June 8, 2020
Dear Great Falls Families,
As we reflect back on this unprecedented school year, we are truly grateful to our parent community and our students for the kindness, hard work and support you have shown your community, your schools, and each other. We can all be proud of the compassion, ongoing growth mindset and learning. The collaborative partnerships between our students, school staff and families are one of our greatest successes during this challenging time. Thank you!
Please note the important items below as we begin our final week of the 2019-2020 school year.
Step-Up Day for ALL Great Falls Students ~ June 12th: Great Falls students are invited to meet with their 2020-21 teacher, in a zoom session, with all students in his/her class. Please reserve the following times for your child’s step-up experience. Zoom invitations will be shared with each family on June 11th along with a Welcome Letter from your child’s new teacher.
Parent Survey ~ Please share your thoughts and ideas around the reopening of school this fall: Although Gorham Schools are not exactly sure what school will look like and what parameters will be put in place by the state government when schools “open up” this fall, we are reaching out to you to hear your valued thoughts/questions/concerns. We will use your feedback to help guide our reopening plans for the fall. Please participate in this Thought Exchange through the following Survey Link. By phone: Text the 9-digit code 573-556-829 to the phone number 728-55 to get a link to participate in this exchange.
Kudos Board Reminder: Superintendent Perry welcomes all families to contribute to a “Kudos Board.” We are hoping you will use this public space to show your gratitude to the teachers, ed techs, special educators, learning lab staff, food service staff, bus drivers, office staff, school nurses, social workers and school counselors who have had a positive impact on your child this year. Please go to the "Kudos Board" and upload your picture or video and then send along a thank you! Here's the LINK. The final board will be shared with everyone on the final district closing for staff on June 16th!
Library Books: As the school year winds down we are giving the Great Falls community a final opportunity to return their school library books before the summer break. When: Monday, June 15th and Tuesday, June 16th from 9AM to 1PM Where: Great Falls School main entrance. There will be a book return cart at the main entrance and Mr. Dowe will be there to wave from a distance!
Celebrating our Students:
5th Grade Recognition Parade: All 5th grade families are welcomed to participate in a parade procession through the Great Falls campus on Friday, June 12th at 2:00 pm. Please refer to this document for specific Parade Directions and Safety Guidelines. More information can be found here. In addition,on Wednesday, June 10th “Congratulations” balloons, generously donated by the Gorham Education Foundation will be delivered to students’ homes by volunteers and school staff.
Kindergarten Celebratory Drive-Through: Thursday June 11th, All Kindergarten families are invited to drive through the school campus. Please note the following schedule so as to arrive with your class. Additional information can be found here.
Beginning today, June 8th, all classroom teachers will begin incorporating end of the year transition activities, recognizing and celebrating the accomplishments of our students and bringing closure to this current year. Although our students are physically apart, it is important that they feel connected to their friends and teachers, and that we end our year celebrating as we typically do. Students' experiences might include scavenger hunts and games, memory videos, and classroom “yearbooks.” There will also be student presentations, spirit weeks, and sing alongs. The third grade will even participate in an online virtual Gorham History Tour, thanks to the hard work of staff and community members.
Creative Arts Fun: Our wonderful Creative Arts teachers have events planned for all students. Kindergarten through fourth grade enjoyed their virtual scavenger hunt last week, and this week grade five (schedule) will experience Hanging out with the Creative Arts team. Meeting with each grade level to have a little fun and bring some closure to the school year has been positive for all.
Kindergarten Screening: Kindergarten screening has been rescheduled for August 17 & 18. Our hope is to be able to conduct the screenings in person, using applicable safety protocols. Several members of the Great Falls staff will be reaching out through Welcome Chats to our incoming K families on June 15th as we prepare for the arrival of our youngest learners!
Important Dates:
Thursday, June 11th: Welcome email from your child’s teacher for next year.
Thursday, June 11th: Kindergarten Celebratory Drive Through 1:00-2:30 pm
Friday, June 12th: Virtual Student Step Up Day
Friday, June 12th: 5th Grade Parade 2:00-3:00 pm
Friday, June 12th: Last Student Day
Monday, June 15th: Incoming Kindergarten Welcome Chats
Monday, June 15th: Library Book Drop Off 9am- 1pm
Tuesday, June 16th: Library Book Drop Off 9am-1pm
Tuesday, June 16th: Last Staff Day
July 14: Referendum Vote
Monday, August 17th - Kindergarten Screening
Tuesday, August 18th - Kindergarten Screening
Friday, August 21st - Incoming Kindergarten Placement Letters Mailed Out
Monday, August 31st - Kindergarten Orientation
Tuesday, September 1st - First Day of School
Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. Please be sure to check out the Great Falls News frequently for important information.
Take care and be well.
Becky Fortier and Stacey Sawyer
Great Falls Administrators
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