FINAL REMINDER for tonight's Washington D.C. Parent Meeting.
The meeting will be in the GEMs Commons Area at 6:30 pm, and we want to make sure you're there. We already have a strong turnout, 50+ people will be attending!
If you haven't already, MAKE SURE to RSVP here: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/27737787194?rsvp_id=27737787194
We know that there is no perfect night for everyone to have a meeting, but it is still important to RSVP so you don't miss out on any important information about the trip for the Summer of 2027. Your RSVP gives you access to all the details--don't miss this opportunity to learn more!!
The meeting will be in the GEMs Commons Area at 6:30 pm, and we want to make sure you're there. We already have a strong turnout, 50+ people will be attending!
If you haven't already, MAKE SURE to RSVP here: https://rsvp.worldclassrooms.com/inperson/27737787194?rsvp_id=27737787194
We know that there is no perfect night for everyone to have a meeting, but it is still important to RSVP so you don't miss out on any important information about the trip for the Summer of 2027. Your RSVP gives you access to all the details--don't miss this opportunity to learn more!!
Good afternoon Pirate Community-
On September 15th and 16th (weather-dependent), the contractors will be setting the last two remaining walls on the new GHS gym. These are large 10 foot wide, 30 foot tall concrete panels that are set by a large crane, and the safety standards dictate that no one can be in the "fall zone" of these panels. The fall zone includes part of the cafeteria, both upstairs/downstairs bathrooms, the main entrance, the west stairwell, the main office, and several classrooms on the west side of the building.
Please know that panels falling is an extremely rare event, but out of caution for student and staff safety (as well as OSHA required protocols), we will plan for two virtual learning days for these dates at GHS only. There is also a very, very small chance that Wednesday (or day 3) could have a morning delay depending on the progress as they set the panels.
This decision was not taken lightly and we considered the logistics of an all day, full school field trip, off campus learning, outside porta potty banks, temporary tennis court classrooms, relocating to GPS, and every other possibility we could think of to keep students in-person learning. In the end, the quality of an e-learning day would be a more constructive learning experience than all the disruptive options mentioned above.
They will need two days, so if the contractors have a rain day, this will be pushed back one day and we will have a regular school day. I will communicate that as we watch the weather and work with the construction management team. Mrs. Hawkins will be sending out further details that pertain to GHS-specific plans and she will be sending a follow up communication soon.
We do not anticipate that Franklin Street traffic will be affected by this but if this changes I will communicate that immediately.
I am so sorry for any inconvenience this causes, but this was completely unavoidable to keep students and staff safe and learning during construction inconveniences. Again, we will monitor the weather and confirm this with all of you as the date is closer via text and email. We do not anticipate this happening again during the entirety of the project and expect GEMS to continue as normal.
Tim Vincent
Superintendent
Galena Unit School District #120
On September 15th and 16th (weather-dependent), the contractors will be setting the last two remaining walls on the new GHS gym. These are large 10 foot wide, 30 foot tall concrete panels that are set by a large crane, and the safety standards dictate that no one can be in the "fall zone" of these panels. The fall zone includes part of the cafeteria, both upstairs/downstairs bathrooms, the main entrance, the west stairwell, the main office, and several classrooms on the west side of the building.
Please know that panels falling is an extremely rare event, but out of caution for student and staff safety (as well as OSHA required protocols), we will plan for two virtual learning days for these dates at GHS only. There is also a very, very small chance that Wednesday (or day 3) could have a morning delay depending on the progress as they set the panels.
This decision was not taken lightly and we considered the logistics of an all day, full school field trip, off campus learning, outside porta potty banks, temporary tennis court classrooms, relocating to GPS, and every other possibility we could think of to keep students in-person learning. In the end, the quality of an e-learning day would be a more constructive learning experience than all the disruptive options mentioned above.
