Hello, Gemini Families!
As we head into our final full month of the school year, we want to extend a sincere thank you for your unwavering support of our students and our school community.
Next week marks Staff Appreciation Week. This traditional first week of May is a special time to recognize the dedication, passion, and hard work of everyone who makes Gemini a wonderful place to learn. We are incredibly grateful for our staff's commitment to our students’ success throughout this year.
Please take a few moments to review this edition of the Mustang Minutes. We have several key announcements included that pertain to both the conclusion of this school year and our preparations for the next!
All our best,
The Gemini Administration Team
- Dr. Alexandra Oreluk, Principal
- Ms. Wendy Brutt, Assistant Principal (8th Grade)
- Mr. Matthew Hurley, Assistant Principal (6th Grade)
- Ms. Erica Perelgut, Assistant Principal (7th Grade)
- Mr. Timothy Mackin, Dean of Students
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Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are excited to announce that Teacher/Staff Appreciation Week will be celebrated from May 4th to May 8th, 2026! This is a wonderful opportunity to show our gratitude and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of the 150 Gemini staff members who support our children every day.
As part of the celebration, the PTO is planning a special luncheon for our staff on Thursday, May 7th. To make this event a success, we need your help! We are asking parents to sponsor various items for the luncheon.
We have created a spreadsheet where you can select the items you would like to sponsor. Please follow these steps:
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Access the Spreadsheet: Luncheon Sponsor Spreadsheet
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Select Items: Choose the items you wish to sponsor and enter your name next to them.
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Calculate Total: Add up the cost of the items you have chosen.
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Donate: You can donate the total amount using one of the choices below:
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ZEFFY Link: https://bit.ly/GeminiSponsors26
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ZELLE Payment to: GeminiMiddleSchoolPTO@Gmail.com
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Cash or Check: Please make checks payable to "Gemini Mustang PTO" and deliver them to the school office.
We kindly request that all sponsorships be submitted no later than Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, to allow us ample time to plan and purchase the necessary items.
Your generous contributions will help us create a memorable and enjoyable luncheon for our valued staff. Thank you for your support in making Staff Appreciation Week a success! As always, if you have questions, please email us at GeminiMiddleSchoolPTO@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
The Gemini PTO
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Friday, May 15, 2026
Doors open at 4:45 pm
Tip-off at 5:45 pm
Gemini Middle School
Gold Gym
All proceeds go to The Jossselyn Center
Tickets are available on PushCoin until May 8th!
You can also purchase tickets at your school with cash or check or at the door!
Tickets are $5.00 each
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- We will be collecting student chromebooks prior to summer break. Students in 2nd-7th grade need to bring in their Chromebook and Charger on June 2. Missing devices could result in charges.
- Next school year, students in elementary school (kindergarten-5th grade) will keep their Chromebooks at school. Only students in middle school will have take-home privileges.
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Gemini is excited to introduce All In PE, a brand-new leadership opportunity launching for the 2026-2027 school year.
What is All In PE?
This is an application-based program where students serve as peer leaders in a Physical Education setting. You will work alongside and support classmates with disabilities who may need extra assistance, fostering a more inclusive environment for everyone.
Why Join?
- Inclusive Community: Help make Gemini even more inclusive for all people!
- Leadership Experience: Develop mentorship skills and lead by example.
- Full Credit: You will receive full credit for Physical Education.
- Complete Curriculum: You will still participate in Health class, ensuring you meet all requirements just like any other PE course.
The Selection Process
This is an important leadership role. Interested students will undergo a two-step process:
- Application: Submit an initial application to share why you want to be part of the program.
- Interview: Selected candidates will participate in an interview to discuss their leadership potential.
- Parent Consent: Parents will be notified if their student was selected to be a peer leader, and to consent to participate in this class.
Mark Your Calendars
There will be a special presentation in Advisory at the beginning of May. Stay tuned for more information on how to apply and join the inaugural "All In" crew!
Are you ready to go "All In"?
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The window for selecting student electives is closing soon. Please ensure your student has finalized their choices by the deadline:
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Check Your Inbox: All families received an email on April 30th with either a summary of submitted choices or a reminder to complete the form.
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Deadline: The Choice Elective Preference form closes this Monday, May 4th.
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How to Edit: To change existing preferences, students must use a school Chromebook and the personalized edit link found in their April 30th email.
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More Info Coming: Keep an eye on your inbox next week for a detailed message regarding end-of-year logistics.
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Gowns & Tickets: Students will bring home their graduation gowns and ceremony tickets on May 28th.
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Rehearsal: All 8th graders will travel to Maine East High School for rehearsal on the morning of Wednesday, June 3rd.
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Ceremony: Graduation will be held Wednesday, June 3rd, at 6:00 PM in the Maine East High School Fieldhouse.
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The East Maine School District 63 Foundation helps support initiatives at D63 like the FRC Marketplace, Open Gym, and sliding scale fees for Expanded Learning programs. This foundation is entirely volunteer-run and depends on generous donations to continue to support this important work. We need your help to spread the word and come out to support us at the annual EMSD63 Foundation Family Fun Fest happening from May 14-17 at Golf Mill Park! You will even see our very own FRC staff at the First Aid Tent - stop by and say, “hi!”
This is a great fundraiser that helps provide vital support for our D63 community, and we can’t wait to see you there!
