April 19: IAR testing for 8th graders, make ups and select 6th & 7th graders

April 26: IAR testing for 8th graders, make ups and select 6th & 7th graders

Our teachers are also working to build peak moments in their curriculum. COVID restrictions combined with rooming and zooming won't allow us to teach lessons or run activities like we have in the past, but anything can be modified. Teachers are thinking outside of the box, tapping into their creativity, and working harder than ever! This spring will be a spring to remember.

As an FYI, I will be out of the office next Tuesday through Friday. My family and I will be taking a much needed vacation. If you need anything, Gregory's assistant principals, Jen Wikoff and Matt Clark will be available.

Happy Weekend!

We are excited to be able to offer an in-person promotion experience for our soon-to-be freshmen! Due to COVID restrictions, this event will look much different than it has in the past. This year we are providing an opportunity for each student to receive their promotion certificate by participating in a walk-through with two adult guests. During this walk-through, each student’s name will be called, the student will receive a certificate, there will be a photo opportunity, and the student will leave with some PTA sponsored goodies. There will not be a formal ceremony, and masks and social distancing will be required.

This event will take place on Thursday, June 3. To minimize the number of people gathering at one time, we have split our 8th grade class into multiple groups. Each group will be assigned a time slot. The student and two guests are asked to arrive anytime within their assigned time slot.

Team 8-1 (Last Name A-L): 2:00-2:45
Team 8-1 (Last Name M-Z): 2:45-3:30

Team 8-2 (Last Name A-L): 4:00-4:45
Team 8-2 (Last Name M-Z): 4:45-5:30

Families who are not comfortable attending an in-person promotion experience are invited to participate in a drive through promotion on Friday, June 4 from 8:30-10:30 AM. This will be structured in the same fashion as materials pick-up. Specific instructions for the walk through and drive through promotions will be shared at a later date.

In order to help us plan for the in-person experience, we would like to get an idea of how many people are interested in participating. Please complete the survey indicating whether or not your student will attend the in-person option. The deadline for completing the survey is May 3.

In-Person Promotion Survey

If you have any questions, please contact the main office.

Sincerely,

Leslie Mitchell
Principal

Gregory’s PDAC is inviting students to attend the EDI Café on May 18 from 3:00 - 3:30 PM on Zoom. The event will focus on how equity, diversity, and inclusion. This is an open forum for students to share ideas, ask questions, discuss resources, and listen to their peers share their thinking on these important topics.

In preparation for the EDI Café, students are invited to explore some resources on this student handout. These are optional. We encourage everyone to come with ideas and knowledge from their own life to enrich this experience.

If you have any questions, please email Ms. Moore (nicole_moore@ipsd.org). We look forward to an enriching experience for all involved.

Gregory PDAC

TESTING DATES

Please review updated testing information below.

More detailed testing information can be found HERE.

All 8th graders will test 8:00 - 12:59 on the following -

April 19th - ELA Unit 2 & 3 and Math Unit 2 & 3

AND

April 26th - ISA Unit 1, 2 and 3

STUDENT EXPECTATIONS:

• Students should be self-certified prior to arrival through ParentVUE.

• Please be sure your Chromebook is charged prior to the assessment.

• Students will need headphones or earbuds for testing.

• Please bring a pencil and a scientific calculator.

• Students will need to report to school on time.

• Students must wear a mask that covers both their nose and mouth.

• Students will continue social distancing.

• Bring CB charger

6th Grade Pioneers! We are so excited to meet with Supriya Kelkar on Fri., April 30 @ Noon. Don’t miss out on your opportunity to order autographed (bookplate) copies of

That Thing About Bollywood.

Please order through the PushCoin Webstore (http://bit.ly/GMSSupriyaK). We can accept orders until Friday, May 6th.

Interested in dancing at Neuqua Valley football and basketball games? Are you a competitive dancer? Then the Neuqua Valley Dance Team is for you! Please consider attending one or both of our clinic dates, on April 28th and May 5th, to see what NVDT is all about. Our 2021 Fall season tryout dates will be on May 11th and May 12th. Check out the informational flyer and the video to see more! We can't wait to meet you!

Click here for more information and the video link .

Questions? Contact Savannah_Schofield@ipsd.org

Parents need to use ParentVUE to self-certify that students coming on campus are free of COVID-like symptoms before students arrive at school each day. When you login to ParentVUE, you will see a screen asking you to self-certify that your child is symptom free. This video explains the simple process of how to complete this step. If this step is not completed and your child is at school, your child will be sent to the commons and will be made to wait until he or she can see the nurse. We want to avoid this for all of our kids!

