Merry Christmas from GCMS!

This Week at GCMS:

We have had a very busy week at GCMS as we finish up the first semester and head into Christmas Break.  I want to thank everyone who has gone the “extra mile” in making this week special for our students.  Everything from the band, orchestra, and chorus concerts to the drama club play to the ugly Christmas sweater contest have been great.  We have had a plethora of seasonal activities going on and all the while kept our focus on instruction.  That is tough to pull off, but I appreciate how you have succeeded.  I want to wish each student, parent, teacher, and staff member a very Merry Christmas.  I wish you a restful break, time to spend with your families and friends, and a happy, healthy New Year!

Health Concerns:

Please remember Karen Likins as she recovers from her recent foot surgery.  I understand that the surgery went well, and I know that you join me in wishing her a speedy recovery.  Cassie’s daughter, Alyson also had surgery this week, and we wish her a speedy recovery as well.  There are many students and staff members down with the flu and other sickness right now.  We hope that everyone gets feeling better as break starts and that we can get more back to a healthy “normal” when we start back to school on January 5.

Congratulations!

I would like to congratulate a couple of groups of GCMS students who have represented our school very well recently.

The GCMS delegation to this year’s Kentucky Youth Assembly won “Best Delegation” out of 35 middle schools competing in this year’s KYA!  Several of our students won individual awards for speaking, for media reporting, and for bill writing.  Four of our bills passed both houses in Frankfort.  We are very proud of these 55 students and their sponsors:  Teresa Blain, Stacy Pierce, and Melanie Manion.  We also appreciate the parents who attended and helped make this year’s KYA such a success!

Congratulations to our 7^th grade Lady Cougar basketball team for winning the Green River Valley Conference tournament at Butler County last Thursday night.  We look forward to hanging another banner in the Cougar Gym.  Great season, ladies!  I know that Coach Morris, Coach Oller, and everyone at GCMS is very proud of you!

State Compliance Visit:

I have not said much about it, but Grayson County Schools will be having a state compliance visit on January 20-22.  Folks from KDE will be looking at how various programs in Grayson County Schools work, and they will likely make suggestions for improvements.  Some of the areas that they will be looking at include Title I, program reviews, special education, PGES, alternative ed., pre-school, etc.  There will likely be folks visiting our building at least one of those three days.  If you are interviewed, just think of it as a great way to share some of the great things that are going on at GCMS!

Quote of the Day:

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”

― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Coming Attractions:

Dec. 19…Cougar Bucks Award (see school calendar for details)

Dec. 20-Jan. 4…Christmas Break

Jan. 16…PLC Day (no school for students)

Jan. 30…Students grades 3-12 should have tested their IC user IDs and passwords by logging into IC.

Jan. 30…Teachers will review their PGP and record reflections in CIITS.

Jan. 30…Deadline to have all Peer Observations completed

Jan. 30…Deadline to have all 2nd Mini-Observations completed (non-tenured teachers)

Feb. 16…PLC Day (no school for students)

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

This Week at GCMS:

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season has arrived at GCMS!  You can see Santa hats and reindeer antlers bobbing up and down through the halls, and lots of Christmas cheer is in the air.  We appreciate the Grayson County Board of Education providing our staff with a Christmas breakfast at GCMS this morning.  Everyone enjoyed it, though it made a principal’s diet a little less successful this week.  We also had a great crowd at our GCMS Christmas Dinner earlier this week.  Thank you to everyone who helped make this a success.  I have a few notes to share as this week starts to wind down.

Good News from KDE:

We received some good news this past week.  GCMS has been "re-designated" by KDE and is no longer listed as a "focus school".  I appreciate everyone's hard work in completing the extra tasks that came with being considered a focus school.  As always, I appreciate what you do for the children of our community and for the success of our school. 

Good Luck at KYA!

The GCMS KYA delegation will be in Louisville and Frankfort on Thursday through Saturday of this week.  Over fifty GCMS students will represent our school in this annual student run mock legislative assembly.  The students will actually “take over the Capitol” in Frankfort on Friday in presenting and debating bills that they have prepared.  Mrs. Blain, Mrs. Pierce, Mrs. Manion, and Mrs. Blaylock, along with several GCMS parents will be with the students, and I know that they have worked very hard in preparation for this event.  This also means that Mr. Blain will be having quality “daddy/daughter Mr. Mom time” for the next three days!  Wish me luck as well!

Good Luck Girls!

We would like to wish good luck to our 7^th Grade GCMS Lady Cougar basketball team as they play in the final game of the conference tournament tonight at Butler County.  I know that Coach Morris and Coach Oller are very proud of the girls, and everyone at GCMS is as well.

Faculty Meeting on Monday:

Our December faculty meeting will be held as planned on Monday after school.  Our agenda will include training on the PLC process.  Becky and Becki will lead this training.  We have many teachers who have joined our staff in the years since our initial training and have never had PLC training.  Those who were here for the initial training can certainly use the refresher.  We will also devote part of our January 16 PLC Day to reviewing and revising our PLC norms.  Mr. Whitmore will lead a brief discussion of how to approach documenting Domains 1 and 4 for PGES.

