Be Kind    *    Be Respectful    *    Be Your Personal Best

1-19-2024

IMPT - Circle drive UPDATE- Several parents have been picking students up in front of the school in the circle drive instead of going to the pick-up line.  We had a medical emergency this week at dismissal and the number of cars in the circle drive, greatly impacting medical emergency personnel. This is a safety issue. Starting next week, the circle drive will be inaccessible in the afternoon, just like in the morning.  The expectation is that parents use the pick-up line during dismissal. Please review GMS Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures.  We thank you for your understanding and cooperation. 

Major Disruption to the Learning Environment - I am sure you heard from your students that there was a disgusting smell that started during the first passing period of the day.  A student sprayed a vomit spray that spread throughout the hallways. While some may think this is a prank, it caused disruption throughout the entire day. As of Friday evening, the smell is still lingering in the hallway. In addition, there are several students and staff members with respiratory and health issues, which is a major safety concern. This is unacceptable and cannot happen again. Please talk with your student(s) about this incident and why it's not okay. We sincerely appreciate your partnership in helping our students recognize their involvement in creating a safe and healthy learning environment for all.

Student tardies - Starting Monday, January 22nd, at the start of the 3rd quarter, students who are late to class will be marked tardy (page 26 in the handbook).  Every 4th tardy a student receives (at ANY point in the school day or in the school year) will result in a detention where the student will reflect and come up with solutions to help be on time.  

• 4 tardies = after-school detention (1 hour)

• 8 tardies = after-school detention (1 hour)

• 12 tardies = after-school detention (1 hour)

• 16 tardies = Saturday detention (3 hours)

We all know what it feels like to walk into a meeting or appointment late – We feel flustered, unsettled, and out of the loop.  Students must arrive to class on time so they don't miss out on valuable instruction. Thank you for your assistance and support!

Today marks the end of quarter 2.  It’s hard to believe we are halfway through the school year!  With the start of the 3rd quarter on Monday, Mr. Kohring will be going to Hynes to teach Music and Ms. Boyle will be coming to Golf to teach Art. During quarter 3, the 7th/8th grades will have Art and 5th/6th-grade students will continue with STEM. Mr. Kohring will still be at GMS for morning Chorus rehearsal.

Winter Assessment Update:

• We completed the regular sessions for winter NWEA MAP testing!   We are conducting make-ups for students who were absent or unable to finish.  As soon as ALL make-ups have been completed, the NWEA reports will be uploaded into Infinite Campus.

• We have also begun the Wida Access Assessment for our English Language Learners. There are four individual parts to this assessment - listening, reading, writing, and speaking.  Students designated as ELL will be taking this assessment through the next two weeks.

Thank you to the PTA for providing upcoming dances!  There will be a DJ as well as snacks and glow sticks for sale. NOTE: Students will be putting their COATS and CELL PHONES in their lockers during this event.

• TODAY, Friday, January 19th from 6:30-8:00 PM, students in grades 7 & 8 will have a Dance Party at GMS. Registration is required for this event - Click HERE to register

• NEXT WEEK on Friday, January 26th from 6:30-8:00 PM, students in grades 5 & 6 will have a Dance Party at GMS. Registration is required for this event - Click HERE to register

Spectating basketball games - The boys' basketball games start NEXT week. Here are some reminders about being a spectator:

• Home Games - Students are allowed to stay after school to watch home games. We have adult supervision from dismissal until the end of the game. Students are NOT ALLOWED to leave the school and return later unless it's with a parent or an adult responsible for them. 

  • • This means students are NOT allowed to leave to go to Walgreens or Dunkin and then come back. If they are staying for the game, they need to stay at the school where they are being supervised. 

    • FYI - The Volunteer Service Club sells concessions on the stage at several games. Students may also bring a snack to eat after school.

• Away Games - ANY student who spectates at an away game MUST be sitting with and supervised by an adult.  If you take one of your child's friends to watch a game, the expectation is that you are responsible for that child. Students are NOT allowed to be dropped off at other schools to watch basketball games. 

8th-grade parents - IMPORTANT dates!

• • • Wednesday, January 24 - Eighth-grade graduation picture RE-TAKES.

    • Monday, February 5 - MOST students and parents will meet with their high school guidance counselor at Niles North at some point throughout this day.  

      • • • • • Parents and guardians will receive information about the appointment from Niles North.  

              • IMPT - Required enrollment documents to bring with you to your appointment. 

    • Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10 - Eight-grade Camp MacLean trip

    • Tuesday, May 28 - Eighth-grade Academic and Extracurricular Awards Assembly (9:00 am - parents welcome)

    • Wednesday, May 29 - Eighth-grade Graduation rehearsal and half day for 8th graders (dismissal at 11:30 am)

    • Wednesday, May 29 - Eighth-grade Graduation (6:45 pm at Niles North)

ORDER your YEARBOOK for the 2023-2024 school year!  Parents have the option to purchase a yearbook for $20 AND add on additional options such as iTags (personalized metal stickers to put on the yearbook cover), autograph insert pages, and current event inserts pages. Order NOW online!  Our yearbook is a DISTRICT 67 yearbook which includes PK-8th grade!  https://yearbookforever.com/schools/golf_middle_school_buy_yearbook_7503/94srP2o5Bj4d5xHuCSF0AR98

Ongoing reminders... Thank you for helping your middle schooler remember these three things EVERY DAY:

1. 1. 1. Bring a fully CHARGED Chromebook to school.

      2. Wear their school lanyard and student ID to school.

      3. Arrive ON TIME to school. Students should be sitting in their seats by 8:20 am (best to drop off by 8:10 am). 

Parent Flyer Folder (click here)

• • • • January Lunch Menu

      • Morton Grove Park District - January and February offerings

      • Niles North Tutoring - ongoing

      • Physical Form For Doctor - 6th grade, sports, new students

      • GoGuardian Parent Portal Letter - ongoing

Golf Electronic Backpack (Click here)

• • • • Homework Hub - if you ever have trouble viewing this, please let me know!

      • Sports information - directions to conference schools and the Little Nine Sports Quick Scores page

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me at kchvojka@golf67.net or call me at 847-965-3740 ext. 223.

Important Dates Coming up…

Friday, January 19 - PTA Dance for 7th and 8th (6:30 - 8:00 pm in the gym) - Registration required - Click HERE to register!

Monday, January 22 - Ms. Boyle comes to GMS (7th & 8th start with art). Mr. Kohring goes to Hynes to start music classes there!

Tuesday, January 23 - PTA Meeting (7:00 pm @ HYNES)

Wednesday, January 24 - Eighth-grade graduation picture RE-TAKES (first thing in the morning)

Friday, January 25 - PTA Dance for 5th and 6th (6:30 - 8:00 pm in the gym) - Registration required - Click HERE to register!

Wednesday, January 31 - 8th grade Band Day at Niles North

Wednesday, January 31 - Report cards available in Infinite Campus

Monday, February 5 - Niles North Class of 2028 High School Counselor Appointments (throughout the day)

Tuesday, February 6  - D67 Foundation Meeting (6:00 pm at GMS)

Thursday, February 8 - Half day for students (Dismissal at 11:22 am)