The Circle of Life

This Week at GCMS:

I have to say that this has been one of the toughest weeks that I remember at GCMS.  The passing of Stacy Pierce has been difficult for us all.  I do appreciate everyone pulling together and supporting each other as well as supporting Stacy’s family through this difficult time.  The family passed on their appreciation as well.  Thank you to everyone who visited the funeral home, helped with the services, helped with the meal, sent flowers, said prayers, or helped them in any way. 

The Circle of Life:

Someone commented to me that this week was certainly an example of the circle of life at GCMS.  We celebrated the birth of not one, but two new babies to GCMS staff members this week.  Congratulations to Hannah Embry and her family on the birth of baby Elynn and to Jeremy Meredith and his family on the birth of baby Jackson.  I believe that’s the most GCMS babies at once since the Blain/Webb/Decker babies all came in April of 2008. 

New GCMS SBDMC:

Congratulations to the newly elected 2017-2018 GCMS site based council!  Parent representatives elected last week were Kari Ray and Jackie Stanton.  Teacher representatives elected after a marathon 7 days of balloting are Tracie Johnston, Ellen Thomas, and Shannon Loughran.  I would like to thank parent member Jenny Cummings, as well as teacher members Ashley Johnson and Don Logsdon for their service on the council.  The old council will be in effect through the end of June, with the new council starting in July. 

Cougar Pride Week:

Thanks for encouraging students to participate in Cougar Pride Week as we get geared up for the start of state testing.  We have had a good level of participation around the building, and it seems like everyone has enjoyed the dress-up themes.  I've heard imitation is the highest form of flattery!  

Double Take Thursday!

State Testing:

State KPREP testing will be held at GCMS from May 10-16.  Our counselors have trained everyone and gone over all procedures.  Our teachers have prepared students very well throughout the year.  Please encourage your students to do their very best.  Let us know if you have any further questions. 

Quote of the Day:

“It’s the circle of life, and it moves us all through despair and hope, through faith and love, till we find our place, on the path unwinding.” ~Elton John

Coming Attractions:

May 4….Future Cougar Night (Wilkey and Caneyville), 5:00

May 7…GCMS band concert, 2:30

May 10-16…State Testing at GCMS

May 11…GCMS home baseball at GCHS, 5:30

May 18…8^th Grade Awards, 6:00

May 24…Students’ Last Day of School

May 25-30…Staff Days and Closing Day

August 1…Opening Day at GCMS

August 1…Back to School Night at GCMS

August 3…Kagan Workshop for all GCMS teachers

August 4…District-wide Day

August 7….Not a required workday for GCMS  teachers

August 8….Students’ first day of school in Grayson Co.

Our Many Roles in Life

This Week at GCMS:

The last week of April is winding down, and we move into the final stages of the school year.  Its times like this that I tend to get a little reflective.  Most of you know our daughter, Tessa.  She comes over to GCMS most afternoons after school for a few minutes before Teresa picks her up.  This week, she took the notion to “fix” my nameplate on my desk, where it says “Jim Blain-Principal” and taped a sign over it saying “Jim Blain-My Dad”.  That made me stop and think about the many roles that each of us play in life.  Some are official titles, and some are more important than that.  I hope that as the year winds down that each of you are able to reflect and think about your many roles in life.  Each of us is important to many people, to our students, to our families, to our friends and co-workers.  Never let one role suffer because you get lost in another role.  At the same time, don’t let yourself suffer because you think you have to be all things to all people.  Take care of the ones you love, and thanks for listening to my ramblings. 

Staff Appreciation Week:

With next week being Staff Appreciation Week, I want to take this opportunity to thank our GCMS staff for the hard work and dedication that you show each day.  Your contributions are immeasurable in making a positive difference for the students of our school.  We are planning a staff appreciation lunch on Tuesday as a token of appreciation, so leave that bologna sandwich or micro-mac-n-cheese at home on Tuesday and enjoy a catered lunch on us! 

Operation Preparation:

Thank you to all who are volunteering for this year’s Operation Preparation at GCMS!  I appreciate Mrs. Sims and Mrs. Majors organizing this year’s event.  The 8^th grade year is a great time for students to stop and think about what their future might hold.  Four years of high school go very quickly, and it is so important that students have a plan for the future.

SBDMC Elections:

Congratulations to Jackie Stanton and Kari Ray on becoming our new parent representatives to the GCMS Site Based Council.  I also want to thank Jenny Cummings for her years of service as a parent rep to the council.  The teacher representative elections are still in progress.  Thank you to everyone who has taken interest in serving on the GCMS council.

