You'll want to read this article:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/15-apps-and-websites-kids-are-heading-to-after-facebook


Additional resources that have some excellent tips on keeping kids safe Online:

Commonsensemedia.org  In my opinion, the most valuable resource for parents.

Parenting.com Internet Safety

FBI's Internet Safety Tips

Schoolfamily.com

Childrescuenetwork.org

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Keeping Kids Safe Online

Here is a link to an excellent article on keeping kids safe on line @ Parenting.com:

http://www.parenting.com/gallery/social-media-monitoring-kids?page=0

                                                                                               

Though I am listing a few key points below, first and foremost is that parents must know that monitoring their kids’ on line behaviors, contacts, and relationships is imperative to keeping them safe.  It is not spying or stalking – it is parenting. 

Create ground rules.  If your kids are old enough to be using the computer on their own, they are old enough to understand that there are rules they need to abide by. Breaking them should not have a lesser consequence than if they broke a rule in the offline world. The best way for families to agree on ground rules is to create a contract that all parties must sign.

Keep computers in a central location.  Limit cell phone use, and collect phones overnight.  Chargers can be kept in an adult’s room and powered off machines will allow everyone a full night sleep.

Check that your privacy settings for the internet are set to the strictest levels. Depending on which browser you are using, you can adjust the settings directly from the options tab and adjust levels around cookies, third party sites and more.  Use filtering websites.  There are software suites you can purchase to monitor your child’s Internet usage; many even enable you to view the exact keys that were typed, time spent online and all computer activity in general.

Be a “friend.”  If you do allow your child to be on Facebook, insist they friend you.  Follow them on twitter and any other social media platform you both agree they can use.  If it is allowed in your family ground rules, you need to follow them.

Most importantly, talk with your kids about internet safety.  Repeated discussions about not sharing their personal information online, can help kids make better decisions.

Join us Tuesday, November 3rd in the GK High School Library from 6:30 -7:00PM for a parents only presentation of Keeping Kids Safe Online, grades k-12.  The goal is to keep the presentation to 30 minutes for those who need to get back to their families, however, we will certainly stay after for questions, ideas, and sharing.  

Parent and Student Communication

 There are several ways for families to keep up with student progress and happenings around the school.

Powerschool is a great way to monitor student grades and assignments.  If you haven't set up an account or are having difficulty accessing, call Mrs. Muir in our office at (815) 784-5222.

Assignment Connection (updates each day by 1:00PM) allows families to keep up with what is happening is classes.  There is a tab on the GKMS Webpage for the Assignment Connection that does not require a log in.

@gkmscogs.  Do you tweet?  Follow us @gkmscogs  This account also populates the GKMS Cogs facebook page.

We also send out email blasts with links to our monthly newsletter.  Feel free to click the link and find out what is happening throughout our school.  When educators and families connect, students are in a better position to excel. 

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GKMS Open House!

Looking forward to seeing all our GKMS students and families tonight at 6:30.  Meet all the staff, tour the building, and check out the book fair.

Chromebook Open House

Looking forward to seeing the families that can attend our Chromebook Open House at 6PM, August 10th. Information packets will go home with students on Wednesday.  Looking forward to a great year!

Happy and safe summer!

Wishing all our GKMS families a great summer.

As everyone enjoys new experiences in town and traveling around the country, we know August will find us ready to excel at a higher level than before.

All staff working with data and learning additional skills through independent study and university courses will bring new views to our interpretation of data and student learning.  Our PLC environment allowing us to work more efficiently at meeting each student's needs. 

Enjoy the summer, and I look forward to seeing everyone back for the first day of student attendance - August 12th - which is also a Wednesday Early Release.

Also, a reminder that walk in registration is July 29th from 11AM-6PM at any G-K building.

Drama Presentation

Omelette the Chef of Denmark will be our Spring Drama presentation.  Rehearsals have gone very well and the kids are performing wonderfully.  Friday April 10 and Saturday, April 11 presentations in the middle school gym at 7PM.  Tickets are $3, and we look forward to seeing a packed house.

PARCC Testing

PARCC testing has begun and is going rather smoothly.  As many of you know, we are participating in the on-line testing this year rather than the paper/pencil of ISAT in past years.  Our students are doing a great job of adjusting to the different format.

In past years, ISAT testing measured student achievement based on the Illinois Learning Standards.  This year, Illinois, along with other states, fully implemented the Common Core Standards - now measured through PARCC testing.  Most agree that the Common Core Standards have certainly raised the bar.  Our teachers have done an effective job over the past few years of adjusting our G-K curriculum to meet those higher standards and student needs.

Assignment Connection

Please continue to check Assignment Connection each day to stay abreast of your student's day:
Assignment Connection

It is a great way to start conversations with your student about what happened in their classes!

PARCC Reference Sheet

FYI
PARCC Reference

This is one of the resources our students will have for PARCC testing.  G-K Schools begin PARCC testing Monday, March 9th.

Winter MAP Assessment Results

Parents, soon you will be receiving your student's Winter MAP scores.  I have to share that is was great walking trough the halls and having 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students talk to me about meeting or exceeding their goals.  We are all proud of their efforts.  As you examine the results, please remember that the overall growth exhibited over many years is a more accurate representation of your student's  development than any one data point.  As always, please feel free to call me with any questions (815) 784-5222.