Galesburg Jr./Sr. High School

We have really had a very good start to the year and I would like to give our students most of the credit for this. We started the year with our Class Meetings. The purpose of these meetings is to provide our students with information regarding the basic expectations as well as goals for the upcoming school year. Many of the new policies were discussed with the students during this time, and students were given an opportunity to ask questions. We plan on having monthly class meetings for our students in grades 7 and 8, and we will conduct quarterly class meetings for our students in grades 9-12.

Galesburg Junior-Senior High School Open House will be on Wednesday, September 6th, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. You are encouraged to come to the school to meet your student's teachers, have a few snacks, and see the many opportunities that are available for your student(s). I want to remind parents that this is not an opportunity for a parent-and-teacher conference, our first Parent and Teacher Conferences will be held on October 26th.

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.

Update on Electronic Device Policy

This is going much better than we expected and we are noticing improved behaviors in the classrooms as well as the hallways. Our teachers appreciate the opportunity to have genuine discussions again within the classroom. I have had many students comment to me that they didn't realize how much time they were spending on their devices. I want to thank our family members and caretakers who are supporting us with our new policy. We want to keep encouraging you and supporting you in your conversations with your students about the responsible use of technology. We thank you that our students are more attentive in the classroom.

After-School Event Behavior

Whether it is a sporting event or an after-school activity, students are expected to follow the expectations for student behavior. Attending these events is a privilege, not a right. Failure to follow expectations could result in suspension from these activities. Our high school student section is for students in grades 9-12. All other students should be sitting with their parents or caring adults. Parents or caring adults of young children must accompany their children to our events. Parents of our 9-12th grade non-driving students, please arrive at the conclusion of the event. Many of our supervisors need to get home to their own families. Thank you.

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.

Homecoming 2023

Galesburg High School will be celebrating Homecoming Spirit Week from September 18th through September 23rd. The Homecoming Pep Assembly, parade, and game will be on Friday, September 22nd. The Homecoming Dance, SS Silver Streak, will be held on the night of Saturday, September 23rd. Please note, that the Pep Assembly and the Dance are not open to the public. The dance is open to Galesburg High School students in grades 9-12. We look forward to our students participating in this fun week of events.

Bus Riders

Do you have a student who rides the bus? Make sure you have the FirstView School Bus App installed on your phone. The FirstView app allows you to see the location and direction of your student's bus, your student's stop schedule for the current day, and timestamps for school arrivals and departures. Register today at web.firstviewapp.com

If your student is eligible to ride the bus, but you decide to drive them instead, you are eligible for reimbursement. Please click on this link for Reimbursement. This form will close on Friday, September 15, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

Harvest Hustle 5K Run/Walk

Giving back to your hometown is something we must teach to our youth. If you are looking for a fun family event, you are encouraged to sign up for the Harvest Hustle 5K Run/Walk that will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. There will be Touch a Tractor and Kid Zone Activities available from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. before the start of the race for families to enjoy. To register for this event, please use the following Race Link.

Community Unit School District No. 205 Strategic Plan

All community stakeholders are invited to participate in the following survey to help guide the district's strategic plan for the future. You may participate by visiting the Strategic Plan Survey.

I know that was a lot of information to share, but we are striving to provide your student(s) with a great educational experience while they are a student here in Galesburg. 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: Pre-order your high school yearbook to capture the memories of your school year! 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.

Order by November 1, 2023, for the Early Bird Price, $60.00. If you have any questions, contact Mr. Bennewitz, at bbennewitz@galesburg205.org.

September

4- No School, Labor Day

6- School Picture Day, Grades 7th & 8th

6- Open House, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

7- School Picture Day, Grades 9th-11th

11- 7th and 8th Class Meeting

15- Class of 1960 Reunion Tour

20- Homecoming Verification Forms Due

22- Homecoming Pep Assembly, Parade, and Game

23- Class of 1973 Reunion Tour

23- Homecoming Dance, SS Silver Streak for Grades 9-12

28- Rachel's Challenge Assembly

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- 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