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