Quote of the Day: 

“If you want a quality, act as if you already had it.” ~William James

Coming Attractions:

Dec. 11-13…GCMS Students at KYA

Dec. 11...GCMS Lady Cougar 7^th Grade Basketball Team in Conference Finals at Butler County

Dec. 12…Teachers should complete roster verification in CIITS

Dec. 15…faculty meeting after school

Dec. 15…Santa Hat Day

Dec. 15...GCHS Chorus performs at GCMS, 10:00-10:30

Dec. 16…Reindeer Day

Dec. 16…Staff Potluck in the GCMS Library

Dec. 16…Drama Club Play for the public, 6:30

Dec. 17…Elf Day

Dec. 17…Drama Club Christmas Play (7th grade at 8:15, 8th grade at 9:45, 6th grade at 1:00)

Dec. 17…GCMS SBDMC meeting, 3:15

Dec. 18…Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

Dec. 19…Cougar Bucks Award (see school calendar for details)

Dec. 20-Jan. 4…Christmas Break

Jan. 16…PLC Day (no school for students)

Jan. 30…Students grades 3-12 should have tested their IC user IDs and passwords by logging into IC.

Jan. 30…Teachers will review their PGP and record reflections in CIITS.

Jan. 30…Deadline to have all Peer Observations completed

Jan. 30…Deadline to have all 2nd Mini-Observations completed (non-tenured teachers)

Feb. 16…PLC Day (no school for students)

The Beat Goes On

This Week at GCMS:

It has been a busy week at GCMS as we returned to school after the Thanksgiving break.  It has also been a difficult week for students and staff as we deal with the death of one of our GCMS family.  As you know, Mrs. Loretta Clemons passed away during the break.  Loretta was such a sweet lady, dependable and dedicated to her family and to her job at GCMS.  We will all certainly miss her. 

No Office Day:

I really enjoyed participating in “Kentucky No Office Day” on Monday.  Principals across the state used Monday as a day to get out of the office and into the classrooms and other areas of the building.  I enjoyed meeting with teachers, visiting almost 60 classrooms, talking with students, and not being tied down to the office with phone calls, emails, discipline referrals, etc.  All of those things are necessary and important, but Monday was a great reminder to me about all the great teaching and learning that goes on at GCMS!  I hope to do this again soon!

Good Luck Girls!

We would like to wish good luck to our GCMS Lady Cougar basketball teams as they begin conference tournament play.  Our girls will play in the first round at Butler County on Saturday.  If we win on Saturday, games will continue Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday of next week at Butler County. 

CIITS Roster Verification:

Every teacher should go into CIITS and verify the accuracy of your student rosters by December 12.  The student list in CIITS needs to be accurate to assure that student growth percentiles are accurate and so that the student voice survey later in the school year will be accurate.  I emailed our teachers a “quick reference card” that Mrs. Purcell shared with me.  This should guide you through the roster verification process.  For teachers who teach 9 weeks classes, please verify your current 9 weeks class rosters only.  Let me know if you have questions or need assistance.

Observations:

I have enjoyed doing several classroom observations in recent weeks.  Please keep in mind that all peer observations and all 2^nd mini-observations (non-tenured teachers) should be completed by January 30.  If you are ready for your observation, please contact the administrator assigned to you to select a date.  We would be glad to do some more of these before Christmas Break!

Staff Attendance:

We have been having more teacher and staff absenteeism recently.  I know that there are emergencies and other times when you have to be out, but please make every effort to be at work every day that you possibly can.  Our students perform better and learn more when our teachers and staff are here.

Quote of the Day:

“It is our attitude at the beginning of a difficult task which, more than anything else, will affect its successful outcome.” ~William James

Coming Attractions:

Dec. 6…GRVC Girls Basketball Tournament begins, at Butler Co.

Dec. 8…Staff Christmas Dinner at GCMS, 6:00 (sign up in the office)

Dec. 11…Christmas Breakfast provided by GC Board of Education, 7:15-8:15

Dec. 11-13…GCMS Students at KYA

Dec. 12…Teachers should complete roster verification in CIITS

Dec. 15…faculty meeting after school

Dec. 15…Santa Hat Day

Dec. 15..GCHS Chorus performs at GCMS, 10:00-10:30

Dec. 16…Reindeer Day

Dec. 16…Staff Potluck in the GCMS Library

Dec. 16…Drama Club Play for the public, 6:30

Dec. 17…Elf Day

Dec. 17…Drama Club Christmas Play (7th grade at 8:15, 8th grade at 9:45, 6th grade at 1:00)

Dec. 17…GCMS SBDMC meeting, 3:15

Dec. 18…Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

Dec. 19…Cougar Bucks Award (see school calendar for details)

Dec. 20-Jan. 4…Christmas Break

Jan. 16…PLC Day (no school for students)

Jan. 30…Students grades 3-12 should have tested their IC user IDs and passwords by logging into IC.

Jan. 30…Teachers will review their PGP and record reflections in CIITS.

Jan. 30…Deadline to have all Peer Observations completed

Jan. 30…Deadline to have all 2^nd Mini-Observations completed (non-tenured teachers)

Feb. 16…PLC Day (no school for students)

Good Stuff from All Pro Dad

10 Things Loving Fathers Do for Their Children

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"He saved me," said thirteen-year-old Gracie Johnson, after her parents, sister, and two cousins were tragically killed in a rock slide. She was speaking about her dad, Dwayne Johnson. The family had gone for a hike along the Agnes Vaille Falls trail in Buena Vista, Colorado. Recent rainfall had made areas of the mountains unstable. As they were walking, one witness described what sounded like loud thunder cracking and boulders the size of cars coming down the mountain as the Johnson family stood helplessly in their devastating path. In an act of heroism, Dwayne dove on top of Gracie as a shield, saving her life and surrendering his own.

In situations like that you have no time to think, instinct takes over. Dwayne Johnson's natural instinct was that of a loving father. Loving fathers are self-sacrificing and protect their children. [Tweet This] Here are 10 more things loving fathers do for their children:

1. Loving fathers… love their children’s mother

Love your wife without reservation - you can’t do much more for your kids than that. [Tweet This] If you are divorced, treat your children's mother with respect, even if it is not reciprocated. Never return disgrace with disgrace.

