Sunday, December 16, 2012

Thoughts and Prayers to Newtown, CT

In light of the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School, we send our prayers and condolences to the faculty, staff, students, parents and community of Newtown, CT.  As we left school on Friday, we knew very little about what happened, and as the weekend progressed, we came to find out such horrible facts and details of the shooting.  In addition, we heard stories of heroism from the staff in their efforts to protect the students.  We all saw first hand that there is so much more that our teachers do for the children that they teach every day.

So How do We Process What Happened? 

How do we talk to our kids about this tragedy?  How can we lessen their fears?  It is critical that you assure your child by acknowledging that this was a terrible act, and at this time we need to direct our thoughts, prayers and actions to supporting our friends in Connecticut.  This can help our children put this event in a better perspective.  With all of the media coverage, it is important that we limit what our students see on the news as it can be difficult for our kids to process.  Our kids need us to help calm their fears, and parents know best how to do this at an age appropriate level.

If you want to make direct contact to the school or financially support families in Connecticut, you can do the following:
  • You can write a letter to the school at
    • Newtown Public School District 
    • 3 Primrose Street,
    • Newtown, CT, 06470
  • You can make a donation through the Red Cross and Newtown Savings Bank
    • (call 1-800-461-0672)
  • You can also donate to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund

We can talk to our children about being prepared if the school were to go into lockdown and the importance of being completely quiet during a lockdown whether it be a drill or the real thing.  We were successful in our lockdown earlier this fall, and your conversations with your child about the purpose of a lockdown can be helpful.  As a parent, you know the best way to talk to your child that helps them understand this event without generating additional worries in their mind.

So what will GES do in the Wake of Sandy Hook?

We will continue to look at our visitor procedures and lockdown procedures to ensure that we are completely safe.  We will find areas that can improve and procedures that we haven't thought of.  For our children, we will have counselors available to talk with them if they have fears at school.
We also have an Upshur County deputy on our campus. The presence of the Sheriff's Office communicates safety and security to all who visit the school.

What if I have Questions?

We definitely want parents to feel comfortable asking questions and offering suggestions.  If you have an idea or question, please give the principal, John Wink, or assistant principals a phone call.  We want you to be completely reassured that your child goes to a safe and secure school.

My thoughts and prayers go out to the innocent lives lost as well as the families affected and the community of Newtown. May God bless them, keep them, and give them peace.

Sincerely,
John Wink

Announcements for December 17


This is the last week before Christmas, and there are lots of events for the kids and staff.  Please look at the bottom of this post for more information. I would like to take this time to wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas break and hope that you have a Happy New Year.  Gilmer Elementary has had a wonderful end to the 2012 year, and our students have done wonderful projects to demonstrate their learning and compassion for the community that supports them so much.  In short 2012 has been a fantastic year.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child's learning.  Last, we wish good luck to our Buckeyes in the state championship game on Friday.

Here are the Announcements

G/T Nominations are being Accepted.

The Gifted/Talented program in Gilmer Schools is opening up nominations for potential students. This program offers the opportunity for academic challenges for students who are capable of functioning at advanced levels. If at you feel that your child would qualify for the Gifted/Talented program, please go by the front office of your child's school and pick up a GT Nomination Packet. Nominations for grades K through 12 will be accepted from December 3 through December 19.

December 3-18

  • Pennies for Patriots - We will begin raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.  If you would like to donate to our US Troops, please contact the office.  You can donate change, cash and checks made out to the Wounded Warrior Project.


Tuesday, December 18

  • The Yam Queen, Paige Linder, will be here to read to our kindergarten students.
  • Our 1st Grade Musical will be at 6:30 p.m. in the gym.

Thursday, December 20

  • Polar Express Day - All students will have learning centered around the movie, Polar Express.  Students may come to school in their school appropriate pajamas and tennis shoes or boots.


  • Christmas Party Schedule
    Pk-1 Parties are from 1:15-2:00
    2nd - 4th Parties are from 1:30-2:15

    Friday, December 21

    School Closed

    Monday, December 24 - Monday, January 7

    Christmas Break - Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

    Tuesday, January 8

    Students return back to school for the first day of the 2013 new year.

Friday, December 7, 2012

Announcements for December 7

We have 2 more weeks until Christmas break and we are working very hard in our learning.  Be sure to ask your child's teacher questions if you need to know specifically where they are in their learning.

G/T Nominations are being Accepted.

