MAP Testing

MAP testing is just wrapping up at GKMS.  Ask your student about it.  In MAP testing, all students take the computer based assessment in Math and Reading.  The test continuously monitors correct and incorrect responses and shapes the assessment to accurately assess your students' level of performance.  The results give teachers a clear understanding of each students' strengths and areas of weakness so we can better meet individual needs. 

Copies of results will be sent home with progress reports.  Thanks.

A New Year at GKMS

Welcome back everyone!  We are looking forward to a great year here at GKMS.

Classes are in full swing as we use best practice instructional strategies to deliver standards based curriculum.  Our students also have the opportunity to participate in extra curricular sports, clubs, and volunteer activities.  Feel free to contact me for additional information.

An excellent student and parent tool is Assignment Connection.  Log in to Powerschool, and you will have access to what your student experienced in all their classes each day.  Powerschool is generally up to date by 1:00PM each day.

We look forward to a great year helping students excel and contribute to our community!

Have a safe and happy Summer

Wishing all our GK families a great Summer! 

A few changes coming for next year: KES welcomes Ms. Hill as school principal.  I will be principal at GKMS, as Mr. McPherson moves to GKHS.   

We all look forward to a great 2013-2014 school year.

It's all mental from here ...

As you know, I don't do countdowns.  Don't think it is healthy.  But, at this time of the year, it reminds me of a story Lisa told me about the first time she ran the Chicago Marathon in 2001. Buckle in; this is the long version.

The Chicago Marathon is actually run in the exact opposite direction it should be... for the runners. It is this way because the North side neighborhoods have more clout and want the runners out earlier to get their roads back.

So, middling pack runners find themselves beginning the run through beautiful streets shaded by trees in the morning. Many cheering crowds.  As the day grows hotter they are on the South side of the course. Much of it is wide flat HOT pavement with no shade and industrial areas which translate to little spectator support.

Taking the turn up from Comiskey Park (around mile 23) is where my wife was on the verge of quitting her first marathon 11 1/2 years ago. She easily noticed a Rastafarian man on the side amongst the sparse spectators snapping his fingers.  As she got closer she heard him repeating, "It's all mental from here. It's all mental from here."  Of course, she knew he  was right and finished strong, revitalized from his simple encouragement and accurate observation.

It is the same with us now.  As we wrap up this year, we look 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.  It is simply a matter of perspective.

Thank you for a great year at KES.  I look forward to a strong finish here in the last week helping all students succeed and be in a great position for a solid start next year.

Just Batty

Yes, Spring is here and a guest decided to hang out at the entrance of our playground door.  All the students got a good look.  Something tells me he will find a quieter place to sleep tomorrow.

No time for counting down...

I don't usually do countdowns.  Life is too short to be wishing away today waiting for tomorrow.  However, it is human nature to look forward to certain events, opportunities, or times of the year.

Recently, I have begun hearing whispers on the breeze.  Perhaps a student smiling and telling me only this many days to go.  A parent casually stating x number weeks left.  A teacher commenting on how quickly the year is flying by.  My son at home making plans for a sports camp the first week off of school.  Countdown time?  No way!

We are fortunate at GK schools to have been working diligently and continuously on mapping effective, standards base curriculum for all classes; for the entire year.  Skills taught and refined in the latter months of the school year are vital for student learning and preparation for what lies ahead this year and next.

When the time comes, we will wish all our families a happy and safe summer.  But, not now.  Too much important learning to do and great experiences for kids to have here at KES! 

Spring has Sprung?

Well, it's supposed to be Spring, anyway.  We hope all our KES families have an enjoyable Spring Break.  We look forward to all students coming back recharged and ready for learning.

As part of a grant proposal to the GK Ed Foundation, I have created a page to display some student iPad projects and activities.  Feel free to click the "iPads in Action" link at the top left of this page.  Also, please check out the GK Ed Foundation page.  The foundation is an invaluable asset to all our GK schools and is always looking for support and input.  GK Ed Foundation