HAWK HIGHLIGHTS
Gompers Newsletter for the Week of 2.17.25
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Mission and Vision!
Mission:
- To provide a high-quality, inclusive, and equitable education for students to grow, lead, and thrive by empowering staff, collaborating with families, and embracing our diverse community.
Vision:
- Gompers will be a collaborative community that provides a sense of belonging and high levels of achievement for all students, staff, and families.
Events this week
Monday, 2/17
President's Day - No School
Tuesday, 2/18
- Volleyball @ D86 Quad Tournament, 4:30p
Wednesday, 2/19
SOAR Store Open, during lunch
Volleyball @ D86 Quad Tournament, 4:30p
Thursday, 2/20
Schmitt Scholar Project, during lunch
Regular School Activities
Cafeteria Meals for This Week
Daily Announcements
Every morning, our students receive the daily announcements in English and Spanish. Visit our slides at any time to learn more about our student announcements. The slides are updated each weekend for the following week, but updates can happen daily. Visit https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1hlYLkNzdk13_FdSXAy5IVJdnv3zA1UhtLfGOMv7ReWQ/edit?usp=sharing for the Dialy Announcements at Gompers!
Celebrating Black History Month
This week Gompers recognizes Colin Luther Powell:
Colin Powell (April 5, 1937 – October 18, 2021) was an American statesman, diplomat, and army officer who was the 65th United States Secretary of State from 2001 to 2005. He was the first African-American to hold the office. He was a prominent American military leader and statesman, known for his significant contributions to the United States military and political landscape. Born in New York City to Jamaican-immigrant parents, Powell's life exemplifies the American success story marked by distinctive achievements and unique heroism.
Early Life and Education- Colin Powell was born in Harlem and grew up in the South Bronx as the son of Caribbean immigrants. Despite not being an honors student, he found his calling at the City College of New York, where he discovered the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) program. Powell's Jamaican heritage held significant importance to him, reflecting the pride and values instilled by his family.
- Powell joined the military during a period when life for Black Americans in the armed forces was particularly challenging. He served two tours in the Vietnam War and steadily rose through the military ranks, eventually becoming a four-star general and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His tenure in these positions helped solidify his reputation as one of America's most respected military figures.
- In 2001, Colin Powell became the Secretary of State under President George W. Bush, marking a significant moment in his political career. His public image, however, faced challenges during and after the promotion of the Iraq invasion in 2003, leading to his eventual resignation in 2004. Powell's journey illustrates not only his remarkable rise in American politics but also the complex and often contentious nature of his public service.
- Married to Alma Powell, their relationship was a cornerstone of his life, providing personal stability and support throughout his career. Powell's life and career encompass both the triumphs and trials of a significant historical figure who navigated the intricacies of military and political arenas in America.
President's Day
In honor of President's Day, all District 86 schools are closed on Monday, 2.17.25. Have a wonderful day with your family, and see you on Tuesday for a regular day of school.
Class of 2027 Beam is Installed
Illinois 5Essentials Survey
We encourage all parents and guardians to take the Illinois 5Essentials Survey. The survey is available through March 31, 2025. The results will provide us with important information to help drive improvement at our school. Go to https://survey.5-essentials.org/Illinois/survey/parent/
Thank you for your support.
Schmitt Scholar Project
Students from the University of St. Francis in Joliet, will be at Gompers during the lunch periods on Thursday, 2.20.25. They will share their experiences as students at St. Francis and how they are pursuing their college and careers. Gompers students can ask questions and learn about higher and continuing education options form this diverse group of college students.
IAR Assessment
The Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) is the state assessment for all students in grades 3-8 that measures students’ progress in English Language Arts and Math. Our students will take the IAR during March 10-21, 2025. Please ensure that your child gets a good night’s rest and eats a healthy breakfast before the test. If you have any questions, contact your child’s teacher.
Additionally, the ISA tests for 8th grade will begin the week of March 31. It is essential for all students to be present and perform their best on these tests. Consistent school attendance during the two weeks before and after spring break is one of the best ways to ensure your student performs well and does not fall behind. Your student has been practicing and preparing for these tests with their teachers through all their classes. Let's make their hard work pay off. Thank you for making every effort to ensure your student is in attendance during these critical weeks of school.
Spring Break is March 24-28
Although the weather outside may not evoke thoughts of spring break, it is only five weeks away. This time of year, attendance can become an issue due to various factors, such as weather conditions, common illnesses, and extended vacations. We encourage all families to focus on maintaining consistent daily attendance over the next five weeks. Each day of attendance provides valuable opportunities for learning, growth, connection, and experiences that cannot be replaced.
If you or your student need assistance in ensuring regular school attendance, please reach out to our counselors and social workers, whose contact information is listed at the bottom of this newsletter. Remember, attendance matters, and we appreciate your support!
Early pick up
There are times that you need to pick up your student early from school for a doctor's appointment or another important need. Due to our dismissal, bussing line, and end of the day traffic in and out of the building, all early pickups must be completed prior to 2:15 pm. After the 2:15 pm time, parents must join the regular carline at the back of the school for the regular 2:35 pm dismissal time. Please plan accordingly so your student is picked up prior to 2:15 when necessary and remember that students are not called down until you arrive and sign them out. Thank you!
Yearbook Pre-Orders Are Open!
Don’t miss the chance to secure a yearbook for your student! Yearbooks are $20 and must be pre-ordered to guarantee availability.
- Online Orders: Deadline is March 20th. Use this link: https://inter-state.com/yearbookentry/92323k
- Cash Orders: Deadline is March 20th. Order forms are available in the school office.
Please note: Only students who pre-order will receive a yearbook. There is no guarantee of extra copies available after the deadline. Order today!
Attendance Matters!
Do your best to keep your children healthy. Dress your children warmly in the cold weather and encourage them to wash their hands regularly. Handwashing is a huge preventative measure against illness. Also, eating a healthy breakfast can give the body the energy it needs for the day. The healthier students remain, the less school they’ll have to miss due to illness!
Let’s Talk
Have a question, comment, concern, or compliment about our school or District? Submit a Let’s Talk message at https://www.joliet86.org/district-info/lets-talk/ 24 hours a day, seven days a week from any computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Gompers Contacts
Sixth Grade
- Academic Advisor: Laura Arias - larias@joliet86.org
- Team Leader: Robert Pollard - rpollard@joliet86.org
- Social Worker: Brooke Hagadus - bhagadus@joliet86.org
Seventh Grade
- Academic Advisor: Courtney Miller - camiller@joliet86.org
- Team Leader: Jeremy Poch - jerpoch@joliet86.org
- Counselor: Jessie Moore - jmoore@joliet86.org
Eighth Grade
- Academic Advisor: Dan Wikert - dwikert@joliet86.org
- Team Leader: Jessica Pasquale - jpasquale@joliet86.org
- Social Worker: Therese Skwarczynski - tskwarczynski@joliet86.org
Bilingual Counselor: Maria Arroyo - mgarroyo@joliet86.org
School Psychologist: Andrea Gandy - agandy@joliet86.org
Fine Arts Team Leader: Theresa Curry - tcurry@joliet86.org
PE Team Leader: Jennifer Colstock - jcolstock@joliet86.org
Athletic Director: Eric Blaeser - eblaeser@joliet86.org
Nurse: Melissa Quitman - mquitman@joliet86.org
Interim Assistant Principal: Bill Sanderson- bsanderson@joliet86.org
Principal: Raul Gaston - rgaston@joliet86.org
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