The Gifted/Talented program in Gilmer Schools is opening up nominations for potential students. This program offers the opportunity for academic challenges for students who are capable of functioning at advanced levels. If at you feel that your child would qualify for the Gifted/Talented program, please go by the front office of your child's school and pick up a GT Nomination Packet. Nominations for grades K through 12 will be accepted from December 3 through December 19.



December 3-18

  • Pennies for Patriots - We will begin raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.  If you would like to donate to our US Troops, please contact the office.  You can donate change, cash and checks made out to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Friday, December 7

  • 2nd Grade (Brevard, Barton, Brown, Bill) to perform at Gilmer National Bank at 12:30
  • 2nd Grade (Dean, Reneau, Henson) to perform at First National Bank at 1:45

Tuesday, December 11

  • Head Start Parent meeting will be at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 18

  • The Yam Queen, Paige Linder, will be here to read to our kindergarten students.
  • Our 1st Grade Musical will be at 6:30 p.m. in the gym.

Thursday, December 20

  • Polar Express Day - All students will have learning centered around the movie, Polar Express.  Students may come to school in their school appropriate pajamas and tennis shoes or boots.
  • 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students will have the Slamma Jamma reward for making growth in reading and math.

Friday, December 21

Christmas Parties will be at the following times
  • 9:10 - 10:10 for grades 1 & 2
  • 9:40 - 10:10 for PK
  • 10:30 - 11:30 for grades K, 3, 4

Monday, December 24 - Monday, January 7

Christmas Break - Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Tuesday, January 8

Students return back to school for the first day of the 2013 new year.

Friday, November 30, 2012

Announcements for November 30

We celebrated the end of the 2nd 6 weeks with a great CHAMPs Assembly.  Thank you to our students for their hard work, to our teachers for their commitment to helping every child learn and our parents for your partnership and support in helping your child learn.

For the 2nd 6 weeks, we established another attendance record of 95.7%.  Great job to everyone.  We also experienced fewer children in the office for behavior infractions.  That is due to our teachers creating great instruction and structured and positive learning environments where students want to behave and learn.

December is here, and Christmas Break is upon us.  We have a lot of activities planned for next month so here is a list of events and Christmas performances in our community. 

December 3-18

  • Pennies for Patriots - We will begin raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.  If you would like to donate to our US Troops, please contact the office.  You can donate change, cash and checks made out to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Tuesday, December 4

  • 3rd Grade (Cunningham, Mills, Meza) to perform at Upshur County Library at 9:00
  • 2nd Grade (Branch, Scott, White) to perform at Upshur Manor at 10:00
  • 3rd Grade (Broadwell, Vestal, Morris) to perform at Upshur County Library at 12:30
  • 3rd Grade (Kiser, Henry) to perform at Bradford House at 1:45

Friday, December 7

  • 2nd Grade (Brevard, Barton, Brown, Bill) to perform at Gilmer National Bank at 12:30
  • 2nd Grade (Dean, Reneau, Henson) to perform at First National Bank at 1:45

Tuesday, December 11

  • Head Start Parent meeting will be at 6:00 p.m.

Tuesday, December 18

  • The Yam Queen, Paige Linder, will be here to read to our kindergarten students.
  • Our 1st Grade Musical will be at 6:30 p.m. in the gym.

Thursday, December 20

  • Polar Express Day - All students will have learning centered around the movie, Polar Express.  Students may come to school in their school appropriate pajamas and tennis shoes or boots.
  • 2nd, 3rd and 4th grade students will have the Slamma Jamma reward for making growth in reading and math.

Friday, December 21

Christmas Parties will be at the following times
  • 9:10 - 10:10 for grades 1 & 2
  • 9:40 - 10:10 for PK
  • 10:30 - 11:30 for grades K, 3, 4

Monday, December 24 - Monday, January 7

Christmas Break - Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

Tuesday, January 8

Students return back to school for the first day of the 2013 new year.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

Announcements November 23

Thank you to everyone for attending our Bring Your Parent to School days.  Every Friday, 2 grade levels opened their rooms and their learning for parents to experience.  Here is a picture of parents watching Mrs. Verzosa's strategies when she is reading to the class.  Thank you for taking time to learn how we are teaching your kids.



Thanksgiving is here and here is a bulletin board of good character traits that we are teaching the kids this month.  Our counselors, Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Winkler are working hard to promote good character lessons for the kids.  Also Coach Pate and Coach Turner are teaching fantastic character education lessons to the kids every day.  We hope you have a great Thanksgiving break.

