Students and employees will honor our country's veterans and military personnel with a variety of Veterans Day activities. A summary list of events is available on the GCISD website at the link below; please check with individual campuses for a complete list of school events.

In the coming months, GCISD will be researching and gathering input from the school community about the possibility of modifying school bell schedules to better serve students. Any change would take effect for the 2009-2010 school year. Reasons for considering such a change include addressing student academic needs, maximizing intervention opportunities such as before school (zero-hour) classes, allotting times appropriate for student developmental needs and streamlining bus transportation to reduce wait times and improve field trip services.

It is important to note that this is not an official proposal or initiative at this point, nor has it been formally recommended to the Board of Trustees as recently reported in the news media. Rather, it is an information-gathering process and GCISD will be working with students, parents, employees and community members to determine the best fit for the GCISD community.

Information will be presented to the District Excellence Committee, Council of PTAs, school employees, Campus Excellence Committees and PTA groups. We encourage and appreciate your opinions on this matter. All feedback gathered will determine the next steps in considering a possible change in the bell schedules for 2009-2010. Be watching for opportunities to participate.

GCISD has a variety of exciting events and activities happening every week at campuses throughout the District. From PTA meetings and school programs to District celebrations and student achievements, you're sure to find something in Around the District.

The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. October and November are the best months to get protected from the flu by getting your vaccination.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications. Every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
• more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;
• about 36,000 people die from flu.