Friday, January 31, 2014

Time Marches On!

Cougar Staff:
January has come and gone, and it has been quite a month!  Between the cold temperatures and the illnesses and health concerns that have hit our staff, we are hoping for a better February.  On a personal note, our son Scott turned 20 this week!  This does not seem possible.  It seems like he should still be the little red headed elementary student riding Moon Smith’s bus over to the high school from Lawler each afternoon instead of being a sophomore at Vanderbilt.  Time marches on.  We are looking forward to a trip to Nashville this weekend to see him and go out for a birthday meal.  We are truly blessed and thankful for our children.  I hope that everyone will stop and be thankful for the blessings in your lives, whether it be a wonderful family, great friends, a job to support your family, or the blessing of good health.  I think everyone, myself included, gets too caught up in the day to day stresses of life.  When something goes wrong, please try to stop and ask yourself “will this problem be a big deal ten years from now or even one year from now?”  If the answer is no, then try to get through it and forget about it.  If the answer is yes, then try to deal with it positively and work for the best results possible.

Personnel:
Please continue to remember those staff members who are dealing with health problems and have family members with health concerns:  Nena Tucker, Pam Armstrong, Wendy Butler, Paige Lopez, Chris Drake, Stacy Pierce, Cassie Jarboe, Shela Herman, and several others. 
I want to welcome our newest staff member, Emily Hornback.  Mrs. Hornback will be working as a one-on-one aide with a student based in Mrs. Lindsey’s class, taking Mr. Whobrey’s place after he was hired as the new FMD teacher at GCHS.

Good Luck:
I would like to wish good luck to GCMS teams and groups representing our school.  Our GCMS academic team will be competing in Regional Governor’s Cup competition tomorrow.  Our 7th grade boys basketball team has advanced in the GRVC Tournament and will continue play next week.  Finally, our GCMS Cheerleaders will be leaving for national competition in Florida late next week.  There will be a sendoff for our cheerleaders here at GCMS gym on Monday night at 6:00.  Please come out and show your support!

"Keys to Educating Middle Grades Students in Poverty":
We all know that it is our daily challenge to teach students who live in poverty.  About 70 percent of students in Grayson County are on free and reduced lunches, and many are from families living in poverty.  Between now and our next faculty meeting, I would like for you to view the webinar "Keys to Educating Middle Grades Students in Poverty" with Ruby Payne.  We will follow up on the webinar at our February 17 after school faculty meeting.  Mrs. Miller will set up a Wall Wisher for you to post to as we get closer to the meeting date.  Please look for specific strategies that you can use in your classrooms or with your advisory students.  Here’s the link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=szncUEECSjc&feature=em-share_video_user.

From Goodness to Greatness? 
Many of you have read Jim Collins’ popular book, From Good to Great.  Collins talks about the notion that many times “good” is actually the enemy of “great” and that we get comfortable and content when we are having good results rather than pushing on for great results.  Looking at a different perspective, have you ever thought about what a terrible thing it is when someone moves from “goodness” to “greatness”?  When someone who shows kindness, morality, and love sacrifices those attributes in exchange for power, position, and “greatness”, it is a truly tragic thing.  Maybe there is another book in that notion! 

Principal Certification Grant:
Have you ever considered getting your principal’s certificate?  Whether you have or not, right now might be the “best deal” you will ever get on the program at WKU.  Their new program does require that you already have your Master’s degree (with a minimum 3.0 GPA for masters coursework) and at least 3 years teaching experience.  GRREC is involved in a grant for four school districts including Grayson County that is helping to pay tuition for the principal program at WKU.  Your reduced rate for tuition would only be $125 per graduate hour!  That is compared to WKU’s regular rate for graduate tuition of $490 per graduate hour!  The program is 30 graduate hours total and could get you your Rank I.  The first of three 20 student cohorts will start in the Fall semester, 2014 with each cohort lasting 18 months.  The tentative application deadline for the Fall 2014 cohort is March 28, 2014.  I have some brochures about this program on the round table in my office.  There will be a recruitment event in late February or early March.  Feel free to grab one if you are interested.  Also, as always, I would be glad to sit down and talk with anyone who might be interested in becoming a principal.

