Galesburg Jr./Sr. High School

March in Illinois schools is usually characterized by state testing. This month our students will be participating in either the Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR), the Illinois Science Assessment (ISA), the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT), or the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT). Students' scores from these tests are used to help determine a schools overall summative rating. In past newsletters I have summarized our current summative ratings, and how they need to improve. While we have control over the instructional strategies that we utilize in the classroom, we don't have as much influence when it comes to a student's level of effort during their completion of the test.

During our class meetings we are constantly talking to our students about the term effort. According to Merriam-Webster's definition of effort it can be seen as "the conscious exertion of power: hard work" or "a serious attempt: try." Unfortunately, when we have individual conversations with our students they make it very clear that we are currently in a culture of not wanting to be considered a "try-hard". We can't blame current issues with this development. The comedy television show The Simpsons has been on the air for nearly 30 years. Yes, the character Bart said some pretty funny things, but Bart was also very proud of his underachiever status, and apparently the Bart Simpson Underachiever t-shirt was a very popular purchase for many over the past 30 years. Now The Simpsons is just an example, I am not blaming the creators of the show. But unfortunately we are simply noticing at school what our students have stated, trying hard is not cool. That is why we need your help in addressing this major issue with our students. We see on a daily basis that effort separates the performance of our students in the classroom, on the stage, and on the floor/field of play. As Oprah Winfrey stated, "Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment." Our students level of effort can either open or close doors for them in the future. We need your help in encouraging our students to apply their best effort in everything they do.

Testing information to Remember

This Thursday, March 7th, students need to make sure that they have a fully charged chromebook to complete any necessary updates for test readiness. If you student has a chromebook that has difficulty keeping a charge, we ask that they bring their power cords to school. After the testing period they should then have their device serviced.

Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR)

This assessment will be completed by all 7th and 8th grade students on March 11th and 12th on the first week. Students will also test March 18th, 19th, and 21st the following week.

Illinois Science Assessment (ISA)

This assessment will be completed by students in the 8th and 11th grades on April 15th, 16th, and 18th.

Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test (PSAT 9 and 10)

This assessment will be completed by all students in the 9th and 10th grades on Tuesday, March 26th.

Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT)

This assessment will be completed by all students in the 11th grade, and any student in 12th grade who did not take the assessment last year. The date of this test in Tuesday, March 26th. The SAT is a State of Illinois graduation requirement.

Seniors

Seniors who did not sit for the school day SAT last year, must do so to graduate this Spring. Seniors who already tested at the school day SAT last year, are not required to come to school on March 26th. Here is a list of activities you can do on this day:

• Visit a college campus that you are interested in.
• Set up a job shadowing opportunity.
• Complete the FAFSA, you can set up an appointment at Carl Sandburg College to help with this.
• Schedule your Accuplacer Exam. This is required if you are enrolling in Carl Sandburg College.

Setup Yourself for Success

• Charge your chromebook the night before each test.
• Bring your chromebook and charger to school on testing day.
• Go to bed early and get sufficient rest/sleep each night.
• Eat a healthy breakfast, your body needs fuel to think.
• Arrive early to school so you are ready to go.
• Have a positive attitude and give your best effort. "Try-hards are COOL!"

College, Military, and Career Fair

On Friday, March 8th, Galesburg High School will be hosting a College, Military, and Career Fair for our students at Galesburg Junior Senior High School. This event is to help motivate students to start making plans for their futures. Please speak to your students regarding this event.

Parent and Teacher Conferences

We will be holding Parent and Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, March 19th. Please reach out to your student's teachers to schedule a conference. This type of partnership has been shown to help student achievement in schools. Don't delay scheduling an appointment.

Shine in 205

This program is aimed to provide recognition for district employees who go the extra mile for students in CUSD No. 205. Each month there will be two staff members selected from the nominations. Parents, guardians, co-workers, and community members are welcome to nominate a CUSD No. 205 employee. To nominate a staff member please use this Form.

School Start Times

A reminder that our students are expected to be sitting in their classrooms at 7:40 a.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays; and by 9:40 a.m. on Wednesdays. We are noticing that the traffic at the parent drop-off lane at West Circle Drive is getting very light around 7:35 a.m. Please use this route to drop off your students so they can be on time to school.

Anti-Bullying

Recently you should have received an email from me regarding the school district's anti-bullying policy and procedures for reporting bullying. Please visit the following link which provides more information on the topic of Bullying: Bullying Prevention and Response

Thank you for your time in reading this newsletter.

In Silver and Gold,

Mr. Hawkins

• Please note that a parent/guardian or approved caregiver who is listed in Skyward as an authorized person for pick-up must present a photo ID to verify their identity.
• When the identity of the parent/guardian or approved caregiver is verified, the attending staff member will then call the classroom to have your student report to the attendance office for pick up.
• Parents/guardians/caregivers must fill out the sign-out sheet before leaving the office.
• If your student is a driver, please notify the office if your student is leaving the building for an appointment. Your student will then need to sign out before leaving the building.

9-12 Grade Students: You may purchase the yearbook online (www.yearbookforever.com) or bring cash or check, payable to GHS Reflector, to the GJSHS Main Office with the order form. Click here for the form.

7-8 Grade Students: Pre-order your junior high yearbook and purchase online today! Click here to reserve your copy.

March

7th- Shootin' Hoops and Smilin' in Thiel Gym, 5:30 p.m.

7th- Jazz Band at Community Art Center, 6:00 p.m.

8th- College, Military, and Career Fair in Thiel Gym, all day

9th- Jazz Showcase in Hegg Auditorium, 6:00 p.m.

10th- Daylight Savings Time Begins

11th and 12th- IAR Testing grades 7 and 8

13th- JH Parent Support Group, 5:30 p.m.

14th- End of 3rd Quarter, 1:55 p.m. Early Dismissal

15th- No School

18th, 19th, and 21st- IAR Testing grades 7 and 8

19th- Parent and Teacher Conferences, 3:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m.

19th- Dual Credit Parent Workshop in the Little Theater, 6:00 p.m.

26th- PSAT 9/10 and SAT 11

29th- No School, Good Friday and the start of Spring Break

April 8th- School Resumes

Student Dress- Student dress (including accessories) may not advertise, promote, picture, or display alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, drug paraphernalia, violent behavior, or other inappropriate images, lewd, vulgar, obscene, or offensive language or symbols, including gang symbols. No head coverings unless for religious reasons or for protective hair covering as approved by the building Principal.

Lunch- You must present a student ID to be served promptly during lunch. Galesburg Junior/Senior High School is a closed campus. This means that students are not allowed to leave campus to get lunch. Our Servery is newly remodeled and provides many nutritious choices for our students. Additionally, our new student commons provide students with a spacious atmosphere to enjoy lunch with their friends.
Start Time- On a regular school day, school starts at 7:40 a.m. This means students are expected to be seated in their classrooms, ready to learn, at 7:40 a.m.

Restrooms- Our restrooms have been newly remodeled. Please use the restrooms appropriately.

Lockers- Students are to place coats and backpacks in their lockers during the school day. It is also a great location to store their cell phone. Students in grades 9-12 may use clear backpacks.

Email: cusd205@galesburg205.org
Website: https://ghs.galesburg205.org/o/ghs
Location: 1135 West Fremont Street, Galesburg, IL, USA
Phone: 309-973-20001
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalesburgHighSchool205
Twitter: @Galesburg_HS