Here are the events for the week that we come back from Thanksgiving.


Thursday, November 29

  • Report Cards will go home with the children.

Friday, November 30

  • CHAMPs Assembly - We will celebrate our classes that are in the green zone for  great attendance, behavior and learning as well as listen to outstanding stories from our student writers.  Our students will also perform musical selections for us.
    • PK, K & 1st grade classes will have their assembly from 8:15 - 8:45
    • 2nd, 3rd, & 4th grade classes will have their assembly from 2:35 - 3:05

December 3-18

  • Pennies for Patriots - We will begin raising funds for the Wounded Warrior Project.  If you would like to donate to our US Troops, please contact the office.

Friday, November 9, 2012

Announcements November 9

We are one week from Thanksgiving break, and I hope you are all gearing up for a great break to give thanks with family and friends.  To give thanks, our students have been collecting canned and boxed food items to donate to local families in need this Thanksgiving.  Thank you in advance for donating to such a worthy cause.

The 2nd 6 weeks grading period will end next week and report cards will come out after break.  We are very proud of our kids' work and the teachers for doing everything to support them.  We also appreciate you for staying involved and helping your child at home.  Together, we are creating strong partnerships to help all kids succeed.

Last, thank you for coming to our Bring your Parent to School events the last 3 Fridays.  We hope that you enjoyed learning with your children and took away some ideas to help your child with their work.

Here are the events this week.

Wednesday, November 14

Thanksgiving Lunch
  • Notes went home in your child's folder to RSVP for the dinner.  If you did not turn it in, you can still come to eat with your child.  Be sure to come early as it will take longer to scan your driver's license on this day.
  • Parking will be packed, so we appreciate your patience in advance.
  • Lunch times are longer due to the large crowd we are expecting.
    • 10:40 - 11:25           PK & 2nd Grade Lunch
    • 11:30 - 12:15           1st & 3rd Grade Lunch
    • 12:20 - 1:05             K & 4th Grade Lunch

Friday, November 16

Class Picture Day and Picture Retakes - Students will take pictures with their class, and students who were absent on picture day last month will be able to take their school picture for the yearbook.

End of 2nd Six Weeks - Report Cards will come out on the Thursday, November 29.

Monday - Friday, November 19-23

Thanksgiving Break

Monday, November 26

Students return to school.

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Announcements November 2

October is over and November is here.  In 3 weeks, we will be getting ready for Thanksgiving break.  Red Ribbon Week was fantastic.  We had an outstanding response from our kids, and we enjoyed seeing the kids dress up for each theme day.  The student essays about being drug free were awesome.  Thank you to our counselors, Melanie Hudson and Stacy Winkler, for their hard work to make Red Ribbon Week a success.

Our PK and K students' benchmarks were completed before Yamboree, and we are seeing very high levels of performance in every class. Our student data came back on our 1st benchmarks in 1st -4th grade this week, and they were outstanding. Our students were able to show their knowledge at high levels, and we are confident that our 3rd and 4th graders are on pace to make history when they get to the STAAR test in the spring.  If you have questions about your child's performance, please contact your child's teacher.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT - We have made a change for visitors eating lunch with students.  Please click this link to view our new Visitor Procedures for Lunch.

Here are the week's events:

Monday, November 5
  • Visitor procedures for lunch will begin on this day.
  • Canned Food Drive begins.  The class that brings the most canned or boxed food through November 15 will win a pizza party courtesy of Brookshire's.  Please join us in helping those that are less fortunate.

Friday, November 9
  • Bring Your Parent to School will be for 1st and 4th grades from 7:30 - 8:45 a.m.  Join your child for a free breakfast in the cafeteria and in the learning that they are doing.  It is a great way to learn how we are teaching your child.



Thursday, October 25, 2012

Announcements, Thu, Oct 25

Thank you so much for your response to our survey and to those who attended our Parent Involvement Meetings.  We got some great ideas of how we can build closer ties with the home.  We also heard that you like the ways that we are communicating with you through take home folders, Facebook and the website.  The 3 things that parents have the most questions are:
  1. Spelling - Parents need more information about our new spelling program and ways that they can help their children at home.
  2. Math - Parents need to know the way that we are teaching math because it is different than the way that parents learned math when they were students.  Parents don't want to confuse their children when they are trying to help them with their homework.
  3. Reading - Parents want to know the expectations for reading at home.
We plan to send you this information over the coming weeks through our campus newsletters.  Thank you again for your help, and please let us know if you have questions about your child's learning and the work that we are sending home..