Quote of the Day:
“Training teaches people what to do; education teaches people what to be.” ~Nido R. Qubein

Coming Attractions:
Feb. 3…GCMS Cheerleader Sendoff, 6:00 pm
Feb. 10..Parent/Teacher Conference, 4:00-6:00
Feb. 11..7th/8th Grade Back to the Future Day
Feb. 17..Makeup Day, School will be in session.
Feb. 17..after school faculty meeting
Feb. 18..Team 4 Showcase Lesson Day
Feb. 28..Please do not spend any 920X classroom funds after this date
Mar. 26..Reward Assembly for all students with no office referrals, 1:45
Mar. 28..Battle for Heart, AHA Event
Mar. 28..Makeup Day, School will be in session.
Apr. 18..Makeup Day, School will be in session.

Thursday, January 23, 2014

Here in the Polar Vortex of Grayson County

Cougar Staff:
Most of us have added some new vocabulary this year.  Polar Vortex, circumpolar whirl, and Arctic oscillation are common banter in the halls of GCMS right now as we continue to shiver our way through this winter season.  The past two mild winters had us quite spoiled, so the weather has been something of a shock to our systems.  Bundle up if you have to be out.  I hear that long underwear stock is really soaring this year!

Personnel:
Please remember those who are dealing with health concerns, those who have family members with health issues, and those who have recently lost loved ones.  I know that Susan Higdon’s mom has a surgery coming up.  Stacy Pierce is having her second chemo treatment today.  Chris Drake has a back surgery coming up in the near future.  It is good to have Tracie Johnston back with us at GCMS.  Wendy Butler is still recovering from her recent surgery.  Pam Armstrong is here but still recovering as well.  I appreciate so many of you asking about my Dad.  He is still struggling with some issues but is going to get to go home this morning after being in the hospital the past six days.  At 91, he constantly amazes me with how well he does.  Thanks for the prayers.

Great Job, Team 5!
I enjoyed spending a few minutes in each of the Team 5 classrooms this morning.  I observed students and teachers who were highly engaged.  I also noticed some very effective questioning going on!  I want to encourage all teachers to please continue to work on the engagement and questioning pieces…our students are the beneficiaries of these efforts!

Afternoons/Check and Connect/Possible Loitering:
We have noticed recently that more and more students are out of classrooms from about 2:30 until the end of the day at 2:40.  Part of this is undoubtedly our Check and Connect students going to check out with their mentors.  Please double check anyone who says that they are going to see their C&C mentor to make sure that they are on the list and that they are getting to where they are supposed to go.  Let’s not let our C&C students go until 2:35, and keep everyone else in the classrooms.  I will send you the update C&C list so you can double check it.

Scheduling Survey:
An overwhelming 92 percent (45 out of 49) of those who responded to our recent GCMS schedule survey question said they would prefer having the core schedule the same five days a week, with a 30 minute class to start the day, then six 55 minute classes. CSI would be from 7:30-8:20 once each week. Advisory would be during the 30 minute first period once each week. RTI and CCR would also be scheduled during the 30 minute first period the remaining days.  With this in mind, I am working on a draft daily schedule and hope to share that with you in the near future.

Good Luck!
Good luck to our GCMS teams competing in the near future.  Our GCMS academic team has advanced to Regional Governor’s Cup competition in both quick recall and FPS!  Our GCMS boys basketball teams will compete in the conference tournament starting this Friday night.  Our GCMS dance team will be in regional competition on Saturday.  Our GCMS Cheerleaders have made it to nationals and will be competing in Florida in early February.  GCMS band had 20 students to qualify for All District Band.  GCMS volleyball season starts next week.  Busy, busy times!

ILP Reminder (from Mrs. Sims)
The ILP completion date for this school year is May 2nd.  Please make sure to remind students to get as many entries in as possible under the “Organizations and Activities” and “Awards and Recognition” sections of their ILP.  Remind them that all GCMS clubs, academic team, sports, etc. need to be listed, as well as any academic awards, attendance awards, sports awards and recognitions.  8th Grade Teachers- please make sure that your students get their freshman class choices entered into the “Education Plan” section of the ILP after they register for classes.  The counselors are working with the high school to get a date set for freshman registration, and will let you know as soon as it is set. 

Make Up Days:
With Grayson County Schools having missed 5 days of school already, the following dates have been set as make up days:  Feb. 17, March 28, and April 18.  Again, students will be in school on those three dates.