2. Love them unconditionally

Make sure that your children know you love them no matter what. Don’t confuse this with permissiveness. Unconditional love does nothing to encourage the wrong kind of behavior. In fact, kids who are secure in their father’s love tend to act out less, not more.

3. Grow up

We’re talking about the us here, not the kids. Children don’t want another buddy; they want a dad. They want someone who thinks things through, makes tough decisions, and engages life with responsibility. Someone they can count on.

4. Be there 

“Quality time” is all well and good,but it has nothing on quantity time. Make the time. Everyone has the same 24 hours available. Make yours count.

5. Provide

As best you can. Material provision can be tough when jobs are lost and tough times hit. However, you can always provide a stable home with love and affection.

6. Discipline

Children appreciate an even hand, balance, accountability, and love-drenched discipline. It’s called consistency and, without clearly defined boundaries, it is very difficult to grow up.

7. Value education

Don’t just read to them; read with them. Don’t just fuss about grades; get involved with their homework. Don’t just talk about learning; be a hands-on advocate.

8. Raise them to leave

The simple goal of being a family and parenting our children doesn’t look any more complicated than this: Raise them well equipped to leave home and to establish faithful lives.

9. Teach them to take responsibility

Kids who learn how to duck responsibility and avoid cost will – sooner or later – fall flat on their faces. Loving fathers make sure their children know how to own up, clean up, and move forward.

10. Teach them to love this life

The best predictor of happiness in children is happiness in their parents. If we learn how to love this life and then give that blessing to our kids, they will be well prepared for satisfaction.

Sound Off: What is the most loving thing your father ever did for you?

Huddle up with your kids and ask, “What have I done this week to show you that I love you?” 

© 2014 All Pro Dad. All Rights Reserved. Family First, All Pro Dad, iMOM, and Family Minute with Mark Merrill are registered trademarks.

Happy Thanksgiving from GCMS!

Happy American Education Week and Happy Thanksgiving!

It seems like we hear more and more criticism of public education and public school teachers every day.  Whether it is coming from “school choice” voucher advocates, charter school advocates, those supporting separation of church and state, those criticizing separation of church and state, the Democrats, the Republicans, the Kentucky Department of Education, the Federal Department of Education, or any number of other sources, public schools and teachers seem to be constantly under fire.  This seems so ironic, since the public school teachers that I know and work with are some of the most caring, hardworking, dedicated professionals anywhere.  As you crunch on an apple donated by our local American Legion Ladies Auxiliary for “American Education Week”, I want to thank you for what you do for kids and for your community each and every day.  This world is a better place now and in the future because of the work that you do with kids!  Thank you! 

I am planning to take a couple of days off during the Thanksgiving Break, so there will not likely be a Cougar Notes blog next week.  I hope that each of you enjoys the Thanksgiving holiday and gets to spend some quality time with your families.  We all have so much to be thankful for in this country and in this community.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Great Job Team 4!

Thank you to Team 4 for hosting showcase lesson day today!  I was reading an article in Education Week that described how beneficial it is for teachers to receive feedback from other teachers.  Our showcase lessons are a great way for this feedback to happen, and our new peer observation process is another great opportunity for teacher to teacher feedback.  I appreciate our teachers being open to feedback from colleagues and always working to improve your professional practice!

Back to the Future:

We had just over 50 parents here yesterday for Back to the Future Day!  Combined with the parents who attended our 6^th grade BTF Day earlier this year, that makes close to 140 parents who attended this year’s Back to the Future Days.  I heard many positive comments from parents about the lessons that they participated in, the work that our teachers were leading, and the good behavior shown by our students that day.  Thanks for making this year’s BTF Days a big success!

Dress for Success:

In a recent article that made the KSBA headlines page, Christian County Middle School is featured for having “Dress for Success Day” every Tuesday at their school.  All of their boys are encouraged to dress professionally, including wearing a tie on Tuesdays.  We all know that we have an issue with our boys at GCMS underperforming our girls, and I would like for us to try something similar to what CCMS has done.  Let’s start thinking about this and talking to our Friday Advisory classes about the importance of appearance and how that can affect mindsets.  Through promoting professional appearances, perhaps we can have a positive impact on the mindsets of our boys and a subsequent carryover to their success in school and beyond.  Several staff members have already offered to donate neck ties to have on hand for those boys who do not have one.  Let’s start collecting ties in each team and get this initiative going when we return from Christmas Break.  Here’s the link to the article I mentioned:  http://www.ksba.org/protected/ArticleView.aspx?iid=50UGP2&dasi=3G32

PGES Reminder:

Mr. Whitmore emailed our teachers yesterday with a reminder about gathering evidence for domains 1 and 4.  Please be mindful to collect evidence/artifacts throughout the year to support what you are doing in those two domains. 

Mr. Whitmore’s message from yesterday:  It is hard to believe we are almost half way through our first year of PGES, but most of the observations and evaluations are still ahead of us. As we get used to our new system it is important to remember to keep artifacts and documentation of Domain 1 (Planning and Preparation) and Domain 4 (Professional Responsibilities). Domains 1 and 4 are not typically observed during a lesson and require documentation on your part. The attached document [in yesterday’s email] gives examples of the types of evidence you can start saving for Domains 1 and 4, either in a paper file or uploaded as artifacts into CIITS. We want to make the transition as seamless as possible and I know most of you already have the types of evidence recommended to show progress in these domains. I also put a paper copy in your boxes. All non-tenured teachers and all eighth grade teachers will be evaluated on Domains 1 and 4 this year, so please remember to start collecting evidence. All other teachers can start collecting evidence as well. Let us know if you have questions or need assistance.

