That's the Way the Ball Bounces!

Cougar Staff:

It has been another busy week at GCMS!  We have enjoyed having the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s Mobile Science Center here this week for our 7^th graders to experience.  The students were able to use corn based materials to make their own biodegradable plastic (in the form of bouncy balls).  What middle school student doesn’t love a bouncy ball?   Our students were able to learn a valuable lesson about conservation at the same time. 

Personnel:

Please continue to remember Melanie Manion’s mother.  She has been in the hospital this week with heart related issues.

Attendance:

GCMS students responded in a big way for the annual “High Attendance Day”.  We had two teams (Team 6 and Team 7) that had perfect attendance today!  We had more teams that met the 98 percent goal, and we will announce those just as soon as Mrs. Venita figures in any sign-ins or sign-outs.  Our overall attendance for the day looks to be above 97 percent, so that is about 2 percent better than an average day.  Great job!

As always, please remember to check and post your class attendance in Infinite Campus each period.  We need to have accurate attendance records for many reasons, accountability for student safety being the number one reason.  I know that teachers are more interested in teaching and learning than they are in posting attendance, but it is crucial that we always check and post accurate attendance each and every class period.  Thanks.

EXPLORE Testing:

Please encourage your students to do their very best on the upcoming EXPLORE testing.  Our 8^th graders will be testing on Friday and Monday, September 19 and 22, and our 7^th graders will be testing on Monday and Tuesday, September 22 and 23.  The 8^th grade EXPLORE results comprise the college and career readiness component of our school accountability score, so it is very important that the students give their very best efforts.

He Thinks He’s a Real Boy!

Pinocchio is coming to GCMS on Wednesday, September 24.  There will be showings for all three grades during the day.  Thanks to 21^st Century Learning Director Melanie Manion for bringing this off Broadway troupe to GCMS for the third or fourth consecutive year.  This is the company that has brought us plays like “Tom Sawyer” and “Hansel and Gretel”. 

Walkathon:

Our annual GCMS walkathon is planned for Thursday, October 2.  Once again, our related arts department will be spearheading the organization of the walkathon.  Mr. Blain will speak to the students about the walkathon in the gym on Friday morning, September 19, and materials will be distributed to students during related arts classes that day.

Quote of the Day:

“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.” ~Jim Ryun

Coming Attractions:

Sept. 19 &22…EXPLORE Test for 8^th grade

Sept. 22-23…EXPLORE Test for 7th grade

Sept. 24…Pinocchio Play at GCMS (for all 3 grades)

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

Oct. 2…GCMS Walkathon

Oct. 3-10…Fall Break

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