No "Vote for Bubba" Shirts:
With this being a county election year, I need to remind you early on that school employees are not supposed to wear election campaign shirts, hats, etc. while on duty at school.  Thanks, and good luck to Bubba!

Quote of the Day:
“Remember, happiness doesn’t depend on who you are or what you have; it depends solely on what you think.” ~Dale Carnegie

Coming Attractions:
Jan. 29..Team Leader Meeting, 7:15 am
Feb. 10..Parent/Teacher Conference, 4:00-6:00
Feb. 11..7th/8th Grade Back to the Future Day
Feb. 17..after school faculty meeting


Thursday, January 9, 2014

Welcome Back!

Cougar Staff:
I want to welcome everyone back after our extended Christmas break!  I hope that everyone had an enjoyable and restful time these past two weeks.  The frigid weather has come, but hopefully we have seen the last of sub-zero temperatures for this year!  As we start the New Year, I know that many of you have set personal resolutions to make improvements in certain areas of your lives.  Some, like me, have decided to lose weight and improve health.  Some may have chosen to kick some bad habit.  Some may have resolved to make financial improvements this year.  I wish you the very best in the coming year, no matter what areas of improvement you are focusing on.  Regardless of personal resolutions, let’s all make the professional resolution to make a positive difference in the lives of our students each and every day.

Personnel:
Please continue to remember those GCMS staff members who are having health concerns, who have family members with health issues, and who have lost loved ones recently.  Cassie Jarboe has a surgery coming up on Tuesday.  Pam Armstrong and Wendy Butler are both recovering from surgeries right now.  Stacy Pierce had her first chemo treatment this past week.  Continue to remember Ellen Thomas, whose husband passed away during the break.  Also, please continue to remember Lisa York’s father, Howard, who is in serious condition in Norton’s Hospital in Louisville.

Congratulations to Brittany Watson on becoming engaged to be married!

GCMS Scheduling Survey:
I would like for all GCMS teachers, counselors, and other certified employees to respond to the following survey about next year’s schedule.  We have tried doing a “different” schedule on Fridays for the past two years, and I want your input on whether to continue or move a different direction with our schedule.  As always, we want to think about the schedule that would most benefit our students.  Click on the survey link to take this one question survey:  https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2N29Z3R.

PLC Day on January 17:
Our next PLC Day is scheduled for Friday, January 17.  We will be examining PGES 3 B that morning focusing on effective questioning strategies.  That afternoon, Ron Hurley from GRREC will be here to share with us about the Framework for Teaching and how the framework guides PGES.  We will plan to do a potluck lunch at school that day.

School Board Appreciation Month:
If you see one of our school board members, please take time to thank them for the hard work that they put in on behalf of our schools, our students, and our staff.  We sincerely appreciate Carolyn Thomason, Valeria Hayes-Hicks, Mona Fulkerson, Anna Majors, and Charlotte Gower for their service on the Grayson County School Board!

Emergency Drills:
As you know, state law requires schools to have at least one of each emergency drill during the first month of school and again during January, plus monthly fire drills and other drills at various times during the school year.  We did not do our tornado drill that was scheduled for Wednesday because of our delayed school day, so we will plan to conduct our tornado drill near the end of 2nd period on Monday, January 13 instead.

Quote of the Day:
“Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Coming Attractions:
Jan. 10...Critical Vocabulary Assessments in all core classes
Jan. 16…Club/Team/Group Pictures
Jan. 17…PLC Day (no students)
Jan. 20…MLK Day (no school)
Jan. 27…After school faculty meeting
Jan. 29..Team Leader Meeting, 7:15 am
Feb. 10..Parent/Teacher Conference, 4:00-6:00

Feb. 11..7th/8th Grade Back to the Future Day

Wednesday, December 18, 2013

Merry Christmas from GCMS!

