G K M S G a ze tt e
September 2016
ISSUE 1
FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK—Mr. Lekkas
Communication! We continue to strive to improve communication with GKMS families by increasing the avenues of communication and our
commitment to make all info available.
Twitter @gkmscogs – Updates abound and even links to find info that doesn’t quite fit into 140 characters.
Facebook at Genoa-Kingston Middle School
Mr. Lekkas’ Blog at http://mrlekkas.blogspot.com/
Our GKMS page off the GK424 Site. Here you will gain access to Powerschool, Assignment Connection, the Bullying Report form, and many
other GKMS resources.
And, of course, feel free to call the office at 815 784-5222. We are always happy to talk with GKMS families!
Remember when. Our 8th and 7th graders back in the KES days.
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From the Principals desk Cont………
We are off to a great start this year. As I meet with teachers and families over the first month of school, I
am reminded yet again why GKMS is a great place for kids, teachers, and families. We all look forward to a
great and rewarding year.
We welcome our 6th graders as they begin to discover the wonders of a la carte.
Thank you,
Angelo Lekkas
Principal, GKMS
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NEWS FROM THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL—Mr. Butcher
We are off to another great start here at Genoa-Kingston Middle School. Our theme this year for PBIS is
“Keys to Success.” We will be teaching the students a variety of lessons to give students “Keys to Success.”
Some of the “Keys to Success” we have already taught—being prepared, being on time, cafeteria behavior,
and hallway behavior. Last year we challenged the students to reach a goal of 80% of students receiving 0 or
1 detentions or referrals. The students met and exceeded this challenge by finishing the year with 84% of
students receiving 0 or 1 detentions or referrals. The staff was extremely proud of the great year we had
because of our terrific students. We have again set our goal at 80% and look forward to seeing our students
make new friends, get involved, learn, and make great choices here at GKMS.
I have met with each of the grade levels and given a presentation on the expectations we have for students.
The teachers have also gone over the GKMS Handbook with the students. Our school-wide expectations
are…
Respect SELF
Respect LEARNING
Respect Others
Respect Property
I would encourage you to speak with your student about how important it is to be of high CHARACTER and
lead by example--help others, do your homework, be on time, report bullying, respect others feelings, commit random acts of kindness, and follow the school-wide expectations. We are off to a great start and amazing things are happening here at GKMS. GO COGS!!!
PBIS Tier 1 introduced our school’s theme for the year. It is “Keys 4 Success at
GKMS”. Students throughout the year will be reminded that our school works under four foundations: Respect Self, Respect Learning, Respect Others, and Respect Property. Teachers will also be looking
in each grade for students who uphold these qualities on a daily basis. These students may then be named
Students of the Week. These students receive special accomodations for the week including, first in line for
lunch, ice cream treat, COGS Cards, and more.
Students receive COGS cards for going above and beyond throughout the school day. Students may hold
on to these to put in our weekly or quarterly raffles for prizes. We are excited to see what the kids can
accomplish this year and we will work towards making GKMS the best place it can be!
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Team Mac
Flock Out Type 1 Diabetes
Fundraiser
Mackenzie Engel was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in March of
this year. Type 1 Diabetes is an autoimmune disease in which a
person’s own body attacks their pancreas. The pancreas produces insulin that helps your body turn food into energy. When you
have Type 1 Diabetes your pancreas can no longer do this. At
this time there is no way to prevent T1D and there is no cure.
Statistics show that 1.2 million people in the United States are
living with T1D at this time and that number is growing by a staggering 40,000 new diagnoses each year. Our small community of
Genoa-Kingston has been hard hit by this disease with 7 students
in our district battling it everyday. Mackenzie will be walking in
the JDRF One Walk on October 2nd in Warrenville. Please help
us turn Type 1 into Type NONE by purchasing a “Team MacFlock out Type 1 Diabetes” bracelet. All proceeds will go to
JDRF research.
GKMS will be selling the bracelets for $3.00.
GKMS Gaz e tt e
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Fall Book Fair success
Our fall Scholastic book fair, which was held August 22-24 and during Open House, was a huge success. We
were able to add over $800 in books to our library and classrooms.
We would like to extend a big thank you to our Grannies, staff members and students who helped to set up
and run the fair. Without all of our volunteers we would not be able to host this fair. We would also like to
thank parents and family members who stopped in during open house or allowed their students to make purchases during the school day. Being able to see so many new books being enjoyed by our students is very rewarding.
Drama
One Dramatic Evening will be coming up soon! Watch for information and practices to start in September
and the performance October 20.