They will need two days, so if the contractors have a rain day, this will be pushed back one day and we will have a regular school day. I will communicate that as we watch the weather and work with the construction management team. Mrs. Hawkins will be sending out further details that pertain to GHS-specific plans and she will be sending a follow up communication soon.
We do not anticipate that Franklin Street traffic will be affected by this but if this changes I will communicate that immediately.
I am so sorry for any inconvenience this causes, but this was completely unavoidable to keep students and staff safe and learning during construction inconveniences. Again, we will monitor the weather and confirm this with all of you as the date is closer via text and email. We do not anticipate this happening again during the entirety of the project and expect GEMS to continue as normal.
Tim Vincent
Superintendent
Galena Unit School District #120
This Sunday, our Seniors had a blast painting their parking spots! We have some really great artists; come check them out!
GHS Students have arrived in DC! They are having an incredible time taking in the sights and learning about our Capital!
This past week, our GHS Trap Shooting Team finished a great season at the Illinois Clay Target League in Bunker Hill! Congratulations to our Trap Team Seniors: Elliott Blaum, Landon Casper, Bryce Gempler, and John Heller. Other GHS students who participated are Makenna Berning, Jarret Kindred, Graham Miller, and Tyson Scharpf.
Congratulations to GHS Paraprofessional, Mrs. Hahn, for being selected as the Illinois Principals Association Certified Support Personnel Leadership Award for Northwest Illinois! Mrs. Hahn goes above and beyond for GHS. We will miss her so much when she retires at the end of the school year! Thank you for your many years of service and impact at GHS.
Mrs. Heller is the Heart of GHS! Thank you for all you do!
Come see the GHS Drama Club's spring production of The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)! This is truly a hilarious show and the cast and crew have all put in so much work over the last few months. It is running at just under 2 hours (including intermission) right now, so it is the perfect Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night plan for you! The show starts at 7:30 with the doors opening at 7:00 each night. The tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students.
Please note that while the production is appropriate for a high school audience, families should be aware that it contains some innuendo and comedic references to Shakespeare’s more mature themes. We encourage parents/families to use their discretion when deciding whether to bring young children, as the humor aligns with a PG-13 rating.
The Publications Department is sending out reminders to households to remind them of the current yearbook offer that will expire after 11 APRIL 2025. If you are not sure about your yearbook order, do not call the school. Please call Jostens at 1-877-767-5217. They will be able to verify an order. If none exists, you may place an order over the phone and pay with a credit card or by clicking on this link: http://jostensyearbooks.com?ref=A01788400. Please note: We can’t guarantee extra copies for sale once they arrive in August 2025. Thanks for your attention to this reminder.
Class of 2025 - check your email for more details.
GHS Letterman Jacket Orders: Family Conference Special! Show your school spirit with a custom Letterman Jacket! A Jostens representative will be available during family conferences on Wednesday, March 13th, from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM in the cafeteria. Get fitted, see samples, and place your order. Order forms and information on styles, pricing, and customization will be provided. Contact Mrs. Bookless for pre-conference questions. Don't miss this opportunity!
Thank you to Mrs. Watson, our GHS Highlighted Staff this week!
Due to the winter storm warning for tomorrow, Galena Unit School District will be having a virtual learning day on Wednesday, February 12th. Stay safe!
Thank you Mrs. Deppe for all you do!
Thank you to Mr. Berning our GHS Highlighted Staff this week!
Thank you to Mrs. McIntyre our GHS Highlighted Staff this week!
GHS wishes you all a Happy Holidays!
Thank you to Mrs. Thraen-Borowski our GHS Highlighted Staff this week!
ATTN: Galena and Jo Daviess County Residents! 📣 Take the Resident Sentiment Survey to share your views on tourism, and you might just win a $1,000 Galena Country Getaway. Deadline is TODAY—don’t miss out! Click here to take survey: https://bit.ly/40ScY9l
Thank you to Mrs. Rosenthal our GHS Highlighted Staff this week!
