Marching Through August!

                              7th Grader Max Daley and His 582.5 lb State Champion Pumpkin!

Busy Week!

It has been another good week at GCMS!  Last week, I loved hearing weather forecasts saying that the daytime highs this week would only be in the upper 70’s, but somehow the revised forecast is for 94 degrees for this afternoon.  It's false advertising!!!  The GCMS Cougar Football team will have our first home game of the season at GCMS this evening.  The game will start at 5:30, and it should cool down nicely after that.  Come on out and support our boys!

Back to School Cookout:

Staff from the central office plan to be at GCMS on Tuesday to provide our staff with a lunch time cookout!  We appreciate them thinking of us and providing our lunch that day.  Just plan to come to the bus canopy during your regular lunchtime on Tuesday.  Thanks to Mr. Robinson, the central office staff, and our school board members.

Cougar Zone:

Our after school Cougar Zone program got started with week, and we have had very good attendance this week.  Please encourage students to attend.  After an hour of tutoring and homework help, our CZ program has many fun activities for the students to enjoy.  Please check the morning announcement power-point for more details.  There will be no Cougar Zone next week because of the Grayson County Fair.

Data Embargo:

I know that we have been sharing student test scores with teachers for your new students and your last year’s students.  Please do not share the scores with anyone yet.  Our data is currently under quality control and being reviewed for accuracy and any possible discrepancies.  I should be able to share our accountability report toward the end of September. 

Emergency Drills:

I have been pleased with our emergency drills so far this school year.  The police officers who helped us with Tuesday’s lockdown drill were very complimentary of our students and staff and how seriously everyone took the procedure.  As we always tell the students, the better we do with our drills, the better prepared we will be in the event of an actual emergency.  Along that line of thought, Braxton Allen has arranged for a presentation at GCMS during part of our November 8 PLC Day on “Active Shooter Survival”.  The program will be presented at GCMS that morning and then at GCHS that afternoon.  All staff should wear comfortable clothing and tennis shoes that day.  I appreciate Mr. Allen getting this set up for our staff.

Quote of the Day:

"I Didn't Set Out to Beat the World; I Just Set Out to Do My Absolute Best." - Al Oerter

Coming Attractions:

Aug. 25….GCMS Home Football Game, 5:30

Aug. 30…Back to School Cookout during lunch (provided by the GC Board of Ed. and Central Office)

Sept. 2…PLC Day (staff only, no students that day)

Sept 5…No School, Labor Day

Sept. 9….due date for PGP and SGG in CIITS

This Week at GCMS!

Back in the Saddle!

Great Start!

By all accounts, our school year has gotten off to a great start!  I appreciate everyone showing such positive attitudes and being diligent about teaching the students our procedures and expectations.  I have also been very pleased with the transition in the front office.  Melanie and Karen have both been very positive additions to our office staff.  Please stop by and welcome them if you haven’t gotten a chance already.  Teachers are well into instruction now, and I am seeing positive teaching and learning all around the building.  Let’s make it our goal to sustain this high level of instruction throughout the school year, and our students will certainly reap the rewards!  I know that everyone is glad to get to the end of our first full week, and I hope you have a great weekend!

Whirlwind Trip:

Teresa and I had a bittersweet trip last weekend as we helped our son Scott make his move to Minneapolis.  He graduated from Vanderbilt this spring and will start his PhD program at the University of Minnesota this fall.  We are so proud of him and are excited about his future, but let me tell you it is tough to leave your child (and yes, I know he’s 22 years old) 800 miles from home.  All went well with the move, and he is very excited about it.  I appreciate so many of you asking about him.

SGG and PGP:

Mrs. Miller sent this reminder yesterday, but in case you missed it, I do want to repeat this information.  Some have asked about due dates for the student growth goals and professional growth plan, so this is a reminder that both of those need to be completed by September 9^th.  Mrs. Miller, Mr. Whitmore, and I look forward to talking with you about goals for this school year.