Lorado Taft Outdoor Education Field Trip
The dates for the field trip are Session #1, October 24-25, and Session #2 October 25-26. This is a two day,
one night field trip. Packets filled with information for this year’s field trip were sent home with each 6th
grader on August 30. The cost of the trip is $70.00 and should be paid by October 12. The fee pays only a
portion of the trip. The upcoming t-shirt fundraiser will also help with the cost of the trip. All of the proceeds help with the total cost for all of the students along with building a sense of community.. Thank you
for participating and helping us reach our goal.
From the 6th Grade Team
Science
Welcome to Earth Science! We are starting off the year focusing scientific models, what they are used for
and their strengths and limitations. We also looked at measurement and the difference between making observations and inferences. Next up will be space…to infinity and beyond!
I S SUE 1
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From the 6th Grade Cont…...
Reading/Language Arts
We are happy to welcome you to the 2016-2017 school year! We are looking forward to a productive partnership with you to ensure our children can achieve their highest potential. We recognize that in
order to be successful, our children need support from both the home and school. We know a strong partnership with you will make a great difference in your child’s education. As partners, we share the responsibility for our children’s success and want you to know that we will do our very best to carry out our responsibilities.
In Language Arts we started with a review of the Writing Process: pre-write, draft, revise, edit, and
publish. We also continue to review of the 6-Traits: Ideas, Organization, Word Choice, Sentence Fluency,
Conventions, and Presentation. Using both the processes and traits, we will generate and improve our Narrative, Persuasive (Argumentative), and Expository writing pieces throughout the year. Grammar, punctuation and capitalization rules will be continually taught and/or reviewed throughout the year.
This year, the students will be participating in Word Work Wednesdays. Latest research shows that
“students’ vocabulary knowledge is directly tied to their success in school” (Marzano). Our first Word
Work unit is focused on root words. Root words are the building blocks for many different words (ex: bio - biology, biome, biography). Research also shows that basic understanding of root words will help students
identify the meaning of many more unknown words. Students will be learning these root words with word
sorts, games, and small group instruction. By the end of the unit, the students will know 24 root words, as
well as multiple vocabulary words for each root word!
In Reading, we started the year reviewing “think pair, share” along with other discussion strategies
that will help students successfully participate in classes this year. Students also reviewed the literary elements of plot, setting, characters, exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution. We will
continue to use and build these terms regularly throughout the year. During September we will be using
many different expository nonfiction texts while working on variety of reading skills. Students will be working to identify and analyze nonfiction text features (maps, tables, bold words…). We will also be making and
supporting inferences with implicit and explicit text evidence. Each story will also be analyzed to help generate and understand the theme or main idea.
This year, students will have monthly book reports that go along with the skills they have learned.
The first book report must be on a fictional book and is due on September 26th. The form was given to the
students and is available on your child’s Google Classroom.
From the 7th Grade Team
Social Studies
After a successful start of the year with our geography review, we are moving on to Early Americans. Focusing on the theme of culture, we will look at native Americans across the continent and understand where
they lived depended on how they lived.
From the 7th Grade Team Cont…...
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Reading/Language Arts
We are beginning with a bang in reading and language arts this school year. Every class starts off with a silent start and bell work. Reading bell work is 10 minutes of silent reading and languages arts bell work is
grammar practice. After getting to know each other with our personality profile posters, we dove right into
story elements in reading class. We are showing our knowledge of story elements with the popular stories
“Rikki-Tikki-Tavi” and “The Tortoise and the Hare.” After story elements we will be covering genres and
text features. In language arts class we have started expanding our vocabulary with our vocabulary collector
bookmarks and R.O.K. cards each week. We have also started our article of the week, which we will continue all year long. The article of the week is a nonfiction article that cover various topics that we annotate
and answer questions. We will soon be starting our year long study on the writing process and the six traits
of writing to help make us better writers. Six Traits focuses on ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, and conventions. We will practice all these traits through many different types of writings
throughout the year.
Science
In 7th Grade Life Science, in accordance with the Next Generation Science Standards, a big focus will be on
teaching students how to really think like a scientist. Students will still be learning basic life science concepts. The difference is that there will be less straight memorization and more using the information to conduct
investigations, develop models, and analyze pieces of evidence to support an argument/claim.
In August, students started the year with our first investigation – brine shrimp! As we were making observations of our developing shrimp, students also fine-tuned their knowledge of the scientific method and data
collection strategies. As we move into September, we will examine what makes a living organism a living
organism. In addition, students will explore the nervous system in detail to determine how organisms respond to the environment.
