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Gurrie Middle School

La Grange School District 105

March 16, 2026 Gurrie School Tiger Notes

Posted Date: 03/16/26 (10:23 AM)


Gurrie Middle School Tiger Notes with a colorful tiger illustration.

Message From the Principal

We are very proud of our 8th graders for their hard work and focus during last week’s ISA, Illinois Science Assessment.

This week, all of our students will participate in the IAR, Illinois Assessment of Readiness, in reading and math.

These assessments are important for more than just individual student scores. How our students perform reflects the hard work happening across our entire school community. It represents the dedication of our students, the commitment of our staff, the support of our families, and the partnership of our community. It also reflects the work happening across La Grange District 105 as we support student learning and growth together.

In many ways, these results help tell the story of our small but mighty Gurrie community and the collective effort to ensure every student continues to grow and succeed.

We encourage all students to do their very best and to take these assessments seriously. A strong effort matters, and we are proud of the learning and growth our students have shown throughout the year.

To help your child feel prepared, please support them by:
• Getting a good night’s sleep
• Eating a healthy breakfast
• Arriving at school on time
• Charging their Chromebook each night and bringing it fully charged each day
• Encouraging them to stay positive, take their time, and try their best

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting our students and our school community. Together, we look forward to seeing our Tigers show what they know.

Proud to be a Tiger,
Dr. Mendoza
A blue banner with yellow text reads 'School News & Highlights', flanked by yellow paw prints.

Yearbook Ordering - We Need Your Help

In partnership with our PTO, we strive to make sure every Gurrie student receives a yearbook. Each year, we host a special yearbook signing event where students can collect signatures from peers, teachers, and other adults who made a positive difference during the school year. It is a fun and memorable tradition for our students here at Gurrie.

Our PTO helps cover the cost of yearbooks for students whose families may not be able to afford one. If you have not yet ordered a yearbook and are able to do so, we encourage you to please purchase one for your student. Your purchase supports PTO fundraising efforts and allows us to continue making yearbooks accessible to all students. Families are also welcome to purchase an extra yearbook to support this effort.

This year, families also have the option to customize their yearbook for an additional cost. Customization is only available through online ordering. If you already purchased a yearbook in person and would like to switch to the customization option, please contact Mrs. Neadly through ParentSquare or at lneadly@d105.net.

Thank you for supporting our students!

Missing Something?

Missing a sweatshirt, water bottle, or lunch container? Encourage your student to check the Lost and Found. Items not claimed before spring break will be donated to a local charity.

7th and 8th Grade Boys' Volleyball Tryouts

7th & 8th Grade Boys' Volleyball tryouts will take place beginning the week of March 16th, which is only a week away. Students trying out must have an active sports physical on file in order to participate. Please see your P.E. Teacher with any sport physical questions. Students should complete the volleyball interest form posted on the Gurrie Athletics Google Classroom page, as well. Please reach out to Mr. Walsen, Mrs. Helf, or Mrs. Ray with any questions.  

7th Grade Tryouts: Monday & Thursday, March 16th & 19th - 3:30pm-5:30pm (Main Gym) 

8th Grade Tryouts: Friday, March 20th- 3:30pm- 5:00pm & Monday, March 23rd - 3:30pm-5:30pm (Main Gym)

Class of 2026 Page

D105 Writers Showcase

Poster for the D105 Writers Showcase contest, inviting K-8th grade students to enter by March 23, 2026.

D105 Connection Center March Calendar

March 2026 calendar for D105 Connection Center, detailing daily activities and closures.

Spirit Week - March 23-27

We are excited to host Spirit Week next week, the week before Spring Break. Here is a preview of our Spring Break Spirit Week.
A blue banner with yellow text reads 'Sports & Activities Recap', flanked by yellow paw prints.

Happening at Gurrie Last Week

It was another exciting week at Gurrie filled with learning, creativity, competition, and service. Here are some highlights from around the building.

