Galesburg Jr./Sr. High School
March 2023 Family Newsletter
Parents and Guardians,
State Testing
It's that time of year again, and the testing season is upon us. Your student's grade level will determine whether they participate in the Illinois Science Assessment, Illinois Assessment of Readiness, Preliminary SAT, or the SAT with Essay. Below is important information regarding these assessments.
Illinois Science Assessment
This assessment is for students in grades 8 and 11 and will be conducted on March 13th through March 15th. This is a computer-based test, so students in these grade levels will just need to bring a fully charged Chromebook. The school will still be in session for all other grade levels.
Illinois Assessment of Readiness
This assessment is for students in grades 7 and 8 and will be conducted on March 22nd through March 24th, and March 27th through March 29th. This is a computer-based test, so students in these grade levels will just need to bring a fully charged Chromebook. The school will still be in session for students in grades 9 through 12.
SAT
The SAT is an Illinois High School graduation requirement. This assessment is for all students in grade 11, and any student in grade 12 who missed the assessment the last year. This assessment will be conducted on April 12th, students will need two #2 pencils and their student ID. Students may bring an approved calculator for the test.
PSAT 9 & PSAT 10
The Preliminary SAT (PSAT) is an assessment for students in grades 9 and 10, and it is our hope to conduct this test on April 12th. Students will need two #2 pencils and their student ID. Students may bring an approved calculator for the test.
We will provide more information about the PSAT 9/10 testing date as well as the requirements for an approved calculator when we get closer to the testing dates.
Seniors on April 12th
All students in Grade 12 who have met the ACT requirement will be excused from school on April 12th and are encouraged to use this day to explore career opportunities or make college visits.
Illinois 5Essentials
The 5Essentials Survey for Parents is now available. Please take a moment to answer the survey questions. The information collected from the survey helps to guide our School Improvement Efforts. Thank you!
Survey can be accessed by clicking here.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Our final Parent-Teacher Conference date for the school year will be held on Thursday, March 30th. If your student is having difficulty with their courses, we encourage you to schedule a time to come and meet with one or all of your student's teachers. For your convenience, all conferences are scheduled through Skyward Family Access.
If you need assistance scheduling a conference please get in touch with the school at 309-973-2001.
Attention Current 8th Graders
Galesburg Community Unit School District #205 is involved in partnerships with Carl Sandburg College and Knox College to provide students with opportunities throughout their high school career and beyond. These programs are TRIO Upward Bound, TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science, and George Washington Gales Scholar Program. Below is a detailed description of each program.
TRIO Upward Bound
Students typically apply to this program during the spring of their 8th-grade year. Students start with the program during their freshman year of high school and are able to continue until they graduate. However, students can apply throughout their time in high school should spots become available. TRIO Upward Bound is designed to help high school students excel in secondary and post-secondary education through weekly meetings, summer sessions, internships, college visits, tutoring, etc. More information can be found on the website: Upward Bound Website. Applications are due March 31st.
TRIO Upward Bound Math-Science
This program offers all the same support as the TRIO Upward Bound program while also exposing students to STEM careers and opportunities. More information can be found on the website: Upward Bound Math-Science Website. Applications are due March 31st.
Gale Scholar Program
The George Washington Gale Scholars program was established in 1996 and was named after the founder of Galesburg and Knox College. The program is a collaborative partnership between Knox College, Carl Sandburg College, and Galesburg Public Schools District 205 and was created to encourage and support higher education aspirations and success in the target population of academically promising first-generation and income-eligible youth within District 205. Up to ten 8th-grade students will be selected annually for the program. Gale Scholars will receive free tuition to Carl Sandburg College and to Knox College upon completion throughout their Galesburg High School years. Applications will be mailed to all 8th-grade students later this month and are due on Wednesday, March 15.
College, Military, and Career Fair
We will be hosting this outstanding opportunity for our students on Tuesday, March 28th, in Thiel Gymnasium. Students will have the opportunity to meet college representatives, talk with military recruiters, and connect with business agents from various local trades and local businesses. This event will take place during the school day, we encourage you to speak to your student about this wonderful opportunity to start planning their future.
In Silver and Gold,
Mr. Hawkins
Galesburg Area Vocational Center Updates
Congratulations to the students in Ms. Bickell's Early Childhood Education 1 class! These students have earned their ECE Level 1 Credential.
Gold Jazz Band And 8th Grade Choir & Band
The Gold Jazz Band had a successful day at Jazz in the Meadows at Rolling Meadows High School. They Received a division 1 rating and ended up placing 2nd in class 2A out of 9 bands. After the performance they headed for some pizza and fun!
The 8th Grade Choir received a division 2 rating at the Illinois Grade School Music Association (IGSMA) competition. The Concert Band received a division 1 rating and qualified for a state performance on April 29th.
Congratulations!
Upcoming Dates to Remember
March
3/11 Jazz Showcase (6-12th Grade) at Hegg Performing Arts Center 7 p.m.
3/13 CUSD #205 Board of Education Meeting
3/15 Junior High Dance, "Night in New York"
3/17 End of 3rd Quarter-One Hour Early Dismissal
3/20 Parent/Teacher Conference Day-No School
3/28 College, Military, and Career Fair-8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thiel Gymnasium
3/30 Dual Credit Informational Session-6 p.m. Little Theater
3/31 Spring Musical-SpongeBob 7 p.m.
April
4/1 Spring Musical-SpongeBob 7 p.m.
4/2 Spring Musical-SpongeBob 2 p.m.
4/3 Spring Break
4/4 Spring Break
4/5 Spring Break
4/6 Spring Break
4/7 Contractual Holiday-No School
4/13 Online Safety: What YOU Need to Know Meeting 6 p.m.
4/21 Half Day
Student Reminders
Lunch- Galesburg Junior/Senior High School is a closed campus. This means that students are not allowed to leave campus to get lunch. Our servery is newly remodeled and provides many nutritious choices for our students. Additionally, our new student commons provide students with a spacious atmosphere to enjoy lunch with their friends.
Start Time- On a regular school day, school starts at 7:40 a.m. This means students are expected to be seated in their classrooms, ready to learn, at 7:40 a.m.
Restrooms- Our restrooms have been newly remodeled. Please use the restrooms appropriately.
Lockers- Students are to place coats and backpacks in their lockers during the school day. It is also a great location to store their cell phone.
Contact Us
Email: cusd205@galesburg205.org
Website: https://ghs.galesburg205.org/o/ghs
Location: 1135 West Fremont Street, Galesburg, IL, USA
Phone: 309-973-20001
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GalesburgHighSchool205
Twitter: @Galesburg_HS