GCMS Families,
WOW! I am so thankful for a great staff and responsive families!!!
Today, between 8:15 and 9:00 am we had a major water main break at the intersection of 16th Street and Church Street. The result of this break shut down water to the Elementary School which meant we could not flush toilets, wash hands, clean, or cook forcing the early closure of our school facilities and school day. Amazing work by our staff, students, families, transportation department, and city crews to navigate a challenging circumstance.
At this time we plan to fully resume school on Tuesday, February 15th with both the Elementary and High Schools operating under a boil order. Normal drop off locations and routines will be followed. Please plan to send your students with ample drinking water to get through the day. A notification will be sent out if this situation changes.
Thanks for your support and understanding!
Falcon Proud,
Mr. Darnell
Due to the early shutdown today, all of Monday's lunch menus have been moved to Tuesday. Keep an eye on the Dining section of our app and website for the latest updates.
Families,
For clarifications ALL GCMS facilities will be closing at 11:30 due to transportation and supervision of students.
Middle and High School Students will be communicating with their families, and teachers from the Elementary are working to ensure all families are aware and children have supervised solutions for the dismissal.
Mr. Darnell
GCMS Families,
We have a major water main break on Church and 16th Street (u-drive) that has shut off water to the elementary school. We are forced to close school at 11:30 today and will be running our buses as if it were an 11:30 dismissal day. We will ensure communication with all elementary and Middle school families to ensure safe transition and proper supervision.
Families who wish to pick up there children may do so but must avoid Church and 16th Street entirely, and please leave 17th street clear from 11:10 - 11:45 to allow for bus pick up.
Please be on the lookout for communications from your child's school or teacher!
Sincerely,
Mr. Darnell
Middle School Families: Make sure to order your 2021-2022 yearbook before time runs out! You can download the order form or order online at https://bit.ly/3uGIEOP
Falcon Wrestling Fans: Here's another quick reminder that tickets for the Sectional Wrestling Meets are available online now at https://gofan.co/app/school/IL21467 Be sure to get your tickets in advance if you plan to attend. Go Falcons!
Attention Falcon Wrestling Fans! Tickets to the IHSA Wrestling Sectionals are being sold in advance online. You can purchase tickets at https://gofan.co/app/events/520854?schoolId=IL21467
Go Falcons!
GCMS Families: We have seen a number of comments appear on our posts that look like the screenshot below. We DO NOT stream any games through the website mentioned so DO NOT click on any of these links. We are working to remove and block these phishing attempts from our posts as quickly as possible. Always be careful on the Internet!
8th Grade Families: We were unable to host the Parent Night last week due to the snowstorm so HS Counselor Mr. Carter would like to share his slides for you to read at your convenience. If you have any questions please contact him at Carter.Josh@gcmsk12.org https://bit.ly/34lhyBX
Elementary School lunch menus for the rest of this week have been updated due to the days missed last week. You can find current menus on our app or view the calendar at https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1842715/ES_Menus_Calendar_-_Feb.pdf
We have had to make some changes to the Middle School lunch menus for this week. Updated menus are available on our app or the updated Februrary menu is available at https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1841572/MS_Menus_Calendar_-_Feb.pdf
GCMS Families,
I want to take a moment and clarify a couple of key points in our changes to practice as we return to school on Monday, February 7th. GCMS is shifting to a mask optional policy for all students and staff in our facilities. I want to emphasize that this is not a NO mask decision it is reserving the rights to choose to mask to each individual and family. It is essential that we all respect the individual rights to choose and engage in a manner that makes both options a supported practice. On Saturday our high school cheer squad did an amazing job modeling this behavior. Several squad members were unmasked and several wore their mask for the entire event. The strength, attitude, and example that these young people showed is the expectation for all in our settings.
If a child shows symptoms the rules are the same. Sick kids need to stay home.
We will no longer be contact tracing and excluding students. Healthy kids need to be at school.
Students who are COVID positive will follow the same return expectations currently in place.
I am confident we will manage these adjustments moving forward! Remember we are not the same, but we are in this together!
Falcon Proud,
Mr. Darnell
FANS!!!
We are hosting events today at the Middle School and High School. Please be aware that both parking lots and walk-ways will have snow pack and ice on them as you arrive, park, and transition into the facilities. We ask that everyone please avoid obstructing fire lanes, entry ways, and leave close spaces for those less able to navigate the added challenges.
Thanks for your attention and GO FALCONS!
Falcons: We are looking forward to resuming student activities this weekend! MS Boys Basketball hosts the regional championship vs PBL at 10:00AM. HS Girls Basketball travels to Cissna Park for one game at 11:00AM, HS Boys Basketball hosts Cissna Park at home at 1:00PM, and HS Wrestling travels to Heyworth for Regionals. Everyone travel carefully and stay safe. GO FALCONS!
Tonight's (2/4) High School Basketball games have been cancelled. The boys game will be made up on Monday 2/7 and the girls game will be made up on Tuesday 2/8.
Owing to anticipated subzero temps, youth league is postponed for tomorrow. Games scheduled for tomorrow will played next Saturday and the season will be extended.
GCMS Families and Staff,
Friday, February 4th will be another e-learning day for all buildings, students, and staff. High winds, drifting, and hazardous travel are expected through the night and into the morning. The drifting has created great challenges in preparing our facilities for safe access. All Thursday evening and Friday morning activities are cancelled as well, but we hope to proceed with Friday evening events.
Please stay digitally engaged as much as possible. If families have health / Covid related reporting please call or email your respective school nurse or administrator.
Stay safe and warm, and thank you for your understanding.
Sincerely,
Mr. Darnell
Here's a friendly tech troubleshooting reminder from your friendly neighborhood tech guy. If your GCMS Chromebook is having trouble connecting to the Internet, make sure it is signed in on our CIPA filter. You can find a link in the gcmsk12.org bookmarks.
GCMS is looking for looking for a qualified administrator to become the educational leader of an outstanding Middle School team in a district with strong community support. Apply online at https://bit.ly/3rmTas9
Due to the snowstorm, Thursday night's 8th Grade Boys Basketball regional championship game between GCMS and PBL has been postponed. It will now be played this Saturday, Feb. 5 at 10AM at GCMS Middle School. Doors will open for fans at 9:20AM.