Cougar Pride Week:

In getting geared up for this year’s K-PREP testing, the students of the Principal’s Advisory Council have planned a “Cougar Pride Week” for May 1-4.  The theme days for students and staff to dress for are:  Monday-Bowties and Tutus, Tuesday-70’s/Disco Day, Wednesday-Hollywood Stars, Thursday-Dress Like a GCMS Staff Member, and Friday-Orange and Blue Cougar Pride Day.  It should be a lot of fun for everyone! 

Quote of the Day:

“Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.” ~Abraham Lincoln

Coming Attractions:

April 27………GCMS Baseball at Hart Co.

April 27-28….Operation Preparation

April 29….Orchestra Solo and Ensemble Festival at GCMS (also May 13)

April 29….Band Solo and Ensemble Festival at North Hardin

April 29….Beta Club Softball Tournament

May 1-5…Cougar Pride Week

May 2…….Staff Appreciation Lunch at GCMS

May 2 & 4..Future Cougar Nights at GCMS, 5:00 (for current 5^th graders and parents)

The Home Stretch

This Week at GCMS:

We entered the homestretch of the school year this week, with spring break behind us and state testing right around the corner.  It seems that this school year has flown by!  Having so few snow days this year will allow us to finish the school year before the end of May, and most everyone is very happy about that.  I have just a few notes to share as this week winds down. 

Welcome:

We have a new face at GCMS starting this week!  Mrs. Tracy DiFelice has been hired as a one-on-one instructional assistant working with a 7^th grade student.  She has worked at schools in both Kentucky and Georgia, and her husband has retired from the military. They have just recently moved to Leitchfield.  I know that you will make her feel welcome at GCMS. 

Monday Faculty Meeting:

We will have our April teachers’ meeting after school on Monday, April 17.  We will be discussing several items at the meeting dealing with the closing weeks of school as well as thinking toward next school year.  We will go over some reminders about our upcoming K-PREP testing, end of year staff days, Infinite Campus possibilities, and an update from the assessment team.

Sick and Personal Days:

As always, it is important to be at school every day you possibly can.  I know that sometimes health issues arise, and that cannot be helped, but I also know that many staff members come to work even when they don’t feel like it.  I appreciate that kind of dedication and work ethic.  With that said, I want to remind everyone that sick and personal days are for just those reasons.  If you take a sick day, it should be because you are sick or attending to a sick family member.  Each of us get two personal days each year to take for personal reasons.  I sent out an article a few months ago about a teacher in another district who lost her job because of taking sick days to go on a vacation.  Please always follow the policy strictly.  Please let me know if you have questions about this. 

SBDMC Elections:

Site Based Decision Making Council elections are right around the corner.  Nominations will be taken for both teacher representatives and parent representatives to the council from Monday, April 17 through Friday, April 21, and both elections will be held on Tuesday, April 25.  Teachers and parents may nominate others or may nominate themselves.  This is a great way to help your school!

Living Well Promise:

If you have chosen one of the Living Well insurance plans, it is required that you complete your Living Well Promise by June 1.  Anyone who has the Living Well plan but does not complete the Living Well online promise or Vitality Check is not eligible to take a Living Well insurance plan next year.  Please let me know if you have questions about this. 

Quote of the Day:

“If you learn only methods, you’ll be tied to your methods.  But if you learn principles, you can devise your own methods.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Coming Attractions:

April 13….Beta Club Induction Ceremony, 5:30

April14….Mid Term Grades go home

April 17-21…SBDMC Nominations

April 17-21…SGG Results Scoring (during CSI or see admin)

April 25….SBDMC Elections

April 28…Completion of summative conferences (non-tenured teachers)

May 15….Completion of summative conferences (tenured teachers)

Welcome Spring!

Happy Spring Break!

As our week winds down and we get ready to head off to spring break, we are getting ready to hit the homestretch of the school year.  It has been another great year, and I want to thank everyone for working so hard to help our students succeed.  I hope that you are able to get some rest and spend time with family and friends next week. 

Staff Concerns:

Please keep your GCMS family in your prayers.  There are so many GCMS staff members and their family members who are having health issues right now that I apologize that I am probably leaving people out.  Ellen Thomas and Mary Ann Hack are both having health issues right now.  Stacy Pierce is continuing to undergo cancer treatments and has been frequently in and out of the hospital.  Angie Escue’s mother, Tez Hawkins’ father in law, Chris Drake’s father, Tonya Haycraft’s mother, Laura Goff’s mother.  Again, I apologize if I am leaving someone off this list.

