Back in the Saddle Again!

First Week of School:

Things are back as they should be at GCMS this week as our students have returned from summer break.  Our student population is on the rise this year as we have topped the 1,000 student mark this year.  This is up from about 970 last school year.  We have had a great first week of school, and I have seen lots of smiling faces of students and staff.  I appreciate your efforts in getting things off to such a great start!

Professional Growth Plans:

The assistant principals and I will be visiting PLC meetings in the near future to get the ball rolling on this year’s professional growth plans and student growth goals.  Remember, these will need to be entered into EDS/CIITS by September 18.  In order to do this, we would like to meet with you about your PGPs  and SGGs as soon as possible.  We have a target date of August 28 to have already met with all teachers  about PGP goals.

Walk-Throughs:

I plan to get into lots of classrooms next week for walk-through observations.  Please remember, when I or the assistant principals or central office staff visits, it is not a big event.  Just continue on with the lesson as if we were not there.  Walk-throughs are never a part of anyone’s evaluation.  I look forward to seeing the great teaching and learning that is going on in your classes.

Student Dress Code:

Please go over the student dress code with our students and make sure that they understand what is and is not acceptable.  Dress codes are somewhat different at the elementary level, so it may be a little adjustment for some students.  Please speak to students individually who may be in violation of the dress code and just advise them not to wear the particular clothing back to school if in violation.  If a student is persistent in breaking the dress code, please contact Mr. Blain or one of the assistant principals, and we will be glad to follow up.

Sunshine Club:

On opening day, we discussed the Sunshine Club flower fund being almost empty.  Please stop by the office to give your contribution of $5, $10, or more if you like, to Mrs. Viola.  The school will give gifts in the amount of $35 value for staff members’ first marriage, birth of first child, retirement, or death in the immediate family.  Thanks for supporting your GCMS family in this way.

Emergency Drills:

As we discussed at opening day, we will be having one of each type of emergency drill during the month of August (2 fire drills).  Please stress to students how important it is to take our drills seriously and follow proper procedures.  In the event of an actual emergency, we will be well prepared since we have practiced properly.  Someone asked me this morning, “what should we do if a fire alarm goes off when we are in lockdown?”  That’s a great question, and the answer is to stay in lockdown.  When in lockdown, you should disregard any other alarm or emergency tones that might go off.  

Quote of the Day:

“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say.  I just watch what they do.” 

~Andrew Carnegie

Coming Attractions:

Aug. 17…First Day for Cougar Bookstore

Aug. 18…Cougar Zone begins, 2:40-5:00

Aug. 19…GCMS Site Based Council Meeting, 3:15

Aug. 20…GCMS Home Football, 5:30

Aug. 21…School Picture Day at GCMS

Aug. 26…Team Leader Meeting, 7:15

Sept..4…PLC Day (no school for students)

Sept. 7…Labor Day (no school)