Yes Virginia, This is GCMS!

                                Kentucky Science Mobile

This Week at GCMS:

What a busy time at GCMS!  It has been a flurry of activity lately, with things sometimes reaching a break-neck pace!  With ballgames, holiday concerts, cheer competitions, the Kentucky Science Mobile visiting GCMS, our 8^th graders visiting the high school tomorrow, and Christmas in the air, our heads have been spinning around here.  I have just a few notes to share as our week winds down.

GCMS is a Great Place to Be!

I was reviewing the 2015-2016 School Report Card Summary that we sent home with the students last Friday, and one number really  jumped out at me.  While state teacher turnover is currently at 17.8 percent, and our district teacher turnover rate is at 8.3 percent, the teacher turnover rate at GCMS is only 4.3 percent.  I credit this low turnover rate to the family atmosphere that has developed over the years at GCMS.  We have a team here that really works well together and enjoys working together! 

State Spelling Bee Runner Up:

Congratulations to GCMS student Stephenie Miller on finishing 2^nd in the state DHH spelling bee!  Also, congratulations to Jessica Bernard, Team 3, and all of her teachers! 

Cougar Choice Awards:

Thank you to everyone who took part in the first annual GCMS Cougar Choice awards!  Lots of students were recognized on Tuesday evening, and lots of proud parents were in attendance.  I believe this sort of recognition encourages students to work even harder and achieve even more!

8^th Grade Trip to GCHS:

Our 8^th graders have been invited to Career Day at GCHS on Friday, December 9.  Team 2 will leave GCMS at 7:45 and return by 9:15.  Team 1 will leave at 9:15 and return by 10:45.  Team 3 will leave at 10:45 and return by 12:15.  This should be a great opportunity for our students to learn about high school programs, clubs, and activities as they start thinking about class registration and their high school careers which are right around the corner.

Video Chat With Dee Dee Webb:

Reminder:  Video Chat with new Grayson County Technology Integration Specialist, Dee Dee Webb, will be in room 122 this afternoon at 3pm.  Come and learn more about what her new technology position will allow her to do for you.

Drama Club Christmas Play:
We are looking forward to the GCMS drama club's presentation of "Yes Virginia, There Is A Santa Claus".  The play will be held for each grade level during school on Tuesday with 7th grade at 8:15, 8th grade at 10:00, and 6th grade at 12:55.  The play will also be performed for the public on Tuesday evening starting at 5:30.  I appreciate Mrs. Embry and Mrs. Dangerfield and all of the drama club for performing for our school!  

Merry Christmas:

I want to remind you of our upcoming Christmas activities at GCMS.  We are having our Santa hat on Monday, reindeer day on Tuesday, elf day on Wednesday, and Christmas sweater day on Thursday as we have in the past.  New events include: On Friday dress up as your favorite Christmas character from a book or movie.  We also are having a bulletin board decorating contest per team or department.  Boards will be judged on December 14^th.  We will have a staff and student sweater contest on Thursday morning in the gym, so plan accordingly and let the ugliness begin!  The board will be providing breakfast on Monday, December 12^th.  We will have a staff lunch on Thursday, December 15^th catered by Kay’s.  Menu will include, roast beef, chicken tenders, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, harvest salad and chocolate cake, and sugar free banana pudding for dessert.  It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas at GCMS!

Observations:

Observation reminders:  all non-tenured (and probation year) teachers will need a second mini-observation by January 13.  Please contact your observing administrator to schedule your observation.  Those teachers who need a peer observation this year should have those completed by January 13 as well.  Full observations for summative year teachers may be completed any time after your peer observation has been completed.

Quote of the Day:

“The man on top of the mountain didn’t fall there.” ~Anonymous

Coming Attractions:

Dec. 6-8…Kentucky Science Mobile at GCMS for 7^th grade

Dec. 8…GCMS Choir Concerts, 3:00-8:00

Dec. 9….8^th graders to GCHS for high school information

Dec. 9…Meet the Lady Cougar Volleyball Team Night, 7:00

Dec. 10…GCMS Archery Competition at Bowling Green

Dec. 11-13…GCMS delegation at KYA

Dec. 13…Drama Club Christmas Play, during school and at 5:30 for the public

Dec. 15…GCMS Orchestra Concerts, 3:00-8:00

Dec. 17…GCMS Cheerleaders at State Competition in Lexington

Dec. 17-Jan. 2…No School, Christmas Break