Monday, May 20 : Board of Education 7:00 PM, GPMS Library

Tuesday, May 21: Athletic Awards Night, 7:00 PM, Hamann Center

Wednesday, May 22: Baccalaureate, 8:00 PM, St. Peter’s Church  

Thursday, May 23: GPMS Graduation, 7:00 PM, GPMS Gymnasium

Friday, May 24: Awards Convocation, 9:00 AM, GPMS Gymnasium

GPHS GRADUATION, 7:00 PM, GPMS Gymnasium
FRIDAY, MAY 24TH

Grant Park High School has submitted a request to the Superintendent for the purchase of new science textbooks for Biology Foundations/I/II, Chemistry I/II and Physics (new course) classes next year. Current texts are woefully outdated or have been donated by other schools. All proposed texts are aligned to the newly adopted Next Generation Science Standards and are complete with all teacher materials and student workbooks. Recognizing fiscal constraints, the high school’s recommendation is for a class set of each text with online access for all students. Teachers are very pleased with the opportunity, and pending approval, are looking forward to working toward an exciting new year with the students.

This year’s Prom was held at Lighthouse Restaurant overlooking Cedar Lake and was attended by over 100 exceptionally well-dressed and well-behaved GPHS students. Once again, kudos to Mrs. Wolf and Mrs. Roeda, as well as the junior class, for their hard work preparing for the event. Bravo as well to the parents who were responsible – especially Regina Proctor – for the Post-Prom held in the main gymnasium. Both affairs were a great success with a fine time had by all

The results from the IHSA Organizational component were finalized this month and our defending State Runner-up confirmed their elite status by finishing 3rd in this year’s IHSA State contest. The trophy was presented to Maestro’s Imig and Lehman at the Award’s Concert May 14. As always, a packed house recognized the accomplishments of all of our dedicated seniors as well as the underclassmen. Senior Cassady Rosenbrock was presented the National Choral award; senior Dyllon Renollet earned the Louis Armstrong Jazz Award; finally, senior Erik Neidlinger was the recipient of the prestigious J.P. Sousa Award. Bravo!!

The past month has afforded recognition for several GPHS students. The following represents a sample of our honored students prior to the Athletic Awards Night (May 21) and Honors Day (May 24):

The Illinois Principal Association breakfast at Joliet’s Rialto Theater honored seniors Raelynn Parmely and Christine Leszczewicz as students who have truly made a difference at GPHS.

The Kiwanis luncheon in Bradley also recognized Raelynn as well as seniors Megan Smith and Tyler Tempco for their efforts in leadership and music.

Seniors Cassady Rosenbrock and Erik Neidlinger were recognized as Grant Park High School’s nominations for River Valley Conference Scholar-Athletes. Cassady was awarded the runner-up female scholarship.

The GPHS NHS, sponsored by Mrs. Debbie O’Day travelled to Navy Pier and constructed 54 Build-a-Bears to provide to an area hospital. As always, we could not be prouder of this group, as they continue to represent the Grant Park community in an exemplary manner and follow the “GP Way.”

Individual high school student schedules have been amended throughout the past month, as class sizes become balanced. As last year, queries on placement based on data rather than pure choice have been answered on a case-by-case (or call-by-call) basis. Goal remains to have high school schedules in students’ hands this week.

GPHS was part of state-wide testing on April 23rd and 24th. On the initial day of testing, the junior class took the ACT assessment, followed by the PSAE the next day. I want to thank the parents of the junior class who were kind enough to donate their time and food items for breakfast served both days. The 100% attendance at both morning meals, in my opinion, started the day off correctly.

Also, a big thank you to Michelle Heimberger for her organization of the testing event, and Ken Goodwin for flawless application of both assessments. Congratulations to the Class of 2014 as well as the GPHS staff! Well done!

All current CUSD #6 students who will be attending GPHS next year have been tentatively scheduled for next year.  The principal has met with each student individually to share data, thoughts and direction. Discovery testing as well as teacher recommendations were used to assign students into core classes which will not only challenge students academically, but afford them the best opportunity for success.  Once students have been inputed into the master schedule, and any course corrections completed, a printed copy will be distributed to all students.

As we have done the past two years, a breakfast has been planned for all juniors prior to both testing dates.  The meal will be shared prior to students’ heading to their testing site (classrooms on the 2^nd floor).  Unlike last year, when our freshmen and sophomores were also testing (ACT EXPLORE, ACT PLAN), we have had to be creative with our isolation scheduling.  I am confident that our junior students will have an environment conducive to success.  Thanks to Mrs. Heimberger for contacting junior parents eager to help with the breakfast as well as designing the alternative schedule for all of our students.  Also,  note of appreciation to Athletic Director Heidemann and our spring coaches for clearing the schedule during this very important assessment time.    Should you have any questions, please contact the high school office at 815-465-2181.

As the targeted PSAE/ACT testing dates approach – April 23, 24 – both our junior class and high school faculty have remained focused on increased achievement. Currently, the ACT Prep component is being held at 7:00 AM ; furthermore, PSAE Laser (a focused review), is underway from 3:15 – 3:30, Monday – Thursday (English M, W – Math T, Th).   Teachers have also been utilizing classroom time to embed ACT/PSAE type assessments, work on time management and other testing strategies.  Spiraling of old learning continues to be a vital component of the GP curriculum and the 8-Step Improvement Process.  The following represents a small sample of ACT/PSAE prep:

     a. English – PSAE Laser as well as time management practice.    

     b. Science – A ‘mock’ ACT with an average composite of 24.

     c.  Math -  Spiralling within the curriculum framework.

     d.  ACT Prep – Close to 70% of the junior class (28/41) has participated in the 7:00 AM, Study Island program