Summative Evaluations:

The administrators will need to meet with each summative year teacher for your summative conference sometime after spring break.  For non-tenured and probation year folks, we need to do this by April 30.  For tenured teachers, we need to do this by May 15.  If any of you already have your Domains 1 and 4 evidence gathered, we would be glad to look at that next week during spring break.  (I have Ali Clemons’ binder already!)  Please follow the mantra of “less is more” for Domains 1 and 4.  One artifact/and or a brief narrative paragraph for each of the 12 components of Domains 1 and 4 would be great.  We plan to check student growth goal results during CSI meetings the second week back after spring break. 

Go Cougars!

We have many GCMS students who are participating in spring sports at the middle school and at the high school.  The baseball, tennis, and track seasons are in full swing, and archery is getting ready for state competition.  If you have students participating in spring sports, please wish them good luck and congratulate them when you hear results.  Sometimes our spring sports get lost in the shuffle regarding recognition. 

Calendar:

Students’ last day of school this year will be Wednesday, May 24.  After that, we will have two staff days (May 25 and 30) and closing day (May 26).  We are currently working on the May calendar and will let you know about other May events in the near future.

Quote of the Day:

“No matter where you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

 ~Anthony D’Angelo

Coming Attractions:

March 31…PBIS Assembly featuring The Great Chinese Acrobats (for all students with no behavior referrals since the fall assembly)

March 31…deadline for all formal classroom observations

March 31…All post assessments for SGG’s should be complete

April 3-7…Spring Break

Marching Through March!

This Week at GCMS:

It has been another eventful week in the Land of the Cougars.  I know that everyone is going at a long run since we didn’t get many snow days this year.  Just one more week, and we will go on Spring Break!  We are almost there, and we will be smiling when school is out before the end of May!  I have just a few notes as the week winds down.

Great Job Cougars!

Congratulations to the GCMS band and orchestra programs!  All 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade ensembles earned distinguished ratings at this year’s KMEA concert festival this week.  Good luck to our GCMS choir which will be going to festival next week.

Mrs. Sims was notified yesterday that our GCMS Beta Club was the number one middle school in the state in raising money for Norton’s Children’s Hospital through the Piggies for Preemies program.  Great job Beta Club!

Good Luck Cougar Volleyball!

Both the 7^th grade and 8^th grade Lady Cougar volleyball teams have advanced to the finals of the Green River Valley Conference Tournament!  The teams will play in the finals tonight at Hancock County.  Good luck ladies!

WKU History Contest:
Good luck to those GCMS students who will be participating in the annual WKU History Contest tomorrow at Western.  Grayson County has had many winners in past years, and I wish this year's group the very best as well.

Summative Conferences:

We will need to schedule and conduct summative conferences in the coming days.  For non-tenured teachers and probation teachers, we need to conduct these conferences by April 30, and for tenured teachers in their summative year, we need to do these by May 15.  Please get your Domain 1 and 4 binders to your assigned administrator a few days ahead of time, so we can look through your evidence and streamline the actual conference time.  If you have questions, please contact me or one of the assistant principals. 

Next Year:

Please let me know if anyone is planning a change in status for next year:  retirement, job change, moving to Bermuda, etc. as soon as you know.  It makes planning for next year much easier when we know changes as early as possible.

Quote of the Day:

“Success is the sum of small efforts—repeated day in and day out.” ~Robert Collier

Coming Attractions:

March 24…GCMS Students compete at the WKU History Contest

March 25…KHSAA Regional Archery Competition at Warren East

March 31…PBIS Assembly featuring The Great Chinese Acrobats (for all students with no behavior referrals since the fall assembly)

March 31…deadline for all formal classroom observations

March 31…All post assessments for SGG’s should be complete

April 3-7…Spring Break

A Great Day to Be a Cougar!

There were GCMS Cougars as Far as the Eye Could See Awaiting the GCHS Lady Cougars on Their Way to the State Tournament!

This Week at GCMS:

It has been a whirlwind week at GCMS!  There has been a lot of excitement around school with the GCHS Lady Cougars winning the region and heading for state.  It was so awesome yesterday to see our kids cheering for the high school girls as their tour passed by GCMS.  Our annual Battle for Heart to support the American Heart Association also went off without a hitch, raising over $10,500 for AHA with this year’s event.  I appreciate Crystal Bratcher and our related arts department heading up the efforts. 

