Mustang Minutes
Gemini Middle School - February 2022
In January, we transitioned back into our school routines feeling refreshed and reenergized. Gemini students are excited that after school clubs have begun, sports are back in season, and our Spring musical auditions are just around the corner. Our teachers and staff are busy planning engaging lessons and team celebrations. Our committees are working hard to build a positive school culture that provides enriching opportunities for both students and staff. We appreciate all the hard work that our families, students, and staff put into making Gemini a wonderful place to learn!
Lewis Roberts, Principal
Erica Perelgut, Brian Gariti, and Wendy Brutt, Assistant Principals
Choice Elective Requests
Illinois 5Essentials Survey
Please make some time to take the Illinois 5Essentials parent survey in the coming weeks before the window closes on March 11. The input you provide through this survey is incredibly valuable and is used to guide our school improvement planning efforts and is part of our state school report card.
The survey is available in English and Español.
Supporting Gemini's PTO
Please consider making a flat donation through the Gemini PTO GoFundMe page.
MAP Testing
If your child is in blended learning during MAP testing, there will not be class time during the testing block. Your child will have an alternate schedule which will be shared by the blended teachers.
Tardy to Class
Graduation Pictures
Winter Performing Arts Events
When selecting your elective courses, consider signing up for one of our awesome Performing Arts elective classes, including General Music, Choir, Band, Orchestra, Dance, Drama, and Technical Theatre. Also, don’t miss your chance to attend Performing Arts events this Winter. Students and families are encouraged to attend. Masks must be worn while in the building. Thank you for supporting our performers.
Winter Orchestra Showcase Concert (6th, 7th & 8th Grade)
Admission is free
Thursday, February 10 - 6 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Enter at Door 12
Winter Band Showcase Concert (6th, 7th & 8th Grade)
Admission is free
Thursday, February 24 - 6 PM in the Gemini Auditorium
Enter at Door 12
Spring Musical Auditions
This year’s Spring Musical at Gemini is Honk! Jr. It tells the heartwarming tale of the ugly duckling. Full of toe-tapping songs and sneaky cats, Honk! Jr. is a story about growing up and learning to be true to yourself. If your child is interested, more information can be found on Ms. Martin’s web page. If you have questions, email Ms. Martin.
Parents: Make a Difference at Your School!
D63 is Hiring
Keeping our schools open relies on many factors, including a great team of substitutes who can step in when teachers or TAs are absent - and lunch supervisors who can help our mealtimes run smoothly. These jobs are fun, flexible, easy to do - and pay well!
Teacher subs earn $160/day and Teacher Assistant subs earn $130/day. Lunch Supervisors earn $26.83/hour.
We welcome parents who would like to join our Team D63! Subs must hold a four-year college degree - and obtain an Illinois Substitute License. Learn more and apply today!
February Sports Schedule
Library Updates
Reading Challenge
We have begun to support teams of students who would like to participate in the NMDL Reading Challenge. Teams are expected to read and study 30 books, and then compete against other middle school teams in a series of live challenges in April. Students who would like to participate in this fun program can meet with their teams to practice at the Gemini library every other week while receiving some coaching from Mrs. Buican and Mrs. Wahlers. Click here for more information!
Famished for Fiction
Our next Famished for Fiction will be held on Tuesday, February 15, during lunch and Advisory periods. Students will be able to get passes from their ELA teachers the week before the event. This month, we (along with the teen librarians from NMDL and MGPL) will be sharing suggestions for some of our favorite “hot topic” books, also known as realistic fiction.
Non-Fiction Reading
Several ELA classes across grade levels have been studying non-fiction in their Units of Study. We have been circulating non-fiction books here in record numbers. Non-fiction books are great catalysts for literary discussions at home, so ask your students about what they are reading!
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
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)
D63 Family Resource Center
L.I.T. Leader in Training
NEW! This is a program designed for incoming 8th & 9th graders who want to build their leadership skills this summer. Program participants will go through pre-camp training that will include receiving an American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED certification. During the summer, participants will learn skills in youth development as well as build on their own skills in communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and initiative. For more information, click here.
Niles Teen Center
Interested in Chess? The Niles Teen Center has partnered with Chess teacher, Ran Chen to provide virtual free lessons, strategies, puzzles, and game play for students over the remote video application Zoom. All students are welcome to join and must register. Please fill out the google form and you will be sent the link to join us!
Art & Improv Classes
Calendar Highlights
February
3: D63 Board of Education Meeting
4: Mustang of the Month
11: Early Dismissal - School Improvement Day
11: Elective Course Requests Due in PowerSchool
17: 8th Grade Graduation Picture Day
21: No School - Presidents' Day
March
2: Safer Schools Parent/Caregiver Workshop 6:30 - 8:30 PM
3: D63 Board of Education Meeting
4: Mustang of the Month
7: Early Dismissal - School Improvement Day
14: Spring Club Registration Begins
16: Last Day of Winter Clubs
17: 3rd Quarter Ends
18: Non-attendance Day - Parent-Teacher Conferences
21-25: No School - Spring Break
28: Spring Club Registration Ends
30: Report Cards Posted in PowerSchool
#hereatgemini
Email: gemini411@emsd63.org
Website: emsd63.org/gemini
Location: 8955 North Greenwood Avenue, Niles, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 827-1181
Twitter: @D63Gemini