Here are the events for Friday and next week

Fri, 10/26

4th Grade Trip - Oil Museum Trip for students in Pegues, Davis, Wright, Lyon & Hite classes

Bring Your Parent to School - Parents of grades K & 3rd will be invited to come to school with their child from 7:30 – 8:45.  Breakfast will be included free to our parents.

3 Wk Grade - 3 Week Grade period ends
Buckeye Store - The Buckeye Store will come to classrooms on this day.  Schedule to follow.

Mon, 10/29

Red Ribbon  Week -
“Don’t be caught red-handed with drugs!” (Everyone dress in red)
We are promoting living a drug free life. 

Tue, 10/30

Red Ribbon  Week
“Don’t be crazy, be drug free!” (Crazy Hair Day)
We are promoting living a drug free life.

Wed, 10/31

Red Ribbon  Week
“Think of your future, don’t do drugs.” (any/all college apparel)
We are promoting living a drug free life. 

Thu, 11/1

Red Ribbon  Week
“Our heroes don’t do drugs.” (dress as anyone who you consider your hero)
We are promoting living a drug free life. 

Fri, 11/2


Red Ribbon  Week
“G.E.S. is drug free!” (buckeye spirit day)
We are promoting living a drug free life. 

Bring Your Parent to School
 Parents of grades PK & 2nd will be invited to come to school with their child from 7:30 – 8:45.  Breakfast will be included free to our parents.

Kindergarten  Trip
Kindergarten will go on their pumpkin patch trip

  






Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Wednesday, October 17 Announcements

Good afternoon. 

This is our new communication to you that I will send out every Thursday.  Today, I'm sending it on Wednesday due to Yamboree week. I hope you have a great time. I will continue to post announcements on Facebook and Twitter, but this tool will be a weekly post with more details for you to check out.  Please take time to follow my blog by email so that when a new post comes up, it will be sent directly to your email. 

This has been a great week at GES.  Our students finished studying for our benchmark testing next week. Our kindergarteners celebrated Yamboree by learning about our traditions and ate Yam tarts. Our 2nd-4th graders earned their tickets to our 2nd Annual Dance Party for their hard work in reading and math. It was a great time.

Our CHOCOLATE fundraiser.  is underway, and we are selling chocolate so we can buy 25 new iPads to place in our classrooms.  We appreciate your support in helping place technology in our students' hands. We ask that you turn in your chocolate orders with money on Monday, October 22.

Next Friday, in grades K and 3, we are having our first Bring your Parent to School Day.  We will continue to have these events on Friday, November 2 (PK & 2nd)  and November 9 (1st & 4th).  The time will be from 7:30 - 8:45 and parents can join their kids in the classroom and have a first hand glance at the instruction that we are providing to your child. We will have breakfast available to parents free of charge on these days also.

Last, you are invited to come to our Parent Involvement Committee meetings on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 a.m., 12 p.m and 6 p.m to give us your input on keeping you more informed in your child's education.

For more school information, click here to see our website.


Here are the announcements for this week and next week:

Monday, October 22

  • Amazing Race - 2nd Grade Review for Benchmarks

Tuesday, October 23

  • PICNIC - Parent Involvement Committee Meetings will be held at the following times to get your input on how we can build stronger ties between the home and the classroom.

    • 7 a.m. in the library

    • 12 p.m. in the library

    • 6 p.m. in the library

  • Benchmark Testing for Grades 1-4

Wednesday, October 24

  • Benchmark Testing for Grades 1-4

  • STARS Mini-Camp from 3:30 - 5:00 in the gym.  See the bottom for more information.

Thursday, October 25

  • Benchmark Testing for Grades 1-4

  • 4th Grade Field Trip - The following classes will go to the Kilgore Oil Museum

    • Low

    • Collie

    • Tucker

    • Behnke

Friday, October 26

  • Bring Your Parent to School Day for Kindergarten and 3rd Grade - We hope that you will join us in the classroom from 7:30 - 8:45 and learn with your children in class.  You will be able to see first hand what the kids are doing and how we are teaching your child in class this year.  Breakfast will be available from 7:20 - 8:00 in the cafeteria.

  • End of 3 Week Grading Period - Grades will go out the following week.