Cougar Staff:
The first semester has flown by, and I hope that it has been a good one for you!  I know that many GCMS staff members have had and are still having health issues or family members with health concerns, and that makes it very difficult.  It is my wish and prayer for the new year that each one at GCMS enjoys good health and happiness.  I appreciate the work that you do and the kindness that you show for our students and for each other on a daily basis.  Please try to spend some relaxation time with family and friends this holiday season.  Also, thank you so much for the generous Christmas gift; I really do appreciate it!   I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Personnel:
Please continue to remember our staff members during the break:  Ellen Thomas and family, Stacy Pierce, Elaine Holley, Pam Armstrong, Laura Goff, Wendy Butler, Karen VanMetre, Ginny Paine’s husband Barker, Shirley House’s husband Jim, Cassie Jarboe’s daughter Alyson, Mary Jane Crawford’s sister, Tez Hawkins lost an uncle this week, David Whitmore’s parents, Carolyn Thomason, my father, and many others.  Also, please remember the family of former GCMS teacher and Principal Gary Gibson who passed away this week. 

Great Job, Team 7:
I enjoyed visiting the classrooms of Team 7 for showcase lesson day yesterday. I appreciate everyone’s flexibility when we had to reschedule because of the snow days of the last couple of weeks.  Highly engaged students and teachers were observed in all four classes, and I know that everyone was able to observe some strategies and ideas that can be used in their classrooms.  Great Job, Team 7!

The Greatest Assistant Principals Anywhere:
I want to give a special thanks to David Whitmore and Becky Miller for being the best assistant principals that any principal or school could ask for.  They each go above and beyond the call of duty every day to make things better for students and staff.  I know that they make my job much easier because of the things that they do.  Monday night, I spent the night with my 91 year old father who just got home after surgery and six days in the hospital.  Needless to say, I did not get much sleep on Monday night.  I was scheduled to work the boys basketball game and the band concert on Tuesday night.  Both Mrs. Miller and Mr. Whitmore offered to take my place, and were so insistent that I gave in and agreed.  That is just one small example of their commitment and dedication to our school.  I appreciate them both very much.

Critical Vocabulary Assessments:
We will be having critical vocabulary assessments in all core content classes on the first Friday after Christmas Break (January 10).  These will be placed in mailboxes during or shortly after the break.

January PLC Day:
Our January PLC is scheduled for Friday, January 17.  Our continuing emphasis on PGES will focus on Domain 3B:  Questioning.  We will also have a guest speaker from GRREC that day to share with us an overview of the new Professional Growth and Effectiveness System that goes into effect statewide next school year. 

CIITS Password Reset/Teacher Technology Assessment:
Each teacher will be required to do a password reset on CIITS as of December 21.  Also, every teacher in the district will be asked to complete a technology assessment in January.  Mr. Graybeal says that the assessment should take about 10-15 minutes to complete.  I will let you know when that assessment is available to complete.

Quote of the Day:
“He puzzled and puzzled till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before. Maybe Christmas, he thought... doesn't come from a store. Maybe Christmas, perhaps... means a little bit more!” ~Dr. Seuss,  How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Coming Attractions:
Dec. 19…Crazy Christmas Sweater Contest, 7:40 in the gym
Dec. 20…Last Day before Christmas Break (end second quarter grading period)
Dec. 20…We will use the regular Mon-Thurs schedule
Dec. 20...Wear Blue Jeans for a $5 donation to Relay for Life
Dec. 20…KYCID Pizza Party Reward, 6th period
Dec. 21-Jan. 5…Christmas Break
Jan. 10...Critical Vocabulary Assessments in all core classes
Jan. 16…Club/Team/Group Pictures
Jan. 17…PLC Day (no students)
Jan. 20…MLK Day (no school)
Jan. 27…After school faculty meeting

Thursday, December 12, 2013

This Week at GCMS

Cougar Staff:
It has been another great week at GCMS!  Of course, we missed our second snow day of the year earlier this week.  Hopefully, we will be able to get through until break without missing any more.  If we have a bad winter, it would be wise to avoid planning any June vacations.  Have a great weekend, everyone. 

Personnel:
Please continue to remember all of those GCMS staff members with health concerns and family members with health concerns.  There are many right now.

Christmas Events:
Since we had to cancel this year’s Christmas Dinner, we have arranged for K’s CafĂ© to cater a lunch for our GCMS staff members on Wednesday, December 18.  The menu will include your choice of K’s hand-breaded chicken strips or roast beef and gravy, along with mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, and cheese cake.  Merry Christmas from GCMS!  We are also still planning a potluck meal on Monday, December 16 and a Staff Crazy Christmas Sweater Contest on Thursday morning, Dec. 19 (in the gym around 7:40 am).