Suicide Prevention Training:

As you know, all middle school and high school certified staff members are required to complete 2 hours of suicide prevention training.  Most of you have already completed this training and turned in your certificates to Mrs. House.  If you have not done so, please have this turned in by the end of August.

Drink Machines:

After years of GCMS offering the cheapest soft drinks on Earth, we are finally going to have to raise the prices in the RC vending machines because of price increases from our distributor.  The prices will still be cheaper than most places, but I wanted you to know that we had no choice but to increase. 

Quote of the Day:

“There is an advantage in every disadvantage, and a gift in every problem.” ~John Johnson

Coming Attractions:

Aug. 22…Cougar Zone begins (Mon-Thurs, until 5:00)

Aug. 25….GCMS Home Football Game, 5:30

Aug. 30…Cookout during lunch (provided by the GC Board of Ed. and Central Office)

Sept. 2…PLC Day (staff only, no students that day)

Sept 5…No School, Labor Day

Sept. 9….due date for PGP and SGG in CIITS

Jim Blain, Principal

Grayson County Middle School

726 John Hill Taylor Dr.

Leitchfield, KY 42754

Ph. 270-259-4175

Fax 270-259-5875

“The great use of life is to spend it for something that will outlast it.” ~William James

Sweet Summer, Where Have You Gone?

This Summer at GCMS:

It seems that the summers at GCMS get more active and busy with each passing year.  Our school has been hopping with teaching and learning during June and July, with programs such as Camp Invention, summer reading, 6^th Sense, safe crisis management, etc.  Our custodial crew is getting closer to having the floors finished as they have worked around so much summer activity.  I know that our teachers are champing (or chomping) at the bit to get into the classrooms to get things ready for the new school year, which is right around the corner.  I expect that teachers will be able to access classrooms in the 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade hallways after 3:00 this afternoon and until school starts.

The New School Year:

As I begin my 27^th year working in education, I look back at all the changes that have come along, and I am amazed.  So many positive changes have taken place over the years with innovative teaching strategies and new technologies, along with some not so positive, mostly regarding government mandates and social changes.  The main constant I have seen has been the persistent drive of teachers to help students succeed, and students looking to teachers for kindness, encouragement, and positive guidance.  I look forward to the school year, my 10^th as principal at GCMS, and I expect to continue being amazed by the efforts of our students and staff.  Let’s make it a great year!

New Faces:

I want to update you on staff changes and additions that have taken place:

Shane Decker returns to GCMS and will be teaching social studies in Team 4.

Alex Lovell, who student taught with Melanie Gallagher this spring, is teaching math in Team 8.

Bryan Jones joins us after several years teaching in Todd Co. and will teach science in Team 3.

Daniel Priddy crosses the street from Wilkey to join our staff and teach math/reading intervention.

Loren Dudgeon will be our new library aide this year.

Josh Derque will be a one-on-one aide in Team 7.

Changing Places:

Melanie Manion will be our new receptionist at GCMS.

Stacey Escue will move to an aide position in our FMD unit this year.

Tonya Haycraft will work one-on-one with a student in Team 3.

Stacy Pierce will be our new 21^st Century Site Coordinator.

Vickie Hicks will move to Team 6 social studies.

Ali Clemons will move to Team 4 science.

Karen VanMetre will be the new Team Leader for Team 8.

Back to School Dates:

There are many dates that you need to be aware of in the near future.  The new employee breakfast will be on July 29 at Farmer’s Feed Mill in Leitchfield.  The breakfast will start at 7:30.  Our GCMS Opening Day will be on Tuesday, August 2 from 8:00-3:00.  I anticipate our staff meeting will last from about 8-11, and then teachers should have the afternoon to work in your classrooms.  We will also have our GCMS Back to School Open House on August 2, with 6^th graders from 5:00-6:00 and 7^th/8^th graders from 6:00-7:00.  As usual, we will need Title teachers and available aides to hand out schedules in the gym that evening starting around 4:30.  GCMS teachers will have PD on Thursday, August 4 from 8-3, and district wide day will be Friday, August 5 at GCMS.  Breakfast on August 5 will be from 7:00-8:15, and all staff will gather in the auditorium at 8:30.  We will have our district wide session until lunch.  After lunch, each school will go to their own buildings for the afternoon session.  Monday, August 8 is not a required work day at GCMS, and students’ first day of school is on Tuesday, August 9. 

