HAWK HIGHLIGHTS

Gompers Newsletter - Seasons Greetings

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lilughat alearabiati, adghat ealaa zirin "TRANSLATE" almawjud fi allawhat aleulwiat lihadhih alsafhat waqum bitarjamat alnashrat al'iikhbariat bi'akmaliha 'iilaa allughat alearabiati.

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.

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Gompers Families and Students,

As we approach the winter break, I want to express my deep gratitude for each of you and the incredible energy you've brought to this school year so far. It has been such a joy to watch our students grow, learn, and support one another. Every day, I am inspired by the hard work, kindness, and creativity that fills our halls and classrooms.

This time of year is a special opportunity for all of us to rest, reflect, and recharge. Whether you're spending the holidays with family and friends, traveling, or enjoying some quiet time at home, I encourage you to embrace the spirit of the season and cherish the moments that bring you joy, warmth, and peace.

We have accomplished so much together this school year, and I am confident that we will return from the break even more focused and excited for the second half of the year. I am proud of each and every one of our students for their dedication and enthusiasm, and I know they will continue to shine in the months to come.

On behalf of the entire Gompers staff, I wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season filled with love, laughter, and plenty of well-deserved rest. Thank you for being such an essential part of our Gompers community. I look forward to seeing you all in the new year, ready to continue our journey of growth and learning together!

Warmest regards,

Raul Gaston

Principal, Gompers Jr. High School

Winter Break

District 86 schools are closed from 12.21.24 until 1.5.24. Teachers return to an Institute Day on 1.6.25 and students return to school on 1.7.25. Over winter break, we encourage students to enjoy their time with family and friends.

If your student says "I'm bored" during winter break...

While students and families enjoy some well deserved break, it's important for students to continue to learn and grow. When your student has a bit of down time or if they happen to utter the phrase, "I'm bored," we want to provide your with the following suggestions for your student:

Stop by Joliet Library and have your student pick up a few books to read.
Practice two or more Freckle Reading activities daily on their Chromebook.

Practice two or more Freckle Math activities daily on their Chromebook.
Practice as many IXL activities daily on their Chromebook.
Take your student to visit museums and zoos. Then take it to a higher academic level by having them journal about what they saw or write a story about using the things they saw and inspired them during their visit.

With your help, your student can have time to have fun, take a break, engage their creativity, and continue to grow and learn. Below are a few more suggestions from various sources.

Winter Break Activity Menu

For Jr. High students during winter break, consider activities that embrace the holiday spirit, get them outdoors when weather allows, engage in creative pursuits, and explore local attractions like museums, zoos, or holiday light displays, while also incorporating some educational elements to keep their minds active.

Outdoor Activities:

Ice Skating: Find a local rink for a fun winter activity, perfect for group outings.
Snow Tubing/Skiing: If weather permits, head to a nearby ski resort for a day of snow activities.
Nature Walks: Explore local parks, even if just for a brisk walk to enjoy the winter scenery.
Birdwatching: Visit a bird sanctuary or local park to observe winter birds.

Holiday-Themed Activities:

Christmas Light Displays: Drive through festive neighborhood light displays or visit a local botanical garden with holiday lights.
Holiday Baking: Bake festive cookies or treats together as a family.
Volunteer Work: Give back to the community by volunteering at a local food pantry or shelter.
Holiday Crafts: Make ornaments, greeting cards, or other decorations.

Educational Outings:

Museums: Visit local science, art, history, or children's museums for interactive exhibits.
Zoo/Aquarium: Explore the animal exhibits at a nearby zoo or aquarium.
Planetarium Shows: Attend a planetarium show for a captivating space experience.
Local Historical Sites: Discover the history of your area by visiting important landmarks.

Creative Activities:

Art Classes: Take a pottery, painting, or drawing class at a local studio.
Coding Workshops: Learn basic coding skills through online platforms or workshops.
Journaling: Start a winter journal to reflect on experiences and thoughts.
Movie Making: Create short films with friends using a phone or camera.

Other Considerations:

Reading Challenge: Set a goal to read a certain number of books over the break.
Board Game Nights: Spend time with family and friends playing board games.
Cooking Classes: Learn new recipes to cook meals at home.
Community Events: Check for local holiday concerts, performances, or festivals.

Remember to prioritize balance and consider your child's interests when planning activities. Mix in some relaxing downtime with active pursuits to ensure a well-rounded winter break.