  • 4th Grade Field Trip - The following classes will go to the Kilgore Oil Museum

    • Pegues

    • Davis

    • Wright

    • Lyon

    • Hite


STARS MINI-CAMP

WHEN:  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24TH
TIME:  3:15-5:30
WHERE:  GILMER ELEMENTARY  (GYM)
AGES:  pre-k – 6th grade

PERFORM BEFORE THE GILMER/SPRING HILL GAME  (Friday, OCTOBER 26th)

COST:  $25.00 (make checks payable to GHS Stars)
                (Price includes T-shirt)
WHAT TO WEAR:  T-shirts & shorts or dancewear, tennis shoes


*You don’t have to pre-register – just show up ready to dance
T-shirts will be issued out before the performance on the 26th
Instructions for game night will be given out on camp day

Questions? – email Donna Lane  laned@gilmerisd.org or call 903-790-1070

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Thursday, October 11 Announcements

Good afternoon. 

This is our new communication to you that I will send out every Thursday.  I will continue to post announcements on Facebook and Twitter, but this tool will be a weekly post with more details for you to check out.  Please take time to subscribe to my blog by email so that when a new post comes up, it will be sent directly to your email.  My hope is that you will have one more way to stay informed with the happenings at GES. 

This has been a great week at GES.  Our students had their first CHAMPs assembly today and it was a lot of fun.  We recognized our classes that were in the GREEN ZONE for Attendance, Behavior and Learning and we celebrated our great writing from individual students.  It was a fun week.

Tomorrow, we will send home our CHOCOLATE fundraiser.  We are selling chocolate so we can buy 25 new iPads to place in our classrooms.  We appreciate your support in helping place technology in our students' hands.

I hope you will take time to come to school for Bring your Parent to School Day.  We will have these events beginning on Friday, October 26 for grades K & 3 and continue them on Friday, November 2 (PK & 2nd)  and November 9 (1st & 4th).  The time will be from 7:30 - 8:45 and parents can join their kids in the classroom and have a first hand glance at the instruction that we are providing to you child.

Last, you are invited to come to our Parent Involvement Committee meetings on Tuesday, October 23 at 7 a.m., 12 p.m and 6 p.m to give us your input on keeping you more informed in your child's education.

Here are the announcements for this week and next week:

Wednesday, October 17

  • Early Release begins at 12:30
  • Flash Mob Dance Party for 2nd - 4th grade at 8:15 in the gym.

Thursday, October 18

  • School Holiday for Yamboree

Friday, October 19

  • School Holiday for Yamboree

Monday, October 22

  • Amazing Race - 2nd Grade Review for Benchmarks

Tuesday, October 23

  • PICNIC - Parent Involvement Committee Meetings will be held at the following times to get your input on how we can build stronger ties between the home and the classroom.
    • 7 a.m. in the library
    • 12 p.m. in the library
    • 6 p.m. in the library
  • Benchmark Testing for Grades 1-4

Wednesday, October 24

  • Benchmark Testing for Grades 1-4
  • STARS Mini-Camp from 3:30 - 5:00 in the gym.  See the bottom for more information.

Thursday, October 25

  • Benchmark Testing for Grades 1-4
  • 4th Grade Field Trip - The following classes will go to the Kilgore Oil Museum
    • Low
    • Collie
    • Tucker
    • Behnke

Friday, October 26

  • Bring Your Parent to School Day for Kindergarten and 3rd Grade - We hope that you will join us in the classroom from 8:00 - 8:45 and learn with your children in class.  You will be able to see first hand what the kids are doing and how we are teaching your child in class this year.  Breakfast will be available from 7:20 - 8:00 in the cafeteria.
  • End of 3 Week Grading Period - Grades will go out the following week.
  • 4th Grade Field Trip - The following classes will go to the Kilgore Oil Museum
    • Pegues
    • Davis
    • Wright
    • Lyon
    • Hite

STARS MINI-CAMP

WHEN:  WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24TH
TIME:  3:15-5:30
WHERE:  GILMER ELEMENTARY  (GYM)
AGES:  pre-k – 6th grade

PERFORM BEFORE THE GILMER/SPRING HILL GAME  (Friday, OCTOBER 26th)

COST:  $25.00 (make checks payable to GHS Stars)
                (Price includes T-shirt)
WHAT TO WEAR:  T-shirts & shorts or dancewear, tennis shoes


*You don’t have to pre-register – just show up ready to dance
T-shirts will be issued out before the performance on the 26th
Instructions for game night will be given out on camp day

Questions? – email Donna Lane  laned@gilmerisd.org or call 903-790-1070