November Letter from the Principals

 Dear Great Falls Families,

As the weather gets cooler, it's essential for all of our students to have warm winter gear. We want to ensure your child stays warm this season and can enjoy the fresh air and outdoor activities that winter offers. If financial resources are tight and purchasing winter items like coats, snow pants, boots, hats, and mittens is challenging, please contact our school social worker, Jaime Denham, directly at 222-1168 or via email at jaime.denham@gorhamschools.org for assistance. We understand this can be a stressful time of year, and we’re here to help.

Additionally, with the holidays approaching, we want to provide resources for families interested in sharing a meal with the community. Many local organizations are offering holiday meals in a welcoming, family-style setting. You can find details here: Local Holiday Meals.

We also recognize that gift-giving during the holidays can be challenging. To support our families, we’ve compiled a list of local and regional organizations that offer assistance with holiday gifts for children. Many of these resources have application deadlines, so if this support would benefit your family, please reach out to the agency directly: Local & Regional Holiday Gift Support.

We’re committed to keeping you updated with the latest school events and resources. You can also find important information in the Great Falls News from the Office, emailed to families every Thursday.

If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to us anytime at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org or deanna.etienne@gorhamschools.org.

Warm regards,
Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne
Great Falls Administrators

October Letter from the Principals

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Dear Great Falls Families,

Family conferences are just around the corner, and we can't wait to welcome all of our families back to campus! In conjunction with conference week, we are excited to host the Scholastic Book Fair on the stage area during the following dates and times:

• Monday, October 21st from 3:30-5:00 PM

• Tuesday, October 22nd from 3:30-5:00 PM

• Wednesday, October 23rd from 1:00-6:00 PM

• Thursday, October 24th from 3:30-5:00 PM

• Friday, October 25th from 8:00 AM-12:00 PM

We are so lucky to have many great family volunteers at Great Falls!  We greatly appreciate those who are able to give their time and encourage you to consider getting involved in our school community too! Perhaps you want to volunteer in your child’s classroom, clean up our gardens, or attend and support on a school field trip. If you're interested in any type of volunteering in our building, please fill out the form provided here.

Last week we kicked off our SOCKTOBER campaign and are excited to surpass our goal of collecting 1,000 pairs of new socks for Maine Needs!! Thank you in advance for your participation in this important compassion campaign!

Here are some important upcoming dates to mark on your calendar:

• SOCKTOBER - October 10th - 24th: Please bring in new socks for our "Compassion" campaign!

• Monday, October 21st: Kids Clubs Session #2

• Monday, October 21-Friday, October 25: Bus Driver Appreciation Week

• Wednesday, October 23rd: Early Release Day – students dismissed at 12 pm; PM Creative Arts

• Wednesday, October 23rd: Family Conferences – 1 pm-6 pm

• Friday, October 25th: Family Conferences – 8 am-12 pm

• Monday, October 28th: Kids Clubs Session #3

• Monday, November 4th: Kids Clubs Session #4

• Tuesday, November 5th: Staff In-Service Day/ No School for Students

• Friday, November 8th: Picture Retake Day

• Monday, November 11th: Veterans Day/ No School 

• Wednesday, November 13th: School Committee Meeting 7pm

• Monday, November 18th: Kids Clubs Session #5

• Wednesday, November 27th-29th: Thanksgiving Break and End of Trimester 1

Our hope is to keep families updated with the latest information and school events! The most important and up to date information regarding our school community can also be found in the Great Falls News from the Office which will be emailed to families every Thursday. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at any time at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org or deanna.etienne@gorhamschools.org. 

Kindly,

Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne

Great Falls Administrators

Dear Great Falls Families,

As the school year begins, here are some important updates:

NWEA Testing:

• NWEA testing starts this week for grades 3-5.

• K-2 students will take NWEA-MAP assessments (Kindergarten will not be tested in the fall).

• These tests adjust in difficulty to accurately measure progress and are used to assess student learning.

Volunteering:

• Register HERE each school year to volunteer.

• Forms are on our website, and an annual online orientation is required.

• Register early to ensure timely processing of background checks for volunteering in the classroom or on field trips.

Attendance:

• Regular attendance is crucial for success.

• Planned absences can be excused with pre-approval using this designated form.

Upcoming Events:

• Back to School Picnic: Thursday, September 26th, 5:30-6:30 pm. Enjoy food trucks, live music, and face painting.