Teacher Peer Observation Days:

We are looking forward to our next step with our school wide focus on assessment feedback, with two days of teacher peer observations next week.  About half the teachers will be observing on Tuesday and the remainder on Thursday and focusing on identified areas for growth.  We will plan to have follow up conversations about the observations as part of our March 17 PLC day.  I appreciate Mr. Parker and the assessment team for organizing the days.  I believe Mr. Parker will send out a final copy of the observation schedule and observation form before Tuesday. 

Good Luck Academic Team:

I would like to wish the best of luck to our GCMS academic team competing at State Governor’s Cup, Saturday through Monday.  Our FPS team qualified for state competition as did Eli Helm in social studies.  Good luck to these students and their coaches, Ellen Thomas and Nycol Hart. 

TELL Survey:

We plan to have teachers to complete this year’s TELL Survey during our March 17 PLC day as well.  Teresa Lush is our KEA/GCEA building representative and will have log in information for each teacher.  I appreciate Teresa taking care of this responsibility for our faculty. 

Quote of the Day:

“We have a right to choose our attitude.” ~Viktor Frankl

Coming Attractions:

Mar. 10….No School (GCHS Girls in State Tournament)

Mar. 11-13…GCMS Academic Team at State Governor’s Cup

Mar. 14 & 16…Peer Observation Days at GCMS

Mar. 15…GCMS SBDMC Meeting, 3:15

Mar. 17…PLC Day

Mar. 31…Deadline for All Formal Classroom Observations

Better Safe Than Sorry!

This Week at GCMS:

I was watching Channel 3 News this morning, and they were recounting the storms that hit Henryville, Indiana and other areas on March 2, 2012, five years ago today.  It was a stormy day here too, if you recall, as we had tornado warnings and golf ball sized hail falling from the sky.  We spent quite a bit of the school day in the hallways and held some of our students later than usual after school that day.  After school was clear, our family spent a big part of the evening with Teresa’s family then returned to find golf ball sized holes all over our siding and golf ball sized indentions all over our roof.  Thinking back, I realize how truly fortunate we were at our house and in our community.  The losses could have been much worse, and we must always take weather safety very seriously.  I was glad that the district played it safe yesterday with a two hour delay when the weather was threatening right at morning bus time.  As we go through spring, let’s be vigilant about always staying as safe as possible.

Come Out and Support Our Students:

It is always great to see GCMS teachers and staff at ballgames, concerts, and other extracurricular activities.  As a principal, I get to attend a large number of evening events each year, and I have noticed that the kids love it when their teachers are there showing support.  It’s getting late in the school year, but there are still lots of events to attend.  I know everyone is tired after the long day at school, but if you come out sometime, I believe you’ll be glad you did! 

Staff Attendance:

The cold and flu season is here in full force, and our staff attendance has suffered lately.  I know that sometimes absence is unavoidable because of sickness.  But with that in mind, please try to be present for every day of school possible when you are well.  We have some great substitute teachers, but as I have said many times, a sub on their best day is not equal to the teacher on their worst day.  Thank you. 

School Funds:

As you know, the GCMS deadline to spend 920X money was Tuesday, Feb. 28.  If you have not already contacted Mrs. House about any further spending, no more requests will be considered for this year’s allocation.  Also, for future reference, please always go through your department heads for any spending of 920X money (next year and in future years).

(The Following Notes are Repeated from Last Week):

Legislation in Frankfort:

There has been much talk about what new legislation will come out of the General Assembly this session.  Senate Bill 1 represents a huge overhaul of education in Kentucky, regarding standards, testing, evaluations, and a whole host of education topics.  Separate legislation is also likely to pass to establish charter schools in Kentucky.  Other education proposals range from restroom choice to carrying guns in schools to site based council powers.  This session may have the biggest impact on Kentucky schools of any session in the past 20 years.  My advice is that if you feel strongly about one or more of the education issues being debated, contact your representatives in Frankfort. 

You may leave a message for any state legislator at 1-800-372-7181, or you may email Representative Tim Moore at tim.moore@lrc.ky.gov or Senator Steve Meredith at stephen.meredith@lrc.ky.gov. 

Assessment Focus/Peer Observation Days:

Teachers, please review the email that Gary Parker sent out yesterday with subject line “Observ-a-palooza”.  Following up on our “next level of work” recommendations for our problem of practice, we are planning two days of peer observations to focus on various aspects of assessment.  This is planned for March 14 and 16, with follow-up conversations during our March 17 PLC day, which so far is still planned as a staff only day.  I appreciate the assessment team and Mr. Parker for organizing this effort.  Our plan is to conduct the peer observation days in place of spring instructional rounds.  Each teacher will get to observe in a colleague’s classroom and focus the observation on a specific part of assessment or feedback where our survey indicated a desire for growth.