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Registration is open for 2026/2027 Expanded Learning at the FRC programs. The FRC offers a wide-range of expanded learning programming for students above and beyond the school day. If your family is in need of before- and after-school care, care on early dismissal or parent/teacher conferences days, or school breaks, the FRC has a program for you. Space is limited, and early registration is recommended. Information regarding our programs can be found on our website. |
Gemini Students may participate in the Maine East HS Summer Athletic Programs. Please see the flier HERE for more information. The link will take you to information on registration, the sports offered, and more. |
District 207 will once again host its week-long STEM camp for students entering grades 6, 7, or 8 in the fall who reside within the boundaries of Maine Township.
Maine West High School will host the camp this year.
Please see the flier in the photo for more information.
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Morning Drop-off Reminders
- Doors open at 8:00 AM.
- Please pull your car all the way forward.
- Please do not block the parking lot entrance off our Greenwood, so that staff and visitors can enter.
- Students must exit from the passenger side of the car.
- Students should enter Door 2.
- Students will wait outside until 8:15 AM unless the temperature is less than 20 degrees or it is raining/snowing. Be sure your child is dressed appropriately.
- Students should not exit cars on Ballard or Greenwood.
Afternoon Pick-up Reminders
- Students are dismissed at 3:25 out of Door 2.
- Please stay in your cars.
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NEW! In order to cross Ballard, students must have a guardian/parent with them.
- Students without adults/guardians will be directed to walk to the light at Greenwood and Ballard to cross the street with a Crossing Guard.
- If you park across the street and want your child to cross in front of Gemini, you must come to Door 13 to pick up your child.
- Cars should not stop on Greenwood or Ballard to pick up students.
The Gemini Staff is there to ensure a smooth drop-off and pick-up experience. Please follow the staff's directions to ensure student safety.
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The Gemini Travel Club offers students the opportunity to experience Washington, D.C. and New York City over spring break of their 7th and 8th grade year. This trip runs every other year, so this is your only chance to join in on the fun. The trip is open to all students during their 7th and 8th grade year, and enrollment is already open!
Parent Meeting: May 27th. See This Post for more information and to RSVP!
Highlights of the DC/NYC trip include:
- Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
- Visit the 9/11 Memorial and Museum
- Tour the Smithsonian campus
- Catch a Broadway show and so much more!
Trip Number: B164
Departure Date: 03/22/2027
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If you are staying for an after-school sporting event, please report to the Cafe by 3:35. You may not leave school grounds and come back without a parent accompanying you. Volleyball games normally end by 5:45 pm. Your ride must be here by 6:00 pm |
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Monday, May 4- Friday, May 8: Teacher Appreciation Week
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Wednesday, May 6: Gemini / Maine East Combined Choice Concert
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Wednesday, May 6 / Tuesday, May 12: Spring MAP testing
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Monday, May 11: Spanish MAP testing begins
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Tuesday, May 12: Elementary / Gemini Band Concert
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Friday, May 15: Charity Basketball Game
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Monday, May 25: No school - Memorial Day
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Wednesday, June 3: Graduation @ Maine East High School
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Thursday, June 4: Last School Day for Students
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Thursday, June 4: Great America Field Trip (8th Grade)
Click here to access the entire District 63 2025-2026 school year calendar.
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Theme Thursdays are a fun way for our school community to come together and get creative with dressing up! Themes correspond with National Days, calendar events, and other fun ideas. This is an optional event that happens every Thursday—feel free to participate or just enjoy the spirit of the day!
May 7th: Dress Like your Favorite Teacher
Show appreciation by dressing like a teacher who inspires you! Think cardigans, lanyards, school polos, dress shoes, or teacher-style outfits. Keep it kind, respectful, and school appropriate.
May 14th: Crocs & Socks
Comfy footwear day! Wear Crocs with socks or your favorite comfortable shoes.
May 21st: Denim Day
Jeans, denim jackets, and all things denim are welcome today!
May 28th: School Spirit Class Colors
Represent your grade level by wearing your class color or spirit gear.
- 8th - Blue
- 7th - Gold
- 6th - White
June 4th: Summer Send Off
Celebrate the last Theme Thursday of the year with summer outfits—bright colors, shades, and end-of-year excitement!
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Save the Date! D63’s Summer Learning Programs will take place from Monday, July 6, to Thursday, July 30. Enrollment will be open April 1 - 30. Visit our website for more information about specific programs. |
Parent Square & Student Square
As a school, we are sending all parent and student updates, newsletters, and reminders using ParentSquare and StudentSquare. You may message any of your child's teachers directly through the app.
Chromebooks
All district-issued Chromebooks use an Internet content filter that complies with the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA). This filter protects and monitors all internet activity, whether students are on or off campus. If a website is blocked at school, it will also be blocked at home. If inappropriate activity or language is detected, school administration will be notified. Parents and students may be contacted to discuss the issue and potential consequences.
Grades
Did you know you can use the Parent Portal to check your child’s grades and assignments for each class? Parents can also choose to receive notifications when changes are made in the grade book. This can be set up through the Parent Portal.
Attendance
If your child is going to be absent, please complete the student form on the Parent Portal by 8:25 a.m. the day of the absence.
PowerSchool Guidance
Please review this link for information regarding the features of PowerSchool.
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We are continuing to use Student Conductor to monitor class tardies. We want students to be on time and in class, so they can maximize their learning.
Additionally, this year we will be using the system to help reinforce Chromebook expectations. Chromebooks should be charged to at least 80% and in their case, every day.
For more information regarding Student Conductor, please watch this video. This is the same system that Gemini has been using since the 2024-25 school year.
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Please take a few moments to review the Gemini specific handbook. It provides important information regarding cell phones, communication, and expectations for the 2025–2026 school year. |
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Phone: (847) 827-1181
Office Hours: Monday- Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. on days when students are in the building.
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