• Photo Day: Friday, September 27th.

• Parent/Guardian, Student, and Teacher Conferences: Conferences will be held over two weeks. We have allocated the evening of Wednesday, October 23rd, and the day of Friday, October 25th for K-5 conferences. You can schedule your conference via the PTCFast online scheduler starting Wednesday, October 9th at 8:00 am. All conferences will be in person unless otherwise requested.

Thank you for your support and cooperation.

Warm regards,
Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne
Great Falls Administrators

Dear Kindergarten Families,

We hope you’re soaking up the summer sun and having a blast! As we get ready for an awesome new school year, here are some key dates and events to mark on your calendar.

For the latest summer updates and school supply lists, keep an eye on the News from the Great Falls Office. You can find the Kindergarten supply list HERE.

Important Dates:

• Monday, August 19th: The Great Falls Office opens! Our wonderful front office secretaries, Julie Murray and Kristal Goff, are excited to kick off a fantastic school year. Need assistance? Call us at 222-1050 or email at greatfallsschool@gorhamschools.org.

• Wednesday, August 28th: Kindergarten Screening for all registered kindergarten students.

• Friday, August 30th: No School.

• Monday, September 2nd: Labor Day - No School.

• Tuesday, September 3rd: Kindergarten Open House from 5:30-6:30 p.m.

• Wednesday, September 4th: First Day of School for Kindergarten!

We’re thrilled to welcome all our new and returning students and families for an exciting school year ahead. If you have any questions or need more information, feel free to contact us at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and deanna.etienne@gorhamschools.org. Don’t forget to add the Great Falls Family Google Calendar  to stay in the loop with our events.

Warm regards, 

Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne
Great Falls Administrators

 

Summer Check In

Dear Families,

We hope this letter finds you well and enjoying your summer. As we prepare for the upcoming school year, we want to provide you with a schedule of important dates and events to help you plan accordingly. For updates throughout the summer, including school supply lists, please check the News from the Great Falls Office.

Monday, August 19th: The Great Falls Office is OPEN

Tuesday, August 20th: Optional New Student School Tours 1:00-3:00 p.m. by appointment

Wednesday, August 21st: Optional New Student School Tours 1:00-3:00 p.m. by appointment

Friday, August 23rd: NEW Staff Orientation

Monday, August 26th: Staff In-Service Day #1

Tuesday, August 27th:

• Staff In-Service Day #2

• Grades 1-5 Open House 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, August 28th: Kindergarten Screening

Thursday, August 29th: First Day of School Grades 1-5

Friday, August 30th: No School

Monday, September 2nd: Labor Day/ No School

Tuesday, September 3rd:

• School Resumes Grades 1-5

• Kindergarten Open House 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 4th: First Day of School for Kindergarten

We are excited to welcome new and returning students and families to the upcoming school year. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact school administrators at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and deanna.etienne@gorhamschools.org.  

Warm regards,

Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne
Great Falls Administrators

Letter from the Principal

Dear Great Falls families,

As we approach the final weeks of this school year, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible journey we've shared together. It has truly been a remarkable year, filled with growth, learning, and countless memories. As we prepare to bid farewell to this academic year, I am delighted to invite you to join us for our end-of-year Great Falls Spring Fling event tomorrow evening. Let's celebrate our achievements and enjoy the festivities together!

Looking ahead to the upcoming academic year, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some staffing changes and new additions with you. While we bid fond farewells to our retiring staff members—Allie Rinkunas (Art Teacher), Patty LaRosa (2nd Grade Teacher), Jackie Taylor (2nd Grade Teacher), Laurie Tibbitts (4th Grade Teacher), Gregg Sands (5th Grade Teacher), and Joan Anderson (RTI Math Ed Tech)—we also eagerly anticipate the arrival of new faces who will undoubtedly bring fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our school community.

For the next academic year, our Kindergarten classes will be led by Mrs. Lyons, Mrs. vanLuling, Mrs. Brassard, Mrs. Jordan, and Mrs. Levesque. Welcoming our 1st-grade team will be Ms. Alves, Mrs. Bryson, Miss Ruff, and Mrs. Tole, while our 2nd-grade team will consist of Mrs. Sturgis, Mrs. Poulin, and Ms. Dupuis. Additionally, we are excited to introduce the 3rd-grade team of Miss Kein, Miss Davis, Mrs. Ferris, and Mrs. Kelly-Brewster, the 4th-grade team of Mrs. Sedenka, Mrs. Stanley, Miss Smith, and Mr. Henry, and the 5th-grade team of Mrs. Mullin, Mrs. Paolino, and Miss Frailey.