 

College Fridays in March:

Once again, we plan to celebrate March Madness by wearing college shirts and hats each Friday in March.  Encourage everyone to support their favorite college or university in this way! 

Observations:

All formal classroom observations must be completed before the end of March.  Please contact your administrator to schedule your observation if you have not done so already.  Remember, non-tenured teachers need 2 minis, a peer, and a full.  Tenured summative year teachers need a peer and a full, and tenured non-summative year need a mini.

Quote of the Day:

“Much of what we see depends on what we are looking for.” ~Phil Calloway

Coming Attractions:

Mar. 2….Home Volleyball, 5:30

Mar. 3.....State-wide Tornado Drill, 9:07 am

Mar. 6….Testing Training after school (app. 2 hours)

Mar. 14 & 16…Peer Observation Days at GCMS

Mar. 15…GCMS SBDMC Meeting, 3:15

Mar. 17…PLC Day (unless we miss

Global Warming, March Madness, Observ-a-palooza, and More!

This Week at GCMS:

With temperatures in the 70’s this week and possibly hitting 80 tomorrow, it doesn’t seem much like February this year!  I don’t want to write a global warming article, but wow, the weather patterns aren’t what they used to be.  It may be time for all of us to look around and start thinking seriously about what we can do to help preserve the environment.  I have just a few notes to share as the week winds down.

Legislation in Frankfort:

There has been much talk about what new legislation will come out of the General Assembly this session.  Senate Bill 1 represents a huge overhaul of education in Kentucky, regarding standards, testing, evaluations, and a whole host of education topics.  Separate legislation is also likely to pass to establish charter schools in Kentucky.  Other education proposals range from restroom choice to carrying guns in schools to site based council powers.  This session may have the biggest impact on Kentucky schools of any session in the past 20 years.  My advice is that if you feel strongly about one or more of the education issues being debated, contact your representatives in Frankfort. 

You may leave a message for any state legislator at 1-800-372-7181, or you may email Representative Tim Moore at tim.moore@lrc.ky.gov or Senator Steve Meredith at stephen.meredith@lrc.ky.gov. 

Assessment Focus/Peer Observation Days:

Teachers, please review the email that Gary Parker sent out yesterday with subject line “Observ-a-palooza”.  Following up on our “next level of work” recommendations for our problem of practice, we are planning two days of peer observations to focus on various aspects of assessment.  This is planned for March 14 and 16, with follow-up conversations during our March 17 PLC day, which so far is still planned as a staff only day.  I appreciate the assessment team and Mr. Parker for organizing this effort.  Our plan is to conduct the peer observation days in place of spring instructional rounds.  Each teacher will get to observe in a colleague’s classroom and focus the observation on a specific part of assessment or feedback where our survey indicated a desire for growth. 

College Fridays in March:

Once again, we plan to celebrate March Madness by wearing college shirts and hats each Friday in March.  Encourage everyone to support their favorite college or university in this way! 

Observations: (repeat from last week)

All formal classroom observations must be completed before the end of March.  Please contact your administrator to schedule your observation if you have not done so already.  Remember, non-tenured teachers need 2 minis, a peer, and a full.  Tenured summative year teachers need a peer and a full, and tenured non-summative year need a mini. 

Quote of the Day:

“What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies within you.”

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Coming Attractions:

Feb. 22-24…8th graders register for high school classes through teams

Feb. 28…Home Volleyball, 5:30

Feb. 28…Deadline for spending Classroom Funds

Mar. 2….Home Volleyball, 5:30

Mar. 6….Testing Training after school (app. 2 hours)

Mar. 14 & 16…Peer Observation Days at GCMS

Mar. 15…GCMS SBDMC Meeting, 3:15

Mar. 17…PLC Day (if not a student makeup day)

Spring Comes Early at GCMS

This Week at GCMS:

We have been moving right along at GCMS this week.  The spring-like weather has made our GCMS Cougars very active this week! I appreciate everyone showing great patience with the students and staying on top of things.   I have just a few notes to share as the week winds to a close.

Staff Concerns:

Our GCMS staff has suffered some losses this week.  Former GCMS school resource officer, J.R. Oller passed away on Sunday.  J.R. served as SRO at GCMS during the 2007-2008 school year and was a great asset to our school. 

Vicki Staley’s father passed away this week, and also, former staff member, Charlene Noblett’s mother passed away this week.

Please keep all these in your thoughts and prayers.