Quote of the Day:

“Believe that life is worth living and your belief will help create the fact.” ~William James

Coming Attractions:

Nov. 20…Academic Team at Knowledge Masters (TV Tournament)

Nov. 22…Cougarbots Team at WKU Robotics Competition

Nov. 24…Hooked on Science Program (6th grade science)

Nov. 26-28…No School, Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 8…Staff Christmas Dinner at GCMS, 6:00 (sign up in the office)

Dec. 11…Christmas Breakfast provided by GC Board of Education, 7:15-8:15

Dec. 15…Santa Hat Day

Dec. 15..GCHS Chorus performs at GCMS, 10:00-10:30

Dec. 16…Reindeer Day

Dec. 16…Staff Potluck in the GCMS Library

Dec. 17…Elf Day

Dec. 17…Drama Club Christmas Play (7th grade at 8:15, 8th grade at 9:45, 6th grade at 1:00)

Dec. 18…Ugly Christmas Sweater Day

Dec. 19…Cougar Bucks Award (see school calendar for details)

Dec. 20-Jan. 4…Christmas Break

Welcome to Novembrrrr!

This Week at GCMS:

Winter has visited the Land of the Cougars a little early this year with daytime highs only in the 30’s right now!  I am hoping that the wintery precipitation stays away until Christmas Break, but the forecasts are already mentioning that four letter word that starts with S and ends with NOW.  If you have to travel this weekend, please drive carefully.  If you don’t have to be out, it would probably be a great weekend to put another log on the fire and stay at home!  We have some student groups on the road on Saturday, but any inclement weather should come later in the weekend.  I have just a few notes to share as the week winds down.

Personnel:

Please remember those GCMS staff members who are dealing with health concerns right now or have family members with health concerns.  I know that there are many, but please remember Wendy Butler, Cassie Jarboe, Holly Milliner, Pam Armstrong, Stacy Pierce, Charlotte McDonald, Nycol Hart, Becky Miller, Karen Van Metre, Venita Wilson, Jeremy Meredith, Melanie Gallagher, Gwen Franich, Teresa Elmore, Charlene Noblett, Bonnie Bowman, Vickie Staley, Eugene Decker, and Eddie Dennison.  We have lots of health issues right now.

Back to the Future Day:

Our 7th and 8th grade Back to the Future Day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19.  We invited the parents of our 7th and 8th grade students to come to GCMS that day to spend all or part of the day going to class with your 7th or 8th grader.  Come for one or two periods or stay all day!  We have found that Back to the Future Day is a great way to get more involved and engaged in your child’s education.  We hope to have a lot of GCMS parents here that day!

Morning Announcements Power Point:

Mrs. Pearl prepares a morning announcements power point each morning to help keep students and teachers up to date on what is going on at GCMS.  It is very important that every teacher shares the morning power point with the students.  If your team does that as part of first period, that is great.  If your team designates a different time, later in the morning, that should work as well.  We get calls from parents asking about club meeting dates, sports team practices, Cougar Zone events, etc. when those items are almost always posted in the morning power point.  Let’s make sure that we are taking advantage of this information for the benefit of our students.  I appreciate Mrs. Pearl putting in the extra time that it takes to prepare this daily power point.

Great Job!

I was very pleased with how our students did for our annual Veterans Day program on Tuesday morning.  The GCMS Choir, our Scouts from Troop 631, and Adam Minton sounding Taps all added greatly to the tribute to our local veterans who were in attendance that day.  We had 26 veterans here this year, and I heard many of those veterans comment that they appreciated the program and that they were impressed with our students.  I appreciate our staff helping to stress the importance of recognizing and thanking our veterans.  I want to again say a special thank you to GCMS staff members who are veterans:  Ellen Thomas, Mike Blair, and Eddie Dennison.

An Outside Pair of Eyes:

Many of you likely saw a young man trailing me around yesterday at GCMS.  He is from Barren County and is in the aspiring principal cadre that Ashley Johnson and Lea Ann Frank are also participating with.  He was impressed with what Ashley and Lea Ann had mentioned about GCMS in class and wanted to see for himself.  Mr. Pniewsky was very complimentary during and after his visit yesterday.  He was impressed with our teachers and students and said that he was going to borrow lots of great ideas from how we do things here.  When you are “right in the middle of it”, you (and I) sometimes take for granted some of the great things that happen here every day.  It is nice to get a reminder once in a while from an “outside pair of eyes”. 

Quote of the Day:

“Act as if what you do makes a difference.  It does.” ~William James

Coming Attractions:

Nov. 17…Faculty Meeting after school

Nov. 17…Girls Basketball hosts Hancock Co., 5:30

Nov. 18…Girls Basketball hosts Muhlenberg South, 5:30

Nov. 19…No Team Leader Meeting (cancelled)

Nov. 19…7th and 8th Grade Back to the Future Day

Nov. 19…GCMS SBDMC Meeting, 3:15 in the conference room
Nov. 20...Team Four Showcase Lessons

Nov. 20…Academic Team at Knowledge Masters (TV Tournament)

Nov. 22…Cougarbots Team at WKU Robotics Competition
Nov. 22...GCMS NASP Archery Competition at Edmonson County

Nov. 24…Hooked on Science Program (6th grade science)

Nov. 26-28…No School, Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 8…Staff Christmas Dinner at GCMS, 6:00

Dec. 17…Drama Club Christmas Play (7^th grade at 8:15, 8^th grade at 9:45, 6^th grade at 1:00)

Dec. 20-Jan. 4…Christmas Break

Falling Back at GCMS

This Week at GCMS:

After the long weekend, our students seemed happy to get back to GCMS on Wednesday and have been busy in this abbreviated week.  The timing of Halloween was certainly “student friendly”.  I have said for many years that our local governments should “celebrate Halloween” by designating a certain weekend night for trick-or-treat, perhaps the last Friday night in October.  It works so much better for school when that is not on a school night.  With the time change this past weekend, everyone is adjusting to getting that “extra hour” at the beginning of the day.  Of course, on the other end of the day, the early darkness is our winter time trade off. With all that important information covered, I have just a few notes to share with you this week.

