January 3, 2021
Dear Great Falls Families,
Happy New Year! I hope you and your family enjoyed the winter break. Although we didn’t keep the snow for long I hope you found time to enjoy the holidays, read, play games, take walks, and re-energize for 2021. May 2021 bring us good health, happiness, and joy in our hearts.
Returning to Campus: Prior to vacation, information was shared to help you navigate the guidelines for school if you traveled or had out-of-state visitors. There was also guidance to follow if your student became ill over school break and/or your student or someone else within the household tested positive for COVID19. Please be sure to notify me at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and our school nurse at melissa.tringali@gorhamschools.org as soon as possible if you have information to share prior to your child’s return to campus.
Daily Health Survey: As COVID cases are increasing we want to make sure that all of our students and staff are safe. We are going to ensure that health surveys are completed prior to students entering their designated classroom upon arrival. I want to remind you that the health survey needs to be filled out and submitted prior to 8:00 am each morning that your student is attending school. The survey opens at 5:30 am so as soon as your student is awake and you are able to check them for symptoms, please fill it out and submit. If surveys are not completed, students will be asked to wait supervised by staff in our cafeteria until the health survey is returned. Thank you for helping to keep our school safe and open.
Make a Mask Project: All K-5 students made their mark on a mask during art class. The Make a Mask Project took the place of our annual Empty Bowl Project for this year only. We exemplified compassion and kindness by raising money for the Gorham Food Pantry. The Gorham Food Pantry has served the needs of those impacted by food insecurity in Gorham for over 25 years. Great Falls annually makes a substantial contribution to their efforts. We set a goal to raise $1,500 for the Gorham Food Pantry and exceeded that goal by raising $2,630. Way to go, Great Falls!
Sledding: Exciting news! We have added sledding to our recess rotation. This means that it will be more important than ever that your child bring appropriate winter clothing to wear during recess. Warm winter gear includes snow pants, boots, coats, hats, and gloves.
Upcoming Schedule:
As always, please feel free to reach out to me at any time with questions and feedback. I am available through email at becky.fortier@gorhamschools.org and by phone at 222-1050. Happy 2021!
Take care and be well,
Becky Fortier, Great Falls Principal