Cougar Bucks:

Please remind all students about the proper use of Cougar Bucks.  Recently, we have seen an uptick with inappropriate uses such as name switching, trying to use someone else’s Cougar Bucks, use for other purposes such as buying gum, and some theft issues.  Remind students that the Bucks are supposed to be a reward for that student’s good work and not to reward someone else.  It is always best practice to write the student’s name on the Buck when it is received.  Also, please always keep your Bucks in a safe place where no one with sticky fingers will be tempted.  Thanks for using PBIS to promote positive student behavior at GCMS! 

Observations:

All formal classroom observations must be completed before the end of March.  Please contact your administrator to schedule your observation if you have not done so already.  Remember, non-tenured teachers need 2 minis, a peer, and a full.  Tenured summative year teachers need a peer and a full, and tenured non-summative year need a mini. 

Quote of the Day:

“O, wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?” ~Percy Shelley

Coming Attractions:

Feb. 15-17…State Beta Convention

Feb. 20…will be used as a student makeup day (not PLC)

Feb. 21..8th Grade Parent Night at GCHS

Feb. 22-24…8^th graders register for high school classes through teams

Feb. 28…Home Volleyball, 5:30

Feb. 28…Deadline for spending Classroom Funds

The Dog Days of February

This Week at GCMS:

It has been another very busy week at GCMS!  Mrs. Miller is attending a workshop about reducing achievement gaps today, and our counselors are attending a counseling conference, but since Mr. Whitmore and I specialize in “girl drama,” it has been a very smooth day.  I appreciate the leadership team at GCMS.  You may know that this is my 10^th year as GCMS principal and am the senior-most school administrator in Grayson County.  You may or may not know that Mr. Whitmore and Mrs. Miller are the second and third senior-most school administrators in the district.  On top of that, Mrs. Majors and Mrs. Sims have even more experience than the administrators in the position of counselor.  Mrs. Pearl has served as GCMS curriculum coordinator for nine years as well.  I am very thankful for this leadership team which has been a consistent group for so many years.  Each has unique strengths which help to make our school a better place.  Combine this team with our wonderful staff, and we have an awesome combination.  Thank you for all of your hard work to make our school a model of excellence!

Staff Concerns:

It was good to have Chris Drake back to work at GCMS this week.  Mr. Drake has been recovering from back surgery and is working through a lot of pain.  We appreciate him being here.

Pam Armstrong returned to work this week as well, but will be having surgery on February 20.  Please remember Pam in your prayers for a speedy recovery.

Please continue to remember Stacy Pierce in your prayers as she continues her cancer treatments.  As always, she is a trooper and wants to return to work as soon as possible.  We wish her all the best and hope she is back with us soon as well. 

Congratulations:

Hats off to the GCMS future problem solving team!  Our GCMS team won first place in the region and will advance to State Governor’s Cup competition next month.  Also, congratulations to 8^th grader, Eli Helm, on winning 2^nd place in the region in social studies and also advancing to state.  Great job!

Karen Van Metre took part in a recognition ceremony yesterday in Frankfort for being chosen as one of three finalists for the Kentucky Math and Science Teacher of the Year.  We are very proud of Karen receiving this honor based on the great work that she does at GCMS. 

Congratulations to the winners of the Grayson County Spelling Bee!  From GCMS, the winners in the 6-8 division were 1^st place-Colton Glenn, 2^nd place-Sandon Paddock, and 3^rd place-Jerry Majors.  Great job!

Thank You!

We appreciate the central office for providing our staff with hot chocolate on Wednesday morning!  This was very nice.  Thank you to Kristy Hodges and Kaylean Hart for preparation and to Sheila Meredith and Caryn Lewis for serving! 

Quote of the Day:

“Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.” ~John Wooden

Coming Attractions:

Feb. 13…Home Volleyball, 5:00

Feb. 15-17…State Beta Convention

Feb. 20…will be used as a student makeup day (not PLC)

Feb. 21..8^th Grade Parent Night at GCHS

Feb. 28…Home Volleyball, 5:30

Feb. 28…Deadline for spending Classroom Funds

Happy Groundhog Day!

This Week at GCMS:

Happy Groundhog Day!  For fear of jinxing us, I am not talking much about the mild winter that we have been enjoying so far!  I talk to my son Scott every few days, and he comments about how the folks in Minnesota don’t blink at a foot of snow or below zero temperatures.  They are used to it every year and know how to deal with it.  Here, south of the Mason-Dixon line, we all know that a few flurries can leave us scurrying for bread and milk and shutting down schools.  The truth is that when we have winter weather in Kentucky, the right call is to cancel school.  If it’s not that bad, there’s no harm done, but if we go to school and then there are accidents or someone gets hurt, then everyone rushes to blame someone.  I for one, hope that our mild winter continues, we do not miss many days, and our students finish up the school year in May. Sounds nice, doesn’t it?