Welcome Mrs. Logsdon:

With the retirement of Mrs. Mary Jane Crawford, we have hired a new special education teacher in the 7^th grade.  I know that you join me in welcoming April Dossey Logsdon to our faculty.  April is a Grayson County native, and she has been our number one substitute teacher for several years.  I know that she will do a great job in her new role.

Veterans Day Program:

We are planning our annual Veterans Day program for Tuesday, November 11 at 7:45 am.  We would like to invite any parent, grandparent, or staff member who is a Veteran of any branch of the United States military to attend.  We want to thank our veterans for their service to our country, protecting our freedoms and helping to keep our nation safe. 

Back to the Future Day:

Our 7^th and 8^th grade Back to the Future Day is scheduled for Wednesday, November 19.  We invite the parents of our 7^th and 8^th grade students to come to GCMS that day to spend all or part of the day going to class with your 7^th or 8^th grader.  Come for one or two periods or stay all day!  We have found that Back to the Future Day is a great way to get more involved and engaged in your child’s education.  We hope to have a lot of GCMS parents here that day!

PGES Progress:

I am pleased to report that all GCMS teachers have had their student growth goals entered and approved in CIITS.  There were many great ideas for focusing student growth.  It will be important to follow through intently with the monitoring of student progress as the year goes along.  Please let me or Mrs. Pearl or the assistant principals know when we can be of help in this process.  November 7 ends Window 1 of our peer observation cycle.  If you were assigned to Window 2, your peer observation should be completed between November 10 and January 30.  Also, non-tenured teachers will need to schedule your second mini-observation between those same dates, Nov. 10-Jan. 30.  All observations (full and mini) should be completed by April 3.

Cougar Zone:

Please encourage students to attend our 21^st Century Learning after school program, Cougar Zone.  The program is offered after school until 5:00 each Monday through Thursday.  Basically, Cougar Zone offers a free healthy snack, then an hour of tutoring and homework help, then an hour of fun activities.  There are many fun and educational activities offered during Cougar Zone.  We also have shuttle buses that run from GCMS right after Cougar Zone, one to the western part of Grayson County and one to the eastern part of the county. Contact Director Melanie Manion for more information.

Quote of the Day:

“To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee.” ~William H. Walton

Coming Attractions:

Nov. 7…Window 1 Peer Observations should be completed by today

Nov. 10…GCMS Boys Basketball hosts Hart Co., 5:00

Nov. 11…Veterans Day Program in the gym, 7:45 am

Nov. 11…Progress Reports go home

Nov. 11…GCMS Girls Basketball hosts Muhlenberg North, 5:30

Nov. 12…Staff Humana Vitality Check for those who have signed up

Nov. 17…Faculty Meeting after school

Nov. 17…Girls Basketball hosts Hancock Co., 5:30

Nov. 18…Girls Basketball hosts Muhlenberg South, 5:30

Nov. 19…7^th and 8^th Grade Back to the Future Day

Nov. 19…GCMS SBDMC Meeting, 3:15 in the conference room

Nov. 24…Hooked on Science Program (6th grade science)

Nov. 26-28…No School, Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 17…Drama Club Christmas Play

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween:

Red Ribbon Week has gone well this week!  Everyone seemed to love the Remix Education Assembly on Monday, and the students and staff really enjoy the dress up days that culminate with a costume contest on Friday.  For middle school students, saying no to drugs is one of the most important lessons they can learn.  As we wrap the week up and head into a long weekend, I have just a few notes to share.

Personnel:

Please remember your GCMS family.  There are lots of health concerns right now.  We are all very thankful that Nycol Hart’s son Jacob wasn’t injured more seriously in his automobile accident this week.  From the looks of the pictures of his car, Jacob is a very fortunate young man to be alive. 

Stacy Pierce did well with her surgery yesterday.  She is at home recovering.  Please also remember Holly Milliner’s father in law, Hannah Embry’s grandfather, Venita Wilson’s father, Wendy Butler, and others who are also having health concerns right now.

Good Luck GCHS Band!
I want to wish the best of luck to our GCHS Marching Cougar Band, which includes several GCMS students this year!  The band will be competing at State on Saturday!

Showcase Lessons:

I enjoyed visiting in the Team 7 classrooms for showcase lessons this week!  The students were really getting into their work in all four classes!  I know that the teachers who observed picked up some great ideas that day.  Thanks for opening up your classrooms to your colleagues!  We look forward to the next showcase lesson day, which will be on November 20 in Team 4.

PGES/CIITS:

We are continuing to progress in the new PGES processes.  I have been interested in seeing lots of great ideas in your student growth goals.  Remember, Tuesday is the due date for your student growth goals to be completed and approved in CIITS.  We can work on last minute questions and changes on Tuesday as needed.  Everyone needs to be developing your SGG rubric if you have not already.  The rubrics are not necessarily due on Tuesday.  This is a great way to focus on and assure student improvement in needed areas.

