May Update

 

May 6, 2021

Dear Great Falls Families,

In many regards this week has felt like the first week of school. It has been wonderful to see our students collectively back on campus. They adjusted to the new routines and have enjoyed being with their peers. We will continue to make slight adjustments to our procedures to maximize efficiencies and appreciate the patience of our families, students, and staff. As we head into the home stretch, I want to highlight a few important events. 

Parent Drop Off Reminders

Students dropped off by their parents between 8:30-8:50 a.m. are expected to use the parent drop-off circle. Please use caution when students are exiting vehicles. When you are arriving at the Great Falls campus, please enter the parking lot closest to the playground and stay to the right side of the parent drop-off loop. Do not park or get out of your vehicle. As soon as the buses have arrived, we may reroute some vehicles to use the bus loop for drop-off. The same procedures will apply. Although arrival has been complete by 8:50 a.m., there will likely be a line so your patience is greatly appreciated. 

NWEA Testing - May 10-28

Our students will participate in the spring administration of NWEAs in the areas of literacy and math. This assessment will be used to determine academic progress. NWEA is our district’s universal screening tool. It is necessary for us to gather this data point to inform Response to Intervention, Gifted and Talented, and classroom instruction. It is aligned to Maine Standards and allows us to collect longitudinal data and best monitor your child’s progress. The Maine Department of Education has replaced the former MEA assessment for math and literacy with the Northwest Evaluation Association MAP GROWTH assessment (NWEA). 

Tuesday, May 18th - Parent Step Up Night 6-7 pm

We are very excited to offer a virtual Parent Step Up event on Tuesday, May 18th from 6-7 pm. Grade level presentations created by our teachers will be shared ahead of time that will detail the specific academic and social components of each grade level. Interested parents will be asked to join at 6:00 pm by following the Zoom Link: https://networkmaine.zoom.us/j/82613631862. Following a quick welcome, parents will be asked to choose a breakout room to attend: Grade 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. If you have multiple children, please select the grade level that you are less familiar with. During the session, the teachers will answer any questions pertaining to that particular grade level. Before the hour is up, I will ask parents to rejoin the larger meeting for a quick wrap-up. 

Spring Wellness Workshops

Although it is not possible for us to participate in a full field day experience as in the past, we will be offering various wellness workshops to encourage positive socialization and fun. Students will participate in dance and karate workshops on May 25 and 26th. Additionally, on June 3rd and 4th, Ms. Doak’s talented son will be performing mini sing-along concerts. Here is a "Listen To Lincoln" webpage if you are interested in playing some of Lincoln’s music for your children before the big day.

Step-Up Day - Tuesday, June 8th 

On Tuesday, June 8th, our school will be used as a voting site. This means that this day will be a remote teaching and learning day for our students. We will be using this day as the Virtual Step-Up Day for our current on-campus and virtual K-5 students. On the evening of Monday, June 7th, you will receive an email from your child’s new teacher with a welcome and a Zoom or google meet link for the next day’s Virtual Step-Up Day. This event will be an opportunity for your child to meet their new teacher, new classmates, and learn more about what to expect for the next school year. The specific times will be shared shortly. 

End of Year Celebrations

Teachers in grades 1-4 will be recognizing their students and their accomplishments through various school-based activities during the last week of school. Grade 5 students will have a student-only special luncheon on Wednesday, June 9th followed by a family walking parade at 5 pm. Kindergarten planning is in the works and we will be communicating specific details in the coming week. 

Last Day of School and Report Cards - Thursday, June 10th

The last day of school is on Thursday, June 10th. This day is a half-day of school with students being dismissed at noon. The last report card will be shared through email during the afternoon of June 10th. 

In closing, I am so appreciative of how wonderful our first week has gone. Our top priority is to maintain the safety and well-being of all members of our school communities. 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. 

Take care and be well,

Becky Fortier

Great Falls Principal