Mustang Minutes
Gemini Middle School - November 2021
This November, we are grateful for the partnerships we have with the families of Gemini students. We appreciate your support, your feedback, and your energy. You value the learning that happens at Gemini and for that we thank you.
Lewis Roberts, Principal
Erica Perelgut, Brian Gariti, and Wendy Brutt, Assistant Principals
2021-2022 PTO Officer Election
Parent Teacher Conferences
If you would like to meet in person when booking appointments use Manual Booking Mode and enter "in-person" in the "Add Message for Teacher?" comment box. Need help? Review the Parents' Guide for Booking Appointments / Guía de reserva de citas para padres.
A few reminders if you are requesting an in-person conference:
- Please be on time for your appointment. Our teachers will be on a very tight schedule.
- You will enter and exit Gemini through Door 13. You will receive a sticker that you have checked in and will then be permitted to head to your conferences. Please arrive 15 minutes before your first scheduled conference to allow time for the check-in process.
- Masks will be required at all times while in the building.
- Teachers will not shake hands with families and keep an appropriate 6 feet of distance during the conference.
- Please know that if you are choosing to have an in-person conference, you may only bring one other person with you. In other words, only two members of a family may enter the building to attend a conference, this includes children.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide translators for conferences. Lastly, we know that our evening conferences book up very quickly. If you can meet during the day, please consider signing up for a conference on Friday, November 19, between 8 AM and 3 PM.
Flu Vaccine Clinic
District 63 is happy to announce that we will be having a Flu Vaccine Clinic, in partnership with the Ronald McDonald Care Van! We will provide a flu vaccine to any student who has Medicaid or does not have insurance. (Other vaccines and physical exams will not be available during the clinic.)
November 19th, 2021 from 9 AM - 3 PM
Apollo Elementary School
10100 Dee Rd
Des Plaines, IL 60016
APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED.
Please email our school nurse if you would like to sign your child up.
School Picture Retakes
Securly for Student Safety
Our district uses Securly to keep students safe on their school-issued devices, or when logged into a Chrome web browser using their school account. We highly recommend signing up to see your child's internet activity. You can elect to receive email reports and alerts when items have been flagged. These are the same alerts our school administration receives when a concerning word or phrase is used with a school account.
Fall Performing Arts Events
Gemini’s Fall Play, The Internet is Distract--OH LOOK A KITTEN!, was a success! Congratulations to the cast and crew of the Fall Play. Don’t miss your chance to attend other Performing Arts events this Fall. Students and families are encouraged to attend. Masks must be worn while in the building. Thank you for supporting our performers.
Band & Orchestra Fall Concert (6th, 7th & 8th Grade)
Admission is free
Wednesday, November 3 @ 6 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Enter at Door 12
Choir Fall Concert (6th, 7th & 8th Grade)
Admission is free
Wednesday, November 10 @ 6 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Enter at Door 12
November Sports Schedule
For Our 8th Grade Families: D207 Pre-Enrollment
District 207 is looking forward to the anticipated arrival of current 8th grade students next year, and wants to remind parents about the pre-enrollment process for high school that will be happening in mid-November. If your 8th grade child will be attending Maine East, Maine South, Maine West, or Frost Academy in 9th grade, please know that District 207 is asking you to pre-enroll for school.
Detailed information and directions will be emailed to 8th grade parents on Tuesday, November 16. Mark your calendar and watch for that email, which will come directly from District 207.
Congratulations to Our Cross Country Team
Your coaches: Ms. Achille, Ms.Buican, Ms. Diliberto, and Ms.Turner
We Care 2021 Giving Campaign
Please join us as we care for our own D63 families and community members in need.
Monday, November 1 - Friday, December 10
Once again this season, D63 is offering employees and families a range of ways to support our own D63 families and the larger community in need. Take a minute to review the giving opportunities below
- Donate items to the Maine Township Food Pantry.
- Support Niles Family Services through our Virtual Goods Drive.
- Support WINGS, which provides housing, services, and support to victims of domestic violence, through its Holiday Wish List and/or Holiday Gift Card List.
- Help us create care packages for D63 Families in need.
