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

Grant Park High School

2012-2013
Honor Roll

3rd Quarter

High Honor Roll:

Holly Anderson, Colin Augustson, Devin Augustson, Tanner Barrera, Sam Bleyle, Emily Bryant, Lucas Castelli, Connor Claussen, Brenden Coletti, Sarah Cothren, Alex Douglas, Jacob Dumas, Melissa DuMontelle, Ashlee Ekhoff, Laura Erickson, Eric Goldenstern, Shannon Hafer, Shannon Ilg, Taryn Jensen, Ryder Kardosh, Gabrielle Laurent, Christine Leszczewicz, Joshua Lorenz, Erin McMahan, Kevin McNally, Erik Neidlinger, Payton Olthoff, Nicole Parmely, Raelynn Parmely, Jacob Perreira, Nick Plakas, Emily Reichert, Dyllon Renollet, Nikki Waddell, Danielle Wagner, Heather Wilcox

Honor Roll:

Hayden Albers, Ashley Anker, Megan Bakhaus, Amanda Belcher, Shelby Boyd, Diana Carrillo, Riley Chiattello, Hannah Clark, Ryan Dandurand, Alex Dumas, Kristina Fedderson, Haley Garbaciak, Jennifer Goldenstern, Steven Hamann, Jeff Hammerlund, Michelle Henson, Jessica Higgs, John Ilg, Jaron Jacobson, Andrea Kuhn, Abby Markland, Austin Myers, Serena Orange, Joshua Overbeek, Briar Owens, Patricia Piperas, Michael Porter, Jessica Powers, Andrew Raines, Justin Ringo, Adriana Sandoval, Kyle Schaefer, Joshua Schroeder, Sarah Senesac, Michael Techau, Tyler Tempco, Peyton Thiesen, Kristen Thompson, Alex VanEtten, Doug Wagner, Georgie Weissgerber, Erica Wilcox

The GPHS Math Team closed out its regular season, March 12, with a 3rd place finish at the RVC Math Contest hosted here at GP .  In the team events, the Dragons captured a 1st (Variation), three 2nd’s (Complex Fractions, Linear Systems and Calculators)  and a 3^rd (Transversals and Special Angles).  In oral competition, junior Ashlee Ekhoff  earned a 3rd place medal in her topic of Vectors. The largest team ever comprised at GPHS, 41 students, produced 8 perfect papers (Colin Augustson, Lucas Castelli, Ryan Danduand, Jake Dumas, Kevin McNally, Nikki Waddell, Connor Claussen (2!).  Top ten scorers included Ashlee Eckhoff (55), Sam Bleyle (29), Connor Claussen (20), Colin Augustson (10), Lucas Castelli (10), Ryan Dandurand (10),  Jake Dumas (10), Kevin McNally (10), Nikki Waddell (10) and Dyllon Renollet (9).  It is important to note that of our top ten scorers, only Dyllon is a graduating senior.  Congratulations to Coach Shirley Koelling and her math squad for a very strong effort.

The month of March was very busy for our music students and instructors. Music students (band and choir) competed earlier this month in the IHSA Solo and Ensemble Contest.  Our high school musicians fared quite well, capturing several 1^st and 2^nd  place awards; currently, the IHSA website has GPHS in 2^nd place overall.  Once the Organizational competition is completed, final state totals will be released.  On Wednesday, March 13, several GPHS band members took part in the all-day RVC music festival culminating in an evening concert at Olivet Nazarene University. The performance made for a very enjoyable experience; moreover, our students represented GPHS and the Grant Park community in an exemplary fashion.  Kudos to senior Raelynn Parmely who was the only recognized soloist (saxophone) during the evening.  Congratulations to all of our musicians and Maestro Imig for a job well done.

The Grant Park High School Chapter of the National Honor Society celebrated its 55^th annual induction on the evening of March 11 at the Hamann Center.  The event, once again, organized in an exemplary manner by sponsor Mrs. Debbie O’Day, saw the induction of 7 new members.  I am very proud of the 35 students who now comprise the 2012-2013 GPHS NHS membership, which represents over 20% of the student body.  We congratulate the new inductees and their parents for the prestigious recognition.

The principal will begin meeting with each GPHS student (including the incoming freshman class of 2017) after Spring Break to hand-schedule the 2013-2014 school year.  With the hopeful addition of both Physics and AP English 12, students will have more core options.  As we initiated last year, decisions of core subject area placement will be data driven,  drawing  from Tier 1, 2 and 3 assessments (teacher recommendation).  Reading and math competency will weigh heavily in the student placement.  We will continue to work hard placing students in his/her chosen elective (s); however, conflicts may occur.

With the PSAE/ACT assessments less than one month away (April 24-25), teachers met at the beginning of March to finalize strategy for the final push.  The final Discovery C testing schedule was discussed as well as other points of emphasis (homework philosophy, grading scale, map amendments).  Following positive past practice, the after school Study Table program (Mrs. O’Day,  Mrs.Koehler and Mrs. Shoup) will transition into PSAE Laser, and the ACT-prep Program will once again take place before school under the direction of Ms. Cademartori.  Specific dates and times for both programs have been announced and will initiate the Tuesday morning after Spring Break.  Finally, RTI placement was discussed and student lists will be adjusted to target the junior class ‘bubble students’ – those close to the cut (both sides) – focusing on the pending Discovery C learning gaps.  Although clearly ahead of where we were last year, our efforts must continue in order to meet the achievement goal.   Gun lap!