The Problem with “No Problem”

Sometimes we fall into the habit of saying certain things that may have meaning that we may not really want to convey.  The prime example is when someone says “how are you”, most of us say “fine” or “I’m doing well” whether we really mean it or not.  Just being polite.  Another one that I am personally working on cutting out of my repertoire is “no problem”.  It is a common response when someone thanks us to respond with “no problem”.  It seems an appropriate response, but when you think about it, are we saying “it should have been a problem, or it might have been a problem, or it should have been someone else’s problem”?  A good response to “thank you” is “you’re welcome”, and an even better response is “I’m glad to be of help”.  That’s one of my self-improvement goals, to quit saying “no problem”.  If you have this same issue, let’s all eliminate “no problem”.  I’m glad to be of help to you on this issue!  J

Good Luck Cougars!

I want to wish the best of luck to our GCMS academic team in Regional Governor’s Cup competition.  Our FPS team competed on Monday night, and the other events have been postponed until next Monday and Tuesday evening because of sickness in a neighboring district. 

Good luck to all of our GCMS students who will be competing in the annual Grayson County Spelling Bee this coming Saturday. 

Parent/Teacher Conferences:

We have parent/teacher conferences scheduled at GCMS on Tuesday evening from 4:00-6:00.  Take this opportunity to have some positive and productive conversations with parents about student learning and progress.  Hopefully, we will have a good turnout!

Quote of the Day:

“Don’t knock the weather, nine tenths of the people couldn’t start a conversation if it didn’t change once in a while.” ~Kin Hubbard

Coming Attractions:

Feb. 4….Grayson County Spelling Bee at GCMS

Feb. 6-7…Academic Team at Regional Governor’s Cup

Feb. 7…Parent/Teacher Conferences at GCMS, 4:00-6:00

Feb. 15-17…State Beta Convention

Feb. 21..8^th Grade Parent Night at GCHS

Feb. 28…Deadline for spending Classroom Funds

It's Great to Be a Cougar!

This Week at GCMS:

It is always great to have former GCMS students come back and visit or share stories of their experiences with our students.  I enjoyed sitting in with Vicki Hicks’ class this morning to hear Courtney Tucker (Nena’s daughter) tell of her semester in China.  It was so interesting to hear about the culture and to see the students so interested and asking so many great questions.  This is just one more example that our Grayson County kids can go anywhere and do anything when they set their minds to it.  We appreciate Courtney visiting our school today.

Student Voice Survey:

We will begin this year’s Student Voice Survey this coming Monday, January 30.  Please review the schedule and instructions that Becki Pearl sent out earlier this week.  Any student whose parent has returned the form requesting their child not participate should not be required to participate.  While the SVS is only a small part of anyone’s evaluation, it should be taken seriously and each teacher should be able to take valuable feedback from the survey.  With three years of data, we should be able to see trends and patterns about how our students view us as teachers.  Everyone should use the results to focus improvement efforts.  Thanks.

Congratulations:

This past week has been very successful for many GCMS student groups.  Particularly, our GCMS band had 25 students to qualify for All-District Band this year.  Our GCMS academic team won first place at this year’s District Governor’s Cup, including first in quick recall, first in FPS, three first place individuals, and 14 individual placements altogether.  Our archery team also had a very successful meet at Edmonson County last weekend. 

Good Luck:

I would like to wish the best of luck to our GCMS boys basketball teams as they participate in the Green River Valley Conference tournament at Edmonson County starting on Saturday.

Make Up Day:

The school district has decided to use February 20 as a student makeup day.  That date had originally been scheduled as a staff only PLC day.  This means that the staff day will have to be made up later in the school year, likely added at the end of the school year.  As of right now, the March 17 PLC day has not been designated as a makeup day.  This could change depending on whether we miss many more snow days.

Quote of the Day:

“When you do the things you need to do when you need to do them, the day will come when you can do the things you want to do when you want to do them.” ~Zig Ziglar

Coming Attractions:

Jan. 27…GCMS  home volleyball, 5:00

Jan. 28…GRVC Boys Basketball Tournament begins (at Edmonson Co.)

Jan. 28…Archery at Meade Co.