Look for donation boxes in each school's foyer - as well as the District Office and the Family Resource Center. Thank you for making a difference!
Attendance now on the Parent Portal
All absences are now submitted via the Parent Portal.
Formerly, parents called a school’s dedicated attendance line to report an absence on any given day of school. Moving forward, these phone lines will no longer be active and will not accept messages. Instead, they will direct parents to the Parent Portal.
All absences must be submitted on the morning of the day your child will miss school - NOT the night before. Once you log in to the Portal, you’ll choose your child’s name and navigate to a list of online forms. Select and complete the “Absence Form,” and then submit.
Submitting Vaccination Records
We are aware that many of our students have been vaccinated, and although it is not required, we strongly recommend that you upload a copy of your child’s vaccination record for our school health records. Click here for more information.
Library Updates
Book Fair
We will be hosting a book fair in the library this month! Students will be able to shop at the fair during their ELA classes throughout the week of November 15-18. The fair will also remain open in the Gemini library during parent/teacher conferences on Friday, November 19. This is a great opportunity to build your home library while completing some holiday shopping. Come visit!
Library Scavenger Hunt
Last month, many classes came through the library to participate in a scavenger hunt. Students learned about the different sections of the library, how to locate nonfiction books according to Dewey decimal number, how to locate fiction books alphabetically by author’s last name, and how to navigate Destiny, the online catalog.
Family Literacy Day
November 1 is Family Literacy Day, which is a great opportunity for families to communicate the importance of reading. There are many ways that you can promote literacy in your family: set aside dedicated time for reading, keep books visible and accessible throughout your home, and regularly visit the library. Additionally, reading the same novel as your middle school student opens the door for bonding and conversation.
Community Libraries
Our community libraries continue to provide wonderful programs (both in-person and virtual) for students. Please check out your local library to see what is new!
SEL Corner
Winter Warm-Up
Hosted by Niles Family Services
Come pick up a New or Gently Used Coat
Adult and Kid Sizes Available
First Come First Served, Limited Quantity
You will need proof of Niles residency or proof that your student attends Gemini
Pick Up at 999 Civic Center Drive - East Entrance
847-588-8460
If you need additional help getting a winter coat for your child, please call or email the social work team. We also have accessories like mittens, hats, etc. You can also reach out to us if you need help with access to food or other community resources. Our website has more information.
6th Grade: Emily Alexander, ealexander@emsd63.org
7th Grade: Laura Mell, lmell@emsd63.org
8th Grade: Zoe Turner, zturner@emsd63.org (Habla español)
Child Tax Credit
You don’t have to file taxes to receive the Child Tax Credit in 2021! Claim Your Child Tax Credit TODAY! Did you receive your Child Tax Credit payment in September? If not, there’s still time! In 2021, the Child Tax Credit is available to most families, including those who previously didn’t have income high enough to qualify for a tax refund. Families will receive up to $300 per child per month through December.
Most families who paid taxes in 2019 and 2020 are automatically enrolled, but if you made little or no money last year, you CAN enroll in just a few steps. Enroll today at www.getCTC.org/strength.
Box Tops
Niles Teen Center
Maine Township's Peer Jury
Calendar Highlights
November:
1: No School - Teacher Institute Day
3: Band & Orchestra Fall Concert @ 6 PM
4: Board of Education Meeting @ 7 PM
9: Picture Retake Day
10: Choir Fall Concert @ 6 PM
11: Parent-Teacher Conferences 5 PM - 8 PM
12: School Improvement Day - Dismissal @ 11:25 AM
15-19: Book Fair
17: Parent-Teacher Conferences 5 PM - 8 PM
19: Parent-Teacher Conferences 8 AM - 11 AM & 12 PM - 3 PM
22-26: No School - Thanksgiving Break
December:
9: Band, Orchestra, and Choir Nursing Home Visits
9: Elementary Winter Orchestra and Band Concert @ 6 PM
20-31: No School - Winter Break
#hereatgemini
Email: gemini411@emsd63.org
Website: emsd63.org/gemini
Location: 8955 North Greenwood Avenue, Niles, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 827-1181
Twitter: @D63Gemini