Cougar Notes 8/09/13

Cougar Notes (8/09/13)

It’s Friday!  I hope that each of you has had a great first week of school!  I have had very positive reports from all over the building, and we seem to be off to a very positive start.  Teachers and students have been working hard to introduce and practice our procedures and expectations.  Please make just as positive a start with today’s first Friday College and Career Readiness classes as well as our first meetings of advisory groups.  Remember, first and foremost, the purpose of our advisory program is to establish positive relationships with the students so that every student has a clear “go to person” at GCMS which they will feel comfortable going to with concerns, issues, and questions.  Thank you for embracing the theme of “Every Child, Every Day”.  Let’s keep that same high level of enthusiasm going throughout the school year.  Have a great and relaxing weekend!

On a personal note, Teresa picked up our daughter, Tessa, from her first day of kindergarten on Wednesday.  She noticed that Tessa was starting to “tear up” a little.  When she asked what was wrong, Tessa told her that she just wasn’t ready to leave school yet!  This is Daddy is thankful that his little girl is off to a good start.  Middle Schoolers might not have that same reaction, but let’s always work toward the point that every child enjoys school and wants to be here each day!

Personnel:

Please continue to remember those on our staff who are suffering from health concerns, those who have family members with health concerns, and those who are dealing with other difficult issues.  Please remember Laura Goff, whose son Chad is on military duty in Japan and Korea.

Congratulations Josh!

While everyone at GCMS will miss him, we also want to congratulate Josh Belcher for being named as the new assistant principal at GC Burkhead Elementary School in Hardin County.  Josh is starting a new adventure, and I know that he will do well as a school administrator.  As someone who once took an administrative job in another district, I understand the excitement and challenge that he is going through.  I know that you join me in wishing Josh the very best!

Welcome Mr. Shane Morris:

I was fortunate to interview some very strong candidates yesterday for the PE and Health position.  Mr. Shane Morris has accepted the position and is excited about joining our staff at GCMS.  Mr. Morris recently completed his student teaching and graduated from Campbellsville University with a degree in physical education and health.  He presently lives in Campbellsville but is engaged to be married and will be moving to Hardin County soon.  I know that you will make him feel very welcome at GCMS!

Sunshine Club:

Please remember to stop by the office and give Mrs. House your $5.00 donation for the Sunshine Club.  The staff agreed that we want to continue this program, so it is important that all staff members contribute.  Thanks for supporting your GCMS family in this way.

District Teacher Handbook:

Please remember to go to the district website at www.graysoncountyschools.com to review the district handbook.  You will need to print and sign page 30 and return it to the office as soon as possible.

Advisory Classes:

We will have our first advisory class sessions this afternoon.  This is such a great opportunity for us to establish positive relationships with our students.  Let’s make the most of this time each week to really get to know these kids.  We want every student to know beyond a shadow of a doubt that they have an adult who cares about them and that they can come to with any situation that they may encounter.

Study Skills Classes:

We need to make a renewed effort to use our study skills time as effectively as possible to benefit our students.  Study Skills time is not a study hall or just time for students to do their homework from other classes.  It is time for our students to get interventions and/or enrichment.  The assistant principals and I are going to make a conscious effort to get into as many study skills classes as possible this year in addition to our walk through observations in the core and related classes.  Our time with the students is precious, and we must make the very best use of it.

Emergency Drills:

Our first fire drill of the year went well yesterday afternoon.  We were able to clear the building in 2 minutes and 10 seconds.  Please remind your students that while we do want to exit the building quickly, it is more important to exit safely.  Students should always walk in an orderly fashion without any running or pushing.  All in all, they did a very nice job.

Quote  of the Day:

“Success is the progressive realization of a worthy ideal.” ~Earl Nightingale

Coming Attractions:

Aug. 15………….Safety Committee, 7:15 am

Aug. 16………….Suicide Prevention Certificates due to Mrs. House

Aug. 21………….GCMS Site Based Council Meeting, 3:00

Aug. 22………….Home Football vs. Edmonson Co., 5:30

Aug. 23………….School Picture Day

Aug. 30………….PD Day at GCMS (no students)

Sept. 9………….After school teacher’s meeting, ILP presentation