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 13th.

Also, a reminder that walk in registration is July 30th from 11AM-6PM at any G-K building.

Not quite yet ...

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 G-K 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.

All that work continues into June and beyond.

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 GKMS! 

Spring has Sprung!

Actually, it is still snowing.  Surely, however, Spring will eventually arrive.  Wishing all of our GKMS families a happy and healthy Spring Break.  We look forward to seeing everyone recharged and ready to go on Monday, March 31st.  

ISAT Week!

This is a reminder to all parents that your student will be participating in the Illinois State Achievement Test.  ISAT testing is the measure for No Child Left Behind and school ranking within the state.  Students participate in ISAT from grades 3 to 8. 

The testing window is March 3^rd to March 14^th.  Students perform best following a good night sleep and a healthy breakfast.  As testing occurs primarily in the morning, please help ensure students are present by scheduling all appointments in the afternoon or after school hours.  We thank you for doing all you can to help ensure your student’s success.

8th Grade Promotion

We are aware that many families have already made plans and invited relatives for the previously released 8th grade promotion date.  Therefore, the date will remain Thursday, May 22nd despite recent emergency weather days.

Snowmageddon or The Locker Room

Last weekend, my son's hockey team that I coach was in St. Louis.  And a storm was coming.  Sunday morning was a mess.  The whole city under snow.  Blizzard conditions.  Talk of I55 already being closed in parts.  Of course, we couldn't leave until after our 10AM game against a team we have never beaten in 5 years.  Just take it.  So, we went to the game and played it with the kids calling out Snowmageddon! in the locker room.

Of course, I55 was closed by the time we got to Litchfield.  I received the call that school would be closed, secured a hotel room and finally had a chance to relax - and enjoy.  Once I stopped fighting the weather, I was able to appreciate the beauty and reflect on the morning.

For the first time in 5 years of playing this team, our 14 year olds beat the top team from St Louis.  3-2.  Certainly not a blow out, but a real win where we all played well.  We used to get blown out by this team.  Last year, actually gave them a decent run once.  Saturday, lost 2-5, but you could see the gap was closing.  Here we were in Litchfield with an extra day of the trip with my son, pizza and soda in the hotel, decent movie on tv, and fond thoughts of the morning.  What a great day.

We measure growth by comparison.  The gap had been closing and finally overcome.  This week and next our students are taking MAP assessments.  Perhaps some would rather skip over it, just get on the highway and move on, but like the boys' challenge Sunday morning being worth the effort, so is MAP assessment.  We measure student growth, meeting their goals, and a measure with national performance.  The data is used by teachers to specifically target instruction and help each student succeed.  Setting aside time to help each student be successful is always worth the effort.    

Toys for Tots

Another great example of GKMS kids contributing to their community is the Toys for Tots collection.  Scores of gifts in the $5 - $10 price range have been donated.  Other students have donated $5 to the cause.

Community members are welcome to drop off any contributions through the remainder of the week. 

Thank you Community Impact Club for coordination our efforts.  As always, all donations stay in DeKalb county to help local families.