Music Achievements

  • Over 60 band and orchestra students participated in the Lyons Township Solo and Ensemble Contest, performing for expert judges and receiving valuable feedback on their musical skills.
  • The Gurrie Concert Band earned a Division 1 rating at the Illinois Grade School Music Association Contest and qualified for the State Contest, an outstanding accomplishment for our musicians.
  • The Chamber Orchestra performed at the Illinois Music Educators Association Large Group Festival at Olivet Nazarene University, where students performed and received feedback from professional clinicians.
  • Students and families also enjoyed a wonderful Band and Orchestra Concert here at Gurrie.

IESAA State Wrestling Tournament

  • Congratulations to the 14 Gurrie wrestlers who competed in the sectional tournament.
  • Special recognition to Isaiah Guzman and Jace Fennesse for qualifying for the 2026 IESA State Wrestling Tournament and representing Gurrie at Northern Illinois University. Their accomplishments place them among the outstanding athletes whose names will hang in the rafters of the Gurrie gym.

IMSA Competition

Our Tigers came ready to compete and left with the hardware! At the IMSA Math Competition, Gurrie students delivered an incredible performance, earning Overall Grand Champion of Division A across both 7th and 8th grades. Across individual contests, team competitions, creative thinking challenges, and the speed round, our students showcased impressive problem-solving, collaboration, and determination.
A group of smiling students proudly display their awards and ribbons in front of an IMSA sign.
In the Individual Contest, Gurrie students earned 1st Place Division A in both grade levels. 8th Grade competitors included: Colin Blentlinger, Grant Vongluekiat, Marco Solis, Ben Nguyen, Rania Qureshi, Nathan Tydys, Anna Tragseiler, and Saul Lomeli.
7th Grade competitors included: Brendan Sullivan, Abby Rondinella, Emma Lindenmeyer, Nina Brnjos, Maddie Machalinski, Viha Chinte, Elizabeth Tweetie, and Jackson Kmiecik.
Several students also earned special recognition. Colin Blentlinger earned 1st Place Individual in 8th grade, while Jackson Kmiecik, Maddie Machalinski, and Viha Chinte earned 3rd Place Individual honors for 7th grade.

Our 8th grade team of Colin Blentlinger, Grant Vongluekiat, Nathan Tydys, and Ben Nguyen earned 1st Place in the Team Competition, while another Gurrie team of Rania Qureshi, Anna Tragseiler, Saul Lomeli, and Marco Solis placed 3rd.

Our two 7th grade teams also tied for 3rd place, represented by Brendan Sullivan, Abby Rondinella, Jackson Kmiecik, Maddie Machalinski, Emma Lindenmeyer, Nina Brnjos, Viha Chinte, and Elizabeth Tweetie.
Students also excelled in the Creative Thinking Competition, with Elizabeth Tweetie and Nathan Tydys earning 1st Place, and Emma Lindenmeyer and Grant Vongluekiat earning 2nd Place.
In the exciting Speed Round, Colin Blentlinger and Grant Vongluekiat captured the championship, winning four brackets and defeating the defending champions.

We are incredibly proud of these students for representing Gurrie with such strong Tiger spirit and academic excellence!

Clubs and Sports

  • Boys Volleyball tryouts began, and we are looking forward to the upcoming season.
  • Girls Softball sign-ups are underway with practices beginning soon and games starting after spring break.
  • EMM (Every Monday Matters) students continued planning their Bemis Service Project, demonstrating Gurrie’s strong commitment to community service.
  • GO Club met to prepare for their upcoming Des Plaines River hike, where students will explore nature and look for wildlife along the trail.
  • STEM Club met to collaborate on hands-on projects and creative problem solving.
  • Yearbook Club worked hard to finalize pages for submission.
  • Library Leaders gathered to support library activities and promote reading across the school.

School Events and Opportunities

  • Families enjoyed Pi Night, filled with pie, games, activities, and a fun competition to see who could recite the most digits of pi.
  • Students were invited to join the Fortnightly Dance Program, offering a chance to learn new dance moves and connect with friends.

A blue banner with yellow text reads 'Upcoming Events', flanked by yellow paw prints.

March

A school calendar excerpt shows events from the 16th to the 20th, including IAR testing days, volleyball tryouts, and musical rehearsals.
A calendar grid shows school events for dates 23-27, including IAR/ISA Make ups, volleyball tryouts, and musical rehearsals.