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
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.
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
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
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.
Congratulation to our Middle School January Students of the Month!
6th Grade - Makenna Odgers
7th Grade - Tucker Mueller
8th Grade - Jack Willoby
Great job!!!!
GCMS Families,
We wanted to share some exciting news with everyone about some shifts that are taking place with our administrative team.
We are piloting a new position for the 2022-2023 school year that will be a district level positions emphasizing building level supports in management and logistics. Mr. Chris Garard will be stepping into this role for his final year of service for GCMS.
Mr. Kyle Bielfeldt will be moving down the street to take over as the GCMS High School Principal. Mr. Bielfeldt has 7 years of administrative experience and recently completed his Specialist endorsement to become certified to be a superintendent. We will be posting the Middle School Principal position today.
Mrs. Erin Nuss and Mr. Walker Willis will also be expanding their leadership roles and further sharing their talents with both students and staff moving forward.
Congratulations to these leaders as they take on new challenges in service to the GCMS Community!
These adjustments coupled with the addition of interventionists and additional social emotional support will help GCMS tackle 2022-2023 with a running start!
Stay safe and warm!
Sincerely,
Mr. Darnell
The 7/8 Volleyball matches scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 3 at Clifton Nash have been postponed. The makeup date will be Wed. Feb. 23 at 4:30PM at Nash.
GCMS Families: Here is the schedule we will follow for Wed-Thus and potentially Friday. A final call will be made Thurs if in person learning will happen on Fri. Everyone stay safe and warm for the next few days! https://bit.ly/3rZuHsa
In an effort to beat the impending bad weather, tonight's 7/8 Girls Volleyball matches at the Middle School vs. Heyworth will begin 30 minutes earlier than normal. The 7th Grade match will begin at 5:00 with the 8th Grade match to follow. GO FALCONS!
Good afternoon,
The 8th Grade Parent Night at the high school scheduled for Wednesday, February 2 has been postponed. Mr. Carter will be creating a PowerPoint/video presentation that will be available for parents to view. If you have any questions, please reach out to Mr. Carter at the high school.
Thank you,
Mr. Bielfeldt
GCMS Families,
GCMS Schools will be closed to in person learning on Wednesday, February 2 and Thursday, February 3 in anticipation of the looming winter weather event. This early closure decision is being made due to the significance and duration of the weather event, and to allow families time to plan. All school activities and use are cancelled for these two days. Determinations for Friday, February 4 will be made on Thursday.
Students will be sent home with needed resources and we ask that all engage in the e-learning expectations that have been shared with both families and students in order to have a continuation in learning.
Stay safe, stay warm, and stay tuned!
Sincerely,
Mr. Darnell
GCMS Families: In the event of inclement weather later this week, here are the potential schedules we will follow for remote learning Wed-Fri. Please stay tuned for updates on if/when cancelling in person school becomes necessary https://bit.ly/3rZuHsa
GCMS Families,
Just a Monday morning heads up that Mother Nature could cause us to be out of school on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. We have a 11:30 dismissal already scheduled for Wednesday. Stay tuned for reminders on our remote learning schedules should we be out for any upcoming days.
Finally, remember that our first "snow day" staff will be digitally available to engage with students and families that choose to engage, but a good old fashion snow day of sleeping in and playing in the snow is a great lesson for all who choose that path.
Please be prepared and we will do our best to announce school closings as soon as we can.
Sincerely,
Mr. Darnell
GCMS 5th Graders are proud to present their latest BUG Video - Empathy! https://youtu.be/PO2vOFzXguw