Congratulations to Eric Tjarks (GCMS '94); he has been chosen for the Ray Elliot award by the IL HS Football Coaches Association for his service as chairman of the annual IL High School Shrine Game. If you know Eric, you know his heart is always with the Shriner's. He works hard to represent them (and GCMS) well! Eric makes us #FalconProud!
If you missed yesterday's perforances, videos of all of our 2023 Winter Concerts can now be found on our YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnsSeC3bBFW1b4bFLieTxyyjRBovUWkMg&si=IzGnurbDJuc6jq1j
We are so proud to share that our fundraising efforts for FARA netted over $10,000! Our boys' and girls' basketball teams, cheer, football team and Red Army did such great work! Emily Young stopped by to pick up the check. They sure make us #FalconProud!
There have been some exciting and fun things taking place at the middle school this week! Students in Mr. Dinkins' problem solving class tested their mousetrap cars and students in Ms. Broaddus' fine arts class performed their skits. Both classes did a great job! We were also presented with a Certificate of Recognition from the State of Illinois House of Representatives to celebrate our exemplary status on the state report card. We have a lot to be proud of!
Parents, At this point the FAFSA is still supposed to be made available by December 31st, but we wanted to let you know that Parkland College is hosting two FAFSA completion nights in January (4th and 29th at 6pm in room B119). This is a great resource if you need any support with completing the FAFSA, as they will have staff on hand to assist you. There are certain things that need to be completed prior to the events, so please be sure to read the post at the link below for more information. Contact Mr. Carter at the high school if you have any questions (carter.josh@gcmsk12.org).
https://www.parkland.edu/Main/About-Parkland/Department-Office-Directory/Financial-Aid-and-Veteran-Services/FAFSA-Simplification
GCMS has 2 openings for 2nd shift custodians. Starting pay is $19.00/hr plus benefits. Learn more and apply online at https://www.gcmsk12.org/page/job-opportunities
GCMS High School is proud to share that four of our seniors were named Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission. The State Scholar Program recognizes students attending approved high schools for outstanding academic achievement and scoring in the 95th percentile or above on the SAT/ACT. Congratulations to Molly Killian, CC Francis, Lily Lahr, and Brynn Boundy.
Summer may be a ways off but we wanted to share the dates for our upcoming sports camps for Summer 2024! You can also find these on our District Public Calendar:
May 28-June 3 - Boys Basketball Camp-Entering Grades 2-8
June 3-6 - Girls Basketball Camp-Entering Grades 2-8
July 1-3 - Soccer Camp-Entering Grades 2-8
July 8-12 - Tennis Camp-Entering Grades 4-8
July 8-12 Football Camp-Entering Grades 1-12
July 8-10 - Volleyball Camp-Entering Grades 4-12
July 15-19 - Tennis Camp-High School Camp 9-12
More information on all our camps will be coming this spring.
GCMS Middle School Families,
Please be aware that the GCMS Solar Project will be moving to the Middle School in the next two weeks. This should not disrupt the daily operations but we will have a dumpster in the East parking lot and equipment will be used routinely during the day to lift materials to the roof. Please use extra caution when navigating the school parking lots with these items being present. The staff are making minor adjustments to daily practices to ensure safety for everyone involved. Should you have any questions please reach out to Mr. Darnell or Mr. Nash.
Sincerely,
Mr. Darnell
With the colder weather, we have more students being dropped off and that is causing a backup on the East side (Lott Blvd). To help with this, please do not get out of the car with your children, have them ready to get out when you get here, and do not wait until you are at the very front of the line to let them out. With no cars parked on that side this year, kids should be able to get out if they are in the first 4 or 5 cars and go right to the sidewalk. Also, please make sure that you check over your shoulder before merging into the regular traffic lane after dropping off. Thanks for your assistance!
I have several calendar reminders:
1) This Friday, Dec. 8 is a 11:30 dismissal.
2) Sunday, Dec. 10 is the Winter band concert (5th at 4:00 pm)
3) Next week= Christmas Dress Up Days (flyer sent home)
4) Next Tuesday (Dec. 12) is the Elementary Christmas Program (flyer sent home)
5) Next Wednesday, Dec. 13 is Santa's Shop AFTER school in the cafeteria. Please do not send $ to school with your child.
6) Tuesday, Dec. 19 is a 2:20 dismissal
7) No school from Dec. 20-Jan 3 (students start again on Jan. 4th)
Mr. Kean
GCMS High School has announced the recipients of the Distinguished Alumni award for 2024. Senator Tom Bennett (GC, '74) and the late Senator Scott Bennett (GCMS, '95) will be honored at our Legend's Night, Friday, Jan 26th during halftime of the Varsity Boys' basketball game.
GCMS High School will offer FREE voluntary practice SAT test on January 17, 2024. All high school students are eligible to sign up. The test will occur during 1st through 3rd hours. It is not an official SAT test. Students sign up online through their email. Parents are welcome to contact nuss.erin@gcmsk12.org with questions.
The GCMS 7th and 8th Grade Boys Basketball teams advanced in TCC Tournament play on Saturday and both teams will now have semifinal games Mon. 12/4 in the PBL JH gym. The 7th Grade will play Cissna Park at 4PM and the 8th Grade will follow vs. Iroquois W. Bus time will be 3:00.
GCMS Middle School is putting on our first dance of the year sponsored by Geography Club on December 15th from 6:30-8:30. It is going to be a glow in the dark themed dance. We will be providing snacks, drinks, and glow in the dark items for students to purchase at the dance. We are in need of volunteers for the dance to help monitor students, and collect cash for the items. It is $5 to enter the dance. If you are able to volunteer or if you have any questions please reach out to Mrs. Purcell-Givens purcell-givens.rebecca@gcmsk12.org.
Phones are back up and running!
GCMS,
We are experiencing some issues with our phone system this morning. We will get this resolved as quickly as possible. Absences can be reported via email to office staffs or administration.
Elementary School:
Kean.justin@gcmsk12.org
Coad.becky@gcmsk12.org
Middle School:
Nash.kent@gcmsk12.org
Thompson.Darcy@gcmsk12.org
High School:
Bielfeldt.kyle@gcmsk12.org
Kean.erin@gcmsk12.org
Sorry for the inconvenience.
Are you graduating December? Know someone graduating in December? Looking for some part-time work earning good money? RSVP now for our Substitute Recruitment Event!
Please click here to RSVP: http://bit.ly/3sGm9uD
GCMS Families: Winter weather is on its way. Please take a moment to read a letter from Mr. Darnell concerning snow days and other weather related schedule changes: https://bit.ly/3N3TRB8
Senior Parents,
FAFSA is supposed to be available by December 31st (fingers crossed for sooner), but we wanted to pass along a couple of helpful links in the meantime.
1. https://bit.ly/47pKPqf - Both student and parent(s) will need to create a Student Aid ID in order to complete the FAFSA. Parents may already have an ID if they have older children in college. I would recommend creating the account soon, if you don't already have one.
2. https://bit.ly/47nWGFv - This is some helpful information and links about the FAFSA process.
We have sent this same information to your students' school email accounts.
If you have any questions, please contact Mr. Carter at carter.josh@gcmsk12.org