Groundhogs, Volleyballs, Valentines, and All Things February

An Early Spring?

If old Punxsutawney Phil is an accurate prognosticator, we will be enjoying an early spring.  We have been very fortunate so far this winter, unlike folks in the northeast, and have enjoyed mild weather so far.  We are not out of the woods yet, but we have only missed one day of school so far.  Knock on wood that Phil knows what he is doing!  I have just a few notes to share this week.

Personnel Concerns:

Please remember Becki Pearl this week.  Becki’s father passed away this past week.  Karen Likins is still recovering from her recent surgery. Please remember all those who are dealing with health concerns right now. 

Good Luck Cougars!

Our GCMS Cougarbots teams will compete at the state level robotics competition at Northern Kentucky University on Saturday.  Good luck to the team and their sponsors, Melanie Gallagher, Ali Clemons, and Tony East.

Good luck to the GCMS archery team at regional competition this weekend as well.

Volleyball is Here!

Our GCMS volleyball season has started, and our girls are off to a good start.  Come out and see Coach Decker's and Coach Thomas' teams this season.  Our next home match is February 19.  

Parent/Teacher Conferences:

Our spring parent/teacher conferences are scheduled for this Tuesday evening from 4:00-6:00 pm.  This is a great opportunity to have conversations stressing the importance of keeping up effort levels as the school year winds down.  As always, please point out positives about each and every child and then address the areas for improvement as well.  We always need parents to understand that we are all on the same team and want every child to achieve at the highest levels possible.

Observations:

Teachers who still need to have formal classroom observations this year should contact the administrator in charge of your evaluation to schedule an observation date.  Remember, non-tenured teachers are required to have 2 minis, a peer, and a full observation.  Tenured teachers in your summative year (8^th grade) are required a peer and a full.  We are scoring Domains 1 and 4 for all of those teachers.  Tenured teachers not in your summative year are required a mini observation only.  Those teachers should also be keeping up with documentation for Domains 1 and 4 and carry it forward for when your summative year rolls around.  Let me or one of the assistant principals know if you have questions about that process.

Valentines:

Just a reminder, please remind students not to have Valentines Day deliveries sent to GCMS.  We do not have the capacity to deliver these items, and we cannot interrupt the instructional day for this.

Attendance Audit:

Mr. Prunty shared with me this week that the attendance auditors noted that some middle school teachers were not posting their attendance in Infinite Campus for every period, each day.  Mrs. Wilson and I have reminded teachers repeatedly, but this continues to be an issue.  Please make it your new year’s resolution to post your attendance in IC every period, every day.  Thanks.

Attendance Contest:

Mr. Prunty is sponsoring a February attendance contest again this year.  The school in Grayson County with the highest percentage of improvement over February of last school year will win $1500.  Please encourage your students to be present each and every day in February.

Quote of the Day:

“Don’t be afraid to take a big step if needed. You can’t cross a chasm in two small jumps.” ~Anonymous

Coming Attractions:

Feb. 6…Progress Reports will be sent home today.

Feb. 7…GCMS Cougarbots at State Competition

Feb. 10…Balfour School Ring rep meets with 6^th graders

Feb. 13…Balfour School Ring rep will take ring orders during lunch

Feb. 14…Grayson County Spelling Bee (at GCMS)

Feb. 16…PLC Day (no school for students unless changed to a makeup day)

Feb. 23…8^th Grade Parent Night at GCHS, 6:00

Feb. 24-26…8^th Graders register for GCHS Classes