Thursday, November 30, 2017
8th Grade Promotion
We know the holidays bring families together and plans for future events are made. 8th grade promotion will be held on Monday, May
21 at 7PM in the HIGH SCHOOL gym. We
look forward to all our 8th grade students having a successful
remainder of the year.
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
Making Decisions
Oh my, it has been a while since posting here. Our #gkcogs campaign has certainly migrated much content to twitter. And, it has been great connecting with students, families, and everyone in the district #gkcogs!!! Some things, however, can't be expressed in the limited character count of the twitter sphere - even though it has recently doubled in size (not a fan of that at all).
Those who have a passion for working in education know we are more fortunate than those in other fields. Each day, we have an opportunity to impact our students. We have an opportunity to help change lives. Whether we work with kids in second, seventh, or eleventh grades, each day brings us an opportunity to make a significant difference in the life of a youth still trying to find their way. If we stick around long enough, we get to see some of those kids develop, mature, and become adults.
Today, we had a guest come speak to our 8th grade Leadership and Community Service classes. A young man who is principal of a school in a neighboring district. A very powerful speaker talking about adversity and decisions we all must face in life to differing and individual degrees. How he had to overcome influence of gangs and neighborhood. Finish high school, succeed with the marines, move on to teach EL students, and now a young principal. A powerful story of a strong young man overcoming challenges and now sharing his experiences with our GK students. It is such an honor to have him here.
And I am personally proud of him as well. Before coming to GK schools 17 years ago, I taught high school in Rochelle. I knew him as a young man through several years of high school and always thought highly of his character and performance as a student. When he graduated with his teaching degree, I tried to get him to join GK. I only thought of him in positive ways and with respect. That is how he has always carried himself.
What I didn't know until now is the challenge he faced in those high school years. What he was dealing with outside my classroom those years. How all those times I enjoyed having him in class and talking with him, he was fending off intensely persistent and negative influences. How he was preparing for his future inside the classroom and fighting to preserve it outside the school. I am sure I would lave listened if he wanted to tell me, but I never would have totally understood. All his teachers were there for him each day, yet he had to encounter very real struggles on his own. And, of course, he succeeded.
As educators, we sometimes are directly involved in helping students work through challenges. When challenges are spoken to us and we can actively participate in working through solutions. Those are the times when we know we have made an impact. Most times, I imagine, we are not invited in to help solve problems or address concerns. There are times when students simply need or decide or feel they have no choice but to fight through on their own.
Even in those cases, we can STILL be of value to our students by creating a safe, nurturing, respectful environment. A place where kids know they have opportunities. A place where at least one adult can be talked to or trusted. I can't say I was that "special" person who reached out and saved. He saved himself. His power and his strength. He made that happen. But everyone of us who got to know him and teach him in our classrooms did provide for him a safe place. A place where he could mark a path to a future he wanted to achieve. A place where he had an opportunity. And he took it and made it happen. I was proud of him then and couldn't be any more proud of him now.
I guess that is just another reason why we love working with kids. While we are aware of our direct impact with some students, we ALL play at least a small role in creating a positive environment for ALL our students. What else could anyone ask for in a profession? A career? A lifetime?
Those who have a passion for working in education know we are more fortunate than those in other fields. Each day, we have an opportunity to impact our students. We have an opportunity to help change lives. Whether we work with kids in second, seventh, or eleventh grades, each day brings us an opportunity to make a significant difference in the life of a youth still trying to find their way. If we stick around long enough, we get to see some of those kids develop, mature, and become adults.
Today, we had a guest come speak to our 8th grade Leadership and Community Service classes. A young man who is principal of a school in a neighboring district. A very powerful speaker talking about adversity and decisions we all must face in life to differing and individual degrees. How he had to overcome influence of gangs and neighborhood. Finish high school, succeed with the marines, move on to teach EL students, and now a young principal. A powerful story of a strong young man overcoming challenges and now sharing his experiences with our GK students. It is such an honor to have him here.
And I am personally proud of him as well. Before coming to GK schools 17 years ago, I taught high school in Rochelle. I knew him as a young man through several years of high school and always thought highly of his character and performance as a student. When he graduated with his teaching degree, I tried to get him to join GK. I only thought of him in positive ways and with respect. That is how he has always carried himself.
What I didn't know until now is the challenge he faced in those high school years. What he was dealing with outside my classroom those years. How all those times I enjoyed having him in class and talking with him, he was fending off intensely persistent and negative influences. How he was preparing for his future inside the classroom and fighting to preserve it outside the school. I am sure I would lave listened if he wanted to tell me, but I never would have totally understood. All his teachers were there for him each day, yet he had to encounter very real struggles on his own. And, of course, he succeeded.
As educators, we sometimes are directly involved in helping students work through challenges. When challenges are spoken to us and we can actively participate in working through solutions. Those are the times when we know we have made an impact. Most times, I imagine, we are not invited in to help solve problems or address concerns. There are times when students simply need or decide or feel they have no choice but to fight through on their own.
Even in those cases, we can STILL be of value to our students by creating a safe, nurturing, respectful environment. A place where kids know they have opportunities. A place where at least one adult can be talked to or trusted. I can't say I was that "special" person who reached out and saved. He saved himself. His power and his strength. He made that happen. But everyone of us who got to know him and teach him in our classrooms did provide for him a safe place. A place where he could mark a path to a future he wanted to achieve. A place where he had an opportunity. And he took it and made it happen. I was proud of him then and couldn't be any more proud of him now.