Summer Renovations:
Some of our common areas have received a makeover this summer with the installation of new bleachers and painting in the gym, new carpet to go with our new curtains in the auditorium, and some remodeling of the front hall restrooms.  We appreciate Mr. Robinson, Mr. Crump, and the board for supporting us in getting these needed improvements to our school.

Suicide Prevention Training:

As I emailed you back in June, we are going to use the training from the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide again this year.  This is required for all middle and high school teachers, counselors, administrators,  and other certified employees.  Since most of you completed this training last year, just watch the videos and print off a new certificate.  I had a little trouble with the program wanting to print it with last year’s date on it.  If you have this issue, it is fine to print it with last year’s date, then write in the actual date and initial it.  This does not count as part of our 4 days (24 hours) of PD, so you are welcome to wait until school starts and complete the training during planning time if you like. 

Just go to www.sptsuniversity.org.  On the left hand side under the Log-In section, click “create new account”.  You choose your own username and password and complete a quick registration.  After you are registered and logged in, choose the module “Making Educators Partners in Youth Suicide Prevention: Act on Facts (National)”.  The program takes about 2 hours to complete (depending on your reading speed, transition time, and if you repeat any video segments), and then you should print off your certificate of completion.  Please return your certificate to Mrs. House before the end of August. 

Restraint/Seclusion Training:

As you know, all certified and classified employees are required to have annual restraint and seclusion training.  I will conduct this training during our afternoon session on August 4.  Some of our staff has also completed safe crisis management training this summer and will serve on our SCM core team.  I will send you that list of names as soon as it is finalized.

Quote of the Day:

The whole purpose of education is to turn mirrors into windows.  ~Sydney J. Harris

Coming Attractions:

July 29……..New Employee Breakfast, 7:30 am at Farmer’s Feed Mill

Aug. 2………Opening Day at GCMS, 8-3

Aug. 2………Back to School Night at GCMS, 5-7

Aug. 4………PD for GCMS teachers, 8-3

Aug. 5………District Wide Day at GCMS, breakfast from 7:00-8:15

Aug. 8………not a required day for teachers

Aug. 9………Students’ first day of school in Grayson County

Aug. 18…….School Picture Day at GCMS

Have a Great Summer!

This Week at GCMS:

As we wrap up another year at GCMS, I just want to thank everyone for all of your hard work, support, and encouragement to help to students of GCMS to be successful and have a great year.  I want to wish our 8^th graders the best of everything as they start the exciting adventure of high school, and I look forward to seeing our 6^th and 7^th graders again when school starts in the fall.  I know that everyone is looking forward to the summer break.  I hope that you are able to enjoy time with your family and friends, get your minds of school for a while, and get some much needed rest and relaxation.

 

Congratulations GCMS Retirees:

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate and thank those staff members who are retiring from GCMS at the end of this school year.  We have more retirees than usual, and each one will certainly be missed by our students and staff.  Thank you all for your hard work and dedication.  You don’t receive nearly enough credit for the hard work that you have done.  Your work is key to student success, and in the bigger picture, your work is key to the future of our community.  Thanks for all that you have done.

Retiring from GCMS this year are Elaine Holley, Ginny Paine, Lisa Robards, and Viola Williams.  We also had some teachers and staff who retired during this school year, Shela Herman, Susan Higdon and Nell Elmore.  We wish each of you the very best in your retirement.

