Patriot Pulse
April Edition
Hello Grissom Families,
Happy April! We are officially in the 4th quarter of the school year. How time flies!
State testing has arrived. Students are completing two IAR reading assessments this week; the majority of our students finished these assessments this past Monday and Tuesday. We will resume testing at the start of next week, completing math assessments on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. We are proud of our students for coming to school prepared for testing with necessary materials and positive attitudes!
This past Monday afternoon, our students and staff enjoyed the opportunity to step outside and view the solar eclipse at its highest point of totality. We were awestruck and grateful to share in this once-in-a-lifetime celestial event with our students. We appreciate our Patriots exhibiting positive behavior and enthusiasm while observing the eclipse. Thank you, families, for quickly returning permission forms so your children could enjoy the eclipse alongside peers and teachers.
As we get closer to the conclusion of our school year, we turn our attention to the many end-of-year events we have in store for our students. In addition to the information you find in this newsletter, be on the lookout for messages about such events through ParentSquare, our social media outlets, and materials sent home with students.
With gratitude,
Mr. Michael Rumbaugh, Principal
mirumbaugh@ksd140.org
Upcoming Events:
- April 12th
3rd Quarter Report Cards released - April 18th
Board of Education Meeting - 7PM - Administration Center - April 19th
All School Assembly - Dr. Don Parker Presentation - during school hours - May 3rd
1/2 Day Student Attendance - 12 PM Dismissal
8th Grade Extravaganza - 4 PM - 7 PM - @ Grissom - May 7th
NJHS Induction Ceremony - Invite Only - 7 PM @ Grissom
Online Registration Now Open - Infinite Campus
Registration Fee Discount Ends April 30
Tuesday, April 30, is the last day to qualify for a discount on student fees. Families who register their students and pay their fees or set up a payment plan through the Business Office (708-342-5513) by Tuesday, April 30, 2024, will receive an early registration discount.
Please log in to your Infinite Campus Parent Portal to begin registering your student(s).
If you have any questions regarding online registration or fee payments, please visit ksd140.or/registration or call your school office.
IAR Testing
Students at Grissom will continue to IAR test next week -
April 15th, 16th, and 17th.
We will conduct three math exams, one each morning.
Our bell schedules will be slightly altered on these testing days. See below for details about period and lunch times.
Important 8th Grade Dates
Friday, May 3rd - 8th Grade Extravaganza @ Grissom - 4 - 7 PM
Tuesday, May 21st - 8th Grade Awards Night (Students who are invited will be informed.)
Thursday, May 23rd - Great America field trip
Tuesday, May 28th - Last day of school for 8th grade students
Wednesday, May 29th - Graduation at Andrew HS (main gym) 7 PM
April 19th Assembly
On Friday, April 19th, Dr. Don Parker will be coming to Grissom Middle School to speak to our student body at an all school assembly during school hours. Dr. Parker will discuss how students can take an active part in cultivating an environment of respect, cultural sensitivity, and belonging while at school. Dr. Parker's message aligns with our efforts at Grissom to create and uphold a safe school environment where everyone can learn and everyone belongs. We are excited to have him join us on the 19th!
Our bell schedule will be slightly modified on this day to accommodate Dr. Parker's presentation.
Lunch Times on 4/19
Lunch times will be slightly adjusted but still very close to their normally scheduled times. They are as follows:
8th Grade: 11:05 AM
6th Grade: 11:40 AM
7th Grade: 12:15 PM
Student Support
Student support is open to any student who wants to complete schoolwork in a supervised, quiet setting - our Media Center.
Before-school support is offered Monday - Friday starting at 8:00 A.M. Students attending can be dropped off at Grissom's main entrance. Students will not be able to enter the building before 8:00 A.M.
After-school support is offered Monday - Thursday until 4:05 P.M. An activity bus is available to take regular bus riders home at that time, if needed.
After School Activity Bus
An after-school activity bus will be available ONLY for students who already receive bus service. Students who attend after-school activities that last no later than 4:05 P.M. can take the bus home.
Great Grissom Events!
Solar Eclipse!
IAR Kickoff Assembly
8th Grade - "BUG" Day
Donate to the Extravaganza!
8th Grade Familes:
We are quickly approaching our 8th-Grade Extravaganza on Friday, May 3rd, 2024 from 4 PM - 7 PM at Grissom.
A large part of what makes the event so successful is support from parents and families either volunteering time or donating items to the event. We are seeking donations of decorations, food, supplies, and monetary contributions. We are also seeking volunteers to help with set up and food distribution at the event.
8th grade families should be able to access the link below for information about how to contribute to the event.
Staff Appreciation Week!
The PTO will be recognizing our wonderful Grissom teachers and staff each day on the week of May 6th - 10th. If you are interested in supporting us in making it an extraordinary week for the staff, please be on the lookout for a donation list of needed items that will be sent via ParentSquare.
Upcoming Hot Lunch Dates
- 4/16 Culver's
- 4/19 Hot Dog Day
- 4/23 Skillet House
- 4/30 Nick's BBQ
Seeking Officers for Next Year
Grissom PTO is looking for people interested in volunteering for the PTO board next school year.
We need a Treasurer, Vice Treasurer, and a Secretary/PR person.
If you have any interest in these volunteer positions, please reach out to grissommspto@gmail.com.
Seeking Volunteers for Treat Days and Holiday Meals
If you are interested in coordinating Treat Days and 3 special holiday meals throughout the school year, please reach out to grissommspto@gmail.com
Volunteer!
Support our PTO by volunteering to distribute hot lunch! Click one or both the links below to sign up.
April Students of the Month!
Congratulations to our April Students of the Month!
Emma D, Mohammad, Matt, Maya, John, Ryan, Emma T, Reem, Bin, Sara, Ariana, & Nick.
Keep in Touch!
#KirbyONE40 #EveryChildEveryDay #LeadthePatriotWay
Respectfully,
Mr. Michael Rumbaugh - Principal
Mrs. Julie Simpson - Assistant Principal
Virgil I. Grissom Middle School
Principal Michael Rumbaugh- mirumbaugh@ksd140.org
Website: ksd140.org/grissom
Location: 17000 South 80th Avenue, Tinley Park, IL, 60477
Phone: 708-429-3030