Math
It has already been three weeks into the school year and we have hit the ground running in math. For the
students who are in my course 2 classes, we have been discussing unit rates and proportional rates. Unit
rates are such an interesting topic to many of the students since it is a real-world topic to learn. It is
used in a lot of different ways and in a lot of different fields. We will be discussing that topic a little bit
more for the next couple weeks and then going into percentages. Should be a fun next few weeks with
them. For my Accelerated 7th Grade class, we have been going through the basics of math. We are
forming that foundation of math that is needed for them throughout the course. Soon enough we are
going to be beginning integers and what different things we can do with them. In my Algebra class, we
have learned some new and fun math. Throughout the year we will be building on our solving equations
skills. The more practice we get, the better we will be at them. As we do that, we will also be going into
the topic of functions and linear equations. It is definitely going to be a great year.
From the 8th Grade Team
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Reading
The year has started off full swing for our 8th grade students! We are excited to start our new interactive
reading/writing notebooks this year. Students will be using these daily to improve their writing skills and
their understanding and critical thinking of reading. On top of that, students are beginning with NEWSELA; a
computer program, that allows students to read and actively work with non-fiction. We will be gearing up
to look at the Notice and Note Signposts that will allow students to stay engaged throughout their reading;
especially the ten minutes that students get daily in Reading class. We are looking forward to a fun, yet vigorous year!
Language Arts
Language Arts classes are focused on teaching students to embrace writing. Each day, students get ten
minutes to write in their notebooks with a prompt or an idea of their choice. Also, students are working
with mini-lessons to help them get the base for their interactive writing year. On top of that, students will
also be working with the Traits of Writing which will move them through the writing process and allow
them to grow as writers. Word Wednesdays have started and students will have weekly assignments with
words that they find in their everyday reading. Finally, we have also just begun No Red Ink, a website dedicated to grammar practice with grade level materials. Students will work with these weekly and weekly
quizzes will also happen online.
Science
Currently in 8th grade science we are finishing up our unit on the scientific method which is the basis
for solving problems. We have learned that the scientific method is a detailed set of steps that need to be
followed in order for an investigation to be valid. We have been working together in small groups to complete projects and activities in class. We have also reviewed metric measurement and learned how to graph
data in a clear and effective way
In the coming weeks will learn how velocity, time and acceleration are related. We will represent
both the speed and acceleration of and object on a line graph. We will identify the difference between positive and negative acceleration. And, we will calculate the speed, velocity and acceleration of objects in real
world situations using the appropriate mathematical formula.
I would also like to encourage all parents to ask their students about the things we are doing in
school, to keep checking assignment books and grades on Powerschool. As you know middle school students are not fully independent and need support from home studying for tests, completing projects and
finding purpose in the lessons they are taught.
Thank you for your support and your fantastic kids!
8th Grade Cont…...
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Please visit the textbook and other resources online through the following webpage.
https://connected.mcgraw-hill.com/connected/login.do
Math
Pre-Algebra II this off to a difficult start. We are working with all the Laws of Exponents. This is a skill that
is new to all 8 graders are will really be a challenge at the start of the year. After that we will look to
branch into Scientific Notation and finish first quarter introducing equations and solving for x.
Algebra students
are off to a fast start as well. We have brushed up some of the skills that were taught at
the end of 7th grade and start laying the foundation for solving equations and graphing linear and non-linear
equations. Our first CSA has already passed and we are looking to keep up the good work as we head into solving equations and inequalities.
The first half of the year will see Geometry students doing more writing in class than in Language Arts.
Once we get some of our theorems and
postulates mastered, we will move on to truth statements and
conditional statements. The end of 1st quarter will see us venture into proof writing and setting up twocolumn proofs.
Some math help that is available to students are:
Math tutoring during study hall with Mr. Uili
WIN classes
Online guides and videos provided by the textbook
Practice problems with answers provided by the textbook
If there are any questions or concerns feel free to email Mr. Uili at [email protected] or Ms. Volden at
[email protected]
8th Grade Cont….
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Social Studies
We are off to a great start in social studies! We have spent the first few weeks reviewing various Social
Studies skills such as map design and analyzing primary sources. We have also reviewed some of last
year's major concepts which included the basic structure of the federal government, the powers of the
three branches and general North American geography. As we move into our study of American history,
we will begin to look at the various differences between the northern half of the United States and the
southern half. In doing so, we will begin to examine how the stage was set for the Civil War. Throughout
the year, we will be practicing various English/Language Arts standards such as citing evidence, supporting
arguments and identifying word meanings.