Veterans Day Program:

We are planning our annual Veterans Day program for Tuesday, November 11 at 7:45 am.  We would like to invite any parent, grandparent, or staff member who is a Veteran of any branch of the United States military to attend.  We want to thank our veterans for their service to our country, protecting our freedoms and helping to keep our nation safe. 

Quote of the Day:

"The miracle is this – the more we share, the more we have." ~Leonard Nimoy

Coming Attractions:

Nov. 1…GCHS Band competes at State

Nov. 3…No School in GC

Nov. 4…PD Day, Certified Only (Election Day)

Nov. 7…Window 1 Peer Observations should be completed by today

Nov. 10…GCMS Boys Basketball hosts Hart Co., 5:00

Nov. 11…Veterans Day Program in the gym, 7:45 am

Nov. 11…Progress Reports go home

Nov. 11…GCMS Girls Basketball hosts Muhlenberg North, 5:30

Nov. 12…Staff Humana Vitality Check for those who have signed up

Nov. 17…Faculty Meeting after school

Nov. 19…GCMS SBDMC Meeting, 3:15 in the conference room

Nov. 24…Hooked on Science Program (6^th grade science)

Nov. 26-28…No School, Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 17…Drama Club Christmas Play

Busy, Busy, Busy!

Summer Turns to Autumn:

There was frost on the grass yesterday morning as I got out and drove to work.  As fall goes on and we get closer to winter, it strikes me just how fast this year is going and how fast the years have gone.  I did observations of two of our newer teachers this week, and it seems like just a short time ago, I was a new teacher at GCHS having Arnold Hack or Mike Adams come to my class to observe.  It doesn’t seem like this could be my 25^th year working in the school system.  Lots of things have changed over the years, but working with folks who want to help kids has been the constant.  I am thankful for the years that I have spent working with kids in Grayson County, and I hope to work for several more. As the week winds down, I have just a few notes to share.  I hope that everyone has a great weekend!

Personnel:

Please remember those GCMS staff members who are having health issues or family members with health issues.  Stacy Pierce will be having a surgery next week.  Holly Milliner’s father-in-law is having some serious issues with his colon and appendix.  Wendy Butler is recovering from surgery.  Ellen Thomas is back to work but still recovering from her surgery.  I know that there are many others.  Please remember your GCMS family!

Back to the Future:

We had 87 sixth grade parents to visit GCMS for Back to the Future Day this week!  Thank you to our 6^th grade parents, 6^th grade teachers, Faye Critchelow, Kelzey McCubbin, and everyone who helped to make the day a great success.

Related Arts Showcase:

I enjoyed visiting our related arts classes for showcase lessons on Tuesday.  I saw highly engaged students and teachers in a wide variety of settings.  Thanks for opening up your classrooms for your colleagues.  Lots of great ideas were shared that day!

Thanks Mrs. Manion:

Thank you to Melanie Manion and the 21^st Century Learning program for bringing in two special programs to GCMS this week.  Our students responded very well to the Animal Tales science program and to Kentucky Shakespeare’s Living History program. 

Staff Attendance:

We are seeing a higher than usual level of teacher and staff absenteeism right now.  Please make every effort to be here every day possible, and also please try to make doctor’s appointments outside of the school day.  I know that this is not always possible, but when a doctor’s office says “how about Tuesday at 10:00 am, try saying “what have you got after 3:00 pm?”  They might laugh at you, but then again, they might just say “we will see you at 3:30 that day”.  As I have said a million times, and we all know it is true, our students learn more when the teacher is here at school.

Anti-Bully Assembly:

Just a reminder, as we wind up Kentucky Safe Schools Week, our Anti-Bully Assembly presented by Re-Mix Education will be Monday at 1:30.  We will start calling students to the gym at about 1:15 that afternoon.

Quote of the Day:

“True greatness is starting where you are, using what you have, doing what you can.” ~Arthur Ashe

Coming Attractions:

Oct. 24…Picture Retakes, group/team pictures

Oct. 25…GCMS Boys Basketball Night of the Future Stars, 6:00 pm

Oct. 26…GCMS/GCHS Orchestra Concerts, 2:30 (7^th and String) and 5:00 (8^th and Chamber)

Oct. 26-30…Red Ribbon Week

(wear red Mon, wear boots Tues, sunglasses/hats Weds, silly socks Thurs, Costume dress up day Fri)

Oct. 27…Home Girls Basketball vs. Owensboro, 5:30

Oct. 28…Team 7 Showcase

Oct. 28…Mix-It-Up Day at Lunch

Oct. 28…Home Academic Team vs. Edmonson Co, 4:00

Oct. 28…Parent Meeting on Career Paths has been cancelled

Oct. 29…Deadline to sign up for the Staff Humana Vitality Check

Nov. 3…No School in GC

Nov. 4…PD Day, Staff Only (Election Day)

And the Band Played On!

Welcome to October!

The cool temperatures and rain have been a sharp contrast to the warm dry weather that we saw in September…that we either enjoyed or suffered through, depending upon your perspective.  We have had a good week of school as we returned from Fall Break.  Our students and staff seemed glad to be back, even though everyone always enjoys a little time off.  I have just a few notes to share as we wrap up this first school week of October.

Personnel:

Ellen Thomas and Wendy Butler both had successful surgeries recently.  We wish both ladies a speedy recovery.  I know that Stacy Pierce has a surgery coming up toward the end of October as well.  We wish her the best also.

Congratulations to Mr. David Whitmore on the birth of his second granddaughter! 

Congratulations to Mrs. Charlene Noblett on the birth of her second granddaughter as well!

Becki Pearl’s daughter is expecting next week!!