I guess that is just another reason why we love working with kids. While we are aware of our direct impact with some students, we ALL play at least a small role in creating a positive environment for ALL our students. What else could anyone ask for in a profession? A career? A lifetime?
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Monday, September 11, 2017
GKMS Remembers
There will be a candle lighting memorial at GKMS today, September 11, at 7PM. Community members are welcome to attend.
Monday, August 21, 2017
GKMS Open House
The GKMS open house is Monday, August 21st from 6:30 –
7:45. We will begin promptly at 6:30 in the gym with a brief
introduction of staff and then release families and students to explore
the school, meet teachers, and visit the book fair.
6th grade parents will go to their students’ first hour class for a brief 20 minute presentation on Chromebooks and Lorado Taft.
We look forward to seeing everyone Monday, August 21st.
6th grade parents will go to their students’ first hour class for a brief 20 minute presentation on Chromebooks and Lorado Taft.
We look forward to seeing everyone Monday, August 21st.
Tuesday, May 2, 2017
8th Grade Chromebook Buyout
8th grade GKMS families, we are happy to offer you a great opportunity to buy your student's chromebook for a great price. Letters coming in the mail. Here is an excerpt:
Monday, April 10, 2017
5th Grade Orientation!!!
5th grade orientation is Monday, April 24, 6PM at Genoa Kingston Middle
School. All 5th grade students and families are welcome to come meet
teachers, learn about Lorado Taft, talk about chromebooks, try out
lockers, and much more.
We look forward to seeing everyone there. If you have any questions, please contact the middle school office at 815 784-5222. It is a great event and always exciting and fun!
We look forward to seeing everyone there. If you have any questions, please contact the middle school office at 815 784-5222. It is a great event and always exciting and fun!
Monday, March 20, 2017
Thursday, March 16, 2017
PARCC Testing Dates
PARCC Testing for GKMS students will take place April 11. 12. and 13. PARCC is a great opportunity for our students to show what they know and is a good measure for comparing progress with other students and districts in the area and around the state.
Encourage your student to be prepared and do their best by getting a good night's rest, eating a healthy breakfast, and having their chromebook charged. We look forward to all our students doing their best.
Encourage your student to be prepared and do their best by getting a good night's rest, eating a healthy breakfast, and having their chromebook charged. We look forward to all our students doing their best.
Wednesday, February 22, 2017
GKMS 8th Events
GKMS 8th Grade Dance is all set for Friday, May 12 at 7PM in the GKMS gym.
GKMS 8th Grade Promotion is Monday, May 22 at 7PM in the HIGH SCHOOL gym. We look forward to seeing all our 8th grade families.
Thursday, February 16, 2017
GKMS Tech Club Game-athon Day!
Video game charity event
February 25th! GKMS Tech Club. Donate at: https://goo.gl/Tpn6Za. Sha
Wednesday, January 18, 2017
Google Me Free Classes Part II
Do you want to learn about the programs that District 424 students
are using? Would you like to be able to communicate using the computer
with friends and relatives?
Genoa-Kingston District 424 is offering you FREE CLASSES in Google Programs and other software. These FREE CLASSES are for beginners. Bring your own computer or learn on our Chromebook, the computer used by students in grades 6-12.
Classes are Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:00 pm in the GK High School Library
WEDNESDAY Dates and Topics:
January 25th - Google Overview - This session will provide you with an overview of the Google Programs.
February 1th - Google Keep - You will discover the advantages of lists and more using Google Keep.
February 8th - Google Slides - This program is similar to Power Point by Microsoft. See the differences and potential of this presentation software.
February 15th - Finances on the Web - Learn how to use Google Finance, Yahoo Finance and other programs for your finance.
February 22nd - Google Hangouts - Talk with your friends on the internet using video conferencing for free!
RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY CALLING
815-784-6222 or JUST SHOW UP
Genoa-Kingston District 424 is offering you FREE CLASSES in Google Programs and other software. These FREE CLASSES are for beginners. Bring your own computer or learn on our Chromebook, the computer used by students in grades 6-12.
Classes are Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:00 pm in the GK High School Library
WEDNESDAY Dates and Topics:
January 25th - Google Overview - This session will provide you with an overview of the Google Programs.
February 1th - Google Keep - You will discover the advantages of lists and more using Google Keep.
February 8th - Google Slides - This program is similar to Power Point by Microsoft. See the differences and potential of this presentation software.
February 15th - Finances on the Web - Learn how to use Google Finance, Yahoo Finance and other programs for your finance.
February 22nd - Google Hangouts - Talk with your friends on the internet using video conferencing for free!
RESERVE YOUR SEAT BY CALLING
815-784-6222 or JUST SHOW UP
Wednesday, January 4, 2017
Freshman Orientation
On Thursday, January 26th, Genoa-Kingston High School will conduct the annual Freshman Orientation evening. This meeting is being held to introduce programs, policies, schedules, and answer general questions about the transition from middle school to high school. 7PM @ GKHS. I hope all 8th grade students will be able to attend.
Tuesday, January 3, 2017
Happy New Year
Looking forward to a great second half of the school year. The best to all our GKMS families!
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