Grant Headlines

POETRY SLAM
poetry slamThe 2010 GCHS Poetry Slam
WHEN INCLEMENT WEATHER STRIKES
People often ask, how does the District decide to close school? We have the answer.
2009/2010 SCHOOL CALENDAR CHANGE
The 2009-10 school calendar was amended at the August 21st Board of Education meeting to coincide with the new collective bargaining agreement with the Grant Council of Teachers. One day of student attendance was added to the end of each semester - December 18, 2009 and May 25, 2010. Final exams are now scheduled for December 16, 17 and 18, and May 21, 24 and 25.
WINTER BALL EXCITEMENT HEATING UP
winter ballOn what will undoubtedly be a cold winter night, our students will be heating up the dance floor at the newly designed Winter Ball. The stage is set by the Junior class for Saturday, February 20 at 8:00 p.m. in the Main Gym and the usual Turnabout dance will be replaced with this event. Although the dress will be semi-formal , the students will have much of the excitement of Homecoming week with the chance to vote for a Winter Ball King and Queen during the week prior and spirit days as well. Ms. Herrick, Junior class co-sponsor is excited about the event. “It’s a great opportunity for all of us to shake the school out of the dreariness of winter and have some dancing fun!” Students are looking forward to the occasion for purely social reasons, “It’s great to have any chance to hang out with my girlfriend and friends,” according to Junior Cody Colbert.
Tickets will be sold in advance and also at the door. Advance tickets are $10.00 each and will be sold in the Commons before and after school on Tuesday, February 16 through Friday, February 19. Tickets purchased at the door will be $13.00 each. Dance guest approval forms are available here or in the Front office and must be submitted before a ticket is purchased. Any questions can be addressed to Ms. Herrick, aherrick@grantbulldogs.org or Ms. Highley, thighley@grantbulldogs.org
WILL YOU BE READY?
 lunch with the deansStudents, if you meet the 0-0-0-3-3 criteria, you will have earned a free lunch courtesy of the dean's office. That's right, the Dean's will be grilling out during the second week of May and they are ready to serve over a thousand burgers... Will you be ready?"
STEERING COMMITTEE OFFERS SURVEY TO THE COMMUNITY
 Grant Community High School has been awarded a three year grant to develop and implement a sustainable, school-wide plan that addresses the social and emotional learning standards adopted by the State of Illinois. These standards focus on five key concepts: self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, relationships, and responsible decision making. Research has identified these concepts as critical to the academic success of students, and therefore they need to be addressed to maximize student potential.
The Social/Emotional Learning Steering Committee identified the need to assess the current climate of Grant Community High School with respect to these standards. During this planning phase, the committee is conducting a series of surveys to staff, students and the community. Once this data is collected, the committee will formulate a plan to incorporate the Social and Emotional learning standards into the school.
Community members who wish participate in this anonymous, electronic survey may do so. Thank you for your participation.
NEW STATE LAW PROHIBITS CELL PHONE USE
IN SCHOOL ZONES
 cell phone lawOn January 1, the new Vehicular Phone Use in School Zones law will take effect. It states that "a person, regardless of age, may not use a wireless telephone at any time while operating a motor vehicle on a roadway in a school speed zone." Once you are sitting in the car line, you can start dialing. But out on the street in the School Zone, no cell phone use allowed. There are exceptions for hands-free and other instances. Check www.drivinglaws.org/ill.php for details. In addition, our schools request that you refrain from talking/texting at any point when students are present. Our parking lots are very busy places, especially at the beginning of the day and at dismissal time. For those parents waiting in the car line, we respectfully ask that once the doors open and the students are present, please turn off your phones so we can all devote our undivided attention to their safety.
BOOK CHAT
 book chat logo“Book Chat” is an opportunity for students to discuss a popular novel with a guest teacher. Social Studies teacher, Mr. Schoell is scheduled to discuss “Three Cups of Tea” on Wednesday, February 10 at 3:00 p.m. in the library. Anyone who despairs of the individual’s power to change lives has to read the story of Greg Mortenson, a homeless mountaineer who, following a 1993 climb of Pakistan’s treacherous K2, was inspired by a chance encounter with impoverished mountain villagers and promised to build them a school. Over the next decade he built fifty-five schools—especially for girls—that offer a balanced education in one of the most isolated and dangerous regions on earth. As it chronicles Mortenson’s quest, which has brought him into conflict with both enraged Islamists and uncomprehending Americans, Three Cups of Tea combines adventure with a celebration of the humanitarian spirit.

The rest of the story can be read by the students as the book is available in the library and should be checked out prior to the session. No registration is necessary for “Book Chat”. Questions can referred to Ms. Bell in the library or e-mail cbell@grantbulldogs.org..
PARENTS WELCOME
 Grant Community High School invites you to attend an informational session with the Illinois State Board of Education consultants regarding the academic success of students. Wednesday, February 17, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. (one hour). During this session, information will be shared with parents of students with disabilities and community stakeholders.
staff spotlightMeet Amanda Herrick and Tracy Highley
FLASH DRIVE FUNDRAISER
 flash driveThe GCHS Junior class is getting an early start in Prom planning by way of a flash drive fundraiser. Read more.
QUICK LINKS