Great things happening at GSL
February is here, and I thought I would give you some of the highlights of the school year thus far.
With about four months to go in the school year, we look forward to the many success stories that will happen. Things at GSL are going great, and we have lots to be proud of.
During the recent visit from the commissioner of education, we had an opportunity to show her firsthand how great GSL is.
Many of you have heard about our iPad initiative in our third and fourth grade math program. This has been very successful and something that our students are very excited about. We look forward to expanding this program to our fifth and sixth grade next year.
Watching our students in math class is truly amazing! Who said that math can’t be fun?
Students are engaged in their lessons, and using this technology only accelerates their learning.
Another program that has been successful is the “Power of the ICU” at Lincoln Jr. High.
The core of the program is making all students do all of their assignments. Conceptually, it makes sense; however, reality tells you that it is a little more difficult.
All across our state, in many schools, the grading system deals with an accumulation of points in order to receive a grade. While this is a method to get a grade, the actual letter grade should reflect on what the student has learned, not on how many points they gathered.
This concept, along with a support structure for every student to do all of their work, is proving to be successful in our junior high.
From the classroom to the “activities classroom,” GSL has a lot to offer. We have after-school programs to provide the extra support for the classroom and a wide range of activities that involve academics, the arts and athletics. These learning experiences are valued, and it allows many students to be involved at GSL with opportunities outside of the classroom.
Finally, we are very excited about the Early Childhood Learning Center that we are building at the Lincoln site. This facility will house our ECFE (Early Childhood Family Education), ECSE (Early Childhood Special Education) and School Readiness.
Having a 21st century learning facility to meet the needs of our youngest learners will be a true asset to the district.
Stop by the upcoming Glencoe Expo on Feb. 16-17 at the Panther Field House for more information and to see the plans, it is very exciting!
As stated earlier, things are going well at GSL, but please know that we should always be looking for ways to improve our school for all of our students.
We have a school that we all can be very proud of, and we look forward to making it even better. If I can ever be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail, and I will be happy to assist you as best as I can.