To facilitate a smooth transition for our students, Kindergarten through 4th-grade students will have the opportunity to meet their new teachers on Thursday, June 6th. Following these visits, you will receive a welcome email informing you of your child's assigned teacher for the upcoming year. We anticipate an exciting and enriching academic journey ahead, filled with opportunities for growth, discovery, and success.

In the coming week, you will receive a final letter from me, reflecting on the incredible achievements and milestones we've accomplished as a school community throughout this year. I am immensely proud of each and every one of our students, staff, and families for their dedication, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in ensuring the success and well-being of our students. Together, we will continue to inspire, empower, and uplift one another as we embark on this exciting new chapter.

With warm regards,

Becky Fortier

Great Falls Principal

May Letter

Dear Great Falls Families,

Happy May to our incredible school families! As we embrace the beauty of this month, filled with blooming flowers and warmer days, let's also celebrate the growth and achievements of our students. May is a time of renewal and reflection, and we are grateful for the opportunity to learn and thrive together. Let's make this month memorable with exciting adventures in learning and unforgettable moments of togetherness.

Parent Step Up Meeting: Tonight!! Join us for an informative event where teachers representing grades 1 through 5 will highlight key aspects of each grade level. This is your chance to gain insights into what the upcoming school year will entail for your child. Our teachers will discuss both social and academic expectations for each grade and will be available to address any questions you may have. This Parent Step Up event will be held on Thursday, May 16th, from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in the Great Falls cafeteria. Please note that while Mrs. Fortier will be attending her senior child's event, Mrs. Etienne will be leading the session. We look forward to your presence! If you are unable to attend, don't worry. The presentation will be shared widely in the days following the event.

Adopt a Classroom: On Wednesday, May 22nd we will wrap up our Adopt a Classroom experience. Great Falls Elementary School partnered with Gorham High School to establish a monthly mentorship between high school and elementary students. High school students have volunteered to dedicate approximately 1 morning a month assigned to a K-5 classroom. The partnership or “adoption of a classroom” was intended to create a caring relationship between and among students. We wanted elementary students to “aspire” to high school and beyond. By volunteering in Great Falls classrooms, each high school student made a commitment to be a positive role model, both in and out of school, for younger students. It has been a great experience!

Grade Level Field Days at USM: To celebrate the end of the school year, we will be facilitating district-wide grade-level wellness events at the University of Southern Maine field house from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend and observe the events. This event is always a highlight of the year and it is the first time back at USM since the pandemic!

As field days approach, we just wanted to give you a heads-up about the University of Southern Maine's new parking setup for visitors to campus, including those attending field days. If you're volunteering or dropping by for K-5 field days, make sure you're aware of the parking fees. You can find more details on the parking website: https://usm.maine.edu/parking-services/

May 29th - 1st Grade Field Day 

May 30th - 2nd Grade Field Day 

May 31st - Kindergarten Field Day 

June 3rd - 3rd Grade Field Day 

June 4th - 4th Grade Field Day 

June 5th - 5th Grade Field Day 

Kindly,

Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne

Great Falls Administrators

April Letter from Admin

Dear Great Falls Families,

Welcome back! We hope you had a fantastic April break, enjoying precious family moments and perhaps exploring the beauty of the outdoors. It's hard to believe that we're now entering the final stretch of the school year, with just 7 weeks left. Exciting times are ahead as we gear up for a busy and fulfilling period!

Spring NWEAs: Beginning this week and running through May, our K-5 students will engage in the final round of academic screening. The Maine Department of Education has designated NWEA as the official state-level test, consolidating our testing periods. For grades K-2, NWEA assessments will serve as a universal screener, while grades 3-5 assessments will fulfill both the Maine Education Assessment and universal screening purposes. Our spring testing session will run until May 31st.

Thursday, April 25th: Join us, along with members of the Gorham School Committee, for a question-and-answer session from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Great Falls library. Bring your inquiries about the school budget, school community, and more!

Parent and Guardian Step-Up Event: Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 16th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Explore what's in store for your child in the upcoming school year! Teachers from each grade level will provide valuable insights, offering you the chance to come prepared with any questions you may have for your child's future educators. We look forward to your participation!

