Mustang Minutes
Gemini Middle School - January 2021
Each new year brings us new dreams, new friendships, and new challenges. As we look back on 2020, many of us have lived our most challenging year. However, modern technology allowed us to stay together, build a stronger community, and continue learning in a safe manner. The Gemini staff thanks you for all your support and feedback through this process. We look forward to a day where the daily noise of a school fills our halls again. We wish everyone a healthy and safe 2021!
Lewis Roberts, Principal
Erica Perelgut, Brian Gariti, and Wendy Brutt, Assistant Principals
Learning Selection Update
You should have received an email on December 17, 2020, detailing D63's plan to offer families the opportunity to change student learning preferences. Parents/guardians may choose to send their child(ren) back into our schools for hybrid learning, or participate in fully remote learning.
If you do not wish to change your current student learning choice, there is no need to take any action.
If you do wish to change your student) learning choice, make your selection through the Parent Portal for each student by Monday, January 4, 2021, at 4 PM.
Gemini students may have a change in their daily schedule and/or their teachers if their learning selection is changed.
Please note: all choices - whether or not there is a change - will be considered final for the remainder of the school year to facilitate staffing, planning, and effective learning.
Hybrid in-person learning: K-8th grade students will attend in-person learning in the morning, leave our buildings before lunch, and continue remote learning in the afternoon. PreK students will attend either a morning or afternoon session.
63 Online remote learning: PreK-8th grade students will continue to learn from home, as they have done this fall.
63 Online
Students and parents can get a snapshot of the week for each of their classes by vising the weekly online learning plan. You can always look back at previous weeks if you are absent or need to get caught up on work.
63 Online students are expected to attend for the whole class period each day. Any time your child misses all or part of a class, they are missing opportunities to deepen their learning. In addition, students are expected to complete their work and submit it in a timely manner. Please help us in supporting your child by asking them questions about their day and providing a space conducive to working from home.
Gemini teachers take attendance each class period. Parents need to call the 24-hour attendance line at (847) 827-1758 to report any student absence. You may track your child's attendance through the Parent Portal.
Need help with technology? Submit a helpdesk ticket.
63 Hybrid
Please continue to watch for emails with information on returning to hybrid instruction. We anticipate welcoming our hybrid students back to Gemini on the following dates:
6th Grade - January 19, 2021
7th Grade - January 25, 2021
8th Grade - January 27, 2021
Bussing information can be found in the PowerSchool portal about one week prior to returning to Gemini.
After School Clubs and Activities
We are excited to begin our 2020-2021 Virtual Clubs! Winter Session begins January 11th. Registered students will receive an invitation to join the club's Google Classroom prior to the first meeting. Spring Session registration begins March 15th.
Holiday Giving Project
SEL Corner
It is getting cold outside! If you need a coat, hat, or gloves for your child please reach out to the social worker for your child's grade. We will be happy to help your family.
6th grade: Laura Mell
7th grade: Zoe Turner
8th grade: Emily Alexander
Travel Club
The Gemini Travel Club has begun open enrollment for its upcoming Washington D.C./New York City spring break trips, touring in 2022 and 2023. Current 6th grade students may enroll in either the 2022 or 2023 trips; Current 7th grade students may only enroll in the 2022 trip. Space is limited!
Highlights of the DC/NYC trip include:
- Wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- Tour the Smithsonian campus
- Catch a Broadway show
- and so much more!
For more information:
2022 enrollment guide (Open to current 6th and 7th grade students)
2023 enrollment guide (Open to current 6th grade students)
Contact Mr. Thayer with any questions.
Library Updates
Book Checkout
All students can still place books on hold at the Gemini Library during remote learning. Students and families will be able to pick up books at the Gemini office during regular school hours once they have been notified that their books are ready for pickup. We continue to be available to answer your questions and offer some recommendations. Please contact Ms. Buican or Ms. Wahlers.
Caudill List
A great place to find current, high-quality literature is to look at the 2021 Caudill List. The Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award is given each year to a book selected by students throughout the state of Illinois. Students are encouraged to explore the titles on this list. If students have read at least three of the books on the list, they may vote on the winner this winter. Please explore the Gemini Library Caudill page for more information, book trailers, and links.
Community Libraries
Our community libraries continue to provide wonderful programs for students. Please check out your local library to see what is new!
Maine East Counselor Registration
Laura Tortorello: 847-692-8528
Louise DeBoor: 847-692-8520
Niles Teen Center
Due to the rise in Covid-19 cases, the Niles Teen Center will be closed for in-person events until further notice. Virtual events will continue. Sign up for updates at www.nilesteencenter.com.
Meal Pickup
Due to a recent change in programming and funding provided by the United States Department of Agriculture, D63 is once again providing free meals for any child in the community aged 18 or younger. Meals will be distributed twice weekly through a drive-by pickup:
Mondays & Wednesdays
9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Gemini Middle School
Calendar Highlights
January:
4: 63 Remote School Resumes
7: D63 School Board of Education Meeting @ 7 PM
11: Winter Session Virtual Clubs Begin
12: Gemini PTO Meeting @ 6:30 PM
18: No School - MLK Jr. Day
19: Anticipated 63 Hybrid 6th Graders Return to School
25: Anticipated 63 Hybrid 7th Graders Return to School
27: Anticipated 63 Hybrid 8th Graders Return to School
#hereatgemini
Email: gemini411@emsd63.org
Website: emsd63.org/gemini
Location: 8955 North Greenwood Avenue, Niles, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 827-1181
Twitter: @D63Gemini