Spring that Spring!

This Week at GCMS:

It has been great to be back in school this week after yet another round of winter weather!  Hopefully, the spring-like conditions will stay with us, and we can continue on with the business of teaching and learning.  I have a few notes to share as this week winds down.

College Fridays:

Tomorrow (March 13) will be our first “College Friday” of this school year.  At this time of year when so many of us go crazy over college basketball with the NCAA Tournament going on, we like to encourage students and staff to show support for their favorite college or university on Fridays.  Please encourage your students to show their support by wearing shirts, caps, or other clothing displaying their favorite school.  Students and staff may wear hats or caps without a hat sticker on Fridays during March as long as it has a college logo of some sort.  Go Toppers and Go Dores!

The Push-Up Challenge:

The March “Push-Up Challenge” has been going very well so far.  Mr. Morris, Mrs. Bratcher, and Mrs. Geary have set up a table each morning in the gym for students (and staff) to do push-ups, adding one each day.  Today was Day 11, and we have been impressed with a high level of participation so far!

Great Job Teams 5 and 6!

I was quite impressed with the recent Showcase Lessons in Teams 5 and 6.  Students and teachers were highly engaged in the learning process in every room that I visited during those two days.  In addition to the new peer observation process, this year’s Showcase Lessons have provided valuable opportunities for our teachers to get into colleagues’ classrooms and share strategies and learning ideas.  Great job!

Student Voice Surveys:

We will be starting our student voice surveys at GCMS tomorrow.  Please follow the schedule that Mrs. Pearl has provided.  I know that each team has gone over the vocabulary and meanings of survey items so that the students understand what is being asked.  We appreciate everyone’s efforts with this part of the TPGES program.

TELL Survey and PBIS Survey:

I would like for everyone to complete your TELL Survey and your PBIS Self-Assessment by this coming Monday afternoon if possible.  If you have not completed both surveys, please plan to stay after school on Monday to complete it.  This will be in lieu of our March faculty meeting.  Thanks.

Student Growth Goals:

Post assessments for Student Growth Goals should be completed by April 3.  Administrators will meet with each teacher after spring break concerning your students’ progress on this year’s SGG’s.  Nothing on SGG has to be in CIITS as of April 3, but please do have your post assessments completed and start analyzing your data. 

Observations:

I have enjoyed getting into LOTS of classrooms the past couple of weeks!  I have seen lots of great teaching and learning going on and am very encouraged by what I see.  I have also come to the conclusion that with all of the new requirements of PGES, that I want to get in a lot more formal classroom observations during the first semester next year.  The administration may set up a schedule next year to avoid having such a crunch during the months of February and March. 

Quote of the Day:

“You are the way you are because that’s the way you want to be. If you really wanted to be any different, you would be in the process of changing right now.” ~Fred Smith

Coming Attractions:

March 12…Home Volleyball, 5:00

March 15…Orchestra Concert

March 18…GCMS SBDMC meeting, 3:15

March 19-20…GCMS Delegation at KUNA

March 20….WKU History Contest

March 20…Home Volleyball, 5:30

March 23…Aspiring Principals Recruitment Event, 3:30 (GCMS Auditorium)

March 24-25…GCMS Delegation at State BETA Convention

March 26...Home Volleyball, 5:00

March 30-31…Operation Preparation at GCMS