Illinois 5Essentials Survey
Please make some time to take the Illinois 5Essentials parent survey in the coming weeks before the window closes on March 31st. The input you provide through this survey is incredibly valuable, 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.
Class of 2023 Graduation - Save the Date
Our Class Of 2023 Graduation Ceremony will be held this year on Thursday, June 1, 2023, at 6 PM at Maine West High School. Due to summer construction beginning in mid-May, Maine East is unavailable this year.
All students will receive THREE tickets for graduation. The tickets are for family members/friends to attend the ceremony; the graduate does not need a ticket.
School-wide Field Trip to MEHS
Maine East High School has invited all Gemini students to see the first half of its spring musical, Disney’s The Little Mermaid on February 23rd. Families will receive an email with detailed information about how to "sign" an electronic permission slip on February 6th.
In the meantime, here is important information for that day.
- The trip is free and lunch will be during its regular time at Gemini.
- All students will travel to and from the high school by bus.
- Students with assigned bus routes: morning buses will drop these students directly at Maine East. It is extremely important that all students with an assigned bus route take their assigned bus on the morning of Thursday, February 23.
- Students without assigned bus routes: these students should arrive at Gemini at the regular time. They will be picked up from Gemini at 8:25 a.m. and transported to Maine East.
- Students are NOT TO BE DROPPED OFF by car or walk to Maine East High School for any reason.
Submit Elective Requests for Next Year
Current 5th, 6th, and 7th grade students will receive an email on February 3rd about how to submit elective course requests for next school year. Students can submit their requests in the PowerSchool Parent and Student Portal from February 6 - February 17. Visit our website for more information and an instructional video on how to submit requests. We try our best to grant student requests but they cannot be guaranteed.
Morning Drop Off
This is a reminder for car riders, bikers, and walkers. Morning student supervision begins outside at 8 a.m.; if your child arrives before this time, there is no one supervising them. Also, with the colder weather upon us, we wanted to remind you that students wait outside for the doors to open at 8:15 a.m. if the temperature (with wind chill) is above 20 degrees. Please ensure your child has dressed appropriately.
ACCESS Testing
All identified English Language (ELL) students will be taking the ACCESS test. ACCESS testing has begun and will continue through the end of February. The English language assessment assesses four areas: reading, listening, writing, and speaking. Students need a 4.8 overall score in order to exit EL services. Please remind your child to get a good night's sleep, eat breakfast, and try their best!
Athletics
Click here for a calendar of home basketball games and wrestling meets this month.
Student Spectators
Students staying for after-school sporting events must report to the cafeteria after school. Any student that leaves the grounds and returns must be with an adult that is staying at the event. Students need to be picked up by 6:45 PM.
Sports Physicals
If your child is interested in playing sports, we encourage you to visit the Gemini Sports page to learn more about our program and participation requirements. As a reminder, all students must have a valid physical on file with the nurses prior to tryouts. Contact one of our nurses if you are unsure if your child has a current physical.
Parent Teacher Organization (PTO)
Support from Student Services
If your child or family is in need of support services, please reach out to your grade level social worker.
6th Grade: Zoe Turner
7th Grade: Barrett Winston
8th Grade: Laura Mell
Notes from the Gemini Library
General Gemini Library Information
Now that the snow and cold have arrived, what better way to celebrate winter than with a good book! We have been featuring books by Illinois authors on display. It’s so fun to see what local residents can accomplish in literature. We continue to be busy hosting classes for book checkouts and look forward to our 8th grade lesson on careers through the program YouScience in the coming weeks. As always, please contact Kris Buican or Jill Wahlers if you have any questions.
Black History Month
February marks the start of Black History Month. We are proud to carry an abundance of titles that focus on African American characters, culture, and experiences. For more information, please visit the American Association of School Librarians page.
Caudill Voting
Voting for the Rebecca Caudill Young Readers’ Book Award will begin next month, which means this is the last chance for students to qualify to be able to vote. In order to vote, students must have read at least three books on the list. Check out the Caudill site for this year’s list and more information.
Scholastic Book Order
If you would like to order books for your student or as a gift, check out our Scholastic class page, or search through Scholastic’s digital flyers. The code to order is Z3GW2. All orders submitted earn bonus points, which are used to purchase new books for the Gemini library and ELA classrooms.
Local Libraries
Check out the teen pages of our local libraries:
D63 Family Resource Center
The FRC has many family-friendly events and classes. Click on this link to learn more!
Summer Camp Academy registration is now open. This is a great summer day camp program option for youth in grades K-8. Visit our website to learn more!
Niles Teen Center
Gemini Social Media
- We encourage you to follow us on our website and social media, this is a great way to stay informed.
- Gemini Website
- Gemini Twitter @D63Gemini
- Gemini Instagram @geminid63
#hereatgemini
Email: gemini411@emsd63.org
Website: emsd63.org/gemini
Location: 8955 North Greenwood Avenue, Niles, IL, USA
Phone: (847) 827-1181
Twitter: @D63Gemini