Thank You for the Great Breakfast:
Thank you to the Grayson County Board of Education for providing our staff with a nice Christmas breakfast on Monday morning.  We appreciate our GCMS food service staff and the district for providing this breakfast.  It was very good!

Congratulations GCMS Academic Team:
Our 6th grade academic team tied for first place in this year’s regional 6th Grade Showcase competition.  We had several individual students to place in written assessments, and our quick recall team finished second.  Great job!

Good Luck Lady Cougars:
Last weekend, the girls basketball conference tournament was cancelled due to the snow and ice.  It has been rescheduled to start this Saturday at McLean County Middle School.  Good luck ladies!

Good Luck at KYA:
About 50 GCMS students are in Louisville and Frankfort the next three days representing our school at the annual Junior Kentucky Youth Assembly.  We wish them the best of luck and a great learning experience at KYA!

Do You Like Christmas Music?
We have upcoming Christmas concerts featuring all three GCMS music performance groups:  our band, chorus, and orchestra.  Check the Coming Attractions listed below for dates and times.

SBDMC Meeting Cancelled:
Due to some member conflicts and no pressing agenda items, the December meeting of the GCMS site based council has been cancelled.

Quote of the Day:
“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” ~C.S. Lewis

Coming Attractions:
Dec. 15…GCMS Orchestra Concert, 3:00
Dec. 16…Staff Potluck Lunch in Library
Dec. 16…GCMS Chorus Concert, 6:00
Dec. 17…8th Graders tour the GC Tech Center
Dec. 17…GCMS Band Concert, 7:00
Dec. 19…Christmas Sweater Contest in the gym, 7:40 am
Dec. 20…Last day before Christmas Break (that day, we will be using our Mon-Thurs schedule)
Dec. 20…Bonus Jean Day (you may wear jeans that day for a $5 donation to Relay for Life)

Dec. 21-Jan. 5…Christmas Break

Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Good Stuff from Ziglar

SUCCESS IS NEVER OWNED; IT IS ONLY RENTED – AND THE RENT IS DUE EVERY DAY...

Zig Ziglar - Rory Vaden
Character
This summer I had the esteemed privilege of being a keynote speaker in front of 8000 of the world’s top financial professionals at The Million Dollar Roundtable. Recently someone asked me ,“Rory, aren’t you intimidated talking in front of people of that caliber?”   My response, “Absolutely not.” 
Why? 
Because contrary to what you might think, it’s not successful people that are too good to learn anything – they got to where they are by being a student of the game. Quite the contrary, it’s the marginal producers of the world who are typically cynical, inconvincible skeptics. It’s the mediocre performers, the average among the masses, the naysayers and the un-excellent that are the ones who often think they know it all. 
Successful people, on the other hand, live by The Rent Axiom from Southwestern mentioned in Take the Stairs that says “Success is never owned; it is only rented – and the rent is due every day.” 
People who are successful embrace the idea that the rent is due every day. They welcome the challenge. They remain humble, knowing that whatever they did yesterday isn’t enough to last them forever, and they remain hungry, knowing that whatever they’ve accomplished in their past shouldn’t restrict them to what new heights they can achieve in their future. 
Successful people became successful by doing the work that no one else would do. They paid the price that no one else was willing to pay. And they developed the attitude that success isn’t something that is bestowed overnight – but that it’s earned over time. 
So no, I’m not intimidated by them - I’m inspired by them. They are people who are on the journey just like me. They are people who know enough to know that they don’t have it all figured out. 
And so, instead we take pride in, and are thankful for, one more day, where we get the privilege to pay our dues. 
Rory Vaden, MBA, is a Self-Discipline Strategist, Cofounder of Southwestern Consulting, and New York Times bestselling author of Take the Stairs: 7 Steps to Achieving True Success.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like....

Cougar Staff:
With snow and ice in the forecast, everyone is getting really excited…and the students too!  I always love to get through the first semester without missing any days, but that may be in jeopardy in the near future.  Mr. Anderson and Mr. Hack will be checking roads and conditions very early on Friday to make a decision about school on Friday and then again about school on Monday.  The district does a School Messenger call on the mornings of days with cancellations or delays, but it is also good to always check the Louisville and Bowling Green TV stations as well as K-105 radio.  Cancellations and delays are also normally posted on the GCBOE twitter account and the Graysoncountyschools.com website.  I know that there are many extracurricular events scheduled for this weekend, and these may be impacted by the weather as well.  It looks like winter is about to arrive.  Please use caution about travelling this weekend, and don’t get out on bad roads if you don’t have to. 

