Grayson County Middle School

Cougar Staff:

It has been another very busy week at Grayson County Middle School.  We are starting to get into the routine of our school year, and the students are getting more and more comfortable with their teams, their teachers, and their classes.  That can be both good and bad.  We need to work to sustain the enthusiasm of the first days of school.  Sometimes that wears down as the school year moves along, so I want us all to work hard to keep that high level of interest, enthusiasm, and engagement in learning.  Again, I feel like we are off to a great start to the new school year!

Personnel:

Please continue to remember those who are dealing with health concerns or family members with health concerns.  I know that there are several on our staff right now. 

Lockdown Drill:

I was very pleased with our response to this morning’s lockdown drill.  We had about a dozen local policemen and first responders here this morning, along with our District Safety Coordinator, Arnold Hack.  It is important to involve local law enforcement in our drills because in the event of an actual emergency, these folks would be crucial to our school’s safety and security.  Sheriff Rick Clemons and Leitchfield Police Chief Kevin Henderson were both very complementary of our students and staff and both commented on how seriously our students took the drill.  Please always remember not to open your door during a lockdown, even if someone knocks on your door and says “open up, it’s the police”.  This could be a trick, so please do not open your door during a lockdown.  Either a police officer or a school administrator would open your door if it is time to evacuate.  Also, they recommend that the teacher not position themselves by the door during a lockdown.  Instead, teachers should take cover with the students to also stay out of harm’s way.  Again, thanks for doing a great job with the drill this morning.

Locked Doors:

As I mentioned on opening day, we want to keep all classroom doors locked throughout the day.  It is fine to leave your door open, but please leave it locked.  The administration actually prefers that you leave your door open so we don’t disturb you when coming in for classroom walk-throughs. 

Great Job Team 8!

The teachers of Team 8 got us off to a great start with this year’s showcase lessons!  I was impressed with the high levels of student engagement that I saw in all four classrooms on Tuesday.  I heard many positive comments from teachers about observing across different subject areas.  Often, teachers from one subject area can learn successful strategies from teachers of a different subject area.  Again, great job Team 8!

Picture Day:

Picture Day is tomorrow, Friday, August 23 (or today if you are reading this on Friday) at GCMS.  Every staff member should get your picture made.  Those will be put in the school yearbook and also will be used to make your new school ID badges.  Cameras should be ready for staff members by 7:15 in the morning.  Students will start being called to the auditorium by team starting around 8:00.

You’ve Been Mugged:

Last year the Culture and Climate Committee sponsored a fun way to recognize the great work of your colleagues called “You’ve Been Mugged”.  We didn’t get to “mug” everyone last year, so if you were the last one to be mugged last year, please return the mug to Becky Miller.  We will restart the mugging this year to recognize the efforts of even more of our GCMS staff!

Taking Attendance:

Please, please, please post attendance in Infinite Campus every period, every day!  We have already had some slip ups with this, and Mrs. Venita has called home to speak to parents about children being absent when they were actually here all the time.  This can needlessly upset parents and cause awkward conversations from school personnel.  Just make it your routine to post attendance every period, every day…on Every Child, Every Day!

August 30 PD Day:

We will be having a professional development day in Grayson County on Friday, August 30.  I will get an agenda out to you as soon as possible.  I know that one main focus of the day will be PGES Component 3C: Student Engagement.  After some discussion of sending you out to lunch, we have had many staff members to comment that they like the potluck lunches, so let’s all bring a favorite dish and have a potluck lunch.  We can no longer spend school activity funds on meals, so the school won’t get to supply the entrée.  Everyone just bring whatever you like, and I’m sure there will be lots of good food that day.  We have a total of 5 PD/PLC days in the school calendar this year.  Let’s make sure that we use this time wisely so we can benefit teaching and learning at GCMS!

Quote of the Day:

“I can’t sit back and fold my hands and think about the past, for there are thousands of yesterdays but only one today and…maybe a tomorrow.” ~Red Skelton

Coming Attractions:

Aug. 22……………First Home Football game GCMS vs. Edmonson Co. 5:30pm

Aug 23…………….Picture Day

Aug 28.....................Team Leader Meeting, 7:15 am

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

Sept 2………………Labor Day – No School

Sept 9………………Teacher’s Meeting (ILP Presentation), 3:20

Sept 17…………….Parent/Teacher Conferences, 4:00-6:00

Sept 19…………….Team 2 Showcase Lessons

Sept 26…………….Team 9 Showcase Lessons
Sept. 30....................Professional Growth Plans are due

Sept 30.....................Teacher Verification Documents due from teachers who taught tech lessons

Oct 3........................GCMS Walkathon