Resources available to help the students (and families) at GCMS Elementary School include:
Who do you talk to if you have concerns for your child?
- Year long student Excellence/Character Education efforts
- Referrals to GCMS Elementary School S.T.A.R.T. Team
- Referrals to GCMS Community based Mentoring Program
- Referrals to Big Brothers Big Sisters Program
- Individual student and small student group counseling
- Classroom presentations
- Referrals to community (McCormick) tutoring program
- Referrals to volunteer tutoring specific to GCMS Elementary School
- Involvement in the evaluation process specific to special education eligibility
- Linking families in need with local resources
GCMS Elementary School has been invaded by B.U.G.s! RESPECT is HUGE at GCMS Elementary School!
Every week the students at GCMS Elementary School can be caught Being Unbelievably Good (B.U.G). Teachers & school staff choose the recipients of the B.U.G. certificates by observing students respecting others, respecting themselves and /or respecting property. The students are working very hard. Help us celebrate the B.U.G.s at GCMS Elementary School!
GCMS Elementary School helps students, parents and teachers with S.T.A.R.T. TEAM
What does S.T.A.R.T. stand for?
S is for the initial response to a STUDENT at-risk academically, emotionally, physically and/or behaviorally.
T is for the initial response of a TEACHER or other educational staff who observe or work with the at-risk student.
A is for the ASSESSMENT of a student's behaviors and the development and implementation of interventions to them in overcoming obstacles that may be impacting their educational growth.
R is for the RESOURCES of team members to assess behaviors and implement interventions.
T is for the TEAM comprised of administrators, teachers, and student support staff who represent the dedication to help a child with their academic and emotional growth.
What is the purpose of S.T.A.R.T?- To identify and/or assess perceived needs of a student which may be negatively impacting their school/classroom success. These perceived needs can be academic, emotional, physical and/or behavioral.
- To assist teachers through a process of developing and implementing early interventions and prevention strategies.
- To assist in the referral for special education assessments.
Who do you talk to if you have concerns for your child?
- You are welcome to speak to your child's classroom teacher or myself. I will do my best to answer all questions that you might have regarding the S.T.A.R.T. process
Mentoring & Big Brothers Big Sisters are WONDERFUL resources for kids (and parents)!
GCMS Mentoring Program
This school based Mentoring Program is coordinated by Cathy Walker-Steidinger for the elementary school building/GCMS district. If you are interested in learning more...please consider visiting the following web sitehttp://www.gcms.k12.il.us/gcmsms/parents/mentoring_program.htm . Feel free to contact me with questions, or with the need for additional information. I will do my best to answer your questions and I will pass along your interest and/or inquiries to Cathy.
Ford County Big Brothers Big Sisters
Ford County Big Brothers Big Sisters Program is coordinated by the local Ford County office. Referrals can be made for community based mentors (Big Brothers and/or Big Sisters) as well as the popular "Bigs and Littles" program which uses GCMS high school students as the mentor. This program has proven to be a wonderful experience for both the elementary school kids and the high school kids!
Please feel free to contact me with questions, or with the need for additional information. I will do my best to answer your questions and I will pass along your interest and/or inquiries to the staff at the Ford County office
Tutors can help with the ABC's and 123's...and much, much more!
Volunteer Tutoring
GCMS Elementary School students have benefited from community members (including high school students) who have generously volunteered their time to serve as a tutor. If you are interested in volunteering, we certainly could use you! In the last few years we have had a waiting list of students who could benefit from tutoring help.
Please feel free to contact me with questions, or with the need for additional information.
McCormick Tutoring
Thomas S. McCormick Memorial Scholarship Fund
"The students of today are our future leaders tomorrow. Let’s help them to be the very best they can be."
This program provides an opportunity for tutoring services to GCMS students who do not have any other extra help. The program director is
Sarah Moody Meyer
· This program offers qualified tutors, observes confidentiality, and follows professional policies and procedures.
· Students are referred by their teacher to the guidance counselor and/or social worker.
· Students are tutored two times a week for forty minutes.
· Substitute tutors are available.
· This program receives no state or federal funding.
If you are interested in receiving more information regarding this wonderful resource please contact me and I will forward your questions/inquiry to the program coorsinator (Sarah Moody Meyer).
Miscellaneous Local Resources:
GCMS District Unit Office 1-217-784-8296
Elementary School Office 1-217-784-4278
Middle School Office 1-217-784-8731
High School Office 1-217-784-4292
Emergency Food Bank at Shepherd's Closet (Voicemail) 1-217-784-5201
Gibson Area Food Pantry at Gibson Area Hospital (Voicemail)
1-217-771-4100 Open 9 - 12 noon on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month- DCFS Child Abuse Hotline 1-800-25-ABUSE same as 1-800-252-2873
- Domestic Violence Help (24 hour): Courage Connection 1-217-384-4390
Prairie Center Health Systems (Youth Alcohol & Substance Abuse) 1-217-328-4500
Elder Abuse Hotline (24 hour) 1-866-800-1409
(TTY) 1-888-206-1327
Ford County Public Health Department 1-217-379-9281
Fax 1-217-379-2802
Poison Control Hotline (Illinois Poison Center) 1-800-222-1222
National Suicide Prevention 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255
National Veteran Assistance/Services 1-800-273-TALK or 1-800-273-8255 - Services; Resources; Mental & Emotional Health & Wellness
Runaway Hotline (24 hours) 1-800-RUNAWAY or 1-800-786-2929
School Safety Tip Line @ IL State Police (24 hours. Can be anonymous)1-800-477-0024
*Not for reports of bullying. Use for threats of violence against schools.
Behavioral Wellness Center @ Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City 1-217-784-4540
CRCC (Community Resources Counseling Center - Paxton, IL) 1-217-379-4302
24 Hour Mental Health Emergency After Hours Assistance 1-217-359-4141- 24 Hour Crisis Line through Champaign County Mental Health)
Emergency Room @ Gibson Area Hospital, Gibson City 1-217-784-4251
Cares Line (SASS) 24 hour emergency mental health assessment 1-800 345-9049
*Ages: 17 and under
*Eligibility: Uninsured and/or Medicaid
Center For Youth & Family Solutions 1-217-352-5179- Runaway Youth (under 18) #1-800-200-6804
- Locked Out Youth (under 18) #1800-200-6804
The Pavilion (Behavioral Health) Champaign 1-217-373-1700
24 Hour Mental Health Crisis Line @ Riverside Healthcare (Behavioral Health) Kankakee 1-815-935-1600
DHS Helpline (Department of Human Services) & Family Community Resource Center (FCRC) Local 1-217-278-5605
Springfield 1-800-843-6154
*Link Card *Dental Services *Medical Transportation
*All Kids Insurance *Public Health
WIC 1-217-531-4319
Child Support Assistance 1-800-447-4278
Ford County Housing Authority 1-217-784-5488
East Central Illinois Community Action Agency Services : 1-217-443-2705
Admin: 1-217-443-2761
*Energy Assistance *Weatherization
*Affordable Housing & Home Ownership *Financial Literacy
*Educational Assistance *Employment Readiness
*Early Childhood & Head Start
(LIHEAP) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Home heating & utility)
Ford County: 1-217-379-2071
Iroquois County: 1-815-265-4685
Vermillion County: 1-217-443-2705