Field Days:

Thank you to everyone who worked hard to make this year’s field days run so smoothly.  The weather cooperated for 6^th and 7^th grade days, and despite this morning’s rain, our staff has made things work with inside events for our 8^th graders.  A special thanks goes to Mr. Whitmore for directing the field day events and to our related arts teachers for all of their work in planning and running the events. 

8^th Grade Commencement Programs:

We have our annual 8^th grade commencement programs scheduled for Friday, June 3 in the GCMS auditorium.  The Team 3 program will be at 8:00, with Team 1 at 9:30, and Team 2 at 11:00.  I am asking our staff not to park in the large staff parking lot off of Lee Avenue and not to park in front of GCMS.  We will reserve these areas for those family members who are here to attend commencement.  Also, those attending the 9:30 and 11:00 programs will be able to park in the bus loop behind the school.  Parents may meet their students in the GCMS library after commencement. 

Next Week:

Grayson County School staff only days will be held on Monday, June 6 and Tuesday, June 7.  Our closing day will be Wednesday, June 8.  We plan to have a breakfast for our staff on Wednesday morning at GCMS and take a few moments to recognize our retirees that morning.  Those staff members who worked Back to School Night at the beginning of the school year will only be required a half day on Wednesday.  Any staff members who did not attend Back to School Night should plan to work a full day on Wednesday. 

Quote of the Day:

“Kids don’t make up 100% of our population, but they do make up 100% of our future.” ~Zig Ziglar

Coming Attractions:

June 3…Students’ Last Day of School

June 3…8^th Grade Commencement programs

June 6 & 7…Staff Work Days

June 8…Closing Day (those who worked Back to School Night only have to stay half a day)

August 2….Opening Day at GCMS

August 2….Back to School Night, 5:00-7:00

August 4….PD day for GCMS teachers

August 5….District-wide PD day at GCMS

August 8….Not a required work day for teachers, aides

August 9….Students first day of school in Grayson County

This is a Test...This is Only a Test

This Week at GCMS:

After driving a 1600 mile round trip to go apartment hunting with my son in Minneapolis last weekend, it has been nice to be back into the routine of school this week.  After getting stuck in traffic in Chicago on the way and again in the “Gatlinburg of the North” Wisconsin Dells on the way back, I remember why I like living in small town USA, where a tractor or Amish buggy constitute a traffic jam.  I have no desire for “bright lights/big city” unless it’s just to visit.  I have just a few notes to share as we wind up the week.

Congratulations!

GCMS is proud to have 6 students recognized for high ACT scores this year.  Bailey Richardson, Amanda Fulp, Chloe Cox, Stetson Higdon, Nate Pennington, and Miles Hornbeck have all achieved recognition at the state level for high scores.  Bailey and Chloe were recognized for high scores in all subject areas, and Bailey and Amanda were recognized at the national level for high scores.  This is an outstanding level of achievement!  If you see these students, please congratulate them!

KPREP:

I want to thank everyone at GCMS for the great effort put forth during this year’s KPREP testing.  I heard many comments about how hard the students were working and the positive attitudes being shown during testing.  As I told our students, I already know that we have great students at GCMS, but this is their chance to show the whole state of Kentucky what great students we have! I know that everyone is relieved to have this year's testing completed.

New Faces/New Spaces:

I would like to welcome a few new faces at GCMS for next school year.  Mr. Alex Lovell has been hired to teach math in Team 8.  Mr. Shane Decker has been hired to teach social studies in Team 4.  Mr. Bryan Jones has been hired to teach science in Team 3.  A couple of folks in new spaces will be Vicki Hicks teaching social studies in Team 6 and Ali Clemons teaching science in Team 4. 

