Thursday, April 16, 2015

Here in Cougar Nation

This Week at GCMS:
It has been another busy week at GCMS as we have returned to spring break.  While it is a hectic time of year as the school year winds down, it is also an important time of year.  It is important to finish the year strong and with a continued focus on learning.  I have a few notes to share as the week winds down.

Congratulations:
I would like to congratulate Mr. Doug Robinson for being named as the next Superintendent of Grayson County Schools.  We at GCMS wish him the very best in his new role.
 
Congratulations to our GCMS music performance groups on earning distinguished ratings at the recent KMEA concert festival.  Our band, orchestra, and chorus all earned distinguished ratings at all grade levels.

Congratulations to our 7th and 8th grade volleyball teams on a great season.  Both teams wound up as runners up in the conference tournament!

Site Based Council Nominations:
Site Based Council nominations are being accepted this week.  See Mrs. House in the GCMS office to nominate someone or to self-nominate.  The council is comprised on three teachers, two parents, and the principal.  Teachers are eligible to nominate and to serve, and parents whose children are currently in grades 5-7 in Grayson County are eligible to nominate and serve.  See Mrs. House for other qualifications questions.  The voting will be next Wednesday, April 22.

Student Growth Goals:
We spent some time on Monday after school reviewing the student growth goal process.  I am requesting that each teacher be prepared to meet with me or one of the assistant principals during CSI planning time next week (April 20-April 24) to reflect on the progress made toward the SGG this year.  Teachers will need to bring a copy of your student growth goal, your rubric, data from your pre and post assessments, your analysis of the data (spreadsheet would be a good approach).  You should be able to show the percentage of students who showed growth and the percentage of students who reached proficiency or better.

Student Voice Surveys:
As you know, the recent student voice survey results are now available in CIITS.  Overall, I felt like the results at GCMS were positive.  I know that there has been some conversation and even concern about the survey results.  The student voice survey is not a percentage or direct component of anyone’s evaluation.  It should be thought of as one piece of evidence that informs the evaluation of professional practice.  It is also the first time that we have done the student survey, and some students may not have taken it very seriously.  We can learn from this first experience, and perhaps we can better prepare our students next year so to get optimal and appropriate results.  While I don’t want anyone to get all bent out of shape about the survey, I do want you to take it as it is intended.  We should consider student perceptions and do what we can to make those perceptions positive, while at the same time maintaining quality teaching and learning.  For example, if the students have rated a teacher low in engagement, it should cause that teacher to consider ways of making his/her classroom more engaging.  If the students have rated someone highly in a category, consider what you are doing well to motivate that high rating and build on that strength area.  Again, let’s take the student voice surveys in a constructive way to inform and improve our professional practice. 

Quote of the Day:
“In the final analysis, the one quality that all successful people have is the ability to take on responsibility.” ~Michael  Korda

April 22…Teacher and Parent SBDMC Election, 6:30-3:30
April 27…History Assembly, The Wolf Brothers, 1:15
May 8… Living History for 8th graders in the auditorium at 1:00.
May 11…Faculty Meeting
May 13…20 – KPREP Testing Window
May 19… No school for students – PLC Day for staff
May 20…Posting window opens
May 26… Drama Play for 8th graders at 8:00
May 27…8th Grade Field Day
May 27…Posting window closes
May 27…Drama Club Play for 6th grade 8:00, for 7th grade 9:30
May 28…6th/7th Grade Field Day
May 28 …Awards Evening at 6:00

May 29…Last day for students

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