A quick reminder that Red Ribbon Week for our High School has been moved to this week, Nov 9-13. We look forward to seeing all of your outfits!
Families,
I wanted to take a few minutes and offer some insight into the challenging decision we are currently facing as it pertains to winter sports and specifically basketball.
The Illinois Department of Public Health issued a change to its guidance, specifically for the sport of basketball making it high risk. When IDPH made this decision the Governor announced that no games can be played ,and also made adjustments to other sports including wrestling (moved to summer). In response to this decision IHSA took the position to defy the Governors order and allow individual school districts to decide if they would maintain the winter season and play basketball (important to note no other sports were reconsidered or designated by IHSA). The next day the Illinois State Board of Education issued a statement supporting IDPH and the Governor's announcement and stating that districts in defiance run the risk of liability and penalty.
These actions prompted our first communication that we would be making a final determination for basketball, specifically,this week. GCMS also took the stance to continue with our scheduled open gyms, practices, intramural, and activities to address the known need of normalcy for our students and community (where allowable).
Dating back to July the coaches, athletic directors, and administration have actively been creating stages of participation that we will provide opportunity depending on the mandates / controls that we are faced with. The best case is competition, the next is full practice, and the most restrictive is virtual supports. We do not take these decisions lightly, nor do we seek a path of least resistance, but rather have to consider the health, legal, and reciprocal effects that these decisions have.
Recently, a letter has surfaced that was sent to the Governor on behalf of nearly 200 of the 859 school districts in the State. GCMS is NOT signed on that letter but let me be clear that does NOT mean we do not support the ideas and promotions for due diligence by all entities when making decisions that affect our kids, schools, and communities.
I have been in contact and consultation with the HOIC conference schools, our legal representation, and our liability insurance providers ensuring that whatever decision is made will protect the heath and interests of all of GCMS students, families, and tax payers.
The State of Illinois has taken strong positions on measures as they pertain to the COVID-19 pandemic, often times dictating, or greatly limiting, our actions as public entities.
A final decision will be made in coming days, and regardless of what that decision is we will continue to try and find ways to maximize the education and experiences for our students.
As always I can be reached at 217-784-8296 if you have any questions, or email at darnell.jeremy@gcmsk12.org.
Sincerely,
Mr. Darnell
Good morning,
We have decided that we are going to do a trial run through of our full remote schedule this coming Wednesday. All students will be required to log in to their 1st, 3rd, 7th, and 9th period classes on Wednesday, November 11. THIS DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE GOING FULL REMOTE!!!
The times are provided in the Google Document (link provided) for each class period. All students will be provided links to the Google Meets for each class, including their study halls if they have one.
We feel this is necessary to make sure that students understand how to log in and access all of the Google Meet and Classroom options provided by the teachers from home.
Teachers will be discussing the process and expectations on Monday and Tuesday to ensure that all students understand and have the opportunity to ask questions for clarification.
Thank you,
Mr. Bielfeldt
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1fO47t-OYoSA6ULMv3v5ODuCg1bxY5lTA2Ch0G0adu84/edit?usp=sharing
The weather for the weekend is looking beautiful and our scavenger hunt begins today! Download the app and start searching!
Please take a moment to read the following letter from Mr. Darnell concerning current COVID cases in our district https://docs.google.com/document/d/1K0W8PtE42Ifj5vXcuD5KEzmdwtJSFg5wZ3M3HqoEfSg/edit?usp=sharing
Congratulations to our Middle School Students of the Month!
6th Grade - Kolbie Eichelberger
7th Grade - Natalie Aberlie
8th Grade - Hunter Wilson
The GCMS school district is developing a holiday resource list for our local families. Sign up at one of the contacts below or fill out our form at https://bit.ly/gcmshr2020
We have a last minute menu change at the Middle School for today, Monday 11/2: First choice is still Fish Sandwich, Macaroni & Cheese, Green Beans, Mandarin Oranges. Second choice has been changed to Spicy Chicken Sandwich
The high school would like to present their 2020 staff photo. Photoshop credit to Mr. Stone. #BitmojisWillHaveToDo
The October edition of our Middle School Falcon Flash is now available! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ux67QA2avYUqyVv5NkoZRN2IMGzmV1rE/view?usp=sharing
6th Grader Cooper Brake did an investigation into what Halloween will look like this year. Here is what he found. We encourage everyone to be safe as you enjoy this weekend!
https://youtu.be/GzW92mJsGO0
GCMS Title 1 is proud to present the Falcon Family Scavenger Hunt! This will be a great activity to get the whole family moving all around town and all participants get free books! Check out the flyer for more details!
Families,
Our kids need joy so please find positive and safe ways to share that this holiday weekend. We want all kids in school and our actions matter!!!
-Mr. Darnell
A reminder that students can wear Halloween costumes to school tomorrow. No scary masks or weapons are allowed (but facemasks are still required). I am looking forward to seeing all of the fun costumes!
Mr. Kean
GCMS HS will offer food to HS students on 10/27, 10/29, 11/2 and 11/5 from 11am-1pm. Use the west Commons doors for pick-up. Each student will receive 2 days worth of breakfast and lunch at each pickup. Questions or sign up, email allen.mike@gcmsk12.org or call the HS, 784-4292.
Covid claims another... we'll keep trying!
Teachers at GCMS High School are spending the day hard at work turning all of their instructional plans into lessons which can be delivered remotely!
For example, if I am a Geometry teacher I left school last week prepared to teach the next lesson in my curricular sequence on Monday on the topic of Rotations as part of a Transformation unit. My lesson plan included manipulatives and measurement tools necessary for calculating rotation. At 5:00 last night, I found out that lesson would never be taught because instead I would be delivering instruction digitally. Today, I am using this prep time to find a virtual tool and resources which can be used to teach the same math standard, within the same scope/sequence of my curriculum.
If I am the teacher of an Industrial Tech class that was supposed to start repairing lawn mowers Monday then today I am looking for ways in which to teach small engine repairs remotely that will still allow students to apply the skills on their own.
The building is currently full of examples of teachers working hard to ensure our two-week transition to remote is as curricularly seamless as possible. Thank you GCMS High School teachers for making it happen!
There will be a community Drive-through test site Thursday, Oct 29 from 9am-4pm at the Roberts Village Gym.
GCMS Families, if you missed the all call from Mr. Darnell this evening, the script of his call is available here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ywulwqoZp4uSaoxgDwqo9SlwFY9bV8Mtgc04YQsrtjI/edit?usp=sharing
GCMS HIGH SCHOOL MOVES TO REMOTE LEARNING - OCTOBER 26, 2020 – NOVEMBER 6, 2020
https://www.gcmsk12.org/article/333480?org=gcms