What a Wonderful World:

I think back to when I was 20 and a student at Western Kentucky University.  It seemed like a big deal once in a while to get to visit Louisville or Nashville.  Our 20 year old son, Scott, spent the summer doing a study abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark and is spending his Fall Break at a Neuroscience Conference in Washington, DC!  My point is that opportunities have changed.  I am amazed at the travel opportunities that college students have today and at the same time leery of the modern world that includes so much violence, terrorism, disease, etc.  I suppose the key is finding a good balance between enjoying this great big world and being diligent about safety at the same time.  With that said, I will rest easier when Scott is back in his dorm room at Vanderbilt!

Hats Off to the Marching Cougar Band!

We appreciate the GCHS Marching Cougar Band touring the district to perform for our students today!  Mr. and Mrs. Bell and their staff have done a great job with the band, and they are just getting better each year!  Mr. Parker has our middle school band students ready to step up to the next level, and in fact, many of our middle school students are performing in the high school band again this year.  Watching the band brings back great memories of being a band member when I was in school.  It was truly one of the best experiences that I have had, and I appreciate that our students are able to share that same great experience in the Grayson County Band program!

GCMS Basketball is off to a Great Start!

I enjoyed watching our girls basketball team’s opening home games of the season this week.  Our teams were outsized, but battled and hustled to two victories on Tuesday night!  Come out and watch our girls in action this year.  Boys basketball is right around the corner as well.  Night of the Future Stars is planned for Saturday, October 25.

6th Grade Back to the Future Day:

The date has been set for our annual 6th grade Back to the Future Day.  6th grade parents are invited to spend all or part of the day attending classes at GCMS on October 21.  This is a great way for parents to engage in their child’s education.  We always look forward to this day of fun and learning.  We will have a BTF day for 7th and 8th grade later on this year.

Lions and Tigers and Bears…well, not exactly!

Our 21^st Century Grant has some interesting programs coming to GCMS next week!  On Wednesday, Animal Zone will be set up in the gym.  Students will be able to visit the program through science classes throughout the day and at Cougar Zone after school.  While there are no “big cats” coming, we will have a variety of snakes, reptiles, spiders, and other creepy –crawly creatures in attendance!  A Living History performance is slated for our 8^th graders  for last period on Thursday.  We appreciate Cougar Zone Director Melanie Manion for arranging to bring these programs to GCMS!

Quote of the Day:

“Knowledge is power, but enthusiasm pulls the switch.” ~Ivern Ball

Coming Attractions:

Oct. 18…GCHS Band Contest (GCMS Band will play the National Anthem.)

Oct. 21…Related Arts Showcase

Oct. 21…6th Grade Back to the Future Day

Oct. 21..Home Girls Basketball vs. Butler Co, 5:30

Oct. 21…6^th Grade Band Concert, cafeteria, 7:00 pm (after 6:00 band parent meeting)

Oct. 22…GCMS Staff Health Insurance Enrollment

Oct. 24…Picture Retakes, group/team pictures

Oct. 25…8th graders and parents field trip to Campbellsville University

Oct. 26-30…Red Ribbon Week

(wear red Mon, wear boots Tues, sunglasses/hats Weds, silly socks Thurs, Costume dress up day Fri)

Oct. 27…Home Girls Basketball vs. Owensboro, 5:30

Oct. 28…Team 7 Showcase

Oct. 28…Home Academic Team vs. Edmonson Co, 4:00

Oct. 28…Parent Meeting on Career Paths (presentation by Derek Clemons), 6:00

Oct. 29…Deadline to sign up for the Staff Humana Vitality Check

Fall Break is Here!

Fall Break Edition:

It is hard to believe it, but fall break is here already!  We have had a great start to the school year at GCMS.  Our students and staff have been working very hard both in and out of the classroom.  I hope that our students, parents, staff, and families have a restful and safe break.  I look forward to spending time with my family.  We also look forward to seeing you back at GCMS on Monday, October 13.

Personnel:

Please remember Ellen Thomas as she recovers from her surgery.  She is doing well and looks forward to returning to work.  We wish Ellen a speedy recovery.

Wendy Butler will be having a surgery today.  I know that everyone joins me is wishing Wendy a quick and full recovery as well.

There are too many to name them all, but please remember all of your GCMS family who are having health issues, surgeries, and family members with health concerns.

In the race to grandparenthood, Mr. Whitmore has eased out in front of Mrs. Pearl and Mrs. Miller.  David’s daughter Lauren has been admitted to Norton’s, and they are expecting the baby this weekend!  We know they are excited, and we all wish the Whitmore family the very best!

State Testing Results:

For the first time since Kentucky implemented the new KPREP test in 2012, GCMS has been named a Proficient School based on the state testing and accountability system.  GCMS jumped from the 62^nd percentile in 2013 to the 71^st percentile among Kentucky Middle Schools for 2014.  This means that GCMS ranked better than 71 percent of Kentucky middle schools.  I estimate that GCMS leaped about 30 schools from 2013 to 2014.  Scores improved in reading, math, science, and social studies.  We also scored proficient on all three program reviews:  arts & humanities, practical living, and writing.  For a more in depth look at this year’s school report cards, go to the KDE website at http://applications.education.ky.gov/SRC/.  I would like to congratulate our students and staff on a job well done, and I encourage everyone to work hard in our continuous improvement at GCMS.

Walkathon:

Thank you to all students, parents, and staff members for doing a great job with this year’s GCMS walkathon.  GCMS smashed the record for our walkathon total by raising over 19 thousand dollars this year!  Our top three student fund raisers were Kennedy Kendrick, Taylor Acia, and Stetson Higdon.  Team 9 was our first place team, raising over 4 thousand dollars themselves!  I especially appreciate our related arts department for organizing the walk again this year.  Everyone did an outstanding job!  These funds will go to support student learning needs at GCMS.

