Merry Christmas from GCMS!

Cougar Staff:

The first semester has flown by, and I hope that it has been a good one for you!  I know that many GCMS staff members have had and are still having health issues or family members with health concerns, and that makes it very difficult.  It is my wish and prayer for the new year that each one at GCMS enjoys good health and happiness.  I appreciate the work that you do and the kindness that you show for our students and for each other on a daily basis.  Please try to spend some relaxation time with family and friends this holiday season.  Also, thank you so much for the generous Christmas gift; I really do appreciate it!   I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Personnel:

Please continue to remember our staff members during the break:  Ellen Thomas and family, Stacy Pierce, Elaine Holley, Pam Armstrong, Laura Goff, Wendy Butler, Karen VanMetre, Ginny Paine’s husband Barker, Shirley House’s husband Jim, Cassie Jarboe’s daughter Alyson, Mary Jane Crawford’s sister, Tez Hawkins lost an uncle this week, David Whitmore’s parents, Carolyn Thomason, my father, and many others.  Also, please remember the family of former GCMS teacher and Principal Gary Gibson who passed away this week. 

Great Job, Team 7:

I enjoyed visiting the classrooms of Team 7 for showcase lesson day yesterday. I appreciate everyone’s flexibility when we had to reschedule because of the snow days of the last couple of weeks.  Highly engaged students and teachers were observed in all four classes, and I know that everyone was able to observe some strategies and ideas that can be used in their classrooms.  Great Job, Team 7!

The Greatest Assistant Principals Anywhere:

I want to give a special thanks to David Whitmore and Becky Miller for being the best assistant principals that any principal or school could ask for.  They each go above and beyond the call of duty every day to make things better for students and staff.  I know that they make my job much easier because of the things that they do.  Monday night, I spent the night with my 91 year old father who just got home after surgery and six days in the hospital.  Needless to say, I did not get much sleep on Monday night.  I was scheduled to work the boys basketball game and the band concert on Tuesday night.  Both Mrs. Miller and Mr. Whitmore offered to take my place, and were so insistent that I gave in and agreed.  That is just one small example of their commitment and dedication to our school.  I appreciate them both very much.

Critical Vocabulary Assessments:
We will be having critical vocabulary assessments in all core content classes on the first Friday after Christmas Break (January 10).  These will be placed in mailboxes during or shortly after the break.

January PLC Day:

Our January PLC is scheduled for Friday, January 17.  Our continuing emphasis on PGES will focus on Domain 3B:  Questioning.  We will also have a guest speaker from GRREC that day to share with us an overview of the new Professional Growth and Effectiveness System that goes into effect statewide next school year. 

CIITS Password Reset/Teacher Technology Assessment:

Each teacher will be required to do a password reset on CIITS as of December 21.  Also, every teacher in the district will be asked to complete a technology assessment in January.  Mr. Graybeal says that the assessment should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.  I will let you know when that assessment is available to complete.

Quote of the Day:

“He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!” ~Dr. Seuss,  How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Coming Attractions:

Dec. 19…Crazy Christmas Sweater Contest, 7:40 in the gym

Dec. 20…Last Day before Christmas Break (end second quarter grading period)

Dec. 20…We will use the regular Mon-Thurs schedule
Dec. 20...Wear Blue Jeans for a $5 donation to Relay for Life

Dec. 20…KYCID Pizza Party Reward, 6^th period

Dec. 21-Jan. 5…Christmas Break
Jan. 10...Critical Vocabulary Assessments in all core classes

Jan. 16…Club/Team/Group Pictures

Jan. 17…PLC Day (no students)

Jan. 20…MLK Day (no school)

Jan. 27…After school faculty meeting