In 21st Century Skills students will be assessed in their ability to meet the keyboarding standard as
described in Common Core to: “demonstrate sufficient command of keyboarding skills to type a minimum
of three pages in a single sitting.” All current students of my classes have an account in Typing Club to
practice their keyboarding which can be accessed at https://gkschools.typingclub.com. Students who are
not able to meet the standard will be given daily and weekly practice in class. But all students are encouraged to practice on their own time as well.
In addition to keyboarding, 6th grade students will be learning how to be good citizens in the digital age.
Topics include: internet safety, privacy and security, relationships and communications, cyberbullying, digital footprint and reputation, information literacy, and creative credit and copyright.
In 7th grade students will be learning the importance of the field of engineering to our society. They will be
determining how to accurately measure objects using both the standard and metric systems. They will also
be depicting 3D objects on paper – both in isometric and orthographic drawings.
In 8th grade students will be applying the engineering skills we learned last year to the design of an object
that solves a problem. They will be using the Engineering Design Process to guide them through their decision making. And at the end of our 6 weeks together we will begin to make geared machines that will form
the basis of our robots we will be making during 2nd semester.
Girls Volleyball Schedule
9-6-16 Tues 4:15pm Westminster Christian (7A only) @ Westminster School
9-6-16 Tues 5:15pm Westminster Christian (8A only) @ Westminster School
9-7-16 Wed 4:15pm Prairie Grove (8A/8B) @ Home
9-7-16 Wed 4:15pm Prairie Grove (7A/7B) @ Prairie Grove MS
9-10-16 Sat 9:00am Oregon Tourney (7A/8A) @ Oregon MS
9-12-16 Mon 4:15pm Riley (8A/8B) @ Home
9-12-16 Mon 4:15pm Riley (7A/7B) @ Riley MS
9-13-16 Tues 4:15pm Marengo (8A/8B) @ Marengo MS
9-13-16 Tues 4:15pm Marengo (7A/7B) @ Home
9-15-16 Thurs 4:15pm Harvard (8A/8B) @ Home
9-15-16 Thurs 4:15pm Harvard (7A/7B) @ Harvard MS
9-20-16 Tues 4:15pm North Boone (8A/8B) @ North Boone MS
9-20-16 Tues 4:15pm North Boone (7A/7B) @ Home
9-22-16 Thurs 4:15pm Fox River Grove (7A) @ Home
9-22-16 Thurs 5:15pm Fox River Grove (8A) @ Home
9-24-16 Sat 9:00am Dixon Tourney (7A/8A) @ Reagan MS (Dixon)
9-26-16 Mon 4:15pm Kirkland Hiawatha (8A/8B) @ Hiawatha School
9-26-16 Mon 5:15pm Kirkland Hiawatha (7A/7B) @ Home
9-27-16 Tues 4:15pm Prairie Grove (8A/8B) @ Prairie Grove MS
9-27-16 Tues 4:15pm Prairie Grove (7A/7B) @ Home
9-29-16 Thurs 4:15pm Marengo (8A/8B) @ Home
9-29-16 Thurs 4:15pm Marengo (7A/7B) @ Marengo MS
10-4-16 Tues 4:15pm Harvard (8A/8B) @ Harvard MS
10-4-16 Tues 4:15pm Harvard (7A/7B) @ Home
10-6-16 Thurs 4:15pm North Boone (8A/8B) @ Home
10-6-16 Thurs 4:15pm North Boone (7A/7B) @ North Boone MS
10-13-16 Thurs 4:15pm MNC Consolation Tourney (8A) @ Westminster School
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Boys Football Schedule
9-8-16 Thurs 4:30pm Roscoe-Rockton 2 7th @ Home
9-8-16 Thurs 6:00pm Roscoe-Rockton 8th @ Home
9-13-16 Tues 4:30pm North Boone 7th @ North Boone MS/HS
9-13-16 Tues 6:00pm North Boone 8th @ North Boone MS/HS
9-17-16 Sat 1:00pm Woodstock St. Mary’s 7th @ Marian Central HS
9-17-16 Sat 3:00pm Woodstock St. Mary’s 8th @ Marian Central HS
9-24-16 Sat 9:30am Hampshire 7th @ Hampshire Middle School
9-24-16 Sat 11:30am Hampshire 8th @ Hampshire Middle School
10-1-16 Sat 9:00am Marengo 7th @ Marengo HS
10-1-16 Sat 11:00am Marengo 8th @ Marengo HS
Important Dates for September
9/9 School Pictures
9/16 Progress Reports will be ready to view on your child’s Power School
Important Dates:
School Board Meetings: 9/27, 10/25, 11/15, 12/13, 1/24, 2/28, 3/21, 4/25, 5/23, 6/27
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