Tu: Science Olympiad Practice 6:30 AM / Intramural Wrestling 3 - 5 PM / GMS Spelling Bee

3:10 - 5 PM

Wed: Science Olympiad Practice 3 - 5 PM

Th: MathCounts Competition 3:30 - 7 PM @ Still Middle School

Fri: Open Gym 3:15 - 5:15 PM

Challenge Yourself, Your Family & Your Friends to Be KIND in 2020!

Last week, teachers began reviewing RAK (Random Acts of Kindness) Daily Challenges in the morning announcements. Students that submit a picture or video with a SHORT reflection or just a reflection will get a Positive Referral from Student Services. Students can view the full January & February calendars and submit their experiences online through the RAK Daily Challenge Google Form. Students can find both of these links in their Counselor Connection Google Classroom folder. Students are encouraged to complete these challenges independently, with friends or with their families. Also, any great RAKs will be submitted (with parent/guardian permission) to the Ellen Degeneres Do Good Cheerios 2020 Kindness Campaign:) Have FUN & Be KIND! Contact Mrs. Leibfried with any questions michelle_leibfried@ipsd.org.

Intramural Boys’ Volleyball is an opportunity for 7th and 8th grade boys to learn about the sport of volleyball as well as to develop skills and have fun playing the sport. Practices will take place in the West Gym from 3-4:30pm on: Mon. 2/10, Wed. 2/12, Thurs. 2/13, Tues. 2/18. If interested, please complete this permission slip or pick up a permission slip in the main office and return it as soon as possible because space is limited. Students need to have gym shoes and workout clothes to participate. Please change in the locker room and then meet in the West Gym to wait until we begin practice. A small non-messy snack could be eaten before practice starts. Parents, please be prompt in picking up your child. See you in the gym! Please submit any questions to Mrs. Gonnella (laura_gonnella@ipsd.org) or Mrs. Zientek (jenna_zientek@ipsd.org)

World Cafe

Each year Gregory Middle School provides education to address depression awareness and suicide prevention through the Health curriculum and Counselor-led classroom discussions. AnnMarie's Law requires the Illinois State Board of Education and local school boards to create policies ensuring that students receive age-appropriate lessons about youth suicide and prevention.

Please contact your student’s counselor with any questions.

AnnMarie Foundation

IL General Assembly Suicide Awareness Policy

YOU ARE INVITED to GMS Table Talks - GMS Counselors will be hosting monthly “Table Talks” for parents/guardians, staff and community members that will focus on diversity & current topics in our schools and community. Our hopes are to generate conversations and inspire change. Check out some recommended texts and other resources here for deeper conversation for this month’s Table Talk on Mental Illness – Anxiety & Depression in Youth. You are not required to read or watch recommendations to participate in a Table Talk. Feel free to bring any additional resources to share with the group. We will meet in the LMC and coffee & tea will be provided. Contact your student’s counselor with any questions.

LGBTQ Youth

Tuesday, February 11 7:15 am

Impacts of Social Media

Tuesday, March 10 7:15 am

Gender Biases

Tuesday, April 14 7:15 am

Sexual Harassment & Consent

Tuesday, May 12 7:15 am

Please come and join in the conversation!

GMS Survival Guide & Glossary

Grade 6, 7 & 8 Lesson 13 Family Lesson Summary

This week, your child will learn how emotions affect decision making, and that even when your child’s emotions feel very strong, he or she can still make good decisions.

Grade 6, Lesson 13 Family Lesson Question: Ask your child to describe a time when he or she was angry or upset. Together, talk about the kinds of good decisions your child can make the next time his or her emotions are that strong.

Grade 7, Lesson 13 Family Lesson Question: Ask your child to describe a time when he or she was angry or upset. Together, talk about the kinds of good decisions your child can make the next time his or her emotions are that strong.

Grade 8, Lesson 13 Family Lesson Question: Ask your child to describe a time when he or she was angry or upset. Together, talk about the kinds of good decisions your child can make the next time his or her emotions are that strong.

CHECK OUT PARENTEENCONNECT.ORG & ParenTeenConnect.org, a free website for parents and their teens created by the makers of the Second Step Program, is a great resource for middle school families. It provides expert advice and practical tools for dealing with real parent-teen issues.