Great Falls Spring Fling! Save the date for Thursday, May 30th, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Join us for the highlight of the year, featuring a range of exciting activities including the Sparks Ark animal show, face painting, food trucks, a special chorus performance, the Tri for a Cure raffle, and live music! It's an evening of fun and festivity you won't want to miss.

Grade Level Field Days at USM: To celebrate the end of the school year, we'll be hosting district-wide grade-level wellness events at the University of Southern Maine field house from 9:30-11:30 a.m. Parents and guardians are welcome to attend and observe the events. This promises to be a highlight, marking our return to USM since the pandemic!

GMS Incoming 6th Grade Family Night: Tuesday, June 4th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. This evening at Gorham Middle School is designed to provide families with information about what to expect as their child transitions to middle school. It's also an opportunity for families to ask any questions they may have. Students are encouraged to attend with their families.

5th Grade Step Up to Gorham Middle School: On Wednesday, June 14th, our 5th graders will visit Gorham Middle School to tour the campus, meet their teachers, and get acquainted with their new classmates.

Grades K-4 Step Up to Next Year: On the morning of June 6th, our students will visit their new classrooms for next year, meet their teachers, and interact with their future classmates. Families will receive an email following this experience, notifying them of their child’s new teacher.

Last Day of School - Monday, June 10th: Just a reminder that this day is an early release day for students, with dismissal at 12:00 p.m. Please notify the office at 222-1053 or email Julie Murray at Julie.Murray@gorhamschools.org of any changes to your child’s pick-up plan.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org or deanna.etienne@gorhamschools.org. Here's to a fantastic finish to the year!

Warm regards,

Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne, Great Falls Administrators

 

Letter from the Principal

 

Dear Great Falls Families,

February might be the shortest month of the year, but it's packed with exciting possibilities! February is also a great time to focus on kindness, empathy, and gratitude. Encourage your children to perform acts of service, express appreciation, and build positive relationships with friends and family.

Tonight!! Thursday, February 8th: This evening, witness the musical magic unfold as our talented Elementary Chorus students fill Great Falls with their beautiful voices. Their winter concert begins at 6:00 p.m., promising a heartwarming performance that will touch your soul. Come celebrate their dedication and talent!

Read-A-Thon: Wow! The Great Falls Read-A-Thon is a smashing success!  With over 40,000 minutes already devoured, those students are on fire!  They're well on their way to crushing their goal of 50,000 minutes, and we have no doubt they'll zoom right past it.  A huge shoutout to all the amazing readers who are participating – you're inspiring everyone with your dedication! Keep up the fantastic reading, everyone! We're all so incredibly proud of you!

Wednesday, February 14th: Please be advised that February 14th is an Early Release Day. Students will be dismissed at noon. Please ensure they have appropriate transportation arrangements made for pickup at that time.

Dress for Winter: Just a friendly reminder that with winter in full swing, all students should come to school bundled up and ready for outdoor playtime each day. Students without proper winter gear will have limited outdoor access during snowy periods. We want everyone to enjoy recess safely and comfortably!

Great Falls DECK Day: Friday, February 16th

Mark your calendars for a heart-warming day at Great Falls!  On February 16th, we're "dropping everything and celebrating kindness" in honor of National Random Acts of Kindness Day. Get ready for a day filled with positive vibes and acts of service. The Civil Rights Team will be facilitating a charming story walk, where kindness takes center stage! Our students will share smiles and stories with their book buddies and create lasting memories. Our students will express their artistic side and contribute to our giant heart-filled bulletin board. Each heart represents an act of kindness, no matter how small, reminding us that together we can make a difference.

Winter Vacation: February 19th - 23rd

Tuesday, February 27th at 5:30 p.m. in the Great Falls Library: Great Falls Rezoning Family Night

We understand that the recent rezoning decision may raise questions and concerns for some families. To help address these, we invite you to join an information session specifically for impacted families. Great Falls and Narragansett administrators will be present on Tuesday, February 27th at 5:30 p.m. to answer your questions about attendance shifts and offer support during this change.

The most important information regarding our school community can also be found in the Great Falls News from the Office which will be emailed to families every Thursday. We hope to keep families updated with the latest information and school events. 

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at any time at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org or deanna.etienne@gorhamschools.org. Wishing you all a year filled with the magic of learning, the strength of kindness, and the radiant glow of happiness. Happy New Year, everyone!

Kindly,

Becky Fortier and Deanna Etienne

Great Falls Administrators