Field Days:

Our annual field days will take place next week at GCMS.  The 6^th grade field day will be Tuesday, with 7^th grade on Wednesday, and 8^th grade on Thursday.  Students will be allowed and encouraged to wear hats, sun screen, sun glasses, etc.  The Beta Club will be selling bottled water and snacks.  Of course, students will be allowed to go in for a drink of water if they do not wish to buy water.  We certainly want everyone to stay hydrated.  KPREP rewards will be each afternoon for the grade that has field day that day.  I appreciate Mr. Whitmore and our related arts and title teachers for organizing and supervising these events. 

8^th Grade Commencement:

Our 8^th grade commencement programs will be held by team on the morning of Friday, June 3 with Team 3 at 8:00, Team 1 at 9:30, and Team 2 at 11:00.  I am asking our related arts and title teachers to take care of parking cars and crowd control within the building as we have done the past few years.  I am asking GCMS staff to not park in the front of the building and no park in the large teacher parking lot next to Lee Avenue.  We will leave this parking open for parents attending the commencement programs.  After each program, students will exit the back of the auditorium stage and then meet their parents/guardians in the library.  Parents may then exit through the library to their cars to depart. 

Quote of the Day:

“All that stands between the graduate and the top of the ladder is the ladder.”  ~Author Unknown

Coming Attractions:

May 27…Cougar Buck Battle Ball and Movie rewards (6^th/7^th periods)

May 30…No School, Memorial Day

May 31…8^th Grade Awards Program by invitation, 6:00 pm

June 3…Students’ Last Day of School

June 6 & 7…Staff Work Days

June 8…Closing Day (those who worked Back to School Night only have to stay half a day)

August 2….Opening Day at GCMS

August 2….Back to School Night, 5:00-7:00

August 4….PD day for GCMS teachers

August 5….District-wide PD day at GCMS

August 8….Not a required work day for teachers, aides

August 9….Students first day of school in Grayson County

Thank You, Teachers and Staff!

This Week at GCMS:

With it being National Teacher Appreciation Week, I want to take this opportunity to thank our teachers and staff for all you do at GCMS.  I have often said that being a teacher is the second hardest job in the world, second only to being a parent.  It is also the second most rewarding job to being a parent.  We have the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of our students, and our teachers and staff do a wonderful job each and every day with this huge responsibility.  Thank you for all that you do!  We will be providing a catered lunch for our staff on Friday as a small token of our appreciation.  I also want to thank our GCMS Beta Club for all of their work to show appreciation this week as well as Mrs. Miller and Mrs. Pearl for organizing our daily treats and activities.  I think our GCMS staff is the greatest!

No Cougar Notes Next Week:

Teresa and I will be going to Nashville for Scott’s graduation from Vanderbilt next Thursday/Friday, so there will be no Cougar Notes next week.  It seems like just yesterday that I was taking him down there as a green college freshman, dropping him off at the dorm, and wondering if he would survive.  He has done great, not only surviving but thriving.  He will start his PhD program in cognitive neuroscience at the University of Minnesota this fall, and we are very proud as always.  I know that a lot of our teachers and staff are in the same boat, with kids growing up and making their way in this world.  It all just happens so fast. 

Congratulations!

I want to congratulate one of our 8^th graders, Laura Vincent, for breaking the school record in the pole vault with a vault of 8 feet 6 inches!

Student Growth Goals:

Just a reminder, the assistant principals and/or I will visit CSI meetings next week to check student growth goal scores.  Please have your analysis with you at your CSI meeting.  This should include the percentage of students showing growth (H is 90 or above, E is 75-89, L is 74 or below) and the percentage of students at proficiency (or better) compared to your goal.  Those not in a regular CSI can stop in any time, or we can check yours on our May 17 PLC day. 

Quote of the Day:

“A President needs political understanding to run the government, but he may be elected without it.” ~Harry S. Truman

Coming Attractions:

May 15…… End of Year Reflections on PGPs should be entered into CIITS (tenured)

May 15….Summative Conferences due for tenured teachers

May 15…GCMS Band Concert, 2:30

May 17….PLC Day for teachers and staff (no school for students)

May 18…GCMS SBDMC meeting, 3:15

May 18-24..KPREP Testing (makeup testing, May 25-27)

May 22…GCMS Orchestra Concerts

May 30…No School, Memorial Day

June 3…Students’ Last Day of School

No Idle Time Around GCMS!

