Cougar Staff:
Most of us have added some new vocabulary this year. Polar Vortex, circumpolar whirl, and Arctic
oscillation are common banter in the halls of GCMS right now as we continue to
shiver our way through this winter season.
The past two mild winters had us quite spoiled, so the weather has been
something of a shock to our systems.
Bundle up if you have to be out.
I hear that long underwear stock is really soaring this year!
Personnel:
Please remember those who are dealing with health concerns, those
who have family members with health issues, and those who have recently lost
loved ones. I know that Susan Higdon’s
mom has a surgery coming up. Stacy
Pierce is having her second chemo treatment today. Chris Drake has a back surgery coming up in
the near future. It is good to have
Tracie Johnston back with us at GCMS.
Wendy Butler is still recovering from her recent surgery. Pam Armstrong is here but still recovering as
well. I appreciate so many of you asking
about my Dad. He is still struggling
with some issues but is going to get to go home this morning after being in the
hospital the past six days. At 91, he
constantly amazes me with how well he does.
Thanks for the prayers.
Great Job, Team 5!
I enjoyed spending a few minutes in each of the Team 5
classrooms this morning. I observed
students and teachers who were highly engaged.
I also noticed some very effective questioning going on! I want to encourage all teachers to please
continue to work on the engagement and questioning pieces…our students are the
beneficiaries of these efforts!
Afternoons/Check and Connect/Possible Loitering:
We have noticed recently that more and more students are out
of classrooms from about 2:30 until the end of the day at 2:40. Part of this is undoubtedly our Check and
Connect students going to check out with their mentors. Please double check anyone who says that they
are going to see their C&C mentor to make sure that they are on the list
and that they are getting to where they are supposed to go. Let’s not let our C&C students go until
2:35, and keep everyone else in the classrooms.
I will send you the update C&C list so you can double check it.
Scheduling Survey:
An overwhelming 92 percent (45 out of 49) of those who
responded to our recent GCMS schedule survey question said they would prefer having
the core schedule the same five days a week, with a 30 minute class to start
the day, then six 55 minute classes. CSI would be from 7:30-8:20 once each
week. Advisory would be during the 30 minute first period once each week. RTI
and CCR would also be scheduled during the 30 minute first period the remaining
days. With this in mind, I am
working on a draft daily schedule and hope to share that with you in the near
future.
Good Luck!
Good luck to our GCMS teams competing in the near
future. Our GCMS academic team has
advanced to Regional Governor’s Cup competition in both quick recall and
FPS! Our GCMS boys basketball teams will
compete in the conference tournament starting this Friday night. Our GCMS dance team will be in regional
competition on Saturday. Our GCMS
Cheerleaders have made it to nationals and will be competing in Florida in
early February. GCMS band had 20
students to qualify for All District Band.
GCMS volleyball season starts next week.
Busy, busy times!
ILP Reminder (from Mrs. Sims)
The ILP completion date for this school year is May
2nd. Please make sure to remind students
to get as many entries in as possible under the “Organizations and Activities”
and “Awards and Recognition” sections of their ILP. Remind them that all GCMS clubs, academic
team, sports, etc. need to be listed, as well as any academic awards,
attendance awards, sports awards and recognitions. 8th Grade Teachers- please make sure that
your students get their freshman class choices entered into the “Education
Plan” section of the ILP after they register for classes. The counselors are working with the high
school to get a date set for freshman registration, and will let you know as
soon as it is set.
Make Up Days:
With Grayson County Schools having missed 5 days of school
already, the following dates have been set as make up days: Feb. 17, March 28, and April 18. Again, students will be in school on those
three dates.
No "Vote for Bubba" Shirts:
With this being a county election year, I need to remind you early on that school employees are not supposed to wear election campaign shirts, hats, etc. while on duty at school. Thanks, and good luck to Bubba!
Quote of the Day:
“Remember, happiness doesn’t depend on who you are or what you
have; it depends solely on what you think.” ~Dale Carnegie
Coming Attractions:
Jan.
29..Team Leader Meeting, 7:15 am
Feb.
10..Parent/Teacher Conference, 4:00-6:00
Feb.
11..7th/8th Grade Back to the Future Day
Feb.
17..after school faculty meeting
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