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.