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 in late January 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!
MAP Testing
All students will take their second Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) test on January 17 and 18, 2023. It is very important that you child be present in school on these days, are well rested, and eat breakfast.
What is the MAP Test?
The NWEA MAP Test (Measures of Academic Progress) is an adaptive achievement and growth test measuring student progress in Reading and Math. It creates a personalized assessment experience by adapting to each student's learning level—precisely measuring progress and growth for each individual student. We administer this year three times a year to measure your child's growth over time and use the information to adapt instruction to the needs of your child.
Semester 2 Begins Wednesday, January 18
Robotics at Gemini
The Gemini Robotics teams competed on Saturday Dec 17th at Lincoln Middle School in Mount Prospect in a First Lego League Tournament. This was an all day event that the two teams had prepared and practiced for several months to complete in the events. Students worked hard and came together with design, coding, teamwork and fun! We currently have two teams at Gemini Middle School.
One of the teams was called the Grey Chickens. This consisted of mainly 8th graders and a couple 7th graders who had been on the team last year. These members are: Adarsh J, Gideon G, Josh M, Lance L, Logan S, Michael B, Muhriz M, Vintia P and Zayd M.
Our other team was called the Mustang Master Builders. This consisted of mainly 6th graders and one 7th grader. These members are: Emilio G, Emma N, Emilio G, Kevin T, Mark B, Miles A, Rishi P and Will K. A special thanks to Joel M who was our official photographer for the event as well.
After School Clubs
If your child signed up for an after school club for the upcoming winter session, you will receive an email with the club and busing information (if you signed up for busing) after Winter Break. If you do not receive this email by January 13th, please email Assistant Principal Wendy Brutt. Clubs begin January 18th.
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.
Breakfast Available
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
Grade Level Social Workers
6th Grade: Zoe Turner
7th Grade: Barrett Winston
8th Grade: Laura MellWinter Coats and Accessories
Winter is here! This means coats are coming out of storage for the season. If you need 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.
Notes from the Gemini Library
General Gemini Library Information
It’s winter, which means it is research season! We have been busy hosting classes on a variety of research topics, from finding and evaluating sources to creating citations. It also is the season to curl up with a great book, and we are fortunate to have many new titles on our shelves. As always, please contact Kris Buican or Jill Wahlers if you have any questions.
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
D63 Family Resource Center
The FRC has many family-friendly events and classes. Click on this link to learn more!
Summer Camp Academy registrations opens on January 1. This is a great summer day camp program option for youth in grades K-8. Visit our website to learn more!
We are still looking for more players to round out our basketball league. If your 6th-8th grader is interested in playing basketball, join Expanded Learning’s Co-Ed Winter Basketball League, learn more by visiting our website.
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