Personnel:
There are so many GCMS staff members with health concerns right now that I want to ask each one to remember your GCMS family in thoughts and prayers.  I know that there are others, but please remember Ellen Thomas and her family, Elaine Holley, Mary Jane Crawford's sister and family, Shirley House’s husband Jim, Cassie Jarboe’s daughter Alyson, Ginny Paine’s husband Barker, and Stacy Pierce.  Stacy stopped by school yesterday and plans to return to work next week.  She will be starting chemo later in December.  Also, please remember Carolyn Thomason, who is recovering after being in the hospital earlier this week. 

Christmas Breakfast:
The Christmas breakfast provided by the Grayson County Board of Education is scheduled for GCMS on Monday, December 9.  If school were to be cancelled or delayed on that day, we will plan to have the breakfast on Tuesday, Dec. 10.  We appreciate the board of education providing this breakfast!

Team 7 Showcase:
We are planning our Team 7 showcase lessons for Tuesday, Dec. 10.  If we were to cancel school one or more days, then the showcase day will be delayed by that many days.  Let me know if that does not make sense. 

Christmas Dinner:
Our GCMS Christmas Dinner is planned for Tuesday evening, December 10 at 6:00.  We will have a catered meal in the cafeteria starting at 6:00, followed by desserts and a visit from Santa in the library. 

Extracurricular Activities:
As I mentioned, we have many extracurricular activities scheduled for the next few days that may be impacted by the weather.  I do want to wish good luck to our GCMS Lady Cougar basketball team as they head into conference play at McLean County, our 6th grade academic team which will be hosting the 6th grade showcase here at GCMS, our GCMS Cougar Band which will be involved in the Hometown Christmas parade, playing at the nursing homes, and playing a Christmas concert here on Sunday afternoon.  Our boys basketball game at St. James, scheduled for Saturday, has been cancelled.  Also, the GCMS social sponsored by the cheerleaders for after school Friday has been cancelled.

Royal Visit to GCMS:
Some of you have seen the emails about Royal Albert’s upcoming visit to GCMS.  Albert is a dog from the local Humane Society which has been sponsored by Gwen Franich’s CCR class.  Donna White will be bringing Albert to school on Wednesday morning so that the students can see him and perhaps be inspired to make a donation.  Gwen said that her class is glad to share this project with the school.  We all hope that the students see this as a way to give back to their community by helping with this need.

Sub Limits:
This does not directly affect most of you, but I have heard several questions about the new limitations on substitute teachers and substitute aides/custodians.  Due to changes in health insurance and also changes in classified retirement regs, the following limitations now apply:  substitute teachers cannot work more than 150 school days in a year (from October to October), and classified subs cannot work more than 79 hours per month.

Fire Drill Reminders:
Yesterday’s fire drill went well.  We did notice in a few occasions, teachers walking at the front of their group rather than at the rear.  It is important that the teacher always be the last one out of the classroom to make sure that everyone has exited safely.  Also, always be sure to take your class roster with you for accountability purposes in an actual emergency.

Quote of the Day:
“The bridges you cross before you come to them are over rivers that aren’t there.” ~Gene Brown

Coming Attractions:
Dec. 7…GCMS hosts 6th Grade Showcase (academic team)
Dec. 7…GCMS girls basketball conference tourney, at McLean County
Dec. 8…GCMS Band Christmas Concert
Dec. 9…Christmas Breakfast, sponsored by GCBOE
Dec. 10…Team 7 Showcase Lesson Day
Dec. 10…GCMS Christmas Dinner, 6:00 pm at GCMS
Dec. 15...GCMS/GCHS Orchestra Concert, 3:00 and 5:00
Dec. 16…Staff Potluck Lunch in Library
Dec. 16...GCMS Chorus Concert, 6:00 
Dec. 17…8th Graders tour the GC Tech Center
Dec. 18...GCMS Site Based Council Meeting, 3:00
Dec. 19...Christmas Sweater Contest, 7:45 in the gym