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.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Monday, May 17, 2010
Final Days of the Year
In the blink of an eye, we have reached the last two weeks of the school year. ...flew right by.
Kids, teachers, and parents are all counting down the final days. As we do, it is important to continue working together to keep GKMS a great place. As we wrap up this year, we begin looking 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.
I would also like to personally thank our parents for your continued support of our school and the process of education. Together, we make GKMS all that it is, and by working together, we can continue the process of improvement.
Kids, teachers, and parents are all counting down the final days. As we do, it is important to continue working together to keep GKMS a great place. As we wrap up this year, we begin looking 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.
I would also like to personally thank our parents for your continued support of our school and the process of education. Together, we make GKMS all that it is, and by working together, we can continue the process of improvement.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Pictures at School and Posting Online
Technological advancements bring great opportunities. They also bring additional responsibilities. Our curriculum for Computer's Class and Life Skills specifically address Cyber Bullying, Electronic Harassment, and Posting of Pictures. Character Ed, including assembly presentations help students to clearly see the line between appropriate and inappropriate use of technology.
It is vital that parents, teachers, students, and the community work together to be vigilant and help maintain a positive environment for our kids in the physical and cyber worlds.
As a rule, students are not allowed to take pictures in school on the vast majority of days during the vast majority of activities. Often pictures of friends include others who do not want their photo take. It is also important that images taken by students in school are not posted on internet sites - especially networking sites like Myspace and Facebook. If we become aware of any of these types of images, it is imperative we do what we can to have them removed. We owe that to the privacy of ALL students.
Parents can help by checking in on their child's networking site. My wife and I have a repeating event on our Google Calendar to remind us to check our son's Facebook site. Other strategies will work better for other families. Anyone wanting to brainstorm ideas is welcome to contact me to discuss options.
Through vigilance and awareness, our children can stay safe while using technology as advanced tools to help them flourish.
It is vital that parents, teachers, students, and the community work together to be vigilant and help maintain a positive environment for our kids in the physical and cyber worlds.
As a rule, students are not allowed to take pictures in school on the vast majority of days during the vast majority of activities. Often pictures of friends include others who do not want their photo take. It is also important that images taken by students in school are not posted on internet sites - especially networking sites like Myspace and Facebook. If we become aware of any of these types of images, it is imperative we do what we can to have them removed. We owe that to the privacy of ALL students.
Parents can help by checking in on their child's networking site. My wife and I have a repeating event on our Google Calendar to remind us to check our son's Facebook site. Other strategies will work better for other families. Anyone wanting to brainstorm ideas is welcome to contact me to discuss options.
Through vigilance and awareness, our children can stay safe while using technology as advanced tools to help them flourish.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Spring is Springing ...
Something like that. Some days in the 60's with sun and others 40's and rain. It certainly is a transition time of year.
And nowhere is transition more evident than at a middle school. A transition time in life. Little elementary aged kids come through our doors and leave young men and women. I think that is why many middle school professionals are drawn to helping kids in this age group. The educators who choose to impact student lives in this age group understand the importance of these years and their effects on long-term success and happiness.
As the weather breaks and we enjoy the Spring, we look forward to working with kids and families. Each academic and social learning experience will help GKMS kids take another step towards maturity. With families and the school working together, we can help ensure each step is a positive one.
And nowhere is transition more evident than at a middle school. A transition time in life. Little elementary aged kids come through our doors and leave young men and women. I think that is why many middle school professionals are drawn to helping kids in this age group. The educators who choose to impact student lives in this age group understand the importance of these years and their effects on long-term success and happiness.
As the weather breaks and we enjoy the Spring, we look forward to working with kids and families. Each academic and social learning experience will help GKMS kids take another step towards maturity. With families and the school working together, we can help ensure each step is a positive one.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
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.
.
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.
.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Happy New Year
Over the next few months, GKMS students will have great learning opportunities as our staff continues to incorporate best practice instruction and instructional activities in the classroom.
Here is what parents can do to help:
- Establish a set schoolwork time and place at home
- Encourage a full night sleep and breakfast for your student
- Use Powerschool to review the Assignment Connection frequently with your student to discuss curriculum in each class
- Use Powerschool to review grades with your student
- Call or email teachers with ANY questions
Feel free to contribute any additional tips to the list. We look forward to a positive and productive January at GKMS.
Here is what parents can do to help:
- Establish a set schoolwork time and place at home
- Encourage a full night sleep and breakfast for your student
- Use Powerschool to review the Assignment Connection frequently with your student to discuss curriculum in each class
- Use Powerschool to review grades with your student
- Call or email teachers with ANY questions
Feel free to contribute any additional tips to the list. We look forward to a positive and productive January at GKMS.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