Building Access during Break:

The gym will be closed Monday, October 6 through Wednesday, October 8 for floor refinishing. The office and auditorium will be closed Tuesday, October 7 and Wednesday, October 9.  Mr. Blain will be at GCMS most of the week.  Email if you need anything on the days the office is closed.

PGES:

Our new Professional Growth and Effectiveness System (PGES) has gotten off the ground, and our teachers are in the process of developing student growth goals.  We have also started the new peer observation process with our 8^th grade teachers and our non-tenured teachers.  I am hearing good things about the benefits of this process. 

6^th Grade Back to the Future Day:

The date has been set for our annual 6^th grade Back to the Future Day.  6^th grade parents are invited to spend all or part of the day attending classes at GCMS on October 21.  This is a great way for parents to engage in their child’s education.  We always look forward to this day of fun and learning.  We will have a BTF day for 7^th and 8^th grade later on this year.

Quote of the Day: 

“A vacation is having nothing to do and all day to do it in.” ~Robert Orben

Coming Attractions:

Oct. 3-10…Fall Break

Oct. 3…GCMS band in the Caneyville Parade, 10:00 am

Oct. 13…October Faculty meeting, 3:00

Oct. 14…Home Girls Basketball vs. Breck Co., 5:30

Oct. 17…KIP Survey (6th and 8th graders)

Oct. 21…Related Arts Showcase

Oct. 21…6^th Grade Back to the Future Day

Oct. 21..Home Girls Basketball vs. Butler Co, 5:30

Oct. 22…GCMS Staff Health Insurance Enrollment

Oct. 24…Picture Retakes, group/team pictures

Oct. 25…8th graders and parents field trip to Campbellsville University

Oct. 27…Home Girls Basketball vs. Owensboro, 5:30

Oct. 28…Team 7 Showcase

Oct. 28…Home Academic Team vs. Edmonson Co, 4:00

Oct. 28…Parent Meeting on Career Paths (presentation by Derek Clemons), 6:00

Oct. 29…Deadline to sign up for the Staff Humana Vitality Check

The Whirling Dervish That Is GCMS!

Cougar Notes:

It has been another very busy week at GCMS!  I have heard good things from our teachers about the student efforts of our 7^th and 8^th grade students on this year’s EXPLORE testing.  The Pinocchio play was very well received by our students.  We want to thank Cougar Zone Director Melanie Manion for arranging the play and the Leitchfield Lions Club for helping sponsor the play.  Our 8^th grade manufacturing speakers got started this morning with Team 1 and will continue on Friday morning and Monday morning with Teams 2 and then 3.  All three teams will be touring at MTD on Tuesday.  We appreciate everyone from local industry helping our students learn about the manufacturing opportunities in our community. 

Personnel:

We have several staff members dealing with health concerns right now, as well as staff family members’ with health concerns.  Please remember your GCMS family.  We wish everyone the best in each situation.

Congratulations:

Congratulations to Mrs. Teresa Jarboe and the GCMS Chorus!  Four young ladies from GCMS have made the all-state choir.  We are very proud of Tia Druen, Macy Lively, Makayla Mudd, and Shayana Roach. 

Congratulations to the GCMS 7^th and 8^th grade football teams for advancing to the Conference Bowl Games!  Our 7^th grade team plays for the championship tonight, and our 8^th grade team plays on Tuesday night.  Good luck Cougars!

Showcase Lessons/Peer Observation:

We have several showcase lesson days coming up in the near future.  Team 9 will be hosting showcase lessons on Monday, Sept. 29, Related Arts on Tuesday, Oct. 21, and Team 7 on Wednesday, Oct. 29.  Remember, we are doing showcase lessons in sixth grade, seventh grade, and related this year.  Those teachers involved in Peer Observation this year are welcome but not required to participate in the showcase lessons.  We look forward to sharing some great teaching and learning through both processes.

All Things PGES, Focus on Student Growth Goals:

We have had a productive week during CSI time, taking a closer look at the process for developing student growth goals.  I appreciate Mrs. Miller and Mr. Whitmore for leading the way.  Our teachers are working hard at identifying enduring skills and developing growth and proficiency statements.  This is a learning process that we are all in together, and I am confident that we will get better and better at it.  We will devote most of our regular October faculty meeting to a further discussion of student growth goals.  Like most of PGES, this will be beneficial to our students in the long run.  Since student growth is not part of anyone’s evaluation this year, it is a good chance for us to learn the process without stressing over it.

Quote of the Day:

“Life’s tragedy is that we get old too soon and wise too late.” ~Benjamin Franklin

Coming Attractions:

Sept. 26…Rep. from Kentucky Deferred Comp at GCMS

Sept. 27...GCMS band in the Honeyfest Parade

Sept. 29…Team 9 Showcase Lessons

Sept. 30…Manufacturing Day field trip (8th grade to local factories)

Oct. 1…Faculty Meeting to review KPREP scores, 2:50

Oct. 2…GCMS Walkathon

Oct. 3-10…Fall Break

Oct. 3...GCMS band in the Caneyville Parade

Oct. 13…October Faculty meeting, 3:00

Oct. 17…KIP Survey (6th and 8th graders)

Oct. 21…Related Arts Showcase

Oct. 22…GCMS Staff Health Insurance Enrollment

Oct. 24…Picture Retakes, group/team pictures

Oct. 25…8^th graders and parents field trip to Campbellsville University

Oct. 28…Team 7 Showcase

Oct. 29…Deadline to sign up for the Staff Humana Vitality Check