If you are using the ParentVUE app to self-certify, you need to make sure you are using the most updated version and are logged in. If you have any difficulties with the app, please use the desktop version to complete self-certification. The self-certification prompt will appear each day you login to ParentVUE, regardless of your child’s schedule for in-person learning.

We ask that you please monitor your child's health closely and keep them home if they aren't feeling well. You can report your child's absence using ParentVUE after completing the self-certification process.

Our Virtual Calming Room is a place where students, staff and families can find instructional videos, tools, strategies, and apps for managing feelings and emotions. You can find mindfulness activities, breathing exercises, quick and fun movement breaks/exercise, how to practice self-compassion and gratitude, relaxation techniques and much more. Each week we highlight a new coping skill in the announcements through the Happiness Challenge. Students are encouraged to complete the challenge independently or with their family between classes or during free time. Many teachers also do the challenges together as a class in advisory.

Students have access to these links and resources in their Counselor Connection Google Classroom and parents can find them on our GMS School Counselor Website. Please reach out to your school counselor if you are concerned about your child and need additional support or resources.

Gregory Middle School offers the opportunity for Evening Academic Assistance for all students. Gregory teachers are available on Monday - Thursday from 5:45 - 8:45 PM to assist students with any academic needs.

If you need help with homework or late work, have a question about an assignment, or need some assistance getting organized, “Evening Academic Assistance” is available to you.

Zoom links will be posted on “Counselor Connection” Google Classroom page for each grade level. Look under the “Classwork” tab for “Evening Academic Assistance.”

The Indian Prairie Parents’ Council (IPPC) is partnering with local businesses to recognize District 204 teachers and staff members for Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3 – 7. Parents and community members can honor school personnel who have made a difference this year, while also supporting local businesses and students in need. Each $25 donation allows you to honor your favorite teacher with a heartfelt note and a $20 gift card from a local business that you select from the list provided. Your note and gift card will be delivered directly to your teacher. $5 of your donation will help support the IPPC annual school supply drive to assist students in need. Orders are being taken now through April 23, 2021. There is no limit on the number of teachers or staff members you can recognize. Delivery by the end of May. Order here.

1. Check out Gregory's Online Catalog to find some great reads! You can get there via the SSO. Search for Destiny. DO NOT use the Hold button to request books at this time. You need to use this form.

2. COMPLETELY fill out this form! Your request could be delayed if this isn't done correctly. You may request up to 5 books! All the information you need is in Destiny.

3. If you are in HYBRID LEARNING, we will deliver your books to you on a day that you are at Gregory! :-)

4. If you are in REMOTE LEARNING, you will receive an email from either Mrs. Bevan or Mrs. Wujek to let you know your "order" is ready. The email will let you know when you can come to Gregory to get your order. You will have ONE WEEK to pick up your books. If you need other arrangements, please email Mrs. Bevan (esther_bevan@ipsd.org).

1. Curbside Pick Up & Return is on Fridays from 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM, or by previous arrangement

5. If you are returning books, please have them in grocery bags for easy drop off.

6. Please drive up to DOOR 19 and CALL 630-428-6319. We will bring your books out to the car. Please wear a mask. We will bring your order to you and take any BAGGED returns you may have.

7. If you need to RENEW your materials, you can do so in Destiny or email Mrs. Wujek.

Remote Students

• Students should follow the troubleshooting guidelines on the poster or on the LMC Tech Support Page

• Students should try the RESET Directions

• If those don’t work, have parents submit an email to support@ipsd.org & CC esther_bevan@ipsd.org

• include:

1. student name

2. student ID #

3. Asset tag of CB

4. Gregory Middle School

5. Description of the issue

• parents will be emailed when a replacement is ready for pick up in the main office

Hybrid Students

• Students should follow the troubleshooting guidelines on the poster or on the LMC Tech Support Page

• Students should try the RESET Directions

• If those don’t work, students submit an email to support@ipsd.org & CC esther_bevan@ipsd.org

• include:

1. student name

2. student ID #

3. Asset tag of CB

4. Gregory Middle School

5. Description of the issue

6. Current Location (Room #)

• Mrs. Bevan or Mrs. Wujek will bring a replacement device to the classroom