TGIF (Thank Goodness!)

Cougar Staff:

I was reading a headline earlier this week that a certain eastern Kentucky school district had already missed 36 days of school this school year.  So while our 11 days out of school is a lot, it could be much worse.  Our board has a plan for making up the days without us going very far into June, but none of us need to be making any early-mid June vacation plans this year.  The kids have been a little extra squirrelly this week, so I hope that everyone enjoys a well deserved rest this weekend.  When we have to open up a "detention annex", everyone knows that it has been a tough week.  Hang in there, next week will be better.

Personnel:

Elaine Holley has been suffering from some health problems this week and was hospitalized for a couple of days earlier in the week.  I know that you join me in wishing Elaine a speedy recovery.  We have many staff members with health concerns right now or family members with health issues:  Pam Armstrong, Stacy Pierce, Cassie Jarboe, Lea Ann Frank, Elaine Holley, Chris Drake, Wendy Butler, Melanie Gallagher, Debbie Carman, Nycol Hart, and others.  If I leave someone off, it’s mainly because being principal at a middle school for seven years tends to garble your mind, not because I am not concerned.  Please keep your GCMS family in your thoughts and prayers.

Congratulations:

I sent out an email a week or so ago congratulating Mr. and Mrs. French for being named the Kentucky String Directors of the Year by their professional association.  We are very proud of Adam and Stacy and the work that they are doing with our students in Grayson County! 

We are also very proud of Mr. Barry Duvall who was recognized by KMEA for his 30 years of service (actually 31).  As the BOE tweeted yesterday, Mr. Duvall has served in three districts, worked with 7 superintendents, 15 principals, approximately 8,000 students, and a partridge in a pear tree!  Mr. Duvall eats lunch in the cafeteria with our students each and every day.  He has done an outstanding job for a long time and even had time to tell a joke or two. Mr. Duvall does plan to retire at the end of this school year, and we want to thank him for all that he has done for the students of Grayson County.

Great Job Team 4!

I appreciate Team 4 teachers opening up their classrooms to their colleagues with showcase lessons this week.  I heard many positive comments from other teachers about what you observed.  We are starting to wind down showcase lessons for the year.  Our next showcase lesson day will be hosted by Team 3 on March 13.

GCMS Data Team:

As part of the Lead to Learn grant with GRREC, our school is going to be involved in a “data retreat” in Bowling Green on June 18, 19, and 20.  I appreciate those who have already agreed to participate:  Susan Higdon, Stacy Downs, Amanda Thomas, Nycol Hart, Becki Pearl, Becky Miller, David Whitmore, and myself.  I have a couple of more slots if anyone would like to be a part of this team.  We would love to have a related arts teacher and/or a Title teacher, or anyone who has the desire to participate in our school improvement process.  Just let me know!

Physical Activity/Brain Activity:

www.gonoodle.com

The link above is a website that Shane learned about that incorporates physical activity into the classroom through brain breaks.  Remember, we are not requiring exercises in regular classes, but most of the students will be glad to do this voluntarily.  Just what we learned about from Dr. Payne. Thanks, Shane!

Workman’s Comp:

It is always very important to fill out Workman’s Comp paperwork right away if you are injured on the job.  This must be done within 24 hours and turned in to me, to Mrs. House, or to Karen Colyer at the central office.  If you even think that there is the slightest possibility that you might have to seek medical attention as a result of something that happens while you are on duty, it is best to go ahead and fill out the paperwork.  Mrs. House has the forms in her office.

Wireless Updates:

I appreciate the work that Mr. Butler and other techs from around the district have done in installing our new wireless access points.  As I understand, the work is about three fourths finished, so you should be getting better wireless service in most parts of the building now. 

Quote of the Day:

“To love what you do and feel that it matters – how could anything be more fun?” ~Katharine Graham

Coming Attractions:

Feb. 21-22…All District Band

Feb. 28..Please do not spend any 920X classroom funds after this date

Mar. 3..Kickoff date for American Heart Association Events

Mar. 10..8^th Grade Night, 6:00…all 8^th grade teachers should attend

Mar. 11-13..Freshman Registration through teams

Mar. 13..Team 3 Showcase Lesson Day

Mar. 18-20..Reality Store and Operation Preparation

Mar. 21..WKU History Contest

Mar. 24-25..KUNA

Mar. 24..GRVC Volleyball Tournament at GCMS (24^th, 25^th, 27^th)

Mar. 26..Reward Assembly for all students with no office referrals, 1:45

Mar. 28..Battle for Heart, AHA Event