This Week at GCMS:

In Proverbs 16, we read about idle hands being the devil's workshop.  That has not been a problem around GCMS lately!  It has been another very busy week at GCMS, with two Future Cougar Nights, Reality Store, Operation Preparation, transition meetings, and tomorrow’s instructional rounds.  Teachers are working hard to meet deadlines and still teach students as well.  I have just a few notes to share with you as the week winds toward its end and a well deserved weekend!

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our newly elected GCMS site based council representatives.  Our parent reps will be Jenny Cummings and Jackie Stanton.  Our teacher reps will be Ashley Johnson, Ellen Thomas, and Don Logsdon.  I appreciate all of these folks being willing to serve, and I look forward to working with them in the coming year.  I also want to thank departing council members, parent rep Keith Lucas and teacher rep John Cariel.

After interviewing some very good candidates, I am happy to announce that I plan to recommend Alex Lovell for our math opening.  I believe he will be an excellent addition to our staff at GCMS.  If you see Mr. Lovell as he finishes up his student teaching assignment with Mrs. Gallagher here this week, please welcome him to our staff.

If you see 8^th grader, Ethan Pierce, congratulate him for breaking the school record in pole vault again!  That’s right; he broke his own record by vaulting over 10 feet this week! 

Future Cougars:

We had a great turnout on Tuesday evening, and I anticipate another great turnout tonight for our annual Future Cougar Nights!  Current 5^th graders and their parents get an introduction to our school.  Our counselors and administration share some information with the students and parents, and our Beta Club students lead them on a tour of our building.  I appreciate our 6^th grade teachers coming out to meet their future students and parents.  It helps our incoming Cougars feel more at ease about their transition to middle school.

Instructional Rounds:

Our district instructional rounds team will visit GCMS tomorrow.  As we discussed at our last faculty meeting, we will continue to focus on our problem of practice in the area of questioning.  Guiding questions that our observers will be looking for are:

•        Do the teacher and students refer to the common language for questioning?
•        Do student responses match the level of questioning?
•   ·         What are the frequencies of student generated open and closed questions?

The team will get in about half of our classrooms.  To my knowledge, no one has ever been bitten during an instructional round.  They are here to help us get better at something we have identified as a focus area for improvement. 

Reality Store/Operation Preparation:

I would like to thank Faye Critchelow, Kelzey McCubbin, and Angie Jones for all of their work in organizing and carrying out this year’s Reality Store and Operation Preparation.  With both events on the same days, it really helps out as far as reducing the impact on instruction and our regular school schedule.  It does create quite a challenge though, in recruiting more volunteers to work with each program.  I appreciate many GCMS staff members volunteering alongside our many community volunteers!  I even saw our Board of Education Chair, our County Court Clerk, a Leitchfield City Councilman, a State Senate candidate, and on and on!  I appreciate so many great folks pitching in to pull this off!

Quote of the Day:

“Real optimism is aware of problems but recognizes solutions…has reason to complain, but chooses to smile.” ~William Arthur Ward

Coming Attractions:

April 29….Instructional Rounds at GCMS

April 30….Summative Conferences due for non-tenured teachers

April 30….All teachers should have organized and analyzed SGG data.

April 30….End of Year Reflections on PGPs should be entered into CIITS (non-tenured)

May 1…..Teachers should have completed final roster verification in CIITS

May 15… End of Year Reflections on PGPs should be entered into CIITS (tenured)

May 15….Summative Conferences due for tenured teachers

May 17….PLC Day for teachers and staff (no school for students)

May 18-24..KPREP Testing (makeup testing, May 25-27)