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GCMS CUSD #5, about 2 hours ago
Ford County Moves to Phase 1B in the Vaccination Plan: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1RcEN9KBYMkj5mB__IN1P04jzZFK2-Gux/view?usp=sharing
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Mark Berry, 1 day ago
MIDDLE SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL PLAYERS!- be sure to check your basketball Google Classroom today for an important message from the coaches!
Jeremy Darnell - Superintendent, 2 days ago
Families,
I want to be transparent and honest as we continue to navigate the challenges of the 2020-2021 school year. Yesterday, in typical Friday fashion we, educators, were thrown another curve without warning that is both great news and incredibly challenging. We, GCMS, will take on those challenges trying to maximize opportunities for the children we serve.
The challenges include managing the expectations of the governing bodies which include IHSA, IESA, HOIC conference, Twin County conference, IDPH, and FCPH. These organization pass down universal rules / recommendations and we have to figure out what we can do and how we can manage those demands with our facilities, offerings, and staff.
What sports will be played and when is not as simple as getting a season start and end date and moving forward. First, students-athletes could participate in multiple activities that either run simultaneously or have overlap creating both individual choice and potential team challenges for numbers. Second, we have to be able to provide safe appropriate facilities to engage. In a typical year our activities are spread out and gym or field space is a challenge. Compressing all activities into a narrow timeline could limit how often or what we can offer. We are fortunate to have dedicated coaches that often coach multiple sports, but they cannot be in two places at once when seasons overlap or run simultaneous. Officials will be in high demand, and have been scarce for years. Our athletic directors have a great group of officials but booking will be hard because of demand. Finally, transportation is required and we have a great crew, but limited numbers of buses and drivers for extra routes and events.
I share these challenges with you to garner understanding for whatever decisions we make in the coming days. We ALL want our kids to be provided opportunities to do the things they love and we will do all we can to make that happen. Like all things in 2020-2021 what we decide will not be the same as the district down the road because our circumstance is different. We look forward to managing this unique circumstance and preparing for a fresh start to 2021-2022 this summer!
If you have questions, concerns, frustrations, or celebrations please share those in a constructive and productive way and we can work together to serve our children.
Thank you for supporting GCMS!
Sincerely,
Mr. Darnell
Jeremy Darnell - Superintendent, 3 days ago
Stay Tuned!!!
In 7 days we went from Tier 3 to Phase 4 and IDPH changed the sports regulations in Phase 4 without warning. The GREAT news is we can provide opportunities for kids to engage with extra curricular activities! Please be patient as we navigate what that will look like for GCMS. IHSA (high school) will be making some season decisions this coming Wednesday and IESA (middle school) has provided guidance that we will consider. There are many logistical challenges we will tackle and plans will be shared once we have more clarity.
Thanks for your patience and understanding.
Sincerely,
Mr. Darnell