Jan. 31…GCMS home volleyball, 5:00

Feb. 4….Grayson County Spelling Bee at GCMS

Feb. 7…Parent/Teacher Conferences at GCMS, 4:00-6:00

Feb. 15-17…State Beta Convention

Feb. 21..8^th Grade Parent Night at GCHS

Feb. 28…Deadline for spending Classroom Funds

Go Cougars!

This Week at GCMS:

We have had another good week at GCMS!  It was great to see Elaine Holley visiting at GCMS this morning!  I have just a few notes to share this week.

Staff Concerns:

Please continue to remember Stacy Pierce in your thoughts and prayers.  She is currently in the hospital in Louisville and in need of your prayers.

Also, please remember Chris Drake in his recovery from back surgery. 

Chromebook Trainings:

It is great to have Dee Dee Webb at GCMS today to work with our teachers on Chromebook use.  I was able to sit in on a session this morning, and I know that Dee Dee is going to be a huge asset to our school and our district.  With the 60 Chromebooks added this year, another 70 next year, and the sets purchased by Teams 4 and 6, GCMS is becoming Chromebook City!  Let’s make the best use possible of this technology resource to benefit student learning at GCMS. 

Good Luck Academic Team:

GCMS will be hosting the district Governor’s Cup academic competition this week.  Future Problem Solving and written composition were held on Tuesday evening, and quick recall and written assessments will be held this Saturday.  Good luck to our GCMS academic team!

Quote of the Day:

“Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.”

~Franklin Roosevelt

Coming Attractions:

Jan. 21…Academic Team hosts District Governor’s Cup Competition

Jan. 21…Archery at Edmonson Co.

Jan. 21…All District Band Auditions

Jan. 21…GCMS Boys Basketball hosts Edmonson Co., 12:00

Jan. 25…Team Leader Meeting, 7:15

Jan. 28…GRVC Boys Basketball Tournament begins (at Edmonson Co.)

Jan. 28…Archery at Meade Co.

Feb. 4….Grayson County Spelling Bee at GCMS

Like Kentucky Weather? Stick Around, It Will Change!

This Week at GCMS:

It has been another great week at GCMS!  After the short disruption of snow days last week, our students are settling back in to the routine of the new semester and good things are happening.  I have just a few notes to share as the week winds toward Friday.

Anti-Bully Program:

Our anti-bullying assemblies went very well yesterday.  The speaker, Major Robert Carter, of the Madisonville Police Department, was very complimentary of our students and staff.  I felt that our kids really responded well and took the message to heart yesterday.  My challenge to our students now is to remember and practice the things that were taught.  The area of digital citizenship and online behavior was the main focus of the presentations, and this is such an important area for students to take seriously and think before they post pictures, comments, and other information online.  The parent session was lightly attended but was also very informative.

Emergency Drills:

As you know, we conduct a variety of emergency drills throughout the school year.  There are legal requirements that every type of emergency drill be conducted in January.  With this in mind, we will be doing one of every drill this month.  We will watch the weather in choosing when to do the fire drill.  As always, please review emergency drill procedures and encourage students to always take the drills seriously.  We are always better prepared in the event of an actual emergency when we have practiced our drills effectively.  Thanks.

Observations:

I have enjoyed observing in lots of classrooms recently.  With observation window 2 closing this week, I would like for all teachers to be thinking about scheduling your remaining observations for the school year.  Non-tenured teachers will need a full observation by the end of March.  Tenured teachers in the summative year will need a full observation by the end of March if you have not already done so.  Tenured teachers not in the summative year will need a mini observation, also before the end of March if not already completed.  Please review your lesson plans and contact your administrator to schedule your observation.  Summative year teachers (tenured and non-tenured) should be working on Domain 1 and 4 documentation as well.

Living Well Promise:

If you have chosen a Living Well insurance plan, you will need to complete your Living Well Promise this spring.  Please review Sarah Crume’s email from this week regarding how to complete the Living Well Promise.

Quote of the Day:

“Worry is the interest paid by those who borrow trouble.” ~George Washington

Coming Attractions:

Jan. 12…GCMS Boys Basketball, 5:30 pm

Jan. 13…Window 2 observation deadline

Jan. 14….GCMS Archery at John Hardin HS

Jan. 16…No School, MLK Day

Jan. 17 & 21…Academic Team hosts District Governor’s Cup Competition

Jan. 18…GCMS SBDMC Meeting, 3:15
Jan. 19...Dee Dee Webb will meet with teams during planning times.

Jan. 21…Academic Team hosts District Governor’s Cup

Jan. 21…GCMS Boys Basketball hosts Edmonson Co., 12:00