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